Independent robotic pool cleaner reviews

Robotic Pool Cleaner Lab

Tested in the lab. Proven in the pool.

Independent reviews, comparisons, and buying guides for robotic pool cleaners, helping pool owners find the right model for their pool size, type, and budget.

Why trust our reviews

Every robot gets the same pool, the same mess, the same scorecard.

We buy or borrow the cleaners, drop them in a real pool and write down what happens. No manufacturer gets to see a review before it goes live, and a brand can’t pay to move up a list. When a robot gets stuck on a main drain or quits halfway up a wall, you’ll read about it.

Meet the team and read our methodology →
  1. 01
    Debris pickup Fine sand, leaves and small debris on the floor — we check what ends up in the filter basket, not what the app claims.
  2. 02
    Wall and waterline climbing Can it climb vertical walls, hold the waterline and come back down without stalling or tipping?
  3. 03
    Coverage and navigation How much of the pool it actually reaches, how it handles steps, drains and slopes, and whether it gets stuck.
  4. 04
    Ownership reality Filter access, battery runtime, cable tangles, weight out of the water and the cost of replacement parts.