What’s the best robotic pool cleaner under $500? Well, the Dolphin E10 is the best pool cleaner under $500. But several other models should be on your wishlist, for example, Aiper, Wybot, Ofuzzi, Aqua Products, and Doheny’s.
Robotic pool cleaners are setting a new standard in pool cleaning. Unlike suction and pressure side pool cleaners, they offer excellent cleaning performance, operate autonomously, and don’t rely on your existing pool infrastructure. However, they are pretty expensive, with the top-of-the-range models selling for up to $2000.
However, some models suit budget buyers. If you are on a budget and want to get the convenience of robotic pool cleaning, below are the top 7 best robotic pool cleaners under $500.
Comparison Table
Parameter | Dimensions and Weight | Power Source | Designed For | Pool Size | Cleaning Orientation | Smart Navigation and Mapping | Maneuverability | Warranty | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17.24 x 15.43 x 12.13 inches, 16 lbs. | Cordless, 90 Minutes Runtime | Inground and Aboveground Pools | Up to 861 Sq.Ft | Floor Only | No | Wheels | 1-Year Warranty | Check Price | |
| 17.13 x 13.74 x 7.8 inches, 10.73 lbs | Cordless, 90 Minutes Runtime | Inground and Aboveground Pools | Up to 40ft | Floor Only | No | Wheels | 1-Year Warranty | Check Price | |
| 15 x 16 x 8 inches, 6.6 lbs. | Cordless, 50 Minutes Runtime | Inground and Aboveground Pools | Up to 525 Sq.Ft | Floor Only | Smart Navigation Tech | Wheels | 2-Year Warranty | Check Price | |
| 15.75 x 14.17 x 10.63 inches, 12.1 lbs. | Cordless, 120 Minutes Runtime | Above/Semi-Aboveground pools | Up to 1,076 Sq.Ft. | Floor Only | No | Wheels | 2-Year Warranty | Check Price | |
| 20.1 x 17.87 x 9.06 inches, 24 lbs. | Corded, 40 Ft. Power Cord | Aboveground Pools | Up to 30ft. | Floor and Cove | JetBlast Technology, No Mapping | Wheels | 1-Year Warranty | Check Price | |
| 21 x 20 x 15 inches , 31 lbs. | Corded, 40 Ft. Power Cord | Inground Pools | Up to 28ft. | Floor Only | AquaSmart Gyro Navigation | Wheels | 1-Year Warranty | Check Price | |
| 22.2 x 17.6 x 10.4 inches, 13.8 lbs. | Corded, 40 Ft. Power Cord | Aboveground Pools | Up to 30ft. | Floor Only | CleverClean™ Smart Navigation | Tracks | 3-Year Warranty | Check Price |
AIPER Seagull 1000
AIPER Seagull SE 2023
WYBOT Pool Cleaner
Ofuzzi Cyber
Aqua Products Dash AG
Doheny's 150
Dolphin E10Best Robotic Pool Cleaners Under $500
To the day’s main business, which are the best robotic pool cleaners under $500? After thorough research, we came up with this list of the 7 best robotic pool cleaners you can buy on a budget.
7. AIPER Seagull 1000
Starting this list is the AIPER Seagull 1000. For the record, this is the 2022 model. It is designed for inground and aboveground pools up to 35ft in diameter. The Seagull 1000 boasts a compact and lightweight design and doesn’t require any assembly. The dimensions are 17.24 x 15.43 x 12.13 inches, while the weight is 16 lbs.
Regarding specialization, it is suitable for cleaning flat pool surfaces and the pool floor only though it can climb inclines up to 15 degrees. Under the hood, it packs a powerful motor that delivers excellent suction to suck all kinds of debris, from fine dirt to medium-sized debris up to 5.5″ wide, for example, insects, small leaves, and acorns. There is a single brush that scrubs and eliminates all kinds of stains and algae. The filter bag is also upgraded and can hold 3.9L.
One of the advantages of the Seagull 1000 is that it is cordless, so you won’t have to struggle with cable kinks and tangling. Instead, the robot has a 5,000mAh lithium-ion battery that offers up to 90 minutes of runtime. A charging protection feature also prevents water from getting into the electrical system. The red LED indicates charging, and the green light illuminates upon charging completion.
importantThe only shortcoming is that the recharge time is long, 5-6 hours, to be precise.
When it comes to navigation, the Seagull 1000 relies on 4 offroad wheels powered by two powerful motors. Unfortunately, no elaborate pool mapping system exists, so the robot moves randomly but will still get the job done. We also like the hydrodynamic design that reduces resistance.
As for convenience, the Seagull 1000 has several convenience features, including inbuilt self-parking technology that parks the robot close to the pool wall for easy retrieval after it’s done cleaning or when the battery is low. The floating rope also makes it easy to pull out the cleaner without much hassle. The Seagull 1000 has 4 LED 3-color lights that show the robot’s status.
6. WYBOT OSPREY 200 Cordless Robotic Pool Cleaner
If you are on a tight budget, the WYBOT Cordless Robotic Pool Cleaner will be a great deal as it costs under $200. So, it fits the bill if you are looking for a robotic pool cleaner under $200. WYBOT Cordless is an automatic pool cleaner designed for inground and aboveground pools of up to 525 sq ft. It has a simple, compact design and is available in several colors: green, snow white, blue, and gray. The dimensions are 15 x 16 x 8 inches, and the weight is 6.6 lbs.
The WYBOT Cordless Robotic Pool Cleaner is designed for flat pool surfaces and inclines up to 15 degrees. Under the hood is a powerful motor that delivers excellent suction to suck up dirt and debris and an easy-to-wash fine filter that captures small, medium, and large debris, from silt to cones and leaves. The robot has two bottom assist scrapers to eliminate stains, grime, algae, and other stubborn dirt.
The WYBOT Cordless Robotic Pool Cleaner is also a cordless robotic pool cleaner, so you don’t have to worry about cord warps and tangling. The powerful rechargeable battery can run the robot for up to 50 minutes, enough time to cover an averagely-sized pool. When the battery is low, it will have to be recharged. The recharge time of the OSPREY 200 is 3-4 hours.
Onto navigation, the OSPREY 200 may be an entry-level robotic pool cleaner, but it is quite intelligent. It has an intelligent navigation system dubbed Smart Navigation Tech. This technology reverses the robot when it hits the walls and sends the robot to the pool wall when it’s time to recharge. The wheel system consists of 2 large offroad wheels and an omnidirectional caster at the front.
attentionUnfortunately, the WYBOT OSPREY 200 is a basic robotic pool cleaner with no bells and whistles. Perhaps the only convenience feature worth noting is the self-parking system that sends the robot to the pool wall for easy retrieval when the battery is low, or cleaning is complete. But considering the price tag, it’s a worthy choice.
5. AIPER Seagull SE (2023)
Another great robotic pool cleaner under $500 is the Seagull SE. For this review, we have focused on the 2023 model. The Seagull SE is designed for both inground and aboveground pools of up to 40ft. It has a much more compact design. The dimensions are 17.13 x 13.74 x 7.8 inches, while the weight is 10.73 lbs. The Seagull SE is available in two colors, black and white.
In terms of specialty, the Aiper SE is designed to clean floors only and can climb inclines up to 15 degrees. It is also equipped with a powerful motor that sucks up all kinds of debris, including pebbles, leaves, insects, acorns, etc. One of the differences between the Aiper Seagull SE and Seagull 1000 is the brushes. While the Seagull 1000 has a single brush, the SE features two for more effective scrubbing.
Like the Seagull 1000, the Aiper Seagull SE is also a cordless robotic pool cleaner, so you don’t have to deal with the hassles of cord tangling. Under the hood, the robot has a 5,000mAh lithium-ion battery that offers up to 90 minutes of runtime – a full cleaning cycle. The robot also has a charge protection function like the Seagull 1000. But there’s a difference – charging time. The new Aiper SE recharges fully in just 2.5 hours.
Another difference between the Seagull SE and the Seagull 1000 is navigation. The Seagull SE has 4 small wheels, offering a steady grip on the pool surface. However, the robot cannot easily climb obstacles like the Seagull 1000. When it comes to mapping, the Aiper Seagull SE cleans in random patterns, as there is no intelligent mapping system.
Onto convenience, we are glad the SE has an intuitive LED indicator with 3 lights. Also worth mentioning is the Self-parking feature that parks the robot on the pool wall for easy retrieval with the hook. For easy portability, use the clever carry handle.
4. Ofuzzi Cyber Cordless Robotic Pool Cleaner
The Ofuzzi Cyber is the most popular model in the Ofuzzi Cyber range. It should feature in your wishlist if you are looking for a robotic pool cleaner under $500. The Ofuzzi Cyber has been designed for above/semi-above ground pools of flat bottom pools of up to 1076 sq ft. Like all other pool cleaners in this review, it is compact and lightweight. The dimensions are 15.75 x 14.17 x 10.63 inches, while the weight is 12.1 lbs.
The Ofuzzi Cyber has been designed to clean flat-bottomed pools and inclines up to 15 degrees. Under the hood, it packs a powerful motor that delivers excellent suction to suck up all kinds of debris via the two vacuum inlets at the bottom. To eliminate stains and algae, a bottom brush does the scrubbing. We also like the fine filter cartridge that captures small debris, such as sand and silt, and even large debris, such as leaves and cones.
If you want cordless cleaning convenience, Ofuzzi Cyber fits the bill as it’s a cordless robotic pool cleaner. It has a powerful lithium-ion battery that offers up to 120 minutes of runtime. One great feature of Ofuzzi is Intelligent Docking Technology which sends the robot to the pool wall when it needs to recharge. The recharge, on average, is 3 hours.
As for navigation, it may not be the most intelligent robotic pool cleaner we have tested, but we are glad it can avoid the walls, pool steps, or ladders. However, it lacks any intelligent floor mapping system and will still ensure no spot is missed for a comprehensive clean. Regarding maneuverability, the Ofuzzi Cyber has 4 large offroad wheels that can go over just anything, from leaves and twigs to sand pebbles and other debris.
Onto convenience, there is nothing unique as there are no programming features or any other bells and whistles. But it is worth mentioning that Intelligent Docking Technology allows you to easily remove the robot from the water after recharging. The Quick Water Release, on the other hand, gushes out the water very fast once you lift it out.
3. Aqua Products Dash AG Jet Automatic Robotic Pool Cleaner
Aqua Products is another top robotic pool cleaner brand and features in this list of the top 7 best robotic pool cleaners under $500 with the Aqua Products Dash AG Jet Automatic Robotic Pool Cleaner. This cleaner is specifically designed for aboveground pools of up to 30ft. It boasts a simple, compact, lightweight design and requires no assembly. The dimensions are 20.1 x 17.87 x 9.06 inches, while the weight is 24 lbs.
One of the best features of the Dash AJ is its cleaning orientation. It can handle the pool floor as well as the cove. To ensure that no dirt is left behind, Aqua Products has equipped it with a powerful motor that generates super suction that sucks up all dirt and debris, from fine silt to large debris such as twigs and leaves. We also like the inclusion of a dual debris bag system, one for fine debris and another for large debris.
The Aqua Products Dash is a corded robotic pool cleaner that tags along with a 40ft power cable. While the cable is strong and sturdy, expect it to tangle at times, but the good thing is, untangling it is pretty easy. The cord connects the robot to the control box (power supply unit).
Next is navigation and mapping. To start, the robot leverages JetBlast Technology, which alternates the water flow’s direction, creating a powerful stream that propels the robot cleaner. Maneuverability is courtesy of 4 large offroad wheels. As for mapping, there is no intelligent scanning or mapping, but expect the Aqua Products Dash to cover every inch of your pool in as little as an hour.
In terms of convenience features, there’s not much to discuss as this is a basic pool cleaner with just the basic features. However, there’s one thing we like. You can choose your preferred cleaning cycle. You can set it to clean for an hour for those light touch-ups or 2 hours if your pool is messy.
2. Doheny’s 150 Inground Robotic Cleaners Powered by AquaBot
The second best robotic pool cleaner under $500 is Doheny’s 150 Inground Robotic Cleaner. This is a pool cleaner built by Aquabot in conjunction with Doheny’s. The Doheny’s 150 is designed for inground pools of up to 28ft. It has a compact and lightweight design alongside a clever carry handle for easy retrieval from the pool. The dimensions are 21 x 20 x 15 inches while the weight is 31 lbs.
When it comes to its specialty, the Doheny’s 150 is designed for flat-bottomed pools and cleans the pool floor only. It has been engineered with a powerful motor that delivers excellent suction to suck up all kinds of debris. For the record, it can move 4,800 gallons per hour. The debris and dirt are captured by a 4D microfiber filter with a full filter bag indicator. The Doheny’s 150 can complete cleaning the pool in just 1.5 hours.
The Doheny’s 150 by Aquabot is a corded pool cleaner, so you won’t have to be charging it now and then like cordless cleaners. It has been equipped with a 40ft cable, but unfortunately, it doesn’t have swivel technology. This means you will be dealing with tangles now and then.
Regarding navigation, we like the fact that this robotic pool cleaner comes with Doheny’s unique Drive & Pump Motor Propulsion System complemented by AquaSmart Gyro Navigation. It can detect and avoid obstacles such as pool walls and pool ladders with precision. As for maneuverability, the Doheny’s 150 features 4 large offroad wheels that can easily go over obstacles. While there is no intelligent pool mapping system, it covers every inch of your pool without a problem.
Last, on convenience features, the Doheny’s 150 doesn’t have much to offer apart from the top access filter loading for easy maintenance and the fact that it is external time compatible. But considering its affordability, this shouldn’t be a concern.
1. Dolphin E10 Robotic Pool Vacuum Cleaner
The Dolphin E10 is undoubtedly the best for one reason; it’s a trusted brand. Dolphin is among the biggest robotic pool cleaner brands. While the E10 is a basic model, it offers excellent aboveground and inground cleaning. It is suited for pools of up to 30ft. The E10 is compact, lightweight, and has a Plug- n’ Play design, so no assembly is required. The dimensions are 22.2 x 17.6 x 10.4 inches, while the weight is 13.8 lbs.
The Dolphin E10 is designed for flat pools, cleans the floor only, and inclines up to 15 degrees. It packs a powerful motor that delivers enough suction to move 4,000 gallons per hour. One of the robot’s outstanding features is the Powerful Active Scrubbing that gives algae and stains no chance. We also like the large filter, which holds small, medium, and large debris, talk of silt, insects, sand, leaves, and cones. The Dolphin E10’s cleaning cycle is 1.5 hours.
The Dolphin E10 is a corded robotic pool cleaner, meaning you must plug it into the electricity mains. It comes with a power supply unit that houses the controls and a 40ft power cord meaning there are no interruptions during cleaning.
Another great thing feature that makes the Dolphin the best robotic pool cleaner under $500 is the navigation system. The robot relies on CleverClean™ Smart Navigation to avoid obstacles and getting stuck. The system scans your pool to create the best cleaning paths for efficiency and entire-level coverage. What’s more? The Dolphin E10 has tracks that give it better traction and the ability to overcome obstacles easily.
But just like the other robotic pool cleaners in this review, the Dolphin lacks noteworthy convenience features such as the Weekly Timer, Cycle Selector, Full Filter Indicator, and the rest. If you want these premium features, you can check out higher models in the series, for example, the Dolphin E20, E30, E50, and the new E70.
How to Choose the Best Robotic Pool Cleaner
Now that you know which are the best robotic pool cleaners under $500, it’s time to share the criteria we used to compile this list. Find out what was our main considerations.
1. Brand Trust
There are dozens of robotic pool cleaner brands. Most are genuine and produce high-quality pool cleaners that guarantee reliability and durability. However, some are known for substandard pool cleaners that won’t eliminate stains and suck up dirt and debris. Besides, they can’t withstand the test of time.
All the models in this round-up are from reputable brands that have earned the trust of consumers for years, for example, Dolphin and Aiper. The newer brands talk of Ofuzzi and WINBOT can also be trusted despite being the new kids on the block.
2. Usability
You definitely want a user-friendly robotic pool cleaner. For this reason, usability was a key aspect that we focused on when compiling this list.
Some of the aspects we considered are assembly, controls, portability, and convenience.
All the robot pool cleaners in this review come in a Plug and Play design, meaning there’s not much assembly required, especially the cordless models. The controls are also pretty straightforward, while the portability and convenience are above the bar.
3. Pool Cleaner Type
There are two main types of robotic pool cleaners: cordless and corded. The cordless models have inbuilt batteries, so you don’t have to deal with cable tangling. But then, you have to charge the cleaner very often.
On the other hand, corded cleaners come with power cords and power supply units. You get uninterrupted cleaning, but if the cord doesn’t have swivel technology, you will have to deal with the wraps, kinks, and tangling.
Pool owners have different preferences when it comes to the type of pool cleaner. That’s why we have included cordless pool cleaners and corded ones in this review. Aiper, Ofuzzi, and WINBOT offer some of the best cordless pool cleaners. If you want corded cleaners, Dolphin and Doheny’s have got you covered with the Dolphin E10 and Doheny’s 150.
4. Specialization
Robotic pool cleaners are highly specialized. There are pool cleaners for inground pools only, above ground, or both. Similarly, pool cleaners are designed for different shapes, sizes, and materials.
Regardless of your pool type, there’s that one model in this review that will meet your needs. To start, there are models for aboveground pools, for example, Dolphin E10 and Aiper Seagull 1000.
Some models can work with inground pools or both. All the robotic pool cleaners in this review can handle regularly shaped and irregular pools of any material, be it vinyl, concrete, or fiberglass.
5. Cleaning Performance
This was the most fundamental consideration when making a shortlist of the best affordable robotic pool cleaners. We assessed the cleaning orientation of the different models, suction power, brushing system, filter type, cleaning cycles, and so on.
Unfortunately, all the robotic pool cleaners within this budget range can handle the pool floors only. None can clean the walls and waterline like the high-end models such as Dolphin Nautilus CC Supreme or Hayward RC9740CUB SharkVac. But they all pack excellent suction power that sucks up all kinds of debris, from small dirt and debris to large leaves and cones.
We also have models with powerful active scrubbing to eliminate all kinds of stubborn stains and algae. The cleaning time varies, but you can get a cleaner that can get the job done in just 90 minutes.
6. Navigation and Mapping
How do robot vacuums move around your pool, avoid obstacles and ensure every inch of the pool is covered? Well, they come with navigation and mapping systems that vary from one model to another. Obviously, you want a model with the best navigation and mapping to prevent it from getting stuck and ensure no spot in the pool is missed.
The best model in terms of navigation and mapping is the Dolphin E10 which relies on CleverClean Smart Navigation to avoid obstacles and map your pool for efficient cleaning. The Doheny’s 150 with AquaSmart Gyro Navigation is also a worthy choice.
When it comes to maneuverability, Dolphin again wins as it features tracks that offer it better traction and agility than wheels.
8. Warranty and Aftersales
Last, we considered the warranty that the pool cleaners come with. Obviously, we wanted a brand that offers a longer warranty. Besides the warranty length, we assessed the credibility of the warranty. Dolphin came out as the winner here as the Dolphin E10 comes with a 3-year warranty.
Aftersales was also a focal point, with the aim being a brand offering excellent customer support. Besides, we assessed the availability of supplies and replacement parts.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do pool robots use a lot of electricity?
Whether corded or cordless, robotic pool cleaners use electricity, but most are energy efficient. On average, robotic pool cleaners use 100 kWh per year.2. Can you leave a pool robot in the pool overnight?
3. How does a pool robot know where to clean?
4. Which is better, robotic or suction pool cleaner?
5. Do robotic pool cleaners need a pump?
Wrapping Up
There, you have it, folks, the top 7 best robotic pool cleaners under $500. While there are dozens of pool cleaners in this price range, the above models stand out, with the Dolphin E10 as the best model, especially if you want a corded robotic pool cleaner. For those who want the convenience of cordless cleaning, Aiper and Ofuzzi have some great deals. Check out all the latest deals and discounts on robotic pool cleaners today.
Hi! I’m Markus Robertson, and water is my passion.
Five years ago, I graduated from the University of California-Los Angeles and was going to become a professional marine biologist. However, my fate had other plans for me, and due to family problems, I had to find a more stable and well-paid job. I had only one wish for my job to be connected with water.
During this period of my life, I worked as a sales manager at Olympic Pool & Spa Supplies. The job helped me learn everything about swimming pools and related pool equipment, as well as how to choose the best option and what to pay attention to.
Having worked there for three years, I decided to start my own blog about pools, where I can tell people about the best new pool equipment models and share my knowledge and experience.
A marine biologist by education, I became a pool blogger by trade. Now I’m glad I can help the guests of my store and the visitors of my blog know a lot of exciting things about pools, their types, best pumps and filters, necessary equipment maintenance, and so on.
I welcome all people who want to choose a proper basin and the stuff to my blog! Hope you’ll find this information interesting and useful!
