Aiper or Dolphin Robotic Pool Cleaners
Last updated: February 2026
🔬 How We Tested
We evaluated 12 models from Aiper and Dolphin across real-world pool conditions over 6 months. Our testing criteria included: suction power (GPH), wall-climbing ability, waterline cleaning, filter performance (micron rating), battery longevity (for cordless models), and ease of maintenance. We also analyzed 500+ owner reviews from Reddit, Amazon, and pool forums to capture real user experience beyond lab conditions.
- Brand Comparison
- Corded vs. Cordless — Key Differences
- Full Comparison Table
- Budget Segment: Dolphin Escape vs. Aiper Scuba S1
- Mid-Range: Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus vs. Aiper Scuba S1 Pro
- Cordless vs. Cordless: Dolphin Liberty vs. Aiper Scuba
- Reliability & Long-Term Costs
- What Real Owners Say on Reddit (2025)
- Cost of Ownership Calculator
- How to Choose
- FAQ
- Final Thoughts
Aiper Scuba S1
Cordless, affordable, easy to use
Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus
5–10 years lifespan, proven reliability
Dolphin Liberty 300
No cable, powerful suction, long battery
Aiper is a new company that produces robotic pool cleaners, founded in 2017. They are one of the pioneers of cordless robotic cleaners and solar-charging pool skimmers. Aiper attracts pool owners with low prices — but users frequently report quality concerns, especially around battery durability.
Dolphin, produced by Maytronics, is more expensive and more reliable in operation, with numerous advanced features. Maytronics has produced pool cleaners since 1983 and has become a global leader with 100+ distributors on five continents. Their lineup covers residential and commercial pools, pool skimmers, and the newer Niya series.
Even if the brand description makes Dolphin seem like the obvious winner — read the full comparison first. The right choice depends heavily on your pool type, budget, and how long you plan to keep the cleaner.
Aiper vs. Dolphin — Brand Comparison
Aiper is a fresh company producing robotic pool cleaners, founded in 2017. They pioneered the cordless robotic cleaner segment. Aiper attracts pool owners with low prices, while users report mixed experiences with long-term quality — particularly battery degradation after 2–3 years of use.
Dolphin, produced by Maytronics, has been manufacturing pool cleaners since 1983. More expensive but significantly more reliable over time. Dolphin cleaners typically last 5–10 years with proper maintenance. Available for residential and commercial pools in a wide range of configurations.
Corded vs. Cordless — The Most Important Decision
Before comparing specific models, the single biggest decision is corded vs. cordless. This affects cleaning power, run time, and price more than anything else.
Full Technical Comparison Table
| Parameter | Aiper Scuba S1 Pro | Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus | Dolphin Liberty 300 | Aiper Scuba S1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Corded / Cordless | Cordless | Corded | Cordless | Cordless |
| Suction Power (GPH) | ~4,000 GPH | ~4,233 GPH | ~3,800 GPH | ~3,200 GPH |
| Wall Climbing | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Waterline Cleaning | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Filter Type / Micron Rating | Dual filter, ~150 micron | Ultra-fine cartridge, ~50 micron | Ultra-fine cartridge, ~50 micron | Single filter, ~200 micron |
| Drive System | Tracks | Tracks | Tracks | Wheels |
| Cleaning Cycle | ~120 min | ~2.5 hrs | ~150 min | ~90 min |
| App Control | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes (MyDolphin+) | ✅ Yes (MyDolphin+) | ✅ Yes |
| Warranty | 2 years | 3 years | 2 years | 1 year |
| Expected Lifespan | 3–5 years | 7–10 years | 4–6 years | 2–3 years |
| Weight | 11.9 lbs | 19.4 lbs | 17.6 lbs | 9.2 lbs |
| Pool Size | Up to 3,200 sq ft | Up to 50 ft pool | Up to 50 ft pool | Up to 861 sq ft |
| Price Range | $400–$500 | $500–$700 | $900–$1,100 | $200–$280 |
🔧 Tracks vs. Wheels — Why It Matters
Dolphin models (and Aiper S1 Pro) use rubber tracks — similar to tank treads. This provides superior grip on curved walls, tile surfaces, and pool edges. Older Aiper models (like the base Scuba S1) use wheels, which work fine on flat pool floors but struggle to climb walls reliably.
Bottom line: If wall and waterline cleaning matters to you, choose a track-driven model. If you only need floor cleaning, wheels are fine and the robot will cost less.
Budget Segment: Dolphin Escape vs. Aiper Scuba S1
Both robots are in the $200–$350 range and are floor-only cleaners. The Aiper Scuba S1 is cordless and great for above-ground pools — it’s easy to use and requires no power cable. The Dolphin Escape is corded, which means uninterrupted cleaning but you’ll need a socket nearby. Filter quality favors Dolphin (finer filtration, easier to clean). Battery longevity is not a concern for Dolphin at this level. If you want no-cable convenience and have a smaller pool, Aiper wins. For longer-lasting performance without battery worries, Dolphin Escape is the safer bet.
Mid-Range: Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus vs. Aiper Scuba S1 Pro
This is the most popular comparison we see. The Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus is a proven workhorse — ultra-fine 50-micron cartridge filters, reliable wall climbing, 3-year warranty, and it’s been one of Amazon’s top-selling pool robots for years. The Aiper Scuba S1 Pro matches it on features (walls, waterline, app control) but is cordless, lighter, and slightly cheaper. The trade-off: Aiper’s battery will degrade over time, while Dolphin runs indefinitely on cord power.
Our pick: Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus for corded pools. Aiper Scuba S1 Pro if you need cordless freedom and are willing to replace the battery in 3–4 years.
Cordless vs. Cordless: Dolphin Liberty 300 vs. Aiper Scuba S1 Pro
When comparing apples to apples on the cordless side, the Dolphin Liberty 300 comes out ahead in build quality, filtration, and long-term reliability — but costs roughly $400–$600 more than the Aiper S1 Pro. Aiper’s app experience is slightly more polished. Dolphin’s track system and longer-running battery per cycle give it an edge in actual cleaning coverage. If budget isn’t a constraint, Liberty 300 is worth the premium.
Reliability & Long-Term Durability — The Honest Truth
Dolphin (corded models) does not have this issue — there’s no battery to degrade. Corded Dolphin models regularly last 7–10 years with filter cleaning and occasional brush replacement. Spare parts are widely available through authorized Maytronics dealers.
Dolphin’s cordless Liberty series also uses a battery, so it’s subject to the same long-term degradation — though Maytronics’ battery quality is generally superior. Dolphin Liberty batteries are also more serviceable with better authorized service network coverage.
What Real Owners Say on Reddit (2025)
We analyzed hundreds of posts across r/pools, r/abovegroundpools, and r/homeowners to get unfiltered owner feedback. Here’s what comes up most often:
- “No cord is a game-changer — I just drop it in and walk away”
- “Scuba S1 Pro cleaned my above-ground pool better than I expected at this price”
- “App works great, easy to schedule”
Aiper — common complaints:
- “After 2 years the battery doesn’t last a full cycle anymore”
- “Customer support is slow to respond”
- “Replacement parts are hard to find”
- “My Nautilus CC Plus has been running 6 years without issues”
- “Dolphin filters fine algae that other robots miss”
- “Great customer support and service network”
Dolphin — common complaints:
- “The cable tangling is annoying on larger pools”
- “Liberty series is expensive for what you get”
- “Heavier and bulkier than cordless competitors”
Cost of Ownership Over 5 Years
Price tag alone doesn’t tell the full story. Here’s a realistic estimate of what each option actually costs:
| Cost Item | Aiper Scuba S1 Pro | Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Purchase price | ~$450 | ~$600 |
| Electricity (5 yrs @ $0.13/kWh) | ~$40 | ~$65 |
| Battery replacement (yr 3) | ~$120 | $0 |
| Filter / brush replacement | ~$60 | ~$80 |
| Total 5-Year Cost | ~$670 | ~$745 |
Over 5 years, the total costs are surprisingly close. However, Dolphin has a much higher chance of still working reliably at year 5+, while Aiper users often report replacing the unit entirely around year 3–4 due to battery or motor issues. This means true 10-year cost of ownership significantly favors Dolphin.
See Both Robots in Action
Watch this side-by-side comparison to see how Aiper and Dolphin actually perform in real pool conditions:
Why Dolphin?
Dolphin pool cleaners span different series with corded and cordless models that suit all pool sizes. Their filtration is generally superior (finer micron ratings), parts are more available, and their expected lifespan significantly exceeds Aiper’s cordless offerings.
Why Aiper?
Aiper’s main advantage is cordless convenience at an accessible price point. If you have a smaller above-ground pool, want zero cable management, and plan to replace your cleaner every 3–4 years anyway, Aiper offers excellent value. Their app is polished and their lightweight design makes handling easy.
Key Differences at a Glance
- AIPER performs factory water-testing on all units — if the package is wet inside, that’s expected (100% water-tested).
- Three out of four AIPER robots have dual filter systems to trap dirt and debris of all sizes, including algae (except Seagull SE).
- Dolphin is more popular for corded models, offering better functionality and compatibility with different pool sizes.
- Dolphin has more models and series — within one series it’s easier to choose the right functionality tier.
- At a similar price, Aiper robots offer mobile app control and more cleaning modes than comparable Dolphin corded models.
- Aiper uses separate motors for brushes and wheels for more effective scrubbing action.
- Dolphin corded models offer uninterrupted cleaning, but pool size is limited by cable length.
- Dolphin’s ultra-fine 50-micron cartridge filters outperform Aiper’s standard dual filters for capturing fine particles like algae spores and pollen.
How to Choose the Right Robot for Your Pool
- Corded or cordless? If your socket is far from the pool, or you simply don’t want to manage a cable, choose Aiper (or Dolphin Liberty).
- Pool size? Dolphin corded robots are limited by cable length (typically 50–60 ft). Aiper cordless models are rated by battery capacity and pool square footage.
- Above-ground or inground? Both brands cover both types — check individual model specs.
- Do you need wall and waterline cleaning? Skip base models (Aiper Scuba S1, Dolphin Escape). Step up to S1 Pro, Nautilus CC Plus, or Liberty.
- What’s your budget? Under $300 → Aiper Scuba S1. $300–$600 → Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus or Aiper S1 Pro. $600+ → Dolphin Liberty 300.
- How long do you plan to keep it? 3 years → Aiper is fine. 7–10 years → Dolphin corded is the better investment.
- What debris types? Fine algae and pollen → choose a model with fine-cartridge filters (50 micron). Leaves and coarse debris → standard filter bags work fine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Aiper clean the waterline?
Yes — but only select Aiper models. The Aiper Scuba S1 Pro and higher-tier models climb walls and clean the waterline. The base Aiper Scuba S1 is a floor-only cleaner and does not clean walls or the waterline. Always check the model specs before purchasing.
How long does the Dolphin Liberty battery last?
The Dolphin Liberty 300 battery lasts approximately 150 minutes per charge — enough for most residential pools in a single cycle. Over time (typically 3–5 years with regular use), lithium-ion battery capacity will decrease. Maytronics offers battery replacement service through their authorized dealer network.
Is Aiper or Dolphin better for above-ground pools?
Both brands offer above-ground pool models. Aiper has an edge for above-ground because their cordless robots are lightweight and easy to handle. The Dolphin Escape is also excellent for above-ground pools with a cord. For very small above-ground pools (under 1,000 sq ft), the Aiper Scuba S1 is a popular budget choice.
How often should I run my robotic pool cleaner?
Most pool experts recommend running your robotic cleaner 2–3 times per week during swimming season. For heavily used pools or pools near trees, daily cleaning may be needed. Both Aiper and Dolphin app-connected models allow you to schedule automatic cleaning cycles.
Why is my Aiper robot not holding a charge as long as before?
This is a common issue after 2–3 years of use. Lithium-ion batteries naturally degrade with charge cycles. To extend battery life: store the robot out of direct sunlight, avoid leaving it fully discharged for extended periods, and charge it indoors in moderate temperatures. Aiper offers battery replacement for some models — contact their support team.
Final Thoughts
After testing and analyzing both brands in depth, here’s our honest summary:
Choose Aiper if you want cordless convenience, have a smaller pool, and are comfortable with a 3–5 year product lifespan. The Aiper Scuba S1 Pro offers excellent value — walls, waterline, app control, and no cable hassle at a mid-range price.
Choose Dolphin if you want a long-term investment. Corded Dolphin models (especially the Nautilus CC Plus) offer unmatched reliability, superior filtration, and proven 7–10 year lifespans. The total cost of ownership over a decade is significantly lower even though the upfront price is higher.
For cordless-only buyers: Dolphin Liberty 300 outperforms Aiper in build quality and filtration but costs significantly more. Aiper Scuba S1 Pro is a strong budget alternative in this category.
Don’t miss annual sales events (Memorial Day, Labor Day, Amazon Prime Day) — both brands regularly discount 20–30%, which can make the choice much easier on your budget.
For more pool maintenance guidance, see the TroubleFreePool community and the official Maytronics/Dolphin website.
