Cleaner Lab
Cleaner Lab — Independent test laboratoryVolume 01 · Issue 01 · Independent laboratory

Pool robots,
lab tested.

47 pool robots on shelves. 72 hours of testing per model. Three reference pools. Two independent operators. No brand buys its score.

See the 2026 comparisonHow we test
— Spring 2026 edition
47models tested
72hper robot
12brands
0 €of brand money
Pool robot climbing the vertical wall in a test pool
— In lab · Pool nº 2

We climb the walls before we score.

Vertical coverage test · Cycle 14 / 36

— 01 / Methodology

How we test a pool robot

No verdict ships without going through these four steps. Same protocol for every model since 2024.

  1. 01 / 04

    Three reference pools

    10 m², 50 m³ and 80 m³, flat or sloped bottoms, liner / polyester / tile finishes.

  2. 02 / 04

    72-hour protocol

    Full daily cycle over three days. Clear water, loaded water, and post-winter restart tests.

  3. 03 / 04

    Objective metrics

    Coverage (%), autonomy (h), filter mesh (µm), noise (dB), exit time.

  4. 04 / 04

    Double-blind review

    Every score is validated by two independent operators. Disagreements above 0.3 trigger a re-test.

— 02 / Latest wave

47 pool robots. One methodology. The 2026 verdict.

Our spring 2026 campaign covers the latest releases (Dolphin Liberty 400, Zodiac Vortex iQ, Maytronics Wave) and reliable carry-overs from last year. Thirty-six valid tests, eleven discarded for unreliable data.

Read the full comparison
— 03 / The 2026 podium

Three pool robots stand out

Of the 47 models tested in lab, here are the three that combine performance, durability and a fair price.

  1. Rank 01
    8.7/10
    Image coming soon
    — Maytronics

    Dolphin Liberty 400

    Best coverage-to-price ratio of the 2026 wave.

    CordlessLinerFamily
    1 499 €
  2. Rank 02
    8.4/10
    Image coming soon
    — Zodiac

    Zodiac Vortex iQ

    Refined connectivity and impeccable finish, at a steep price.

    WiredTilePremium
    1 699 €
  3. Rank 03
    8.1/10
    Image coming soon
    — Maytronics

    Maytronics Wave 200

    Record autonomy and minimal upkeep across four seasons.

    WiredPolyesterEndurance
    1 299 €
See the full Top 10
Cordless pool robot at the edge of a residential pool after a full cycle
— In context · Residential pool

Conditions change once the robot leaves the lab.

Four-season tracking · Real-world usage

— 04 / Journal

Tests, guides, maintenance

Everything we publish comes from field observations. No sponsored content.

All articles
— 05 / Navigate

Four entry points

Compare model by model01 →Assisted buying guide02 →Live top 1003 →Testing methodology04 →

Independent. Reproducible. Uncompromising.

Some articles include affiliate links. They never alter scores or rankings. No brand sees the protocol before publication.