Polaris vs Dolphin: which robotic pool cleaner?
Polaris (Zodiac) and Dolphin (Maytronics) are the two long-established pool brands. Both rate robots by pool length, and both sell a corded range plus one cordless model.
Polaris models
Zodiac's Polaris range: the corded 9550 Sport and the cordless FREEDOM.
| Model | Rated size | Cleans | Power | Runtime / cycle | Pool type | Price seen |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Polaris 9550 Sport | 60 ft | FWWS | Corded | 2.5 h | In-ground | $999 |
| Polaris FREEDOM | 50 ft | FWWS | Cordless | 2.5 h | In-ground | $1,199 |
Dolphin models
Maytronics' Dolphin range: mostly corded robots sold through dealers, plus the cordless LIBERTY 400.
| Model | Rated size | Cleans | Power | Runtime / cycle | Pool type | Price seen |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dolphin E10 | 30 ft | FWWS | Corded | 90 min | Above-ground | $499 |
| Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus (Wi-Fi) | 40 ft | FWWS | Corded | 2 h | In-ground | $849 |
| Dolphin Cayman | 40 ft | FWWS | Corded | 2 h | In-ground & above-ground | $1,129 |
| Dolphin LIBERTY 400 | 33 ft | FWWS | Cordless | 2.5 h | In-ground & above-ground | $1,549 |
| Dolphin Quantum | 50 ft | FWWS | Corded | 2 h | In-ground & above-ground | $1,999 |
| Dolphin Premier | 50 ft | FWWS | Corded | 3 h | In-ground | $2,499 |
Where they differ
- Length ratings: the Polaris 9550 Sport is rated for 60 ft pools; Dolphin's longest ratings here are 50 ft (Premier, Quantum).
- Cordless: Polaris FREEDOM (in-ground, 50 ft, up to 2.5 h) vs Dolphin LIBERTY 400 (in-ground and above-ground, 33 ft, 2.5 h cycle).
- Control: the 9550 Sport uses a handheld remote; the FREEDOM uses the iAquaLink app. Dolphin's Wi-Fi models use MyDolphin Plus; the Premier and Cayman have no app.
- Above-ground: both Polaris models here are in-ground only. Dolphin's E10, Cayman, Quantum and LIBERTY 400 are listed for above-ground pools.
- Price: the 9550 Sport ($999 at Leslie's) undercuts the Dolphin Quantum ($1,999) and Premier ($2,499) on the Maytronics store.
Which to pick
- Long in-ground pool: Polaris 9550 Sport. 60 ft rating for $999.
- Above-ground pool: Dolphin E10. Polaris' robots here are in-ground only.
- Cordless, in-ground, long: Polaris FREEDOM. 50 ft rating vs 33 ft for the LIBERTY 400.
- Cordless, above-ground: Dolphin LIBERTY 400. Listed for both pool types.
Compare both brands against your own pool in the pool robot finder.
Questions
Is Polaris or Dolphin better?
Neither wins everywhere. On the specs we checked, Polaris' 9550 Sport offers the longest rating for the money in in-ground pools, while Dolphin covers above-ground pools and offers more models.
Which is cheaper, Polaris or Dolphin?
Prices we saw on 5 November 2026: Polaris 9550 Sport $999 and FREEDOM $1,199 at Leslie's; Dolphin from $499 (E10, PoolBots) to $2,499 (Premier, Maytronics).
Do Polaris robots work in above-ground pools?
The two Polaris robots we cover, the 9550 Sport and FREEDOM, are listed for in-ground pools.