Robotic pool cleaners have transformed the way homeowners maintain their pools, offering a hands-free, efficient alternative to traditional vacuuming and skimming. As the market grows, two names stand out: Beatbot, a rising contender with cutting-edge technology and sleek design, and Dolphin, a long-established leader known for reliable performance and a deep product lineup.
Whether you're a tech-savvy pool owner looking for advanced automation or someone who just wants crystal-clear water with minimal effort, choosing the right robotic cleaner can make all the difference. In this comparison, we’ll break down the key differences between Beatbot and Dolphin robotic pool cleaners—model by model—so you can find the one that best fits your pool, budget, and cleaning expectations.
Beatbot
Beatbot is a newer entrant in the robotic pool cleaner market, but it has quickly gained attention thanks to its futuristic design and high-end engineering. The brand emphasizes innovation, with features like a 9-motor system for precise maneuvering, SmartNav navigation, and quad-brush cleaning that targets the floor, walls, and waterline with equal intensity. Beatbot models are sleek, app-controlled, and packed with smart sensors that optimize every cleaning cycle.
Though relatively new, Beatbot positions itself as a premium alternative to more established brands, aiming to deliver powerful performance, seamless connectivity, and intuitive operation—all in a compact, visually striking package.
Dolphin (by Maytronics)
Dolphin, by Maytronics, is one of the most trusted names in the robotic pool cleaning industry, with decades of experience and a product range that covers everything from budget-friendly basics to professional-grade machines. Dolphin cleaners are known for their CleverClean navigation systems, PowerStream mobility, and the MyDolphin Plus app, which allows for full remote control and scheduling.
What sets Dolphin apart is its wide model selection, proven reliability, and ease of maintenance. Whether you're cleaning a small above-ground pool or a large in-ground one, there’s likely a Dolphin designed specifically for that need. With a strong track record and consistent software improvements, Dolphin continues to be the go-to brand for many pool owners around the world.
Comparison Criteria
To fairly assess the Beatbot and Dolphin lineups, we’ll evaluate each brand’s models based on the following key factors. These criteria reflect what most pool owners care about when choosing a robotic cleaner—performance, convenience, and long-term value.
Cleaning Performance
We’ll look at how effectively each robot cleans the pool floor, walls, and waterline. This includes brushing power, suction strength, and ability to handle various types of debris, from fine particles to larger leaves.
Navigation and Smart Features
This includes how well the robot maps and moves through the pool, avoids obstacles, and covers all surfaces without missing spots. Smart navigation systems, gyroscopes, path optimization, and sensor-based mapping will be compared.
Build Quality and Design
From durability to weight and ease of handling, build quality can impact both longevity and everyday usability. We’ll also assess design elements like filter access, cable management, and portability.
App and Connectivity
A good app can significantly improve the user experience. We’ll evaluate the responsiveness, customization options, remote control, and scheduling features of each brand’s mobile platform.
Ease of Maintenance
How easy is it to clean filters, empty debris bins, and perform basic upkeep? We’ll also look at design choices that make maintenance quicker and more intuitive.
Price and Value
We’ll weigh what you get for your money across different price tiers—from entry-level to flagship models—and whether premium features justify the cost.
Pool Compatibility
Different robots work best in different settings. We’ll examine which models are best suited for in-ground or above-ground pools, as well as various pool sizes, shapes, and surface types.
Model Matchups: Beatbot vs. Dolphin
1. Beatbot AquaSense vs. Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus
The Beatbot AquaSense and Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus are both aimed at pool owners who want strong cleaning performance without jumping to the premium tier. These are dependable, mid-range robots that handle floor and wall cleaning with efficiency, and both come with smart design features—though they differ in how much control they give to the user.
Cleaning Performance
The AquaSense features dual brush rollers, including a floating active brush, paired with quad suction ports, giving it a thorough scrubbing and debris capture system. It cleans floors, walls, and partially the waterline. The 4-motor drive system allows for smooth transitions and stable wall climbing.
The Nautilus CC Plus also handles floor and wall cleaning well, using dual brushes and strong suction, but it lacks waterline cleaning and uses a basic navigation pattern without smart mapping. It's reliable, but more mechanical in nature.
Winner: Beatbot AquaSense — more brush coverage and slightly better wall mobility
Navigation & Pathing
AquaSense uses SmartNav AI with gyroscopic sensors to plan efficient cleaning paths and adapt to pool geometry. It avoids unnecessary overlaps and ensures full coverage.
The Nautilus CC Plus relies on CleverClean, which is a more simplified scanning system. It works reliably over time but lacks the dynamic responsiveness of AI-based systems.
Winner: Beatbot AquaSense — smarter, more adaptive navigation
App & Connectivity
The AquaSense supports app control via Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, offering features like cleaning cycle customization, real-time tracking, and scheduled cleaning.
The Nautilus CC Plus has no app support or Wi-Fi connectivity—it’s operated through a physical weekly timer plugged into a power supply.
Winner: Beatbot AquaSense — clear win on smart features
Maintenance & Filter Access
Both cleaners feature top-load filter access, but the AquaSense uses dual-layer filtration with separate fine and ultra-fine cartridges, which allows for better control over what debris gets collected.
The Nautilus CC Plus also has a large filter basket but isn’t quite as modular in design.
Winner: Slight edge to Beatbot AquaSense for filter versatility
Build & Design
The Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus is slightly more compact and proven over time, with a reputation for being a workhorse. Beatbot’s AquaSense has a modern, premium feel with thoughtful details like water-release drainage and a tangle-free floating cable.
Winner: Subjective—Dolphin is time-tested; Beatbot is more modern and sleek
Price & Value
The Nautilus CC Plus typically comes in at a lower price than the AquaSense and offers great value for basic needs. The AquaSense justifies a slightly higher price with smarter navigation and app control.
Winner: Depends on priorities
- For smart features: Beatbot AquaSense
- For reliable value: Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus
2. Beatbot AquaSense 2 vs. Dolphin Nautilus CC Supreme Wi-Fi
The Beatbot AquaSense 2 and the Dolphin Nautilus CC Supreme Wi-Fi both target upper mid-range buyers who want more than just basic cleaning—they want smart control, full pool coverage, and customization. While both are marketed toward residential users with in-ground pools, they take different routes: the AquaSense 2 focuses on smart navigation and sleek cordless design, while the Supreme Wi-Fi sticks with powerful corded performance backed by a robust app and proven Dolphin engineering.
Cleaning Performance
The AquaSense 2 features quad brushes, quad suction ports, and a 4-motor system that handles floor, walls, and waterline cleaning. It offers multiple cleaning modes (fast, standard, and custom) and covers pools up to 2,690 sq ft, making it ideal for most in-ground pools.
The Nautilus CC Supreme Wi-Fi also tackles floor, wall, and waterline cleaning, using triple motors and dual scrubbing brushes. Its suction power and large debris basket make it one of Dolphin’s strongest residential cleaners.
Winner: Even — both deliver strong full-surface cleaning; Beatbot adds extra brush coverage, Dolphin has stronger raw suction
Navigation & Pathing
The AquaSense 2 runs on SmartNav AI, using gyroscopic and accelerometer-based mapping to learn pool layouts and plan efficient, adaptive paths.
The Nautilus CC Supreme uses CleverClean, a tried-and-true scanning system that helps optimize pathing but isn’t as dynamic or responsive to real-time conditions.
Winner: Beatbot AquaSense 2 — more intelligent, adaptive navigation system
Power Source & Mobility
A major differentiator: the AquaSense 2 is cordless, powered by a 9,600 mAh battery with up to 2.5 hours of runtime. No cable means easier handling and less chance of tangles.
The Nautilus CC Supreme uses a corded 60-ft cable with an anti-tangle swivel, which offers continuous runtime but adds some hassle in terms of movement and storage.
Winner: Beatbot AquaSense 2 — cordless freedom improves handling and setup
App & Connectivity
The AquaSense 2 connects via Wi-Fi and Bluetooth through the Beatbot app, allowing scheduling, cycle selection, and real-time status updates. Its interface is intuitive and modern.
The Nautilus CC Supreme supports the MyDolphin Plus app, which provides remote start/stop, scheduling, cycle choice, and notifications. It’s stable and widely used, though its interface is more utilitarian.
Winner: Slight edge to Beatbot AquaSense 2 — both offer full app control, but Beatbot’s experience is more modern and visual
Filtration System
The AquaSense 2 uses a dual-layer filtration system, separating fine and coarse debris for better clarity. Filters are top-loading and easy to rinse.
The Supreme Wi-Fi has a large top-access filter basket with ultra-fine mesh and a high capacity—excellent for heavy debris loads.
Winner: Even — Beatbot offers more debris separation; Dolphin wins on sheer filter capacity
Build & Maintenance
The AquaSense 2 features a lightweight design with self-draining housing, easy-carry handles, and a sleek footprint. It’s clearly built with ease of use in mind.
The Supreme is heavier but very durable, with a time-tested build and strong drive system. It’s not as portable, but it’s built to last.
Winner:
- For portability and ease of use: Beatbot AquaSense 2
- For rugged durability: Dolphin Nautilus CC Supreme Wi-Fi
Price & Value
The AquaSense 2 is priced competitively in the smart-cleaner tier, offering cordless convenience, strong cleaning, and app integration at a fair value.
The Supreme Wi-Fi often retails slightly higher, but with excellent reliability, a wide user base, and years of trusted performance behind it.
Winner:
- For modern features and cordless innovation: Beatbot AquaSense 2
- For proven corded performance and legacy support: Dolphin Nautilus CC Supreme Wi-Fi
3. Beatbot AquaSense 2 Pro vs. Dolphin Wave 80
The Beatbot AquaSense 2 Pro and Dolphin Wave 80 target very different ends of the pool-cleaning spectrum—but both aim to deliver high-efficiency results for larger pools. The AquaSense 2 Pro brings sleek, modern, cordless operation and smart features, while the Dolphin Wave 80 is built like a tank for commercial or very large residential pools, favoring brute force and industrial-level durability over app connectivity and lightweight design.
Cleaning Performance
The AquaSense 2 Pro uses a 9-motor system for precise directional control, paired with a quad-brush configuration and quad-suction ports. It effectively scrubs floors, walls, and the waterline, with customizable cleaning cycles and smart pathing. It's designed for pools up to 3,229 sq ft, which covers most residential and even some semi-commercial applications.
The Dolphin Wave 80, on the other hand, is built specifically for larger commercial pools—handling pools up to 88 ft in length. It features dual scrubbing brushes, powerful suction, and a rugged track system for climbing. It focuses on raw cleaning power and coverage, with excellent floor and wall scrubbing but no waterline cleaning.
Winner:
- For waterline cleaning and smart customization: Beatbot AquaSense 2 Pro
- For raw capacity in very large pools: Dolphin Wave 80
Navigation & Pathing
The AquaSense 2 Pro runs on SmartNav AI 2.0, which uses sensors, gyroscopes, and adaptive mapping to optimize cleaning patterns. It dynamically adapts to pool shapes, ensuring no area is missed.
The Wave 80 features CleverClean navigation, which is reliable for patterned scanning but lacks the live adaptability or learning behavior of Beatbot’s AI-driven system.
Winner: Beatbot AquaSense 2 Pro — more intelligent, responsive navigation
Power Source & Mobility
A key differentiator: the AquaSense 2 Pro is fully cordless, powered by a 13,400 mAh lithium battery with up to 3.5 hours of runtime. This offers complete freedom of movement and no hassle with cable management.
The Wave 80 is a corded unit with a long heavy-duty cable and no swivel. While it doesn’t need charging, the cable can be cumbersome in very large or irregular-shaped pools.
Winner: Beatbot AquaSense 2 Pro — cordless design offers unmatched convenience
App & Connectivity
The AquaSense 2 Pro includes Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity via the Beatbot app, letting users customize cleaning modes, check progress, and schedule sessions from their phone.
The Dolphin Wave 80 does not support app control—it’s manually operated through a physical control box with a basic timer and start/stop options.
Winner: Beatbot AquaSense 2 Pro — full app control and remote management
Filtration System
The AquaSense 2 Pro uses a dual-layer filtration system that separates large debris from fine particles. It’s top-loading, easy to rinse, and transparent for quick inspection.
The Wave 80 has high-capacity filter cartridges that are rugged and built for larger debris loads, but they’re heavier, take more effort to clean, and offer less granularity in filtration.
Winner:
- For ease of use and multi-layer filtration: Beatbot AquaSense 2 Pro
- For massive debris capacity: Dolphin Wave 80
Build & Durability
The Wave 80 is built for commercial settings—heavy, industrial-grade housing, massive traction, and long-term mechanical durability. It’s made to run daily for years in large facilities.
The AquaSense 2 Pro is sleek, modern, and user-friendly—lighter and easier to handle, with a self-draining design, but not designed for constant, industrial use.
Winner:
- For durability in high-volume usage: Dolphin Wave 80
- For ergonomics and ease of handling: Beatbot AquaSense 2 Pro
Price & Value
The AquaSense 2 Pro sits in the upper residential price tier but delivers premium features, AI navigation, and cordless flexibility—ideal for large home pools or light commercial needs.
The Wave 80 is significantly more expensive and overbuilt for residential use. It’s ideal only if you’re cleaning very large pools regularly, such as in apartment complexes, schools, or fitness centers.
Winner:
- For advanced residential users or smart-feature seekers: Beatbot AquaSense 2 Pro
- For commercial pool operators: Dolphin Wave 80
4. Beatbot AquaSense 2 Ultra vs. Dolphin Wave 90i
The Beatbot AquaSense 2 Ultra and the Dolphin Wave 90i are both advanced robotic pool cleaners designed to deliver comprehensive cleaning solutions. The AquaSense 2 Ultra emphasizes innovative AI-driven features and cordless convenience, while the Wave 90i focuses on robust performance suitable for larger pools, particularly in commercial settings.
Cleaning Performance
The Beatbot AquaSense 2 Ultra offers 5-in-1 cleaning—floor, walls, waterline, surface, and water clarification. It uses HybridSense™ AI Mapping with 27 sensors (AI camera, infrared, ultrasonic) for precise, adaptive pathing. Features like AI Cruise Debris Detection, side brushes, and app-based manual control boost surface cleaning and flexibility. It also navigates multi-level and irregular pools with ease.
The Dolphin Wave 90i focuses on power and reliability, with dual-direction brushes (1.5x faster than standard), side brushes, and a maze-style scanning system for efficient coverage. It includes a top-load fine filter bag and offers 2-, 3-, and 4-hour cleaning cycles to suit various pool sizes and debris levels.
Winner: Beatbot AquaSense 2 Ultra offers a more versatile cleaning system with advanced AI features and surface cleaning capabilities. However, the Dolphin Wave 90i provides robust cleaning performance suitable for larger pools.
Navigation & Pathing
The Beatbot AquaSense 2 Ultra uses HybridSense™ AI Mapping with an AI camera, infrared, and ultrasonic sensors for highly accurate navigation. Its adaptive path planning lets it handle multi-level and irregular pools with ease.
The Dolphin Wave 90i uses multi-pattern scanning and CleverNav™ Smart Navigation for efficient, methodical coverage, focusing on consistency over real-time adaptability.
Winner: Beatbot AquaSense 2 Ultra offers more advanced and adaptive navigation capabilities, particularly beneficial for complex pool designs.
Power Source & Mobility
The Beatbot AquaSense 2 Ultra runs on a 13,400mAh cordless battery, providing up to 11 hours of surface cleaning and over 4 hours for floor and wall cleaning. It includes auto-parking and a one-touch return feature, allowing it to surface and move to the pool edge when the battery is low for easy retrieval.
The Dolphin Wave 90i uses a 24-meter tangle-free power cable with a swivel to prevent tangling and ensure uninterrupted operation. It also comes with a caddy for easier transport and storage.
Winner: Beatbot AquaSense 2 Ultra offers greater mobility and ease of use with its cordless design, while the Dolphin Wave 90i ensures uninterrupted operation with its continuous power supply.
App & Connectivity
The Beatbot AquaSense 2 Ultra features dual connectivity, supporting both 5G and 2.4G Wi-Fi as well as 2.4G Bluetooth for smooth app integration. Through its user-friendly app, users can remotely control the cleaner, schedule cleaning sessions, and monitor progress in real time.
The Dolphin Wave 90i connects via the MyDolphin™ Plus app, allowing users to start, stop, and schedule cleaning from anywhere. It also includes a physical remote control, offering manual navigation when needed.
Winner: Both models offer robust app connectivity, but Beatbot AquaSense 2 Ultra provides more advanced features and dual connectivity options.
Filtration System
The Beatbot AquaSense 2 Ultra uses a two-layer filter system (150μm and 250μm) that captures a wide range of debris, including leaves, sand, hair, and insects. It also features ClearWater™ natural clarification, a skin-safe and eco-friendly solution that boosts water clarity without relying on harsh chemicals.
The Dolphin Wave 90i is equipped with a top-load fine filter bag, designed to trap fine dirt and debris effectively. It also uses a multi-layer filtration system, which separates and collects debris efficiently to maintain a clean and healthy pool environment.
Winner: Beatbot AquaSense 2 Ultra provides a more comprehensive filtration system with natural water clarification features.
Build & Maintenance
The Beatbot AquaSense 2 Ultra features a lightweight design, weighing around 29.1 pounds, which makes it relatively easy to lift and handle. It also includes a self-draining system, allowing water to quickly exit the unit for easier removal from the pool.
The Dolphin Wave 90i is built with robust construction for commercial use, offering long-term durability while weighing slightly less at approximately 24 pounds. It comes with a caddy, making transport and storage more convenient, especially given its industrial build.
Winner:
- For commercial-grade toughness and long service cycles: Dolphin Wave 90i
- For ergonomic handling and streamlined upkeep: Beatbot AquaSense 2 Ultra
Price & Value
The Beatbot AquaSense 2 Ultra is positioned as a high-end residential cleaner with a heavy focus on smart features, app control, and cleaning versatility. Its cordless, 5-in-1 design is ideal for large or uniquely shaped residential pools—especially those where surface cleaning or advanced navigation is a priority.
The Dolphin Wave 90i, while often priced higher due to its commercial focus, delivers exceptional durability and cleaning power for pools up to 121 feet. It’s ideal for facilities like schools, hotels, or public aquatic centers where daily, uninterrupted cleaning is essential.
Winner:
- For smart automation, wireless freedom, and multi-surface cleaning: Beatbot AquaSense 2 Ultra
- For institutions needing heavy-duty reliability in very large pools: Dolphin Wave 90i
App Experience and Connectivity
Beatbot offers a modern, feature-rich app that emphasizes real-time interaction and customization. Users can track cleaning progress live, adjust cleaning modes, and control the robot manually through the app. The interface is clean, responsive, and designed to appeal to users who expect smart home-level control. Beatbot models typically support both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, offering flexibility in how devices connect and respond.
Dolphin, through its MyDolphin Plus app, delivers a more functional experience. It allows users to schedule cleanings, start or stop the cleaner remotely, and select cleaning modes. While not as visually refined or interactive as Beatbot’s platform, the app is reliable and straightforward, with broad compatibility across many models. Most app-enabled Dolphin robots connect via Wi-Fi, and some also include a physical remote for added manual control.
Both brands support scheduling, remote access, and cycle customization, but Beatbot leans further into real-time monitoring and advanced app control, while Dolphin emphasizes reliability and simplicity.
Build Quality and Maintenance
Beatbot cleaners are designed with ease of use in mind, featuring top-access dual-layer filters that are simple to remove, rinse, and reinsert. Their builds are typically lightweight and include self-draining systems, making them easy to lift out of the pool. Most models are cordless, eliminating the need for cable management entirely, which reduces setup time and avoids tangling during operation.
Dolphin robots are known for their rugged construction and long-term durability, often favored for their ability to withstand heavy use over time. Filters are also top-loading, though models vary between single and multi-layer options. While typically heavier than Beatbot units, many Dolphin models include a swivel cable to help prevent tangling during operation. For corded models, caddies are often included to simplify transport and storage.
Overall, Beatbot emphasizes user-friendly handling and low-maintenance design, while Dolphin focuses on proven durability and cable management solutions for continuous operation.
Price and Value
When it comes to overall value, Beatbot tends to offer more advanced features—like cordless operation, AI navigation, and real-time app control—at competitive prices within each tier. Especially in the mid-to-premium range, Beatbot models often include tech-forward capabilities that are typically reserved for higher-priced units from other brands.
Dolphin, by contrast, builds value through reliability and product range. While its models can be more expensive at similar tiers, the brand offers a well-established track record, with solid performance across a wide selection of cleaners tailored to specific pool types and sizes. Many buyers consider the added cost worthwhile for long-term dependability.
In terms of warranty and customer service, both brands offer standard coverage—typically around two years—but Dolphin has the advantage of a longer-standing service infrastructure, with broader support availability in more regions. Beatbot’s support system is newer but evolving quickly, and its emphasis on software updates via the app adds post-purchase value.
Ultimately, Beatbot shines for those looking for cutting-edge features at a strong price point, while Dolphin is better suited for buyers prioritizing proven performance and an established support network.
Final Verdict
Both Beatbot and Dolphin bring a lot to the table, but they excel in different areas depending on what type of pool owner you are. Beatbot stands out with its advanced tech, sleek cordless design, real-time tracking, and intuitive app experience. It’s the go-to for users who want smart features, flexible control, and a lightweight, modern cleaner that feels like part of a connected home.
Dolphin, on the other hand, leads in long-term reliability, proven cleaning performance, and model variety. With more options tailored to specific pool sizes and types, along with robust construction and dependable cable systems, it’s a strong pick for buyers focused on time-tested functionality.
Best choice for:
- Budget buyers: Dolphin offers better value at the lower end of its lineup, especially for reliable, no-frills cleaning.
- Tech-focused users: Beatbot is the clear winner here, with its AI-powered navigation, app connectivity, and cordless freedom.
- Large pool owners: Dolphin’s heavy-duty models handle larger pools more effectively, especially in commercial or oversized residential settings.
- Ease of use seekers: Beatbot’s lightweight build, cordless design, and auto-parking make it ideal for users who want effortless setup and cleanup.
In the end, the right brand depends on your priorities—smart convenience or time-proven performance.
Nerko is a writer for Zoopy, and he's been working there since 2019. He loves to ride his motorcycle and bicycle, especially in the summertime! He also enjoys watching science fiction movies, and his favorite movie is Interstellar. Nerko is also a competitive gamer - so if you're looking for a good competition, he's your man!