What Is the Best Robotic Pool Cleaner to Buy? A Guide for Australian Pool Owners
Keeping your pool clean shouldn’t take all weekend. A robotic pool cleaner can take care of the hard work, so you can spend more time actually enjoying the water with family and friends.
With so many models on the market, how do you know which pool robot is right for your pool?
This guide has been written specifically for Australian pool owners. Our conditions - long summers, plenty of debris, and a mix of pool surfaces and sizes - make certain features more important here than what you might read in overseas reviews. And as pool robot repairers, we see firsthand which models perform well in the real world and which ones cause headaches for pool owners.
Below, we’ll walk through the key things to consider before buying a robotic pool cleaner. Later in this guide, we’ll also share the models we recommend for Australian pools for the summer of 2025.
1. Pool Size, Shape and Surface
The size and depth of your pool influence whether you’ll need a longer cable or a more powerful battery. If you have a pool with complex shapes, ledges, or benches, smart navigation features become important to ensure full coverage.
The surface of your pool also matters. Smooth tile or fibreglass finishes often need softer brushes, while rough concrete or pebble finishes require tougher scrubbing action to get the best clean.
2. Corded vs Cordless Robotic Pool Cleaners: Which Is Better?
Corded models plug into a power point and provide continuous power, making them a solid choice for larger pools or heavy debris loads. The trade-off is that cables can tangle and you’ll need a safe power point near your pool.
Cordless models, on the other hand, are battery-powered. They’re easy to drop in and move around without cables in the way, but battery life is the key factor to check. For bigger pools or during peak leaf season, you’ll want to make sure a single charge lasts long enough to get the job done.
3. Filtration and Debris Handling
Not all robotic pool cleaners handle debris the same way. The width of the suction inlet, the size of the filter basket, and the type of filters provided (fine for dust, coarse for leaves) all make a difference.
From our experience repairing pool robots, models with larger filter baskets and easy top-loading designs save the most time. They’re quicker to empty and rinse, which makes the cleaning process far less of a chore.
4. Navigation and Smart Features
Do you want a simple drop-and-go pool robot, or would you prefer advanced features like app control, scheduling, or waterline parking?
Premium models use smart navigation systems to reduce overlap and improve coverage. Some even offer app control, obstacle avoidance, and different cleaning cycles. While these usually come at a higher price point, they can make a noticeable difference in both convenience and performance.
5. Energy Efficiency and Running Costs
Robotic pool cleaners are far more efficient than traditional suction cleaners. Still, it’s worth comparing motor efficiency, electricity draw, and durability of parts. A good cleaner will not only save you time but also help reduce long-term costs on chemicals and pool wear & tear.
6. Budget vs Value
It’s tempting to go for the cheapest option, but as repairers we often see cheaper online models that aren’t designed to be repaired … when they fail, they’re effectively disposable. This ends up costing more in the long run.
We provide more advice in a recent blog post: Are Cheap Robotic Pool Cleaners Worth the Money?
Instead, think about value over time. A mid-range cleaner that suits your pool’s needs will often outperform a high-end but ill-fitted model. Long-term savings in maintenance and pool health can outweigh the initial purchase price.
Top Tip: After-Sales Support
One of the biggest differences we see in customer satisfaction comes down to after-sales support. Buying from a supplier that offers expert local advice, repairs, and warranty service will save you money and stress in the long run.
That’s why we always recommend choosing a retailer who provides real backup, not just an online checkout. At Pool Robots Australia, we’ve repaired and tested thousands of pool robots, and we know which models are built to last. You can also check out our Which Robotic Pool Cleaner is Best? guide for more detail.
Ready to See the Best Models?
Now that you know what to look for, here are the robotic pool cleaners we recommend for Australian pool owners in 2025.
#1 Zodiac Freerider FR1000 or Freerider FR2000
A top-tier cordless cleaner for larger pools and pool owners who want power with no cable hassles. The FR1000 and FR2000 are the same machine in the pool, with the FR2000 including a remote.
- up to 2.5+ hours runtime on a 9.6Ah lithium-ion battery
- dual-stage filtration (150µ / 60µ) for both fine dust and larger debris
- iAquaLink™ app control with real-time updates and end-of-cycle notifications
- patented Lift System™ for quick, lightweight retrieval
- Climate Care Certified for efficiency and eco-friendliness
What we like: wide suction inlet, easy impeller access for clearing blockages, excellent cleaning coverage across all pool surfaces, and the backing of Zodiac’s Australia-wide onsite warranty.
The newest release in the Maytronics Liberty range … powerful, cordless, and designed to even reach steps and shallow ledges.
- up to 4.5 hours runtime with Eco Mode options for regular upkeep
- jet-powered cleaning for steps and sun ledges as shallow as 30–35cm
- Click-Up™ retrieval and app-based homing for hassle-free pick-up
- app control via Maytronics ONE™ for schedules, Eco cycles, and remote navigation
- induction charging with a durable stainless-steel dock
What we like: simple magnetic induction charging, the reliability of Maytronics’ proven build quality, and backed by Maytronics’ 3-year warranty and For Life program.
A solid all-round cordless pool robot, ideal for in-ground pools up to 10 metres.
- 6.4Ah lithium-ion battery with up to 2 hours runtime
- dual traction motors and tank-trax wheels for reliable climbing and grip
- 3L filter canister with dual-stage filtration (150µ/60µ)for leaves, grit, and sand
- Tap & Lift™ feature for simple retrieval
- lightweight at only 9kg
** if you don’t need the ultra fine filtration then the Zodiac Freerider FR500 is a little cheaper and suitable for larger debris (100µ filter)
What we like: a good, no-fuss cordless cleaner that offers value for money without unnecessary extras.
Cordless cleaning with Maytronics’ trusted technology, suited to pools up to 10 metres.
- lithium-ion battery with up to a week of Eco Mode cleaning
- inductive Magnetic-Connect charging for simple, click-in use
- cycle selector for floor-only or floor and walls cleaning
- dual scrubbing brushes and interchangeable filters
- MyDolphin™ Plus app control and Click-Up™ retrieval
What we like: strong performance, long battery life, and backed by Maytronics’ 3-year warranty and For Life program.
Compact and lightweight, the FR200 is a great cordless option for smaller pools. For those who loved the Zodiac TX30/TX35, this is the updated, battery-powered version
- designed for pools up to 8 metres
- 5.1Ah lithium-ion battery with a 2-hour cycle
- just 6kg, easy to carry and retrieve with included hook
- 2L filter canister (150µ) with transparent lid for quick checks
- efficient recharge in under 4 hours
What we like: perfect for smaller pools, lightweight, easy to handle, and delivers a thorough clean without the hassle of a cable.
A feature-packed corded pool robot built for larger pools up to 18 metres.
- dual-stage filtration (150µ / 60µ) with wide debris inlet
- Sensor Nav System™ for intelligent mapping and cleaning paths
- 4WD traction with three powerful motors for grip and wall climbing
- iAquaLink™ app control with custom cycles and real-time notifications
- patented Lift System™ for easier retrieval
What we like: serious suction and cleaning power, packed with advanced features … a premium option for pool owners who want the extra grunt of a corded cleaner.
Our Advice: The Best Pool Robot Depends on Your Pool
There’s no single “best” robotic pool cleaner for everyone. The right choice comes down to matching the cleaner’s features with your pool’s size, surface, and the type of debris you deal with:
- for the average Australian pool, the latest cordless models are well-suited: they’re easy to drop in and lift out, deliver excellent suction and cleaning performance, and save you the hassle of dealing with a cable
- for big in-ground pools with walls: look for corded models with powerful motors, strong brushes, reliable navigation, and a large filter basket (or a powerful battery if you prefer cordless)
- for the average
- for smaller or above-ground pools, or where a cord isn’t practical: cordless models with decent battery life, lighter weight, and easy maintenance can work well
- if your pool sits under trees or collects leaves: choose a model with coarse filter options and strong suction
- if dust or fine particles are the main problem: fine or ultra-fine filtration is what you’ll need
As pool robot repairers, we know how much difference the right match makes. What works perfectly for one backyard pool might be a frustration in another.
If you’d like help narrowing down your options, we’re happy to share our experience and tailor a shortlist based on your pool and budget.
See our Which Robotic Pool Cleaner is Best? Guide or get in touch with the team at Pool Robots Australia for expert, honest advice.
