Comparison
Aiper vs Dolphin: Cordless Convenience or Corded Reliability?
Aiper sells cordless robots; Dolphin (Maytronics) is best known for corded ones. We compare how they clean, how long they run and which pools each suits.
This page contains affiliate links; we may earn from purchases made through them. Learn more
Our pick
Aiper
Aiper Scuba X1
8.0/10 research scoreFloor, walls and horizontal waterline, 6,600 GPH, 3 µm filter.
Dolphin
Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus
7.5/10 research scoreFloor and walls in a 2-hour cycle, with no battery to replace.
Aiper
Aiper Scuba S1
6.6/10 research scoreCheaper Aiper for simple pools; no obstacle sensors.
The short answer
Choose Aiper if you hate cables and want waterline cleaning with a 3 µm filter: the Scuba X1 is the sweet spot. Choose Dolphin if you want a robot that never runs out of battery and has no battery to replace: the corded Nautilus CC Plus finishes a pool in two hours, every time.
This is really a comparison of two philosophies. Aiper builds cordless robots: drop one in, and it runs on its battery. Dolphin, made by Maytronics, built its reputation on corded robots that draw power through a floating swivel cable. We compare them on the makers' published specs (how we research).
The short answer
- Cordless, with waterline cleaning: Aiper Scuba X1.
- Never-run-flat reliability: Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus (corded).
- Dolphin without the cable: Dolphin Liberty 400, for pools up to 33 ft long.
Specs compared
| Spec | Aiper Aiper Scuba X1 | Dolphin Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus | Aiper Aiper Scuba S1 | Dolphin Dolphin Liberty 400 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Research score | 8.0/10 research score | 7.5/10 research score | 6.6/10 research score | 7.3/10 research score |
| List price | Not published | Not published | Not published | Not published |
| Cleaning coverage | ||||
| Floor cleaning | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Wall cleaning | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Waterline cleaning | Yes | No | Not published | Yes |
| Surface skimming | No | No | No | No |
| Cleaning modes | 5 modes (best) | Not published | 3 modes | Not published |
| Max pool area | 2,150 sq ft (best) | Not published | 1,600 sq ft | Not published |
| Filtration | ||||
| Filter type | Top-load basket plus 3 µm MicroMesh ultra-fine filter | Top-access fine filter kit | 180 µm filter basket plus 3 µm MicroMesh ultra-fine filter | Not published |
| Finest filtration | 3 µm | Not published | 3 µm | Not published |
| Filter capacity | 5 L (best) | Not published | 3.5 L | Not published |
| Battery and power | ||||
| Battery capacity | Not published | Not published | Not published | 5,000 mAh |
| Runtime (floor only) | 180 min (best) | Not published | 180 min (best) | 150 min |
| Maximum runtime | Not published | 120 min | Not published | Not published |
| Charging time | 4 h | Not published | 4 h | Not published |
| Wireless charging | No | Not published | No | Yes |
| Cable length | Not published | 60 ft | Not published | Not published |
| Navigation and smart features | ||||
| Navigation | WavePath with OmniSense ultrasonic obstacle avoidance (14 sensors) | Not published | WavePath 2.0 (inertial sensors) | Not published |
| App control | Yes | No | Yes | Not published |
| Scheduling | Not published | Yes | Yes | Not published |
| Ease of use | ||||
| Surfaces for retrieval | Yes | Not published | Not published | Not published |
| Weight | Not published | 20.8 lb | Not published | 17.9 lb (best) |
| Dimensions | Not published | 16.8 × 16.4 × 10.4 in (42.7 × 41.6 × 26.5 cm) | Not published | Not published |
| Warranty and support | ||||
| Warranty | Not published | 2 years | Not published | 3 years (best) |
| Where to buy | Check price at Aiper (opens in a new tab) | View at Maytronics (opens in a new tab) | Check price at Aiper (opens in a new tab) | View at Maytronics (opens in a new tab) |
Cord or battery?
A corded Dolphin runs a full 2-hour cycle every time and has no battery that loses capacity after a few seasons. The cost is handling: you unroll the cable each time, and even with a swivel it can need untangling. Our cordless vs corded guide covers the trade-off in detail.
Aiper's cordless robots are simpler to drop in and lift out. The Scuba X1 runs up to 180 minutes and recharges in about 4 hours on its dock.
Cleaning areas
The Aiper Scuba X1 cleans the floor, walls and waterline. Maytronics lists the Nautilus CC Plus for floor and walls, with no waterline scrubbing. If a scum line at the water's edge bothers you, that matters.
Filters
Aiper ships a 3 µm MicroMesh filter with the S1 and X1. Dolphin uses a top-load fine filter kit that lifts out without touching the debris; Maytronics doesn't publish its micron rating.
Smart features
The standard Nautilus CC Plus has a weekly timer but no app (a separate Wi-Fi version adds one). Aiper's robots use the Aiper app for modes and schedules.
Verdict
For a cordless robot that does the waterline too, pick the Aiper Scuba X1. For a set-and-forget corded robot with no battery to age, the Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus remains a safe choice.
Aiper
Aiper Scuba X1
Best for: Larger in-ground pools that need waterline cleaning
Dolphin
Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus
Best for: In-ground pools where reliability matters more than smart features
Frequently asked questions
Is Dolphin better than Aiper?
Does Dolphin make a cordless robot?
How long does a Dolphin cleaning cycle take?
Sources
Specs, prices and claims in this article come from these sources.
- Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus specifications · Maytronics · accessed Oct 16, 2026
- Dolphin Liberty 400 (US) · Maytronics · accessed Oct 16, 2026
- Dolphin Liberty 400 brochure · Maytronics Australia · accessed Oct 16, 2026
- Aiper Scuba X1 specifications · Aiper · accessed Oct 16, 2026
- Aiper Scuba S1 specifications · Aiper · accessed Oct 16, 2026
Written by
Research and editing
The PoolRobots editorial team researches robotic pool cleaners from manufacturer documents, published measurements and owner reports.
