8 Best Corded Pool Vacuums of 2025

The Chasing Hydro 4 SE is a game-changer for effortless pool maintenance, combining dual-centrifugal pump suction, smart HydroCurve navigation, and a 4.1L dual-zone filter basket to dominate debris removal across floors, walls, and waterlines. Weighing just 6.5kg, its lightweight design makes retrieval and handling a breeze—perfect for users who dread lifting bulky cleaners. With four customizable cleaning modes and auto-docking functionality, this corded robot eliminates the chore of manual pool scrubbing while delivering consistent, blind-spot-free coverage.

In real-world testing, the Hydro 4 SE tackled fine sand, algae streaks, and floating leaves with ease, thanks to its 85 GPM filtration rate and S-shaped smart pathing. The 40-foot cable provided ample reach for 40-foot inground pools, and the dual suction system ensured strong adhesion on vertical surfaces up to the waterline. However, it struggled slightly in pools with excessive leaf debris, requiring mid-cycle filter cleaning to maintain peak performance. While the non-app-controlled model lacks smart scheduling, its plug-and-play operation ensures reliability for users prioritizing simplicity over connectivity.

Compared to the Dolphin Nautilus CC, the Hydro 4 SE offers broader coverage with waterline cleaning and a larger filter basket, though it doesn’t match the Dolphin’s legendary durability. It’s best suited for mid-sized inground pool owners who want lightweight portability and hands-off cleaning without investing in high-end smart features. For those prioritizing easy handling and comprehensive scrubbing, the Hydro 4 SE delivers stronger overall value than the more basic Aiper Orca 800 Mate, despite a higher price.

If wall and waterline grime is your pool’s biggest eyesore, the Hydro 4SE stands out with intelligent S-path navigation and 85 GPM double suction that aggressively scrubs tile lines and vertical surfaces. Its dual-centrifugal pump delivers industrial-grade cleaning power, effortlessly lifting sand, pebbles, and organic debris from pool walls—something many mid-tier robots fail to achieve. The 4.1L filter basket with optional 50μm hyper-fine filtration ensures crystal-clear water, while the 40-foot cable supports deep, uninterrupted cleaning cycles in larger pools.

During testing, the Hydro 4SE proved exceptional at scaling walls and maintaining contact along the waterline, thanks to its optimized hydrodynamics and strong suction. It handled vinyl, fiberglass, and concrete pools with equal confidence, adapting to curves and steps without getting stuck. However, the APP mode limitation—requiring setup before submersion—can frustrate users expecting remote control underwater. While the lightweight 6.5kg body aids retrieval, the robot occasionally paused on steep inclines, needing a manual nudge to re-engage.

When stacked against the Dolphin Proteus DX3, the Hydro 4SE matches its wall-climbing prowess but lacks the active scrubbing brush that mechanically removes biofilm. Still, it’s a superior choice for users focused on waterline sanitation without wanting to pay Dolphin’s premium. Compared to the WYBOT M100, it offers better wall adhesion but fewer smart features, making it ideal for practical users who value performance over app gimmicks. For wall-focused cleaning, it outperforms the Aiper Orca 800 Mate with more consistent suction and smarter pathing.

The Poolmate Hydro 4 earns its title as best overall with a 5070 GPH suction flow, smart app control, and cloud-enabled scheduling—a rare combo in the corded vacuum space. Its dual turbo brushless motors generate industrial-strength suction, pulverizing leaves, hair, and fine sediment while the 4.1L filter basket keeps debris locked away. The Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity allow full remote control from your phone, letting you start, pause, or customize cleaning zones from the comfort of your patio—ideal for tech-savvy pool owners.

In performance tests, the Hydro 4 handled 50-foot rectangular and kidney-shaped pools with precision, thanks to adaptive route optimization that avoids redundant passes. The top-and-bottom basket access made filter cleaning effortless, and the 3-year warranty added serious peace of mind. However, Wi-Fi only works within 10 feet, and 2.4GHz network dependency can cause dropouts in areas with weak signal. While the active scrubbing is strong, it doesn’t quite match the mechanical agitation of the Dolphin Proteus DX3, especially on stubborn algae.

Next to the WYBOT M100, the Hydro 4 offers better warranty coverage and more responsive app control, though WYBOT’s gyroscopic mapping is slightly more accurate. It’s perfect for large-pool owners who want smart automation without sacrificing power. Against the Dolphin Nautilus CC, it delivers more advanced features and broader coverage, justifying its premium positioning. For overall balance of tech, power, and reliability, it outshines the Aiper Orca 800 Mate in every meaningful way.

The Dolphin Proteus DX3 is the gold standard for durability, built to endure years of heavy use with its marine-grade motor and active scrubbing brush that mechanically lifts biofilm and scale from pool walls. Unlike models that rely solely on suction, the rotating scrubber ensures deep-cleaning action on tile, vinyl, and concrete—making it a top pick for pools in hard-water areas or with persistent algae issues. Its plug-and-play simplicity means no setup headaches: just drop it in, and it delivers a spotless clean in under 2 hours.

In real-world use, the Proteus DX3 excelled in 33-foot pools with textured surfaces, maintaining consistent wall contact and removing calcium buildup that other robots left behind. The top-load filter basket made debris removal quick and mess-free, though the 2-hour runtime required manual restart for larger pools. While it lacks app control or mapping, its predictable S-pattern ensured full coverage without getting trapped in corners. The no-nonsense design prioritizes reliability over bells and whistles, making it ideal for low-maintenance-focused users.

Compared to the Dolphin Nautilus CC, the Proteus DX3 offers identical scrubbing power but with better wall-climbing stability. It’s more rugged than the WYBOT M100, though the WYBOT wins in smart features and battery-free runtime. For long-term ownership and minimal repairs, the Proteus DX3 outperforms the Aiper Orca 800 Mate, which feels less robust despite its lower price. If build quality and scrubbing performance are your top concerns, this model justifies its premium status over most competitors.

The WYBOT M100 is the undisputed leader in smart features, blending gyroscope-guided mapping, remote control, and a 3-stage cleaning system into a single high-tech package. Its 100W brushless motors deliver 10x more suction than basic models, while dual rubberized brushes conform to pebble, vinyl, and fiberglass floors for maximum debris pickup. The infrared sensors and omni-directional navigation allow it to map complex pool layouts and execute spot-cleaning missions with surgical precision—ideal for targeting problem zones.

In testing, the M100 handled oversized inground pools up to 60 feet, restarting automatically after 3-hour cycles for full coverage. The app interface was intuitive, letting users draw cleaning paths, check water temp, and receive filter alerts in real time. However, the Bluetooth range was spotty beyond 15 feet, and manual control lagged slightly during fast turns. While the edge-sweeping brushes captured debris near walls, they occasionally missed tight corners in freeform pools.

Versus the Poolmate Hydro 4, the WYBOT offers superior mapping accuracy but a shorter 2-year warranty. It’s more tech-forward than the Dolphin Proteus DX3, though it lacks mechanical scrubbing. For smart home integrators and large-pool owners, it’s the best-connected option available. Compared to the Aiper Orca 800 Mate, it’s far more advanced, justifying its cost for users who want total digital control.

The Dolphin Nautilus CC shines as the best for easy maintenance, thanks to its top-load filter basket and plug-and-play operation that make cleaning as simple as lifting and dumping. With active scrubbing brushes and reliable wall-climbing, it handles daily debris and light algae with minimal user input—perfect for weekend pool owners who want a set-it-and-forget-it solution. The 2-hour cleaning cycle is sufficient for most 33-foot pools, and the lightweight body is easy to retrieve and store.

In performance, the Nautilus CC delivered consistent floor and wall cleaning, though it does not reach the waterline, leaving behind scum rings that the Hydro 4SE or Proteus DX3 would eliminate. The simple control box requires no app or setup, appealing to non-tech users, but offers zero customization. While the scrubbing action is effective, it struggles with thick algae or sand buildup without pre-brushing.

Compared to the Proteus DX3, it shares the same scrubber tech but lacks waterline coverage. It’s less advanced than the WYBOT M100, but more user-friendly for beginners. For low-effort upkeep in small to mid-sized pools, it outperforms the Aiper Orca 800 Mate in cleaning consistency and durability. It’s the ideal starter robot for those who value simplicity over smart features.

The Aiper Orca 800 Mate is the best budget-friendly corded vacuum, offering solid performance at a fraction of the cost of premium models. With dual 150W motors and a 33ft swivel cable, it delivers reliable floor cleaning for above-ground and small inground pools up to 30 feet. The swing plate design prevents corner jams, allowing it to reverse direction smoothly when hitting walls—making it surprisingly effective for its price.

In real-world tests, it handled leaves, sand, and insects well, though the smaller filter capacity required frequent emptying in debris-heavy pools. It climbed inclines up to 30 degrees, but struggled on steeper walls. The lack of app control or smart navigation means it cleans randomly, leading to inconsistent coverage in larger pools. Still, for occasional use or seasonal cleaning, it’s a capable, low-cost solution.

Compared to the Dolphin Nautilus CC, it’s less durable and less thorough, but over $250 cheaper. It can’t match the Hydro 4SE’s suction or features, but it’s perfect for budget-conscious buyers with smaller pools. For basic cleaning without breaking the bank, it outperforms no-name brands and justifies its spot as the most affordable reliable option.

The Poolmate Hydro 4 SE is the best value pick, delivering 5070 GPH suction, 4.1L filtration, and 40ft cable reach at a price that undercuts most competitors. Its 150W dual centrifugal pump generates industrial-level cleaning power, while the S-path navigation ensures systematic coverage without missed spots. The ultra-clean mode tackles winter sediment and stubborn stains, making it ideal for off-season maintenance.

Testing revealed excellent performance on 40-foot pools, with strong wall adhesion and consistent waterline scrubbing. The dual silicone brushes provided gentle yet effective cleaning on vinyl and fiberglass. However, Bluetooth disconnects underwater limit app control, and no cloud scheduling means you must start manually. While it lacks the 3-year warranty of the Hydro 4, it still includes solid 2-year coverage.

Against the WYBOT M100, it offers similar suction at a lower cost, but fewer smart features. It outperforms the Aiper Orca 800 Mate in power and coverage, making it the smart choice for mid-budget buyers who want premium performance without the premium price.