What makes the best robotic pool cleaner? Performance? Longevity? Price? We believe it is a combination of these factors.
Price The best robot on the market should be reasonably priced in the middle of the price range. On the market today, good quality robots range from $1500 to $3899, we are exlcuding the cheap throw away robots and the high end commercial range. We feel that a robot costing around $2500 – $3000 is giving the customer the best bang for buck when looking at the typical lifespan of a robot.
Longevity How long should a robot last? We think all robots should give the customer at least 5 years of service, with small steps required by the end user to increase this to around 8 years. There are exceptions of course, some people just don’t look after them and they barely last beyond the warranty period, but for most people it is entirely possible to make your robot last 8 years.
What makes a robot last? Simplicity and servicing… The more simple the electronics and drive systems the more robust and reliable a robot will be, and like any mechanical device, robots need to be serviced reguarly. At least every two years.
Performance A high performance robot should be able to handle pretty much anything you throw at it, within reason.. When we talk about performance with robots typically we are looking at the flow rate provided by the motor. More flow equals more suction, and more cleaning power.
Which robot ticks all these boxes? The Maytronics Dolphin M550 is in our opinion the best bang for buck robotic pool cleaner on the market. The Dolphin M550 features include:
Highest suction rate motor
Large debris canister and dual filter options
Simplified motor, removing unnecessary features
WiFi and App features
Up to 4 years warranty
Priced at $3099
A Maytronics Dolphin M550, if looked after and serviced reguarly, should easily provide 5 years of service, and well beyond.
These days, it’s easy to fall into the habit of replacing products rather than repairing them. But when it comes to robotic pool cleaners, is replacement really the best option?
Let’s take a closer look at both choices so you can make the right decision for your pool—and your wallet.
🔄 Option 1: Replacement
There’s no denying the appeal of a brand-new robot. A new unit brings the latest technology, sleek design, and a full warranty—often up to four years. In the case of Maytronics Dolphin cleaners, this warranty even includes servicing during the covered period.
However, it’s worth asking: how much of that new technology do we actually use once the novelty wears off?
At a price point of $3,000 to $4,000, it’s important to consider the long-term value. For many customers, warranty coverage is the driving force behind their decision to replace. But here’s what we’ve seen firsthand: most serious issues with robotic cleaners are caused by misuse, not manufacturing faults.
Robots that are overused, left in the pool, or exposed to excessive chlorine often require repeated repairs—even within the warranty window. If you expect to be hard on your cleaner (and let’s face it, busy lives can make pool care a challenge), a long warranty can absolutely be worth the investment.
Example: A Dolphin M550 with a four-year warranty might cost you $3,000. If you use it three times per week over those four years—and never pay for repairs—your total cost breaks down to around $4.80 per clean. That’s great value.
On the other hand, if you’re someone who regularly tests their pool water, uses the robot responsibly, and stores it correctly, you might see your unit last six to eight years without needing a single repair. In that case, the extended warranty may offer less benefit.
Now let’s look at the numbers when you choose to repair instead of replace.
Example 1: Maytronics Dolphin M600
Let’s say you purchased a Dolphin M600 back in 2020. It’s now out of warranty, and it’s stopped working. This is a typical lifespan for many high-end cleaners—the more advanced the components, the more wear over time.
You bring it to Sydney Pool Robotics at five years old, and it needs a full rebuild: motor, LED, cable, and moving parts. The total cost? Around $1,800 plus labour, with a 12-month warranty on the new electronics.
Buying a new M600 today will set you back $3,599 RRP—so you’re already saving $1,799. Plus, if you return to us before that 12-month warranty ends, we’ll inspect the unit and replace any suspect parts.
If this rebuild gives you another 4 years of reliable use, you’re well ahead. And even if a second rebuild is needed down the track, you’d still come out close to the cost of a new unit—but with double the use.
The S300i has been a customer favourite for years, and many are still going strong. Originally retailing at around $2,700, it’s known for its durable design and simplified drive system, making it cheaper to maintain.
Today, the comparable model (the S400) costs $3,349. But a full rebuild of your S300i—including motor, cable, and moving parts—is only $1,379, saving you nearly $2,000.
Many of these units have logged over 1,000 motor hours, and in our experience, the S Series is built to last. In most cases, repairing makes much more sense than replacing.
✅ Conclusion: What’s Right for You?
If you’re someone who values maximum convenience and warranty coverage, and you tend to be a bit rough on your gear, replacement might be a smart move.
But if you’re confident in your ability to care for your robot and want to get the most value from your original investment, repairing your unit—especially with a quality team behind you—is often the better financial choice.
At Sydney Pool Robotics, we’re here to help you make the decision that’s right for you—no pressure, just expert advice.
Are you looking to buy a robotic pool cleaner and don’t know where to start? Below are a few of our favourite robotic pool cleaners and a breif rundown on why we love them.
Maytronics S150
Maytronics S150 Dolphin
The Maytronics Dolphin S150 is reasonably priced at $1999, but even though it is one of the cheapest robotic pool cleaners on the market, it is a brilliant machine. The Maytronics S series – also available rebadged as the X, Trident Hydro, AW5, plus many more, is a durable and easy to use robotic pool cleaner. In the S Series these models range from the S50 and S100 which are budget options for smaller pools, to the S150, S250 and S400. The S150 to S400 are all essentailly the same robot, however the prices range from $1999 to $3349. What’s the difference?
The S150 utilises the same chassis, filter and motor as the top of the range S400 however to bring the price down, Maytronics have removed features from the S150. The S150 features a shorter 15m swivel cable, no timer features, no WiFi and a 2-year limited warranty as opposed to the 4-year comprehensive warranty of the S400.
For smaller pools and customers who dont need these extra features, the S150 is a brilliant robot with a durable motor and simply drive system. We love the price, the simplicity and the low cost of servicing.
The Dolphin M550 was released to the market in 2024 and in our opinion has been a game changer. The M550, priced at $3099, is based on the flagship Dolphin M700, and while the M700 is a great machine, the price at $3899 is just out of reach for some.
The Dolphin M550 is a dual drive robotic pool cleaner, meaning that the robot contains two drive motors, one for each track. This allows the robot to turn on the spot and efficiently navigate any pool. The key difference between the M550 and other robots, is that the motor has been simplified by removing the Servo motor and LED card. This both reduces the price, and increases durability.
What did the servo motor and LED do you ask? The servo motor is what allows other robots from travel horizontally along the waterline, the LED was simply flashing lights. Whilst some may miss the waterline cleaning, the removal of the servo motor mans there is one less component that can fail as the robot ages.
