Cheap wireless pool cleaner: everything you need to know to make the right choice
Understanding how a cordless robot works
A cordless pool robot runs on a battery, often lithium-ion, and does not need to be connected to the mains or the pool filtration system. It activates once immersed in the water, cleans autonomously, and then stops once its cycle is complete or its battery is exhausted. It is then recharged on a base or via a USB cable. The cheapest models are often limited to cleaning the bottom, without active brushes or smart navigation. Their movement is generally random, which can leave some areas unexplored. On the other hand, they are a practical solution for small pools or to supplement manual cleaning.The best cheap models: what can we expect?
In the range of affordable wireless robots, several brands dominate the market such as Aiper, WYBOT, or even Kokido. The Aiper Seagull SE, for example, is a simple robot to use, with a battery life of around 90 minutes, suitable for pools up to 80 m². It offers good value for money for an above-ground or small pool. However, it only cleans the bottom without brushes or a high-performance filter, and must be removed manually at the end of each cycle. For more demanding needs, you should consider more robust intermediate ranges, such as certain models from Dolphin Maytronics or Beatbot AquaSense.When should I upgrade to a more advanced robot?
If your pool is larger than 30 m², has complex walls or if you are looking for a truly autonomous solution, it is advisable to opt for a better-equipped robot. Models such as the Beatbot AquaSense 2 Pro or Ultra combine several advantages: HybridSense™ AI smart navigation, active rotating brushes, ClearWater™ dual filtration and long-lasting autonomy.These robots are in a higher price range, but offer a much higher quality of cleaning. They take care of the entire pool (bottom, walls, waterline) and adapt to in-ground pools of all shapes. Moreover, their vertical wireless charging and app-based control make them very convenient to use.
The limitations of low-cost models
Buying a cheap wireless pool cleaner is tempting... but it also means making a few compromises:- Limited battery life: often around 1 to 1.5 hours maximum.
- No active brushes, therefore more superficial cleaning.
- No cleaning of walls or waterline.
- Random navigation without mapping, with possible oversights.
Optimise cleaning with a surface skimmer
A wireless bottom robot does not clean the surface. However, leaves, pollen, insects and dirt accumulate primarily there. To complete your low-cost maintenance, consider investing in a solar skimmer robot such as Beatbot's iSkim Ultra. It floats on the surface, operates completely autonomously thanks to solar energy, and captures debris before it sinks.This combination of a "bottom robot + surface robot" keeps the water clean without manual intervention, even with an entry-level bottom model. A practical and smart duo for tight budgets. A good, cheap robot is possible... with the right criteria.