By Shaz · Updated September 2026
Dolphin Liberty vs Aiper: Best Cordless Pool Cleaner 2026
Cordless is the fastest-growing corner of robotic pool cleaning: no floating cable, no tangles, drop in and go. The two names buyers weigh are Maytronics' Dolphin Liberty 400 and the fast-moving budget brand Aiper. They represent two philosophies.
The short verdict
The Liberty 400 is the premium pick; Aiper wins on price. The Liberty brings Maytronics' navigation, scrubbing and filtration standards to cordless form, with the service network behind it. Aiper's models (the Scuba line and up) cost significantly less and have improved quickly — but budget cordless robots still trade away brushing power, filtration fineness and long-term battery support.
What separates them
- Cleaning method: the Liberty actively scrubs while it vacuums, like every Dolphin; many budget cordless units rely mostly on suction, which leaves biofilm behind.
- Navigation: Liberty uses Dolphin smart navigation for systematic coverage; budget cordless robots lean on semi-random patterns that need longer to cover the same pool.
- Filtration: Dolphin fine filtration versus typically coarser baskets — visible in how much fine dust each leaves behind.
- Battery and service life: the long-term question for all cordless robots. Maytronics' dealer network services Liberty batteries; budget brands usually mean replacement over repair.
- Price: Aiper undercuts substantially — that's the whole pitch, and for light-duty pools it's a fair one.
Which should you buy?
Pool used daily, fine dust and algae film in play, want it to last: Liberty 400. Light-debris pool, tight budget, treat it as a 2–3 season appliance: an Aiper is a reasonable buy. And if the cable never really bothered you, a corded Dolphin still gives the most cleaning per dollar — see our best Dolphin guide and the full comparison chart.
Models in this guide:Browse all Dolphin models or see every comparison.