This list is for owners who want a robot that runs on a schedule with no charging. A robot qualifies if it plugs in by cable instead of running on a battery. Check the cable length for your pool, whether you want an app, and whether the timer fits your routine, since most corded models here run on a weekly timer. How we score.
Corded workhorse with swappable filters for leafy in-ground pools
Why it ranks here
Bob Vila rated it 9/10 for cleaning leaves, tile line algae and storm dirt, a test result as strong as the cordless robots above. It ranks fifth because it costs far more, about $1,400 above the Sora 70. It is corded with a weekly timer, has no app, and showed as unavailable on the Maytronics store.
CLEANS Floor, wall, waterlinePOWER CordedRUNTIME 3 h cycleMAX POOL 50 ft longSCORE 6.5
Best for small to midsize in-ground pools on a budget
Entry corded Dolphin with app control for in-ground pools
CLEANS Floor and walls; no waterline scrubbingPOWER Corded (Poolbots lists a 60 ft cable with anti tangle swivel)RUNTIME 2 h default cycle per Maytronics spec tableMAX POOL Up to 40 ft longSCORE not yet
Value corded Dolphin with weekly timer for small and midsize pools
Why it ranks here
The cheapest corded Dolphin here, with a weekly timer and a light 14.6 lb body for pools up to 40 ft. Maytronics lists no waterline scrubbing and there is no app. The Pool Nerd rated it best value but gave no numeric score, so it is not ranked yet.
CLEANS Floor and wallsPOWER CordedRUNTIME 2 h cycleMAX POOL 40 ft longSCORE not yet
Fast corded robot with smart cycle, app and lift system
Why it ranks here
PCWorld's best corded pick, finding 99% of synthetic leaves and finishing among the fastest robots it tested. It has an app, smart cycle timing and a lift system, but a bulky cord and caddy. It is not ranked yet because that review gave no numeric score, and no brand or Amazon price is confirmed.
CLEANS Floor, wall, waterlinePOWER Corded, 70 ft cableRUNTIME 2 h 45 min deep cleanMAX POOL 60 ft longSCORE not yet
Top corded Dolphin with app control, gyro navigation and weekly timer
Why it ranks here
The most automated corded Dolphin here, with app control, a weekly timer and the strongest waterline cleaning The Pool Nerd saw from any Dolphin. It is also the most expensive robot on this list and works in in-ground pools only. It is not ranked yet because that review gave no numeric score.
CLEANS Floor, wall, waterlinePOWER CordedRUNTIME 2.5 h cycleMAX POOL 50 ft longSCORE not yet