Aiper Scuba S1 vs Dolphin Escape
Researched by Riley Hart · prices checked Oct 30, 2026
As of Oct 30, 2026, the Aiper Scuba S1 costs $498 and the Dolphin Escape has no store price on file. The Dolphin Escape has a published review score and ranks #4 in our robotic pool cleaners ranking; the Aiper Scuba S1 is not scored yet. Pick the Aiper Scuba S1 for cordless cleaning on a tight budget. Pick the Dolphin Escape for above-ground pools up to about 30 ft. The Aiper Scuba S1 wins 1 of 2 points we can measure (1 tied).
Who wins, point by point
The Aiper Scuba S1 wins 1 of 2 points we can measure (1 tied). Built from today's prices, the specs and independent tests for these two robots.
| Scuba S1 | Escape | Winner | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Runtime | 150 min | 90 min | Scuba S1 |
| Warranty | 2 years | 2 years | Tie |
- You care most about runtime (150 min vs 90 min)
- Best for cordless cleaning on a tight budget
- Best for above-ground pools up to about 30 ft
- Cleans
- Floor
- Runtime
- Up to 150 min
- Max pool
- Up to 1,600 sq ft
Budget cordless cleaner for floors, walls and waterline
Full Aiper Scuba S1 review, pros and cons →- Cleans
- Floor only
- Power
- Corded
- Runtime
- 90 min cycle
- Max pool
- Up to 30 ft long
Simple corded floor cleaner for above-ground and small pools
Full Dolphin Escape review, pros and cons →Side by side
| Aiper Scuba S1 | Dolphin Escape | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $498 | n/a |
| 3 year cost | $498 | n/a |
| Our score | Not scored yet | 8.1/10 |
| Rank in Pool | #21 | #4 |
| Status | on sale | on sale |
| Warranty | 2 years | 2 years (per The Pool Nerd; not confirmed on a Maytronics page) |
| Pool types | In-ground | Above-ground pools, plus smaller in-ground pools (The Pool Nerd); gunite, plaster, vinyl and fiberglass floors (Bob Vila) |
| Cleans | Floor, walls and waterline; no surface skimming | Floor only; no waterline scrubbing and limited wall climbing (The Pool Nerd, Bob Vila) |
| Power | Cordless (battery capacity not published) | Corded, 180 W with dual DC motors (The Pool Nerd); 40 ft cable with no swivel (Bob Vila, The Pool Nerd) |
| Runtime | Up to 150 min | 90 min cycle (Bob Vila) |
| Charge time | 3 to 4 h per Reviewed | None needed, corded |
| Filter | 3.5 L filter basket per Reviewed | Top load MaxBin basket; up to 4,000 gph suction (The Pool Nerd) |
| Max pool size | Up to 1,600 sq ft per Reviewed | Up to 30 ft long (Bob Vila); The Pool Nerd says up to 33 ft in its roundup but advises against pools over about 30 ft |
| App | None; button selects floor, wall, auto and eco modes | No app or weekly timer; one button start (The Pool Nerd, Bob Vila) |
| Warranty | 2 years | 2 years (The Pool Nerd roundup) |
| Weight | n/a | 14 lb (Bob Vila) |
| Best for | cordless cleaning on a tight budget | above-ground pools up to about 30 ft |
| Skip if | your pool gets heavy leaf fall | you need wall and waterline cleaning |
Specs are maker claims unless a reviewer is named. Prices from the stores we link, checked daily.
What reviewers found
Aiper Scuba S1
- Reviewed: In a roughly 1,200 sq ft pool it climbed walls well and covered most of the pool, but left leaves behind and needed four cycles for a spotless pool; drying the charging port was a chore. Source
- The Smart Home Hookup: Ran 3 h 56 min against 150 min listed with about 95% wall and floor coverage, the best in the group, but its rear suction stirred up leaves. Source
Dolphin Escape
- Bob Vila (9.5/10): Tested in a 24 ft above-ground pool. Setup took under 5 minutes and a 90 minute cycle gave a thorough clean. It is heavy to lift when full of water, can stop mid pool at cycle end, and the control box must come inside when it rains. Source
- The Pool Nerd: Pool Nerd Approved and named best above-ground and best entry level pick. The floor of an 8 x 20 ft test pool was much cleaner after about 30 minutes; it draws about 180 W. No timer, app, swivel or waterline scrubbing. The site earns affiliate commissions. Source
Questions buyers ask
Which is better, the Aiper Scuba S1 or the Dolphin Escape?
The Dolphin Escape has a published review score and ranks #4 in our robotic pool cleaners ranking; the Aiper Scuba S1 is not scored yet. Pick the Aiper Scuba S1 for cordless cleaning on a tight budget. Pick the Dolphin Escape for above-ground pools up to about 30 ft.
What is the difference between the Scuba S1 and the Escape?
Pool types: In-ground on the Scuba S1, Above-ground pools, plus smaller in-ground pools (The Pool Nerd); gunite, plaster, vinyl… on the Escape. Cleans: Floor, walls and waterline; no surface skimming on the Scuba S1, Floor only; no waterline scrubbing and limited wall climbing (The Pool Nerd, Bob Vila) on the Escape. Power: Cordless (battery capacity not published) on the Scuba S1, Corded, 180 W with dual DC motors (The Pool Nerd); 40 ft cable with no swivel (Bob Vila… on the Escape.
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