# Aiper Scuba S1 vs Dolphin Escape

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.

Prices checked Oct 30, 2026. HTML version: https://robotsforthat.com/vs/aiper-scuba-s1-vs-dolphin-escape/

## 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 |

## 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](https://reviewed.com/home-outdoors/content/aiper-scuba-s1-robotic-pool-cleaner-review)
- 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](https://www.thesmarthomehookup.com/?p=5626)

### 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](https://www.bobvila.com/articles/dolphin-escape-robotic-pool-cleaner-review/)
- 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](https://www.thepoolnerd.com/dolphin-escape-review)

## 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.

Full reviews: [Aiper Scuba S1](https://robotsforthat.com/robot/aiper-scuba-s1/index.md), [Dolphin Escape](https://robotsforthat.com/robot/dolphin-escape/index.md)