Betta SE vs Dolphin Escape
Researched by Riley Hart · prices checked Nov 4, 2026
As of Nov 4, 2026, the Betta SE costs $370 and the Dolphin Escape has no store price on file. The Betta SE scores higher in our ranking (9.1 vs 8.1 out of 10). Pick the Betta SE for pools with leaves and bugs on the surface. Pick the Dolphin Escape for above-ground pools up to about 30 ft. The Dolphin Escape wins 2 of 2 points we can measure.
Who wins, point by point
The Dolphin Escape wins 2 of 2 points we can measure. Built from today's prices, the specs and independent tests for these two robots.
| SE | Escape | Winner | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bob Vila score | 4.6/5 | 9.5/10 | Escape |
| Warranty | 1 year | 2 years | Escape |
- Best for pools with leaves and bugs on the surface
- You care most about bob vila score (9.5/10 vs 4.6/5)
- You care most about warranty (2 years vs 1 year)
- Best for above-ground pools up to about 30 ft
- Cleans
- Water surface only
- Power
- Cordless
- Runtime
- 30+ h on a charge
- Max pool
- Up to 40 x 60 ft
Solar surface skimmer that runs all day with no charging
Full Betta SE 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
| Betta SE | Dolphin Escape | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $370 | n/a |
| 3 year cost | $370 | n/a |
| Our score | 9.1/10 | 8.1/10 |
| Rank in Pool | #2 | #4 |
| Status | on sale | on sale |
| Warranty | 1 year (Betta store) | 2 years (per The Pool Nerd; not confirmed on a Maytronics page) |
| Pool types | Above-ground and in-ground; Betta says its SCT motors work in saltwater and chlorine pools | Above-ground pools, plus smaller in-ground pools (The Pool Nerd); gunite, plaster, vinyl and fiberglass floors (Bob Vila) |
| Cleans | Water surface only (skimmer); does not clean floor or walls | Floor only; no waterline scrubbing and limited wall climbing (The Pool Nerd, Bob Vila) |
| Power | Cordless, solar charged built in lithium battery; no plug in charging (Betta) | Corded, 180 W with dual DC motors (The Pool Nerd); 40 ft cable with no swivel (Bob Vila, The Pool Nerd) |
| Runtime | 30+ h on a charge, including cloudy days (Betta); The Pool Nerd ran it daily for weeks with no stops | 90 min cycle (Bob Vila) |
| Charge time | 5 to 6 h of direct sunlight (Betta) | None needed, corded |
| Filter | Top load fine mesh basket, 200 micron (Betta) | Top load MaxBin basket; up to 4,000 gph suction (The Pool Nerd) |
| Max pool size | Up to 40 x 60 ft, about 2,400 sq ft (Betta) | 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 | No app; wireless remote for mode changes, auto mode only (Betta) | No app or weekly timer; one button start (The Pool Nerd, Bob Vila) |
| Warranty | 1 year, plus 30 day home trial (Betta) | 2 years (The Pool Nerd roundup) |
| Weight | n/a | 14 lb (Bob Vila) |
| Best for | pools with leaves and bugs on the surface | above-ground pools up to about 30 ft |
| Skip if | you want app control or floor cleaning | 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
Betta SE
- Bob Vila (4.6/5): Named Best Basic. Called it the fastest skimmer tested, with solar charging that kept it running and ultrasonic navigation that rarely left it stuck. It occasionally missed tight corners, and the test unit's rear propellers stopped working after about 12 months (covered by warranty). Subscores: Ease of Use 5/5, Performance 5/5, Value 5/5. Source
- The Pool Nerd: Pool Nerd Approved and named Best Overall Pool Skimmer. Cleared the surface within a few hours, ran daily for several weeks with no jams, and the basket needed emptying every few days. The site earns affiliate commissions. 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 Betta SE or the Dolphin Escape?
The Betta SE scores higher in our ranking (9.1 vs 8.1 out of 10). Pick the Betta SE for pools with leaves and bugs on the surface. Pick the Dolphin Escape for above-ground pools up to about 30 ft.
What is the difference between the SE and the Escape?
Pool types: Above-ground and in-ground; Betta says its SCT motors work in saltwater and chlorine pools on the SE, Above-ground pools, plus smaller in-ground pools (The Pool Nerd); gunite, plaster, vinyl… on the Escape. Cleans: Water surface only (skimmer); does not clean floor or walls on the SE, Floor only; no waterline scrubbing and limited wall climbing (The Pool Nerd, Bob Vila) on the Escape. Power: Cordless, solar charged built in lithium battery; no plug in charging (Betta) on the SE, 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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