Polaris Freedom Plus vs Polaris VRX iQ+
Researched by Riley Hart · prices checked Oct 26, 2026
As of Oct 26, 2026, the Polaris Freedom Plus costs $1,399 and the Polaris VRX iQ+ costs $1,499, so the Polaris Freedom Plus is $100 cheaper. Pick the Polaris Freedom Plus for cordless buyers with in-ground pools. Pick the Polaris VRX iQ+ for in-ground pools wanting top cleaning.
- Cleans
- Floor
- Power
- Cordless
- Runtime
- Up to 2.5 h
PCWorld's top cordless pick: light, quick to drain, and easy to retrieve from the waterline, with a remote that steers it underwater. Runtime is about 2.5 hours and charging takes up to 5, and The Pool Nerd notes suction fades as the battery drains. Skip it for above-ground pools or if you want a weekly timer.
Full Polaris Freedom Plus review →- Cleans
- Floor
- Power
- Corded
- Runtime
- 2 h 45 min deep clean
- Max pool
- 60 ft long
One of the best performing corded robots in independent testing, with an app, scheduling and a lift system that brings it to the wall for pickup. PCWorld found it fast and nearly perfect on the floor, but the 70 ft cord and big caddy take effort to manage. Skip it if you have an above-ground pool or want surface skimming.
Full Polaris VRX iQ+ review →Side by side
| Polaris Freedom Plus | Polaris VRX iQ+ | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,399 | $1,499 |
| 3 year cost | $1,427 | $1,649 |
| Our score | Not scored yet | Not scored yet |
| Rank in Pool | #13 | #14 |
| Status | on sale | on sale |
| Warranty | 2 year limited | 2 year limited |
| Pool types | In-ground only, all surfaces | In-ground, up to 60 ft (Leslie's listing) |
| Cleans | Floor, walls, waterline; modes for floor only, waterline only, all three, and SMART | Floor, walls, waterline; no surface skimming |
| Power | Cordless, lithium-ion (PCWorld lists 9,600 mAh) | Corded, 70 ft floating cable with swivel; plugs into a GFCI outlet |
| Runtime | Up to 2.5 h per charge | SMART Cycle sets time; PCWorld measured 2 h 45 min deep clean, 1 h 15 min floor only, 45 min waterline only |
| Charge time | Under 5 h in the outdoor charging caddy | None (corded) |
| Filter | 4 L canister with clear lid; no dirty canister indicator | 5 L illuminated canister with dirty canister indicator; sand and silt canister sold separately |
| Max pool size | Not published; SMART mode sizes the run to your pool | In-ground pools up to 60 ft (Leslie's) |
| App | iAquaLink app (2.4 GHz Wi-Fi, not underwater); LiFi handheld remote works underwater | iAquaLink app with scheduling, remote control, spot cleaning and OTA updates |
| Weight | About 20 lb (PCWorld) | n/a |
| Warranty | 2 year limited (Leslie's) | 2 year limited (Leslie's) |
| Drive | n/a | 4WD with front brushes |
| Best for | cordless buyers with in-ground pools | in-ground pools wanting top cleaning |
| Skip if | you have an above-ground pool | you hate managing a cord |
Specs are maker claims unless a reviewer is named. Prices from the stores we link, checked daily.
What reviewers found
Polaris Freedom Plus
- PCWorld: Best cordless pick; averaged about 95% coverage over several weeks, ran a little over 2.5 h on the thorough setting, missed a corner patch and some step leaves, and Wi-Fi dropped once underwater. Source
- The Pool Nerd: Runner up cordless pick in 2026; praises wall climbing and runtime versus many cordless units but says suction and scrubbing fade as the battery drains. Source
Polaris VRX iQ+
- PCWorld: Best corded pick; found 99% of synthetic leaves, missing one on a step, and was one of the fastest robots tested. Managing the power cord took extra effort. Source
Pros and cons
Polaris Freedom Plus
Pros
- About 95% coverage in PCWorld testing
- Light and drains water fast
- Underwater remote with Easy Lift
- Parks at the waterline
Cons
- In-ground only
- No scheduling
- Up to 5 h to charge
- No brand or Amazon price confirmed
Polaris VRX iQ+
Pros
- Best performance PCWorld has tested
- Smart cycle adjusts time to your pool
- Lift system for easier retrieval
- App scheduling and remote control
Cons
- Cord and caddy are bulky
- In-ground only
- No surface skimming
- No brand or Amazon price confirmed
Questions buyers ask
Which is better, the Polaris Freedom Plus or the Polaris VRX iQ+?
Pick the Polaris Freedom Plus for cordless buyers with in-ground pools. Pick the Polaris VRX iQ+ for in-ground pools wanting top cleaning.
Which is cheaper?
The Polaris Freedom Plus at $1,399, versus $1,499 for the Polaris VRX iQ+, checked Oct 26, 2026. Over 3 years with running costs: $1,427 vs $1,649.
What is the difference between the Freedom Plus and the VRX iQ+?
Pool types: In-ground only, all surfaces on the Freedom Plus, In-ground, up to 60 ft (Leslie's listing) on the VRX iQ+. Cleans: Floor, walls, waterline; modes for floor only, waterline only, all three, and SMART on the Freedom Plus, Floor, walls, waterline; no surface skimming on the VRX iQ+. Power: Cordless, lithium-ion (PCWorld lists 9,600 mAh) on the Freedom Plus, Corded, 70 ft floating cable with swivel; plugs into a GFCI outlet on the VRX iQ+.
Also consider
See all ranked →More comparisons
All robotic pool cleaners, ranked
See the ranking →Affiliate links. We may earn a commission. It never changes our score. Disclosure