Dreame Z1
#3 in CordlessFull review
A strong-value cordless robot for small-to-mid-size pools whose owners want long runtime and real navigation for about $300. Fine silt needs a robot with a finer filter.
Dreame $299$299
The Dreame Z1 is the better robotic pool cleaner overall, rated 4.3 to 4.0. The Dreame Z1 leads on value and navigation. The Dreame Z1 costs $350.99 less ($299 vs $649.99).
Aiper Scuba S3
#19 in CordlessFull review
A light, mid-priced robot for small-to-mid-size in-ground pools that need floor, wall and waterline cleaning. For a little more, the Scuba V3 adds AI debris detection and a wireless dock.
Amazon $699.99 Aiper $649.99$649.99
Prices were last checked October 21, 2026 and are subject to change; the price and availability shown by the retailer at the time of purchase apply.
Which should you buy?
- Choose the Dreame Z1 for value ($299 vs $650) and navigation (Ultrasonic + 3D structured light vs Gyroscope + sensors).
Scores side by side
Each factor is scored 0-100 against the same fixed reference points for every cordless robotic pool cleaner; a clear win is highlighted. How we rank explains each one.
| Factor weight | Dreame Z1 | Aiper Scuba S3 |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 4.3/5 | 4.0/5 |
| Value 25% | 92 $299 | 59 $650 |
| Cleaning 25% | 85 Floor, walls and waterline | 85 Floor, walls and waterline |
| Navigation 15% | 85 Ultrasonic + 3D structured light | 50 Gyroscope + sensors |
| Warranty 15% | 50 2-year warranty | 50 2-year warranty |
| Pool size 10% | 100 pools up to 1,950 sq ft | 100 pools up to 1,610 sq ft |
| Features 10% | 50 too few features published (neutral score used) | 100 2 of 2 |
Specifications
| Dreame Z1 | Aiper Scuba S3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Pool | ||
| Pool size (rated) | Up to 1,950 sq ft (181 m²) | Up to 1,614 sq ft (150 m²) |
| Pool types | - | In-ground |
| Surfaces | - | Concrete, fiberglass, vinyl, tile |
| Cleaning | ||
| Cleans | Floor, walls and waterline | Floor, walls and waterline |
| Surface skimming | No | No |
| Filter | 180 µm filter basket | Top-load 3.5 L dual-layer basket (180 µm + 3 µm) |
| Filter capacity | - | 3.5 L |
| Water flow | 8,000 gal/h | 4,800 gal/h |
| Power | ||
| Power | Cordless (battery) | Cordless (battery) |
| Battery | 194.4 Wh, 9,600 mAh | - |
| Run time | Up to 5 h | Up to 4 h |
| Charge time | 6 h | 4 h |
| Charging | Magnetic connector | - |
| Navigation & app | ||
| Navigation | Ultrasonic + 3D structured light | Gyroscope + sensors |
| Scheduling | - | Yes |
| Retrieval | - | Parks at the waterline for pickup |
| Build | ||
| Weight | 16.6 lb (7.5 kg) | 18 lb (8.2 kg) |
| Warranty | 2 years | 2 years |