Polaris PCX 868 iQ
#4 in CordedFull review
A mid-priced app-controlled Polaris for in-ground pools up to 50 ft.
Leslie's $1,149 Walmart $1,149$1,149
The Polaris PCX 868 iQ is the better robotic pool cleaner overall, rated 3.8 to 2.6. The Polaris PCX 868 iQ leads on cleaning and warranty. The Dolphin Nautilus AG wins on value. The Dolphin Nautilus AG costs $581 less ($568 vs $1,149).
Dolphin Nautilus AG
#42 in CordedFull review
A basic floor cleaner for above-ground pool owners who want to stop vacuuming by hand and do not need wall cleaning.
Amazon $568 Maytronics $568$568
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 Polaris PCX 868 iQ for cleaning (Floor, walls and waterline vs Floor only) and warranty (2-year warranty vs 1-year warranty).
- Choose the Dolphin Nautilus AG for value ($568 vs $1,149).
Scores side by side
Each factor is scored 0-100 against the same fixed reference points for every corded robotic pool cleaner; a clear win is highlighted. How we rank explains each one.
| Factor weight | Polaris PCX 868 iQ | Dolphin Nautilus AG |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.8/5 | 2.6/5 |
| Value 25% | 34 $1,149 | 64 $568 |
| Cleaning 25% | 85 Floor, walls and waterline | 20 Floor only |
| Navigation 15% | 50 navigation not published (neutral score used) | 50 Smart scanning |
| Warranty 15% | 50 2-year warranty | 0 1-year warranty |
| Pool size 10% | 100 pools up to 50 ft long (about 1,250 sq ft) | 17 pools up to 30 ft long (about 450 sq ft) |
| Features 10% | 100 4 of 4 | 0 0 of 3; no app control, scheduling, swivel cable |
Specifications
| Polaris PCX 868 iQ | Dolphin Nautilus AG | |
|---|---|---|
| Pool | ||
| Pool size (rated) | Up to 50 ft long | Up to 30 ft long |
| Pool types | In-ground | Above-ground |
| Surfaces | All in-ground surfaces | - |
| Cleaning | ||
| Cleans | Floor, walls and waterline | Floor only |
| Surface skimming | No | No |
| Filter | 4 L all-purpose canister, transparent lid | Fine Filter Kit, top access |
| Filter capacity | 4 L | - |
| Water flow | - | 4,000 gal/h |
| Power | ||
| Power | Corded, 60 ft cable | Corded |
| Run time | - | Longest cycle 1 h 30 min |
| Swivel cable | Yes | No |
| Navigation & app | ||
| Navigation | - | Smart scanning |
| App | Yes | No |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi | - |
| Scheduling | Yes | No |
| Retrieval | Easy Lift from the app or control box | - |
| Caddy included | Yes | - |
| Build | ||
| Weight | 22 lb (10 kg) | 14.6 lb (6.6 kg) |
| Warranty | 2 years | 1 year |