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 and the Dolphin Premier are evenly matched, rated 3.8 and 3.7. The Polaris PCX 868 iQ leads on value. The Dolphin Premier wins on warranty. The Polaris PCX 868 iQ costs $850 less ($1,149 vs $1,999).
Dolphin Premier
#9 in CordedFull review
For leafy in-ground pools up to 50 ft where filter capacity matters more than app control.
Pool Express $1,999$1,999
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 value ($1,149 vs $1,999).
- Choose the Dolphin Premier for warranty (3-year warranty vs 2-year warranty).
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 Premier |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.8/5 | 3.7/5 |
| Value 25% | 34 $1,149 | 10 $1,999 |
| Cleaning 25% | 85 Floor, walls and waterline | 85 Floor, walls and waterline |
| Navigation 15% | 50 navigation not published (neutral score used) | 50 Smart scanning |
| Warranty 15% | 50 2-year warranty | 100 3-year warranty |
| Pool size 10% | 100 pools up to 50 ft long (about 1,250 sq ft) | 100 pools up to 50 ft long (about 1,250 sq ft) |
| Features 10% | 100 4 of 4 | 67 2 of 3; no app control |
Specifications
| Polaris PCX 868 iQ | Dolphin Premier | |
|---|---|---|
| Pool | ||
| Pool size (rated) | Up to 50 ft long | Up to 50 ft long |
| Pool types | In-ground | In-ground |
| Surfaces | All in-ground surfaces | - |
| Cleaning | ||
| Cleans | Floor, walls and waterline | Floor, walls and waterline |
| Surface skimming | No | No |
| Filter | 4 L all-purpose canister, transparent lid | Multi-layer bottom-access cartridges, plus fine cartridges and an oversized leaf bag in the box |
| Filter capacity | 4 L | - |
| Water flow | - | 4,500 gal/h |
| Power | ||
| Power | Corded, 60 ft cable | Corded |
| Run time | - | Longest cycle 3 h |
| Swivel cable | Yes | Yes |
| Navigation & app | ||
| Navigation | - | Smart scanning |
| App | Yes | No |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi | - |
| Scheduling | Yes | Yes |
| Retrieval | Easy Lift from the app or control box | - |
| Caddy included | Yes | - |
| Build | ||
| Weight | 22 lb (10 kg) | 20.3 lb (9.2 kg) |
| Warranty | 2 years | 3 years |