Polaris VRX iQ+
#10 in CordedFull review
Polaris’s top corded robot, for big in-ground pools whose owners want app modes and an easy lift-out.
Leslie's $1,499 Walmart $1,499$1,499
The Polaris VRX iQ+ is the better robotic pool cleaner overall, rated 3.7 to 3.1. The Polaris VRX iQ+ leads on cleaning. The Dolphin Proteus DX3 wins on value. The Dolphin Proteus DX3 costs $830 less ($669 vs $1,499).
Dolphin Proteus DX3
#31 in CordedFull review
Leslie’s version of the basic floor-and-wall Dolphin, for pools up to 33 ft.
Leslie's $669$669
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 VRX iQ+ for cleaning (Floor, walls and waterline vs Floor and walls).
- Choose the Dolphin Proteus DX3 for value ($669 vs $1,499).
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 VRX iQ+ | Dolphin Proteus DX3 |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.7/5 | 3.1/5 |
| Value 25% | 22 $1,499 | 57 $669 |
| Cleaning 25% | 85 Floor, walls and waterline | 60 Floor and walls |
| Navigation 15% | 50 Sensor-based | 50 Smart scanning |
| Warranty 15% | 50 2-year warranty | 50 2-year warranty |
| Pool size 10% | 100 pools up to 60 ft long (about 1,800 sq ft) | 27 pools up to 33 ft long (about 540 sq ft) |
| Features 10% | 100 4 of 4 | 0 0 of 3; no app control, scheduling, swivel cable |
Specifications
| Polaris VRX iQ+ | Dolphin Proteus DX3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Pool | ||
| Pool size (rated) | Up to 60 ft long | Up to 33 ft long |
| Pool types | In-ground | In-ground and above-ground |
| Cleaning | ||
| Cleans | Floor, walls and waterline | Floor and walls |
| Surface skimming | No | No |
| Filter | 5 L illuminated canister with dirty-canister indicator | Fine Filter Kit, top access |
| Filter capacity | 5 L | - |
| Water flow | - | 4,000 gal/h |
| Power | ||
| Power | Corded, 70 ft cable | Corded |
| Run time | - | Longest cycle 2 h |
| Swivel cable | Yes | No |
| Navigation & app | ||
| Navigation | Sensor-based | Smart scanning |
| App | Yes | No |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi | - |
| Scheduling | Yes | No |
| Retrieval | Easy Lift: climbs to the waterline and expels water for pickup | - |
| Caddy included | Yes | - |
| Build | ||
| Weight | - | 14.8 lb (6.7 kg) |
| Warranty | 2 years | 2 years |