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 3.6. The Dreame Z1 leads on value. The Dreame Z1 costs $900 less ($299 vs $1,199).
Polaris Freedom
#30 in CordlessFull review
Polaris’s mainstream cordless robot, for in-ground pools up to 50 ft whose owners want to get rid of the cable.
Leslie's $1,199 Walmart $1,199$1,199
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 $1,199).
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 | Polaris Freedom |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 4.3/5 | 3.6/5 |
| Value 25% | 92 $299 | 32 $1,199 |
| Cleaning 25% | 85 Floor, walls and waterline | 85 Floor, walls and waterline |
| Navigation 15% | 85 Ultrasonic + 3D structured light | 50 navigation not published (neutral score used) |
| 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 50 ft long (about 1,250 sq ft) |
| Features 10% | 50 too few features published (neutral score used) | 50 2 of 4; no scheduling, caddy |
Specifications
| Dreame Z1 | Polaris Freedom | |
|---|---|---|
| Pool | ||
| Pool size (rated) | Up to 1,950 sq ft (181 m²) | Up to 50 ft long |
| Pool types | - | In-ground |
| Surfaces | - | All surfaces |
| Cleaning | ||
| Cleans | Floor, walls and waterline | Floor, walls and waterline |
| Surface skimming | No | No |
| Filter | 180 µm filter basket | 4 L all-purpose canister, transparent lid |
| Filter capacity | - | 4 L |
| Water flow | 8,000 gal/h | - |
| Power | ||
| Power | Cordless (battery) | Cordless (battery) |
| Battery | 194.4 Wh, 9,600 mAh | 9,600 mAh |
| Run time | Up to 5 h | Up to 2 h 30 min |
| Charge time | 6 h | 5 h |
| Charging | Magnetic connector | Dock |
| Navigation & app | ||
| Navigation | Ultrasonic + 3D structured light | - |
| App | - | Yes |
| Connectivity | - | Wi-Fi |
| Scheduling | - | No |
| Retrieval | - | Tap & Lift, included hook, or waterline pickup notification |
| Caddy included | - | No |
| Build | ||
| Weight | 16.6 lb (7.5 kg) | 20 lb (9.1 kg) |
| Warranty | 2 years | 2 years |