Polaris VRX iQ+ vs Polaris EPIC 8642 iQ

On the published numbers, the Polaris VRX iQ+’s cable covers a pool of about 62 ft against about 52 ft for the Polaris EPIC 8642 iQ. Neither maker's rating goes beyond the arithmetic by more than the margin allowed. Every other published specification is in the table, with the rows where they differ tinted.

Polaris VRX iQ+ robotic pool cleaner

Polaris

Polaris VRX iQ+

~$1,499

Pool fit
~62 ft70 ft cable − 8 ft to reach the bottom of the deep end
Filtration
No micron figure published
Retrieval
Parks for pickup

Polaris' flagship corded robot runs a SMART cycle that sizes up the pool and sets its own cleaning time, reports to the iAquaLink app, and climbs to the waterline at the touch of a button so it can be lifted out already draining.

Best for: Large in-ground pools where the owner wants to press a button and lift, not fish

Polaris EPIC 8642 iQ robotic pool cleaner

Polaris

Polaris EPIC 8642 iQ

~$1,149

Pool fit
~52 ft60 ft cable − 8 ft to reach the bottom of the deep end
Filtration
No micron figure published
Retrieval
Parks for pickup

Continuous treads and a double-helix brush make the EPIC 8642 iQ the Polaris for steep walls, steps and main drains.

Best for: Pools with steep transitions and steps

Specification comparison of the Polaris VRX iQ+ and the Polaris EPIC 8642 iQ
SpecificationPolaris VRX iQ+Polaris EPIC 8642 iQ
Approx. price~$1,499~$1,149
TypeCorded waterlineCorded waterline
PowerCorded, 70 ft cableCorded, 60 ft cable
CleansFloor, walls, waterlineFloor, walls, waterline
Pool fit~62 ft~52 ft
Cable length70 ft60 ft
Filter5 L illuminated canister4 L canister
Basket5 L4 L
RetrievalParks for pickupParks for pickup
Self-parkingYesYes
App controlYesYes
Caddy or dockIncludedIncluded
Pool typesin-groundin-ground

Polaris VRX iQ+: what it gives up

  • Polaris publishes no weight, maximum pool size or micron figure for it
  • No per-model warranty term on Polaris' page
  • $1,499 in Polaris' rebate terms, $350 more than the EPIC 8642 iQ
  • In-ground only, like every Polaris in the catalog

Polaris EPIC 8642 iQ: what it gives up

  • Two modes, floor or floor/wall/waterline, against five on the VRX iQ+
  • 4 L canister, smaller than the VRX iQ+'s
  • No weight, pool-size or micron figure published

Full specifications: Polaris VRX iQ+ · Polaris EPIC 8642 iQ