Betta SE Plus vs Aiper EcoSurfer S2: Which Solar Pool Skimmer Is Better?
Our top picks
Best reviewed: 4.5 stars across ~3,000 reviews, 30+ hr runtime, large 200 µm basketBetta SE Plus Solar SkimmerSolar skimmer · 30+ hr solar · Surface8.4Price tier: Budget, under $500Check price on Amazon
Best features: app scheduling, 150 µm filtration, chlorine-tablet dispenser, 24-month careAiper EcoSurfer S2 Solar SkimmerSolar skimmer · 35+ hr solar · Surface8.1Price tier: Budget, under $500Check price
Solar skimmers are the simplest pool robots to understand: they float, skim leaves, pollen and bugs from the water surface and recharge from the sun. The two we track, the Betta SE Plus and the Aiper EcoSurfer S2, cost about the same and look similar on paper. The differences are in filtration, smart features and owner track record. A skimmer only handles the surface, so if you also want the floor and walls cleaned, you need a vacuum robot too; see skimmer vs vacuum robot.
The specs, side by side
| Betta SE Plus | Aiper EcoSurfer S2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price range | ~$370–390 | ~$340–360 |
| Power | Solar + wall adapter | Solar + DC adapter |
| Runtime | 30+ hours | Up to ~35 hours on an adapter charge |
| Filtration | 200 µm basket | 150 µm with DebrisGuard |
| Control | Wireless remote | App (scheduling, steering, alerts) |
| Chlorine dispenser | No | Yes (3-inch tablet) |
| Obstacle handling | Ultrasonic radar, shallow-water safeguard | Dual sensors, 4 anti-stranding columns |
| Warranty | 1 year | 24-month product care |
| Amazon reviews | ~3,000 (4.5 stars) | ~2,400 (4.3 stars) |
| Guide score | 8.4 | 8.1 |
Filtration
The EcoSurfer S2’s 150 µm filtration captures finer debris than the Betta’s 200 µm basket; the Betta’s basket is described as extra large and fine-mesh, so it holds more. For pollen season, finer filtration helps; for heavy leaf fall, capacity matters more. See filtration microns explained.
Control and features
The EcoSurfer S2’s app starts and stops the robot, sets schedules, steers it, tracks history and sends blockage alerts. The Betta uses a wireless remote and automatic cleaning. The EcoSurfer also holds a 3-inch chlorine tablet in an adjustable dispenser; the Betta doesn’t. If you care about smart features, the Aiper has them.
Reliability
The Betta’s 4.5 stars across roughly 3,000 reviews beat the EcoSurfer’s 4.3 across about 2,400, and Betta’s design dates to 2023. The EcoSurfer S2 offers a 24-month product-care term against the Betta’s 1-year warranty.
Which one should you buy?
Buy the Betta SE Plus if you want the best-reviewed skimmer, a big basket for leafy pools and a simple remote.
Buy the EcoSurfer S2 if you want app scheduling, finer filtration, a chlorine dispenser and a longer coverage term.
Then pair it with a vacuum robot from our best robotic pool cleaners of 2026.