The catch
Polaris ERA 820
App control and a recurring schedule are both absent.
Side by side
Polaris ERA 820 vs ERA 842: Scheduling and assisted retrieval are what 842 adds
Quick verdict
With fewer controls, the ERA 820 still covers the core clean. Choose the ERA 842 if app scheduling and Easy Lift would save you effort, since it fits day-to-day ownership better.
Before you buy
Why, and what it costs you
Where these two really part ways
Polaris ERA 842 Smart is the better match for “I want an app for controls and status” and “I want it to clean on a repeating schedule”.
Where this comes from
This lines up the current strong and useful fit ratings for the exact products. It does not roll them into one overall score.
The catch
Polaris ERA 842 Smart
As a corded cleaner, it needs storage space on the deck.
Polaris ERA 820
- Why pick it
- You can do without an app.
- A lone 2.5-hour cycle is enough.
- The catch
- App control and a recurring schedule are both absent.
Polaris ERA 842 Smart
- Why pick it
- iAquaLink scheduling appeals to you.
- Easy Lift is a plus.
- The catch
- As a corded cleaner, it needs storage space on the deck.
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What this page compares
The simple ERA meets its smart sibling that is easier to retrieve.
This one comes down to app and retrieval first, then to the limits of your own setup.
Which one fits
Pick the situations that sound like you
I want an app for controls and status
Polaris ERA 820 lists “No” for app, while Polaris ERA 842 Smart lists “iAquaLink”. This shapes setup and day-to-day use more than the core physical job.
- Polaris ERA 820
- Depends
- Polaris ERA 842 Smart
- Better fit
I want it to clean on a repeating schedule
A recurring mode is documented, and it divides cleaning across separate visits. Before you leave it on a schedule, check the battery, floor-only, debris and maintenance limits.
- Polaris ERA 820
- Depends
- Polaris ERA 842 Smart
- Better fit
Pulling the robot out of the water has to be easy
Polaris ERA 820 lists “Standard” for retrieval, while Polaris ERA 842 Smart lists “Easy Lift”. This matters if you will lift it, move it, take it somewhere or put it away after each use.
- Polaris ERA 820
- Good
- Polaris ERA 842 Smart
- Better fit
I want to steer it to a spot it missed
Some models only respond at the surface, so check the supported mode and the connection state before you count on steering it remotely.
- Polaris ERA 820
- Depends
- Polaris ERA 842 Smart
- Better fit
My pool is large or nearly 50 feet
Both models list “60 ft swivel” for cable. Both models show the same result for “Cable”, so this row won't decide between them.
- Polaris ERA 820
- Similar
- Polaris ERA 842 Smart
- Similar
In practice
Differences you will notice
Where these two really part ways
Polaris ERA 842 Smart is the better match for “I want an app for controls and status” and “I want it to clean on a repeating schedule”.
How we worked this out
This lines up the current strong and useful fit ratings for the exact products. It does not roll them into one overall score.
These needs do not split the pair
Both meet the same 2 of the 2 needs this comparison is built around, so the choice comes down to “app” and “retrieval”.
How we worked this out
Both products are checked against the same needs. The first verified differences still standing are named here.
Models that handle “My pool is large or nearly 50 feet” and “I would like to empty the filter less often”
9 of the 27 robot pool cleaners checked handle both “My pool is large or nearly 50 feet” and “I would like to empty the filter less often”. Both make the cut.
How we worked this out
You can reproduce the count by filtering the current category for models with a strong or useful fit on both needs.
Option A
Polaris, FERA820
ERA 820
This plain corded Polaris comes with a four-liter top canister, a 60-foot cable, a caddy and a cover.
- Best for
- Large in-ground pools where you want solid floor and wall cleaning and no app controls
Facts we checked
- A 60-foot swivel cable comes with the ERA 820.
- Its 2.5-hour cycle covers the floor and walls.
- It comes with a four-liter canister, caddy and cover.
Option B
Polaris, FERA842
ERA 842 Smart
This connected ERA model lets you select zones, set schedules and pull it out with Easy Lift.
- Best for
- App scheduling and easier water removal on a 60-foot-cable Polaris setup
Facts we checked
- A 60-foot swivel cable and a four-liter canister are used.
- iAquaLink gives you scheduling and remote cycle control.
- Front-and-rear brushes, Easy Lift, a caddy and a cover come with it.
Spec by spec
Where they really differ
| Spec | Polaris ERA 820 | Polaris ERA 842 Smart | In practice |
|---|---|---|---|
| App | No | iAquaLink | Setup and everyday use depend on it more than the core physical job does. |
| Retrieval | Standard | Easy Lift | It counts if you plan to lift it, move it, travel with it or store it after every use. |
| Canister | 4 liters | 4 liters | Both models show the same result for “Canister”, so this row won't decide between them. |
| Cable | 60 ft swivel | 60 ft swivel | Both models show the same result for “Cable”, so this row won't decide between them. |
Trade-offs
What each pick costs you
With Polaris ERA 820
- Floor and walls are the only listed zones, so there is no waterline cleaning.
With Polaris ERA 842 Smart
- Polaris lists floor and floor-plus-wall zones, with no dedicated waterline mode.
By the numbers
What the data shows
What we found across the robot pool cleaners we compare, plus the checked facts behind each finding.
How many fit
Only 9 of the 27 models checked meet every need here: “My pool is large or nearly 50 feet” and “I would like to empty the filter less often”.
9 models fit, out of 27 checkedShow the facts and the math
How we countedThe count uses each product's current fit ratings for “My pool is large or nearly 50 feet” and “I would like to empty the filter less often”. A need with no documented match is not counted.
| Product | Needs it meets | Facts we checked | Sources |
|---|---|---|---|
| Polaris ERA 820 |
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| Polaris ERA 842 Smart |
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Ready to buy
See today’s price and what owners say
Open either model on Amazon for the current price, customer reviews and delivery options.
Polaris ERA 820
You can do without an app.
See price & reviews on AmazonPolaris ERA 842 Smart
iAquaLink scheduling appeals to you.
See price & reviews on AmazonEach link opens in a new tab.
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