A Sea of Small ROVs: 2025 Market Snapshot

The underwater ROV (Remotely Operated Vehicle) market has never been more dynamic. From open-source platforms to modular workhorses, 2025's landscape of small ROVs offers solutions for hobbyists, researchers, and industry professionals alike. Here's a breakdown of some of the key players dominating the scene.

🔧 BlueROV2 – The Open-Source Champion

Manufacturer: Blue Robotics

Release Year: 2016

Sold Units: 3,600+

Standout Feature: Full open-source control and 6 vectored thrusters

Best For: Custom projects, education, and DIY integration

Accessories: Ping360 scanning sonar, Water Linked DVL A50, Sonoptix Echo multibeam

Website: BlueROV2

🌊 Blueye X3 – Sleek, Scandinavian Design

Manufacturer: Blueye Robotics

Release Year: 2021

Design: Streamlined with 4 thrusters and 3 guest ports

Sensor Options: Tritech Micron, Blueprint Oculus

USBL/DVL Compatibility: Water Linked A50

Website: Blueye X3

⚙️ Chasing M2 PRO – Affordable and Expandable

Manufacturer: Chasing

Features: 8 thrusters, omni-directional movement, extensive payload support

DVL/USBL Options: Cerulean, Blueprint, and Tritech sonar compatibility

Website: Chasing M2 PRO

🛡️ Deep Trekker Revolution – Robust & Modular

Manufacturer: Deep Trekker

Release Year: 2019

Features: Carbon fibre shell, extensive accessory integration

Sonar Suite: Imagenex 852, Oculus C550d, Side Scan

Multibeam Options: Oculus M Series 

Website: Revolution

🛰️ Deep Trekker Pivot – Versatile and Proven

Manufacturer: Deep Trekker

Release Year: 2021

Strengths: Solid performance in inspections, sonar options mirror the Revolution

Website: Pivot

🔩 JM Robotics HD1 & HD3 – Compact and Configurable

HD1: Released 2019, ~83 units sold

HD3: Newer (2023), just 8 units sold

Feature: Modular 6-DOF control, compact for field service ops

🐬 Oceanbotics SRV-8 – Built for Pros

Release Year: 2018

Description: Highly maneuverable, robustly built

Used In: Rescue, military, and commercial inspections