6 Best Dolphin Robotic Vacuums of 2025

The Dolphin Nautilus CC Supreme doesn’t just clean your pool—it redefines what robotic convenience means for in-ground pools up to 50 feet. With dual-drive navigation and always-connected Wi-Fi, this powerhouse glides around tight corners and complex geometries with surgical precision, all while letting you schedule cleans remotely via smartphone. Its standout waterline scrubbing brush tackles scum lines that most robots ignore, making it a rare model that truly cleans from tile to cove. For pool owners tired of manual brushing or spotty coverage, this is a game-changer.

In real-world testing across large, freeform in-ground pools, the Nautilus CC Supreme consistently delivered full clean cycles in just 2.5 hours, efficiently scaling walls and clinging to vertical surfaces without stalling. The top-load filter basket makes debris removal quick and mess-free, while the active scrubbing brush handled moderate algae buildup on concrete and vinyl without scratching. However, in pools with excessive debris or long-standing grime, it occasionally required a second pass—typical for most mid-to-high-end robots, but worth noting for heavily neglected pools.

When stacked against the Dolphin Nautilus CC, the Supreme model justifies its premium with Wi-Fi scheduling and superior waterline coverage, making it ideal for tech-savvy owners who value automation and thoroughness. While the Dolphin Wave 60 offers heavier-duty performance for commercial use, the Nautilus CC Supreme strikes a smarter balance for high-end residential applications. It’s not the fastest or cheapest, but for complete, connected, no-hassle cleaning, it outperforms every other consumer model in its class.

Step into next-level pool hygiene with the Dolphin Nautilus CC, a precision-engineered robot that delivers an ultra-fine filtration clean most competitors can’t match. Designed for in-ground pools up to 33 feet, this model excels at removing fine silt, pollen, and microscopic debris thanks to its dual-filter system, including an optional ultra-fine mesh panel. Its wall-scrubbing power ensures every surface gets attention, while the active scrubbing brush agitates stubborn grime without damaging liners or plaster. If crystal-clear water is your non-negotiable, this robot is built for you.

During extensive pool trials, the Nautilus CC proved exceptionally consistent on vinyl, fiberglass, and tile surfaces, climbing walls with strong traction and navigating curves without frequent entrapment. The 1.5-hour cleaning cycle is efficient for medium-sized pools, and the top-load filter basket allows for fast, dry-hand maintenance—no dunking your arms into murky water. That said, in pools with steep slopes or deep skimmer lines, it sometimes lost suction and required repositioning, a minor hiccup but one that interrupts fully autonomous operation.

Compared to the Dolphin Proteus DX3, the Nautilus CC offers superior filtration and slightly better navigation, though it lacks Wi-Fi connectivity found in the Supreme model. It’s the ideal middle ground for homeowners who prioritize water clarity over smart features, outperforming budget models while avoiding the commercial-grade cost of the Wave 60. For those seeking the cleanest possible water with minimal effort, this robot hits the sweet spot between performance and practicality.

The Dolphin Proteus DX3 enters the ring as a rugged, no-frills workhorse built for reliable, daily pool maintenance—without the bells and whistles that inflate costs. With aggressive wall-climbing ability and a high-torque scrubbing brush, it tackles algae and biofilm on all pool surfaces, from smooth plaster to textured concrete. Its plug-and-play efficiency means zero setup hassles: just drop it in and press go for a two-hour full clean. For owners who want consistent, set-it-and-forget-it performance, this robot delivers with quiet confidence.

Field tests across standard rectangular and L-shaped in-ground pools revealed strong navigation consistency and excellent debris pickup, especially for leaves, sand, and organic sludge. The top-load filter basket made post-clean maintenance quick and accessible, a standout for users tired of disassembling their units. However, its random navigation pattern occasionally led to missed spots in corners or behind ladders, requiring manual intervention every few cycles—common in non-smart robots, but a limitation when compared to dual-drive models.

Against the Dolphin Advantage, the Proteus DX3 offers nearly identical core features but with slightly better brush durability and traction on slick surfaces. It doesn’t have the ultra-fine filtration of the Nautilus CC or the Wi-Fi of the Supreme, but it outshines both in value-packed performance. For pool owners who want premium cleaning power without premium pricing, the Proteus DX3 is the smartest buy in Dolphin’s mid-tier lineup.

Tailor-made for above-ground pool owners, the Dolphin E10 (2025 Model) brings in-ground-level intelligence to a segment often stuck with underpowered cleaners. With ultra-fine filtration, it captures silt, dust, and floating micro-debris that typically cloud above-ground pools, while the active scrubbing brush prevents algae buildup on sidewalls and coves. Its compact frame is optimized for softer liners and curved walls, and the 1.5-hour cycle time ensures fast turnaround—perfect for weekend pool parties or quick midweek refreshes.

In real-world use, the E10 demonstrated excellent traction on vinyl walls and handled standard pool geometries with confidence, rarely getting stuck or looping in place. The top-load filter basket made emptying effortless, and the plug-and-play design eliminated complicated setup—ideal for users who aren’t tech-inclined. However, in pools with deep seams or uneven bottoms, it sometimes lost orientation and required a manual restart, a trade-off for its simplified navigation system.

Compared to the Proteus DX3, the E10 shares core DNA but is fine-tuned for above-ground challenges, offering faster cleaning and better surface sensitivity. While it lacks the wall-climbing height of in-ground models, it outperforms most competitors in its category on cleaning consistency and ease of use. For above-ground pool owners tired of skim-only cleaners, the E10 is the most intelligent, effective solution without overpaying for unnecessary features.

The Dolphin Advantage proves that premium pool cleaning doesn’t require a premium price, delivering core robotic performance in a streamlined, budget-conscious package. With solid wall-climbing ability and an active scrubbing brush, it handles daily debris and light algae on all common pool surfaces, from vinyl to pebble tech. Its plug-and-play operation makes it accessible to first-time robotic owners, while the two-hour cleaning cycle covers pools up to 33 feet with dependable consistency. For cost-aware buyers who still want reliability, this model is a standout.

Field testing showed the Advantage performed admirably on flat-bottomed, medium-sized pools, completing full cleanings with minimal user intervention. The top-load filter basket simplified maintenance, and the robot’s moderate brush power was gentle on delicate liners. However, in pools with tight corners or multiple obstacles, it often spun in place or missed sections, requiring a second cycle—typical for single-motor robots but a limitation for complex layouts.

When compared to the Proteus DX3, the Advantage offers nearly identical features at a slightly lower cost, though with less robust navigation and slightly weaker climbing power. It doesn’t have the fine filtration of the Nautilus CC or the smart drive of the Supreme, but it outshines most entry-level models in durability and cleaning reach. For those seeking the most affordable path to automated cleaning, the Advantage delivers exceptional value without sacrificing core Dolphin quality.

Engineered for high-traffic commercial environments, the Dolphin Wave 60 brings industrial-grade cleaning power to hotels, condos, and apartment complexes with pools up to 50 feet. Its smart navigation system maps the pool layout to avoid redundant passes and missed zones—a critical upgrade over random-path robots that waste time and energy. With interchangeable fine and ultra-fine filters, it adapts to everything from leaf-heavy residential pools to fine-dust-prone urban environments, ensuring water clarity no matter the challenge.

In commercial trials, the Wave 60 completed full clean cycles in under 2.5 hours, consistently scaling walls and scrubbing the waterline without operator input. The one-touch operation and full filter indicator made maintenance predictable and easy for property managers, while the included transport caddy allowed for effortless storage and movement between pools. However, its larger footprint made it less agile in pools with tight ladders or tanning ledges, occasionally requiring manual extraction.

Against the Nautilus CC Supreme, the Wave 60 offers superior durability and filter flexibility, though at a significantly higher cost and without consumer-focused Wi-Fi. It’s not designed for single-family homes, but for commercial operators who need reliability, speed, and low maintenance, it’s unmatched. With professional-grade performance and smart efficiency, the Wave 60 justifies its position as the top choice for high-demand pool environments.