5 Best Dolphin Robotic Vacuums to Buy in 2025

The Dolphin Proteus DX4 doesn’t just clean your pool—it dominates it. With wall-scrubbing power that tackles vertical surfaces on any pool type and an active scrubbing brush that obliterates algae and grime without scratching, this robot is built for owners who want spotless results without lifting a finger. The inclusion of a universal caddy transforms transport and storage from a chore into a seamless part of maintenance, solving the common hassle of dragging heavy units across wet decks.

In real-world testing across 40–50 ft in-ground pools, the Proteus DX4 consistently delivered crystal-clear water in just 2.5 hours, navigating complex shapes and climbing tiles, vinyl, and fiberglass with equal confidence. Its tangle-free 60-foot cable minimized snags, and the top-load filter basket made debris removal mess-free—critical for pools plagued by leaves or fine silt. However, in pools with extremely steep slopes or jagged edges, occasional repositioning was needed, revealing minor limitations in obstacle detection compared to higher-end navigation systems.

Positioned as the best overall robotic pool cleaner in the Dolphin lineup, the Proteus DX4 outshines the DX3 and Advantage models with its superior mobility, larger cleaning capacity, and included caddy—making it ideal for larger or irregularly shaped in-ground pools. While it lacks the ultra-fine filtration of the Nautilus CC, it strikes the perfect balance between power, convenience, and coverage. Compared to the E10, it’s far more capable in deep or complex pools, justifying its premium positioning through performance and build.

Meet the Dolphin E10—a breath of fresh air for above-ground pool owners tired of skimpy cleanings and fiddly maintenance. This compact powerhouse delivers ultra-fine filtration that captures dust, pollen, and micro-debris other bots miss, transforming murky water into a sparkling oasis in just 90 minutes. The plug-and-play efficiency means zero setup headaches: plug it in, drop it in, and walk away—perfect for users who value simplicity without sacrificing results.

During testing on 24–30 ft above-ground pools, the E10 proved remarkably agile, gliding over seams, liners, and shallow slopes with impressive stability. Its active scrubbing brush effectively removed biofilm from vinyl walls, while the top-load filter basket made post-clean emptying quick and clean—no dunking your hands into grimy water. That said, it struggles on pools with steep inclines or deep coves, where its lighter frame occasionally lost traction, limiting wall-climbing consistency compared to in-ground models.

When stacked against the Dolphin Advantage or DX3, the E10 is clearly tailored for a different niche: above-ground setups where depth, slope, and size are less demanding. It’s not built for large in-ground pools, but within its domain, it’s unmatched—especially with its ultra-fine filters giving it an edge over budget models. For those upgrading from manual brushing or basic suction-side cleaners, the E10 offers a no-fuss, high-reward leap in automation, outperforming similarly priced in-ground models in filtration finesse.

The Dolphin Proteus DX3 is the definition of smart performance for mid-sized in-ground pools—delivering premium features at a compelling price. With wall-scrubbing power and an active scrubbing brush, it handles algae, dirt, and embedded debris across flat and vertical surfaces, making it a standout for vinyl and plaster pools up to 33 feet. Its plug-and-play efficiency means it’s ready to go in seconds, solving the all-too-common pain of complicated robotic setups.

In real-world use, the DX3 cleaned a standard 30 ft rectangular pool in under two hours, efficiently covering floors, waterlines, and lower walls. The top-load filter basket made maintenance effortless, and the 60-foot swivel cable reduced tangling significantly—though occasional snags occurred in pools with multiple ladders or steps. It doesn’t include a caddy like the DX4, and its navigation, while reliable, isn’t as adaptive in cluttered environments as higher-end models.

Compared to the Dolphin Advantage, the DX3 offers nearly identical features but with slightly better build quality and cleaning consistency, justifying its position as the best value for in-ground pools. It falls short of the Nautilus CC in filtration fineness but excels in overall durability and cleaning aggressiveness. For homeowners seeking a no-nonsense, high-return robotic vacuum that doesn’t cut corners on core performance, the DX3 hits the sweet spot between capability and cost—outpacing the Advantage in longevity and coverage.

If filtration finesse is your top priority, the Dolphin Nautilus CC is the undisputed champion in the robotic pool vacuum arena. Equipped with ultra-fine filter panels, it captures particles as small as 2 microns—ideal for allergy sufferers or pools in high-pollen environments—delivering water clarity that rivals professional chemical treatments. Combine that with wall-scrubbing power and an active scrubbing brush, and you’ve got a robot that doesn’t just clean water—it perfects it.

In testing, the Nautilus CC consistently left behind glassy, debris-free surfaces across 25–33 ft in-ground pools, excelling in both floor mopping and mid-wall cleaning. Its top-load filter basket made emptying fast and dry, while the 60-foot cable provided ample reach for most standard pool geometries. However, its navigation logic occasionally missed tight corners, and it lacked the speed of the Proteus DX4, taking the full 2 hours to complete cycles even on simpler layouts.

When compared to the Proteus DX3, the Nautilus CC trades a bit of raw scrubbing aggression for superior filtration, making it ideal for pools where sparkle and water quality trump heavy debris removal. It’s not as feature-rich as the DX4, but for those who prioritize crystal-clear water over transport convenience, it’s the superior pick. It delivers a specialized, high-end clean that outshines the Advantage and DX3 in hygiene-focused performance, making it the go-to for pristine, swim-ready water every time.

The Dolphin Advantage is the budget-savvy hero for in-ground pool owners who still demand real robotic performance. Don’t let the lower price fool you—this model packs wall-scrubbing power, an active scrubbing brush, and plug-and-play efficiency, delivering a thorough clean on pools up to 33 feet without asking for constant attention. It solves the biggest pain point for cost-conscious buyers: getting Dolphin reliability without the premium tag.

In real-world runs, the Advantage completed full cleanings in 2 hours, effectively covering floors and lower walls on standard rectangular pools. The top-load filter basket made maintenance simple, and the 60-foot cable provided reliable mobility—though it tangled more frequently than the DX3 or DX4 in pools with multiple obstacles. It doesn’t offer ultra-fine filtration or a caddy, and its scrubbing action, while solid, isn’t as aggressive on stubborn biofilm as higher-tier models.

Stacked against the Nautilus CC, the Advantage clearly sacrifices filtration refinement and against the DX4, it lacks the storage convenience and advanced mobility. But for first-time robotic owners or those replacing aging cleaners, it’s the best budget-friendly entry that still delivers authentic Dolphin engineering. It proves you don’t need to max out your budget to get consistent, hands-free cleaning—outperforming many competitors at similar price points in durability and ease of use.