Dolphin Sigma
#1 at The Pool Nerd, 98 out of 100 at Robotic Reviews, “the best of the best” at Poolbots.
$2999$2349Save $650
The reviews are in
Rated the best pool robots you can buy.
USA Today, Forbes Vetted, The Spruce, Bob Vila and the pool industry’s hands-on testers have run every ProLine™ and Max-Series™ robot through real pools. Every verdict, in their own words, with a link to the source.
4.9 out of 510,500+ verified owner reviews See the reviewsAs reviewed by
Get the highlights.
“The best robotic pool cleaner you can buy.”
“This is the new king of pool robots.”
Four national publications send above-ground pool owners to the same robot.
“One of the most powerful pool cleaners I’ve ever tested.”
“For an above-ground or small in-ground pool, this is the Dolphin I would start with.”
“If you’re looking for the best of the best, the Dolphin Sigma is it.”
Every major reviewer agrees
The most awarded robots in the pool.
Reviewed, part of the USA TODAY Network, called the Dolphin Premier the best robotic pool cleaner you can buy. Forbes Vetted and The Spruce pick the Escape for above-ground pools. The Pool Nerd crowns the Sigma after testing more than 40 robots. Every award below links to the review that gave it.
4.9 / 5
Average owner rating across the ProLine™ and Max-Series™
10,500+
Verified owner reviews of the five robots
14
Publications and test sites, every one linked
98 / 100
Robotic Reviews’ score for the Sigma and the Premier
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Dolphin Premier
Best Robotic Pool Cleaner
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Dolphin Escape
Best for Above-Ground Pools
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Dolphin Escape
Best Robotic Pool Cleaner for Above-Ground Pools
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Dolphin Sigma
#1 Best Robotic Pool Cleaner
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Dolphin Sigma & Premier
98 out of 100
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Dolphin Escape
9.5 out of 10
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Dolphin Premier
9.6 out of 10
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Dolphin Premier
Strongest suction on the manometer
-
Dolphin Sigma
“The best of the best”
-
Dolphin Premier
Best Robotic Pool Cleaner of 2026
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Dolphin Premier
9.8 out of 10
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Dolphin Escape
Best Filtering
Awards and scores are quoted from the edition of each review or roundup in which they were given; publications revise their picks over time. Reviewed’s current roundup names the Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus Wi-Fi its Editor’s Choice, read it here.
The reviewers’ picks
Best overall
USA Today’s pick · best for leaves
Best value
Best for above-ground pools
Four needs, four verdicts.
Which Dolphin the testers reach for, by what your pool needs. Every pick links to the reviews behind it.
Dolphin Premier
“The best robotic pool cleaner you can buy” at Reviewed, 9.8 out of 10 at PoolPad, 9.6 out of 10 at Terra Hills.
$2499$1949Save $550
Dolphin Cayman
Best Value at The Pool Nerd, 9.8 out of 10 at PoolPad, 9.4 at Terra Hills and 93 out of 100 at Robotic Reviews.
$1299$1049Save $250
Dolphin Escape
The above-ground pick of Forbes Vetted, The Spruce, Real Simple, The Pool Nerd and Poolbots.
$999$659Save $340
“The best robotic pool cleaner you can buy.”
“The Dolphin Premier Robotic Pool Cleaner is the best robotic pool cleaner you can buy. It features wall-climbing capabilities and three filtration options. You can set a weekly cleaning schedule and let it run at its own leisure. It’s more expensive than other models, but in our opinion, its features make it well worth it.”
“This is the new king of pool robots.”
“It’s the Best Robotic Pool Cleaner I’ve ever tested.”
- Over the past five years I’ve tested more than 40 robotic pool cleaners in our test pool — everything from $100 budget bots to $4,000 flagships.
- For years, the Dolphin Premier held my number one spot. It is still a monster.
- You want the best robotic pool cleaner money can buy and you’re done babysitting a robot that parks on your main drain.
Four national publications send above-ground pool owners to the same robot.
“The Dolphin Escape Robotic Pool Cleaner is our top pick for above-ground pools thanks to its lightweight design.”
- Forbes Vetted: Best Robotic Pool Cleaner for Above-Ground Pools, in The 8 Best Robotic Pool Cleaners of 2026.
- The Spruce: Best for Above-Ground Pools, rated 4.7 out of 5 in its 2023 roundup.
- This Old House: Best Filtering, for “the power to tackle dirty pools with a lot of debris.”
“One of the most powerful pool cleaners I’ve ever tested.”
“Every robot runs in this pool for weeks — not a day, not a weekend. And for suction, I hook a hydro manometer directly to the intake port and measure PSI underwater.”
- Dolphin Premier 2.2 PSI
- Dolphin Sigma 2.0 PSI
- Dolphin Quantum Pro 1.9 PSI
- Dolphin Cayman 1.5 PSI
- Dolphin Escape 1.5 PSI
- Beatbot AquaSense 2 Ultra 1.2 PSI
- Aiper Scuba X1 Pro 1.0 PSI
Suction pressure at the intake port, as logged in ActuallyUsed’s September 2026 ranking. Cordless rivals were measured on a full battery.
“The most advanced pool robot we’ve tested yet.”
“Having seen many, many robotic pool cleaners at work over the years, we can wholeheartedly say the Sigma is one of the best investments you can make for your pool.”
- Premier: “Our team of veteran pool owners gave the Dolphin Premier robotic pool cleaner thumbs up across the board.”
- Quantum: “A workhorse for your pool.”
- Escape: “Cleaned extremely well, even better than we anticipated for a robotic pool cleaner of this price range.”
“For an above-ground or small in-ground pool, this is the Dolphin I would start with.”
“Mine spent four years in chlorine and Texas sun without a major ProLine component failing.”
- The Cayman is easy to recommend because it automates the part cheaper robots leave manual.
- It scrubs, carries a large basket, and runs at full power for the whole cycle.
“If you’re looking for the best of the best, the Dolphin Sigma is it.”
“Out of the 50+ robotic pool cleaners I have tested, the Dolphin Sigma is now my favorite.”
- Poolbots: 5 out of 5 after a month of testing in four different pools.
- Pool Express: 4.9 out of 5, its top Dolphin robotic pool cleaner of 2026.
- PoolPad: 9.8 out of 10, “the easiest pool robot I have ever used.”
ProLine™ reviews
The flagships, reviewed.
Commercial-grade motors, NanoFilters™ in the box and the longest warranties Dolphin offers. Here is what the testers said about the Sigma, the Premier and the Quantum.
“This is the new king of pool robots.” Justin D., The Pool Nerd · #1 of 40+ robots tested
#1 Best Robotic Pool Cleaner
“This is the new king of pool robots.”
Read The Pool Nerd’s review
98 out of 100
“Having seen many, many robotic pool cleaners at work over the years, we can wholeheartedly say the Sigma is one of the best investments you can make for your pool.”
Read the Robotic Reviews review
2.0 PSI on the manometer
“That makes it one of the most powerful pool cleaners I’ve ever tested.”
Read the ActuallyUsed review
Most Advanced
“If you’re looking for the best of the best, the Dolphin Sigma is it.”
Read the Poolbots review
Top Dolphin robot of 2026
“Out of the 50+ robotic pool cleaners I have tested, the Dolphin Sigma is now my favorite.”
Read the Pool Express review
9.8 out of 10
“The easiest pool robot I have ever used.”
Read the PoolPad reviewAlso reviewed by The Pool Lab “the best residential pool cleaner money can buy”
“The best robotic pool cleaner you can buy.” Kate Ellsworth, Reviewed · part of the USA TODAY Network
Best Robotic Pool Cleaner
“The Dolphin Premier Robotic Pool Cleaner is the best robotic pool cleaner you can buy.”
Visit Reviewed by USA Today
#1 Overall Robotic Pool Cleaner
“After testing over 30 pool robots in my pool, I can confidently say the Dolphin Premier takes the crown as the Best Robotic Pool Cleaner.”
Read The Pool Nerd’s review
98 out of 100
“All in all, our team of veteran pool owners gave the Dolphin Premier robotic pool cleaner thumbs up across the board.”
Read the Robotic Reviews review
Strongest suction measured
“If you want the best robotic pool cleaner, this is it.”
Read the ActuallyUsed review
Tested by Bob Vila
“Really climbs the walls to scrub the tile/water line free from algae and bacteria.”
Read the Bob Vila review
9.6 out of 10
“Mine spent four years in chlorine and Texas sun without a major ProLine component failing.”
Read the Terra Hills reviewAlso reviewed by Poolbots 5 / 5, Best for Leaves Pool Express 4.9 / 5, Best Robotic Pool Cleaner of 2026 PoolPad 9.8 / 10
“The perfect intersection of power, convenience, and value.” Brian Williamson, Pool Express · Best Value Robotic Pool Cleaner of 2026
Best for Inground Pools
“This is the new Dolphin Quantum — and after a few weeks in my test pool, it might be one of the best robotic pool cleaners of the year.”
Read The Pool Nerd’s review
95 out of 100
“The Dolphin Quantum robotic pool cleaner is a workhorse for your pool.”
Read the Robotic Reviews review
1.9 PSI on the manometer
“1.9 PSI. That’s what this robot pulled on my gauge — the fourth-strongest suction reading I’ve ever logged, out of more than two dozen robotic pool cleaners.”
Read the ActuallyUsed review
Best Filter
“The Quantum is lightweight, it’s powerful, it’s easy to operate, and it uses a mere 180 watts of power.”
Read the Poolbots review
Best Value Robotic Pool Cleaner of 2026
“For those in search of the ultimate pool-cleaning machine, the Dolphin Quantum is the perfect intersection of power, convenience, and value.”
Read the Pool Express review
9.7 out of 10
“NanoFilters, XXL MaxBin, a Weekly Timer, and more combine for the Dolphin Quantum being the best value robotic pool cleaner we’ve seen yet.”
Read the PoolPad review
Max-Series™ reviews
More for less, according to the experts.
The Gen-2 MaxBin™, HyperBrush™ scrubbing and HyperGrip™ tracks at Max-Series™ prices. The Cayman and the Escape win the value and above-ground categories year after year, and the Quantum tops both lineups.
ProLine™ & Max-Series™ · Most Popular
Dolphin Quantum: the top Max-Series™ robot is also a ProLine™ robot.
Its 6 expert reviews, its owner rating and today’s price are in the ProLine™ chapter above.
Jump to the Quantum reviews ↑
“No other pool robot has this level of filtration and automation in this price range.” Justin D., The Pool Nerd · Best Value Robotic Pool Cleaner
Best Value Robotic Pool Cleaner
“No other pool robot has this level of filtration and automation in this price range.”
Read The Pool Nerd’s review
93 out of 100
“The Cayman stands out as the only Dolphin model in its price range equipped with a weekly timer.”
Read the Robotic Reviews review
9.8 out of 10
“There is not a better cleaner than the Dolphin Cayman in this price range.”
Read the PoolPad review
9.4 out of 10
“The Cayman is easy to recommend because it automates the part cheaper robots leave manual.”
Read the Terra Hills review
Best Budget Pick
“For the price? It’s one of the best pool cleaners I’ve tested.”
Read the ActuallyUsed review
Best Value
“The Cayman gives you a taste of premium robotic pool cleaning at just a fraction of the price.”
Read the Poolbots reviewAlso reviewed by Pool Express 4.7 / 5, Best Value Pool Cleaner of 2026
“In its price range, it delivers the best performance I’ve tested.” Justin D., The Pool Nerd · Best Above-Ground Robotic Pool Cleaner
Best for Above-Ground Pools
Visit The Spruce
Best Robotic Pool Cleaner for Above-Ground Pools
Read the Forbes Vetted roundup
Best Above-Ground Robotic Pool Cleaner
“In its price range, it delivers the best performance I’ve tested.”
Read The Pool Nerd’s review
91 out of 100
“The Dolphin Escape cleaned extremely well, even better than we anticipated for a robotic pool cleaner of this price range.”
Read the Robotic Reviews review
9.5 out of 10
“The first time I used the Dolphin Escape, I was blown away by its ability to clean so effortlessly.”
Read the Bob Vila review
Best Under $1,000
“The Dolphin Escape is one of the best values I’ve found for a robotic pool cleaner.”
Read the ActuallyUsed reviewAlso reviewed by Terra Hills 9 / 10 Poolbots 5 / 5, Best for Above-Ground Pools Pool Express 4.8 / 5, Best Above-Ground PoolPad 9 / 10 This Old House Best Filtering Real Simple Best for Above-Ground Pools
What every reviewer agrees on
Three things they keep coming back to.
Different pools, different testers, the same three findings.
The MaxBin™ wins them over.
Top-loading and rinsed clean in under a minute. Pool Express calls it its favorite filtration option of 50+ robots tested, The Pool Nerd calls the NanoFilters™ hands-down his favorite, and Terra Hills calls it the Escape’s best everyday feature.
Explore the filtration
They scrub, not just vacuum.
HyperBrush™ rollers spin twice as fast as a standard Dolphin brush. Reviewer after reviewer watched them lift algae and settled dirt that cordless robots at the same price leave behind.
See how they clean
Constant corded power beats a battery.
ActuallyUsed measured the suction with a manometer and found the corded Dolphins out-pull cordless flagships costing two to three times the price. Terra Hills sent the robot straight back in without waiting on a charge, and The Pool Nerd puts the running cost at pennies an hour.
Compare the lineup
The scorecard
Every score, side by side.
The numbers each test site gave the five robots, next to the rating from the owners who run one every week. A dash means that site has not reviewed the robot yet.
| Robot | Robotic Reviewsoverall score / 100 | PoolPadscore / 10 | Terra Hillsscore / 10 | Pool Expressrating / 5 | Poolbotsrating / 5 | ActuallyUsedmanometer test | The Pool Nerdverdict | Ownersaverage rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dolphin SigmaProLine™ flagship | 98/100 | 9.8/10 | — | 4.9/5 | 5/5 | 2.0 PSI | #1 Best Robotic Pool Cleaner | 4.9/5 · 2,189 reviews |
| Dolphin PremierProLine™ | 98/100 | 9.8/10 | 9.6/10 | 4.9/5 | 5/5 | 2.2 PSI, #1 | #1 Overall Robotic Pool Cleaner | 4.9/5 · 2,279 reviews |
| Dolphin QuantumProLine™ & Max-Series™ | 95/100 | 9.7/10 | — | 4.8/5 | 5/5 | 1.9 PSI | Best for Inground Pools | 4.8/5 · 2,159 reviews |
| Dolphin CaymanMax-Series™ | 93/100 | 9.8/10 | 9.4/10 | 4.7/5 | 5/5 | 1.5 PSI | Best Value Robotic Pool Cleaner | 4.9/5 · 1,993 reviews |
| Dolphin EscapeMax-Series™ | 91/100 | 9/10 | 9/10 | 4.8/5 | 5/5 | Best Under $1,000 | Best Above-Ground Robotic Pool Cleaner | 4.8/5 · 1,894 reviews |
Scores belong to their publishers and are quoted from the reviews linked above. ActuallyUsed measures suction pressure at the intake port with a manometer; higher is stronger.
Video reviews
The Pool Nerd · Dolphin Sigma
Daily Pool Cleaning Without Lifting a Finger: Dolphin Sigma Review
The Pool Nerd · Dolphin Premier
Dolphin Premier Review: I Tested 30 Robots and This Crushed Them All
The Pool Nerd · Dolphin Quantum
Dolphin Quantum Pro Review: Is This the Best Pool Robot of 2026?
The Pool Nerd · Dolphin Cayman
Automatically Clean Your Pool Without Breaking the Bank: Dolphin Cayman Review
The Pool Nerd · Dolphin Escape
Best Above-Ground and Small Inground Robotic Pool Vacuum: Dolphin Escape Review
ActuallyUsed · Dolphin Cayman
Best Pool Robot Under $1,000? Manometer Testing and Results: Dolphin Cayman Review
Poolbots · Dolphin Sigma
Dolphin Sigma Review: Is It the Best Robotic Pool Cleaner?
Poolbots · Dolphin Premier
Dolphin Premier Review: The King of Waterline Cleaning
See them work in real pools.
Filmed by the reviewers in their own backyards: unboxing, the first cycle, the full MaxBin™ and the manometer on the intake port. Each video opens on YouTube.
The Pool Nerd · Dolphin Sigma
Daily Pool Cleaning Without Lifting a Finger: Dolphin Sigma Review
The Pool Nerd · Dolphin Premier
Dolphin Premier Review: I Tested 30 Robots and This Crushed Them All
The Pool Nerd · Dolphin Quantum
Dolphin Quantum Pro Review: Is This the Best Pool Robot of 2026?
The Pool Nerd · Dolphin Cayman
Automatically Clean Your Pool Without Breaking the Bank: Dolphin Cayman Review
The Pool Nerd · Dolphin Escape
Best Above-Ground and Small Inground Robotic Pool Vacuum: Dolphin Escape Review
ActuallyUsed · Dolphin Cayman
Best Pool Robot Under $1,000? Manometer Testing and Results: Dolphin Cayman Review
Poolbots · Dolphin Sigma
Dolphin Sigma Review: Is It the Best Robotic Pool Cleaner?
Poolbots · Dolphin Premier
Dolphin Premier Review: The King of Waterline Cleaning
Owner reviews
Dolphin Sigma
4.9 / 5
2,189 owner reviews
Dolphin Premier
4.9 / 5
2,279 owner reviews
Dolphin Quantum
4.8 / 5
2,159 owner reviews
Dolphin Cayman
4.9 / 5
1,993 owner reviews
Dolphin Escape
4.8 / 5
1,894 owner reviews
Rated 4.9 out of 5 by the people who run one every week.
The experts test a robot for weeks. Owners live with one for years.
Dolphin Sigma
4.9 / 5
2,189 owner reviews
Dolphin Premier
4.9 / 5
2,279 owner reviews
Dolphin Quantum
4.8 / 5
2,159 owner reviews
Dolphin Cayman
4.9 / 5
1,993 owner reviews
Dolphin Escape
4.8 / 5
1,894 owner reviews
“Simply awesome how much debris it picks up. Very easy to clean with top loading cartridges. Happy to be done with bag systems.”Robert D.Dolphin Sigma · Verified purchase
“It’s expensive but worth it! When you use the ultra fine filter it picks up every speck of dirt. The app works great and I have no regrets buying the Sigma.”ThomasDolphin Sigma · Verified purchase
“The Dolphin Premier is a great robot. Put it in, set it, and 3 hours later your pool is clean.”VincentDolphin Premier · Verified purchase
“Performs better than expected… It does a much more complete job than I could do previously… Well worth the investment.”JoeDolphin Premier · Texas
“Definitely, this pool cleaner robot is doing great and making my life easier. Easy to use, reliable and requires minimum maintenance (super easy to clean). Love the way that clean the water line.”Edgardo A.Dolphin Quantum · Verified purchase
“Small and lightweight, yet powerful little machine. When I throw the Quantum in my pool, I find myself just watching the little guy go! … Cleans great; worthy investment.”Gary F.Dolphin Quantum · Verified purchase
“I absolutely love my Dolphin Cayman. It couldn’t be easier to use and maintain, and it does a great job cleaning my small, in-ground fiberglass pool.”Brad P.Dolphin Cayman · Maytronics.com verified review
“Florida pool owner here. My pool is not screened in and since I got this Dolphin Cayman, my pool has never been so clean.”Verified buyerDolphin Cayman · Florida
“Wish I had gotten this years ago for our above ground pool. … Very happy with the product. Good quality, works amazing at cleaning the pool.”Peter D.Dolphin Escape · Above-ground pool
“This has been the best purchase we have made for our above ground pool. … We purchased this and the pool has never been so clear.”Jessica N.Dolphin Escape · Verified purchase
Expert ratings, verdicts and quotations belong to their publishers; follow each link for the complete review. Owner ratings and counts are the verified-purchase figures shown on each robot’s page; owner quotes are from public retail and dealer listings, with names shortened. Results vary with pool size, shape and debris.
Questions
Which Dolphin do the reviews point to?
Which Dolphin robotic pool cleaner has the best reviews?
The Dolphin Sigma and the Dolphin Premier. Robotic Reviews scores both 98 out of 100, The Pool Nerd names the Sigma its #1 robotic pool cleaner of 2026 after testing more than 40 robots, and Reviewed, part of the USA TODAY Network, called the Premier the best robotic pool cleaner you can buy. Owners rate both 4.9 out of 5.
Which Dolphin is the best robot for leaves?
The Dolphin Premier. It is the only Dolphin with Multi-Media™ filtration and an oversized leaf bag, which is why Poolbots names it Best for Leaves and PoolPad calls it the best pool cleaner for leaves. ActuallyUsed also measured the strongest suction of any robot it has tested on the Premier.
Which Dolphin do reviewers recommend for above-ground pools?
The Dolphin Escape. Forbes Vetted, The Spruce, Real Simple, The Pool Nerd, Poolbots, PoolPad and Terra Hills all pick it for above-ground and small in-ground pools, and Bob Vila scored it 9.5 out of 10. Step up to the Cayman when you want wall climbing and a weekly timer.
Which Dolphin is the best value?
The Dolphin Cayman. The Pool Nerd rates it the Best Value Robotic Pool Cleaner, Robotic Reviews scores it 93, PoolPad 9.8 out of 10 and Terra Hills 9.4 out of 10, because it is the only robot in its price range with a weekly timer. If you want NanoFilters™ and waterline cleaning included, the Quantum is the best-value ProLine™ robot.
Are these reviews independent?
Yes. Every quote, score and award on this page belongs to the publication that wrote it, and every card links to the full review so you can read it in context. We are an authorized Dolphin dealer and did not write or edit any of the reviews. Owner ratings and counts come from verified purchases of each robot.
Where can I buy the Dolphin robots the experts recommend?
Right here. Every ProLine™ and Max-Series™ robot on this page ships free with the full Maytronics manufacturer warranty, a price match guarantee and support from Dolphin specialists. Add a robot to your cart from its review block, or compare every model side by side.
Bring the reviewers’ pick home.
Every ProLine™ and Max-Series™ robot ships free with the full Maytronics warranty and a price match guarantee. Our Dolphin specialists will match your pool to the right one.