For homeowners with large in-ground pools, premium robotic pool cleaners like the Dolphin Active 60 vs Dolphin M600 offer the highest level of cleaning automation, filtration efficiency, and intelligent navigation. Both models are developed by Maytronics and deliver superior coverage, smart app integration, and multi-surface cleaning capabilities.
However, while they appear similar on the surface, critical differences in suction power, filtration capacity, navigation intelligence, and user convenience set them apart. This comprehensive comparison will highlight all the key features to help you decide which model offers the best value for your pool.
Contents
Differences Between Dolphin Active 60 vs Dolphin M600
Design Comparison
The Dolphin Active 60 is designed for in-ground pools up to 50 feet and offers an industrial-grade body reinforced with high-traction tracks for smooth movement on any pool surface. Weighing 24.6 pounds, it remains manageable to lift and deploy. The 60-foot swivel cable ensures excellent reach across large pools without tangling, supporting uninterrupted cleaning cycles from end to end.
The Dolphin M600 builds on this robust foundation, increasing the weight slightly to 25.8 pounds while enhancing the internal navigation system and chassis strength. Like the Active 60, it features a 60-foot swivel cable, which handles even the most irregular pool layouts without coiling. The M600 also includes Pick-Me-Up mode, which allows the robot to surface and stay in place at the pool wall for easy retrieval—an exclusive feature not present in the Active 60.
Winner: Dolphin M600
While both models are built for heavy-duty cleaning in large pools, the M600’s enhanced user convenience and intelligent retrieval feature give it the design advantage.
Cleaning Performance Comparison
The Dolphin Active 60 delivers strong all-around performance with its dual active brushes, which spin independently to scrub and agitate dirt, biofilm, and debris from the pool floor, walls, and waterline. It operates at a suction rate of 4,500 GPH, pulling debris into a multi-layer top-load filtration basket designed to separate large debris from ultra-fine particles. The unit supports adjustable cycle times of 1.5, 2, or 2.5 hours, providing flexibility depending on pool size and dirt load.
The Dolphin M600 features a similar scrubbing mechanism but upgrades the system with a more powerful 5,000 GPH suction rate. This increased flow helps it handle tougher jobs and pull in larger debris more efficiently. Its extra-large filter basket allows it to hold more waste, reducing the frequency of filter cleaning, especially during heavy-use periods or after storms.
Both robots provide comprehensive coverage, including vertical wall cleaning and aggressive waterline scrubbing, thanks to their tracked drive systems and dynamic brushing. However, the M600’s stronger suction and superior debris retention give it an edge in performance consistency.
Winner: Dolphin M600
With greater suction power and a larger filter system, the M600 outperforms the Active 60 in both cleaning depth and maintenance intervals.
Feature Comparison
The Dolphin Active 60 is Wi-Fi enabled and connects to the MyDolphin™ Plus App, where users can start or pause cleaning cycles, schedule weekly routines, and choose the desired cleaning duration. It supports three cleaning cycles, enabling fast cleanups or deeper scrubbing sessions as needed. The app interface is intuitive, giving users full remote control and notifications.
The Dolphin M600 includes all these features but adds significant upgrades. Its Pick-Me-Up mode brings the robot to the edge of the pool for easy access, removing the need to fish the unit from the deep end. It also features more advanced multi-sensor navigation, which allows it to respond dynamically to pool contours, depth changes, and stair zones, ensuring optimal cleaning pathing.
Both models include CleverClean™ navigation enhanced by gyroscopes, but the M600 layers in more adaptive learning and real-time adjustments. This allows the M600 to maintain its route precision even in freeform or custom-designed pools.
Winner: Dolphin M600
The M600 offers superior smart features, a more adaptive navigation system, and easier day-to-day usability, clearly standing above the Active 60 in feature depth.
Quick Rundown Of Dolphin Active 60
Quick Rundown Of Dolphin M600
Conclusion
Choose the Dolphin Active 60 if you want a dependable, high-performance pool robot for routine cleaning in large residential pools. It provides strong scrubbing, flexible cleaning cycles, and app integration—all at a premium price that’s still below flagship level.
Choose the Dolphin M600 if you need the best-in-class robotic pool cleaner with the most suction, smartest navigation, and largest debris handling. It’s ideal for complex pools, those with frequent debris accumulation, or homeowners who want full automation with minimal effort.
Overall Winner: Dolphin M600
With stronger suction, more intelligent navigation, a larger filter, and smart user features like Pick-Me-Up mode, the Dolphin M600 stands out as the more advanced, capable, and user-friendly robotic pool cleaner. For those who want the highest level of cleaning performance and convenience, the M600 is the ultimate choice.