In the world of premium robotic pool cleaners, Maytronics stands out for consistently delivering top-performing models that combine precision engineering, deep scrubbing power, and user-friendly automation. Among the flagship models in the Dolphin M-Series, the Dolphin M400 vs Dolphin M500 represent two of the most advanced and capable residential units available. Designed for in-ground pools up to 50 feet, these models offer full surface cleaning, advanced navigation, and exceptional filtration systems.
While they share many high-end features, subtle differences in programmability, control, and customization make them suited to different user needs. In this detailed comparison of the Dolphin M400 vs Dolphin M500, we examine every element that impacts performance—from cleaning cycles and brush systems to connectivity and remote features—to determine which model delivers the ultimate value and efficiency for pool owners.
Contents
- Differences Between Dolphin M400 vs Dolphin M500
- Build Quality, Design, and Handling
- Pool Coverage and Cleaning Cycle Customization
- Navigation and Smart Scanning
- Scrubbing System and Cleaning Efficiency
- Filtration System and Debris Handling
- Mobility and Wall-Climbing Capability
- Cable Design and Tangle Prevention
- Smart Features and Remote Control
- Scheduling and Automation
- Quick Rundown Of Dolphin M400
- Quick Rundown Of Dolphin M500
- Conclusion
Differences Between Dolphin M400 vs Dolphin M500
Build Quality, Design, and Handling
The Dolphin M400 is built with rugged materials and a compact, symmetrical body that balances well during handling. At 25 pounds, it’s manageable for most users, especially with the included transport caddy. The clean design includes a centrally placed top handle for effortless pool retrieval.
The Dolphin M500 builds on this structure with a slightly heavier frame at 26.5 pounds, adding more internal hardware to support its advanced features. The added weight is well balanced and barely noticeable in use. It too includes a transport caddy, making movement and storage simple.
Winner: Tie
Both models offer premium build quality, ergonomic design, and easy transport with their included caddies.
Pool Coverage and Cleaning Cycle Customization
Both models are capable of cleaning in-ground pools up to 50 feet, covering the floor, walls, and waterline with precision. The M400 operates with a fixed 2.5-hour cycle, optimizing performance for a complete deep clean.
The M500, however, includes three selectable cycle options: 1.5 hours for quick clean, 2 hours for standard maintenance, and 2.5 hours for intensive cleaning. This level of customization allows users to adapt the cleaning time based on seasonal needs or usage frequency.
Winner: Dolphin M500
With adjustable cycle lengths, the M500 delivers greater flexibility for a variety of pool cleaning routines.
Both the M400 and M500 use SmartNav™ intelligent navigation, integrated with gyroscopic scanning to map the pool and generate optimal cleaning paths. These systems allow each robot to avoid obstacles, reduce cleaning overlap, and maximize surface contact.
The M500 adds Smart Drive Steering, which improves turning radius and allows for more refined directional control. This results in slightly more precise navigation, particularly around steps, curves, and unusual shapes.
Winner: Dolphin M500
With enhanced steering accuracy, the M500 has a slight edge in navigation performance.
Scrubbing System and Cleaning Efficiency
The M400 includes dual active brushes that spin at high speeds to scrub pool surfaces thoroughly. This system is highly effective at removing algae, calcium deposits, and other contaminants from the floor and walls.
The M500 features the same dual active brushes but adds a rear high-speed brush, boosting its ability to scrub the pool’s upper edge and waterline more aggressively. This third brush enhances contact with vertical surfaces and improves edge cleanliness.
Winner: Dolphin M500
The additional rear brush on the M500 increases scrubbing effectiveness, especially in high-debris or algae-prone environments.
Filtration System and Debris Handling
Both cleaners are outfitted with top-loading multi-layer filter baskets, which combine fine and ultra-fine filtration to capture large debris, fine particles, and microscopic contaminants in one session.
The filters are easy to remove, rinse, and reinstall. The baskets are spacious enough for multiple cleaning cycles, and the high-volume design reduces the frequency of emptying during heavy-use seasons.
Winner: Tie
Filtration systems are identical in structure and efficiency, ensuring high-end performance on both models.
Mobility and Wall-Climbing Capability
The M400 features PowerStream Mobility, a jet propulsion system that enhances grip and allows the robot to maintain constant surface contact during vertical climbs.
The M500 builds upon this with Smart Drive Steering, which improves maneuverability in complex pool shapes and allows for tighter turns on sloped or irregular surfaces. This contributes to better edge-tracing and corner coverage.
Winner: Dolphin M500
With more precise control and improved cornering, the M500 excels in pools with non-standard geometries.
Cable Design and Tangle Prevention
Both models use a 60-foot swivel cable, ensuring smooth rotation and preventing tangling during extended cleaning sessions. This cable system enables multi-directional movement without interruptions or manual adjustments.
The quality and design of the cable are identical between the M400 and M500, delivering equal levels of reliability.
Winner: Tie
Both units provide excellent anti-tangle performance with their swivel-equipped cables.
Smart Features and Remote Control
The M400 supports Bluetooth connectivity through the MyDolphin mobile app, offering basic remote functionality, cycle initiation, and diagnostics via smartphone.
The M500 takes this a step further with advanced remote control capabilities, providing manual steering, cycle selection, and cleaning mode customization through both the app and a dedicated handheld remote. This makes it ideal for users who want precise control and scheduling flexibility.
Winner: Dolphin M500
With both app and remote-based smart control, the M500 delivers superior user interaction and customization.
Scheduling and Automation
Both the M400 and M500 feature weekly schedulers, allowing users to program cleaning sessions at regular intervals. You can set the robot to clean daily, every other day, or every third day, automating your pool care without daily oversight.
Scheduling is managed via the external power supply or through the app in the case of the M500.
Winner: Tie
Both provide industry-leading scheduling automation for consistent maintenance.
Quick Rundown Of Dolphin M400
Quick Rundown Of Dolphin M500
Conclusion
Choose the Dolphin M400 if you want a powerful, intelligent robotic pool cleaner with all the essentials: advanced scrubbing, reliable navigation, multi-layer filtration, and smart scheduling. It’s ideal for users who prioritize deep cleaning without needing advanced customization features.
Choose the Dolphin M500 if you prefer ultimate control and flexibility, with adjustable cleaning cycles, manual steering, and enhanced waterline performance. The M500 is built for pool owners who want premium results with maximum interaction and efficiency.
Overall Winner: Dolphin M500
With triple-brush scrubbing, advanced steering, remote control, and custom cycle settings, the Dolphin M500 leads in performance, precision, and convenience—making it the top choice for those seeking the highest level of robotic pool cleaning automation.