When it comes to superior pool maintenance solutions, the Dolphin M400 vs Dolphin M600 by Maytronics represent two of the most advanced robotic pool cleaners on the residential market. Engineered for in-ground pools, these high-end units deliver exceptional cleaning power, intelligent navigation, and robust construction. Both are designed to handle large pool sizes, offering full coverage of the floor, walls, and waterline, but subtle distinctions in design, filtration, and smart features may make one better suited for your pool than the other.
In this in-depth comparison of the Dolphin M400 vs Dolphin M600, we explore every key area that affects long-term performance and usability—ensuring you have all the information needed to choose the best robotic pool cleaner for your specific needs.
Contents
Differences Between Dolphin M400 vs Dolphin M600
Build Quality and Portability
Both the Dolphin M400 and Dolphin M600 are built with industrial-grade thermoplastics that are highly resistant to chlorine, UV exposure, and heavy wear. These units are solidly constructed for long-term use and come with a transport caddy included, making mobility and storage convenient for homeowners.
The M400 features a compact form factor with a centered handle and a lightweight 25 lb body that balances easily when lifting in and out of the pool.
The M600, although matching the M400 in weight, includes internal reinforcements to support its advanced drive and rear propulsion systems. This model offers a slightly larger footprint but feels just as balanced due to ergonomic design.
Winner: Tie
Both models are exceptionally well-built and easy to transport thanks to thoughtful design and caddy inclusion.
Cleaning Performance and Surface Coverage
The Dolphin M400 covers every area of the pool including the floor, walls, and waterline. It uses dual active brushes that rotate independently to scrub away algae, sediment, and debris on various pool surfaces. The M400’s 2.5-hour fixed cleaning cycle is optimized for deep, methodical coverage in larger residential pools.
The Dolphin M600 also cleans floor, walls, and waterline—but introduces a rear high-speed scrubber to enhance waterline cleaning, along with more powerful propulsion for deeper wall contact. It offers three cleaning cycle options—1.5, 2, and 2.5 hours—making it more flexible for regular maintenance or deep cleans depending on the pool’s condition.
Winner: Dolphin M600
With more aggressive scrubbing, enhanced propulsion, and selectable cleaning modes, the M600 provides superior adaptability and cleaning strength.
Both models rely on SmartNav™ technology for intelligent navigation, using onboard gyroscopes and mapping algorithms to scan the pool, avoid obstacles, and optimize cleaning paths. The M400 provides excellent route planning and avoids redundant passes in most residential pool layouts.
The M600, however, features SmartNav™ 2.0, an upgraded version with enhanced sensors and logic that allow it to recalibrate routes in real-time and improve performance in irregular or freeform pools. It also includes dual drive motors for better turning radius and more responsive movement.
Winner: Dolphin M600
The smarter navigation system with adaptive steering gives the M600 a clear edge in route optimization and efficiency.
Brush System and Scrubbing Efficiency
The M400 comes equipped with dual active scrubbing brushes, located at the front and rear, delivering thorough cleaning on most pool surfaces. These brushes spin at high speed to dislodge grime and biofilm effectively.
The M600 also includes dual brushes but adds a rear-mounted scrubber and more aggressive brush action on waterline passes. This enhances its ability to clean persistent waterline stains and heavily used pool edges.
Winner: Dolphin M600
The triple-brush configuration delivers more complete scrubbing coverage, especially on pool walls and edges.
Filtration System and Debris Handling
The M400 features a top-load multi-layer filter basket, which separates large debris from fine particles for better flow and longer filter life. The basket is easy to remove, rinse, and reinsert after each cycle.
The M600 expands on this design with an extra-large filter basket, capable of holding more debris per cycle. This is especially useful during leaf-heavy seasons or when cleaning pools that see heavy use.
Winner: Dolphin M600
Its higher capacity and superior debris handling reduce the frequency of filter maintenance.
Cable Design and Anti-Tangle Functionality
Both units include a 60-foot swivel cable designed to float on the water’s surface and prevent tangling as the robot moves through its cleaning paths. This keeps the robot operating efficiently without getting stuck or needing repositioning.
The M600 also features an anti-tangle sensor, which detects excessive cable twist and prompts the unit to reverse or adjust its rotation to prevent future tangling.
Winner: Dolphin M600
The added smart cable monitoring gives the M600 an edge in uninterrupted cleaning performance.
Smart Features and App Connectivity
The Dolphin M400 connects via Bluetooth through the MyDolphin App, allowing users to start and stop cleaning cycles and view limited diagnostics within Bluetooth range.
The Dolphin M600, however, offers Wi-Fi and Bluetooth integration through the MyDolphin Plus App, enabling remote access from anywhere. Users can schedule cleanings, monitor progress, receive maintenance alerts, and even update firmware via the cloud.
Winner: Dolphin M600
Its robust app ecosystem and full remote functionality create a much smarter, connected experience.
Automation and Scheduling
Both cleaners include an advanced weekly scheduler, allowing homeowners to automate cleanings based on their needs. The robot can be set to operate daily, every other day, or every third day without needing to reconnect or manually activate it.
With the M600, all of this can be done directly from the app—whether you’re at home or away. The M400’s scheduler is managed through the physical control panel or Bluetooth app when in range.
Winner: Dolphin M600
Remote scheduling and cloud connectivity make the M600 far more convenient for automation.
Quick Rundown Of Dolphin M400
Quick Rundown Of Dolphin M600
Conclusion
Choose the Dolphin M400 if you’re seeking a dependable, high-performance robotic pool cleaner with powerful scrubbing, intelligent navigation, and solid app support. It’s best suited for users who prefer simple, reliable operation without needing advanced customization or remote access.
Choose the Dolphin M600 if you want the most advanced features available in a residential robotic cleaner, including smarter navigation, enhanced scrubbing, larger debris capacity, and full cloud-based control. It’s ideal for tech-savvy users and larger pools with more complex cleaning needs.
Overall Winner: Dolphin M600
With its superior intelligence, cleaning power, and user control, the Dolphin M600 represents the pinnacle of residential robotic pool cleaning—offering unmatched convenience, flexibility, and long-term performance.