When choosing a robotic pool cleaner, homeowners often weigh the value of high-end precision against affordable reliability. In Maytronics’ respected Dolphin lineup, the Dolphin M400 vs Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus represent two distinct tiers of cleaning technology. The M400 is an elite model packed with smart navigation, enhanced scrubbing, and intelligent automation. In contrast, the Nautilus CC Plus is a dependable mid-range unit, well-suited for basic in-ground pool maintenance.
While both machines offer floor and wall cleaning, the differences in power, mobility, filtration capacity, and app features can significantly impact your pool care routine. In this detailed comparison of the Dolphin M400 vs Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus, we explore every relevant category to determine which robotic cleaner best aligns with your expectations for performance, efficiency, and long-term value.
Contents
Differences Between Dolphin M400 vs Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus
Build Quality and Handling
The Dolphin M400 is engineered with a premium-grade shell designed to resist wear, UV rays, and harsh pool chemicals. Its solid construction, 25 lb weight, and ergonomic handle give it a professional, heavy-duty feel. It includes a transport caddy, making storage and movement seamless.
The Nautilus CC Plus, at just 19 lbs, is lighter and easier to carry for most users. While the plastic build is durable enough for regular residential use, it lacks the structural reinforcement and premium materials found in the M400. No caddy is included, and users must manually coil the non-swivel cable after each use.
Winner: Dolphin M400
With a robust chassis, caddy inclusion, and heavier-duty materials, the M400 delivers more durability and convenience.
Cleaning Coverage and Surface Reach
The M400 offers comprehensive coverage across the floor, walls, and waterline, making it suitable for pools that accumulate scum lines or suffer from high debris levels. The robot’s SmartNav™ system and gyroscope allow it to climb and scrub consistently without missing areas.
The Nautilus CC Plus, while still capable on the floor and walls, does not clean the waterline. For pools prone to buildup near the water surface, this means extra manual brushing may be needed. The cleaner’s CleverClean™ navigation works well in simple pool layouts but lacks the sophisticated pathing of the M400.
Winner: Dolphin M400
For full 3-surface cleaning and enhanced edge coverage, the M400 clearly outperforms.
The M400 is equipped with SmartNav™ navigation and a gyroscopic sensor, enabling it to map your pool’s shape and develop optimal cleaning routes. It minimizes overlap, adapts to curves and stairs, and reacts in real-time to obstacles or shape variations.
In comparison, the Nautilus CC Plus uses a more basic CleverClean™ algorithm, which performs adequately in rectangular or standard-shaped pools but can be less precise in complex environments. It lacks adaptive mapping and real-time recalibration.
Winner: Dolphin M400
Smarter navigation and advanced gyroscopic mapping give the M400 a strategic advantage in pool efficiency.
Scrubbing Power and Brush System
The M400 uses dual active brushes, meaning they rotate independently at high speeds to scrub away tough dirt and algae. The forward and rear-mounted brushes ensure thorough cleaning on textured surfaces and vertical climbs.
The Nautilus CC Plus also includes two brushes, but they are standard rollers, which rotate at the same pace as the robot’s wheels. While still effective for general cleaning, they lack the aggression and independence of the M400’s active brushes.
Winner: Dolphin M400
For deeper cleaning and superior agitation, the dual active brushes on the M400 are far more effective.
Filtration and Debris Handling
The M400 features a top-loading multi-layer filter basket that separates large and fine debris into different zones. This allows for better water flow, easier cleaning, and longer cycles without clogging. The basket is spacious enough for high-debris environments, making it ideal for pools with trees or heavy pollen exposure.
The Nautilus CC Plus comes with fine cartridge filters, also top-loading, but without multi-layer separation. This limits filtration versatility and requires more frequent rinsing in dirt-heavy scenarios.
Winner: Dolphin M400
With a larger and more efficient multi-layer basket, the M400 offers superior filtration capacity and less maintenance.
Mobility and Traction
The M400 uses the PowerStream Mobility System, which directs water jets to enhance wall climbing, improve directional shifts, and help the robot maintain contact with all surfaces—flat or vertical.
The Nautilus CC Plus moves on standard tracked wheels, which work well on smooth pool floors but may slip on slick or steep walls, especially in deeper pools.
Winner: Dolphin M400
PowerStream propulsion ensures better traction and climbing consistency in all pool environments.
Cable Design and Tangle Prevention
The M400 includes a 60-foot swivel cable that actively prevents tangling, enabling smooth navigation during long or complex cleaning cycles.
The Nautilus CC Plus comes with a 60-foot standard cable without a swivel mechanism. Over time, this can lead to cable twisting, requiring users to reposition or untangle it manually.
Winner: Dolphin M400
Swivel cable technology reduces hassle and downtime during cleaning.
Smart Features and Scheduling
The M400 supports Bluetooth control via the MyDolphin App, which enables users to schedule cleanings, start or stop cycles, and monitor cleaner performance within Bluetooth range. It also offers a weekly scheduler that can run the unit automatically on selected days.
The Nautilus CC Plus also includes a weekly scheduler, but it lacks app compatibility, remote control, or smart diagnostics. All settings are handled manually via the power supply.
Winner: Dolphin M400
For automation, scheduling, and app integration, the M400 provides a smarter user experience.
Quick Rundown Of Dolphin M400
Quick Rundown Of Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus
Conclusion
Choose the Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus if you need a budget-friendly, dependable cleaner for basic maintenance in standard in-ground pools. It handles floor and wall cleaning well and is ideal for homeowners who want simple plug-and-play functionality without advanced tech or automation.
Choose the Dolphin M400 if you want a professional-grade robotic pool cleaner with deep scrubbing, smart navigation, waterline coverage, app control, and a high-capacity filtration system. It’s built for those who expect comprehensive, hands-free cleaning with premium reliability.
Overall Winner: Dolphin M400
With enhanced intelligence, deeper scrubbing, and smarter control, the Dolphin M400 is the superior choice for homeowners seeking maximum performance, durability, and pool-cleaning precision. It stands as the future-ready investment for hassle-free maintenance across every corner of your pool.