In the competitive world of robotic pool cleaners, two models in the Dolphin lineup stand out as premium choices for in-ground pool owners: the Dolphin M400 vs Dolphin Nautilus CC Supreme. Both are designed to clean pool floors, walls, and the waterline with high efficiency, yet each caters to a different type of user—one emphasizing automation and intelligence, the other focused on raw power and cloud connectivity.
While both cleaners promise superior cleaning performance, the differences in navigation systems, control options, filtration design, and smart features can heavily influence long-term usability. In this comprehensive comparison of the Dolphin M400 vs Dolphin Nautilus CC Supreme, we break down all the specifications and capabilities so you can make an informed decision that fits your pool care needs and expectations.
Contents
Differences Between Dolphin M400 vs Dolphin Nautilus CC Supreme
Design, Build Quality, and Handling
The Dolphin M400 is engineered for long-term use with a reinforced thermoplastic body that resists corrosion, UV damage, and chemical exposure. It comes with a premium transport caddy that makes transportation and storage easy. The robot weighs approximately 25 pounds and has an ergonomic handle for hassle-free lifting.
The Nautilus CC Supreme, while slightly lighter at 24.6 pounds, does not include a caddy by default. It maintains a modern aesthetic and durable shell construction but lacks the same robust feel of the M400. While still sturdy and reliable, users may find handling less convenient without the additional support accessories.
Winner: Dolphin M400
With caddy inclusion and industrial-grade build, the M400 stands out for ease of transport and rugged durability.
Cleaning Coverage and Efficiency
The M400 offers complete floor, wall, and waterline cleaning with a fixed 2.5-hour cycle. It uses a dual-brush system and gyroscopic navigation to ensure optimal surface contact and cleaning precision.
The Nautilus CC Supreme also delivers 3-surface cleaning but offers three selectable cycles—1.5, 2.5, or 3.5 hours—providing more flexibility depending on your pool’s condition. Whether you want a quick clean or an extended deep scrub, this model can adapt accordingly.
Winner: Dolphin Nautilus CC Supreme
The ability to choose between cycle durations gives the Supreme greater versatility in everyday use.
The Dolphin M400 uses SmartNav™ technology combined with gyroscopic sensors to scan your pool and plan the most efficient cleaning path. It avoids obstacles and reorients itself intelligently when encountering ladders, drains, or complex shapes.
The Nautilus CC Supreme relies on CleverClean™ technology enhanced with smart sensors to guide its navigation. While less complex than the gyroscopic model in the M400, it still delivers high-accuracy coverage for most residential pools and recalibrates effectively in mid-clean.
Winner: Dolphin M400
With gyroscopic scanning and advanced pool mapping, the M400 wins in precision navigation and efficiency.
Brush and Scrubbing Performance
The M400 is equipped with dual active brushes that rotate independently of the drive system. These brushes work on all pool surfaces—plaster, vinyl, fiberglass, or tile—and remove stubborn algae and dirt effectively.
The Nautilus CC Supreme features triple active scrubbing brushes, one of which is a rear high-speed brush. This added component increases its scrubbing power on tough surfaces and gives it a performance edge when handling waterline grime or textured tiles.
Winner: Dolphin Nautilus CC Supreme
With an extra active brush, the Supreme offers enhanced agitation and deeper overall scrubbing strength.
Filtration System and Debris Handling
The M400 uses a multi-layer top-load filter basket with fine and ultra-fine mesh zones to trap both large debris and microscopic particles in a single pass. The large-capacity basket reduces the frequency of cleanouts during peak debris seasons.
The Nautilus CC Supreme is equipped with dual top-load filter cartridges, separating fine and ultra-fine filters that can be swapped out based on conditions. This modular system gives users more control but requires regular maintenance and occasional switching between cartridges.
Winner: Dolphin M400
With an integrated multi-layer basket and higher debris volume, the M400 is more efficient for heavy-duty filtration.
Mobility System and Traction
The M400 features PowerStream Mobility, a system that uses water jets to improve grip and control during wall climbs and sharp turns. It ensures continuous contact with surfaces, even in deep pools or curved walls.
The Nautilus CC Supreme runs on a dynamic dual-drive system, offering strong traction and responsive steering. While capable of climbing and maneuvering well, it doesn’t benefit from jet propulsion, which limits the fluidity of its vertical transitions compared to the M400.
Winner: Dolphin M400
Jet-powered climbing and surface stability give the M400 superior mobility in challenging pool geometries.
Cable Design and Anti-Tangle Features
Both the M400 and the Nautilus CC Supreme feature a 60-foot swivel cable designed to prevent tangling during cleaning. This feature is crucial for uninterrupted performance in larger or irregularly shaped pools.
Both systems perform reliably in this regard, and neither model experiences frequent cable wrap issues thanks to the integrated swivel design.
Winner: Tie
Each unit includes industry-standard cable management that works as intended for its pool size.
Smart Features and App Control
The Dolphin M400 connects via Bluetooth to the MyDolphin App, enabling users to schedule cycles, view performance data, and manually start or stop the cleaner from a short range.
The Nautilus CC Supreme, however, connects via both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, integrating with the MyDolphin Plus App. This allows users to control the cleaner remotely, even when away from home. The app supports cycle selection, delayed start, diagnostics, and firmware updates over the cloud.
Winner: Dolphin Nautilus CC Supreme
With full remote access, app scheduling, and enhanced connectivity, the Supreme leads in smart automation.
Quick Rundown Of Dolphin M400
Quick Rundown Of Dolphin Nautilus CC Supreme
Conclusion
Choose the Dolphin M400 if you want a rugged, professional-grade robotic cleaner with advanced navigation, powerful wall-climbing, and a high-capacity filter basket. It’s ideal for users who want efficient, intelligent cleaning with minimal babysitting, especially in pools with complex surfaces or deep ends.
Choose the Dolphin Nautilus CC Supreme if you prefer a more connected and flexible cleaner, equipped with triple scrubbing brushes, customizable cleaning cycles, and remote operation via app. It’s best suited for tech-savvy users looking for smart control and agile performance without stepping into commercial-grade pricing.
Overall Winner: Dolphin M400
While both models are exceptional, the Dolphin M400 edges ahead with smarter navigation, better mobility, and greater filtration capacity, making it the top-tier choice for serious pool owners seeking precision, consistency, and longevity in robotic pool cleaning.