When choosing between two of Maytronics’ most trusted robotic pool cleaners—the Dolphin M400 vs Dolphin S300—pool owners face a decision between power and convenience. Both models are designed to handle in-ground pools up to 50 feet, offering exceptional performance, smart features, and reliable filtration systems. However, the M400 is a step up in ruggedness and wall-cleaning strength, while the S300 caters to homeowners looking for intelligent, lightweight design and effortless control.
In this detailed comparison, we break down how the Dolphin M400 and Dolphin S300 differ in every key aspect to help you choose the best robotic pool cleaner for your pool maintenance needs.
Contents
Differences Between Dolphin M400 vs Dolphin S300
Design Comparison
Both the Dolphin M400 and Dolphin S300 are built with durability and high-end performance in mind, but they diverge in how they balance weight and maneuverability. The Dolphin M400 features a rugged, heavy-duty frame weighing approximately 25 pounds. Its robust design is coupled with PowerStream mobility technology, using multi-directional water jets to increase wall grip and ensure steady vertical navigation. This is particularly valuable for deep pools or complex wall shapes.
The Dolphin S300, on the other hand, is significantly lighter at 18.5 pounds, making it easier to carry, lift, and store. Its design focuses on convenience, offering a sleeker profile without sacrificing wall or floor cleaning coverage. It lacks PowerStream propulsion but compensates with agile steering and smart pathing. Both cleaners come with a 60-foot tangle-free swivel cable, which ensures smooth coverage across the entire pool without cable twisting.
Winner: Dolphin S300
Its lighter build and easier handling make it the more user-friendly option for regular removal and storage.
Cleaning Performance Comparison
The Dolphin M400 stands out for its dual active brushes, rotating faster than the robot’s drive tracks to provide superior scrubbing power. This active brushing ensures that algae, fine particles, and biofilm are lifted effectively from pool surfaces. Combined with its PowerStream mobility system, the M400 delivers exceptional waterline scrubbing, staying firmly pressed against the wall for full height coverage. Its multi-layer filtration basket captures both fine and coarse debris in separate layers, minimizing clogging and maximizing cleaning efficiency. The M400 offers customizable cleaning cycles of 2 or 2.5 hours, allowing for full or extended cleanups depending on pool conditions.
The Dolphin S300 also features dual active brushes, giving it strong floor and wall cleaning capability. It performs well on the waterline, but without PowerStream, it may not hold grip as consistently on curved walls or steep inclines. The S300 uses a fine filter basket, effective for most residential debris such as dirt, sand, and small leaves. However, unlike the M400, it lacks a layered system, which means larger debris might require more frequent emptying. The S300 offers a quick clean cycle (1 hour) and a standard 2-hour cycle, giving users flexible options for fast maintenance or full cleaning.
Winner: Dolphin M400
With superior wall-hugging stability and advanced filtration, it delivers a more thorough clean in fewer passes and handles complex debris types more effectively.
Feature Comparison
Both models are equipped with Wi-Fi connectivity and integrate with the MyDolphin™ Plus App, enabling remote scheduling, cleaning mode selection, and status monitoring. The app experience is smooth and responsive on both models, allowing homeowners to manage their cleaning routines with ease.
The M400, however, incorporates PowerStream technology, which works alongside the app-based scheduling to improve real-time pathing and maintain grip on angled surfaces. While both robots clean effectively, the M400’s smart features are enhanced by its mobility system, ensuring coverage precision that is hard to match.
The S300 offers the same app features but without the benefit of dynamic propulsion. It still performs smart navigation and remembers pool layouts, but its adjustments are less responsive in unique pool geometries. Nevertheless, for most standard rectangular and oval pools, the S300 performs very efficiently.
Winner: Dolphin M400
PowerStream integration gives the M400 an edge in real-time navigation and terrain responsiveness, enhancing its smart features beyond app control alone.
Quick Rundown Of Dolphin M400
Quick Rundown Of Dolphin S300
Conclusion
Choose the Dolphin M400 if you want maximum cleaning power, enhanced navigation, and robust filtration for a pool that collects a variety of debris or has challenging architecture. It’s ideal for pool owners who prioritize top-tier performance, particularly in vertical cleaning and advanced filtration handling.
Choose the Dolphin S300 if you want a lighter, more convenient pool cleaner with smart connectivity and excellent cleaning coverage for everyday residential use. Its app integration, dual brushes, and efficient cycle options make it an outstanding solution for routine maintenance in standard-shaped pools.
Overall Winner: Dolphin M400
With superior grip, dual filtration layers, and stronger cleaning logic, the Dolphin M400 proves to be the more advanced and reliable robotic pool cleaner for homeowners who demand deep, consistent cleaning across all surfaces.