In the world of elite robotic pool cleaners, the Dolphin M500 vs Dolphin M600 stand as two of the most respected and powerful machines engineered by Maytronics. These models are designed for in-ground pool owners who demand intelligent automation, comprehensive cleaning coverage, and exceptional filtration—all in a plug-and-play format that reduces manual intervention to nearly zero.
While both are loaded with advanced features and represent the best in class for residential cleaning, there are nuanced but impactful differences in their navigation systems, filtration design, app integration, and user handling. This article provides a detailed, side-by-side breakdown of the Dolphin M500 and Dolphin M600, helping homeowners determine which unit provides the most value, intelligence, and convenience for their pool cleaning needs.
Contents
Differences Between Dolphin M500 vs Dolphin M600
Cleaning Performance and Surface Coverage
The Dolphin M500 and M600 are both rated for in-ground pools up to 50 feet, with full coverage of the floor, walls, and waterline. However, the way they clean these surfaces differs significantly due to the technology driving their navigation systems.
The M500 operates on SmartNav 2.0™, a reliable system that guides the cleaner through efficient scanning and pattern-based navigation. It includes gyroscopic control, which helps maintain direction during vertical climbs and transition zones, ensuring the robot stays aligned when shifting between surfaces.
The M600, on the other hand, uses the SmartNav 3.0™ platform, which adds real-time adaptive scanning. This technology maps the pool as the cleaner moves, dynamically adjusting the route based on the pool’s shape and any obstacles encountered. It provides superior wall-to-floor transition coverage and avoids repetitive cleaning paths.
Winner: Dolphin M600
Its adaptive scanning and smarter path recalculations deliver more thorough coverage, especially in pools with irregular shapes, tanning ledges, or built-in features.
Filtration System and Debris Capacity
The M500 uses a top-loading filter cartridge system with multi-layer fine and ultra-fine filters, capable of capturing debris from leaves and insects to algae and sand. It performs efficiently in most conditions, but the cartridge volume can require more frequent emptying in high-debris environments.
The M600 is equipped with an extra-large top-load filter basket featuring dual-layer debris separation. This allows large debris to be captured in one section and fine particles in another, preserving suction strength throughout the cycle and reducing clogging.
Winner: Dolphin M600
Its superior debris handling capacity and dual-layer structure make it ideal for pools with dense foliage, fine sediment, or heavy weekly usage.
Brush System and Surface Scrubbing
Both models feature dual active scrubbers that spin at a higher rate than the unit’s travel speed. This mechanical advantage enables aggressive scrubbing of pool floors, walls, and waterline tiles.
The M500 performs exceptionally well on all surfaces, effectively removing algae and dirt buildup with its dual front brushes. The M600, however, enhances cleaning consistency by spacing brushes at both the front and rear, ensuring constant contact even during reversing or pivoting motions.
Winner: Dolphin M600
While both units scrub thoroughly, the M600’s dual-ended placement ensures non-stop contact during movement changes, improving total cleaning efficiency.
Waterline Cleaning Precision
Maintaining a clean waterline is critical for aesthetics and hygiene, and both the M500 and M600 are designed to tackle this tough-to-reach area.
The M500, with its gyroscopic navigation, reaches the waterline reliably but occasionally needs multiple passes to maintain consistent scrubbing pressure across the entire pool perimeter.
The M600 applies enhanced traction and adaptive route adjustments to reach the waterline more effectively, holding position longer and scrubbing more evenly, thanks in part to Lift-Out Assist, which helps align the robot’s movement at the waterline.
Winner: Dolphin M600
Superior traction and assisted vertical positioning result in a more polished, complete waterline clean in every cycle.
App Control and Connectivity
The Dolphin M500 connects via Bluetooth using the original MyDolphin App, providing users with access to basic controls, manual navigation, mode selection, and timer scheduling within close proximity.
The Dolphin M600 integrates with the newer MyDolphin Plus App, supporting WiFi connectivity for full remote access from anywhere. The M600 also includes Pro Mode, which offers expanded functionality like performance logs, custom cleaning routines, remote diagnostics, and even water temperature monitoring.
Winner: Dolphin M600
Its cloud-based connectivity and feature-rich app make it far more versatile and convenient for daily and long-term use.
User Handling and Retrieval
The M600, despite weighing slightly more, includes Lift-Out Assist, which brings the robot to the waterline and initiates a water purge, making it significantly easier to lift from the pool. The included premium caddy provides structured storage and portability.
The M500 also includes a caddy but lacks automated lift support. Retrieval must be done manually, which can be awkward when the unit is water-filled and located in the pool center.
Winner: Dolphin M600
The automated lift feature and self-draining function reduce strain and improve the overall user experience.
Cable System and Tangle-Free Operation
Both cleaners feature a 60 ft swivel cable, allowing for uninterrupted movement during long cycles. The swivel cable is critical in preventing tangles as the robot turns, pivots, and climbs walls.
While the cable hardware is essentially identical, the M600’s more efficient navigation helps reduce unnecessary cable movement, contributing to an even smoother cleaning cycle over time.
Winner: Tie
Both perform equally well in cable flexibility and anti-tangle design.
Quick Rundown Of Dolphin M500
Quick Rundown Of Dolphin M600
Conclusion
Choose Dolphin M500 if you want a robust, reliable robotic cleaner with excellent scrubbing performance, good app control via Bluetooth, and a track record of efficiency. It’s well-suited for those who prefer a proven system and don’t require cloud-based features or smart home integration.
Choose Dolphin M600 if you expect maximum performance, intelligent automation, larger debris handling capacity, and the most comprehensive app control experience. With enhanced navigation, advanced filtration, WiFi connectivity, and user-focused handling features, the M600 stands as the most capable and future-ready robotic pool cleaner in the residential segment.
Overall Winner: Dolphin M600
With more intelligent cleaning, better filtration, enhanced smart features, and superior handling convenience, the Dolphin M600 leads as the ultimate choice for homeowners seeking a fully automated and powerful pool maintenance solution.