For homeowners seeking a fully automated solution to pool maintenance, two of the most advanced robotic pool cleaners in the market stand out: the Dolphin M600 vs Dolphin Sigma. Both are engineered by Maytronics, a global leader in robotic pool cleaning technology, and are built to serve the needs of high-demand residential in-ground pool owners. However, despite being premium-tier models, the Dolphin M600 and Dolphin Sigma differ in design philosophy, features, and smart capabilities.
This comprehensive head-to-head comparison covers every important aspect, from cleaning coverage and filtration efficiency to navigation intelligence, scrubbing power, cable design, and app control. Whether your priority is intelligent automation, maximum scrubbing force, or the best filtration system on the market, this breakdown offers a clear and thorough comparison between two of Maytronics’ best offerings.
Contents
Differences Between Dolphin M600 vs Dolphin Sigma
Cleaning Coverage and Pool Size Suitability
The Dolphin M600 is purpose-built for in-ground pools up to 50 feet and excels in cleaning floors, walls, and the waterline. Its powerful SmartNav 3.0™ system continuously scans the pool’s geometry, allowing for intelligent route mapping with real-time recalibration. The M600 adapts to irregular pool shapes with precision and avoids redundant passes, maximizing both time and energy efficiency.
The Dolphin Sigma, equally rated for pools up to 50 feet, also offers complete surface coverage, including waterline scrubbing. Its SmartNav 2.0™ navigation, while efficient, is not as advanced as the M600’s third-generation system. Although Sigma’s triple-drive motors allow agile maneuvering, it lacks adaptive re-routing and dynamic path correction.
Winner: Dolphin M600
Smarter navigation logic and real-time route optimization give the M600 a performance edge in large and complex pool layouts.
Filtration Power and Debris Management
The M600 features an extra-large dual-layer filter basket, located at the top for easy access. Its internal layout separates coarse debris (like leaves and bugs) from ultra-fine particles (such as pollen and sand), enabling uninterrupted suction and fewer cleanouts per cycle. The high-capacity basket reduces maintenance for pool owners dealing with high debris loads.
The Sigma employs top-load filter cartridges with a combination of fine and ultra-fine filters. While its filtration is highly effective and traps even the smallest particulates, its overall filter volume is smaller, requiring more frequent emptying in high-debris environments.
Winner: Dolphin M600
With more filtration space and a layered filter design, the M600 offers better efficiency for long cleaning sessions and heavy-leaf pools.
Brush Design and Scrubbing Performance
The M600 utilizes dual active scrubbers, spinning independently from the wheels and located at both the front and rear. This ensures continuous contact and superior cleaning of floors, walls, and waterline tiles, even when reversing direction or climbing.
The Sigma uses dual high-speed brushes that also rotate faster than the unit’s drive speed. These are highly effective at breaking down debris and biofilm on all pool surfaces. However, the M600’s configuration ensures better surface contact, especially with Lift-Out Assist reducing drag as it exits the pool.
Winner: Dolphin M600
Its dual active scrubbers combined with balanced propulsion and traction deliver consistently deeper scrubbing across all pool surfaces.
Waterline Cleaning Efficiency
Both the M600 and Sigma are designed to clean the waterline, scrubbing the often-neglected scum layer where oils, debris, and chemical buildup collect. Each robot maintains vertical stability during wall climbing, ensuring proper brush contact at the waterline.
Where the M600 gains an advantage is in its weight distribution and drive system, which allow better wall grip and vertical hold. Additionally, the Lift-Out Assist helps the M600 reach the surface zone more effectively before self-draining for retrieval.
Winner: Dolphin M600
Stronger wall-climbing power and automated retrieval make its waterline cleaning more reliable and convenient.
Smart Features and App Connectivity
The Dolphin M600 integrates with the MyDolphin Plus App, offering full control via WiFi and cloud connection. Features include Pro Mode customization, remote start/stop, weekly scheduling, real-time water temperature data, and performance notifications. Pool owners can adjust cleaning intensity, monitor filter status, and program cleaning routines from anywhere.
The Dolphin Sigma connects via Bluetooth through a more limited version of the Dolphin app. While it allows for manual navigation and basic commands, it lacks WiFi capability, remote scheduling, and environmental data. This means all scheduling must be handled through the control panel with no cloud-based integration.
Winner: Dolphin M600
With broader app functionality, Pro Mode, and real-time smart features, it delivers a far more intelligent user experience.
The Sigma’s triple-drive motor system is one of its standout features. It provides agile, multi-axis movement, allowing the robot to pivot on the spot and maintain exceptional control on vertical surfaces. Combined with gyroscopic stabilization, it ensures good performance on steep inclines and tight corners.
The M600, while using a dual-drive motor system, compensates with smarter route planning and balanced traction. It relies more on software optimization and less on mechanical torque. This results in smoother operation but slightly less agility in tight vertical sections.
Winner: Dolphin Sigma
Its triple motor configuration gives it a small advantage in physical maneuverability, especially in vertically complex pools.
Cable Design and Anti-Tangle Features
The M600 features a 60-foot swivel cable, reducing the chance of tangling during cleaning cycles. The swivel design allows the robot to change directions and navigate around obstacles without cable knots or binding.
The Sigma, while also including a 60-foot cable, lacks a swivel joint. It uses a tangle-resistant design, but in longer cleaning sessions, the absence of a swivel mechanism may result in cord management issues.
Winner: Dolphin M600
The swivel cable ensures uninterrupted cleaning and saves time on cable adjustments after each use.
Handling, Weight, and Storage
The M600, at 24.6 lbs, is slightly heavier than the Sigma, but its Lift-Out Assist makes retrieval easier. It rises to the waterline and drains quickly for hassle-free lifting. Additionally, the M600 is sold with a deluxe transport caddy, providing convenient storage and mobility between uses.
The Sigma weighs around 24 lbs, offering similar mass but no automated lift system or included caddy. It must be manually retrieved, which can be cumbersome when filled with water.
Winner: Dolphin M600
Its assisted retrieval and bundled caddy provide a more user-friendly and ergonomic handling experience.
Quick Rundown Of Dolphin M600
Quick Rundown Of Dolphin Sigma
Conclusion
Choose Dolphin Sigma if you want a highly maneuverable robotic cleaner with strong physical navigation, triple motor drive, and effective waterline scrubbing, and if you’re comfortable managing cleaning cycles manually or through Bluetooth control. It’s ideal for users who prefer mechanical agility over cloud-based smart features.
Choose Dolphin M600 if you expect full automation, superior filtration capacity, better smart features, and enhanced user convenience. With Pro Mode customization, Lift-Out Assist, smart mapping, and app-based scheduling, the M600 is the more future-ready and user-friendly robotic pool cleaner.
Overall Winner: Dolphin M600
Combining smarter navigation, larger filtration, app-based customization, and convenience-enhancing features, the Dolphin M600 stands out as the most advanced and complete pool cleaning solution available for premium in-ground pools.