For pool owners looking for a reliable and cost-effective robotic cleaner, two names consistently stand out in the entry-level category: the Dolphin Proteus DX3 vs Dolphin E10. Both models are designed by Maytronics and share a reputation for durability, performance, and ease of use.
Despite their similar price range and shared branding, they are tailored for slightly different use cases, pool types, and maintenance needs. In this detailed comparison, we break down every major feature—from design and cleaning capabilities to smart navigation and user convenience—to help you determine which model is better suited for your pool.
Contents
Differences Between Dolphin Proteus DX3 vs Dolphin E10
Below is a summary of the specifications:
Design Comparison
The Dolphin Proteus DX3 is designed to handle in-ground pools up to 33 feet in length. It features a sturdy plastic chassis with grippy continuous tracks that help it climb walls with ease. Weighing 14 pounds, it remains relatively easy to lift and deploy. Its 50-foot non-swivel cable gives it additional range for navigating the full floor and partial walls of standard residential pools.
In contrast, the Dolphin E10 is purpose-built for above-ground pools up to 30 feet. It’s slightly lighter at 13.8 pounds and has a more compact frame. The unit comes with a 40-foot non-swivel cable, which is sufficient for circular or oval above-ground pool layouts but limits its use in longer or deeper pools.
While both robots are portable and easy to manage, the Proteus DX3’s longer cable and in-ground compatibility make it a more versatile choice for a wider range of backyard pool environments.
Winner: Dolphin Proteus DX3
With a longer cable and in-ground support, the DX3 offers broader usability and more adaptable coverage for residential pools.
Cleaning Performance Comparison
The Dolphin Proteus DX3 delivers floor and wall cleaning, using a single active brush that spins to dislodge debris before suctioning it into the fine filter basket. Its 4,000 GPH suction rate handles leaves, sand, and biofilm with efficiency. The DX3 operates on a 2-hour cleaning cycle, giving it enough time to complete a full pass in medium-sized pools, including vertical climbs for wall scrubbing.
The Dolphin E10, while equally powerful in terms of suction and brush type, is limited to floor-only cleaning. It operates on a faster 1.5-hour cycle, which is more suitable for quick daily maintenance in small above-ground setups. Its performance on flat pool floors is outstanding, but it does not attempt to climb walls or scrub vertical surfaces.
Filtration systems differ slightly. The DX3 uses a larger top-load filter basket that is easier to rinse and holds more debris. The E10 features a top-loading cartridge filter, which is also easy to remove but may fill more quickly, requiring more frequent cleaning in high-debris pools.
Winner: Dolphin Proteus DX3
Its ability to clean walls, longer runtime, and higher-capacity filtration basket make the DX3 more capable for comprehensive pool maintenance.
Feature Comparison
Both the Proteus DX3 and Dolphin E10 use CleverClean™ smart navigation, which maps the pool floor to optimize cleaning paths. This reduces overlap and ensures even coverage. While neither robot includes gyroscopes or camera-based navigation, CleverClean provides reliable and consistent pathing for most standard pool shapes.
Neither model includes Wi-Fi, app integration, or scheduling functionality. Both are plug-and-play units that start automatically when powered on. This minimal interface is ideal for users who want simplicity over advanced tech features.
The DX3’s longer 2-hour runtime and extended cable give it an advantage in full-pool coverage, while the E10’s shorter cycle is more energy-efficient for quick daily cleanups in small pools.
Winner: Dolphin Proteus DX3
With longer coverage, a broader cleaning cycle, and larger debris handling, the DX3 offers more comprehensive features for its class.
Quick Rundown Of Dolphin Proteus DX3
Quick Rundown Of Dolphin E10
Conclusion
Choose the Dolphin E10 if you have a smaller above-ground pool and want a lightweight, efficient cleaner that provides strong floor cleaning with quick cycles. Its portability and simplicity make it ideal for users who want no-hassle, fast cleaning performance without extra features.
Choose the Dolphin Proteus DX3 if you need a more versatile robotic cleaner capable of handling both the floor and walls of your in-ground pool. With a longer cable, longer runtime, and larger debris basket, it’s the better option for users with larger pools or more demanding cleaning needs.
Overall Winner: Dolphin Proteus DX3
With broader cleaning coverage, in-ground compatibility, and superior debris handling, the Dolphin Proteus DX3 offers more functionality and cleaning power, making it the top choice for homeowners seeking full pool coverage without stepping into the premium price bracket.