When it comes to robotic pool cleaning, Maytronics has consistently delivered some of the most reliable, efficient, and innovative solutions in the market. Two standout models, the Dolphin Proteus DX4 vs Dolphin S200, offer powerful cleaning features for in-ground pool owners seeking consistent performance and convenience.
While both machines serve a similar segment, they differ significantly in brush configuration, navigation technology, filtration systems, and overall design efficiency. This comprehensive comparison examines the critical details that distinguish these two models and helps pool owners choose the best robotic cleaner for their needs.
Contents
Differences Between Dolphin Proteus DX4 vs Dolphin S200
Cleaning Coverage and Pool Compatibility
Both the Dolphin Proteus DX4 and the Dolphin S200 are rated for in-ground pools up to 50 feet, making them suitable for a wide range of residential pools, including those with curves, slopes, and deep ends. Each model is engineered to cover both floor and wall surfaces, ensuring that algae, debris, and fine dirt are removed from all major pool zones.
However, the S200 stands out with its ability to clean the waterline, a feature not present in the DX4. This means the S200 can scrub away the greasy film that accumulates along the tile line, offering a more comprehensive clean that maintains the pool’s appearance between chemical treatments.
Winner: Dolphin S200
With the inclusion of waterline cleaning, the S200 provides a more thorough cleaning experience across all critical surfaces of the pool.
The Dolphin Proteus DX4 utilizes CleverClean Technology, a powerful navigation system that maps the layout of the pool and optimizes the cleaning path using a built-in algorithm. It delivers efficient movement across the floor and walls while avoiding obstacles and reducing overlap.
The Dolphin S200, in addition to CleverClean, integrates PowerStream Mobility, which enhances vertical grip and stabilizes the robot during wall and waterline cleaning. This results in more effective wall scrubbing and greater maneuverability in freeform or irregularly shaped pools. PowerStream also improves the S200’s ability to change directions quickly and reduces instances where the robot may stall.
Winner: Dolphin S200
With added vertical orientation control and stronger directional mobility, the S200 is better equipped for more precise, stable movement.
Brush System and Scrubbing Performance
The Proteus DX4 is equipped with dual standard brushes that provide solid performance on both pool floors and vertical surfaces. These brushes rotate at a steady pace and are effective in loosening grime and sediment from common pool surfaces like vinyl, fiberglass, and plaster.
The S200, however, features a more advanced dual brush setup, with a front active brush that spins twice as fast as the robot’s movement and a rear passive brush. The high-speed rotation actively scrubs away algae, scale, and stubborn residue from all surfaces, including difficult-to-reach areas like corners and steps.
Winner: Dolphin S200
Its active brush design delivers more aggressive scrubbing, improving overall cleaning effectiveness and saving time on manual touch-ups.
Filtration Design and Debris Handling
The Dolphin Proteus DX4 includes a top-loading cartridge system with fine and ultra-fine filters, providing a two-stage debris separation process that captures leaves, bugs, dirt, and micro-particles. The cartridges are accessible from the top for easy rinsing and reinstallation.
The S200 steps up the game with a multi-layer filtration basket, which separates large debris from fine particles in a single unit. This system allows for greater capacity and more efficient water flow, reducing the frequency of filter cleaning while improving suction consistency throughout the cycle.
Winner: Dolphin S200
With a more efficient multi-layer basket and higher debris capacity, the S200 streamlines maintenance and improves cleaning performance over long cycles.
Cable Management and Mobility
The DX4 uses a 60-foot cable, which is long enough to support full pool coverage, but does not include a swivel mechanism. As a result, the robot may occasionally suffer from cord tangling, especially during long or frequent cycles in complex pool shapes.
The S200, by contrast, features a 60-foot swivel cable, designed to prevent tangles and enable uninterrupted operation across the pool. The swivel also aids in maintaining smooth navigation as the cleaner rotates and changes direction multiple times during a session.
Winner: Dolphin S200
The inclusion of a swivel cable gives the S200 a distinct advantage in maintenance-free operation and movement reliability.
Scheduling and Automation
The Proteus DX4 must be started manually before each cleaning cycle and does not include any form of scheduled cleaning automation. Users need to power on the unit every time they want to perform a clean, which can be less convenient for daily or routine maintenance.
On the other hand, the S200 includes a weekly scheduler, accessible via its power supply unit. This allows users to program the cleaner to run on a daily, every-other-day, or every-third-day basis, ensuring that the pool remains clean without the need for constant interaction.
Winner: Dolphin S200
Its built-in weekly scheduler significantly increases convenience and autonomy, making pool ownership easier.
Ease of Use and Handling
The Dolphin Proteus DX4 weighs 18.5 lbs, which is manageable for most users but may feel slightly heavy when lifting it from deep pools, especially when filled with water and debris. Its top handle is ergonomic, but it lacks smart retrieval positioning.
The Dolphin S200, at 16.5 lbs, is lighter and features a streamlined design for easier lifting and transport. Combined with its swivel cable and balanced weight distribution, it’s easier to remove from the water, clean, and store after use.
Winner: Dolphin S200
Its lower weight and practical design offer better handling and usability, particularly for frequent use.
Smart Features and App Integration
Neither the Dolphin Proteus DX4 nor the Dolphin S200 includes WiFi or app connectivity. These models are operated entirely via physical controls on their respective power supplies. While they lack smartphone integration or remote control features, both offer dependable automation for users who prefer plug-and-play operation without relying on external devices.
However, the S200’s weekly scheduler does add an extra layer of programmability absent from the DX4.
Winner: Dolphin S200
Though both lack app integration, the S200’s scheduling function adds a degree of smart control not available on the DX4.
Quick Rundown Of Dolphin Proteus DX4
Quick Rundown Of Dolphin S200
Conclusion
Choose Dolphin Proteus DX4 if you want solid and dependable robotic cleaning performance with straightforward operation. It’s ideal for in-ground pool owners who are satisfied with floor and wall cleaning and don’t require automation or premium mobility features. For those with simpler cleaning needs and smaller budgets, the DX4 still delivers Maytronics-quality results.
Choose Dolphin S200 if you want superior surface coverage, enhanced scrubbing, and convenient automation. Its ability to clean the waterline, manage debris more efficiently, and operate without manual intervention makes it a smarter investment for pool owners looking for a more thorough and low-maintenance solution.
Overall Winner: Dolphin S200
With better scrubbing performance, full waterline cleaning, smart scheduling, and improved handling, the Dolphin S200 stands out as the more capable and feature-rich robotic pool cleaner between the two.