When investing in a premium robotic pool cleaner, precision, power, and long-term performance are critical. Among the most advanced options from Maytronics, the Dolphin Quantum vs Dolphin Sigma represent two of the most capable robotic pool cleaners designed for in-ground pools. Both models come with powerful brush systems, intelligent navigation, large debris filtration, and full pool coverage.
However, their internal engineering, navigation algorithms, brush configuration, and motor systems set them apart. In this full-length comparison, we examine every technical and functional detail to help you determine which of these elite cleaners is the better match for your pool.
Contents
- Differences Between Dolphin Quantum vs Dolphin Sigma
- Cleaning Coverage and Pool Compatibility
- Navigation Technology and Pool Mapping
- Brush System and Scrubbing Performance
- Filtration Capacity and Debris Handling
- Mobility and Climbing Performance
- Waterline Cleaning Capability
- Smart Features and App Integration
- Cable Design and Tangle Management
- Weight, Handling, and Maintenance
- Quick Rundown Of Dolphin Quantum
- Quick Rundown Of Dolphin Sigma
- Conclusion
Differences Between Dolphin Quantum vs Dolphin Sigma
Below is a summary of the specifications:
Cleaning Coverage and Pool Compatibility
Both the Dolphin Quantum and the Dolphin Sigma are built for in-ground pools up to 50 feet, making them ideal for a wide variety of residential pools including rectangular, freeform, and deep-end configurations. Each model offers full coverage—floor, walls, and waterline—ensuring that no zone is left untouched.
However, Sigma’s longer cleaning cycle of 2.5 hours gives it a slight advantage for meticulous deep cleaning of large pools, especially those that collect more fine debris or experience heavy bather load.
Winner: Dolphin Sigma
With a longer cycle and equal cleaning coverage, the Sigma offers a slight advantage in deep-cleaning larger pools without rushing the process.
The Quantum is equipped with SmartNav™ 2.0, which uses onboard sensors and a gyroscopic controller to map out the pool, plan routes, and avoid obstacles. Its navigation system ensures efficient coverage with minimal overlap and improved spatial awareness, particularly in complex layouts.
The Sigma advances this even further with SmartNav™ 3.0, which includes enhanced route optimization and real-time position tracking. Combined with its triple-motor configuration, the Sigma can fine-tune its path dynamically and better adapt to contours, slopes, and tighter turns within irregular pool shapes.
Winner: Dolphin Sigma
SmartNav 3.0 with real-time adjustments offers superior pathing logic and greater adaptability to pool shape and surface variations.
Brush System and Scrubbing Performance
The Dolphin Quantum is equipped with dual HyperBrush™ rollers, high-speed rotating brushes that spin twice as fast as the robot’s movement. These rollers deliver aggressive agitation, loosening biofilm, algae, and mineral scaling from floors, walls, and the waterline. The brush design is particularly effective on textured surfaces such as gunite or pebble-tec.
The Sigma, while powerful, uses dual standard brushes that rotate at a slower rate. Though still effective for general cleaning, they don’t match the Quantum’s intensity when it comes to tackling embedded grime or difficult surface stains.
Winner: Dolphin Quantum
With dual HyperBrush rollers delivering superior torque and RPM, the Quantum leads in scrubbing strength and cleaning precision.
Filtration Capacity and Debris Handling
The Quantum features a large top-load basket with dual-layer filtration, including fine and ultra-fine mesh to trap all types of debris from large leaves and acorns to fine sand and silt. The basket’s oversized design holds more debris per cycle, minimizing the need for filter cleanings even during peak debris seasons.
The Sigma also offers dual top-load filter cartridges, delivering excellent fine and ultra-fine filtration. While its filter performance is equally effective, the dual-cartridge design may require more frequent cleaning depending on the debris load, and emptying two cartridges takes slightly more time than cleaning one large basket.
Winner: Dolphin Quantum
Thanks to its larger single basket design and high-volume capacity, the Quantum edges ahead in overall filtration convenience and holding power.
Mobility and Climbing Performance
The Quantum’s HyperGrip™ tracks provide exceptional traction on all surfaces—vinyl, fiberglass, plaster, or tile. These tracks maintain strong adhesion when climbing vertical walls and navigating across pool curves, making it ideal for complex pool layouts with steps or irregular corners.
The Sigma uses a dual-drive wheel system, assisted by gyroscopic stabilization. While the wheels perform well and allow for precise directional changes, they can’t match the consistent grip and terrain control offered by track-based movement—especially during waterline scrubbing or in slick, algae-prone zones.
Winner: Dolphin Quantum
With track-based mobility and greater surface contact, the Quantum outperforms the Sigma in stability and traction across all terrains.
Waterline Cleaning Capability
Both robots are designed to scrub the waterline, an essential area for maintaining pool cleanliness and aesthetic appeal. The Quantum’s dual HyperBrush rollers combined with its track traction ensure that it holds tight to the waterline during scrubbing, even in sloped or curved tile bands.
The Sigma, despite using standard brushes, benefits from strong gyroscopic control that enables it to maintain steady waterline alignment. Its longer cleaning cycle also ensures it has more time to dwell on the upper tile zone.
Winner: Tie
Both cleaners perform well at waterline scrubbing with different strengths—Quantum through aggressive brushes and grip, Sigma through extended cleaning time and stability.
Smart Features and App Integration
The Quantum does not include Wi-Fi or app control, meaning all operations—start, stop, and schedule—must be handled through the power supply. It does offer a built-in weekly scheduler, allowing users to automate cleaning every day, every other day, or every three days.
The Sigma incorporates Wi-Fi connectivity and can be fully managed through the MyDolphin Plus app, offering remote start/stop, cycle scheduling, filter status alerts, and more. This makes it a highly attractive choice for users who prefer smart home integration and on-the-go control.
Winner: Dolphin Sigma
Full Wi-Fi functionality and mobile app integration provide unmatched convenience and automation features that the Quantum lacks.
Cable Design and Tangle Management
Both the Quantum and the Sigma come with a 60-foot swivel cable, designed to prevent twisting and tangling as the cleaner navigates the pool. The swivel mechanism ensures uninterrupted cleaning sessions and easier post-cycle storage.
Thanks to its track-based drive, the Quantum makes fewer erratic turns, which further reduces cable stress. However, both units excel in this category and offer hassle-free cable performance for large in-ground pools.
Winner: Tie
With identical swivel cable setups, both cleaners perform equally well in cable management and movement fluidity.
Weight, Handling, and Maintenance
The Dolphin Quantum weighs approximately 27 pounds, due to its track drive system, larger motor assembly, and oversized basket. While manageable for most users, it can be more difficult to lift from the pool when wet and full of debris.
The Sigma weighs 24 pounds, slightly lighter and more balanced, making it easier to carry, store, and deploy. Its dual filter cartridges are also accessible from the top, though they require individual cleaning.
Winner: Dolphin Sigma
With lighter weight and easier portability, the Sigma is more user-friendly for frequent use and handling.
Quick Rundown Of Dolphin Quantum
Quick Rundown Of Dolphin Sigma
Conclusion
Choose Dolphin Quantum if you want uncompromising cleaning power, maximum debris handling, and superior traction, particularly in pools with heavy buildup, complex surfaces, or aggressive cleaning needs. With dual HyperBrushes, oversized filtration, and track-based mobility, the Quantum is the ultimate performer for scrubbing strength and surface control.
Choose Dolphin Sigma if you prioritize smart connectivity, automated control, and smooth performance in large pools. With Wi-Fi access, SmartNav 3.0, and lighter weight, the Sigma is ideal for tech-savvy homeowners seeking a hands-off, fully automated pool cleaning experience.
Overall Winner: Dolphin Sigma
While the Dolphin Quantum offers unmatched scrubbing intensity and mechanical grip, the Dolphin Sigma takes the crown for its Wi-Fi integration, smarter navigation, and more user-friendly experience, making it the most future-ready and intelligent robotic pool cleaner in its class.