In the ever-evolving world of robotic pool cleaning, Maytronics continues to lead the industry with their innovative and highly reliable Dolphin series. Two standout models from their S-line—Dolphin S200 vs Dolphin S400—offer high-performance cleaning for residential in-ground pools, but they differ significantly in features, user control, automation, and connectivity. For pool owners deciding between the balance of value and premium functionality, understanding how these two models compare is critical to making the right choice.
This in-depth comparison between the Dolphin S200 and Dolphin S400 examines every essential component, from mobility and filtration to smart features and pool compatibility. Our goal is to clearly establish which unit offers the best performance, convenience, and long-term efficiency based on your pool maintenance needs.
Contents
Differences Between Dolphin S200 vs Dolphin S400
Pool Coverage and Suitability
Both the Dolphin S200 and the Dolphin S400 are engineered to clean in-ground pools up to 50 feet in length, making them ideal for most standard backyard pools. They each offer comprehensive surface cleaning—including the floor, walls, and waterline—ensuring that every zone of the pool is addressed during operation.
Where the S400 gains an edge is in its multi-cycle programming, allowing users to choose from a Quick Clean (1.5 hours), Standard (2 hours), or Enhanced Deep Clean (2.5 hours). This feature gives greater control over the cleaning process, especially for pools that collect varying degrees of debris depending on season, weather, or usage frequency.
Winner: Dolphin S400
With multiple cleaning modes and adaptive cycle lengths, the S400 delivers more tailored cleaning efficiency for diverse pool conditions.
The Dolphin S200 uses CleverClean™ Technology, a smart navigation system that scans the pool and creates an optimized cleaning path to minimize overlap and improve coverage. It also incorporates PowerStream™ mobility, which uses directional water jets to maintain grip and control while climbing walls and maneuvering corners.
The Dolphin S400 improves upon this foundation by adding gyroscopic navigation and Smart Navigation software, enhancing orientation awareness and dynamic path correction in real time. This is especially beneficial in freeform pools or those with complex architecture, ensuring precision cleaning in every inch of the pool.
Winner: Dolphin S400
With more advanced movement logic and spatial orientation through gyroscopic sensors, the S400 offers superior adaptive pathing.
Brush System and Scrubbing Power
The S200 features a single active front brush combined with a passive rear brush, offering solid scrubbing capability on all surfaces including plaster, tile, vinyl, and fiberglass. It performs well across the pool floor and walls, agitating and removing debris effectively.
The S400, on the other hand, upgrades to a dual active brush system, where both the front and rear brushes spin independently. This provides double the scrubbing contact and increases the overall surface agitation, making it ideal for removing algae, biofilm, and fine particles that accumulate along textured walls and the waterline.
Winner: Dolphin S400
With twin active scrubbing brushes, the S400 offers deeper and faster dirt removal, especially useful for heavily used pools.
Filtration System and Debris Handling
Both units include multi-layer filtration baskets that are top-accessible and easy to rinse. The dual-layer design separates fine from ultra-fine particles, capturing everything from large leaves and acorns to sand, pollen, and silt. This prevents clogging and ensures optimal suction throughout the cleaning cycle.
While the filtration technology is the same on both models, the S400 provides filter status monitoring through the app, allowing users to know exactly when the basket needs to be emptied. This prevents overflow and maintains uninterrupted suction.
Winner: Dolphin S400
Identical filter quality, but the S400’s filter alert system via Wi-Fi adds a layer of convenience and efficiency.
Cable Design and Range of Operation
Each robot is equipped with a 60-foot anti-tangle swivel cable, allowing for unrestricted movement across larger pools. The swivel mechanism prevents cable kinking and drag, which ensures the robot can reach all corners of the pool without interference or manual adjustments.
Whether your pool is geometric or freeform, the cable length and swivel design allow for complete coverage in both models.
Winner: Tie
Both the S200 and S400 are equally capable in terms of range and cable management, offering consistent and unrestricted cleaning.
Smart Features and User Control
The Dolphin S200 includes a basic weekly scheduler, allowing you to program cleaning sessions every day, every other day, or every third day. However, all control is done via the power supply unit with no smartphone integration.
In contrast, the Dolphin S400 connects to the MyDolphin Plus App via Wi-Fi, allowing users to start, stop, schedule, and select cleaning cycles remotely. The app also enables manual drive mode, filter status updates, and other diagnostic features. This makes the S400 significantly more interactive and suited for pool owners seeking total remote control over their cleaning routines.
Winner: Dolphin S400
App-based control, flexible scheduling, and smart diagnostics make the S400 a superior option for smart home integration.
Manual Control and App Steering
The Dolphin S200 operates on automatic cycles only, offering no option for direct control or manual spot cleaning.
The Dolphin S400, with its app-based control, provides manual steering, letting users guide the robot directly to specific areas that need extra attention. This is especially useful for spot-cleaning high-traffic areas, steps, or corners that might accumulate localized debris.
Winner: Dolphin S400
Manual steering adds a powerful dimension of flexibility and user intervention when needed.
Weight, Portability, and Handling
The S200 weighs approximately 16.5 lbs, while the S400 comes in slightly heavier at 18.5 lbs due to its internal upgrades. Both units are equipped with ergonomic carrying handles and designed for easy lifting and pool removal.
Despite the added weight, the difference is negligible in practical use, and both models offer the same filter basket access from the top for easy cleaning.
Winner: Tie
Both robots are compact, balanced, and simple to maintain, with nearly identical handling experiences.
Quick Rundown Of Dolphin S200
Quick Rundown Of Dolphin S400
Conclusion
Choose Dolphin S200 if you’re looking for a dependable, efficient, and affordable robotic cleaner that offers full pool coverage, strong scrubbing, and quality filtration—without needing smart features or app integration. It’s the perfect blend of power and simplicity for medium to large pools.
Choose Dolphin S400 if you want the most advanced, connected, and customizable pool cleaning experience. With dual active brushes, multiple cycle options, Wi-Fi control, and manual steering, it’s a premium solution for those who prioritize flexibility, automation, and smart home convenience.
Overall Winner: Dolphin S400
Combining superior scrubbing power, intelligent navigation, and advanced smart features, the Dolphin S400 emerges as the more versatile and future-ready robotic pool cleaner for discerning homeowners who want full control and maximum performance.