When it comes to robotic pool cleaners, Maytronics continues to lead the industry with cutting-edge technology and outstanding cleaning capabilities. Among its most popular offerings are the Dolphin S300 vs Dolphin Active 30—two top-performing models that deliver powerful scrubbing, intelligent navigation, and easy maintenance for in-ground pool owners.
While both cleaners share many of the same internal components and core features, they differ in certain areas such as app control, filter access, and usability enhancements. In this comprehensive comparison of the Dolphin S300 vs Dolphin Active 30, we dive into every detail that matters—from scrubbing performance and waterline coverage to smart features and value—so pool owners can make an informed decision based on their unique needs.
Contents
- Differences Between Dolphin S300 vs Dolphin Active 30
- Build Quality and Ease of Handling
- Pool Compatibility and Cleaning Coverage
- Navigation System and Cleaning Efficiency
- Scrubbing Power and Debris Agitation
- Filtration System and Debris Handling
- Mobility and Wall-Climbing Capability
- Cable Design and Anti-Tangle Technology
- Scheduling and Automation
- Smart Features and App Control
- Quick Rundown Of Dolphin S300
- Quick Rundown Of Dolphin Active 30
- Conclusion
Differences Between Dolphin S300 vs Dolphin Active 30
Build Quality and Ease of Handling
Both the Dolphin S300 and Dolphin Active 30 feature a lightweight, compact frame designed for durability and everyday usability. Weighing just 16.5 lbs, each model includes an ergonomic handle for easy lifting and a low-profile body that allows for better balance and grip while cleaning.
These units are built from UV- and chemical-resistant plastics that stand up well to long-term exposure in chlorinated water and intense sunlight. The tight seal and top-access design ensure that water stays where it belongs and all debris is captured securely.
Winner: Tie
Identical weight and structure make both units equally easy to handle and store, ensuring a hassle-free cleaning experience.
Pool Compatibility and Cleaning Coverage
Both models are engineered for in-ground pools up to 50 feet in length. Their cleaning range includes floor, walls, and waterline, ensuring no surface goes untouched. The wall-scaling capability is consistent and efficient across both units, and they handle irregular shapes and depth transitions with ease.
Their dual active brushes provide reliable traction on both flat and vertical surfaces, making them suitable for gunite, vinyl, fiberglass, or tile finishes.
Winner: Tie
Cleaning reach and compatibility are the same, offering full coverage for medium to large in-ground pools.
The CleverClean™ Technology built into both models uses intelligent mapping algorithms to scan the pool and calculate an efficient cleaning route. By avoiding redundant passes and covering the pool in a methodical pattern, these cleaners complete a thorough cycle in just 2 hours.
This smart navigation allows the robot to adapt to pool layouts, avoid obstacles like ladders and drains, and return to its starting point once finished.
Winner: Tie
With identical navigation systems, both units deliver consistent, efficient coverage with no missed zones.
Scrubbing Power and Debris Agitation
Both the S300 and Active 30 are outfitted with dual active scrubbing brushes that spin independently of the robot’s drive wheels. These brushes provide strong mechanical action to scrub away biofilm, algae, sand, and calcium deposits from all pool surfaces.
The high-speed rotation enhances friction against the surface, resulting in visibly cleaner walls and improved water quality after each cycle.
Winner: Tie
Equal scrubbing strength ensures outstanding cleaning results for both models.
Filtration System and Debris Handling
Both models use a top-loading multi-layer filtration basket, combining fine and ultra-fine mesh to capture everything from leaves and twigs to silt, sand, and microscopic pollen. This basket design is easy to remove and rinse, reducing the time spent on maintenance.
The large capacity of the basket allows for multiple cleaning sessions before emptying is necessary—especially useful during heavy-use seasons or in debris-prone environments.
Winner: Tie
Both provide the same multi-layer filtration system with excellent debris-capturing capabilities.
Mobility and Wall-Climbing Capability
The standard wheel-based drive system used by both the Dolphin S300 and Active 30 offers reliable wall climbing and smooth traversal across the pool floor. They handle deep ends, sloped walls, and steps with minimal slipping.
While they don’t use track-based propulsion, the combination of smart pathing and balanced wheel traction ensures consistent surface contact throughout the cleaning cycle.
Winner: Tie
Mobility is evenly matched, offering high-performance movement on all surface types.
Cable Design and Anti-Tangle Technology
A 60-foot swivel cable is included with both models, which allows the robot to rotate and reverse direction without tangling or twisting the cord. This is particularly important for freeform pools or those with multiple deep and shallow areas.
The cable floats on the water’s surface, preventing drag and reducing the chances of knotting during extended cleaning sessions.
Winner: Tie
Both offer premium anti-tangle cable design for uninterrupted, efficient cleaning.
Scheduling and Automation
Each unit features a weekly scheduler, which allows users to set cleaning intervals at daily, every-other-day, or every-third-day frequencies. Once programmed, the robot initiates cleanings automatically without further intervention.
This automation is especially useful for busy pool owners who want regular maintenance without needing to interact with the robot each time.
Winner: Tie
Automated scheduling on both models provides equal hands-free convenience.
Smart Features and App Control
This is where the first significant difference emerges. The Dolphin S300 includes Bluetooth connectivity and can be controlled using the MyDolphin Plus mobile app. This allows users to start or stop cleanings, adjust settings, and monitor robot status remotely via a smartphone.
The Active 30, in contrast, does not offer app integration. All functions must be handled directly via the power supply’s onboard interface.
Winner: Dolphin S300
With app-based Bluetooth control, the S300 gives users more flexibility and convenience in managing cleaning sessions.
Quick Rundown Of Dolphin S300
Quick Rundown Of Dolphin Active 30
Conclusion
Choose Dolphin Active 30 if you want a cost-effective robotic cleaner that delivers premium-level cleaning, waterline scrubbing, and automated scheduling—without the need for smart features. It’s ideal for users who value simplicity, excellent performance, and hands-on control.
Choose Dolphin S300 if you want the added convenience of Bluetooth app control, giving you remote access to start or monitor cleanings directly from your phone. It’s perfect for pool owners who prefer a connected experience and don’t mind paying slightly more for that added control.
Overall Winner: Dolphin S300
With identical cleaning power but enhanced control via the MyDolphin Plus app, the Dolphin S300 offers greater convenience and smart functionality, making it the better choice for those who want both performance and flexibility in their robotic pool cleaner.