Help me choose
Our pick: Dolphin Cayman
Dolphin Cayman is the Pool Express pick in this matchup. Dolphin Cayman is rated for pools up to 40 ft. Dolphin Cayman's documented advantages include maxBin.
Max-Series
Dolphin Cayman
Inground and above-ground pools up to 40 ft that need floor and wall cleaning.
Proteus
Dolphin Proteus DX3
Inground and above-ground pools up to 33 ft that need floor and wall cleaning.
Why Dolphin Cayman is our pick
Dolphin Cayman
Inground and above-ground pools up to 40 ft that need floor and wall cleaning.
$1,079
Buy Dolphin CaymanDolphin Cayman or Dolphin Proteus DX3: our take
Dolphin Cayman and Dolphin Proteus DX3 are compared on pool fit, cleaning reach, debris handling, controls and ownership details. The recommendation is based on the job the robot must do—not a simple feature count.
Pool fit and cleaning reach
Both robots are intended for inground and above-ground pools. Dolphin Cayman is rated for pools up to 40 ft; Dolphin Proteus DX3 is rated up to 33 ft. Each cleans floor and walls, so coverage alone does not separate them. Dolphin Cayman lists 1 active brush, SmartNav 2.0 navigation, and Dual 24-volt DC motors. Dolphin Proteus DX3 lists 1 active brush.
Filtration and debris
Dolphin Cayman includes MaxBin; Dolphin Proteus DX3 includes Basket.
Controls and day-to-day ownership
Both models provide a weekly timer and power-supply controls. Both use a 50 ft corded cable. Dolphin Cayman is listed at 14.6 lb versus 14 lb for Dolphin Proteus DX3; that 0.5999999999999996 lb difference matters when lifting the robot from the pool.
Price, warranty and the decision
Dolphin Cayman is listed at $1,079 and Dolphin Proteus DX3 at $699; Dolphin Proteus DX3 is $380 less. Each lists a 2-year manufacturer warranty. Pool Express pick: Dolphin Cayman. Dolphin Cayman is rated for pools up to 40 ft. Dolphin Cayman's documented advantages include maxBin. Choose Dolphin Proteus DX3 when it is the better fit for shoppers prioritizing the lower $699 starting price.
Feature check: what each robot actually has
A green check means the feature is documented as included. A red X means it is documented as absent. A dash means the source does not make the feature clear.
| Feature | Dolphin Cayman | Dolphin Proteus DX3 |
|---|---|---|
| Cleans the pool floor | Yes | Yes |
| Climbs and cleans walls | Yes | Yes |
| Scrubs the waterline | No | No |
| Fine-debris filter included | No | No |
| Large-debris filter | Yes | Yes |
| Automatic scheduling | Yes | Yes |
| Smartphone app | No | No |
| Anti-tangle swivel | No | Not listed |
| 3-year warranty | No | No |
| No recharging between cycles | Yes | Yes |
| Built-in UV-C water treatment | No | No |
Unknown is not treated as “no.” Specifications come from the product pages, current catalog records and manufacturer material collected for this site.
Where Dolphin Cayman stands out
Dolphin Cayman is the better fit for pools up to 40 ft.
- Is rated for pools up to 40 ft
- MaxBin
Where Dolphin Proteus DX3 stands out
Dolphin Proteus DX3 is the better fit for shoppers prioritizing the lower $699 starting price.
- Is listed $380 lower
- Weighs 14 lb versus 14.6 lb
Dolphin Cayman vs Dolphin Proteus DX3 specifications
Use pool fit first. Price and app control do not make up for a robot that cannot cover the length or surfaces you need cleaned.
| Specification | Dolphin Cayman | Dolphin Proteus DX3 |
|---|---|---|
| Best fit | Inground and above-ground pools up to 40 ft that need floor and wall cleaning. | Inground and above-ground pools up to 33 ft that need floor and wall cleaning. |
| Starting price | $1,079 | $699 |
| Pool type | Inground, Above-ground | Inground, Above-ground |
| Maximum pool length | Up to 40 ft | Up to 33 ft |
| Cleaning coverage | Floor, Walls | Floor, Walls |
| Power | Corded | Corded |
| Filtration | MaxBin | Basket |
| Scheduling | Weekly schedule | Weekly schedule |
| App and remote | Power-supply controls | Power-supply controls |
| Cable | 50 ft | 50 ft |
| Robot weight | 14.6 lb | 14 lb |
| Warranty | 2 years | 2 years |
Choose Dolphin Cayman
Dolphin Cayman is the Pool Express pick in this matchup. Dolphin Cayman is rated for pools up to 40 ft. Dolphin Cayman's documented advantages include maxBin.
More robotic pool cleaner comparisons
Keep comparing without rebuilding the same specification table yourself.
Clear UV vs Clear S
Pool Express pick: Clear UV
Dolphin Quantum vs Clear S
Pool Express pick: Dolphin Quantum
Dolphin Premier vs Dolphin Sigma
Pool Express pick: Dolphin Premier
Dolphin Premier vs Dolphin Quantum
Pool Express pick: Dolphin Quantum
Dolphin Sigma vs Dolphin Quantum
Pool Express pick: Dolphin Quantum
Dolphin Cayman vs Dolphin Escape
Pool Express pick: Dolphin Cayman