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Robotic pool cleaner comparison

Dolphin Cayman vs Dolphin Proteus DX4

A side-by-side comparison of pool fit, cleaning coverage, filtration, controls and the better Pool Express option.

Dolphin Cayman Dolphin Proteus DX4
Pool Express pick

Our pick: Dolphin Cayman

Dolphin Cayman is the Pool Express pick in this matchup. Dolphin Cayman is listed $120 lower. Dolphin Cayman cleans floor and walls.

Pool Express pick

Max-Series

Dolphin Cayman

Inground and above-ground pools up to 40 ft that need floor and wall cleaning.

Current price $1,079MSRP $1,299 Save $220
Pool Express pick

Why Dolphin Cayman is our pick

Buying guidance

Dolphin Cayman or Dolphin Proteus DX4: our take

Dolphin Cayman and Dolphin Proteus DX4 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

Dolphin Cayman is intended for inground and above-ground pools, while Dolphin Proteus DX4 is intended for inground pools. Dolphin Cayman has a published maximum pool length of 40 ft; the other model does not have a verified length in our source material. Dolphin Cayman cleans floor and walls; Dolphin Proteus DX4 cleans floor, walls, and waterline. Dolphin Cayman lists 1 active brush, SmartNav 2.0 navigation, and Dual 24-volt DC motors. Dolphin Proteus DX4 lists 1 active brush.

Filtration and debris

Dolphin Cayman includes MaxBin; Dolphin Proteus DX4 includes Basket.

Controls and day-to-day ownership

Both models provide a weekly timer and power-supply controls. Dolphin Cayman uses a 50 ft corded cable, while Dolphin Proteus DX4 uses a 60 ft corded cable with an anti-tangle swivel.

Price, warranty and the decision

Dolphin Cayman is listed at $1,079 and Dolphin Proteus DX4 at $1,199; Dolphin Cayman is $120 less. Each lists a 2-year manufacturer warranty. Pool Express pick: Dolphin Cayman. Dolphin Cayman is listed $120 lower. Dolphin Cayman cleans floor and walls. Choose Dolphin Proteus DX4 when it is the better fit for inground pools that need floor, wall and waterline cleaning.

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 DX4
Cleans the pool floor Yes Yes
Climbs and cleans walls Yes Yes
Scrubs the waterline No YesEdge
Fine-debris filter included No No
Large-debris filter Yes Yes
Automatic scheduling Yes Yes
Smartphone app No No
Anti-tangle swivel No YesEdge
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 shoppers prioritizing the lower $1,079 starting price.

  • Is listed $120 lower
  • Cleans floor and walls

Where Dolphin Proteus DX4 stands out

Dolphin Proteus DX4 is the better fit for inground pools that need floor, wall and waterline cleaning.

  • Cleans the floor, walls and waterline instead of stopping below the tile line
  • Uses an anti-tangle swivel cable

Dolphin Cayman vs Dolphin Proteus DX4 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 DX4
Best fit Inground and above-ground pools up to 40 ft that need floor and wall cleaning. Inground pools that need floor, wall and waterline cleaning.
Starting price $1,079 $1,199
Pool type Inground, Above-ground Inground
Maximum pool length Up to 40 ft Not listed
Cleaning coverage Floor, Walls Floor, Walls, Waterline
Power Corded Corded
Filtration MaxBin Basket
Scheduling Weekly schedule Weekly schedule
App and remote Power-supply controls Power-supply controls
Cable 50 ft 60 ft with anti-tangle swivel
Robot weight 14.6 lb Not listed
Warranty 2 years 2 years
Final call

Choose Dolphin Cayman

Dolphin Cayman is the Pool Express pick in this matchup. Dolphin Cayman is listed $120 lower. Dolphin Cayman cleans floor and walls.

Buy Dolphin Cayman

Keep comparing without rebuilding the same specification table yourself.