Help me choose
Our pick: Dolphin Escape
Dolphin Escape is the Pool Express pick in this matchup. Dolphin Escape is listed $30 lower. Dolphin Escape cleans the pool floor in pools up to 30 ft.
Max-Series
Dolphin Escape
Inground and above-ground pools up to 30 ft that need floor cleaning.
Proteus
Dolphin Proteus DX3
Inground and above-ground pools up to 33 ft that need floor and wall cleaning.
Why Dolphin Escape is our pick
Dolphin Escape
Inground and above-ground pools up to 30 ft that need floor cleaning.
$669
Buy Dolphin EscapeDolphin Escape or Dolphin Proteus DX3: our take
Dolphin Escape 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 Escape is rated for pools up to 30 ft; Dolphin Proteus DX3 is rated up to 33 ft. Dolphin Escape cleans floor; Dolphin Proteus DX3 cleans floor and walls. Dolphin Escape 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 Escape includes MaxBin; Dolphin Proteus DX3 includes Basket.
Controls and day-to-day ownership
Dolphin Escape provides one-touch starts and power-supply controls; Dolphin Proteus DX3 provides a weekly timer and power-supply controls. Dolphin Escape uses a 40 ft corded cable, while Dolphin Proteus DX3 uses a 50 ft corded cable. Dolphin Escape is listed at 14.2 lb versus 14 lb for Dolphin Proteus DX3; that 0.1999999999999993 lb difference matters when lifting the robot from the pool.
Price, warranty and the decision
Dolphin Escape is listed at $669 and Dolphin Proteus DX3 at $699; Dolphin Escape is $30 less. Each lists a 2-year manufacturer warranty. Pool Express pick: Dolphin Escape. Dolphin Escape is listed $30 lower. Dolphin Escape cleans the pool floor in pools up to 30 ft. Choose Dolphin Proteus DX3 when it is the better fit for pools up to 33 ft.
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 Escape | Dolphin Proteus DX3 |
|---|---|---|
| Cleans the pool floor | Yes | Yes |
| Climbs and cleans walls | No | YesEdge |
| Scrubs the waterline | No | No |
| Fine-debris filter included | No | No |
| Large-debris filter | Yes | Yes |
| Automatic scheduling | No | YesEdge |
| 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 Escape stands out
Dolphin Escape is the better fit for shoppers prioritizing the lower $669 starting price.
- Is listed $30 lower
- Cleans the pool floor in pools up to 30 ft
Where Dolphin Proteus DX3 stands out
Dolphin Proteus DX3 is the better fit for pools up to 33 ft.
- Adds wall climbing and scrubbing
- Can start on a weekly schedule without a manual launch before every cycle
- Is rated for pools up to 33 ft
- Weighs 14 lb versus 14.2 lb
Dolphin Escape 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 Escape | Dolphin Proteus DX3 |
|---|---|---|
| Best fit | Inground and above-ground pools up to 30 ft that need floor cleaning. | Inground and above-ground pools up to 33 ft that need floor and wall cleaning. |
| Starting price | $669 | $699 |
| Pool type | Inground, Above-ground | Inground, Above-ground |
| Maximum pool length | Up to 30 ft | Up to 33 ft |
| Cleaning coverage | Floor | Floor, Walls |
| Power | Corded | Corded |
| Filtration | MaxBin | Basket |
| Scheduling | One-touch start | Weekly schedule |
| App and remote | Power-supply controls | Power-supply controls |
| Cable | 40 ft | 50 ft |
| Robot weight | 14.2 lb | 14 lb |
| Warranty | 2 years | 2 years |
Choose Dolphin Escape
Dolphin Escape is the Pool Express pick in this matchup. Dolphin Escape is listed $30 lower. Dolphin Escape cleans the pool floor in pools up to 30 ft.
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