Help me choose
A stronger Pool Express option
Dolphin Escape and Dolphin Proteus DX5i are compared feature by feature below. For a stronger Pool Express option, consider Dolphin Quantum. Inground pools up to 50 ft that need floor, wall and waterline cleaning, with fine debris.
Max-Series
Dolphin Escape
Inground and above-ground pools up to 30 ft that need floor cleaning.
Proteus
Dolphin Proteus DX5i
Inground pools up to 50 ft that need floor, wall and waterline cleaning.
What we recommend instead
Dolphin Quantum
Inground pools up to 50 ft that need floor, wall and waterline cleaning, with fine debris.
$1,649
Buy Dolphin QuantumDolphin Escape or Dolphin Proteus DX5i: our take
Dolphin Escape and Dolphin Proteus DX5i 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 Escape is intended for inground and above-ground pools, while Dolphin Proteus DX5i is intended for inground pools. Dolphin Escape is rated for pools up to 30 ft; Dolphin Proteus DX5i is rated up to 50 ft. Dolphin Escape cleans floor; Dolphin Proteus DX5i cleans floor, walls, and waterline. Dolphin Escape lists 1 active brush, SmartNav 2.0 navigation, and Dual 24-volt DC motors. Dolphin Proteus DX5i lists 1 active brush.
Filtration and debris
Dolphin Escape includes MaxBin; Dolphin Proteus DX5i includes Basket.
Controls and day-to-day ownership
Dolphin Escape provides one-touch starts and power-supply controls; Dolphin Proteus DX5i provides smartphone control. Dolphin Escape uses a 40 ft corded cable, while Dolphin Proteus DX5i uses a 60 ft corded cable with an anti-tangle swivel.
Price, warranty and the decision
Dolphin Escape is listed at $669 and Dolphin Proteus DX5i at $1,299; Dolphin Escape is $630 less. Each lists a 2-year manufacturer warranty. Dolphin Escape and Dolphin Proteus DX5i each have a specific fit, but neither is the Pool Express pick for this job. Our better alternative is Dolphin Quantum. Inground pools up to 50 ft that need floor, wall and waterline cleaning, with fine debris.
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 DX5i |
|---|---|---|
| Cleans the pool floor | Yes | Yes |
| Climbs and cleans walls | No | YesEdge |
| Scrubs the waterline | No | YesEdge |
| Fine-debris filter included | No | No |
| Large-debris filter | Yes | Yes |
| Automatic scheduling | No | Not listed |
| Smartphone app | No | YesEdge |
| 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 Escape stands out
Dolphin Escape is the better fit for shoppers prioritizing the lower $669 starting price.
- Is listed $630 lower
- Cleans the pool floor in pools up to 30 ft
Where Dolphin Proteus DX5i stands out
Dolphin Proteus DX5i is the better fit for pools up to 50 ft.
- Cleans the floor, walls and waterline instead of stopping below the tile line
- Adds smartphone control
- Uses an anti-tangle swivel cable
- Is rated for pools up to 50 ft
Dolphin Escape vs Dolphin Proteus DX5i 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 DX5i |
|---|---|---|
| Best fit | Inground and above-ground pools up to 30 ft that need floor cleaning. | Inground pools up to 50 ft that need floor, wall and waterline cleaning. |
| Starting price | $669 | $1,299 |
| Pool type | Inground, Above-ground | Inground |
| Maximum pool length | Up to 30 ft | Up to 50 ft |
| Cleaning coverage | Floor | Floor, Walls, Waterline |
| Power | Corded | Corded |
| Filtration | MaxBin | Basket |
| Scheduling | One-touch start | Not listed |
| App and remote | Power-supply controls | App control |
| Cable | 40 ft | 60 ft with anti-tangle swivel |
| Robot weight | 14.2 lb | Not listed |
| Warranty | 2 years | 2 years |
Consider the stronger Pool Express option
Dolphin Escape and Dolphin Proteus DX5i are compared feature by feature below. For a stronger Pool Express option, consider Dolphin Quantum. Inground pools up to 50 ft that need floor, wall and waterline cleaning, with fine debris.
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