Help me choose
Our pick: Dolphin Quantum
Dolphin Quantum is the Pool Express pick in this matchup. Dolphin Quantum uses the high-capacity XXL MaxBin for easier top-load debris handling. Dolphin Quantum is listed $350 lower.
M-Line
Dolphin M550
Inground pools up to 50 ft that need floor, wall and waterline cleaning with app control, Pick-Up and a caddy.
ProLine
Dolphin Quantum
Inground pools up to 50 ft that need floor, wall and waterline cleaning, with fine debris.
Why Dolphin Quantum is our pick
Dolphin Quantum
Inground pools up to 50 ft that need floor, wall and waterline cleaning, with fine debris.
$1,649
Buy Dolphin QuantumDolphin M550 or Dolphin Quantum: our take
Dolphin M550 and Dolphin Quantum 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 pools. Both are rated for pools up to 50 ft. Each cleans floor, walls, and waterline, so coverage alone does not separate them. Dolphin M550 lists 2 active brushes and CleverClean navigation. Dolphin Quantum lists 2 active brushes, SmartNav 2.0 navigation, and Dual DC motors.
Filtration and debris
Dolphin M550 includes Basket and UltraFilter; Dolphin Quantum includes XXL MaxBin and NanoFilters. Both have documented fine-debris media, so basket capacity and ease of cleaning matter more than fine-particle capability.
Controls and day-to-day ownership
Dolphin M550 provides a weekly timer and smartphone control; Dolphin Quantum provides a weekly timer, smartphone control, and included remote control. Dolphin M550 uses continuous corded power, while Dolphin Quantum uses a 60 ft corded cable with an anti-tangle swivel. Dolphin M550 is listed at 22.6 lb versus 18.3 lb for Dolphin Quantum; that 4.300000000000001 lb difference matters when lifting the robot from the pool.
Price, warranty and the decision
Dolphin M550 is listed at $1,999 and Dolphin Quantum at $1,649; Dolphin Quantum is $350 less. Dolphin M550 lists a 3-year warranty compared with 2 years for Dolphin Quantum. Pool Express pick: Dolphin Quantum. Dolphin Quantum uses the high-capacity XXL MaxBin for easier top-load debris handling. Dolphin Quantum is listed $350 lower. Choose Dolphin M550 when it is the better fit for inground pools up to 50 ft that need floor, wall and waterline cleaning with app control, Pick-Up and a caddy.
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 M550 | Dolphin Quantum |
|---|---|---|
| Cleans the pool floor | Yes | Yes |
| Climbs and cleans walls | Yes | Yes |
| Scrubs the waterline | Yes | Yes |
| Fine-debris filter included | Yes | Yes |
| Large-debris filter | Yes | Yes |
| Automatic scheduling | Yes | Yes |
| Smartphone app | Yes | Yes |
| Anti-tangle swivel | Yes | Yes |
| 3-year warranty | YesEdge | 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 M550 stands out
Dolphin M550 is the better fit for inground pools up to 50 ft that need floor, wall and waterline cleaning with app control, Pick-Up and a caddy.
- Carries a 3-year warranty instead of 2 years
- 2-hour cycle, pools up to 50 ft
Where Dolphin Quantum stands out
Dolphin Quantum is the better fit for shoppers prioritizing the lower $1,649 starting price.
- Uses the high-capacity XXL MaxBin for easier top-load debris handling
- Is listed $350 lower
- Weighs 18.3 lb versus 22.6 lb
Dolphin M550 vs Dolphin Quantum 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 M550 | Dolphin Quantum |
|---|---|---|
| Best fit | Inground pools up to 50 ft that need floor, wall and waterline cleaning with app control, Pick-Up and a caddy. | Inground pools up to 50 ft that need floor, wall and waterline cleaning, with fine debris. |
| Starting price | $1,999 | $1,649 |
| Pool type | Inground | Inground |
| Maximum pool length | Up to 50 ft | Up to 50 ft |
| Cleaning coverage | Floor, Walls, Waterline | Floor, Walls, Waterline |
| Power | Corded | Corded |
| Filtration | Basket, UltraFilter | XXL MaxBin, NanoFilters |
| Scheduling | Weekly schedule + app | Weekly schedule + app |
| App and remote | App control | App + included remote |
| Cable | Not listed | 60 ft with anti-tangle swivel |
| Robot weight | 22.6 lb | 18.3 lb |
| Warranty | 3 years | 2 years |
Choose Dolphin Quantum
Dolphin Quantum is the Pool Express pick in this matchup. Dolphin Quantum uses the high-capacity XXL MaxBin for easier top-load debris handling. Dolphin Quantum is listed $350 lower.
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