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Robotic pool cleaner comparison

Dolphin Premier vs Dolphin Sigma

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

Dolphin Premier and Dolphin Sigma side by side
Pool Express pick

Our pick: Dolphin Premier

Dolphin Premier is the Pool Express pick in this matchup. Dolphin Premier adds swappable Multi-Media filtration and an oversized leaf bag for changing debris. Dolphin Premier includes a large-debris bin or bag for leaves.

Pool Express pick

ProLine

Dolphin Premier

Inground pools up to 50 ft that need floor, wall and waterline cleaning, with fine debris and heavy leaves.

Current price $1,999MSRP $2,499 Save $500

ProLine

Dolphin Sigma

Inground pools up to 50 ft that need floor, wall and waterline cleaning, with fine debris.

Current price $2,399MSRP $2,999 Save $600
Pool Express pick

Why Dolphin Premier is our pick

Buying guidance

Dolphin Premier or Dolphin Sigma: our take

Dolphin Premier and Dolphin Sigma 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 Premier lists 2 active brushes, SmartNav 2.0 navigation, and Dual commercial-grade motors. Dolphin Sigma lists 2 active brushes, SmartNav 3.0 with gyroscope navigation, and Triple commercial-grade DC motors.

Filtration and debris

Dolphin Premier includes Standard filter, NanoFilters, Oversized leaf bag, and Multi-Media; Dolphin Sigma includes Standard filter and NanoFilters. Both have documented fine-debris media, so basket capacity and ease of cleaning matter more than fine-particle capability. Dolphin Premier also has the better documented path for bulky leaves and larger debris.

Controls and day-to-day ownership

Dolphin Premier provides a weekly timer, power-supply controls, and optional remote control; Dolphin Sigma provides a weekly timer, smartphone control, and included remote control. Dolphin Premier uses a 60 ft corded cable with an anti-tangle swivel, while Dolphin Sigma uses a 55 ft corded cable with an anti-tangle swivel. Dolphin Premier is listed at 20.3 lb versus 24.6 lb for Dolphin Sigma; that 4.300000000000001 lb difference matters when lifting the robot from the pool.

Price, warranty and the decision

Dolphin Premier is listed at $1,999 and Dolphin Sigma at $2,399; Dolphin Premier is $400 less. Each lists a 3-year manufacturer warranty. Pool Express pick: Dolphin Premier. Dolphin Premier adds swappable Multi-Media filtration and an oversized leaf bag for changing debris. Dolphin Premier includes a large-debris bin or bag for leaves. Choose Dolphin Sigma when it is the better fit for owners who put smartphone control first.

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 Premier Dolphin Sigma
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 YesEdge No
Automatic scheduling Yes Yes
Smartphone app No YesEdge
Anti-tangle swivel Yes Yes
3-year warranty Yes Yes
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 Premier stands out

Dolphin Premier is the better fit for shoppers prioritizing the lower $1,999 starting price.

  • Adds swappable Multi-Media filtration and an oversized leaf bag for changing debris
  • Includes a large-debris bin or bag for leaves
  • Is listed $400 lower
  • Weighs 20.3 lb versus 24.6 lb

Where Dolphin Sigma stands out

Dolphin Sigma is the better fit for owners who put smartphone control first.

  • Uses a triple-motor cleaning system
  • Adds gyroscope-assisted navigation
  • Adds smartphone control

Dolphin Premier vs Dolphin Sigma 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 Premier Dolphin Sigma
Best fit Inground pools up to 50 ft that need floor, wall and waterline cleaning, with fine debris and heavy leaves. Inground pools up to 50 ft that need floor, wall and waterline cleaning, with fine debris.
Starting price $1,999 $2,399
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 Standard filter, NanoFilters, Oversized leaf bag, Multi-Media Standard filter, NanoFilters
Scheduling Weekly schedule Weekly schedule + app
App and remote Power-supply controls App + included remote
Cable 60 ft with anti-tangle swivel 55 ft with anti-tangle swivel
Robot weight 20.3 lb 24.6 lb
Warranty 3 years 3 years
Final call

Choose Dolphin Premier

Dolphin Premier is the Pool Express pick in this matchup. Dolphin Premier adds swappable Multi-Media filtration and an oversized leaf bag for changing debris. Dolphin Premier includes a large-debris bin or bag for leaves.

Buy Dolphin Premier

Keep comparing without rebuilding the same specification table yourself.