Help me choose
A stronger Pool Express option
Dolphin Proteus DX3 and Dolphin T25 are compared feature by feature below. For a stronger Pool Express option, consider Dolphin Cayman. Inground and above-ground pools up to 40 ft that need floor and wall cleaning.
Proteus
Dolphin Proteus DX3
Inground and above-ground pools up to 33 ft that need floor and wall cleaning.
T-Line
Dolphin T25
Inground and above-ground pools up to 33 ft that need floor and wall cleaning, with fine debris.
What we recommend instead
Dolphin Cayman
Inground and above-ground pools up to 40 ft that need floor and wall cleaning.
$1,079
Buy Dolphin CaymanDolphin Proteus DX3 or Dolphin T25: our take
Dolphin Proteus DX3 and Dolphin T25 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. Both are rated for pools up to 33 ft. Each cleans floor and walls, so coverage alone does not separate them. Dolphin Proteus DX3's documented cleaning system includes 1 active brush.
Filtration and debris
Dolphin Proteus DX3 includes Basket; Dolphin T25 includes Basket and UltraFilter. Dolphin T25 has the clearer documented edge for fine silt, pollen and sand.
Controls and day-to-day ownership
Both models provide a weekly timer and power-supply controls. Both use a 50 ft corded cable. Dolphin Proteus DX3 is listed at 14 lb versus 15 lb for Dolphin T25; that 1 lb difference matters when lifting the robot from the pool.
Price, warranty and the decision
Dolphin Proteus DX3 is listed at $699 and Dolphin T25 at $849; Dolphin Proteus DX3 is $150 less. Each lists a 2-year manufacturer warranty. Dolphin Proteus DX3 and Dolphin T25 each have a specific fit, but neither is the Pool Express pick for this job. Our better alternative is Dolphin Cayman. Inground and above-ground pools up to 40 ft that need floor and wall 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 Proteus DX3 | Dolphin T25 |
|---|---|---|
| Cleans the pool floor | Yes | Yes |
| Climbs and cleans walls | Yes | Yes |
| Scrubs the waterline | No | No |
| Fine-debris filter included | No | YesEdge |
| Large-debris filter | Yes | Yes |
| Automatic scheduling | Yes | Yes |
| Smartphone app | No | No |
| Anti-tangle swivel | Not listed | 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 Proteus DX3 stands out
Dolphin Proteus DX3 is the better fit for shoppers prioritizing the lower $699 starting price.
- Is listed $150 lower
- Weighs 14 lb versus 15 lb
Where Dolphin T25 stands out
Dolphin T25 is the better fit for inground and above-ground pools up to 33 ft that need floor and wall cleaning, with fine debris.
- Includes filtration for sand, pollen and other fine debris
- Top-load filter basket and ultrafine filters
Dolphin Proteus DX3 vs Dolphin T25 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 Proteus DX3 | Dolphin T25 |
|---|---|---|
| Best fit | Inground and above-ground pools up to 33 ft that need floor and wall cleaning. | Inground and above-ground pools up to 33 ft that need floor and wall cleaning, with fine debris. |
| Starting price | $699 | $849 |
| Pool type | Inground, Above-ground | Inground, Above-ground |
| Maximum pool length | Up to 33 ft | Up to 33 ft |
| Cleaning coverage | Floor, Walls | Floor, Walls |
| Power | Corded | Corded |
| Filtration | Basket | Basket, UltraFilter |
| Scheduling | Weekly schedule | Weekly schedule |
| App and remote | Power-supply controls | Power-supply controls |
| Cable | 50 ft | 50 ft |
| Robot weight | 14 lb | 15 lb |
| Warranty | 2 years | 2 years |
Consider the stronger Pool Express option
Dolphin Proteus DX3 and Dolphin T25 are compared feature by feature below. For a stronger Pool Express option, consider Dolphin Cayman. Inground and above-ground pools up to 40 ft that need floor and wall cleaning.
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