Help me choose
A stronger Pool Express option
Dolphin Proteus DX5i and Dolphin S300 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.
Proteus
Dolphin Proteus DX5i
Inground pools up to 50 ft that need floor, wall and waterline cleaning.
S-Line
Dolphin S300
Inground pools up to 50 ft that need floor, wall and waterline cleaning, with fine debris.
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 Proteus DX5i or Dolphin S300: our take
Dolphin Proteus DX5i and Dolphin S300 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 Proteus DX5i lists 1 active brush. Dolphin S300 lists 2 active brushes and CleverClean navigation.
Filtration and debris
Dolphin Proteus DX5i includes Basket; Dolphin S300 includes Basket and UltraFilter. Dolphin S300 has the clearer documented edge for fine silt, pollen and sand.
Controls and day-to-day ownership
Dolphin Proteus DX5i provides smartphone control; Dolphin S300 provides a weekly timer and smartphone control. Both use a 60 ft corded cable with an anti-tangle swivel.
Price, warranty and the decision
Dolphin Proteus DX5i is listed at $1,299 and Dolphin S300 at $1,499; Dolphin Proteus DX5i is $200 less. Each lists a 2-year manufacturer warranty. Dolphin Proteus DX5i and Dolphin S300 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 Proteus DX5i | Dolphin S300 |
|---|---|---|
| Cleans the pool floor | Yes | Yes |
| Climbs and cleans walls | Yes | Yes |
| Scrubs the waterline | Yes | Yes |
| Fine-debris filter included | No | YesEdge |
| Large-debris filter | Yes | Yes |
| Automatic scheduling | Not listed | Yes |
| Smartphone app | Yes | Yes |
| Anti-tangle swivel | Yes | Yes |
| 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 DX5i stands out
Dolphin Proteus DX5i is the better fit for shoppers prioritizing the lower $1,299 starting price.
- Is listed $200 lower
- Top-load filter basket
Where Dolphin S300 stands out
Dolphin S300 is the better fit for inground pools up to 50 ft that need floor, wall and waterline cleaning, with fine debris.
- Includes filtration for sand, pollen and other fine debris
- Uses 2 active brushes instead of 1
Dolphin Proteus DX5i vs Dolphin S300 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 DX5i | Dolphin S300 |
|---|---|---|
| Best fit | Inground pools up to 50 ft that need floor, wall and waterline cleaning. | Inground pools up to 50 ft that need floor, wall and waterline cleaning, with fine debris. |
| Starting price | $1,299 | $1,499 |
| 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 | Basket, UltraFilter |
| Scheduling | Not listed | Weekly schedule + app |
| App and remote | App control | App control |
| Cable | 60 ft with anti-tangle swivel | 60 ft with anti-tangle swivel |
| Robot weight | Not listed | Not listed |
| Warranty | 2 years | 2 years |
Consider the stronger Pool Express option
Dolphin Proteus DX5i and Dolphin S300 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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