Robotic pool cleaner comparison

Dolphin S400 vs Dolphin T2000

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

By Brian Williamson, Pool Express product specialist
Updated November 9, 2026

Better alternative

A stronger Pool Express option

Dolphin S400 and Dolphin T2000 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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S-Line

Dolphin S400

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

Listed price $1,799

View better alternatives

T-Line

Dolphin T2000

Inground and above-ground pools up to 40 ft with steps or a sun ledge that need full-coverage cleaning on a schedule.

Listed price $1,199

View better alternatives

A better alternative

What we recommend instead

Pool Express pick

Dolphin Quantum

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

$1,649

Buy Dolphin Quantum

Buying guidance

Dolphin S400 or Dolphin T2000: our take

Dolphin S400 and Dolphin T2000 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 S400 is intended for inground pools, while Dolphin T2000 is intended for inground and above-ground pools. Dolphin S400 is rated for pools up to 50 ft; Dolphin T2000 is rated up to 40 ft. Each cleans floor, walls, and waterline, so coverage alone does not separate them. Dolphin S400's documented cleaning system includes 2 active brushes and CleverClean navigation.

Filtration and debris

Both models include Basket and UltraFilter. 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

Both models provide a weekly timer and smartphone control. Dolphin S400 uses a 60 ft corded cable with an anti-tangle swivel, while Dolphin T2000 uses continuous corded power.

Price, warranty and the decision

Dolphin S400 is listed at $1,799 and Dolphin T2000 at $1,199; Dolphin T2000 is $600 less. Each lists a 2-year manufacturer warranty. Dolphin S400 and Dolphin T2000 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 S400	Dolphin T2000
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	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 S400 stands out

Dolphin S400 is the better fit for pools up to 50 ft.

Is rated for pools up to 50 ft
Cleans floor, walls and waterline

Where Dolphin T2000 stands out

Dolphin T2000 is the better fit for shoppers prioritizing the lower $1,199 starting price.

Is listed $600 lower
Cleans floor, walls, waterline, steps and sun ledges