Dolphin Premier vs Dolphin Sigma: Which Is the Ultimate Pool Robot of 2025? 🏊‍♂️

What happens when you take the two best robotic pool cleaners on the market and put them head-to-head? That’s what I set out to find. I’m Ryan from ActuallyUsed, and for the past few weeks, I’ve been running both the Dolphin Premier and Dolphin Sigma in the same pool, through storms, daily cleanings, and real-world grime. This isn’t just a spec sheet comparison — this is what it’s actually like to own, run, and rely on each robot.

Where to Buy the Dolphin Premier:
Direct from Dolphin: https://www.premierrobotic.com/dolphin-premier
Poolbots: https://www.poolbots.com/pool-cleaner-categories/robotic-pool-cleaners/dolphin-premier-robotic-pool-cleaner
Amazon: https://amzn.to/46zssS8
Where to Buy the Dolphin Sigma:
Direct from Dolphin: https://www.premierrobotic.com/dolphin-sigma
Poolbots: https://www.poolbots.com/dolphin-sigma-robotic-pool-cleaner
Amazon: https://amzn.to/4kBWXKP

All products are independently chosen and tested by us. We may receive commission off of links.

Both the Dolphin Premier and Sigma are top-tier models from Maytronics' ProLine series. They come with commercial-grade motors, NanoFilters, and real suction power—none of that battery-draining, underpowered fluff you find in cheaper cordless units. These aren’t gimmicky Instagram bots. They’re built to clean, built to last, and built for people who want to actually enjoy their pool instead of babysitting a robot.

One thing that immediately stood out: both cleaners are incredibly well-built. They feel like premium machines—no thin plastic, no exposed foam, just serious hardware. While most robots feel like toys, these two feel more like tools. The Premier leans into versatility with its swappable Multi-Media filtration system, while the Sigma packs in power and smart tech with triple motors and app control.

Filtration is where the Premier really shines. You get three filter options in the box: a massive leaf bag, standard mesh, and ultra-fine NanoFilters. That means you can adapt the robot to your pool's condition, whether you're fighting fall leaves or prepping for a pool party. Sigma, on the other hand, uses twin top-loading NanoFilters, and they’re incredibly easy to clean—just pop the lid and pull. It’s a clean, efficient design that makes daily maintenance a breeze.

Then there’s suction power. I hooked up a manometer to both units to measure actual vacuum strength. The Premier hit 2.6 PSI, while the Sigma hit 2.8 PSI. For reference, most cordless robots barely break 1.0 PSI. These are beasts. They don’t just stir up debris—they actually trap it. Whether it’s silt, algae, or leaves, both units grab and hold everything they touch.

Navigation is another area where Sigma inches ahead. Premier’s SmartNav 2.0 is already great at avoiding obstacles and mapping your pool, but Sigma’s gyroscope-equipped SmartNav 3.0 makes its movement tighter, cleaner, and more precise. Over time, it covers slightly more ground thanks to its wider brush width and smoother pathing. It’s not night-and-day, but it’s a subtle edge in larger or more complex pools.

Let’s talk about cords. Yes, both are corded. And that’s a good thing. After years of testing battery-powered bots that constantly need recharging, I’m fully sold on corded robots. No more daily fishing, charging, or runtime anxiety. Just set the weekly timer, let it run, and rinse the filters once a week. Both units also come with tangle-resistant swivel cables that actually work — weeks of testing, zero tangles.

At the end of the day, this showdown comes down to what your pool needs. If you’ve got heavy leaf drop or want a flexible, reliable cleaner without extra tech, go with the Premier. If fine debris is your problem or you want app control and a smarter clean, grab the Sigma. Either way, you’re getting one of the best residential robotic pool cleaners available — and saving yourself a serious chunk of time every week. Let me know your questions down below, and don’t forget to subscribe for more real-world reviews.

Table of Contents:
00:00 Intro
01:19 Why I'm Impressed
03:00 Filtration: The Game-Changing Difference
04:42 Suction Power: Numbers Don't Lie
05:55 Navigation & Coverage: Smart Vs Smarter
07:23 Corded Convenience: Why I'm Never Going Back to Cordless
08:29 Autostart & Scheduling: Set it and Forget It
09:37 Real-World Performance
10:38 Time Savings
11:04 The Smartphone APP Experience
11:40 Downsides
12:07 Which Should You Buy?
13:32 Final Verdict
13:45 Bottom Line

#RoboticPoolCleaner #Compare #PoolCleaning