Is the Dolphin Quantum or the Dolphin Premier better?
Rated the Best Pool Robot of 2026 by USA Today, the Dolphin Premier is in a class of its own. Only the Premier includes Multi-Media™ filtration, and an oversized leaf bag. The Premier is also backed by a 3-year warranty — 50% longer than the Dolphin Quantum's 2-year warranty.
Multi-Media Filtration - Multiple filter options for an optimal clean pool. The Premier comes standard with three filter options: bottom-load fine cartridge filters, ultra-fine cartridge filters, and an oversized fine filter bag. Plus an optional disposable debris bag.
By comparison, the Dolphin Quantum: Cleaning made convenient. Easy-to-use, light weight in-ground robotic pool cleaner with a weekly scheduler so you can set your Dolphin to automatically clean for you- every day, every other day, or every 3rd day.
Compare the Dolphin Quantum to the Dolphin Premier
Both the Dolphin Premier and Dolphin Quantum are designed to clean your pool's floor, walls, and waterline. Breaking down their filters, the Dolphin Premier® includes 3 filter options (with a 4th optional). The Dolphin Quantum includes 2 filter options: Standard and NanoFilters Filters, but won't include the Oversized Leaf Bag. The Dolphin Premier has a 50% longer warranty compared to the Quantum. The Premier has a 3-year best-in-class warranty, while the Dolphin Quantum has a 2 year warranty.
Ultimate Pool Coverage of the pool floor, walls, and waterline
Filter Options
What’s even better than having 2 sets of filtration options? How about 3 or 4. There’s only one Dolphin pool cleaner with this feature. Multi-Media is a Dolphin Premier exclusive feature. Premier includes Fine, NanoFilters, and a Leaf Bag. In addition, you can get disposable filter bags so you can just toss ‘em in the trash when you’re done. You can even subscribe to a service to ship these monthly.
Premier's Multi-Media® Technology - 3 Filter Options Included
Robotic pool cleaners with multiple filter media let you customize your pool’s cleaning job based on its needs that day. Use an NanoFilter filter to capture smaller particles, use a standard cartridge for a regular clean, use the oversized leaf bag after a storm, and perhaps disposable for the really dirty jobs.
The Dolphin Premier® includes Multi-Media™ , which offers four different filter media options. This gives you the ability to customize your cleaning based on your pool's needs. If you need to pick up leaves, you can use the oversized leaf bag or disposable leaf bag. If you need to clean up regular debris, you can use the fine filter cartridge. Finally, if you need to pick up fine dust and other micro particles, you can use the NanoFilter cartridge. The Dolphin Quantum includes the NanoFilter and Standard Cartridge Filter, but isn't compatible the leaf bag.
There are two types of filters available on modern robotic pool cleaners. The first generation robots will have a filter consisting of a large pore plastic mesh. The second generation type is the NanoFilter™ cartridge, which is a high-efficiency particulate filter. The large pore mesh filter is the more basic type and is found on many discount pool cleaners, while the Nanofilter is the more advanced option. Under a microscope, you can see the Nanofilter’s individual fibers intersecting to create a tight mesh. This webbed structure is able to sieve even the smallest of micron particles. Additionally, the filter’s deep pleats provide a larger surface area, meaning more waterborne particles can be trapped while having relatively low resistance to waterflow.
NanoFilter™ vs Standard Filter
The NanoFilter™ also has the benefit of being able to absorb oil, which is beneficial for keeping sunscreen and scum lines from forming on the pool’s surface. Overall, the pleated Nanofilter is more efficient than the plastic mesh filter at capturing all types of microscopic waterborne particles, including pollen, algae, bacteria, pet dander, and other debris. Not only does this improve the amount of contaminants that are removed from the water, but it also leads to a higher level of clarity and sparkle in the pool. The Nanofilter serves as an important booster to the pool’s main filter, and for this reason, it is the preferred choice for many pool owners.
The NanoFilters™ capture more dirt, sand, and even oil out of your pool than the standard filter cartridges, making a NanoFilter™ a must-have for any pool robot. Without it, these particles will be left inside of your pool and can lead to poor water chemistry.
Ease of Use
Both robots have a similar setup process and weigh about the same. To set up either one, simply plug the power supply into an outdoor outlet, plug the unit into the power supply, drop the unit into the water, and press start. Both robots have a weekly timer with options for daily, every other day, and every three-day cycles.
Oversized Leaf Bag, a Dolphin Premier Exclusive
Cleaning Performance
In terms of cleaning performance, the Dolphin Premier® is capable of cleaning pool floors, walls, and waterline (also called the scum line), which is the most vulnerable part of the pool to dirt, grime, and algae buildup. This is especially important for robotic pool cleaners because if the bot doesn't clean the scum line, you'll still need to manually brush the pool afterwards. The Dolphin Quantum also covers your entire pool, including the pool floor, walls, and waterline.
Media-Alert®
The Premier® has an extra feature to improve user experience, a full filter bag indicator. This indicator will let you know when the filter bag is full and needs to be cleaned, as well as when it is partially blocked and needs to be cleared out. This indicator is not present on the Quantum.
Anti-Tangle Swivel
Both models come with an anti-tangle swivel to minimize cord tangling. This helps both robots clean with power and precision in your swimming pool. The Patented Tangle Free Swivel from Maytronics allows the robot to rotate 360 degrees without your cord getting tangled.
Warranty
The Premier® offers a longer warranty: 36 months (3 years) compared to the Quantum' 24 month warranty (2 years).
Which is the better pool robot?
Overall, the Dolphin Premier offers more customizable filter options, an Oversized Leaf Bag, and a 50% longer warranty when compared to the Dolphin Quantum.
See It Clean
Dolphin Premier Video
Where to Buy
Buy the Dolphin Premier direct for live pricing, free 1-3 day FedEx shipping, a 30-day in-pool trial, and full factory warranty support.
BEST VALUE
Dolphin Premier®
$1949 $2499Save $550
The only Dolphin with Multi-Media™ filtration, an oversized leaf bag, and class-leading waterline cleaning — the #1 selling premium pool robot.
Every robot below ships free, includes a 30-day in-pool trial, and never charges a restocking fee. Compare the full premium lineup and pick the Dolphin that fits your pool.
The Max-Series™
Max-Series
Dolphin Quantum
Our largest filter ever, dual HyperBrushes, and full waterline cleaning.