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2026 Head-to-Head Comparison

Dolphin Sigma vs Dolphin Premier®

Compare price, filtration, pool coverage, features & warranty — and see why pool owners upgrade to the Dolphin Premier.

Dolphin Sigma Robotic Pool Cleaner
Dolphin ProLine

Dolphin Sigma

 

$2349$2999 Save $650
View Details
VS
Best Overall
Dolphin Premier Robotic Pool Cleaner Best Pool Robot - USA Today
Dolphin ProLine

Dolphin Premier®

#1 Selling Premium Robot

$1949$2499 Save $550
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The Verdict

Is the Dolphin Sigma 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. Both robots are backed by a no-nonsense 3-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 Sigma: The Most Advanced Pool Robot We've Tested Yet. With a gyroscope and the myDolphin Plus Smartphone app, the Sigma excels having more features than ever before.

See the full Dolphin Premier breakdown ›

Honest Breakdown

Pros & Cons

Dolphin Sigma Highlights

  • Most Advanced Dolphin Ever - Lots of Tech
  • Gyroscope Technology
  • Multiple Filter Options
  • Quad Scrubbing Brushes - 4X Cleaning Power
  • 3 Commercial Grade, Efficient Motors

Where the Sigma Falls Short

  • No Multi-Media™ filtration and no included oversized leaf bag.
  • Pricey, but Fantastic Value

Why Premier Wins

3 Reasons Pool Owners Choose the Premier

The Dolphin Premier is the only Maytronics robot built around Multi-Media™ filtration.

Dolphin NanoFilter vs Standard Filter

Multi-Media™ Filtration

Four media options in one robot: standard cartridges, ultra-fine NanoFilters™, an oversized leaf bag, and a disposable debris bag.

Learn about Multi-Media™ ›
Dolphin Premier Oversized Leaf Bag

The Only Dolphin With a Leaf Bag

If you fight leaves and heavy debris, the Premier's oversized leaf bag plus 4,500 GPH commercial-grade motors keep your pool clear all season.

See the Premier ›
Dolphin Premier Waterline Cleaning

Powerful Waterline Cleaning

Dual stabilizers hold the Premier steady against the wall to scrub the waterline and tile-line — where scum and oils build up most.

Read owner reviews ›

In-Depth Analysis

Dolphin Sigma vs Premier: Full Review

Compare the Dolphin Sigma to the Dolphin Premier

Both the Dolphin Premier and Dolphin Sigma 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 Sigma includes 2 filter options: Standard and NanoFilters Filters, but won't include the Oversized Leaf Bag. The Dolphin Premier and Dolphin Sigma have the same 3-year manufacturer's warranty.

Dolphin Premier Waterline
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.

Dolphin Premier Multi-Media®
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 Sigma includes the NanoFilter and Standard Cartridge Filter, but isn't compatible the leaf bag.

The Dolphin Premier includes:

  • Oversized Leaf Bag
  • Standard Cartridge Filter Set
  • NanoFilter™ Cartridge Set
  • Optional Disposable Debris Bag (sold separately)

The Dolphin Sigma includes:

  • Standard Cartridge Filter
  • NanoFilters

Unlock Your Robot’s Full Potential

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.

Dolphin Premier Multi-Media®
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.

Dolphin Premier Oversized Leaf Bag
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 Sigma also covers your entire pool, including the pool floor, walls, and waterline.

Full Filter Indicator

A Full Filter 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 full filter indicator is on the Dolphin Premier and Dolphin Sigma to help you know when it is time to clean.

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 Dolphin Premier and Dolphin Sigma have the same 3-year manufacturer's warranty.

Which is the better pool robot?

Overall, the Dolphin Premier offers more customizable filter options, an Oversized Leaf Bag, and the same 3-year warranty when compared to the Dolphin Sigma.

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.

Dolphin Premier Robotic Pool Cleaner

BEST VALUE

Dolphin Premier®

$1949 $2499 Save $550

The only Dolphin with Multi-Media™ filtration, an oversized leaf bag, and class-leading waterline cleaning — the #1 selling premium pool robot.

Explore Premier

Also available at

Poolbots Logo

With thousands of Dolphin robots in stock, Poolbots carries the full Dolphin lineup.

Shop at Poolbots
PoolRobots Logo

Carrying all the top Dolphin lineups, PoolRobots paves the way in the pool industry.

Shop at PoolRobots
SpectraLight Logo

An Authorized Dolphin Dealer offering the Premier with full warranty support.

Shop at SpectraLight

Buy the Dolphin Sigma

$2349 $2999 Save $650

Buy the Dolphin Sigma direct with free shipping and a 30-day in-pool trial.

View Details
Poolbots Logo

Shop the Dolphin Sigma at Poolbots, an Authorized Dolphin Dealer.

Shop at Poolbots
PoolRobots Logo

Shop the Dolphin Sigma at PoolRobots, an Authorized Dolphin Dealer.

Shop at PoolRobots
Certified Dolphin Open Box

Save hundreds with full warranty, all original parts & a 30-day trial.

Shop Open Box
Certified Dolphin Refurbished

Factory-restored Dolphins at the lowest price — fully warrantied.

Shop Refurbished

Tech Specs

Dolphin Sigma vs Dolphin Premier Specifications

Dolphin Sigma Dolphin Premier
Price$2349$1949
Part Number99991036-SPLI99996339-SPL
Waterline CleaningYesYes
Multi-Media™NoYes
Filters Included23
FiltrationUltra-fine and Standard Filter Cartridge setsOversized Leaf Bag, Ultra-fine Cartridges, Standard Cartridges, & Optional Disposable Debris bag
Cleaning CoverageFloor, Walls, WaterlineFloor, Walls, Waterline
Cleaning Cycle2.5 hours3 hours
Scrubbing Brushes42
Cable Length60 ft60 ft
Anti-Tangle SwivelYesYes
Pool TypesIn GroundIn Ground
Max Pool Size50 ft50 ft
Surface TypesConcrete, Plaster, Gunite, Pebble, Tile, Vinyl Liner, FiberglassConcrete, Plaster, Gunite, Pebble, Tile, Vinyl Liner, Fiberglass
Media-Alert®YesYes
Weekly TimerYesYes
ProLine™ MotorsYesYes
Restocking FeeNoNo
Warranty3 Years3 Years

Find Your Perfect Match

Explore the Dolphin Max-Series™ & ProLine™

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.

Dolphin Max-Series

The Max-Series™

Max-Series Dolphin Quantum Robotic Pool Cleaner

Dolphin Quantum

Our largest filter ever, dual HyperBrushes, and full waterline cleaning.

$1499 $1799Save $300
Learn More
Max-Series Dolphin Cayman Robotic Pool Cleaner

Dolphin Cayman

Premium wall-climbing performance and MaxBin™ filtration at an unbeatable value.

$1049 $1299Save $250
Learn More
Max-Series Dolphin Escape Robotic Pool Cleaner

Dolphin Escape

The best robotic pool cleaner for above-ground pools.

$659 $899Save $240
Learn More
Dolphin ProLine

The ProLine™

ProLine Dolphin Premier Robotic Pool Cleaner

Dolphin Premier

The only Dolphin with Multi-Media™ filtration and an oversized leaf bag.

$1949 $2499Save $550
Learn More
ProLine Dolphin Sigma Robotic Pool Cleaner

Dolphin Sigma

The most advanced Dolphin ever — gyroscope navigation, Wi-Fi, and quad brushes.

$2349 $2999Save $650
Learn More
ProLine Dolphin Quantum Robotic Pool Cleaner

Dolphin Quantum

Commercial-grade motors with the largest top-loading NanoFilter™ MaxBin™.

$1499 $1799Save $300
Learn More
Dolphin Premier®$1949 · 30-day trial

NEXT STEPS

Try Premier in Your Pool for 30 days

Every pool deserves an intelligent robot.
Take Premier home and try in your own pool for 30 days.

Ultimate Pool Robot Guide