by Robert Knight
Head-to-Head Review and Comparison
Compare the pros and cons of each robot
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If you've been looking for a robotic pool cleaner, you likely have seen the Dolphin Premier and Dolphin Sigma pop up in your search. These are our two highest rated robotic pool cleaners. The Premier and Sigma share a lot of the top features you'll want such as waterline cleaning, a dual stabilizer, multiple filter options, 3 year warranty, and a programmable timer. The biggest differences are the number of filter options, a gyroscope, and the myDolphin Plus App. So let's break down and compare these two pool robots.
First, let's break down the filter options.
The Premier has Multi-Media, which allows the Dolphin Premier to swap between the 3 filter media options it includes in seconds. The Dolphin Premier's Multi-Media includes:
The Dolphin Sigma on the other hand includes 2 filter options:
While the Premier stands out in this category, it is great to have the Ultra-Fine filter, as Dolphin doesn't include it in most of its robotic pool cleaners. The big difference is the Premier's leaf bag.
I found myself using the Leaf Bag frequently, so if you have a lot of leaves, the Dolphin Premier is for you?
Both the Dolphin Premier and Dolphin Sigma include an Ultra-Fine filter, so both are fantastic options if you want to clear up cloudy pool water or pickup microscopic debris.
The Dolphin Sigma has the gyroscope and quad scrubbing brushes, giving it the edge when comparing it to the Dolphin Sigma. This allows Sigma to turn in place, something almost all other Maytronics robots cannot do - giving the Dolphin Sigma some extra maneuverability around obstacles such as stairs and ladders.
If you want a smartphone app to control your robot, the Dolphin Sigma is for you. The Sigma's app is honestly amazing. The Dolphin Sigma's app allows you to schedule the robot in 2 ways: Basic and Advanced Scheduling.
Advanced allows you to set each individual day of the week. You can program it to run at 5pm Friday and 10am Sunday - which is a super nice touch from Maytronics to add
Basic will allow you to schedule it to run every day, 2 days, or 3 days. This gives some flexibilty and honestly is fine for most people. This funtionality is what is also on the Dolphin Premier's Programmable Timer. The Premier does have Media-Alert, which the Sigma won't. This alerts you so that you know when it's time to clean Premier's filter. While I found it useful, the Dolphin Sigma will actually push a notification directly to your phone (even if you're away - thanks to it's Wi-Fi Connect Anywhere Technology), which I actually preferred to the Premier's Media-Alert.
Another cool feature is Sigma's remote control option via the app. While you can purchase a remote control for the Premier, the Dolphin Sigma can be controlled direct from your phone - a feature not found in all units with the myDolphin Plus smartphone app either. The Sigma even keeps track of your cleaning history and records stats like gallons filters, energy saved, and more, which is a great addition.
The Dolphin Premier is a little cheaper, so if you don't want the smartphone app or if you want the leaf bag, it is a little better of a value. But if you want the best of the best, the Dolphin Sigma is the way to go.
Both include a full 3 year warranty from Maytronics, which is a great touch as most Maytronics units are covered for 2 years.
Both are fantastic options for your pool. There isn't a clear cut winner, but it can be narrowed down to two big difference: A Leaf Bag or a Smartphone App.
The Dolphin Premier and Dolphin Sigma are two of Dolphin's best performing cleaners, so you're not settling there. With the larger commerical grade motors, they both will cover your whole pool - including the waterline. If it were my decision, I would go with the Dolphin Sigma because it's app is simply fantastic.
A side-by-side look at the key features and which robot includes each.
Alongside Multi-Media, the Oversized Leaf Bag sets the Dolphin Premier apart. Combine top-notch filtration ability, waterline cleaning, and the leaf bag, you can't get a much better clean than the Dolphin Premier.
When your pool robot is ready to be cleaned, it will let you know with the Media Alert indicator on the power supply.
Dolphin gave the Premier what they call Multi-Media Technology, which gives you the ability to swap between four different media types. This allows you to fine tune each clean based on your pool's needs.
High-tech, plated filters are able to capture microscopic algae, debris, sand, and more in your pool water - all while increasing water clarity. To use, just simply snap them in and your robot is ready. NanoFilters are a must have for any pool robot.
90% of the bacteria in your pool is on the waterline. Don't get confused with robots that are "Wall Climbing". There is a big difference. Waterline cleaning means the robot actively scrubs and sticks to the waterline scrubbing away this problem area in the pool. It is a feature you don't want to miss.
Wall climbing allows the robot to clean and climb the walls of your pool. However, don't get this confused with waterline cleaning. A robot without waterline cleaning will only clean the walls of your pool. It will miss the dirtiest part of your pool, the waterline, where 90% of all algae and bacteria is in your pool.
With its SmartPhone App, you can schedule cleanings, manually control, and fine tune your pool robot. The app makes managing your pool cleaning effortless and convenient.
Gyroscopes detect the orientation of the robot by measuring linear acceleration and the angular rotational velocity. The advanced sensors monitor and control position, orientation, direction, and rotation for more effective cleaning coverage, superior climbing and wall/waterline cleaning.
With an Anti-tangle Swivel, the robot can fully explore and clean your pool without ever getting stuck. The innovative design allows the robot to move freely 360 degrees around your pool, without ever knotting the cord.
A robotic pool cleaner saves hundreds of dollars a year in energy when compared to pressure-side or suction-side cleaners. Powered by energy efficient DC motors, a robotic pool cleaner can be 90% more efficient than its counterparts.
Set up has never been easier. No installation needed. Your robot is ready to go right out of the box. No extra pumps, plumbing, or anything else needed. Simply plug it in and start cleaning!
This technology ensures that the most efficient route is used to clean your pool floor. So smart, the system automatically navigates around obstacles and quickly returns to its route. You'll want to look for SmartNav, as we found it performed best in our testing.
Watch reviews and tutorials
Compare the Sigma and Premier spec-for-spec across every category
| Robot | Dolphin Sigma
|
Dolphin Premier
|
|---|
| Pool Types | In Ground | In Ground |
|---|---|---|
| Pool Size | 50 ft | 50 ft |
| Pool Shape | Rectangle, Oval, or Freeform | Rectangle, Oval, or Freeform |
| Obstacles | Steps, Ladder, Drain Cover, Ledges, Pop-Ups | Steps, Ladder, Drain Cover, Ledges, Pop-Ups |
| Surface | Concrete, Plaster, Gunite, Pebble, Tile, Vinyl Liner, Fiberglass | Concrete, Plaster, Gunite, Pebble, Tile, Vinyl Liner, Fiberglass |
| Waterline Cleaning | Yes | Yes |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Filters Included | 2 | 3 |
| Filter Cleaning | Ultra-fine and Standard Filter Cartridge sets | Oversized Leaf Bag, Ultra-fine Cartridges, Standard Cartridges, & Optional Disposable Debris bag |
| Cleaning Coverage | Floor, Walls, Waterline | Floor, Walls, Waterline |
| Cleaning Cycle(s) | 2.5 hrs | 3 hrs |
| Number of Brushes | 4 | 2 |
| Remote operation | Yes - Through App | Yes - Optional Physical Remote |
|---|---|---|
| WiFi / Bluetooth | WiFi: Yes Bluetooth: Yes |
WiFi: No Bluetooth: No |
| Smartphone App | Yes | No |
| Automated Weekly Timer | Yes | Yes |
| Full Bag Indicator | Yes | Yes |
|---|---|---|
| Cable Length | 55 ft | 55 ft |
| Anti-Tangling Swivel | Yes | Yes |
| Restocking Fee | No No Restocking Fee Ever. |
No No Restocking Fee Ever. |
| Warranty | 3 Years | 3 Years |
| Caddy Included | Optional Caddies Available | Optional Caddies Available |
| Official Website | Sigma Official Site | Premier Official Site |
| Official Dolphin Premier Comparison Page | Dolphin Sigma vs Dolphin Premier | |
| Official Dolphin Sigma Comparison Page | Dolphin Premier vs Dolphin Sigma | |
| Part Number | 99991036-SPLI | 99996339-SPL |
| ASIN | B07CZ1XVZX | B01BP8PLMM |
Compare prices for Sigma and Premier — get the best deal from trusted retailers
| Seller | Buy From | Robot | Shop Online |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
$1517 | Sigma | Shop At Amazon |
 |
$1347 | Sigma | Shop At Poolbots |
 |
$1347 | Sigma | Shop At PoolRobots |
|
$1297 | Premier | Shop At Amazon |
|
$1297 | Premier | Shop At Poolbots |
|
$1297 | Premier | Shop At PoolRobots |
Essential add-ons for your pool robot
Weather and UV-resistant storage solution. Premium resin coating protects against scratches, weathering, and UV damage. The ultimate protection for your investment.
A robotic pool cleaner is an investment, so make sure to protect it. The Dolphin Universal Caddy is a solid option for easy storage and transport.
Need extra filters, replacement power supply, or new climbing rings? Shop all replacement parts for Dolphin and Dolphin models.
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