Dolphin Escape vs Dolphin (Maytronics) Premier
Researched by Riley Hart · prices checked Nov 4, 2026
As of Nov 4, 2026, the Dolphin Escape has no store price on file and the Dolphin (Maytronics) Premier costs $2,499. The Dolphin Escape scores higher in our ranking (8.1 vs 6.8 out of 10). Pick the Dolphin Escape for above-ground pools up to about 30 ft. Pick the Dolphin (Maytronics) Premier for leafy in-ground pools. The Dolphin (Maytronics) Premier wins 2 of 3 points we can measure.
Who wins, point by point
The Dolphin (Maytronics) Premier wins 2 of 3 points we can measure. Built from today's prices, the specs and independent tests for these two robots.
| Escape | Premier | Winner | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bob Vila score | 9.5/10 | 9/10 | Escape |
| Runtime | 90 min | 3 h | Premier |
| Warranty | 2 years | 3 years | Premier |
- You care most about bob vila score (9.5/10 vs 9/10)
- Best for above-ground pools up to about 30 ft
- You care most about runtime (3 h vs 90 min)
- You care most about warranty (3 years vs 2 years)
- Best for leafy in-ground pools
- Cleans
- Floor only
- Power
- Corded
- Runtime
- 90 min cycle
- Max pool
- Up to 30 ft long
Simple corded floor cleaner for above-ground and small pools
Full Dolphin Escape review, pros and cons →- Cleans
- Floor
- Power
- Corded
- Runtime
- 3 h cycle
- Max pool
- 50 ft long
Corded workhorse with swappable filters for leafy in-ground pools
Full Dolphin (Maytronics) Premier review, pros and cons →Side by side
| Dolphin Escape | Dolphin (Maytronics) Premier | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | n/a | $2,499 |
| 3 year cost | n/a | $2,624 |
| Our score | 8.1/10 | 6.8/10 |
| Rank in Pool | #4 | #10 |
| Status | on sale | on sale |
| Warranty | 2 years (per The Pool Nerd; not confirmed on a Maytronics page) | 3 years |
| Pool types | Above-ground pools, plus smaller in-ground pools (The Pool Nerd); gunite, plaster, vinyl and fiberglass floors (Bob Vila) | In-ground; rectangular, round, free form, kidney |
| Cleans | Floor only; no waterline scrubbing and limited wall climbing (The Pool Nerd, Bob Vila) | Floor, walls, waterline |
| Power | Corded, 180 W with dual DC motors (The Pool Nerd); 40 ft cable with no swivel (Bob Vila, The Pool Nerd) | Corded |
| Runtime | 90 min cycle (Bob Vila) | Default 3 h cycle; no battery |
| Charge time | None needed, corded | None (corded) |
| Filter | Top load MaxBin basket; up to 4,000 gph suction (The Pool Nerd) | Multi layer: bottom load filter bag or cartridges, fine filter kit included; full filter indicator |
| Max pool size | Up to 30 ft long (Bob Vila); The Pool Nerd says up to 33 ft in its roundup but advises against pools over about 30 ft | Pools up to 50 ft long |
| App | No app or weekly timer; one button start (The Pool Nerd, Bob Vila) | None; no Wi-Fi |
| Weight | 14 lb (Bob Vila) | 20.286 lb |
| Warranty | 2 years (The Pool Nerd roundup) | 3 years |
| Timer | n/a | Weekly timer |
| Best for | above-ground pools up to about 30 ft | leafy in-ground pools |
| Skip if | you need wall and waterline cleaning | you want app control |
Specs are maker claims unless a reviewer is named. Prices from the stores we link, checked daily.
What reviewers found
Dolphin Escape
- Bob Vila (9.5/10): Tested in a 24 ft above-ground pool. Setup took under 5 minutes and a 90 minute cycle gave a thorough clean. It is heavy to lift when full of water, can stop mid pool at cycle end, and the control box must come inside when it rains. Source
- The Pool Nerd: Pool Nerd Approved and named best above-ground and best entry level pick. The floor of an 8 x 20 ft test pool was much cleaner after about 30 minutes; it draws about 180 W. No timer, app, swivel or waterline scrubbing. The site earns affiliate commissions. Source
Dolphin (Maytronics) Premier
- Bob Vila (9/10): Cleaned light leaf litter, tile line algae and storm dirt in a Miami pool, ran quietly at about 5 cents per hour, but was heavy to lift and the caddy and remote cost extra. Source
- The Pool Nerd: Names it the author's personal favorite after testing about 30 robots, citing suction, filter choices and the 3 year warranty. Affiliate site with links to Dolphin dealers. Source
Questions buyers ask
Which is better, the Dolphin Escape or the Dolphin (Maytronics) Premier?
The Dolphin Escape scores higher in our ranking (8.1 vs 6.8 out of 10). Pick the Dolphin Escape for above-ground pools up to about 30 ft. Pick the Dolphin (Maytronics) Premier for leafy in-ground pools.
What is the difference between the Escape and the Premier?
Pool types: Above-ground pools, plus smaller in-ground pools (The Pool Nerd); gunite, plaster, vinyl… on the Escape, In-ground; rectangular, round, free form, kidney on the Premier. Cleans: Floor only; no waterline scrubbing and limited wall climbing (The Pool Nerd, Bob Vila) on the Escape, Floor, walls, waterline on the Premier. Power: Corded, 180 W with dual DC motors (The Pool Nerd); 40 ft cable with no swivel (Bob Vila… on the Escape, Corded on the Premier.
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See the ranking →Affiliate links. We may earn a commission. It never changes our score. Disclosure