Dolphin Escape vs Dolphin (Maytronics) Sigma
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) Sigma costs $2,999. The Dolphin Escape has a published review score and ranks #4 in our robotic pool cleaners ranking; the Dolphin (Maytronics) Sigma is not scored yet. Pick the Dolphin Escape for above-ground pools up to about 30 ft. Pick the Dolphin (Maytronics) Sigma for set and forget in-ground pools. The Dolphin (Maytronics) Sigma wins 2 of 2 points we can measure.
Who wins, point by point
The Dolphin (Maytronics) Sigma wins 2 of 2 points we can measure. Built from today's prices, the specs and independent tests for these two robots.
| Escape | Sigma | Winner | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Runtime | 90 min | 150 min | Sigma |
| Warranty | 2 years | 3 years | Sigma |
- Best for above-ground pools up to about 30 ft
- You care most about runtime (150 min vs 90 min)
- You care most about warranty (3 years vs 2 years)
- Best for set and forget 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
- 2.5 h cycle
- Max pool
- 50 ft long
Top corded Dolphin with app control, gyro navigation and weekly timer
Full Dolphin (Maytronics) Sigma review, pros and cons →Side by side
| Dolphin Escape | Dolphin (Maytronics) Sigma | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | n/a | $2,999 |
| 3 year cost | n/a | $3,099 |
| Our score | 8.1/10 | Not scored yet |
| Rank in Pool | #4 | #37 |
| 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 shape, 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 2.5 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) | Extra large multi layer top load basket; fine filter plus ultra fine kit in box |
| 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) | MyDolphin Plus app over Wi-Fi with scheduling and automation |
| Weight | 14 lb (Bob Vila) | 24.63 lb |
| Warranty | 2 years (The Pool Nerd roundup) | 3 years |
| Suction | n/a | 4,500 gph (maker) |
| Timer | n/a | Weekly timer |
| Best for | above-ground pools up to about 30 ft | set and forget in-ground pools |
| Skip if | you need wall and waterline cleaning | you do not care about app control |
Specs are maker claims unless a reviewer is named. Prices from the stores we link, checked daily.
What reviewers found
Dolphin Escape
- 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
- 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
Dolphin (Maytronics) Sigma
- The Pool Nerd: Ranked it the best robot the site has tested; the center brush rolled over the main drain every time in weeks of daily testing and its waterline cleaning was the strongest of any Dolphin tried. Affiliate site with links to Dolphin dealers. Source
Questions buyers ask
Which is better, the Dolphin Escape or the Dolphin (Maytronics) Sigma?
The Dolphin Escape has a published review score and ranks #4 in our robotic pool cleaners ranking; the Dolphin (Maytronics) Sigma is not scored yet. Pick the Dolphin Escape for above-ground pools up to about 30 ft. Pick the Dolphin (Maytronics) Sigma for set and forget in-ground pools.
What is the difference between the Escape and the Sigma?
Pool types: Above-ground pools, plus smaller in-ground pools (The Pool Nerd); gunite, plaster, vinyl… on the Escape, In-ground; rectangular, round, free shape, kidney on the Sigma. Cleans: Floor only; no waterline scrubbing and limited wall climbing (The Pool Nerd, Bob Vila) on the Escape, Floor, walls, waterline on the Sigma. 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 Sigma.
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