There is a specific kind of freedom that comes with knowing you’ll never have to manually scrub a 50-foot pool again. I’ve spent the better part of this season living with two of the most capable robots in the Maytronics lineup: the Dolphin Proteus DX4 and the Dolphin Proteus DX5i. Both of these machines are essentially the “heavy hitters” of the Proteus family, but they approach the task of pool maintenance with two very different philosophies.
One is a sturdy, traditionalist workhorse that relies on a physical power box, while the other is a tech-forward “smart” cleaner that puts the controls in the palm of your hand. Having unboxed both, tangled with their cables, and cleaned their filters after a week of heavy oak-leaf fallout, I’ve found that the “i” in DX5i stands for much more than just “internet.” It changes the way you interact with your pool entirely.
The Key Difference: Connectivity and Cycle Selection
The fundamental difference between the Dolphin Proteus DX4 and the DX5i is the integration of Wi-Fi and the MyDolphin Plus App. While both robots share the same cleaning hardware—PowerStream mobility, dual active scrubbing, and a 60-foot swivel cable—the DX5i allows for remote control via smartphone, manual steering, and multiple cleaning cycle options (1-hour quick clean vs. 2-hour standard clean). The DX4, by contrast, is a purely physical interface system that utilizes a simplified weekly timer on its power supply and offers a single, fixed 2-hour cleaning cycle.
- WALL-SCRUBBING POWER: Dolphin Proteus DX4 climbs walls efficiently, ensuring thorough cleaning on any pool surface, no matter the shape or surface type.
- ACTIVE SCRUBBING: Elevate your pool maintenance with the Dolphin's active scrubbing brush eliminates manual effort, guaranteeing a pristine pool. Gentle on surfaces,...
- ALWAYS CONNECTED: With the Dolphin Proteus DX5i robotic pool vacuum cleaner, schedule your pool cleanings from anywhere with always connected Wi-Fi.
- WATERLINE SCRUBBING: Dolphin's powerful technology ensures a spotless waterline. As your robot constantly grips the pool walls, it guarantees a thorough cleaning.
Comparison Table: Dolphin Proteus DX4 vs. DX5i
| Feature | Dolphin Proteus DX4 | Dolphin Proteus DX5i |
| Max Pool Size | Up to 50 Feet | Up to 50 Feet |
| Connectivity | None (Manual Power Box) | Wi-Fi & Bluetooth (App Control) |
| App Features | N/A | Remote Steering, Scheduling, Mode Selection |
| Cleaning Cycles | 2 Hours (Standard) | 1 Hour (Quick) or 2 Hours (Standard) |
| Mobility System | PowerStream (Waterline Grip) | PowerStream (Waterline Grip) |
| Cable Length | 60 Feet (With Swivel) | 60 Feet (With Swivel) |
| Brushing | Dual Active Scrubbers | Dual Active Scrubbers |
| Filter Type | Top-Load Large Basket | Top-Load Large Basket |
| Included Accessories | Universal Caddy | Standalone (Caddy often sold separately) |
| Buy NOW | Buy on Amazon | Buy on Amazon |
Detailed Comparative Review: My Life with the “Proteus Twins”
I spent a month alternating these robots in my in-ground pool to see where the extra investment in the DX5i actually pays off and where the DX4 holds its own.
Design: Identical DNA with Different Personalities
From a purely mechanical standpoint, these two robots are nearly identical. They both feature the signature Dolphin “white and blue” aesthetic and use the PowerStream mobility system, which uses water jets on the sides to help the robot “sidestep” along the waterline. When I lifted them, they both felt surprisingly light (under 18 lbs), which is a relief when you’re pulling a wet machine out of the deep end.
The main design departure is the power supply. The DX4 has a very basic “click-and-go” box. The DX5i has a more advanced interface that glows with a blue LED and houses the Wi-Fi receiver. It’s worth noting that in the bundle I tested, the DX4 came with a Universal Caddy, making it easier to transport. The DX5i often comes as a standalone unit, meaning you might find yourself lugging it by the handle unless you buy the caddy as an extra.
- WALL-SCRUBBING POWER: Dolphin Proteus DX4 climbs walls efficiently, ensuring thorough cleaning on any pool surface, no matter the shape or surface type.
- ACTIVE SCRUBBING: Elevate your pool maintenance with the Dolphin's active scrubbing brush eliminates manual effort, guaranteeing a pristine pool. Gentle on surfaces,...
Ease of Use: Smartphone vs. The Power Box
This is where the experience diverges. With the DX4, I walked out to the pool, pressed the button, and walked away. It’s remarkably simple. If I wanted it to run every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, I set the “Weekly Timer” on the box. It’s a very tactile, “no-fuss” experience.
The DX5i takes a bit more setup. I had to pair it with my home Wi-Fi using the MyDolphin Plus app. Once connected, though, it felt like I had a remote control for my pool. I could be at the grocery store and realize I forgot to clean the pool before guests arrived, and with one tap on my phone, the DX5i was off and running. The app also allowed me to “drive” the robot manually. I used this to target a specific pile of sand in the shallow end that the robot’s automatic algorithm missed. For me, that manual control is worth the price of admission alone.
Functions: Waterline Mastery and The “Quick Clean”
Both machines are excellent at waterline scrubbing. I watched them both scale the walls and “lock” onto the tile line, moving horizontally to scrub away the scum line.
However, the DX5i has a secret weapon: the Quick Clean mode. If the pool looks mostly okay but has a few leaves on the floor, I could set the DX5i to a 1-hour cycle. The DX4 only has a 2-hour cycle. In a busy household, having that 60-minute “touch-up” option meant the pool was ready for the kids an hour sooner. Both utilize the same dual active brushes—one in front, one in back—meaning the actual scrubbing intensity is identical.
- ALWAYS CONNECTED: With the Dolphin Proteus DX5i robotic pool vacuum cleaner, schedule your pool cleanings from anywhere with always connected Wi-Fi.
- WATERLINE SCRUBBING: Dolphin's powerful technology ensures a spotless waterline. As your robot constantly grips the pool walls, it guarantees a thorough cleaning.
Maintenance: Rinsing the “Guts”
Maintenance is a draw. Both robots use the large, top-loading filter basket. I found that during spring cleaning, these baskets are large enough to hold about two dozen medium-sized leaves before they lose suction.
One thing I noticed with the DX5i is that the app will actually notify you when the filter is full. With the DX4, I had to wait for the robot to move sluggishly or stop before I knew the basket was packed. Being able to see the filter status on my phone saved me from having to walk out in the rain to check the machine’s progress.
Dolphin Proteus DX4 Robotic Pool Vacuum Cleaner
- WALL-SCRUBBING POWER: Dolphin Proteus DX4 climbs walls efficiently, ensuring thorough cleaning on any pool surface, no matter the shape or surface type.
- ACTIVE SCRUBBING: Elevate your pool maintenance with the Dolphin's active scrubbing brush eliminates manual effort, guaranteeing a pristine pool. Gentle on surfaces,...
Pros:
- Simple Interface: No app, no Wi-Fi, no pairing—just press the button.
- Caddy Included: In most retail bundles, the caddy is part of the price.
- Lower Price Point: You get the top-tier PowerStream mobility for less money.
- Reliability: Fewer electronic components (like Wi-Fi cards) that could potentially fail over time.
Cons:
- No Manual Control: You can’t “steer” it to miss spots.
- Single Cycle: You’re locked into a 2-hour run time.
- Basic Power Supply: Lacks the advanced scheduling of the app.
Dolphin Proteus DX5i Robotic Pool Vacuum Cleaner
- ALWAYS CONNECTED: With the Dolphin Proteus DX5i robotic pool vacuum cleaner, schedule your pool cleanings from anywhere with always connected Wi-Fi.
- WATERLINE SCRUBBING: Dolphin's powerful technology ensures a spotless waterline. As your robot constantly grips the pool walls, it guarantees a thorough cleaning.
Pros:
- Ultimate Control: The app allows for manual driving and remote starts.
- Dual Cleaning Modes: Choose between 1-hour “Floor Only” or 2-hour “Standard.”
- Smart Notifications: Tells you when the cycle is done or the filter is full.
- Future-Proof: Software updates can actually improve the robot’s navigation over time.
Cons:
- Wi-Fi Dependence: If your pool is far from your router, you’ll need a Wi-Fi extender.
- Usually No Caddy: You often have to buy the transport cart separately.
- App Learning Curve: Connecting to a 2.4GHz network can be finicky for some users.
The Final Recommendation: Which One is Your “Perfect” Robot?
Choosing between these two comes down to how much you value “the remote.”
I recommend the Dolphin Proteus DX5i if you are a tech-lover or someone who wants total control. If you have a complex pool shape with a few “trouble spots” that require manual steering, the DX5i is the only choice. The ability to switch between a quick 1-hour clean and a deep 2-hour scrub is a massive convenience for people who host frequent pool parties and need the water ready on short notice.
I recommend the Dolphin Proteus DX4 if you want the best possible cleaning performance without the “technical overhead.” If your pool is a standard rectangle and your Wi-Fi signal doesn’t reach the backyard anyway, the DX4 provides the exact same scrubbing and waterline power as the DX5i for a lower price. It is the “purist’s” choice—it just cleans, and it cleans exceptionally well.
In my backyard, the DX5i is the winner simply for the Manual Drive feature. There is a strange, geeky satisfaction in driving a pool robot like a remote-controlled car to chase down a single stray leaf!
- WALL-SCRUBBING POWER: Dolphin Proteus DX4 climbs walls efficiently, ensuring thorough cleaning on any pool surface, no matter the shape or surface type.
- ACTIVE SCRUBBING: Elevate your pool maintenance with the Dolphin's active scrubbing brush eliminates manual effort, guaranteeing a pristine pool. Gentle on surfaces,...
- ALWAYS CONNECTED: With the Dolphin Proteus DX5i robotic pool vacuum cleaner, schedule your pool cleanings from anywhere with always connected Wi-Fi.
- WATERLINE SCRUBBING: Dolphin's powerful technology ensures a spotless waterline. As your robot constantly grips the pool walls, it guarantees a thorough cleaning.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Is the DX5i really better at cleaning than the DX4?
A: Mechanically, no. They have the same motors, same brushes, and same filtration. The DX5i is “better” because of the options it gives you (Quick Clean, Manual Steering), not because it scrubs harder.
Q: My Wi-Fi doesn’t reach my pool deck. Will the DX5i still work?
A: Yes, but only as a DX4. You can still press the “Start” button on the power box, but you won’t be able to use the app or the manual steering until the unit is within range of your network.
Q: Can I leave these robots in the pool all week?
A: You can, but it’s not recommended. While they have weekly timers, constant exposure to pool chemicals can degrade the seals and the cable over time. It’s best to pull them out, rinse them, and store them on a caddy when not in use.
Q: Do these work on pool steps?
A: Both the DX4 and DX5i are designed to handle steps, though “wedding cake” style steps can sometimes be tricky for any robot. The DX5i has the advantage here because you can manually drive it onto the steps if it misses them.
Q: What is the warranty on these models?
A: Both the Proteus DX4 and the DX5i typically come with a 2-year limited warranty covering the motors and power supply.
