poolcleanerreviews

Robotic pool cleaner review

Dolphin Explorer E20 Robotic Pool Cleaner

6.3FairValue 6.0/10
CordedWallsWaterlineSkims surfaceWi-FiBluetoothSystematic (gyro) nav

Spec-based review: scored from Maytronics Dolphin's published specifications with the same weights as every other robotic cleaner. Not a hands-on test. How we score.

Our take

The Dolphin Explorer E20 Robotic Pool Cleaner is a corded robotic pool cleaner from Maytronics Dolphin. It cleans the floor and walls, navigates in a systematic pattern rather than at random, using CleverClean, and has no app. Its cable is 50 ft long.

On paper it scores 6.3 out of 10 (fair) against other robotic cleaners. Its strongest areas are runtime (8.5) and navigation (7.0). Where it gives ground: app & connectivity (2.0) and filtration (4.5). Climbs walls but doesn’t scrub the waterline.

The best price we found is $668 at Home Depot. The typical robotic cleaner we track costs $899, so this one is cheaper than most. For what it does, its value score is 6.0 out of 10.

If you want mapping navigation, the cheapest we track with it is the Dreame Z1 Cordless Robotic Pool Cleaner at $349.99.

If you want a Wi-Fi app, the cheapest we track with it is the Dreame Z1 Pro Cordless Robotic Pool Cleaner at $399.99.

To spend less for nearly the same spec score, the WYBOT C2 Cordless Robotic Pool Cleaner (2026 Upgrade) rates 8.4 for $429.

For about the same money, the Beatbot Sora 10 Robotic Pool Cleaner scores higher (8.4) at $469.

Bottom line: a fair pick for above-ground pools.

Pros

  • +Cleans in a systematic pattern rather than at random, using CleverClean.
  • +Climbs and cleans the walls, not just the floor.
  • +Top-access filter basket: no bag to wash out.
  • +Works in above-ground pools as well as in-ground.
  • +Light to lift out at 14.8 lb.

Cons

  • −Climbs walls but doesn’t scrub the waterline.
  • −Corded: the floating cable can tangle and needs the occasional untwist.
  • −No app or remote: settings are on the unit itself.
  • −Filter fineness isn’t stated.

Best for

  • Above-ground pools

Skip it if

  • You get a scum line at the waterline
  • A cord across the pool bothers you

Where to buy the Explorer E20

StoreCheckedBuy
Home Depotstock not in static HTML (online "buyable": true); Home Depot part 99996148-XPB$668—todayView deal
INYO PoolsInyo part 99996148-XP$668—todayView deal
Amazonlive—at clickCheck price
Maytronics Dolphin (US)Out of stockmaytronics.com lists it as a Walmart store exclusive$669—todayView deal

Similar-priced alternatives

6.3

Dolphin Proteus DX3 Robotic Pool Cleaner

Maytronics Dolphin · Robotic · value 5.9/10

CordedWallsWaterlineSkims surfaceWi-FiBluetoothSystematic (gyro) nav
  • +Cleans in a systematic pattern rather than at random, using CleverClean.
  • +Climbs and cleans the walls, not just the floor.

$669

at Leslie's

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8.4

Beatbot Sora 30 Robotic Pool Cleaner

Beatbot · Robotic · value 7.8/10

CordlessWallsWaterlineSkims surfaceWi-FiBluetoothSystematic (gyro) nav
  • +Cleans in a systematic pattern rather than at random, using Optimized S-shaped paths + SonicSense ultrasonic obstacle avoidance.
  • +Climbs the walls and scrubs the waterline, where the scum line forms.

$699

at Beatbot−30%

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6.0

Dolphin Nautilus CC Robotic Pool Cleaner

Maytronics Dolphin · Robotic · value 4.6/10

CordedWallsWaterlineSkims surfaceWi-FiBluetoothSystematic (gyro) nav
  • +Cleans in a systematic pattern rather than at random, using CleverClean.
  • +Climbs and cleans the walls, not just the floor.

$699

at Maytronics Dolphin (US)

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Compare the Explorer E20 with any cleaner →

Head to head: Explorer E20 vs Proteus DX3 · Sora 30 vs Explorer E20 · Explorer E20 vs C2 Vision