Robotic pool cleaner comparison

Aquabot X2 vs Dolphin Explorer E20

A side-by-side comparison of pool fit, cleaning coverage, filtration, controls and the better Pool Express option.

By Brian Williamson, Pool Express product specialist
Updated November 9, 2026

Better alternative

A stronger Pool Express option

Aquabot X2 and Dolphin Explorer E20 are compared feature by feature below. For a stronger Pool Express option, consider Dolphin Cayman. Inground and above-ground pools up to 40 ft that need floor and wall cleaning.

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Aquabot

Aquabot X2

Inground and above-ground pools up to 40 ft that need floor cleaning.

Listed price $497

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Explorer

Dolphin Explorer E20

Inground and above-ground pools up to 33 ft that need floor and wall cleaning.

Listed price $699

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A better alternative

What we recommend instead

Pool Express pick

Dolphin Cayman

Inground and above-ground pools up to 40 ft that need floor and wall cleaning.

$1,079

Buy Dolphin Cayman

Buying guidance

Aquabot X2 or Dolphin Explorer E20: our take

Aquabot X2 and Dolphin Explorer E20 are compared on pool fit, cleaning reach, debris handling, controls and ownership details. The recommendation is based on the job the robot must do—not a simple feature count.

Pool fit and cleaning reach

Both robots are intended for inground and above-ground pools. Aquabot X2 is rated for pools up to 40 ft; Dolphin Explorer E20 is rated up to 33 ft. Aquabot X2 cleans floor; Dolphin Explorer E20 cleans floor and walls. Aquabot X2 lists 1 active brush. Dolphin Explorer E20 lists 1 active brush and Dual DC motors.

Filtration and debris

Dolphin Explorer E20 has documented included filtration—Basket—while the other model's included media is not fully published. Dolphin Explorer E20 has the better documented path for bulky leaves and larger debris.

Controls and day-to-day ownership

Aquabot X2 provides no fully published timer, app or remote specification; Dolphin Explorer E20 provides one-touch starts and power-supply controls.

Price, warranty and the decision

Aquabot X2 is listed at $497 and Dolphin Explorer E20 at $699; Aquabot X2 is $202 less. Each lists a 2-year manufacturer warranty. Aquabot X2 and Dolphin Explorer E20 each have a specific fit, but neither is the Pool Express pick for this job. Our better alternative is Dolphin Cayman. Inground and above-ground pools up to 40 ft that need floor and wall cleaning.

Feature check: what each robot actually has

A green check means the feature is documented as included. A red X means it is documented as absent. A dash means the source does not make the feature clear.

Feature	Aquabot X2	Dolphin Explorer E20
Cleans the pool floor	Yes	Yes
Climbs and cleans walls	No	YesEdge
Scrubs the waterline	No	No
Fine-debris filter included	No	No
Large-debris filter	No	YesEdge
Automatic scheduling	Not listed	No
Smartphone app	Not listed	No
Anti-tangle swivel	Not listed	Not listed
3-year warranty	No	No
No recharging between cycles	Not listed	Yes
Built-in UV-C water treatment	No	No

Unknown is not treated as “no.” Specifications come from the product pages, current catalog records and manufacturer material collected for this site.

Where Aquabot X2 stands out

Aquabot X2 is the better fit for shoppers prioritizing the lower $497 starting price.

Is rated for pools up to 40 ft
Is listed $202 lower

Where Dolphin Explorer E20 stands out

Dolphin Explorer E20 is the better fit for inground and above-ground pools up to 33 ft that need floor and wall cleaning.

Adds wall climbing and scrubbing
Includes a large-debris bin or bag for leaves