Robotic pool cleaner comparison

Aquabot X2 vs Dolphin Explorer E25

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 E25 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 E25

Inground pools up to 50 ft that need floor and wall cleaning.

Listed price $899

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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

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Buying guidance

Aquabot X2 or Dolphin Explorer E25: our take

Aquabot X2 and Dolphin Explorer E25 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

Aquabot X2 is intended for inground and above-ground pools, while Dolphin Explorer E25 is intended for inground pools. Aquabot X2 is rated for pools up to 40 ft; Dolphin Explorer E25 is rated up to 50 ft. Aquabot X2 cleans floor; Dolphin Explorer E25 cleans floor and walls. Aquabot X2's documented cleaning system includes 1 active brush.

Filtration and debris

The available manufacturer records do not fully identify the filter media supplied with either robot, so filtration should be confirmed before ordering.

Controls and day-to-day ownership

Aquabot X2 provides no fully published timer, app or remote specification; Dolphin Explorer E25 provides smartphone control.

Price, warranty and the decision

Aquabot X2 is listed at $497 and Dolphin Explorer E25 at $899; Aquabot X2 is $402 less. Each lists a 2-year manufacturer warranty. Aquabot X2 and Dolphin Explorer E25 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 E25
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	No
Automatic scheduling	Not listed	Not listed
Smartphone app	Not listed	Yes
Anti-tangle swivel	Not listed	Not listed
3-year warranty	No	No
No recharging between cycles	Not listed	Not listed
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 listed $402 lower
Cleans the pool floor

Where Dolphin Explorer E25 stands out

Dolphin Explorer E25 is the better fit for pools up to 50 ft.

Adds wall climbing and scrubbing
Has documented smartphone control
Is rated for pools up to 50 ft