Robotic pool cleaner comparison

Aquabot X2 vs Dolphin Explorer E40

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 E40 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 E40

Inground pools up to 50 ft that need floor cleaning.

Listed price $1,599

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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 E40: our take

Aquabot X2 and Dolphin Explorer E40 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 E40 is intended for inground pools. Aquabot X2 is rated for pools up to 40 ft; Dolphin Explorer E40 is rated up to 50 ft. Each cleans floor, so coverage alone does not separate them. 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

Both models provide no fully published timer, app or remote specification.

Price, warranty and the decision

Aquabot X2 is listed at $497 and Dolphin Explorer E40 at $1,599; Aquabot X2 is $1,102 less. Aquabot X2 lists a 2-year warranty compared with 3 years for Dolphin Explorer E40. Aquabot X2 and Dolphin Explorer E40 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 E40
Cleans the pool floor	Yes	Yes
Climbs and cleans walls	No	No
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	Not listed
Anti-tangle swivel	Not listed	Not listed
3-year warranty	No	YesEdge
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 $1,102 lower
2-year warranty

Where Dolphin Explorer E40 stands out

Dolphin Explorer E40 is the better fit for pools up to 50 ft.

Carries a 3-year warranty instead of 2 years
Is rated for pools up to 50 ft