Robotic pool cleaner comparison

Aquabot X4 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 X4 and Dolphin Explorer E20 are compared feature by feature below. For a stronger Pool Express option, consider Dolphin Quantum. Inground pools up to 50 ft that need floor, wall and waterline cleaning, with fine debris.

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Aquabot

Aquabot X4

Inground and above-ground pools up to 60 ft that need floor, wall and waterline cleaning.

Listed price $747

View better alternatives

Explorer

Dolphin Explorer E20

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

Listed price $699

View better alternatives

A better alternative

What we recommend instead

Pool Express pick

Dolphin Quantum

Inground pools up to 50 ft that need floor, wall and waterline cleaning, with fine debris.

$1,649

Buy Dolphin Quantum

Buying guidance

Aquabot X4 or Dolphin Explorer E20: our take

Aquabot X4 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 X4 is rated for pools up to 60 ft; Dolphin Explorer E20 is rated up to 33 ft. Aquabot X4 cleans floor, walls, and waterline; Dolphin Explorer E20 cleans floor and walls. Aquabot X4 lists 1 active brush and Intelligent navigation. Dolphin Explorer E20 lists 1 active brush and Dual DC motors.

Filtration and debris

Both models include Basket.

Controls and day-to-day ownership

Aquabot X4 provides a weekly timer; Dolphin Explorer E20 provides one-touch starts and power-supply controls. Aquabot X4 uses a 60 ft corded cable with an anti-tangle swivel, while Dolphin Explorer E20 uses a 40 ft corded cable. Aquabot X4 is listed at 40 lb versus 14.5 lb for Dolphin Explorer E20; that 25.5 lb difference matters when lifting the robot from the pool.

Price, warranty and the decision

Aquabot X4 is listed at $747 and Dolphin Explorer E20 at $699; Dolphin Explorer E20 is $48 less. Each lists a 2-year manufacturer warranty. Aquabot X4 and Dolphin Explorer E20 each have a specific fit, but neither is the Pool Express pick for this job. Our better alternative is Dolphin Quantum. Inground pools up to 50 ft that need floor, wall and waterline cleaning, with fine debris.

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 X4	Dolphin Explorer E20
Cleans the pool floor	Yes	Yes
Climbs and cleans walls	Yes	Yes
Scrubs the waterline	YesEdge	No
Fine-debris filter included	No	No
Large-debris filter	Yes	Yes
Automatic scheduling	YesEdge	No
Smartphone app	Not listed	No
Anti-tangle swivel	Yes	Not listed
3-year warranty	No	No
No recharging between cycles	Yes	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 X4 stands out

Aquabot X4 is the better fit for pools up to 60 ft.

Cleans the floor, walls and waterline instead of stopping below the tile line
Can start on a weekly schedule without a manual launch before every cycle
Is rated for pools up to 60 ft

Where Dolphin Explorer E20 stands out

Dolphin Explorer E20 is the better fit for shoppers prioritizing the lower $699 starting price.

Is listed $48 lower
Weighs 14.5 lb versus 40 lb