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Robotic pool cleaner comparison

Dolphin Active 60 vs Dolphin Explorer E25

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

Dolphin Active 60 Dolphin Explorer E25
Better alternative

A stronger Pool Express option

Dolphin Active 60 and Dolphin Explorer E25 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.

A better alternative

What we recommend instead

Buying guidance

Dolphin Active 60 or Dolphin Explorer E25: our take

Dolphin Active 60 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

Both robots are intended for inground pools. Both are rated for pools up to 50 ft. Dolphin Active 60 cleans floor, walls, and waterline; Dolphin Explorer E25 cleans floor and walls. Dolphin Active 60's documented cleaning system includes 2 active brushes and CleverClean navigation.

Filtration and debris

Dolphin Active 60 has documented included filtration—Basket and UltraFilter—while the other model's included media is not fully published. That gives Dolphin Active 60 the clearer documented edge for fine silt, pollen and sand. Dolphin Active 60 also has the better documented path for bulky leaves and larger debris.

Controls and day-to-day ownership

Dolphin Active 60 provides a weekly timer, smartphone control, and included remote control; Dolphin Explorer E25 provides smartphone control.

Price, warranty and the decision

Dolphin Active 60 is listed at $1,999 and Dolphin Explorer E25 at $899; Dolphin Explorer E25 is $1,100 less. Dolphin Active 60 lists a 3-year warranty compared with 2 years for Dolphin Explorer E25. Dolphin Active 60 and Dolphin Explorer E25 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 Dolphin Active 60 Dolphin Explorer E25
Cleans the pool floor Yes Yes
Climbs and cleans walls Yes Yes
Scrubs the waterline YesEdge No
Fine-debris filter included YesEdge No
Large-debris filter YesEdge No
Automatic scheduling Yes Not listed
Smartphone app Yes Yes
Anti-tangle swivel Yes Not listed
3-year warranty YesEdge No
No recharging between cycles Yes 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 Dolphin Active 60 stands out

Dolphin Active 60 is the better fit for inground pools up to 50 ft that need floor, wall and waterline cleaning, with fine debris.

  • Cleans the floor, walls and waterline instead of stopping below the tile line
  • Includes filtration for sand, pollen and other fine debris
  • Includes a large-debris bin or bag for leaves
  • Carries a 3-year warranty instead of 2 years

Where Dolphin Explorer E25 stands out

Dolphin Explorer E25 is the better fit for shoppers prioritizing the lower $899 starting price.

  • Is listed $1,100 lower
  • Cleans floor and walls

Dolphin Active 60 vs Dolphin Explorer E25 specifications

Use pool fit first. Price and app control do not make up for a robot that cannot cover the length or surfaces you need cleaned.

Specification Dolphin Active 60 Dolphin Explorer E25
Best fit Inground pools up to 50 ft that need floor, wall and waterline cleaning, with fine debris. Inground pools up to 50 ft that need floor and wall cleaning.
Starting price $1,999 $899
Pool type Inground Inground
Maximum pool length Up to 50 ft Up to 50 ft
Cleaning coverage Floor, Walls, Waterline Floor, Walls
Power Corded Not listed
Filtration Basket, UltraFilter Not listed
Scheduling Weekly schedule + app Not listed
App and remote App + included remote App control
Cable 60 ft with anti-tangle swivel Not listed
Robot weight Not listed Not listed
Warranty 3 years 2 years
Final call

Consider the stronger Pool Express option

Dolphin Active 60 and Dolphin Explorer E25 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.

Buy Dolphin Quantum

Keep comparing without rebuilding the same specification table yourself.