Help me choose
Our pick: Dolphin Escape
Dolphin Escape is the Pool Express pick in this matchup. Dolphin Escape weighs 14.2 lb versus 14.6 lb. Dolphin Escape cleans the pool floor in pools up to 30 ft.
Active
Dolphin Active Solo
Inground and above-ground pools up to 33 ft that need floor and wall cleaning at the lowest Active-series price.
Max-Series
Dolphin Escape
Inground and above-ground pools up to 30 ft that need floor cleaning.
Why Dolphin Escape is our pick
Dolphin Escape
Inground and above-ground pools up to 30 ft that need floor cleaning.
$669
Buy Dolphin EscapeDolphin Active Solo or Dolphin Escape: our take
Dolphin Active Solo and Dolphin Escape 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. Dolphin Active Solo is rated for pools up to 33 ft; Dolphin Escape is rated up to 30 ft. Dolphin Active Solo cleans floor and walls; Dolphin Escape cleans floor. Dolphin Active Solo lists 1 active brush and CleverClean navigation. Dolphin Escape lists 1 active brush, SmartNav 2.0 navigation, and Dual 24-volt DC motors.
Filtration and debris
Dolphin Active Solo includes Basket; Dolphin Escape includes MaxBin.
Controls and day-to-day ownership
Both models provide one-touch starts and power-supply controls. Dolphin Active Solo uses continuous corded power, while Dolphin Escape uses a 40 ft corded cable. Dolphin Active Solo is listed at 14.6 lb versus 14.2 lb for Dolphin Escape; that 0.40000000000000036 lb difference matters when lifting the robot from the pool.
Price, warranty and the decision
Dolphin Active Solo is listed at $599 and Dolphin Escape at $669; Dolphin Active Solo is $70 less. Each lists a 2-year manufacturer warranty. Pool Express pick: Dolphin Escape. Dolphin Escape weighs 14.2 lb versus 14.6 lb. Dolphin Escape cleans the pool floor in pools up to 30 ft. Choose Dolphin Active Solo when it is the better fit for shoppers prioritizing the lower $599 starting price.
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 Solo | Dolphin Escape |
|---|---|---|
| Cleans the pool floor | Yes | Yes |
| Climbs and cleans walls | YesEdge | No |
| Scrubs the waterline | No | No |
| Fine-debris filter included | No | No |
| Large-debris filter | Yes | Yes |
| Automatic scheduling | No | No |
| Smartphone app | No | No |
| Anti-tangle swivel | No | No |
| 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 Dolphin Active Solo stands out
Dolphin Active Solo is the better fit for shoppers prioritizing the lower $599 starting price.
- Adds wall climbing and scrubbing
- Is rated for pools up to 33 ft
- Is listed $70 lower
Where Dolphin Escape stands out
Dolphin Escape is the better fit for inground and above-ground pools up to 30 ft that need floor cleaning.
- Weighs 14.2 lb versus 14.6 lb
- Cleans the pool floor in pools up to 30 ft
Dolphin Active Solo vs Dolphin Escape 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 Solo | Dolphin Escape |
|---|---|---|
| Best fit | Inground and above-ground pools up to 33 ft that need floor and wall cleaning at the lowest Active-series price. | Inground and above-ground pools up to 30 ft that need floor cleaning. |
| Starting price | $599 | $669 |
| Pool type | Inground, Above-ground | Inground, Above-ground |
| Maximum pool length | Up to 33 ft | Up to 30 ft |
| Cleaning coverage | Floor, Walls | Floor |
| Power | Corded | Corded |
| Filtration | Basket | MaxBin |
| Scheduling | One-touch start | One-touch start |
| App and remote | Power-supply controls | Power-supply controls |
| Cable | Not listed | 40 ft |
| Robot weight | 14.6 lb | 14.2 lb |
| Warranty | 2 years | 2 years |
Choose Dolphin Escape
Dolphin Escape is the Pool Express pick in this matchup. Dolphin Escape weighs 14.2 lb versus 14.6 lb. Dolphin Escape cleans the pool floor in pools up to 30 ft.
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