Robotic pool cleaner comparison

Dolphin Echo 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

Dolphin Echo and Dolphin Explorer E20 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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Echo

Dolphin Echo

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

Listed price $749

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

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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

Buy Dolphin Cayman

Buying guidance

Dolphin Echo or Dolphin Explorer E20: our take

Dolphin Echo 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. Both are rated for pools up to 33 ft. Each cleans floor and walls, so coverage alone does not separate them. Dolphin Echo lists 1 active brush and CleverClean 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

Both models provide one-touch starts and power-supply controls. Dolphin Echo uses continuous corded power, while Dolphin Explorer E20 uses a 40 ft corded cable. Dolphin Echo is listed at 14.8 lb versus 14.5 lb for Dolphin Explorer E20; that 0.3000000000000007 lb difference matters when lifting the robot from the pool.

Price, warranty and the decision

Dolphin Echo is listed at $749 and Dolphin Explorer E20 at $699; Dolphin Explorer E20 is $50 less. Each lists a 2-year manufacturer warranty. Dolphin Echo and Dolphin Explorer E20 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	Dolphin Echo	Dolphin Explorer E20
Cleans the pool floor	Yes	Yes
Climbs and cleans walls	Yes	Yes
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	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 Dolphin Echo stands out

Dolphin Echo is the better fit for inground and above-ground pools up to 33 ft that need floor and wall cleaning with the least fuss.

2-hour cycle, 33 ft pools
Active brush, 4,000 GPH suction

Where Dolphin Explorer E20 stands out

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

Is listed $50 lower
Weighs 14.5 lb versus 14.8 lb