Help me choose
Our pick: Dolphin Escape
Dolphin Escape is the Pool Express pick in this matchup. Dolphin Escape is listed $30 lower. Dolphin Escape weighs 14.2 lb versus 14.5 lb.
Max-Series
Dolphin Escape
Inground and above-ground pools up to 30 ft that need floor cleaning.
Explorer
Dolphin Explorer E20
Inground and above-ground pools up to 33 ft that need floor and wall 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 Escape or Dolphin Explorer E20: our take
Dolphin Escape 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. Dolphin Escape is rated for pools up to 30 ft; Dolphin Explorer E20 is rated up to 33 ft. Dolphin Escape cleans floor; Dolphin Explorer E20 cleans floor and walls. Dolphin Escape lists 1 active brush, SmartNav 2.0 navigation, and Dual 24-volt DC motors. Dolphin Explorer E20 lists 1 active brush and Dual DC motors.
Filtration and debris
Dolphin Escape includes MaxBin; Dolphin Explorer E20 includes Basket.
Controls and day-to-day ownership
Both models provide one-touch starts and power-supply controls. Both use a 40 ft corded cable. Dolphin Escape is listed at 14.2 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 Escape is listed at $669 and Dolphin Explorer E20 at $699; Dolphin Escape is $30 less. Each lists a 2-year manufacturer warranty. Pool Express pick: Dolphin Escape. Dolphin Escape is listed $30 lower. Dolphin Escape weighs 14.2 lb versus 14.5 lb. Choose Dolphin Explorer E20 when it is the better fit for pools up to 33 ft.
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 Escape | Dolphin Explorer E20 |
|---|---|---|
| Cleans the pool floor | Yes | Yes |
| Climbs and cleans walls | No | YesEdge |
| 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 Escape stands out
Dolphin Escape is the better fit for shoppers prioritizing the lower $669 starting price.
- Is listed $30 lower
- Weighs 14.2 lb versus 14.5 lb
Where Dolphin Explorer E20 stands out
Dolphin Explorer E20 is the better fit for pools up to 33 ft.
- Adds wall climbing and scrubbing
- Is rated for pools up to 33 ft
Dolphin Escape vs Dolphin Explorer E20 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 Escape | Dolphin Explorer E20 |
|---|---|---|
| Best fit | Inground and above-ground pools up to 30 ft that need floor cleaning. | Inground and above-ground pools up to 33 ft that need floor and wall cleaning. |
| Starting price | $669 | $699 |
| Pool type | Inground, Above-ground | Inground, Above-ground |
| Maximum pool length | Up to 30 ft | Up to 33 ft |
| Cleaning coverage | Floor | Floor, Walls |
| Power | Corded | Corded |
| Filtration | MaxBin | Basket |
| Scheduling | One-touch start | One-touch start |
| App and remote | Power-supply controls | Power-supply controls |
| Cable | 40 ft | 40 ft |
| Robot weight | 14.2 lb | 14.5 lb |
| Warranty | 2 years | 2 years |
Choose Dolphin Escape
Dolphin Escape is the Pool Express pick in this matchup. Dolphin Escape is listed $30 lower. Dolphin Escape weighs 14.2 lb versus 14.5 lb.
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