Help me choose
Our pick: Dolphin Escape
Dolphin Escape is the Pool Express pick in this matchup. Dolphin Escape includes a large-debris bin or bag for leaves. Dolphin Escape is listed $930 lower.
Max-Series
Dolphin Escape
Inground and above-ground pools up to 30 ft that need floor cleaning.
Explorer
Dolphin Explorer E40
Inground pools up to 50 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 Escape or Dolphin Explorer E40: our take
Dolphin Escape and Dolphin Explorer E40 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
Dolphin Escape is intended for inground and above-ground pools, while Dolphin Explorer E40 is intended for inground pools. Dolphin Escape is rated for pools up to 30 ft; Dolphin Explorer E40 is rated up to 50 ft. Each cleans floor, so coverage alone does not separate them. Dolphin Escape's documented cleaning system includes 1 active brush, SmartNav 2.0 navigation, and Dual 24-volt DC motors.
Filtration and debris
Dolphin Escape has documented included filtration—MaxBin—while the other model's included media is not fully published. Dolphin Escape also has the better documented path for bulky leaves and larger debris.
Controls and day-to-day ownership
Dolphin Escape provides one-touch starts and power-supply controls; Dolphin Explorer E40 provides no fully published timer, app or remote specification.
Price, warranty and the decision
Dolphin Escape is listed at $669 and Dolphin Explorer E40 at $1,599; Dolphin Escape is $930 less. Dolphin Escape lists a 2-year warranty compared with 3 years for Dolphin Explorer E40. Pool Express pick: Dolphin Escape. Dolphin Escape includes a large-debris bin or bag for leaves. Dolphin Escape is listed $930 lower. Choose Dolphin Explorer E40 when it is the better fit for pools up to 50 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 E40 |
|---|---|---|
| Cleans the pool floor | Yes | Yes |
| Climbs and cleans walls | No | No |
| Scrubs the waterline | No | No |
| Fine-debris filter included | No | No |
| Large-debris filter | YesEdge | No |
| Automatic scheduling | No | Not listed |
| Smartphone app | No | Not listed |
| Anti-tangle swivel | No | Not listed |
| 3-year warranty | No | YesEdge |
| 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 Escape stands out
Dolphin Escape is the better fit for shoppers prioritizing the lower $669 starting price.
- Includes a large-debris bin or bag for leaves
- Is listed $930 lower
Where Dolphin Explorer E40 stands out
Dolphin Explorer E40 is the better fit for pools up to 50 ft.
- Carries a 3-year warranty instead of 2 years
- Is rated for pools up to 50 ft
Dolphin Escape vs Dolphin Explorer E40 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 E40 |
|---|---|---|
| Best fit | Inground and above-ground pools up to 30 ft that need floor cleaning. | Inground pools up to 50 ft that need floor cleaning. |
| Starting price | $669 | $1,599 |
| Pool type | Inground, Above-ground | Inground |
| Maximum pool length | Up to 30 ft | Up to 50 ft |
| Cleaning coverage | Floor | Floor |
| Power | Corded | Not listed |
| Filtration | MaxBin | Not listed |
| Scheduling | One-touch start | Not listed |
| App and remote | Power-supply controls | Not listed |
| Cable | 40 ft | Not listed |
| Robot weight | 14.2 lb | Not listed |
| Warranty | 2 years | 3 years |
Choose Dolphin Escape
Dolphin Escape is the Pool Express pick in this matchup. Dolphin Escape includes a large-debris bin or bag for leaves. Dolphin Escape is listed $930 lower.
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