Help me choose
A stronger Pool Express option
Dolphin Explorer E20 and Dolphin Nautilus AG 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.
Explorer
Dolphin Explorer E20
Inground and above-ground pools up to 33 ft that need floor and wall cleaning.
Nautilus
Dolphin Nautilus AG
Above-ground and small inground pools up to 30 ft that need the floor vacuumed.
What we recommend instead
Dolphin Cayman
Inground and above-ground pools up to 40 ft that need floor and wall cleaning.
$1,079
Buy Dolphin CaymanDolphin Explorer E20 or Dolphin Nautilus AG: our take
Dolphin Explorer E20 and Dolphin Nautilus AG 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 Explorer E20 is intended for inground and above-ground pools, while Dolphin Nautilus AG is intended for above-ground pools. Dolphin Explorer E20 is rated for pools up to 33 ft; Dolphin Nautilus AG is rated up to 30 ft. Dolphin Explorer E20 cleans floor and walls; Dolphin Nautilus AG cleans floor. Dolphin Explorer E20 lists 1 active brush and Dual DC motors. Dolphin Nautilus AG lists 1 active brush and CleverClean navigation.
Filtration and debris
Both models include Basket.
Controls and day-to-day ownership
Both models provide one-touch starts and power-supply controls. Dolphin Explorer E20 uses a 40 ft corded cable, while Dolphin Nautilus AG uses continuous corded power. Dolphin Explorer E20 is listed at 14.5 lb versus 14.6 lb for Dolphin Nautilus AG; that 0.09999999999999964 lb difference matters when lifting the robot from the pool.
Price, warranty and the decision
Dolphin Explorer E20 is listed at $699 and Dolphin Nautilus AG at $568; Dolphin Nautilus AG is $131 less. Dolphin Explorer E20 lists a 2-year warranty compared with 1 years for Dolphin Nautilus AG. Dolphin Explorer E20 and Dolphin Nautilus AG 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 Explorer E20 | Dolphin Nautilus AG |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Not listed | 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 Explorer E20 stands out
Dolphin Explorer E20 is the better fit for pools up to 33 ft.
- Adds wall climbing and scrubbing
- Carries a 2-year warranty instead of 1 years
- Is rated for pools up to 33 ft
- Weighs 14.5 lb versus 14.6 lb
Where Dolphin Nautilus AG stands out
Dolphin Nautilus AG is the better fit for shoppers prioritizing the lower $568 starting price.
- Is listed $131 lower
- Cleans the pool floor
Dolphin Explorer E20 vs Dolphin Nautilus AG 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 Explorer E20 | Dolphin Nautilus AG |
|---|---|---|
| Best fit | Inground and above-ground pools up to 33 ft that need floor and wall cleaning. | Above-ground and small inground pools up to 30 ft that need the floor vacuumed. |
| Starting price | $699 | $568 |
| Pool type | Inground, Above-ground | Above-ground |
| Maximum pool length | Up to 33 ft | Up to 30 ft |
| Cleaning coverage | Floor, Walls | Floor |
| Power | Corded | Corded |
| Filtration | Basket | Basket |
| Scheduling | One-touch start | One-touch start |
| App and remote | Power-supply controls | Power-supply controls |
| Cable | 40 ft | Not listed |
| Robot weight | 14.5 lb | 14.6 lb |
| Warranty | 2 years | 1 years |
Consider the stronger Pool Express option
Dolphin Explorer E20 and Dolphin Nautilus AG 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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