Robotic pool cleaner comparison

Dolphin Explorer E20 vs Dolphin S100

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 Explorer E20 and Dolphin S100 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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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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S-Line

Dolphin S100

Inground and above-ground pools up to 33 ft that need floor and wall cleaning, with fine debris.

Listed price $849

View better alternatives

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 Explorer E20 or Dolphin S100: our take

Dolphin Explorer E20 and Dolphin S100 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 Explorer E20 lists 1 active brush and Dual DC motors. Dolphin S100 lists 1 active brush.

Filtration and debris

Dolphin Explorer E20 includes Basket; Dolphin S100 includes Basket and UltraFilter. Dolphin S100 has the clearer documented edge for fine silt, pollen and sand.

Controls and day-to-day ownership

Dolphin Explorer E20 provides one-touch starts and power-supply controls; Dolphin S100 provides a weekly timer and power-supply controls. Dolphin Explorer E20 uses a 40 ft corded cable, while Dolphin S100 uses a 50 ft corded cable. Dolphin Explorer E20 is listed at 14.5 lb versus 14 lb for Dolphin S100; that 0.5 lb difference matters when lifting the robot from the pool.

Price, warranty and the decision

Dolphin Explorer E20 is listed at $699 and Dolphin S100 at $849; Dolphin Explorer E20 is $150 less. Each lists a 2-year manufacturer warranty. Dolphin Explorer E20 and Dolphin S100 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 S100
Cleans the pool floor	Yes	Yes
Climbs and cleans walls	Yes	Yes
Scrubs the waterline	No	No
Fine-debris filter included	No	YesEdge
Large-debris filter	Yes	Yes
Automatic scheduling	No	YesEdge
Smartphone app	No	No
Anti-tangle swivel	Not listed	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 Explorer E20 stands out

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

Is listed $150 lower
40 ft cable

Where Dolphin S100 stands out

Dolphin S100 is the better fit for inground and above-ground pools up to 33 ft that need floor and wall cleaning, with fine debris.

Includes filtration for sand, pollen and other fine debris
Can start on a weekly schedule without a manual launch before every cycle
Weighs 14 lb versus 14.5 lb

Dolphin Explorer E20 vs Dolphin S100 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 S100
Best fit	Inground and above-ground pools up to 33 ft that need floor and wall cleaning.	Inground and above-ground pools up to 33 ft that need floor and wall cleaning, with fine debris.
Starting price	$699	$849
Pool type	Inground, Above-ground	Inground, Above-ground
Maximum pool length	Up to 33 ft	Up to 33 ft
Cleaning coverage	Floor, Walls	Floor, Walls
Power	Corded	Corded
Filtration	Basket	Basket, UltraFilter
Scheduling	One-touch start	Weekly schedule
App and remote	Power-supply controls	Power-supply controls
Cable	40 ft	50 ft
Robot weight	14.5 lb	14 lb
Warranty	2 years	2 years

Final call

Consider the stronger Pool Express option