Help me choose
A stronger Pool Express option
Dolphin Explorer E40 and Dolphin Proteus DX5i are compared feature by feature below. For a stronger Pool Express option, consider Dolphin Quantum. Inground pools up to 50 ft that need floor, wall and waterline cleaning, with fine debris.
Explorer
Dolphin Explorer E40
Inground pools up to 50 ft that need floor cleaning.
Proteus
Dolphin Proteus DX5i
Inground pools up to 50 ft that need floor, wall and waterline cleaning.
What we recommend instead
Dolphin Quantum
Inground pools up to 50 ft that need floor, wall and waterline cleaning, with fine debris.
$1,649
Buy Dolphin QuantumDolphin Explorer E40 or Dolphin Proteus DX5i: our take
Dolphin Explorer E40 and Dolphin Proteus DX5i 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 pools. Both are rated for pools up to 50 ft. Dolphin Explorer E40 cleans floor; Dolphin Proteus DX5i cleans floor, walls, and waterline. Dolphin Proteus DX5i's documented cleaning system includes 1 active brush.
Filtration and debris
Dolphin Proteus DX5i has documented included filtration—Basket—while the other model's included media is not fully published. Dolphin Proteus DX5i has the better documented path for bulky leaves and larger debris.
Controls and day-to-day ownership
Dolphin Explorer E40 provides no fully published timer, app or remote specification; Dolphin Proteus DX5i provides smartphone control.
Price, warranty and the decision
Dolphin Explorer E40 is listed at $1,599 and Dolphin Proteus DX5i at $1,299; Dolphin Proteus DX5i is $300 less. Dolphin Explorer E40 lists a 3-year warranty compared with 2 years for Dolphin Proteus DX5i. Dolphin Explorer E40 and Dolphin Proteus DX5i each have a specific fit, but neither is the Pool Express pick for this job. Our better alternative is Dolphin Quantum. Inground pools up to 50 ft that need floor, wall and waterline cleaning, with fine debris.
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 E40 | Dolphin Proteus DX5i |
|---|---|---|
| Cleans the pool floor | Yes | Yes |
| Climbs and cleans walls | No | YesEdge |
| Scrubs the waterline | No | YesEdge |
| Fine-debris filter included | No | No |
| Large-debris filter | No | YesEdge |
| Automatic scheduling | Not listed | Not listed |
| Smartphone app | Not listed | Yes |
| Anti-tangle swivel | Not listed | Yes |
| 3-year warranty | YesEdge | No |
| No recharging between cycles | Not listed | 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 E40 stands out
Dolphin Explorer E40 is the better fit for inground pools up to 50 ft that need floor cleaning.
- Carries a 3-year warranty instead of 2 years
- Cleans the pool floor
Where Dolphin Proteus DX5i stands out
Dolphin Proteus DX5i is the better fit for shoppers prioritizing the lower $1,299 starting price.
- Cleans the floor, walls and waterline instead of stopping below the tile line
- Includes a large-debris bin or bag for leaves
- Has documented smartphone control
- Is listed $300 lower
Dolphin Explorer E40 vs Dolphin Proteus DX5i 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 E40 | Dolphin Proteus DX5i |
|---|---|---|
| Best fit | Inground pools up to 50 ft that need floor cleaning. | Inground pools up to 50 ft that need floor, wall and waterline cleaning. |
| Starting price | $1,599 | $1,299 |
| Pool type | Inground | Inground |
| Maximum pool length | Up to 50 ft | Up to 50 ft |
| Cleaning coverage | Floor | Floor, Walls, Waterline |
| Power | Not listed | Corded |
| Filtration | Not listed | Basket |
| Scheduling | Not listed | Not listed |
| App and remote | Not listed | App control |
| Cable | Not listed | 60 ft with anti-tangle swivel |
| Robot weight | Not listed | Not listed |
| Warranty | 3 years | 2 years |
Consider the stronger Pool Express option
Dolphin Explorer E40 and Dolphin Proteus DX5i are compared feature by feature below. For a stronger Pool Express option, consider Dolphin Quantum. Inground pools up to 50 ft that need floor, wall and waterline cleaning, with fine debris.
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