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Robotic pool cleaner comparison

Dolphin Explorer E40 vs Dolphin Quantum

A side-by-side comparison of pool fit, cleaning coverage, filtration, controls and the better Pool Express option.

Dolphin Explorer E40 Dolphin Quantum
Pool Express pick

Our pick: Dolphin Quantum

Dolphin Quantum is the Pool Express pick in this matchup. Dolphin Quantum cleans the floor, walls and waterline instead of stopping below the tile line. Dolphin Quantum uses the high-capacity XXL MaxBin for easier top-load debris handling.

Pool Express pick

ProLine

Dolphin Quantum

Inground pools up to 50 ft that need floor, wall and waterline cleaning, with fine debris.

Current price $1,649MSRP $1,799 Save $150
Pool Express pick

Why Dolphin Quantum is our pick

Buying guidance

Dolphin Explorer E40 or Dolphin Quantum: our take

Dolphin Explorer E40 and Dolphin Quantum 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 Quantum cleans floor, walls, and waterline. Dolphin Quantum's documented cleaning system includes 2 active brushes, SmartNav 2.0 navigation, and Dual DC motors.

Filtration and debris

Dolphin Quantum has documented included filtration—XXL MaxBin and NanoFilters—while the other model's included media is not fully published. Dolphin Quantum has the clearer documented edge for fine silt, pollen and sand. Dolphin Quantum 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 Quantum provides a weekly timer, smartphone control, and included remote control.

Price, warranty and the decision

Dolphin Explorer E40 is listed at $1,599 and Dolphin Quantum at $1,649; Dolphin Explorer E40 is $50 less. Dolphin Explorer E40 lists a 3-year warranty compared with 2 years for Dolphin Quantum. Pool Express pick: Dolphin Quantum. Dolphin Quantum cleans the floor, walls and waterline instead of stopping below the tile line. Dolphin Quantum uses the high-capacity XXL MaxBin for easier top-load debris handling. Choose Dolphin Explorer E40 when it is the better fit for shoppers prioritizing the lower $1,599 starting price.

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 Quantum
Cleans the pool floor Yes Yes
Climbs and cleans walls No YesEdge
Scrubs the waterline No YesEdge
Fine-debris filter included No YesEdge
Large-debris filter No YesEdge
Automatic scheduling Not listed Yes
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 shoppers prioritizing the lower $1,599 starting price.

  • Carries a 3-year warranty instead of 2 years
  • Is listed $50 lower

Where Dolphin Quantum stands out

Dolphin Quantum is the better fit for inground pools up to 50 ft that need floor, wall and waterline cleaning, with fine debris.

  • Cleans the floor, walls and waterline instead of stopping below the tile line
  • Uses the high-capacity XXL MaxBin for easier top-load debris handling
  • Includes filtration for sand, pollen and other fine debris
  • Includes a large-debris bin or bag for leaves

Dolphin Explorer E40 vs Dolphin Quantum 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 Quantum
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, with fine debris.
Starting price $1,599 $1,649
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 XXL MaxBin, NanoFilters
Scheduling Not listed Weekly schedule + app
App and remote Not listed App + included remote
Cable Not listed 60 ft with anti-tangle swivel
Robot weight Not listed 18.3 lb
Warranty 3 years 2 years
Final call

Choose Dolphin Quantum

Dolphin Quantum is the Pool Express pick in this matchup. Dolphin Quantum cleans the floor, walls and waterline instead of stopping below the tile line. Dolphin Quantum uses the high-capacity XXL MaxBin for easier top-load debris handling.

Buy Dolphin Quantum

Keep comparing without rebuilding the same specification table yourself.