Head-to-Head Comparison
Dolphin Explorer E20 vs Dolphin Active 10
Our pool experts compare features, filtration, specs, and value to help you pick the right robotic pool cleaner.
Dolphin Active 10 or Dolphin Explorer E20 — which wins?
Our Recommendations
Neither the Dolphin Explorer E20 nor the Dolphin Active 10 is a cleaner we carry. Here are the robots our pool experts recommend instead — proven Dolphin ProLine and Max-Series models, each backed by the full manufacturer warranty and our 30-day in-pool trial.
Dolphin Escape
- Free NanoFilter Panels with Purchase
- Active Brush - Scrubs 2X Faster
- 2 Year Warranty
- Built for Above Ground and Inground Pools Up to 33ft
Dolphin Cayman
- Free NanoFilter Panels with Purchase
- Active Brush - Scrubs 2X Faster
- 2 Year Warranty
- Built for Above Ground and Inground Pools Up to 33ft
Dolphin Quantum
- myDolphin Plus App with Weekly Timer
- XXL MaxBin™ with NanoFilters
- 2 Year Warranty
- Built for Inground & Above Ground Pools up to 50ft
What Sets Them Apart
Key Differences
Explorer E20
- No Waterline Cleaning - Won't clean the dirtest part of your pool
- No Anti-Tangle Swivel
- No NanoFilters™ - Cannot clean smaller debris and algae
- Overshadowed by the newer Gen 2 models with more features - such as the ProLine and Max-Series
Active 10
- Floor Only Coverage - Only cleans the floor
- No Waterline Cleaning - Won't clean the dirtest part of your pool
- No Anti-Tangle Swivel
- No NanoFilters™ - Cannot clean smaller debris and algae
- Overshadowed by the newer Gen 2 models with more features - such as the ProLine and Max-Series
Side by Side
Feature Comparison
The features that matter most when comparing the Dolphin Explorer E20 and Dolphin Active 10.
| Feature | Explorer E20 | Active 10 |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Filter |
Explained
Compare Features in Detail
Warranty Coverage
A robot is only as good as its warranty. Buying through an Authorized Dealer like Poolbots gets you the full manufacturer warranty — never pro-rated or limited by cleaning cycles — plus a 30-day in-pool trial with no restocking fees. Learn more ›
The Details
Specifications
| Explorer E20 | Active 10 | |
|---|---|---|
| Part Number | 99996148-XP | 99996151-USF |
| Waterline Cleaning | No | No |
| Multi-Media® | No | No |
| Filters Included | 1 | 1 |
| Filter Cleaning | Top Access | Top Access |
| Cleaning Coverage | Floor and Walls | Floor |
| Cleaning Cycle | 2 hours | 1.5 hours |
| Number of Brushes | 1 | 1 |
| Cable Length | 50 ft | 40 ft |
| Anti-Tangle Swivel | No | No |
| Pool Types | In Ground | Above Ground |
| Maximum Pool Size | 33 ft | 30 ft |
| Pool Shape | Rectangle, Oval, or Freeform | Rectangle, Oval, or Freeform |
| Obstacles | Steps, Ladder, Drain Cover, Ledges, Pop-Ups | Steps, Ladder, Drain Cover, Ledges, Pop-Ups |
| Surface | Gunite, Fiberglass, Vinyl, Liner | Gunite, Fiberglass, Vinyl, Liner |
| Media-Alert® | No | No |
| Automated Weekly Timer | No | No |
| Remote Operation | No | No |
| Restocking Fee | No | No |
| Warranty | 2 Years | 2 Years |
Go Deeper
Read Our Expert Reviews
Our in-depth reviews are written by pool experts to help you make an informed decision.
Dolphin Explorer E20
Read Dolphin Explorer E20 ReviewDolphin Active 10
Read Dolphin Active 10 ReviewKeep Comparing
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What’s Next?
Still narrowing it down? These expert guides and tools make it easy to find the right pool robot for your pool — most ship free, same day.
Pool Robot Buying Guide
Everything to know before you buy your first robot.
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Robot Selector
Answer a few quick questions and get a recommendation.
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Videos
Watch reviews, comparisons, and expert how-tos.
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Pool Volume Calculator
Calculate your exact pool volume to find the right robot.
Read more →Try It in Your Own Pool for 30 Days
Every pool deserves an intelligent robot. If you don't love it, simply return it — we never charge a restocking fee. Free shipping on every order.
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