Head-to-Head Comparison
Dolphin Explorer E25 vs Dolphin Wave 90i
Our pool experts compare features, filtration, specs, and value to help you pick the right robotic pool cleaner.
Dolphin Wave 90i or Dolphin Explorer E25 — which wins?
Our Recommendations
Neither the Dolphin Explorer E25 nor the Dolphin Wave 90i is one of the cleaners our pool experts promote. Consider a proven ProLine, Max-Series, or Clear model instead — each is backed by its full manufacturer warranty and our 30-day in-pool trial.
Dolphin Premier
Open Box $1949Refurbished $1499
- ProLine™ Commercial-Grade Motors
- Leaf Bag, NanoFilters, & More Included
- 3 Year Warranty
- Built for Inground & Above Ground pools up to 50ft
Clear S
- UltraBin Filter Basket with 4 UltraFilter Panels (1μm/180μm)
- Wi-Fi + Bluetooth App Control with Weekly Timer
- Built-in Water Temperature Display
- 3 Year Warranty - Built for Pools up to 50 ft
Dolphin Sigma
Open Box $2349Refurbished $1869
- Includes NanoFilters™
- Control your Sigma with Siri
- 3 Year Warranty
- Built for Inground & Above Ground pools up to 50ft
More ways to save on the Premier
Certified & warranty-backedMore ways to save on the Sigma
Certified & warranty-backedWhat Sets Them Apart
Key Differences
Explorer E25
- Not Sold by Poolbots - Maytronics sells the Explorer E25 directly and through its dealers
- No Waterline Cleaning - Won't clean the dirtiest part of your pool
- 2.5-Year Warranty - The Dolphin Premier and Sigma carry 3 years
Wave 90i
Side by Side
Feature Comparison
The features that matter most when comparing the Dolphin Explorer E25 and Dolphin Wave 90i.
| Feature | Explorer E25 | Wave 90i |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Filter | ||
| NanoFilters™ | ||
| Multi-Media™ | ||
| Oversized Leaf Bag | ||
| Wall Climbing | ||
| Waterline Cleaning | ||
| Hands-Off Weekly Timer | ||
| Hands-Off Daily Cleaning | ✓ No manual recharge | ✓ No manual recharge |
| Smartphone App Control | ||
| Full Filter Indicator | ||
| Gyroscope Navigation | ||
| Dual Stabilizer | ||
| Anti-Tangle Swivel | ||
| 3-Year Warranty |
Explained
Compare Features in Detail
Hands-Off Weekly Timer
An automatic pool cleaner should be automatic. A true weekly timer runs a complete pool-cleaning cycle on schedule — every day, every other day, or a few times a week — without you retrieving or recharging the robot between cycles.
Smartphone App Control
App connectivity can put scheduling, cycle selection and cleaner status on your phone, although the exact controls vary by model.
Anti-Tangle Cable Swivel
Say goodbye to tangled cords. An anti-tangle swivel lets the robot move 360° around your pool without the cord getting tangled, so you can sit back while it cleans. Learn more ›
Warranty Coverage
A robot is only as good as its warranty. The Dolphin Explorer E25 is backed by a 2.5-year warranty, while the Dolphin Wave 90i carries a 2-year 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 E25 | Wave 90i | |
|---|---|---|
| Part Number | 99996406-XPI | 99996890-EU |
| Waterline Cleaning | No | Yes |
| Multi-Media® | No | No |
| Filters Included | 1 | 1 |
| Filter Cleaning | Top Access | Top Access |
| Cleaning Coverage | Floor and Walls | Floor, Walls and Waterline |
| Cleaning Cycle | 2 hours | 1.5, 2.5 hours |
| Number of Brushes | 2 | 4 |
| Cable Length | — | 80 ft |
| Anti-Tangle Swivel | Yes | Yes |
| Pool Types | In-Ground & Above Ground | In Ground |
| Maximum Pool Size | 40 ft | 68 ft |
| Pool Shape | Rectangle, Round, Freeform, or Kidney | Rectangular, Free Shape, Hopper, Kidney, Zero (beach) entry |
| Obstacles | — | Steps, Ladder, Drain Cover, Ledges, Pop-Ups |
| Surface | — | Gunite, Fiberglass, Vinyl, Liner |
| Media-Alert® | No | No |
| Hands-Off Weekly Timer | Yes | Yes |
| Daily Recharging Required | No | No |
| Smartphone App | Yes | Yes |
| Remote Operation | No | Yes |
| Restocking Fee | — | No |
| Warranty | 2.5 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 E25
Read Dolphin Explorer E25 ReviewDolphin Wave 90i
Read Dolphin Wave 90i 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.
Read more →
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
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