Head-to-Head Comparison
Dolphin Explorer E30 WiFi vs Dolphin Active 20
Our pool experts compare features, filtration, specs, and value to help you pick the right robotic pool cleaner.
Dolphin Active 20 or Dolphin Explorer E30 WiFi — which wins?
Our Recommendations
Neither the Dolphin Explorer E30 WiFi nor the Dolphin Active 20 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 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 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 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 E30 WiFi
- Weaker Suction - Does not utilize the larger, commercial-grade motors that filter up to 500 GPH more that are found on the Dolphin Sigma and Dolphin Premier
- 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
- Shorter Warranty - Shorter warranty compared to the Dolphin ProLine
Active 20
- 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
- Shorter Warranty - Shorter warranty compared to the Dolphin ProLine
Side by Side
Feature Comparison
The features that matter most when comparing the Dolphin Explorer E30 WiFi and Dolphin Active 20.
| Feature | Explorer E30 WiFi | Active 20 |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Filter | ||
| Wall Climbing | ||
| Waterline Cleaning | ||
| Programmable Weekly Timer | ||
| Anti-Tangle Swivel |
Explained
Compare Features in Detail
Programmable Weekly Timer
An automatic pool cleaner should be automatic. A programmable weekly timer sets the robot to clean on a schedule — every day, every other day, or a few times a week — without you turning it on and off.
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. 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 E30 WiFi | Active 20 | |
|---|---|---|
| Part Number | 99996241-XPI | 99996203-USW |
| Waterline Cleaning | Yes | Yes |
| Multi-Media® | No | No |
| Filters Included | 1 | Ultra-Fine Filter Kit |
| Filter Cleaning | Top Access | Top Access |
| Cleaning Coverage | Floor, Walls and Waterline | Floor, Walls and Waterline |
| Cleaning Cycle | 2 hours | 2 hours |
| Number of Brushes | 2 | 2 |
| Cable Length | 60 ft | 60 ft |
| Anti-Tangle Swivel | Yes | Yes |
| Pool Types | In Ground | In Ground |
| Maximum Pool Size | 40 ft | 40 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 | Yes | Yes |
| Remote Operation | Yes - Through App | 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 E30 WiFi
Read Dolphin Explorer E30 WiFi ReviewDolphin Active 20
Read Dolphin Active 20 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
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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