Head-to-Head Comparison
Dolphin Premier vs Dolphin Explorer E50
Our pool experts compare features, filtration, specs, and value to help you pick the right robotic pool cleaner.
Dolphin Explorer E50 or Dolphin Premier — which wins?
Our pick: the Dolphin Premier
Diving into the Dolphin Premier vs Dolphin Explorer E50, our pool experts weigh filtration, cleaning coverage, smart features, and value. For most pools, the Dolphin Premier is the robot we recommend — and right now you save $400.
What Sets Them Apart
Key Differences
Premier
- USA Today Rated the Best Pool Robot 2023
- Multi-Media™ Filtration - Only robot that offers 4 filter media types
- NanoFilters™ - Captures small debris other cleaners miss
- Waterline Cleaning - Cleans the pool floor, wall, & waterline
- Weekly Timer with Media-Alert™ - Alerts you when its time to clean
- 3 Year Warranty - Longest warranty available
Explorer E50
- 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 Multi-Media™ - Does not include multiple filter options such as Oversized Leaf Bag and NanoFiltration
- 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 Premier and Dolphin Explorer E50.
| Feature | PremierOur Pick | Explorer E50 |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Filter | ||
| NanoFilters™ | ||
| Multi-Media™ | ||
| Oversized Leaf Bag | ||
| Wall Climbing | ||
| Waterline Cleaning | ||
| Programmable Weekly Timer | ||
| Full Filter Indicator | ||
| Dual Stabilizer | ||
| Anti-Tangle Swivel | ||
| 3-Year Warranty |
Explained
Compare Features in Detail
NanoFilters™
Often overlooked, a NanoFilter™ can be the most important part of a pool robot. Without it, microscopic particulate — fine dust, pollen, and algae — passes right through the standard filters found on most robots. These ultra-fine filters trap that debris for a noticeably cleaner, healthier pool. Learn more ›
Multi-Media™
Struggle with multiple types of debris? Exclusive to the Dolphin Premier, Multi-Media® lets you swap between up to 4 filter options in seconds — an Oversized Leaf Bag, NanoFilter set, and Standard Filter — to target leaves, microscopic debris, or anything in between. Learn more ›
Oversized Leaf Bag
Another Dolphin Premier exclusive, the Oversized Leaf Bag makes capturing leaves and twigs easy. The Premier is the only Maytronics robot that uses the oversized leaf bag. Learn more ›
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.
Full Filter Indicator
Know exactly when it's time to clean. The power supply alerts you directly when the filter is full — no need to pull out the unit to check.
Dual Stabilizer
Essential for waterline cleaning, dual stabilizers let the unit cling to the walls for a more precise, deeper clean at the waterline — with increased agility and an easy pickup handle.
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 Premier is backed by a 3-year warranty, while the Dolphin Explorer E50 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 ›
Watch
Videos
See the Dolphin Premier and Dolphin Explorer E50 in action.
The Details
Specifications
| Premier | Explorer E50 | |
|---|---|---|
| Part Number | 99996339-SPL | 99996281-XP |
| Waterline Cleaning | Yes | Yes |
| Multi-Media® | Yes | No |
| Filters Included | 3 | 1 |
| Filter Cleaning | Oversized Leaf Bag, Ultra-fine NanoFilter Cartridges, Standard Cartridges, & Optional Disposable Debris bag | Top Access |
| Cleaning Coverage | Floor, Walls, Waterline | Floor, Walls and Waterline |
| Cleaning Cycle | 3 hours | 1.5, 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 | 50 ft | 50 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 | Concrete, Plaster, Gunite, Pebble, Tile, Vinyl Liner, Fiberglass | Gunite, Fiberglass, Vinyl, Liner |
| Media-Alert® | Yes | Yes |
| Automated Weekly Timer | Yes | Yes |
| Remote Operation | Yes - Optional Physical Remote | No |
| Restocking Fee | No | No |
| Warranty | 3 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 Premier
Read Dolphin Premier ReviewDolphin Explorer E50
Read Dolphin Explorer E50 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
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Videos
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Pool Volume Calculator
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Read more →Try It in Your Own Pool for 30 Days
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