Head-to-Head Comparison
Dolphin Wave 120 vs Dolphin Explorer E20
Our pool experts compare features, filtration, specs, and value to help you pick the right robotic pool cleaner.
Dolphin Explorer E20 or Dolphin Wave 120 — which wins?
Our Recommendations
Neither the Dolphin Wave 120 nor the Dolphin Explorer E20 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.
Clear UV
- World's First Pool Robot with Built-in UV-C Disinfection
- UltraBin Filter Basket with 4 UltraFilter Panels (1μm/180μm)
- Wi-Fi + Bluetooth App Control with Weekly Timer
- 3 Year Warranty - Built for Pools up to 50 ft
Dolphin Sigma
- Includes NanoFilters™
- Control your Sigma with Siri
- 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
What Sets Them Apart
Key Differences
Wave 120
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
Side by Side
Feature Comparison
The features that matter most when comparing the Dolphin Wave 120 and Dolphin Explorer E20.
| Feature | Wave 120 | Explorer E20 |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Filter | ||
| Wall Climbing | ||
| Waterline Cleaning | ||
| Full Filter Indicator | ||
| Gyroscope Navigation | ||
| Dual Stabilizer | ||
| Anti-Tangle Swivel |
Explained
Compare Features in Detail
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. 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
| Wave 120 | Explorer E20 | |
|---|---|---|
| Part Number | 9999359-W120 | 99996148-XP |
| Waterline Cleaning | Yes | No |
| Multi-Media® | No | No |
| Filters Included | 1 | 1 |
| Filter Cleaning | Bottom Access | Top Access |
| Cleaning Coverage | Floor, Walls and Waterline | Floor and Walls |
| Cleaning Cycle | 4, 6 hours | 2 hours |
| Number of Brushes | 4 | 1 |
| Cable Length | 130 ft | 50 ft |
| Anti-Tangle Swivel | Yes | No |
| Pool Types | In Ground | In Ground |
| Maximum Pool Size | 121 ft | 33 ft |
| Pool Shape | Rectangular, Free Shape, Hopper, Kidney, Zero (beach) entry | 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® | Yes | No |
| Automated Weekly Timer | No | No |
| Remote Operation | Yes | 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 Wave 120
Read Dolphin Wave 120 ReviewDolphin Explorer E20
Read Dolphin Explorer E20 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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