Head-to-Head Comparison

Dolphin Wave 140 vs Dolphin Explorer E20

Our pool experts compare features, filtration, specs, and value to help you pick the right robotic pool cleaner.

Dolphin Wave 140

Explore Dolphin Wave →

$8499

View Wave 140

Dolphin Explorer E20

Explore Dolphin Explorer →

★★★☆☆ 3.7 (89)

$699$799

Save $100

View Explorer E20

Dolphin Explorer E20 or Dolphin Wave 140 — which wins?

Our Recommendations

Neither the Dolphin Wave 140 nor the Dolphin Explorer E20 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.

Top RecommendationProLine

Dolphin Sigma

★★★★☆ 4.4 (178)

$2399$2999

Save $600

Open Box $2349 Refurbished $1869

Includes NanoFilters™
Control your Sigma with Siri
3 Year Warranty
Built for Inground & Above Ground pools up to 50ft

View Sigma

Clear Series

Clear UV

$1999$2999

Save $1000

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

View Clear UV

Clear Series

Clear S

$1749$2749

Save $1000

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

View Clear S

More ways to save on the Sigma

Certified & warranty-backed

Save $50

Certified Open Box · $2349

Save $530

Certified Refurbished · $1869

What Sets Them Apart

Key Differences

Wave 140

In-Store Exclusive - Sold through pool stores only, so no online price, free shipping or 30-day trial
Floor Only Coverage - Only cleans the floor
No Waterline Cleaning - Won't clean the dirtiest part of your pool
No Weekly Timer - Can't schedule cleanings
No Anti-Tangle Swivel - The cable can twist as it cleans

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 140 and Dolphin Explorer E20.

Feature	Wave 140	Explorer E20
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

Warranty Coverage

A robot is only as good as its warranty. The Dolphin Wave 140 is backed by a 3-year warranty, while the Dolphin Explorer E20 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 ›

Dolphin Wave 140 3-year warranty

Dolphin Explorer E20 2-year warranty

The Details

Specifications

	Wave 140	Explorer E20
Part Number	99997146-US	99996148-XP
Waterline Cleaning	No	No
Multi-Media®	No	No
Filters Included	1	1
Filter Cleaning	Top Access	Top Access
Cleaning Coverage	Floor	Floor and Walls
Cleaning Cycle	8 hours	2 hours
Number of Brushes	6	1
Cable Length	140 ft	50 ft
Anti-Tangle Swivel	No	No
Pool Types	Commercial	In Ground
Maximum Pool Size	127 ft	33 ft
Pool Shape	Rectangle, Round, Freeform, or Kidney	Rectangle, Oval, or Freeform
Obstacles	—	Steps, Ladder, Drain Cover, Ledges, Pop-Ups
Surface	—	Gunite, Fiberglass, Vinyl, Liner
Media-Alert®	No	No
Hands-Off Weekly Timer	No	No
Daily Recharging Required	No	No
Smartphone App	No	No
Remote Operation	Yes	No
Restocking Fee	—	No
Warranty	3 Years	2 Years