Head-to-Head Comparison
Polaris FREEDOM 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 Polaris FREEDOM — which wins?
Our Recommendations
Neither the Polaris FREEDOM 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.
Dolphin Cayman
Open Box $1059Refurbished $999
- 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
Open Box $1529Refurbished $1419
- myDolphin Plus App with Weekly Timer
- XXL MaxBin™ with NanoFilters
- 2 Year Warranty
- Built for Inground & Above Ground Pools up to 50ft
More ways to save on the Cayman
Certified & warranty-backedMore ways to save on the Escape
Certified & warranty-backedMore ways to save on the Quantum
Certified & warranty-backedWhat Sets Them Apart
Key Differences
FREEDOM
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 Polaris FREEDOM and Dolphin Explorer E20.
| Feature | FREEDOM | Explorer E20 |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Filter | ||
| NanoFilters™ | ||
| Multi-Media™ | ||
| Oversized Leaf Bag | ||
| Wall Climbing | ||
| Waterline Cleaning | ||
| Hands-Off Weekly Timer | ||
| Hands-Off Daily Cleaning | Recharge daily | ✓ 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. 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
| FREEDOM | Explorer E20 | |
|---|---|---|
| Part Number | — | 99996148-XP |
| Waterline Cleaning | — | No |
| Multi-Media® | No | No |
| Filters Included | — | 1 |
| Filter Cleaning | — | Top Access |
| Cleaning Coverage | — | Floor and Walls |
| Cleaning Cycle | — | 2 hours |
| Number of Brushes | — | 1 |
| Cable Length | — | 50 ft |
| Anti-Tangle Swivel | — | No |
| Pool Types | In Ground | In Ground |
| Maximum Pool Size | — | 33 ft |
| Pool Shape | — | Rectangle, Oval, or Freeform |
| Obstacles | — | Steps, Ladder, Drain Cover, Ledges, Pop-Ups |
| Surface | — | Gunite, Fiberglass, Vinyl, Liner |
| Media-Alert® | — | No |
| Hands-Off Weekly Timer | No | No |
| Daily Recharging Required | Yes | No |
| Smartphone App | No | No |
| Remote Operation | — | No |
| Restocking Fee | — | No |
| Warranty | — | 2 Years |
Go Deeper
Read Our Expert Reviews
Our in-depth reviews are written by pool experts to help you make an informed decision.
Polaris FREEDOM
Read Polaris FREEDOM ReviewDolphin Explorer E20
Read Dolphin Explorer E20 ReviewKeep Comparing
Related Comparisons
VS
Dolphin Premier vs Dolphin Explorer E20
Compare →
VS
Dolphin Quantum vs Dolphin Explorer E20
Compare →
VS
Dolphin Sigma vs Dolphin Explorer E20
Compare →
VS
Polaris FREEDOM vs Dolphin Premier
Compare →
VS
Polaris FREEDOM vs Dolphin Escape
Compare →
VS
Polaris FREEDOM vs Dolphin Sigma
Compare →
VS
Polaris FREEDOM vs Clear UV
Compare →
VS
Polaris FREEDOM vs Dolphin Quantum
Compare →Keep Exploring
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.
Read more →
Videos
Watch reviews, comparisons, and expert how-tos.
Read more →
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.
Talk to a Pool Expert ›


