Head-to-Head Comparison

Polaris PCX 868 iQ Smart vs Dolphin Explorer E50

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

Polaris PCX 868 iQ Smart

Explore Polaris Robotic Pool Cleaners →

$1695

View PCX 868 iQ smart

Dolphin Explorer E50

Explore Dolphin Explorer →

★★★☆☆ 3.7 (89)

$1629$1699

Save $70

View Explorer E50

Dolphin Explorer E50 or Polaris PCX 868 iQ Smart — which wins?

Our Recommendations

Neither the Polaris PCX 868 iQ Smart nor the Dolphin Explorer E50 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 Quantum

★★★★☆ 4.4 (84)

$1649$1799

Save $150

Open Box $1529 Refurbished $1419

myDolphin Plus App with Weekly Timer
XXL MaxBin™ with NanoFilters
2 Year Warranty
Built for Inground & Above Ground Pools up to 50ft

View Quantum

Max-Series

Dolphin Cayman

★★★★☆ 4.4 (103)

$1079$1299

Save $220

Open Box $1059 Refurbished $999

Free NanoFilter Panels with Purchase
Active Brush - Scrubs 2X Faster
2 Year Warranty
Built for Above Ground and Inground Pools Up to 33ft

View Cayman

Max-Series

Dolphin Escape

★★★★☆ 4.7 (315)

$669$999

Save $330

Open Box $649 Refurbished $589

Free NanoFilter Panels with Purchase
Active Brush - Scrubs 2X Faster
2 Year Warranty
Built for Above Ground and Inground Pools Up to 33ft

View Escape

More ways to save on the Quantum

Certified & warranty-backed

Save $120

Certified Open Box · $1529

Save $230

Certified Refurbished · $1419

More ways to save on the Cayman

Certified & warranty-backed

Save $20

Certified Open Box · $1059

Save $80

Certified Refurbished · $999

More ways to save on the Escape

Certified & warranty-backed

Save $20

Certified Open Box · $649

Save $80

Certified Refurbished · $589

What Sets Them Apart

Key Differences

PCX 868 iQ smart

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 Polaris PCX 868 iQ Smart and Dolphin Explorer E50.

Feature	PCX 868 iQ smart	Explorer E50
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

Hands-Off Weekly Timer

An automatic pool cleaner should be automatic. A true weekly timer runs a complete pool-cleaning cycle on schedule — every day, every other day, or a few times a week — without you retrieving or recharging the robot between cycles.

Polaris PCX 868 iQ Smart does not

Dolphin Explorer E50 includes this

Smartphone App Control

App connectivity can put scheduling, cycle selection and cleaner status on your phone, although the exact controls vary by model.

Polaris PCX 868 iQ Smart does not

Dolphin Explorer E50 includes this

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.

Polaris PCX 868 iQ Smart does not

Dolphin Explorer E50 includes this

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 ›

Polaris PCX 868 iQ Smart does not

Dolphin Explorer E50 includes this

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 ›

Polaris PCX 868 iQ Smart warranty varies

Dolphin Explorer E50 2-year warranty

The Details

Specifications

	PCX 868 iQ smart	Explorer E50
Part Number	—	99996281-XP
Waterline Cleaning	—	Yes
Multi-Media®	No	No
Filters Included	—	1
Filter Cleaning	—	Top Access
Cleaning Coverage	—	Floor, Walls and Waterline
Cleaning Cycle	—	1.5, 2 hours
Number of Brushes	—	2
Cable Length	—	60 ft
Anti-Tangle Swivel	—	Yes
Pool Types	In Ground	In Ground
Maximum Pool Size	—	50 ft
Pool Shape	—	Rectangle, Oval, or Freeform
Obstacles	—	Steps, Ladder, Drain Cover, Ledges, Pop-Ups
Surface	—	Gunite, Fiberglass, Vinyl, Liner
Media-Alert®	—	Yes
Hands-Off Weekly Timer	No	Yes
Daily Recharging Required	No	No
Smartphone App	No	Yes
Remote Operation	—	No
Restocking Fee	—	No
Warranty	—	2 Years