When it comes to high-end residential pool cleaning, two robotic models dominate the conversation: the Dolphin Active 60 vs Dolphin Explorer E70. These flagship models from Maytronics are equipped with advanced technology, full pool coverage, and app-connected smart features. Both are built to tackle large, complex in-ground pools with demanding cleaning requirements. While they share many core strengths, key differences in navigation, user control, scrubbing systems, and filtration options make them suited to different user preferences and pool environments.
Contents
Differences Between Dolphin Active 60 vs Dolphin Explorer E70
Design Comparison
Both the Dolphin Active 60 and the Dolphin Explorer E70 feature premium industrial-grade construction built to endure daily usage in large residential pools. At 24.6 pounds, they are heavier than most mid-range cleaners, but that weight comes with structural stability and high wall-climbing grip.
Both units come with a 60-foot swivel cable, ensuring full reach in pools up to 50 feet while minimizing cord tangling during extended cleaning cycles. Each model includes ergonomic handles and track-based traction systems for smooth navigation along pool floors, steep walls, and waterlines.
In terms of pool size compatibility, both are designed for large in-ground pools, with identical cable lengths and chassis design. However, the Explorer E70 includes the Pick-Me-Up mode, a feature allowing users to summon the robot to the edge of the pool for easy retrieval via the app—a small but impactful convenience for regular users.
Winner: Dolphin Explorer E70
While both models share identical build quality and pool size support, the inclusion of the Pick-Me-Up feature gives the E70 a slight edge in ease of retrieval and hands-on interaction.
Cleaning Performance Comparison
The cleaning performance of both robots is among the most advanced in Maytronics’ consumer line.
The Dolphin Active 60 is equipped with dual active scrubbing brushes, rotating at high speed to scrub away biofilm, algae, and dirt from all pool surfaces. It effectively cleans floors, walls, and the waterline, making it an ideal choice for pools that experience heavy use or are surrounded by trees and debris.
The Explorer E70 matches the Active 60 in this department, also using dual active brushes and the same 4,500 GPH suction rate. Both models deliver consistent, deep scrubbing of the entire pool surface. The E70, however, includes additional motion sensors that further enhance its coverage in irregular pool shapes.
Both units feature customizable cycle lengths through the app—users can choose from 1.5, 2, or 2.5-hour cleaning sessions depending on pool size and debris load.
In terms of filtration, both models include multi-layer filter baskets, combining ultra-fine and fine filters. This configuration captures everything from large leaves to micro-particles like sand and pollen. Top-loading access ensures easy removal and cleaning of the filter trays after each cycle.
Winner: Tie
Both models offer industry-leading scrubbing, suction, and filtration performance. They are equally capable of handling high-debris pools and deliver top-tier results.
Feature Comparison
Smart control is where these two models begin to diverge in experience.
The Dolphin Active 60 connects via Wi-Fi and Bluetooth to the MyDolphin™ Plus App, which gives users full remote access to:
- Start, pause, and stop cycles
- Select cleaning modes and cycle times
- Set weekly cleaning schedules
- Track cycle progress
- Get notifications and error alerts
The Dolphin Explorer E70 offers all of the above and adds the Pick-Me-Up mode, a standout feature that enables the robot to climb and wait at the pool wall for easy retrieval—a huge benefit for older users or those who don’t want to fish the unit from the deep end.
Both models allow weekly timer setup, letting the robot clean automatically multiple times a week without needing manual prompts. The E70 also supports multiple cycle modes, such as Eco Mode, which performs quick maintenance cleanings every other day.
Both use CleverClean™ navigation enhanced with gyroscopic stabilization, allowing precise movement, mapping, and efficient coverage. They don’t repeat cleaning paths unnecessarily and can adapt mid-cycle to the pool’s contours and debris patterns.
Winner: Dolphin Explorer E70
While the Active 60 is a powerful smart cleaner, the Explorer E70’s additional features like Pick-Me-Up mode and Eco cycles provide more automation and ease of use.
Quick Rundown Of Dolphin Active 60
Quick Rundown Of Dolphin Explorer E70
Conclusion
Choose the Dolphin Active 60 if you want a high-performance pool cleaner with app control, full pool coverage, and reliable daily cleaning. It’s a powerful unit designed for users who want excellent cleaning consistency, deep scrubbing, and modern app functionality in large in-ground pools.
Choose the Dolphin Explorer E70 if you want the most advanced user experience with extra convenience features like Pick-Me-Up mode and Eco cleaning cycles. It’s ideal for those seeking not just superior cleaning, but also smarter interaction and automation.
Overall Winner: Dolphin Explorer E70
With all the cleaning power of the Active 60 plus exclusive smart enhancements, the Dolphin Explorer E70 delivers the most complete and intelligent robotic pool cleaning experience available today. Its expanded automation features and superior usability make it the best choice for pool owners who want premium control, maximum coverage, and the convenience of effortless retrieval.