For in-ground pool owners looking to streamline their maintenance routine, both the Dolphin Explorer E20 vs Dolphin Nautilus CC are standout contenders in the affordable, mid-tier segment of the robotic pool cleaner market. Built by Maytronics, these two models combine powerful suction, intelligent navigation, and dependable performance in compact packages. While similar in core design and functionality, there are significant differences in their cleaning coverage, cable length, filtration, and usability that can influence your decision depending on your pool’s configuration.
This in-depth comparison analyzes each cleaner across all vital performance factors to help you choose the most efficient and capable option for your needs.
Contents
Differences Between Dolphin Explorer E20 vs Dolphin Nautilus CC
Below is a summary of the specifications:
Design Comparison
The Dolphin Explorer E20 is built with a sturdy, compact frame designed to service in-ground pools up to 33 feet. It weighs 16.5 pounds, offering a solid yet manageable structure for poolside handling. Its modern profile includes a top-loading filter compartment that streamlines debris removal and reduces post-cleaning cleanup time. The E20 is equipped with a 50-foot non-swivel cable, which offers sufficient reach for medium-sized pools but may require occasional manual detangling during extended cycles.
The Dolphin Nautilus CC, in contrast, weighs 13.8 pounds, making it notably lighter and easier to lift for frequent cleanings. Also designed for in-ground pools up to 35 feet, it features a classic body with a bottom-load filter compartment, which can be more cumbersome to access after a cleaning cycle. It uses the same 50-foot non-swivel cable, but its lighter weight gives it a slight advantage in terms of portability.
Both cleaners are simple to store and deploy, but the Explorer E20’s top-load filter design offers superior convenience when compared to the Nautilus CC’s bottom-access system.
Winner: Dolphin Explorer E20
While the Nautilus CC is lighter, the E20’s improved filter access and modern build make it easier to maintain and more ergonomic in daily use.

Cleaning Performance Comparison
The Explorer E20 delivers strong, consistent performance with floor and wall cleaning capabilities. Using a single active front brush, it scrubs surfaces to loosen algae, biofilm, and grime before pulling it into the filter with its 4,000 GPH suction rate. It is effective for tile, vinyl, and fiberglass surfaces, and completes its cleaning cycle in 2 hours. Although it does not clean the waterline, it climbs high on pool walls, reducing overall wall buildup.
The Nautilus CC performs similarly in terms of basic cleaning. It also uses a single active brush and achieves the same 4,000 GPH suction rate. Its 2-hour cycle provides full floor and wall coverage, though it has been noted to perform better on walls due to its lighter frame and traction configuration. However, the bottom-load filter requires more effort for post-cycle cleaning and can increase mess during removal.
Filtration differs slightly. The Explorer E20 uses a top-loading fine filter basket, which is easier to clean and reinsert. The Nautilus CC relies on a bottom-load filter cartridge, which is equally effective at capturing fine particles but less convenient to maintain.
Winner: Dolphin Explorer E20
Both units perform nearly identically during cleaning, but the E20’s easier-to-maintain filter basket gives it a slight edge for overall cleaning efficiency and post-cycle usability.

Feature Comparison
The Dolphin Explorer E20 uses CleverClean™ navigation technology, which scans and maps the pool floor to optimize coverage. This allows the robot to clean systematically, avoiding random or inefficient paths. Once started, the E20 cleans the entire pool in a consistent route before automatically shutting off.
The Nautilus CC also features CleverClean™ navigation, offering a similarly intelligent route-mapping system. It navigates with precision across both floor and wall surfaces, although its lighter weight allows it to ascend slightly higher on certain wall types. That said, neither model supports waterline scrubbing, and both remain at the mid-level range for cleaning coverage.
Neither model includes Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or smart scheduling. Both are plug-and-play systems, which means cleaning begins as soon as the unit is plugged in and powered on. There is no mobile app integration or remote control functionality on either unit.
Winner: Tie
With identical navigation and lack of smart features, both units are evenly matched in their intelligent cleaning capabilities.
Quick Rundown Of Dolphin Explorer E20
Quick Rundown Of Dolphin Nautilus CC
Conclusion
Choose the Dolphin Explorer E20 if you prioritize modern usability with top-loading filter access, a compact build, and reliable cleaning coverage across the pool floor and walls. Its streamlined maintenance process and dependable performance make it an excellent choice for homeowners who clean their pool regularly and want to spend less time dealing with debris disposal.
Choose the Dolphin Nautilus CC if you prefer a slightly lighter cleaner and are comfortable with a bottom-load filter system. It’s a solid performer that handles pool walls effectively and is easy to maneuver, particularly for users who value lightweight equipment.
Overall Winner: Dolphin Explorer E20
With more user-friendly maintenance, equal cleaning performance, and a more intuitive design, the Dolphin Explorer E20 delivers better day-to-day usability and overall value, making it the top choice for most in-ground pool owners.