When it comes to choosing a high-end robotic pool cleaner, the decision often boils down to the fine details that influence performance, ease of use, and long-term reliability. In the Maytronics lineup, the Dolphin Explorer E30 vs Dolphin Explorer E50 WiFi stand out as two of the most advanced models for in-ground pools. Both deliver smart connectivity, powerful scrubbing, and waterline cleaning, but subtle design and functionality differences may make one a better fit for your specific needs.
This comprehensive comparison explores every key aspect—from cleaning capability and filtration to smart features and cycle customization—so you can confidently select the best robotic pool cleaner for long-term maintenance and daily efficiency.
Contents
Differences Between Dolphin Explorer E30 vs Dolphin Explorer E50
Below is a summary of the specifications:
Design Comparison
Both the Dolphin Explorer E30 WiFi and Dolphin Explorer E50 WiFi are built for in-ground pools up to 50 feet, offering full 3-zone coverage with robust construction and advanced engineering. The E30 WiFi, weighing 17.8 pounds, strikes a balance between maneuverability and stability. It features a sturdy body with dual handles for easy lifting, a top-load filter compartment, and a 60-foot swivel cable that effectively minimizes tangling during extended cleaning sessions.
The Explorer E50 WiFi, at 19 pounds, builds upon the E30’s foundation with reinforced structural elements and a more stable frame designed for tougher cleaning tasks. Its heavier weight enhances traction on steep inclines and during waterline scrubbing. The overall construction of the E50 WiFi is noticeably more rugged, designed to handle long-term usage in larger pools or those with more aggressive debris loads.
Visually, both units maintain Maytronics’ signature streamlined aesthetic. However, the E50 WiFi feels more like a pro-level machine with subtle enhancements that impact performance over time, particularly in tougher cleaning environments.
Winner: Dolphin Explorer E50 WiFi
Its heavier-duty frame, improved structural durability, and superior grip during waterline cleaning make it the more capable machine in challenging pool conditions.
Cleaning Performance Comparison
Both models provide full coverage of the pool floor, walls, and waterline, using dual active scrubbing brushes to dislodge dirt, algae, and debris. Each unit operates with a suction rate of 4,500 gallons per hour, providing powerful vacuuming action to handle everything from leaves and sand to finer particles like dust and pollen.
In daily operation, the Explorer E30 WiFi delivers excellent cleaning across all pool surfaces within a standard 2-hour cleaning cycle. Its navigation is guided by CleverClean™ technology, enabling it to map the pool and ensure full-area coverage with minimal overlap. The dual brushes actively rotate to provide strong agitation, ensuring surfaces are thoroughly cleaned even in textured or tiled pools.
The Explorer E50 WiFi raises the bar with three selectable cleaning cycles—1.5, 2, and 2.5 hours—offering flexibility for light maintenance or deep cleaning days. This makes it more adaptable for changing pool conditions throughout the season. It also provides better traction on vertical surfaces due to its slightly heavier frame, allowing it to maintain consistent pressure during waterline scrubbing, which results in a cleaner upper zone with less effort.
Equally important is the filtration system. The E30 WiFi uses a top-loading basket with interchangeable fine and ultra-fine filters, allowing users to adapt to different debris types. While this system is effective, it requires manual filter swapping and may not separate large and fine debris as efficiently during a single cycle.
The E50 WiFi improves upon this with a multi-layer filtration system that includes built-in fine and ultra-fine filtration in a single integrated basket. This layered approach captures everything from leaves and acorns to tiny dust particles in one pass, reducing maintenance while improving water clarity after each session. Its airflow is optimized to prevent suction loss even as debris accumulates, providing consistent performance throughout the cleaning cycle.
Winner: Dolphin Explorer E50 WiFi
Thanks to multiple cycle options, better vertical pressure, and a more efficient multi-layer filtration system, the E50 WiFi delivers superior performance in both scrubbing strength and debris handling.
Feature Comparison
Smart features are a standout point for both models, as they come equipped with MyDolphin™ Plus App connectivity, allowing full control via smartphone. This includes:
- Remote start/stop
- Cleaning cycle selection
- Weekly scheduling
- Real-time status monitoring
- Notifications and alerts
With the Explorer E30 WiFi, users can start a cleaning session or set a weekly timer via the app. However, its single-cycle mode limits flexibility, and without multiple cycle lengths, users may find it less versatile in adjusting to their pool’s day-to-day needs.
The Explorer E50 WiFi, on the other hand, offers all the above with added functionality in cycle length customization, directly accessible via the app. This allows users to fine-tune cleaning duration based on pool activity, seasonal debris, or water clarity goals. The combination of intelligent navigation, flexible cycle control, and multi-layer filtration transforms the E50 WiFi into a full-scale automated cleaning solution.
Both models are reliable and highly intuitive when used through the app, but the added flexibility and deeper feature set of the E50 WiFi bring more value to the table, especially for tech-forward users.
Winner: Dolphin Explorer E50 WiFi
With greater control over cleaning cycles and full app integration, the E50 WiFi offers a richer, more adaptable smart cleaning experience.
Quick Rundown Of Dolphin Explorer E30
Quick Rundown Of Dolphin Explorer E50
Conclusion
Choose the Dolphin Explorer E30 WiFi if you want smart control, excellent cleaning performance, and full pool coverage in a lighter, more accessible design. It’s ideal for pool owners who value simplicity, modern app features, and reliable results in clean water maintenance without needing variable cycles or more advanced filtration.
Choose the Dolphin Explorer E50 WiFi if you demand more flexibility, deeper cleaning, and advanced filtration from your robotic pool cleaner. With adjustable cycles, multi-layer debris handling, and superior waterline cleaning, it is built for high-performance use in diverse conditions.
Overall Winner: Dolphin Explorer E50 WiFi
With enhanced filtration, flexible cleaning schedules, and superior design resilience, the Dolphin Explorer E50 WiFi emerges as the smarter, more capable robotic pool cleaner. It delivers the best combination of power, precision, and intelligent automation for serious pool owners looking for full-featured, hands-off maintenance.