For pool owners seeking cutting-edge performance and hands-free automation, the Dolphin Explorer E50 vs Dolphin Explorer E70 are two of the most advanced robotic cleaners offered by Maytronics. Both models are designed for in-ground pools up to 50 feet, with complete 3-zone cleaning that covers the floor, walls, and waterline, smart navigation systems, and multi-layer filtration. However, when it comes to intelligent features, navigation precision, and customizable control, the Explorer E70 adds a higher tier of automation and control that positions it as a flagship choice.
In this detailed breakdown, we compare both robotic cleaners across essential categories including build quality, cleaning efficiency, smart connectivity, and user control. Whether you’re a pool owner focused on reliability or someone looking for total smart home integration, this article clarifies exactly which model delivers the best performance for your investment.
Contents
Differences Between Dolphin Explorer E50 vs Dolphin Explorer E70
Design Comparison
The Dolphin Explorer E50 delivers a robust yet manageable frame designed for long-term durability in residential pools. Its 19-pound build offers the ideal balance between portability and traction, supported by a reinforced plastic shell and wide treads for efficient movement on all pool surfaces. Its ergonomic handle and top-loading filter basket contribute to easy lift-and-clean usability, while the 60-foot tangle-free swivel cable allows complete coverage without interruption, even in large or irregularly shaped pools.
The Dolphin Explorer E70 builds on this foundation with a heavier 22-pound chassis and upgraded materials intended for higher-frequency cleaning cycles. It features stronger internal components for advanced traction and improved resistance to long-term wear in demanding environments. While the basic design remains familiar, the E70 is equipped for more intensive use with added grip, better waterline stability, and a more structured exterior that performs exceptionally on slick tile, aggregate, and other textured surfaces. Despite its heavier body, it maintains excellent maneuverability due to enhanced motor control and precise mapping.
Winner: Dolphin Explorer E70
With a reinforced frame, improved traction, and higher durability under frequent operation, the Explorer E70 offers a more industrial-grade design while retaining usability for residential pool owners.
Cleaning Performance Comparison
Both models are equipped with dual active brushes, which rotate independently from the drive tracks to deliver aggressive surface agitation. These brushes scrub algae, grime, and biofilm with superior contact on pool floors, vertical walls, and waterlines. Paired with a 4,500 gallons-per-hour suction system, both robots deliver powerful vacuuming that captures leaves, grit, insects, and fine debris in a single pass. The multi-layer filtration baskets on both models separate large and small particles efficiently, ensuring consistent suction even as the baskets begin to fill.
The Explorer E50 offers a choice of three cleaning cycles (1.5, 2, or 2.5 hours) that allow the user to tailor performance to pool conditions. It does an excellent job of methodically navigating and completing full pool cleanings in this time window, aided by CleverClean™ Navigation that scans the pool to optimize coverage.
However, the Explorer E70 introduces a major upgrade with its IntelliScan™ smart navigation system, which performs live mapping and adjustment during each cleaning cycle. This allows the robot to recognize specific areas that require more attention and automatically prioritize zones with heavier debris. It also supports custom cleaning modes, including wall-only, floor-only, or enhanced waterline scrubbing—functions not available on the E50. The E70’s internal processing enables more accurate route optimization and faster coverage with fewer redundant paths.
Winner: Dolphin Explorer E70
With intelligent scanning, cleaning mode customization, and more responsive navigation, the E70 clearly outpaces the E50 in cleaning intelligence and adaptability.
Charging and Smart Connectivity Comparison
Both units connect via Wi-Fi and are compatible with the MyDolphin™ Plus App, offering remote control and scheduling from any smartphone. Users can set start and stop times, adjust cleaning frequency, monitor robot status, and receive alerts. For the Explorer E50, this includes selection between the three cycle durations and standard weekly scheduling, making it a very capable app-controlled cleaner in the smart pool ecosystem.
The Explorer E70, however, expands the app experience significantly. It provides access to advanced diagnostic data, allows for custom cycle design, and integrates directly with the IntelliScan™ mapping system. Users can define zones within the app, target specific cleaning areas (such as waterline-only after storms), and optimize energy use by reducing redundant cleaning patterns. The app interface for the E70 includes real-time progress tracking and lets users tweak performance mid-cycle if necessary.
Winner: Dolphin Explorer E70
With enhanced app features, live mapping adjustments, and user-defined cleaning behaviors, the E70 offers a far more powerful smart ecosystem for pool owners who want granular control and higher-level automation.
Quick Rundown Of Dolphin Explorer E50
Quick Rundown Of Dolphin Explorer E70
Conclusion
Choose the Dolphin Explorer E50 if you’re looking for a highly effective robotic pool cleaner that delivers excellent 3-zone cleaning, smart app scheduling, and aggressive scrubbing in a balanced, user-friendly package. It’s ideal for pool owners who want solid automation, deep cleaning, and flexibility without diving into ultra-technical configurations.
Choose the Dolphin Explorer E70 if you need full-scale smart control, adaptive mapping, custom cycle control, and maximum efficiency for larger or more demanding pool environments. It is perfectly suited for users who want their robotic cleaner to work autonomously, respond to live pool conditions, and handle complex cleaning scenarios with precision.
Overall Winner: Dolphin Explorer E70
With its intelligent navigation, customizable cleaning modes, larger filtration capacity, and enhanced app experience, the Dolphin Explorer E70 delivers elite-level robotic cleaning performance that sets a new standard for smart pool care. It is the clear choice for those who want full-featured automation with complete control over every aspect of their pool cleaning process.