For pool owners seeking the pinnacle of convenience, automation, and deep-cleaning power, two advanced Maytronics models rise to the top—the Dolphin Explorer E50 vs Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus WiFi. These robotic cleaners are engineered for in-ground pools up to 50 feet and offer robust cleaning features, intelligent navigation, and easy-to-maintain filtration systems. Both bring modern technology to the backyard, but each model serves a slightly different purpose and user profile.
In this comprehensive head-to-head comparison, we break down every category of importance, from build quality and scrubbing efficiency to smart control and app features. Whether you’re searching for aggressive surface cleaning or the most user-friendly interface, this article will guide you to the most suitable choice between these two top-tier robotic cleaners.
Contents
Differences Between Dolphin Explorer E50 vs Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus
Below is a summary of the specifications:
Design Comparison
The Dolphin Explorer E50 delivers a premium design suited for modern pool owners seeking both form and function. Weighing 19 pounds, it offers excellent balance between structural strength and manageable handling. Its durable outer frame houses a top-loading multi-layer filter basket, while the ergonomic handle makes lifting and deploying the unit easy for a single user. The cleaner also comes equipped with a 60-foot swivel cable, ensuring uninterrupted travel across large pools without tangling.
The Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus WiFi matches the E50 in weight and general physical dimensions but takes a more utilitarian approach in its external styling. Its rugged shell houses a standard fine filter basket that can be swapped with an ultra-fine version depending on pool conditions. Like the E50, it includes a 60-foot tangle-free swivel cable and ergonomic handle for convenience. However, the Nautilus CC Plus WiFi lacks the reinforced build and premium touches found on the E50.
Both models are well constructed, but the Explorer E50 includes more refined components and a design that’s clearly engineered with longevity and higher debris resistance in mind.
Winner: Dolphin Explorer E50
Its enhanced durability, premium filtration access, and refined body structure make it better suited for long-term use in demanding pool environments.
Cleaning Performance Comparison
Both the Explorer E50 and the Nautilus CC Plus WiFi offer full 3-zone cleaning: they scrub the floor, walls, and waterline with precision, guided by CleverClean™ Navigation. Their pathing systems optimize coverage and avoid unnecessary overlap, making efficient use of each cleaning session.
Where they differ significantly is in brush technology. The Explorer E50 uses dual active brushes, which rotate independently of the wheels and at a higher speed. These brushes offer more aggressive agitation, removing algae, scale, and fine debris with greater force, especially on textured surfaces like plaster or tile. This added scrubbing strength allows the E50 to outperform in pools where grime builds up along grout lines, steps, or tight corners.
In contrast, the Nautilus CC Plus WiFi is equipped with dual standard brushes that rotate passively. While capable of cleaning routine dirt, they lack the power to break down embedded or hardened debris as effectively. This makes them better suited for consistently maintained pools rather than those that require deep-clean interventions.
The E50 also includes a multi-layer filtration basket that separates fine particles from larger debris like leaves and acorns, preventing clogging and extending cleaning time without interruption. The Nautilus CC Plus WiFi features a dual-cartridge system that allows switching between fine and ultra-fine filters, but it does not perform both tasks in a single cycle the way the E50’s multi-layer basket does.
Winner: Dolphin Explorer E50
With active brush technology and a superior filtration system, the E50 offers deeper cleaning and better efficiency across a wider range of pool conditions.
Feature Comparison
The Explorer E50 is designed for full smart control and automation via the MyDolphin™ Plus App. Through the app, users can schedule cleanings, choose from three cleaning durations (1.5, 2, or 2.5 hours), monitor cleaning progress, and receive system alerts. This flexibility allows pool owners to customize their maintenance routines according to debris levels, seasonal usage, or upcoming events. The app interface is intuitive, and the ability to remotely control the cleaner adds a level of convenience especially useful for those managing vacation properties or busy family schedules.
The Nautilus CC Plus WiFi also supports the MyDolphin™ Plus App, enabling remote start, stop, and scheduling. However, it offers only a fixed 2-hour cycle with no option to adjust the cleaning duration. While the app still allows for basic automation, it lacks the cycle flexibility that distinguishes the E50. For users seeking greater control over energy consumption and cleaning time—such as opting for shorter cycles after light usage—the E50 presents a significant advantage.
Additionally, the Explorer E50’s app functions integrate more seamlessly with its performance hardware, allowing for smarter scheduling and more responsive operation. With more selectable options and control parameters, it adapts to a wider range of usage patterns than the Nautilus CC Plus WiFi.
Winner: Dolphin Explorer E50
With adjustable cycle times and deeper app integration, the E50 offers superior smart functionality and automation for modern pool management.
Quick Rundown Of Dolphin Explorer E50
Quick Rundown Of Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus
Conclusion
Choose the Dolphin Explorer E50 if you want a premium robotic pool cleaner that delivers powerful scrubbing, advanced app features, and customizable cleaning routines. It’s the better option for pool owners who want to tackle stubborn algae, handle seasonal debris, and fine-tune their cleaning schedule with precision.
Choose the Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus WiFi if you want a dependable, user-friendly cleaner that covers basic needs with minimal interaction. It’s well-suited for homeowners who maintain a clean pool consistently and prefer simple plug-and-play operation with basic app controls.
Overall Winner: Dolphin Explorer E50
With superior brush technology, multi-layer filtration, flexible cleaning cycles, and deeper smart integration, the Dolphin Explorer E50 stands out as the more advanced and capable robotic pool cleaner. It’s the ideal solution for pool owners seeking top-tier automation, customized control, and consistently pristine water with minimal effort.