For pool owners who demand precision, power, and advanced control in their maintenance routine, two standout models lead the high-performance robotic cleaner segment: the Dolphin Explorer E50 vs Dolphin Sigma. Both are engineered for in-ground pools up to 50 feet, delivering robust cleaning coverage across the floor, walls, and waterline with industry-leading suction and intelligent navigation. While each model provides a premium user experience, they diverge significantly in motor architecture, navigation sophistication, and smart control flexibility.
In this comprehensive comparison, we evaluate each cleaner’s capabilities across key performance metrics including cleaning power, filtration, app control, and mechanical design. Whether you want maximum cleaning speed or fine-tuned robotic behavior, this side-by-side breakdown will guide you toward the ideal choice for a pristine pool every time.
Contents
Differences Between Dolphin Explorer E50 vs Dolphin Sigma
Below is a summary of the specifications:
Design Comparison
The Dolphin Explorer E50 is designed with a sleek and efficient build that balances portability with high durability. At 19 pounds, its low-profile body, ergonomic handle, and top-loading multi-layer basket make it easy to carry, deploy, and clean. It includes a 60-foot swivel cable, ensuring tangle-free navigation across large residential pools. Its outer shell is impact-resistant and tailored for long-term durability under constant sun, chemical exposure, and seasonal use.
In contrast, the Dolphin Sigma is more substantial, weighing in at 24 pounds. It features a bold, angular design that supports more power-intensive components, including a triple motor system. Its body is engineered for high-performance operation in demanding pool conditions, and the included twin top-load filter cartridges are designed for easy cleaning and optimal debris separation. The Sigma’s dual stabilizers and gyroscopic orientation control enhance wall grip and positioning in deep or uniquely shaped pools. However, the heavier frame makes it more challenging to lift frequently, which may be a consideration for users seeking convenience.
Winner: Dolphin Sigma
With a more powerful frame, larger internal components, and gyroscopic hardware, the Sigma offers a more rugged and performance-centric design optimized for heavy-duty cleanings.
Cleaning Performance Comparison
The Explorer E50 is built around a dual-motor cleaning system supported by dual active brushes that rotate independently from the drive tracks. These brushes aggressively scrub algae, dirt, and grime from floors, walls, and waterlines, making it highly effective even on textured plaster, tile, or aggregate surfaces. With a suction rate of 4,500 GPH, it vacuums debris efficiently into a multi-layer filtration basket that handles both large leaves and ultra-fine dust in a single pass.
The Dolphin Sigma takes cleaning to the next level with a triple motor system that powers three active brushes and delivers 5,000 GPH suction. The extra brush provides greater surface contact and allows for more uniform cleaning across wide lanes, making it ideal for larger or more demanding pools. The Sigma’s gyroscopic stabilization ensures it maintains precise angles while climbing walls, transitioning to the waterline, and navigating across slopes or vertical tiles without slipping. Additionally, its dual-cartridge filtration system captures ultra-fine particles more efficiently and is optimized for airflow to prevent clogs and maintain peak suction longer.
While the E50 handles most residential debris with ease, the Sigma is the clear performer for those with larger pools, higher debris loads, or more stubborn surface stains. Its ability to remove heavy biofilm and scale buildup with minimal missed areas is unmatched in this segment.
Winner: Dolphin Sigma
With a triple-brush system, superior suction, and gyroscopic navigation, the Sigma dominates in raw cleaning power and overall pool surface coverage.
Feature Comparison
The Dolphin Explorer E50 integrates seamlessly with the MyDolphin™ Plus App, allowing users to control every aspect of the cleaning cycle from their smartphone. Through the app, users can select cycle duration (1.5, 2, or 2.5 hours), start or pause cleaning remotely, set a weekly schedule, and monitor the robot’s cleaning progress. This level of control is ideal for optimizing energy use and adjusting for varying pool conditions throughout the season.
The Dolphin Sigma also supports the MyDolphin™ Plus App, but adds layers of intelligence with its gyroscopic mapping system and onboard sensors. While the cleaning cycle is fixed at 2.5 hours, the robot adjusts its pathing and behavior in real time based on pool geometry and orientation, reducing overlap and increasing efficiency. The app allows users to set custom schedules, view maintenance alerts, and even track cleaning diagnostics to optimize performance over time.
Though both cleaners are app-enabled, the Sigma’s internal intelligence delivers a more autonomous experience that requires less micromanagement from the user. It excels in complex pool layouts where precise pathing and efficient energy usage are critical.
Winner: Dolphin Sigma
With gyroscopic stabilization and real-time orientation control, the Sigma provides a smarter, more adaptive cleaning system that operates with minimal user intervention.
Quick Rundown Of Dolphin Explorer E50
Quick Rundown Of Dolphin Sigma
Conclusion
Choose the Dolphin Explorer E50 if you want a powerful, flexible robotic cleaner with lightweight handling, customizable cycles, and strong scrubbing performance. It’s the ideal choice for pool owners looking for day-to-day reliability, effective smart features, and ease of use without the added bulk or complexity.
Choose the Dolphin Sigma if you need industrial-grade cleaning performance, enhanced navigation precision, and a truly autonomous robotic experience. Its triple-motor setup, gyroscopic mapping, and ultra-fine filtration make it the top performer in pools with high debris loads or uniquely shaped designs.
Overall Winner: Dolphin Sigma
With its unmatched cleaning power, advanced stabilization, and intelligent operation, the Dolphin Sigma is the superior pool robot for users who demand the very best in every category. It transforms routine maintenance into a fully optimized, hands-free process with high-end results every time.