Robotic pool cleaners have transformed pool ownership by delivering effortless maintenance, and in the competitive mid-range category, the Dolphin Proteus DX3 vs Dolphin Explorer E20 stand out as two of the most compelling options. Both machines are engineered by Maytronics and offer dependable performance, easy operation, and robust construction. However, when we place them side by side, there are distinct differences in design, cleaning efficiency, filtration capability, and durability that can significantly affect the cleaning outcome in real-world pool environments.
This detailed comparison highlights the critical differences and strengths of both models, helping in-ground pool owners make an informed decision based on functionality, reliability, and overall value.
Contents
Differences Between Dolphin Proteus DX3 vs Dolphin Explorer E20
Below is a summary of the specifications:
Design Comparison
The Dolphin Proteus DX3 is purpose-built for in-ground pools up to 33 feet, emphasizing portability with its lightweight 14-pound frame. The compact body and easy-grip handle make deployment and retrieval straightforward for most pool owners. It’s well-suited for those who need a simple, manageable unit they can lift and operate without assistance. The DX3 includes a 50-foot non-swivel cable, long enough for medium residential pools, though the absence of a swivel can occasionally result in cord tangling during extended cycles.
On the other hand, the Dolphin Explorer E20 is similarly rated for pools up to 33 feet, but its heavier 16.5-pound build lends it a sturdier presence in the water. This extra weight improves traction on vertical surfaces and enhances wall-climbing ability. The E20 also includes a 50-foot cable, though like the DX3, it lacks a swivel mechanism, requiring occasional manual adjustment. While both models feature a top-loading filter for convenient access, the Explorer E20 stands out with a more rugged and durable outer shell, designed to withstand frequent handling and prolonged use in demanding environments.
Winner: Dolphin Explorer E20
With stronger materials, reinforced structure, and improved durability, the Explorer E20 offers a more dependable design for long-term, heavy-use scenarios.
Cleaning Performance Comparison
In terms of active cleaning, both the Dolphin Proteus DX3 and Dolphin Explorer E20 use a single front-mounted active brush designed to spin at high speed to scrub away biofilm, algae, dirt, and sediment from pool floors and walls. These brushes perform efficiently across multiple surface types including vinyl, plaster, and fiberglass. The brush system, combined with a 4,000 gallons-per-hour suction capacity, delivers strong, consistent debris removal. Both models are built to cover floors and walls but are not rated for waterline scrubbing, meaning some manual effort may still be required around the top edge of the pool.
Where the Explorer E20 excels is in wall-climbing stability and coverage. The added frame weight gives it better grip on vertical surfaces, resulting in more consistent wall cleaning and fewer cases of the robot slipping or falling mid-ascent. Users with tiled or slippery pool surfaces will notice the difference in vertical performance between the two.
The filtration system is another crucial element in this comparison. Both units include top-access fine filter baskets, which simplify debris removal. However, the Explorer E20’s filter design features a slightly larger debris compartment and improved internal airflow, allowing it to maintain stronger suction for longer periods even when the basket starts to fill. The DX3’s basket is still effective for regular cleanings but may clog more quickly in debris-heavy environments, such as during pollen season or after heavy rain.
The Explorer E20’s filtration basket is also better at capturing ultra-fine particles, thanks to its improved mesh density and more efficient circulation path. This results in cleaner, clearer water after a full cycle—particularly noticeable in pools prone to dust, sand, or small insects.
Winner: Dolphin Explorer E20
With superior wall traction, larger filter capacity, and more efficient airflow, the Explorer E20 delivers better overall cleaning performance in both debris handling and vertical surface coverage.
Feature Comparison
The feature set for both models is intentionally simple and user-focused. Neither the Dolphin Proteus DX3 nor the Dolphin Explorer E20 supports Wi-Fi, mobile app integration, or remote scheduling. These are plug-and-play units, designed for users who prefer pressing a single button and letting the robot do its job without digital intervention.
Both use CleverClean™ Navigation, a proprietary Maytronics technology that uses scanning algorithms to map out the pool and follow an intelligent route. This ensures uniform cleaning coverage, avoiding the randomness seen in entry-level robotic cleaners.
The Explorer E20, being a newer model, is equipped with more energy-efficient circuitry and a quieter power supply, resulting in a slightly more polished user experience. It’s quieter during operation and more consistent in power distribution, giving it a slight edge for those who value quiet operation during daytime use.
Winner: Dolphin Explorer E20
Though feature sets are identical on paper, the E20’s newer generation internal components offer a quieter and more efficient cleaning experience.
Quick Rundown Of Dolphin Proteus DX3
Quick Rundown Of Dolphin Explorer E20
Conclusion
Choose the Dolphin Proteus DX3 if you want a lightweight, affordable robotic pool cleaner that offers strong basic cleaning for the floor and walls of a small to medium in-ground pool. It’s a practical option for pool owners who prioritize simplicity, portability, and straightforward performance in day-to-day use.
Choose the Dolphin Explorer E20 if you need stronger climbing capability, better filtration efficiency, and a more durable unit that holds up to frequent or heavy-duty use. With improved suction consistency, quieter operation, and superior vertical cleaning, it outperforms the DX3 across several key metrics.
Overall Winner: Dolphin Explorer E20
With enhanced wall cleaning, superior filter design, and updated internal components, the Dolphin Explorer E20 is the more capable, reliable, and performance-driven choice for in-ground pool owners who want maximum value and cleaner water with minimal effort.