Dolphin Explorer E50 vs Polaris EPIC 8642 iQ

Both clean the same surfaces. At about $1,329 and $1,149, the table below is where the difference in price has to be found.

Dolphin Explorer E50 robotic pool cleaner

Dolphin

Dolphin Explorer E50

~$1,329

Pool fit
No cable length published
Filtration
No micron figure published
Retrieval
You fish out 19.2 lb

Where the Nautilus line tops out at one year of cover, the Explorer E50 carries two.

Best for: Owners who want the app features of a CC Supreme with twice the warranty

Polaris EPIC 8642 iQ robotic pool cleaner

Polaris

Polaris EPIC 8642 iQ

~$1,149

Pool fit
~52 ft60 ft cable − 8 ft to reach the bottom of the deep end
Filtration
No micron figure published
Retrieval
Parks for pickup

Continuous treads and a double-helix brush make the EPIC 8642 iQ the Polaris for steep walls, steps and main drains.

Best for: Pools with steep transitions and steps

Specification comparison of the Dolphin Explorer E50 and the Polaris EPIC 8642 iQ
SpecificationDolphin Explorer E50Polaris EPIC 8642 iQ
Approx. price~$1,329~$1,149
TypeCorded waterlineCorded waterline
PowerCordedCorded, 60 ft cable
CleansFloor, walls, waterlineFloor, walls, waterline
Pool fitnot published~52 ft
Maker's pool claim50 ftnot published
Cable lengthnot published60 ft
Default cycle120 minnot published
FilterMulti-layer filter, top access4 L canister
Basketnot published4 L
Weight19.2 lbnot published
RetrievalYou fish out 19.2 lbParks for pickup
Self-parkingnot publishedYes
App controlYesYes
Caddy or docknot publishedIncluded
Pool typesin-ground, above-groundin-ground
Warranty2 yearsnot published
Cost per swim season$665 floornot published

Dolphin Explorer E50: what it gives up

  • No micron rating published for the multi-layer filter
  • $1,329 even at the current sale price
  • No caddy in the box, though the pricier S300 includes one

Polaris EPIC 8642 iQ: what it gives up

  • Two modes, floor or floor/wall/waterline, against five on the VRX iQ+
  • 4 L canister, smaller than the VRX iQ+'s
  • No weight, pool-size or micron figure published

Full specifications: Dolphin Explorer E50 · Polaris EPIC 8642 iQ