Dolphin Explorer E25
#11 in CordedFull review
A Wi-Fi floor-and-wall robot for pools up to 40 ft, for owners who want scheduling without paying for waterline scrubbing.
Walmart $839$839
The Dolphin Explorer E25 is the better robotic pool cleaner overall, rated 3.6 to 3.6. The Dolphin Explorer E25 leads on value and warranty. The Hayward R130 wins on cleaning. The Dolphin Explorer E25 costs $412.95 less ($839 vs $1,251.95).
Hayward R130
#13 in CordedFull review
Hayward’s newer, lighter robot for in-ground or above-ground pools up to 50 ft, with a weekly timer.
ePoolSupply $1,251.95$1,251.95
Prices were last checked October 21, 2026 and are subject to change; the price and availability shown by the retailer at the time of purchase apply.
Which should you buy?
- Choose the Dolphin Explorer E25 for value ($839 vs $1,252) and warranty (2.5-year warranty vs 2-year warranty).
- Choose the Hayward R130 for cleaning (Floor, walls and waterline vs Floor and walls).
Scores side by side
Each factor is scored 0-100 against the same fixed reference points for every corded robotic pool cleaner; a clear win is highlighted. How we rank explains each one.
| Factor weight | Dolphin Explorer E25 | Hayward R130 |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.6/5 | 3.6/5 |
| Value 25% | 47 $839 | 30 $1,252 |
| Cleaning 25% | 60 Floor and walls | 85 Floor, walls and waterline |
| Navigation 15% | 50 Smart scanning | 50 Smart navigation |
| Warranty 15% | 75 2.5-year warranty | 50 2-year warranty |
| Pool size 10% | 56 pools up to 40 ft long (about 800 sq ft) | 100 pools up to 50 ft long (about 1,250 sq ft) |
| Features 10% | 100 3 of 3 | 50 2 of 4; no app control, caddy |
Specifications
| Dolphin Explorer E25 | Hayward R130 | |
|---|---|---|
| Pool | ||
| Pool size (rated) | Up to 40 ft long | Up to 50 ft long |
| Pool types | In-ground and above-ground | In-ground and above-ground |
| Surfaces | - | Any pool surface |
| Cleaning | ||
| Cleans | Floor and walls | Floor, walls and waterline |
| Surface skimming | No | No |
| Filter | Fine Filter Kit, top access | Extra-large top-load basket with fine and ultra-fine panels |
| Water flow | 4,500 gal/h | - |
| Power | ||
| Power | Corded | Corded |
| Run time | Longest cycle 2 h | - |
| Swivel cable | Yes | Yes |
| Navigation & app | ||
| Navigation | Smart scanning | Smart navigation |
| App | Yes | No |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi | - |
| Scheduling | Yes | Yes |
| Caddy included | - | No |
| Build | ||
| Weight | 20.8 lb (9.5 kg) | 16.5 lb (7.5 kg) |
| Warranty | 2.5 years | 2 years |