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 3.5. The Dolphin Explorer E25 leads on warranty and value. The Polaris 9450 Sport wins on cleaning. The Dolphin Explorer E25 costs $310.96 less ($839 vs $1,149.96).
Polaris 9450 Sport
#17 in CordedFull review
A capable older 4WD Polaris for in-ground pools, but buy only from a trusted seller.
Walmart $1,149.96$1,149.96
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 warranty (2.5-year warranty vs 2-year warranty) and value ($839 vs $1,150).
- Choose the Polaris 9450 Sport 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 | Polaris 9450 Sport |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.6/5 | 3.5/5 |
| Value 25% | 47 $839 | 34 $1,150 |
| Cleaning 25% | 60 Floor and walls | 85 Floor, walls and waterline |
| Navigation 15% | 50 Smart scanning | 50 Sensor-based |
| 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) | 50 pool size not published (neutral score used) |
| Features 10% | 100 3 of 3 | 75 3 of 4; no app control |
Specifications
| Dolphin Explorer E25 | Polaris 9450 Sport | |
|---|---|---|
| Pool | ||
| Pool size (rated) | Up to 40 ft long | - |
| Pool types | In-ground and above-ground | In-ground |
| Surfaces | - | All surfaces |
| Cleaning | ||
| Cleans | Floor and walls | Floor, walls and waterline |
| Surface skimming | No | No |
| Filter | Fine Filter Kit, top access | 5 L canister |
| Filter capacity | - | 5 L |
| Water flow | 4,500 gal/h | - |
| Power | ||
| Power | Corded | Corded, 60 ft cable |
| Run time | Longest cycle 2 h | Longest cycle 2 h 30 min |
| Swivel cable | Yes | Yes |
| Navigation & app | ||
| Navigation | Smart scanning | Sensor-based |
| App | Yes | No |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi | - |
| Scheduling | Yes | Yes |
| Retrieval | - | Easy Lift System |
| Caddy included | - | Yes |
| Build | ||
| Weight | 20.8 lb (9.5 kg) | 21 lb (9.5 kg) |
| Warranty | 2.5 years | 2 years |