Polaris PCX 868 iQ
#4 in CordedFull review
A mid-priced app-controlled Polaris for in-ground pools up to 50 ft.
Leslie's $1,149 Walmart $1,149$1,149
The Polaris PCX 868 iQ is the better robotic pool cleaner overall, rated 3.8 to 3.6. The Polaris PCX 868 iQ leads on cleaning. The Dolphin Explorer E25 wins on warranty and value. The Dolphin Explorer E25 costs $310 less ($839 vs $1,149).
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
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 Polaris PCX 868 iQ for cleaning (Floor, walls and waterline vs Floor and walls).
- Choose the Dolphin Explorer E25 for warranty (2.5-year warranty vs 2-year warranty) and value ($839 vs $1,149).
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 | Polaris PCX 868 iQ | Dolphin Explorer E25 |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.8/5 | 3.6/5 |
| Value 25% | 34 $1,149 | 47 $839 |
| Cleaning 25% | 85 Floor, walls and waterline | 60 Floor and walls |
| Navigation 15% | 50 navigation not published (neutral score used) | 50 Smart scanning |
| Warranty 15% | 50 2-year warranty | 75 2.5-year warranty |
| Pool size 10% | 100 pools up to 50 ft long (about 1,250 sq ft) | 56 pools up to 40 ft long (about 800 sq ft) |
| Features 10% | 100 4 of 4 | 100 3 of 3 |
Specifications
| Polaris PCX 868 iQ | Dolphin Explorer E25 | |
|---|---|---|
| Pool | ||
| Pool size (rated) | Up to 50 ft long | Up to 40 ft long |
| Pool types | In-ground | In-ground and above-ground |
| Surfaces | All in-ground surfaces | - |
| Cleaning | ||
| Cleans | Floor, walls and waterline | Floor and walls |
| Surface skimming | No | No |
| Filter | 4 L all-purpose canister, transparent lid | Fine Filter Kit, top access |
| Filter capacity | 4 L | - |
| Water flow | - | 4,500 gal/h |
| Power | ||
| Power | Corded, 60 ft cable | Corded |
| Run time | - | Longest cycle 2 h |
| Swivel cable | Yes | Yes |
| Navigation & app | ||
| Navigation | - | Smart scanning |
| App | Yes | Yes |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi |
| Scheduling | Yes | Yes |
| Retrieval | Easy Lift from the app or control box | - |
| Caddy included | Yes | - |
| Build | ||
| Weight | 22 lb (10 kg) | 20.8 lb (9.5 kg) |
| Warranty | 2 years | 2.5 years |