We have tested both the Dolphin Explorer E70 and the Polaris PCX iQ in real pools, measured their suction at the intake, and lived with the filtration and daily routine each one requires. This comparison brings those results together so you can see the real-world trade-offs without relying on the numbers printed on either box.
Both use corded power, so this matchup turns on measured pull, filtration, coverage, automation, and value.
The short answer: Polaris PCX iQ takes the head-to-head edge. It combines a useful underwater app, weekly scheduling, a large basket, and a respectable 1.5 PSI. Dolphin Explorer E70 only makes sense for buyers who find a major discount and specifically want its connected controls. Because neither robot is in our top recommendation tier, we also suggest cross-shopping the Dolphin Sigma (2.0 PSI) before you buy.
Quick Answer
Between these two, pick the Polaris PCX iQ for Polaris loyalists who prioritize the app, lift system, and large basket. It is the more complete option across the measurements and ownership factors we tested.
Consider the Dolphin Explorer E70 only if you specifically prioritize buyers who find a major discount and specifically want its connected controls — and compare both against our recommended Dolphin Sigma (2.0 PSI) before checking out.
Our calls in the full reviews are Not recommended for the Dolphin Explorer E70 and Decent, but there are better buys for the Polaris PCX iQ. Those calls matter here: PSI is the first round, not the entire verdict.
Suction Power: 1.7 PSI vs 1.5 PSI
On our hydro manometer, the Dolphin Explorer E70 measured 1.7 PSI and the Polaris PCX iQ measured 1.5 PSI. That gives the Dolphin Explorer E70 a 0.2 PSI advantage, or about 13% more intake pressure than the lower reading.
We measure pressure directly at the intake with the same gauge and pool setup. That is different from manufacturer flow-rate claims in gallons per hour: GPH describes water movement, while PSI shows how hard the intake pulls on debris. Cordless results are recorded at full charge. Our complete pool-robot suction test explains the method and shows where both robots sit on the full board.
The number needs context. Its 1.7 PSI reading, navigation, app, and three-year warranty make it a capable cleaner. It combines a useful underwater app, weekly scheduling, a large basket, and a respectable 1.5 PSI. The stronger gauge result gets this round, though intake pressure alone cannot make up for a filter that lets fine debris escape or a routine that makes you handle the robot every day.
Filtration and Debris Handling
The Dolphin Explorer E70 uses top-loading mesh basket without the filter versatility of the proline picks. The Polaris PCX iQ uses large five-liter top-access mesh canister.
We give the filtration edge to the Dolphin Explorer E70. Our comparison favors fine-particle capture, usable debris capacity, easy cleaning, and whether the better filter is included rather than sold as an upgrade.
For leaves, capacity and intake design matter. For pollen, silt, and the haze that dulls otherwise clear water, the filter media matters more. A basic mesh screen can look clean after a run while still passing the smallest material back into the pool.
Automation and Daily Work
The Dolphin Explorer E70 is corded. Connected app control and scheduled corded cleaning. The Polaris PCX iQ is corded. iAquaLink app, underwater remote driving, and a weekly timer.
Because both are corded, neither needs a recharge. The meaningful question is how much scheduling and remote control each power supply or app provides.
We score automation as a tie.
Coverage and Pool Fit
For the Dolphin Explorer E70, our review found floor, walls, and waterline with smart navigation. The Polaris PCX iQ is built for floor, walls, and waterline with a lift system for easier retrieval.
The Dolphin Explorer E70 wins the coverage round on the breadth of surfaces and pool situations it can handle.
This is where the runner-up can still be the smarter fit for specific pools. A compact pool does not benefit from paying for reach it cannot use, while a pool with a sun shelf, long waterline, or heavy leaf load can expose the limits of a simpler machine quickly.
Value: Performance for the Money and Time
Our value take on the Dolphin Explorer E70: Capable but overpriced beside stronger, better-filtering Dolphins. For the Polaris PCX iQ: Polished and convenient, but stronger and finer-filtering rivals exist near its price.
The value edge goes to the Polaris PCX iQ.
Value is not the same thing as the lowest checkout price. We count cleaning power, filtration, how many surfaces the robot covers, and how often you have to retrieve or charge it. A cheaper robot that leaves you vacuuming behind it is not a bargain, and an expensive robot only earns its price when its extra capability solves a real problem in your pool.
Recommended Upgrade to Cross-Shop: Dolphin Sigma
Neither model in this comparison sits in our top recommendation tier. Before buying, compare them against the Dolphin Sigma (2.0 PSI): Closest smart-flagship alternative: boosts suction from 1.5–1.7 PSI to 2.0 PSI across a 10-inch dual intake, includes top-load pleated NanoFilters, and keeps full underwater Wi-Fi app control with a 3-year warranty. See our direct matchups for Dolphin Explorer E70 vs Dolphin Sigma and Polaris PCX iQ vs Dolphin Sigma.
Which One Should You Buy?
- Head-to-head pick — Polaris PCX iQ: Best here for Polaris loyalists who prioritize the app, lift system, and large basket. It combines a useful underwater app, weekly scheduling, a large basket, and a respectable 1.5 PSI.
- When Dolphin Explorer E70 fits: Only for buyers who find a major discount and specifically want its connected controls. Its 1.7 PSI reading, navigation, app, and three-year warranty make it a capable cleaner.
- Know the main drawback: Polaris PCX iQ — Its basic mesh filtration and average suction trail the best corded alternatives. Dolphin Explorer E70 — At its normal price, the Premier and Sigma deliver more suction and better filtration.
Final Verdict
Polaris PCX iQ takes this head-to-head. Polaris PCX iQ wins this head-to-head. It combines a useful underwater app, weekly scheduling, a large basket, and a respectable 1.5 PSI. Dolphin Explorer E70 remains the better fit for buyers who find a major discount and specifically want its connected controls, while the Dolphin Sigma is our top-rated step-up near this class.
Read the complete Dolphin Explorer E70 review and Polaris PCX iQ review for every test photo, setup detail, and long-form ownership note. You can also return to all pool-robot comparisons to see any other matchup from the 19 cleaners in our test set.
