Robotic pool cleaner comparison

Dolphin Echo vs Niya Sonar 30

A side-by-side comparison of pool fit, cleaning coverage, filtration, controls and the better Pool Express option.

By Brian Williamson, Pool Express product specialist
Updated November 9, 2026

Better alternative

A stronger Pool Express option

Dolphin Echo and Niya Sonar 30 are compared feature by feature below. For a stronger Pool Express option, consider Dolphin Quantum. Inground pools up to 50 ft that need floor, wall and waterline cleaning, with fine debris.

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Echo

Dolphin Echo

Inground and above-ground pools up to 33 ft that need floor and wall cleaning with the least fuss.

Listed price $749

View better alternatives

Niya Sonar

Niya Sonar 30

Inground and above-ground pools up to 33 ft that need floor, wall and waterline cleaning without a cord.

Listed price $379

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A better alternative

What we recommend instead

Pool Express pick

Dolphin Quantum

Inground pools up to 50 ft that need floor, wall and waterline cleaning, with fine debris.

$1,649

Buy Dolphin Quantum

Buying guidance

Dolphin Echo or Niya Sonar 30: our take

Dolphin Echo and Niya Sonar 30 are compared on pool fit, cleaning reach, debris handling, controls and ownership details. The recommendation is based on the job the robot must do—not a simple feature count.

Pool fit and cleaning reach

Both robots are intended for inground and above-ground pools. Both are rated for pools up to 33 ft. Dolphin Echo cleans floor and walls; Niya Sonar 30 cleans floor, walls, and waterline. Dolphin Echo lists 1 active brush and CleverClean navigation. Niya Sonar 30 lists 2 active brushes, Sonar navigation, and Three brushless motors.

Filtration and debris

Both models include Basket.

Controls and day-to-day ownership

Both models provide one-touch starts and power-supply controls. Dolphin Echo uses continuous corded power, while Niya Sonar 30 uses cordless battery power. Dolphin Echo is listed at 14.8 lb versus 19.2 lb for Niya Sonar 30; that 4.399999999999999 lb difference matters when lifting the robot from the pool.

Price, warranty and the decision

Dolphin Echo is listed at $749 and Niya Sonar 30 at $379; Niya Sonar 30 is $370 less. Dolphin Echo lists a 2-year warranty compared with 1 years for Niya Sonar 30. Dolphin Echo and Niya Sonar 30 each have a specific fit, but neither is the Pool Express pick for this job. Our better alternative is Dolphin Quantum. Inground pools up to 50 ft that need floor, wall and waterline cleaning, with fine debris.

Feature check: what each robot actually has

A green check means the feature is documented as included. A red X means it is documented as absent. A dash means the source does not make the feature clear.

Feature	Dolphin Echo	Niya Sonar 30
Cleans the pool floor	Yes	Yes
Climbs and cleans walls	Yes	Yes
Scrubs the waterline	No	YesEdge
Fine-debris filter included	No	No
Large-debris filter	Yes	Yes
Automatic scheduling	No	No
Smartphone app	No	No
Anti-tangle swivel	No	Not listed
3-year warranty	No	No
No recharging between cycles	YesEdge	No
Built-in UV-C water treatment	No	No

Unknown is not treated as “no.” Specifications come from the product pages, current catalog records and manufacturer material collected for this site.

Where Dolphin Echo stands out

Dolphin Echo is the better fit for inground and above-ground pools up to 33 ft that need floor and wall cleaning with the least fuss.

Carries a 2-year warranty instead of 1 years
Runs from continuous plug-in power without a recharge between cycles
Weighs 14.8 lb versus 19.2 lb

Where Niya Sonar 30 stands out

Niya Sonar 30 is the better fit for shoppers prioritizing the lower $379 starting price.

Cleans the floor, walls and waterline instead of stopping below the tile line
Uses 2 active brushes instead of 1
Is listed $370 lower