Help me choose
Our pick: Dolphin Escape
Dolphin Escape is the Pool Express pick in this matchup. Dolphin Escape carries a 2-year warranty instead of 1 years. Dolphin Escape is rated for pools up to 30 ft.
Max-Series
Dolphin Escape
Inground and above-ground pools up to 30 ft that need floor cleaning.
Niya Sonar
Niya Sonar 20
Above-ground pools up to 26 ft that need the floor cleaned without a cord.
Why Dolphin Escape is our pick
Dolphin Escape
Inground and above-ground pools up to 30 ft that need floor cleaning.
$669
Buy Dolphin EscapeDolphin Escape or Niya Sonar 20: our take
Dolphin Escape and Niya Sonar 20 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
Dolphin Escape is intended for inground and above-ground pools, while Niya Sonar 20 is intended for above-ground pools. Dolphin Escape is rated for pools up to 30 ft; Niya Sonar 20 is rated up to 26 ft. Each cleans floor, so coverage alone does not separate them. Dolphin Escape lists 1 active brush, SmartNav 2.0 navigation, and Dual 24-volt DC motors. Niya Sonar 20 lists Sonar navigation and Dual drive motors.
Filtration and debris
Dolphin Escape includes MaxBin; Niya Sonar 20 includes Basket.
Controls and day-to-day ownership
Both models provide one-touch starts and power-supply controls. Dolphin Escape uses a 40 ft corded cable, while Niya Sonar 20 uses cordless battery power. Dolphin Escape is listed at 14.2 lb versus 10 lb for Niya Sonar 20; that 4.199999999999999 lb difference matters when lifting the robot from the pool.
Price, warranty and the decision
Dolphin Escape is listed at $669 and Niya Sonar 20 at $199; Niya Sonar 20 is $470 less. Dolphin Escape lists a 2-year warranty compared with 1 years for Niya Sonar 20. Pool Express pick: Dolphin Escape. Dolphin Escape carries a 2-year warranty instead of 1 years. Dolphin Escape is rated for pools up to 30 ft. Choose Niya Sonar 20 when it is the better fit for shoppers prioritizing the lower $199 starting price.
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 Escape | Niya Sonar 20 |
|---|---|---|
| Cleans the pool floor | Yes | Yes |
| Climbs and cleans walls | No | No |
| Scrubs the waterline | No | No |
| 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 Escape stands out
Dolphin Escape is the better fit for pools up to 30 ft.
- Carries a 2-year warranty instead of 1 years
- Is rated for pools up to 30 ft
- Runs from continuous plug-in power without a recharge between cycles
Where Niya Sonar 20 stands out
Niya Sonar 20 is the better fit for shoppers prioritizing the lower $199 starting price.
- Is listed $470 lower
- Weighs 10 lb versus 14.2 lb
Dolphin Escape vs Niya Sonar 20 specifications
Use pool fit first. Price and app control do not make up for a robot that cannot cover the length or surfaces you need cleaned.
| Specification | Dolphin Escape | Niya Sonar 20 |
|---|---|---|
| Best fit | Inground and above-ground pools up to 30 ft that need floor cleaning. | Above-ground pools up to 26 ft that need the floor cleaned without a cord. |
| Starting price | $669 | $199 |
| Pool type | Inground, Above-ground | Above-ground |
| Maximum pool length | Up to 30 ft | Up to 26 ft |
| Cleaning coverage | Floor | Floor |
| Power | Corded | Cordless |
| Filtration | MaxBin | Basket |
| Scheduling | One-touch start | One-touch start |
| App and remote | Power-supply controls | Power-supply controls |
| Cable | 40 ft | Cordless |
| Robot weight | 14.2 lb | 10 lb |
| Warranty | 2 years | 1 years |
Choose Dolphin Escape
Dolphin Escape is the Pool Express pick in this matchup. Dolphin Escape carries a 2-year warranty instead of 1 years. Dolphin Escape is rated for pools up to 30 ft.
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