Help me choose
A stronger Pool Express option
Dolphin Nautilus AG and Niya Sonar Ray are compared feature by feature below. For a stronger Pool Express option, consider Dolphin Escape. Inground and above-ground pools up to 30 ft that need floor cleaning.
Nautilus
Dolphin Nautilus AG
Above-ground and small inground pools up to 30 ft that need the floor vacuumed.
Niya Sonar
Niya Sonar Ray
Flat-bottomed above-ground and small inground pools up to 26 ft that need the floor cleaned without a cord.
What we recommend instead
Dolphin Escape
Inground and above-ground pools up to 30 ft that need floor cleaning.
$669
Buy Dolphin EscapeDolphin Nautilus AG or Niya Sonar Ray: our take
Dolphin Nautilus AG and Niya Sonar Ray 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 Nautilus AG is intended for above-ground pools, while Niya Sonar Ray is intended for inground and above-ground pools. Dolphin Nautilus AG is rated for pools up to 30 ft; Niya Sonar Ray is rated up to 26 ft. Each cleans floor, so coverage alone does not separate them. Dolphin Nautilus AG lists 1 active brush and CleverClean navigation. Niya Sonar Ray lists Sonar navigation.
Filtration and debris
Both models include Basket.
Controls and day-to-day ownership
Both models provide one-touch starts and power-supply controls. Dolphin Nautilus AG uses continuous corded power, while Niya Sonar Ray uses cordless battery power. Dolphin Nautilus AG is listed at 14.6 lb versus 7.1 lb for Niya Sonar Ray; that 7.5 lb difference matters when lifting the robot from the pool.
Price, warranty and the decision
Dolphin Nautilus AG is listed at $568 and Niya Sonar Ray at $199; Niya Sonar Ray is $369 less. Each lists a 1-year manufacturer warranty. Dolphin Nautilus AG and Niya Sonar Ray each have a specific fit, but neither is the Pool Express pick for this job. Our better alternative is Dolphin Escape. Inground and above-ground pools up to 30 ft that need floor cleaning.
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 Nautilus AG | Niya Sonar Ray |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Nautilus AG stands out
Dolphin Nautilus AG is the better fit for pools up to 30 ft.
- Is rated for pools up to 30 ft
- Runs from continuous plug-in power without a recharge between cycles
Where Niya Sonar Ray stands out
Niya Sonar Ray is the better fit for shoppers prioritizing the lower $199 starting price.
- Is listed $369 lower
- Weighs 7.1 lb versus 14.6 lb
Dolphin Nautilus AG vs Niya Sonar Ray 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 Nautilus AG | Niya Sonar Ray |
|---|---|---|
| Best fit | Above-ground and small inground pools up to 30 ft that need the floor vacuumed. | Flat-bottomed above-ground and small inground pools up to 26 ft that need the floor cleaned without a cord. |
| Starting price | $568 | $199 |
| Pool type | Above-ground | Inground, Above-ground |
| Maximum pool length | Up to 30 ft | Up to 26 ft |
| Cleaning coverage | Floor | Floor |
| Power | Corded | Cordless |
| Filtration | Basket | Basket |
| Scheduling | One-touch start | One-touch start |
| App and remote | Power-supply controls | Power-supply controls |
| Cable | Not listed | Cordless |
| Robot weight | 14.6 lb | 7.1 lb |
| Warranty | 1 years | 1 years |
Consider the stronger Pool Express option
Dolphin Nautilus AG and Niya Sonar Ray are compared feature by feature below. For a stronger Pool Express option, consider Dolphin Escape. Inground and above-ground pools up to 30 ft that need floor cleaning.
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