Help me choose
A stronger Pool Express option
Dolphin Proteus DX4 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.
Proteus
Dolphin Proteus DX4
Inground pools that need floor, wall and waterline cleaning.
Niya Sonar
Niya Sonar 30
Inground and above-ground pools up to 33 ft that need floor, wall and waterline cleaning without a cord.
What we recommend instead
Dolphin Quantum
Inground pools up to 50 ft that need floor, wall and waterline cleaning, with fine debris.
$1,649
Buy Dolphin QuantumDolphin Proteus DX4 or Niya Sonar 30: our take
Dolphin Proteus DX4 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
Dolphin Proteus DX4 is intended for inground pools, while Niya Sonar 30 is intended for inground and above-ground pools. Niya Sonar 30 has a published maximum pool length of 33 ft; the other model does not have a verified length in our source material. Each cleans floor, walls, and waterline, so coverage alone does not separate them. Dolphin Proteus DX4 lists 1 active brush. 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
Dolphin Proteus DX4 provides a weekly timer and power-supply controls; Niya Sonar 30 provides one-touch starts and power-supply controls. Dolphin Proteus DX4 uses a 60 ft corded cable with an anti-tangle swivel, while Niya Sonar 30 uses cordless battery power.
Price, warranty and the decision
Dolphin Proteus DX4 is listed at $1,199 and Niya Sonar 30 at $379; Niya Sonar 30 is $820 less. Dolphin Proteus DX4 lists a 2-year warranty compared with 1 years for Niya Sonar 30. Dolphin Proteus DX4 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 Proteus DX4 | Niya Sonar 30 |
|---|---|---|
| Cleans the pool floor | Yes | Yes |
| Climbs and cleans walls | Yes | Yes |
| Scrubs the waterline | Yes | Yes |
| Fine-debris filter included | No | No |
| Large-debris filter | Yes | Yes |
| Automatic scheduling | YesEdge | No |
| Smartphone app | No | No |
| Anti-tangle swivel | Yes | 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 Proteus DX4 stands out
Dolphin Proteus DX4 is the better fit for inground pools that need floor, wall and waterline cleaning.
- Can start on a weekly schedule without a manual launch before every cycle
- Carries a 2-year warranty instead of 1 years
- Runs from continuous plug-in power without a recharge between cycles
Where Niya Sonar 30 stands out
Niya Sonar 30 is the better fit for shoppers prioritizing the lower $379 starting price.
- Uses 2 active brushes instead of 1
- Is listed $820 lower
Dolphin Proteus DX4 vs Niya Sonar 30 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 Proteus DX4 | Niya Sonar 30 |
|---|---|---|
| Best fit | Inground pools that need floor, wall and waterline cleaning. | Inground and above-ground pools up to 33 ft that need floor, wall and waterline cleaning without a cord. |
| Starting price | $1,199 | $379 |
| Pool type | Inground | Inground, Above-ground |
| Maximum pool length | Not listed | Up to 33 ft |
| Cleaning coverage | Floor, Walls, Waterline | Floor, Walls, Waterline |
| Power | Corded | Cordless |
| Filtration | Basket | Basket |
| Scheduling | Weekly schedule | One-touch start |
| App and remote | Power-supply controls | Power-supply controls |
| Cable | 60 ft with anti-tangle swivel | Cordless |
| Robot weight | Not listed | 19.2 lb |
| Warranty | 2 years | 1 years |
Consider the stronger Pool Express option
Dolphin Proteus DX4 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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