Help me choose
A stronger Pool Express option
Dolphin Proteus DX5i and Niya Sonar 20 are compared feature by feature below. For a stronger Pool Express option, consider Dolphin Cayman. Inground and above-ground pools up to 40 ft that need floor and wall cleaning.
Proteus
Dolphin Proteus DX5i
Inground pools up to 50 ft that need floor, wall and waterline cleaning.
Niya Sonar
Niya Sonar 20
Above-ground pools up to 26 ft that need the floor cleaned without a cord.
What we recommend instead
Dolphin Cayman
Inground and above-ground pools up to 40 ft that need floor and wall cleaning.
$1,079
Buy Dolphin CaymanDolphin Proteus DX5i or Niya Sonar 20: our take
Dolphin Proteus DX5i 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 Proteus DX5i is intended for inground pools, while Niya Sonar 20 is intended for above-ground pools. Dolphin Proteus DX5i is rated for pools up to 50 ft; Niya Sonar 20 is rated up to 26 ft. Dolphin Proteus DX5i cleans floor, walls, and waterline; Niya Sonar 20 cleans floor. Dolphin Proteus DX5i lists 1 active brush. Niya Sonar 20 lists Sonar navigation and Dual drive motors.
Filtration and debris
Both models include Basket.
Controls and day-to-day ownership
Dolphin Proteus DX5i provides smartphone control; Niya Sonar 20 provides one-touch starts and power-supply controls. Dolphin Proteus DX5i uses a 60 ft corded cable with an anti-tangle swivel, while Niya Sonar 20 uses cordless battery power.
Price, warranty and the decision
Dolphin Proteus DX5i is listed at $1,299 and Niya Sonar 20 at $199; Niya Sonar 20 is $1,100 less. Dolphin Proteus DX5i lists a 2-year warranty compared with 1 years for Niya Sonar 20. Dolphin Proteus DX5i and Niya Sonar 20 each have a specific fit, but neither is the Pool Express pick for this job. Our better alternative is Dolphin Cayman. Inground and above-ground pools up to 40 ft that need floor and wall 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 Proteus DX5i | Niya Sonar 20 |
|---|---|---|
| Cleans the pool floor | Yes | Yes |
| Climbs and cleans walls | YesEdge | No |
| Scrubs the waterline | YesEdge | No |
| Fine-debris filter included | No | No |
| Large-debris filter | Yes | Yes |
| Automatic scheduling | Not listed | No |
| Smartphone app | YesEdge | 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 DX5i stands out
Dolphin Proteus DX5i is the better fit for pools up to 50 ft.
- Cleans the floor, walls and waterline instead of stopping below the tile line
- Adds smartphone control
- Carries a 2-year warranty instead of 1 years
- Is rated for pools up to 50 ft
Where Niya Sonar 20 stands out
Niya Sonar 20 is the better fit for shoppers prioritizing the lower $199 starting price.
- Is listed $1,100 lower
- Cleans the pool floor
Dolphin Proteus DX5i 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 Proteus DX5i | Niya Sonar 20 |
|---|---|---|
| Best fit | Inground pools up to 50 ft that need floor, wall and waterline cleaning. | Above-ground pools up to 26 ft that need the floor cleaned without a cord. |
| Starting price | $1,299 | $199 |
| Pool type | Inground | Above-ground |
| Maximum pool length | Up to 50 ft | Up to 26 ft |
| Cleaning coverage | Floor, Walls, Waterline | Floor |
| Power | Corded | Cordless |
| Filtration | Basket | Basket |
| Scheduling | Not listed | One-touch start |
| App and remote | App control | Power-supply controls |
| Cable | 60 ft with anti-tangle swivel | Cordless |
| Robot weight | Not listed | 10 lb |
| Warranty | 2 years | 1 years |
Consider the stronger Pool Express option
Dolphin Proteus DX5i and Niya Sonar 20 are compared feature by feature below. For a stronger Pool Express option, consider Dolphin Cayman. Inground and above-ground pools up to 40 ft that need floor and wall cleaning.
More robotic pool cleaner comparisons
Keep comparing without rebuilding the same specification table yourself.
Clear UV vs Clear S
Pool Express pick: Clear UV
Dolphin Quantum vs Clear S
Pool Express pick: Dolphin Quantum
Dolphin Premier vs Dolphin Sigma
Pool Express pick: Dolphin Premier
Dolphin Premier vs Dolphin Quantum
Pool Express pick: Dolphin Quantum
Dolphin Sigma vs Dolphin Quantum
Pool Express pick: Dolphin Quantum
Dolphin Cayman vs Dolphin Escape
Pool Express pick: Dolphin Cayman