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Robotic pool cleaner comparison

Dolphin T45 vs Niya Sonar 10

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

Dolphin T45 Niya Sonar 10
Better alternative

A stronger Pool Express option

Dolphin T45 and Niya Sonar 10 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.

A better alternative

What we recommend instead

Buying guidance

Dolphin T45 or Niya Sonar 10: our take

Dolphin T45 and Niya Sonar 10 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 T45 is intended for inground pools, while Niya Sonar 10 is intended for inground and above-ground pools. Dolphin T45 is rated for pools up to 50 ft; Niya Sonar 10 is rated up to 20 ft. Dolphin T45 cleans floor, walls, and waterline; Niya Sonar 10 cleans floor. Dolphin T45 lists CleverClean navigation. Niya Sonar 10 lists Dual drive motors.

Filtration and debris

Dolphin T45 includes Basket and UltraFilter; Niya Sonar 10 includes Basket. That gives Dolphin T45 the clearer documented edge for fine silt, pollen and sand.

Controls and day-to-day ownership

Dolphin T45 provides a weekly timer and smartphone control; Niya Sonar 10 provides one-touch starts and power-supply controls. Dolphin T45 uses a 60 ft corded cable with an anti-tangle swivel, while Niya Sonar 10 uses cordless battery power.

Price, warranty and the decision

Dolphin T45 is listed at $1,499 and Niya Sonar 10 at $149; Niya Sonar 10 is $1,350 less. Dolphin T45 lists a 2-year warranty compared with 1 years for Niya Sonar 10. Dolphin T45 and Niya Sonar 10 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 T45 Niya Sonar 10
Cleans the pool floor Yes Yes
Climbs and cleans walls YesEdge No
Scrubs the waterline YesEdge No
Fine-debris filter included YesEdge No
Large-debris filter Yes Yes
Automatic scheduling YesEdge 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 T45 stands out

Dolphin T45 is the better fit for pools up to 50 ft.

  • Cleans the floor, walls and waterline instead of stopping below the tile line
  • Includes filtration for sand, pollen and other fine debris
  • Can start on a weekly schedule without a manual launch before every cycle
  • Adds smartphone control

Where Niya Sonar 10 stands out

Niya Sonar 10 is the better fit for shoppers prioritizing the lower $149 starting price.

  • Is listed $1,350 lower
  • Cleans the pool floor

Dolphin T45 vs Niya Sonar 10 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 T45 Niya Sonar 10
Best fit Inground pools up to 50 ft that need floor, wall and waterline cleaning, with fine debris. Above-ground pools up to 20 ft that need the floor vacuumed without a cord.
Starting price $1,499 $149
Pool type Inground Inground, Above-ground
Maximum pool length Up to 50 ft Up to 20 ft
Cleaning coverage Floor, Walls, Waterline Floor
Power Corded Cordless
Filtration Basket, UltraFilter Basket
Scheduling Weekly schedule + app One-touch start
App and remote App control Power-supply controls
Cable 60 ft with anti-tangle swivel Cordless
Robot weight Not listed 7.1 lb
Warranty 2 years 1 years
Final call

Consider the stronger Pool Express option

Dolphin T45 and Niya Sonar 10 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.

Buy Dolphin Quantum

Keep comparing without rebuilding the same specification table yourself.