Head-to-Head Comparison

Niya Sonar 20 vs Dolphin Escape

Our pool experts compare features, filtration, specs, and value to help you pick the right robotic pool cleaner.

Niya Sonar 20

Explore Niya →

Daily recharge required

$199

View Sonar 20

Our Top Pick

Dolphin Escape

Explore Dolphin Max-Series™ →

★★★★☆ 4.7 (315)

$669$999

Save $330

Open Box $649 Refurbished $589

View Escape

Dolphin Escape or Niya Sonar 20 — which wins?

Our pick: the Dolphin Escape

Diving into the Niya Sonar 20 vs Dolphin Escape, our pool experts weigh filtration, cleaning coverage, smart features, and value. For most pools, the Dolphin Escape is the robot we recommend — and right now you save $330.

More ways to save on the Escape

Certified & warranty-backed

Save $20

Certified Open Box · $649

Save $80

Certified Refurbished · $589

What Sets Them Apart

Key Differences

Sonar 20

Not Sold by Poolbots - Maytronics sells the Sonar 20 directly and through its dealers
Floor Only Coverage - Only cleans the floor
No Waterline Cleaning - Won't clean the dirtiest part of your pool
1-Year Warranty - The Dolphin Premier and Sigma carry 3 years

Escape

MaxBin™ is larger and easier to clean than filter cartridges
FREE NanoFilters with purchase using code at checkout: DEEPCLEAN23
HyperBrush - Scrubs 2X the speed of standard Dolphin robots
SmartNav 2.0 - Advanced microprocessor enables a deeper cleaning performance
Powerful Vacuuming - Cleans leaves, twigs, bugs, sand, and more

Side by Side

Feature Comparison

The features that matter most when comparing the Niya Sonar 20 and Dolphin Escape.

Feature	Sonar 20	EscapeOur Pick
Standard Filter
NanoFilters™		Optional
Multi-Media™
Oversized Leaf Bag
Wall Climbing
Waterline Cleaning
Hands-Off Weekly Timer		Optional
Hands-Off Daily Cleaning	Recharge daily	✓ No manual recharge
Smartphone App Control
Full Filter Indicator
Gyroscope Navigation
Dual Stabilizer
Anti-Tangle Swivel
3-Year Warranty

Explained

Compare Features in Detail

NanoFilters™

Often overlooked, a NanoFilter™ can be the most important part of a pool robot. Without it, microscopic particulate — fine dust, pollen, and algae — passes right through the standard filters found on most robots. These ultra-fine filters trap that debris for a noticeably cleaner, healthier pool. On some models NanoFilters are included; on others (like the Escape and Cayman) they're an inexpensive optional add-on. Learn more ›

Niya Sonar 20 does not

Optional Dolphin Escape optional upgrade

Hands-Off Weekly Timer

An automatic pool cleaner should be automatic. A true weekly timer runs a complete pool-cleaning cycle on schedule — every day, every other day, or a few times a week — without you retrieving or recharging the robot between cycles. On models where it isn't standard (such as the Escape), the timer is available as an optional upgraded power supply. An app schedule on a cordless robot is not hands-off if the cleaner still has to be removed and recharged between cycles, so Poolbots does not count that as a true weekly timer.

Niya Sonar 20 does not

Optional Dolphin Escape optional upgrade

Warranty Coverage

A robot is only as good as its warranty. The Niya Sonar 20 is backed by a 1-year warranty, while the Dolphin Escape carries a 2-year warranty. Buying through an Authorized Dealer like Poolbots gets you the full manufacturer warranty — never pro-rated or limited by cleaning cycles — plus a 30-day in-pool trial with no restocking fees. Learn more ›

Niya Sonar 20 1-year warranty

Dolphin Escape 2-year warranty

Watch

Videos

See the Niya Sonar 20 and Dolphin Escape in action.

The Details

Specifications

	Sonar 20	Escape
Part Number	07.009.0011	99996153-SPLF
Waterline Cleaning	No	No
Multi-Media®	No	No
Filters Included	1	1
Filter Cleaning	Top Access	MaxBin
Cleaning Coverage	Floor	Floor
Cleaning Cycle	—	1.5 hours
Number of Brushes	—	1
Cable Length	No Cable	40 ft
Anti-Tangle Swivel	—	No
Pool Types	Above Ground	Above Ground
Maximum Pool Size	—	33 ft
Pool Shape	Rectangle, Round, Freeform, or Kidney	Rectangle, Oval, or Freeform
Obstacles	—	Steps, Ladder, Drain Cover, Ledges, Pop-Ups
Surface	Liner, Gunite, Stainless Steel, Ceramic, Fiberglass	Concrete, Plaster, Gunite, Pebble, Tile, Vinyl Liner, Fiberglass
Media-Alert®	—	No
Hands-Off Weekly Timer	No	Optional
Daily Recharging Required	Yes	No
Smartphone App	No	No
Remote Operation	—	No
Restocking Fee	—	No
Warranty	1 Years	2 Years