Beatbot Sora 30 review: Mid-range price and high-quality results

Charging is done via the same type of power adapter that the Sora 70 uses: a special block-like connector that slides into a slot on the back of the device. The hinged port cover automatically opens when the adapter is inserted into it and closes when removed. It’s not as convenient as a plugless charging dock, but it’s close, eliminating the need for threaded port covers or other waterproofing systems that have to be manually addressed.

ScreenshotBeatbot app via Chris Noll

In the water, the unit offers just three operating modes – floor mode, standard mode (which handles the floor, wall, and waterline), and eco mode (which only cleans the floor for 45 minutes every 48 hours). Both Floor Mode and Standard Mode offer three runtime options: two hours, three hours, or maximum (i.e. running until the battery is almost exhausted). All of this can be selected through the Beatbot app, available via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi at 2.4GHz or 5GHz. You’ll also need to set up Wi-Fi for firmware updates.

Capable cleaner

I spent the better part of a week testing the Sora 30 with organic and synthetic debris and found the robot to be quite capable. Contrary to expectations, I had no issues even with the heaviest debris days, and the Sora 30 was able to soak up leaves and dirt at an average coverage rate of 95 percent. It worked reasonably well on steps and platforms and is rated for operation in water as shallow as 8 inches deep. Note that there is no AI or camera that can detect in-flight debris here. This robot moves back and forth as best it can, which looks pretty good.

The only difficulties I experienced in performance were in one sharp corner area near the pool steps, where debris seemed to have been pushed aside, and could not be collected effectively. In fact, all the material not collected in my tests would inevitably end up in this one location. (The good news is that this was on the shallow end, making it easy to catch with a net.) It’s hard to say whether massive amounts of debris or larger items like twigs and branches would affect its operation to the degree the box suggests, but I didn’t see anything to suggest that this swimming robot was much less powerful than most others on the market, especially in its price range.

Photo: Chris Noll