For many pool owners, the simplifications in the Beatbot Sora 70 to achieve its reduced cost won't be a significant drawback, though it falls short of delivering flawless results for those seeking top-tier efficiency.
Premium robotic pool cleaners command high prices, exemplified by the Beatbot AquaSense 2 Ultra at nearly $3,000. To appeal to buyers desiring robust cleaning at a more accessible rate, Beatbot launched the Sora 70 for $1,499, incorporating several standout elements from its lineup into a more budget-friendly unit. The question remains: which capabilities were omitted to attain this pricing?
Beatbot maintains a familiar visual style for the Sora 70, akin to its previous models, but incorporates enhancements like lateral guide wheels and sonic detection units.
The Sora 70 retains the core structure of Beatbot's earlier devices, featuring a prominent filter assembly above dual drive tracks and central rotating brushes. Its distinctive purple finish sets it apart from the standard black versions of past products, though a classic dark blue variant is offered as well.
Weighing 23 pounds, the Sora 70 includes a 10,000 mAh power source rated for up to five hours of submerged operation. Similar to Beatbot's other units, it handles cleaning of the pool bottom, sides, water edge, and surface skimming. Users can adjust these functions through the companion smartphone application, which provides five distinct operational patterns based on the four accessible areas, a smaller selection compared to higher-end Beatbot devices.
The device operates effectively in water depths starting at just 8 inches.
Among its innovations, the Sora 70 adds four lateral wheels attached to the drive tracks to prevent wall abrasions. It also employs dual ultrasonic detectors for pathfinding and avoiding hurdles, especially on inclines and steps, enabling function in minimal water levels of 8 inches, but without the visual debris detection found in Beatbot's superior models.
Upon completing its cycle, the Sora 70 ascends the pool side and remains buoyant, simplifying the process of removal and serving as a compelling reason to opt for Beatbot over competitors.
The accompanying app is straightforward, albeit with limited mode options relative to pricier alternatives.
Preparation for the Sora 70 involves only removing its protective covering and foam supports. It charges through the supplied power adapter and pairs effortlessly with the app; in testing, Bluetooth detection occurred automatically upon approaching with a smartphone.
Unlike advanced Beatbot models with inductive charging, the Sora 70 uses an improved docking system for hassle-free recharging, avoiding the need to manipulate seals or bulky caps. The connector fits into a slot protected by a pivoting cover that closes securely when unplugged, sealing against moisture without extra effort.
With no components to break down or lids to access, preparing the Sora 70 for subsequent use proves remarkably straightforward, potentially the most user-friendly maintenance process observed.
Testing involved both natural and artificial waste materials scattered across the pool base and top layer.
Operation can be set through the app or a front-positioned toggle: left for comprehensive Pro setting covering bottom, sides, edge, and skimming, or right for app-defined Preset options. Once configured, simply place it in the water to begin without further adjustments.
During bottom cleaning, the Sora 70 underperformed slightly compared to costlier models, though the reason wasn't immediately clear. In the full Pro configuration, it seemed to allocate insufficient time to the floor, retaining roughly 8 to 10 percent of introduced particles, often overlooking foliage near edges.
Performance improved markedly when restricted to floor and wall duties, achieving 99 percent debris removal, albeit requiring a complete six-hour session. Overall, the Sora 70 proceeds systematically and diligently, yet operates at a leisurely pace, demanding extended durations for full coverage.
An updated surface-clearing function employs forward-directed water streams to herd waste toward the perimeter for subsequent gathering.
The pool-top clearing mechanism has been redesigned entirely. Instead of direct intake during traversal, paired jets at the forward edges redirect foliage to the sides while capturing finer particles on sweeps. Following repeated circuits, a perimeter run collects the displaced material. This approach succeeded with buoyant refuse, efficiently gathering sturdy Texas live oak foliage, whereas lighter artificial leaves and fragile blooms, which tend to submerge quickly, were displaced downward and evaded capture. Effectiveness hinges on the floating nature of local debris.
Boasting extended battery life, the Sora 70 in its maximum setting initially lasted only three hours with 54 percent charge remaining per the app, but a software patch extended runs to beyond 6.5 hours before shutdown, with over half the Pro mode time spent skimming. App controls require the unit to be out of deep water due to signal limitations; changes can't occur mid-submersion. Completion triggers an alert for retrieval and servicing, and a basic controller works when surfaced.
Post-session maintenance simplifies with a quick-release single-chamber filter accessible from an upper panel.
At $1,499, the Sora 70 undercuts other Beatbot offerings significantly, yet remains in the luxury segment, edging out the $1,398 Polaris Freedom Plus, a leading premium choice. It surpasses the Polaris with capabilities like surface clearing and self-positioning at the water edge, complicating direct comparisons.
For those with sufficient funds, Beatbot's AquaSense series provides superior cleaning and justifies the added cost. Without that leeway, the Sora 70 stands as a reliable alternative; forgoing surface features, the Polaris Freedom Plus suffices.