Beatbot Sora 30 Review: Midrange Price, High-End Results
Charging is done via the same type of power adapter that the Sora 70 uses: a proprietary block-shaped connector that slides into a hatch on the back of the device. A hinged port cover automatically opens when you slide the adapter into it and closes when removed. It’s not as convenient as a plugless charging dock, but it’s close, avoiding the need for screw-on port covers or other sealing systems that must be handled manually.
ScreenshotBeatbot app via Chris Null
In the water, the unit offers just three operating modes: floor mode, standard mode (which handles floor, walls and waterline), and eco mode (which performs floor cleaning only for 45 minutes every 48 hours). Floor and standard modes offer three runtime options: two hours, three hours, or maximum (i.e. run until the battery is almost empty). These can all be selected via the Beatbot app, available via Bluetooth or 2.4GHz or 5GHz Wi-Fi. You will also need to configure Wi-Fi for firmware updates.
A competent 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 experienced no issues even on the heaviest debris days, and the Sora 30 was able to vacuum up leaves and dirt with an average coverage rate of 95%. It performed reasonably well on steps and platforms and is designed to work in water as shallow as 8 inches. Note that there is no artificial intelligence or camera capable of detecting debris on the fly here. This robot goes back and forth as best it can, which turns out pretty well.
The only performance difficulties I witnessed involved a single sharp corner near the pool steps, where debris seemed to be pushed around, unable to be collected effectively. In fact, any material not collected during my testing would inevitably end up there. (The good news is that it was in the shallow end, which made it easy to scoop up with a net.) It’s hard to say whether truly massive amounts of debris or larger objects like twigs and branches would impact its operation to the extent that the box suggests, but nothing I saw suggested that this poolbot was significantly less powerful than most other devices on the market, especially in its price range.
Photography: Chris Null
