--- title: "I Tested a $1,500 Pool Robot That Skims the Surface Too—Here’s the Verdict" description: "We tested the Beatbot Sora 70 for a month to see if its all-in-one floor, wall, and surface skimming lives up to the $1,500 price tag." date: "2026-04-21" modified: "2026-04-21" authors: - name: "Paul Rankin" job_title: "Contributing Writer & Editor" link: "https://www.bobvila.com/authors/paul-rankin.md" url: "https://www.bobvila.com/reviews/beatbot-sora-70-review/" categories: - "Lawn, Garden & Pool" - "Pool Maintenance" - "Reviews" tags: - "SPR" --- # I Tested a $1,500 Pool Robot That Skims the Surface Too—Here’s the Verdict ![Beatbot Robotic Pool Vac 2026 Model]() *Photo: Paul Rankin for BobVila.com* I’ve tested a lot of [pool robots]() over the past few years—including high-end models and even a previous Beatbot unit—but the [Beatbot Sora 70]() is the first one that actually feels like a two-in-one solution. What sets it apart is its ability to not only scrub the pool floor and walls but also actively skim debris from the surface. In a Florida pool like mine, where leaves, bugs, and pollen constantly collect on top, that’s a huge upgrade over traditional robotic cleaners that ignore surface debris until it sinks. **Rating: 4.5/5** I tested the Sora 70 over the course of about a month in my in-ground residential pool, running it every 3 to 4 days and more frequently before having guests over. For quick cleanups, I’d send it out a couple of hours before people arrived, and it consistently handled both surface debris and deeper cleaning in a single cycle. Compared to setups that require both a robotic cleaner and a separate skimmer (like some options from Aiper), this all-in-one approach is just more convenient. That said, it doesn’t replace a solar skimmer that runs 24/7. But for most homeowners, the trade-off is worth it. Performance-wise, it delivers exactly what you’d expect from a premium robot. It climbs walls effectively, covers the pool floor in efficient paths, and leaves everything looking noticeably cleaner after each run. The internal debris basket is large and thoughtfully designed, with fine mesh filters that trap everything from leaves to fine debris. Cleaning it out is simple—just lift it out from the top hatch and rinse it with a hose. Setup was also quick, taking about 5 minutes (including a firmware update). The app is clean and easy to navigate. Features like cleaning time estimates and manual remote control are nice additions, especially if you want to target specific areas before guests arrive. - ![Beatbot Sora 70 floating 01]() *Photo: Paul Rankin for BobVila.com* - ![Beatbot Sora 70 floating 02]() *Photo: Paul Rankin for BobVila.com* - ![Beatbot Sora 70 cleaning]() *Photo: Paul Rankin for BobVila.com* - ![Beatbot Sora 70 cleaning]() *Photo: Paul Rankin for BobVila.com* - ![Beatbot Sora 70 cleaning]() *Photo: Paul Rankin for BobVila.com* - ![Beatbot Sora 70 app 01]() *Photo: Paul Rankin for BobVila.com* - ![Beatbot Sora 70 app 02]() *Photo: Paul Rankin for BobVila.com* [][][] One of my favorite features is the smart parking system, which brings the robot to the edge of the pool when it’s finished—no more fishing it out from the deep end. Just be careful when lifting it out, as it can be surprisingly heavy when filled with water (I had a couple of close calls getting pulled toward the pool). That said, if you wait for it to properly park itself, it actually expels water from inside, making it lighter—I guess I’m just impatient. At around $1,500, it’s not cheap, but compared to other high-end robotic cleaners—and considering it also replaces a separate skimmer—it feels like a strong value. If you’re tired of juggling multiple pool-cleaning devices, the Sora 70 is one of the most complete solutions I’ve tested, and one I’d confidently recommend for keeping a pool consistently clean with minimal effort. ## Author Paul Rankin is a Scotland native. He has worked in translation and localization for over 10 years and began writing and editing for BobVila.com in 2021, focusing on the full range of tools, furniture, DIY supplies, and home and garden products that the team reviews. ### Author social links [LinkedIn]() [Instagram]()