Beatbot AquaSense 2 Review

This Beatbot AquaSense 2 promised to revolutionize pool cleaning with fancy words like CleverNav™ SonicSense™ and Ultrasonic Mapping. But after two weeks of testing, I discovered something the company doesn't want you to know. They're charging $1199 for technology that performs worse than models a fraction of the price. I tested it against five other pool robots, and the results were shocking. If you're considering buying this device, watch this first - I'm about to save you hundreds of dollars and countless headaches.

Hey there, I’m Justin, your resident pool aficionado. And today, we’re taking a look at the new Beatbot AquaSense 2.

After testing over 30 robotic pool cleaners in search of the best robotic pool cleaners for 2025, I’ve seen overpriced disappointments before—but this one may take the crown. At this price point, you’d expect serious power, solid filtration, and reliable performance.

Instead, the AquaSense 2 delivers underwhelming suction, constant recharging, and filters option that are disappointing.. It’s not that it doesn’t work—it just doesn’t work nearly as well as some competitors that outperform it in every way.

At over a thousand bucks, the Beatbot AquaSense 2 comes with big promises—cordless convenience, Wi-Fi connectivity, and what they call “ultra-fine” filters (which, spoiler alert, are just standard mesh). On paper, it sounds like a solid pick. In reality? Not even close.

Between the constant need to recharge, an F-grade on Mozilla’s Fakespot, weak suction, and mediocre filtration, I wouldn’t waste my money on this one. But if you’re looking for a pool robot that’s actually worth it, I’ve got some better picks for you.

But let’s get into why the AquaSense 2 falls short—especially when it comes to battery life and suction power—and look at some powerful alternatives that actually get the job done.

Design And Build

The AquaSense 2 goes for the same black-plastic aesthetic as the first model. Sure, it looks sharp on day one. But if you live anywhere the sun likes to flex its muscles, black plastic is known to fade quickly. I’ve seen many become chalky white in the Texas sun. We’ve seen this happen firsthand to black robots - Here’s a quick photo. Time will tell if this newer version holds up better, but let’s just say I’m not optimistic.

It weighs about 24 pounds, which doesn’t sound terrible—until you lift it out of the water. Suddenly you’re wrestling a waterlogged, slippery hunk of plastic out of your pool. Even with the included retrieval hook, it’s clumsy to grab and more annoying than it needs to be.

Battery And Charging

Being cordless means it has a battery and you’re babysitting the AquaSense 2 , unlinke a corded robot. There’s no real automatic model. There’s no “set it and forget it” weekly timer that just runs automatically. Instead, the battery lasts only a few hours and then you’re continuously charging, dropping it in, pulling it out, and repeating.

The idea is that you do a three-hour charge, toss it in the pool, and by lunch, your pool should be sparkling. If it needs a second go in the evening, that’s another three-hour charge—and another trip to the pool. That’s multiple interactions in a day, every day. It’s a lot more than most of us want to deal with.

To make matters worse, the suction power feels underwhelming. While powerful corded models can churn the water so much you actually see ripples on the surface, the AquaSense 2 just...doesn’t. It feels like it’s stuck in low power mode. Battery models generally have smaller motors than their corded cousins to conserve energy. But it just doesn’t seem to get the job done.

Meanwhile, with a corded pool robot, you plug it in once and let it clean for you automatically – every single day. You don’t have to fish it out after every single run, and you don’t have to worry about it losing juice halfway through a job. If you want full pool cleaning automation like you get in other models, this isn’t the robot for you.

Frustrating Charging Setup

In my tests, I barely got a full cleaning cycle before the battery ran low, meaning I had to pull it out, let it dry, and dock it for another charge. But here’s the another real issue—you can only charge it using this included charging stand.

That’s right—no direct plug-in, no alternative charging method, just a proprietary stand that you must use every single time. Lose or break the stand? Now you’re stuck until you replace it. And when you do replace it, Beatbot charges $159 on their site for a replacement. It’s an unnecessary limitation that makes recharging more of a hassle than it needs to be.

Surface Parking

The AquaSense 2 makes a big deal about its “surface parking” feature. When the battery hits 15%, it’s supposed to float at the surface, waiting for you to scoop it out. Sounds convenient, right? Well, not so fast.

If you don’t get to it in time, the battery dies, and it sinks right back to the bottom—so much for easy retrieval. Even when it does stay afloat, it’s still waterlogged and awkward to pull out. I get that they were trying to make retrieval easier, but in practice, it’s just another half-baked feature that doesn’t fix the real problem.

Cleaning Performance

Beatbot hypes up “improved sensor-based navigation and advanced path optimization” in the AquaSense 2, but after testing it firsthand, I didn’t see much improvement. The so-called “optimized” path looked more like aimless wandering. Corners? Often untouched. Steps? Hit or miss. And since debris loves to hide in these areas, that’s a huge problem.

The only noticeable change from the previous model? A couple of small guide wheels on the sides. I guess they’re supposed to help prevent scratches on your pool walls, but that’s about it. They don’t improve navigation, they don’t help it climb better, and they definitely don’t make up for its other issues.

It handled larger debris like leaves and small twigs decently, but when it came to the small stuff, fine sand, silt, or dirt, I noticed a frustrating amount left behind. Which leads me into one of the most annoying parts of the AquaSense 2...

Suction Power

Beatbot says the AquaSense 2 moves 5,500 gallons per hour (GPH)—which sounds great on paper. But after using it, I have a hard time believing that number. Compared to a Dolphin, the suction just feels weak. It struggled to pull fine debris off the floor, and after a full cycle, I could still see dirt on the pool floor.

High GPH numbers don’t mean much if the actual suction isn’t there. Dolphins, with their corded design has a direct power source, have the strength to scrub and pull in everything from sand to silt. The AquaSense 2? It felt like it was running at half power the entire time. I’m assuming it was to save battery life. But either way, I wasn’t impressed.

Debris Dump

The Most Frustrating Part? Debris Dump

The real kicker came at the end. Just like the original, the AquaSense 2 pulled the same frustrating stunt: dumping debris right back into my pool the second I lifted it out. I watched as dirt, leaves, and whatever else it had picked up slipped through the loosely sealed filter compartment and floated away like it never even cleaned in the first place. I tried lifting it slowly, tilting it, even letting it drain longer—nothing worked. No matter what, it still found a way to undo its own cleaning.

Filtration

The AquaSense 2 brags about its “dual-layer filtration system” designed to handle both large and small debris. But after putting it to the test, I wasn’t impressed—especially after using a Dolphin with NanoFilters.

Let’s put the AquaSense 2 side by side with the Quantum’s NanoFilter XXL Basket. Look at the pleated fabric on the Quantum—it traps the tiniest microparticles, and when it’s time to clean, the bottom drops open for an easy, mess-free empty.

Now, take a look at the Beatbot’s filter. It’s smaller, lacks a dropdown release, and is noticeably harder to clean.

Ultrafine Filters

If you’ve ever used Dolphin’s NanoFilters, you know they grab everything—even the finest grit. The AquaSense 2’s filters, on the other hand, feel like basic mesh screens. So if you’re expecting that crystal-clear, polished pool look after a cycle, you’re in for a letdown.

Connectivity

Like its predecessor, the AquaSense 2 is marketed with Wi-Fi connectivity. And just like the original, that Wi-Fi signal drops the moment it hits the water. It turns out that wifi cannot travel through water.

So you can’t monitor what it’s doing in real time. You have no idea if it’s stuck, if it actually cleaned the whole pool, or if it’s just circling one corner.

Fakespot Factor

Once again, Fakespot gives the Beatbot AquaSense 2 a failing F-grade, suggesting that some of those glowing 5-star reviews might not be as real as they seem. And that tracks with what I’ve experienced.

The bottom line? The AquaSense 2 still misses the mark where it matters most.

Corded Wins

Why Corded Pool Cleaners Still Win

After testing dozens of robotic pool cleaners, one thing is clear—corded models like the Dolphin Premier, Quantum, and Sigma run circles around their cordless competition.

Comparing Models

Comparing the AquaSense 2:

Dolphin Premier

The Premier gives you real choices when it comes to filtration, MultiMedia—NanoFilter cartridges for fine debris, a leaf bag for bigger messes, or standard mesh for everyday cleaning. There’s even a disposable debris bag option for messy clean ups. Plus, its anti-tangle swivel cord keeps it moving freely, no matter how long the cleaning cycle runs.

AquaSense 2? Sure, there’s no cord to tangle, but that also means a limited battery, weaker suction, and a heavier lift when pulling it out of the pool. And unlike the Premier, you’re stuck with basic mesh filters that struggle with fine debris.

Dolphin Sigma

The Sigma isn’t just powerful—it’s smart. With dual scrubbing brushes and a built-in gyroscope, it covers every inch of the pool. And with real-time tracking, you actually know what it’s doing when it is cleaning. From gallons filtered, cycle progress, and more, you can watch the cleaning progress on the app – not just after it’s done.

The AquaSense 2? You’re flying blind. The moment it hits the water, your phone and the robot stop communicating. You won’t know if it cleaned properly, got stuck in a loop, or missed half the pool until you haul it out and check for yourself.

Final Verdict

So what’s my final verdict on the Beatbot AquaSense 2?

It’s Pool Nerd Disapproved

The AquaSense 2 might have a fresh name and new marketing, but it still makes the same old mistakes. The whole point of a cordless pool cleaner is supposed to be convenience—but that falls apart fast when you're constantly recharging it, watching it randomly wander, and dealing with a filter that just doesn’t trap fine debris.

Consider Corded Alternative

Consider a Corded Alternative:

• Constant Power – No batteries to worry about. Or hauling it out of the pool to recharge.
• Smarter Scheduling – Set a weekly timer and forget about it—no daily check-ins required.
• Reliable Filtration – Top models like Dolphin use real pleated filters like NanoFilters, so you see a real difference in cleaning performance.

Unless you want to spend more time taking care of your pool cleaner than your pool, skip the AquaSense 2. A proven corded model from a reputable brand will save you time, money, and a whole lot of frustration.

Your resident pool aficionado.

For over 4+ years, The Pool Nerd has been a leading source in the swimming pool industry. With years of experince owning a swimming pool, our hope here is to guide and help making owning a swimming pool easier.