As the owner of an above-ground pool, I can attest to the daily chore of keeping it free from leaves and bugs. But for those who use their in-ground pools year-round, such as WIRED reviewer Chris Null, maintaining pool cleanliness is a full-time job.

The top-of-the-line model from Beatbot, which null tested with a six-hour battery life, offers near-flawless performance at a hefty price point. Despite its heft and occasional unwieldiness, it shines in its ability to capture detritus with AI-powered debris detection and float when done.

For those seeking value for money, the AquaSense 2 Ultra is a solid choice. Though it has less battery life and can’t skim the surface like some of its competitors, it excels on steps and platforms and operates in shallow water as low as eight inches deep.

The AquaSense iSkim Ultra is perfect for those who already have a pool robot or system they love and just want an additional skimmer. Its front-mounted sensors prevent collisions with tiles, though the debris basket release button can be tricky to manage.

In contrast, the most luxurious member of the Beatbot Sora lineup, the Sora 70, comes with a built-in surface-skimming feature, making it a true dual-purpose pool cleaner. Its electric purple color scheme adds a touch of style to your pool.