If you’re tired of vacuuming and mopping, let me introduce you to the Narwal Freo X Ultra. This robot vacuum and mop combo is a game-changer for anyone craving spotless floors with minimal effort.
As a pet owner with a busy household, I was skeptical about robot cleaners, but this sleek, powerful machine has won me over. With its 8,200 Pa suction, tangle-free brush, and AI-driven mopping, it’s like having a personal cleaning crew.
Trust me, you’ll want this in your home to reclaim your time and enjoy pristine floors.
My Experience With The Narwal Freo X Ultra
When the Narwal Freo X Ultra arrived at my doorstep, I was both excited and a bit intimidated.
The box was hefty, but setup was surprisingly painless.
In about 15 minutes, I had it unpacked, plugged in, and connected to my 2.4GHz Wi-Fi via the Narwal app.
The quick-start guide was clear, though I fumbled a bit figuring out where the detergent bottle went—pro tip: it slots into a hollowed section near the clean water tank.
My first test was mapping my 1,200-square-foot home, a mix of hardwood, tile, and medium-pile carpet, with two cats and a dog adding their signature fur and occasional messes.
The Freo X Ultra’s LiDAR-powered mapping was lightning-fast, charting my first floor in under 10 minutes. I was impressed, though it initially merged my open-plan kitchen and living room into one giant zone.
A quick tweak in the app, plus some cardboard barriers to guide it, fixed that.
Running it for the first time, I followed it like a nervous parent. The way it hugged walls and swiveled to mop edges was mesmerizing. My dog’s favorite toy, a squeaky bone, lay in its path, and the Freo neatly dodged it with its tri-laser obstacle avoidance.
No crashes, no tantrums. The mopping was a revelation—those triangular mop pads scrubbed my kitchen tiles until they gleamed, and the DirtSense tech meant it revisited a sticky juice spill until it was gone.
Vacuuming was just as impressive; pet hair vanished from my hardwood, and the tangle-free brush lived up to its hype. After a month, the brush was spotless, a stark contrast to my old Roomba’s hair-clogged rollers.
The base station is a quiet hero, washing and drying the mop pads without the deafening roar of other docks. I only needed to empty the dirty water tank weekly and swap the disposable dust bag after two months.
The Freo X Ultra isn’t perfect—more on that later—but it’s made my floors consistently cleaner than I ever managed manually. It’s like having a roommate who cleans without complaining.
Pros of The Narwal Freo X Ultra
- Unmatched Suction Power
The 8,200 Pa suction is a beast.
Whether it’s cat litter scattered across my tile or cereal crumbs buried in my living room rug, the Freo X Ultra sucks it up with ease.
I tested it against a week’s worth of pet hair and debris, and it left my floors spotless in one pass.
Compared to my old iRobot, which struggled with anything heavier than dust, this is a powerhouse.
It doesn’t have a carpet boost mode, but honestly, it doesn’t need one for medium-pile carpets like mine.
- Zero-Tangle Brush Magic
If you have pets or long-haired humans in your house, you’ll love the zero-tangle brush. Narwal’s conical, floating brush design funnels hair straight into the dust bag. After six weeks of daily cleaning, I checked the brush—nothing.
Not a single strand of my cat’s fur or my daughter’s hair. This is a game-changer compared to my previous robots, where I’d spend 10 minutes cutting hair off the rollers every week. Narwal’s claim of a 0% tangle rate feels legit, and it’s a huge time-saver.
- Stellar Mopping Performance
The Freo X Ultra’s mopping is next-level. Its Rouleaux triangular mop pads spin at 180 RPM with 12N of downward pressure, tackling everything from muddy paw prints to dried coffee stains.
The AI DirtSense technology is like having a brainy cleaner—it analyzes wastewater to decide if a spot needs extra scrubbing. My kitchen tiles, which used to show every smudge, now shine daily. The EdgeSwing tech ensures it gets right up to baseboards, leaving no gaps. I haven’t touched my manual mop in months.
- Hands-Free Base Station
The base station is a dream. It washes and dries the mop pads, refills them with detergent, and even cleans itself. I barely interact with it beyond emptying the dirty water tank weekly and refilling the clean water.
The touchscreen controls are handy for quick tasks, like pausing a cycle, and the child-lock feature keeps my curious toddler from starting a cleaning frenzy. Compared to other docks that scream when emptying dust, this one’s quiet and efficient.
- Smart Navigation and Obstacle Avoidance
The tri-laser system with LiDAR SLAM 4.0 makes this robot a navigation wizard. It maps your home with precision and avoids obstacles like a pro. My dog’s water bowl, a notorious robot trap, was no match for the Freo—it skirted around it without a nudge.
It even stopped short when my son blocked its path, rerouting without drama. While it’s not perfect (more on that), it’s far smoother than my old Roomba, which bumped into everything like a drunk toddler.
- Long Battery Life
With up to 210 minutes of runtime, the Freo X Ultra handles my entire first floor without breaking a sweat. Even on high suction, it finishes with juice to spare. My initial mapping run took about 3 hours, but regular cleanings now wrap up in under 2 hours for 900 square feet.
It charges quickly too, so it’s always ready for action. This is a big win for larger homes or anyone who hates babysitting a robot.
Not-So-Good Parts of The Narwal Freo X Ultra
- App Could Use Polish
The Narwal app is packed with features—scheduling, room-specific settings, no-go zones—but it’s not the smoothest ride. The interface feels clunky, with occasional typos and confusing menu layouts.
Setting up a second-floor map was a hassle; it wouldn’t let me select individual rooms, forcing me to treat the upstairs as one big zone.
Compared to Roborock’s slick app, it’s a step behind. I also got no warnings when the clean water tank ran low, which paused a few jobs unexpectedly.
- Obstacle Avoidance Isn’t Flawless
While the tri-laser system is impressive, it’s not perfect. The Freo X Ultra got stuck under a low bathroom rug twice, and it hesitated around my dog, stopping and reorienting multiple times.
In my torture test with scattered toys and cables, it avoided most but clipped a small charging cord. Reviews from Vacuum Wars noted it scored poorly in obstacle avoidance tests, and I can see why—it’s great but not class-leading like the Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra.
- Carpet Cleaning Limitations
If you have plush, high-pile carpets, look elsewhere. The Freo X Ultra’s mop pads only lift 12mm, which isn’t enough to avoid soaking deep carpets.
It also struggled in my carpet deep-clean test, leaving some sand behind. Vacuum Wars reported similar issues, with a below-average 55% debris removal on carpets. For my medium-pile rugs, it’s fine, but thick carpets aren’t its forte.
There’s no carpet boost mode either, which some competitors offer.
- No Auto-Empty Dust Bin
Unlike many premium robots, the Freo X Ultra doesn’t auto-empty its dust into the base station. Instead, it compresses debris into a 1L disposable bag or reusable bin, which lasts up to 7 weeks. While this reduces noise, it means manual emptying when the bag’s full.
I didn’t mind, as it’s mess-free, but if you want true hands-off dust management, models like the Roborock Q Revo Pro might suit you better.
- Pricey Upfront Cost
At $1,399 (though often discounted to $899-$1,000), the Freo X Ultra isn’t cheap. Add in recurring costs for disposable bags ($20-$30 for a pack) and detergent ($30 per bottle), and it’s a significant investment.
For comparison, the eufy S1 Pro offers similar features for less. If budget’s tight, you might hesitate, but the convenience and performance justify the cost for many.
- Spotty Customer Support
I haven’t needed Narwal’s customer support, but online chatter suggests it’s hit-or-miss. Some users on Reddit reported no responses to emails, and the support cycle feels like a black hole.
The machine itself is reliable, but if you run into app or hardware issues, you might be on your own. This is a bummer for a premium product.
Maintenance Tips For The Narwal Freo X Ultra
- Keep the Water Tanks Fresh
The base station’s clean and dirty water tanks are easy to access, but don’t let them sit neglected. Empty the dirty water tank weekly to prevent odors—trust me, you don’t want stagnant mop water stinking up your kitchen.
Refill the clean water tank every 7-10 days, depending on how often you mop. I add a capful of Narwal’s lemon-basil detergent (included) to keep things fresh, but you can skip it for plain water if you’re eco-conscious.
- Monitor the Dust Bag or Bin
The disposable dust bag lasts about 7 weeks in my pet-heavy home, but check it monthly via the app’s notification. Swapping it is a breeze—pop the robot’s lid, pull the bag, and slot in a new one.
If you use the reusable bin, empty it every 1-2 weeks to avoid clogs. The compression system keeps things tidy, but don’t let it overfill, or you’ll lose suction power.
- Clean the Mop Tray Regularly
The base station’s mop-washing tray collects dirt over time. Every 2-4 weeks, remove it (it slides out easily) and rinse it under warm water to kill bacteria. I neglected this once and noticed a slight odor.
A quick scrub with dish soap fixed it. Narwal suggests this maintenance to keep the station hygienic, and it only takes 5 minutes.
- Wipe Down Sensors
The Freo’s tri-laser sensors and LiDAR dome need occasional love. Every two weeks, grab a soft, dry cloth and gently wipe the sensors on the front, sides, and top.
Dust buildup can mess with navigation, and I noticed slight hesitations when I skipped this step. It’s quick and keeps the robot’s obstacle avoidance sharp.
- Check the Brushes and Filters
Even with the zero-tangle brush, check the side brushes for stray hairs every month—they can catch a few strands. The HEPA filter in the dust bag doesn’t need frequent cleaning, but if you use the reusable bin, rinse the filter every 2-3 months under water and let it air dry.
Narwal recommends replacing filters every 6 months for peak performance.
- Update the App Firmware
The Narwal app occasionally pushes firmware updates that improve navigation or fix bugs. Check for updates monthly to keep your Freo running smoothly. I missed one early on, and the robot got stuck on a rug corner until I updated.
It’s a simple tap in the app, but it makes a difference.
Comparison of Narwal Freo X Ultra With Other Brands
Let’s see how the Narwal Freo X Ultra holds up against three heavy hitters in the robot vacuum world: the Ecovacs Deebot X2 Omni, Roborock S8 Pro Ultra, and bObsweep Robotic Vacuum. I’ve used or tested these brands in my home, so I’m breaking it down to help you decide which one fits your needs.
Each comparison focuses on key features like suction power, mopping, navigation, and more, all from my real-world experience as a pet owner with a busy, fur-filled house.
Narwal Freo X Ultra Vs. Ecovacs Deebot X2 Omni
- Suction Power and Cleaning Performance: The Narwal Freo X Ultra boasts an impressive 8,200 Pa suction, making it a beast for picking up pet hair, crumbs, and debris on my hardwood and medium-pile carpets. It cleared a week’s worth of cat litter in one pass. The Ecovacs Deebot X2 Omni, with 8,000 Pa, is nearly as powerful and did a solid job on my floors, but it left a bit of sand on my rug during a deep-clean test. Narwal’s edge in suction makes it better for homes with mixed flooring, though Ecovacs shines on tile and hardwood.
- Mopping Capabilities: Narwal’s AI DirtSense and Rouleaux mop pads are a dream, scrubbing my kitchen tiles until they sparkle and revisiting sticky spots like a spilled juice stain. The Deebot X2 Omni’s hot-water mop washing (up to 55°C) tackles tough stains well, and its square shape gets into corners better than Narwal’s round design. However, Narwal’s EdgeSwing tech ensures tight baseboard cleaning, which I found slightly more consistent than Ecovacs’ edge mopping. If corner cleaning is your priority, Ecovacs has a slight advantage; otherwise, Narwal’s smarter mopping wins.
- Navigation and Obstacle Avoidance: Both use LiDAR, but Ecovacs’ AIVI 3D 2.0 tech slightly outperforms Narwal’s tri-laser system. In my home, the Deebot dodged a charging cord that Narwal clipped, and it navigated around my dog’s water bowl with less hesitation. Narwal’s mapping is fast and accurate, but Ecovacs’ dual-laser setup feels a tad more polished, especially in cluttered spaces. That said, Narwal rarely got stuck, while Ecovacs once wedged under a low couch.
- Base Station and Maintenance: The Deebot’s Omni station auto-empties dust, washes mops with hot water, and refills detergent, making it truly hands-off. Narwal’s base is quieter and compresses dust for up to 7 weeks, but you’ll need to manually swap the dust bag or empty the bin. I prefer Narwal’s mess-free dust disposal, but Ecovacs’ auto-empty feature is a time-saver. Price-wise, the Deebot’s $1,500 tag is steeper than Narwal’s $1,399 (often $999 on sale), so Narwal feels like better value.
Narwal Freo X Ultra Vs. Roborock S8 Pro Ultra
- Suction Power and Cleaning Performance: Roborock’s S8 Pro Ultra packs 6,000 Pa suction—strong but no match for Narwal’s 8,200 Pa. In my tests, Narwal cleared pet hair and cereal crumbs faster, especially on my medium-pile rug. Roborock struggled a bit with heavier debris like sand, removing about 60% compared to Narwal’s 85% in my informal test. For hard floors, both are excellent, but Narwal’s raw power gives it an edge for tougher messes.
- Mopping Capabilities: Roborock’s VibraRise 2.0 mop vibrates at 3,000 times per minute, lifting 6mm over carpets and scrubbing well on my tiles. Narwal’s 12N pressure and 180 RPM spinning mops, paired with DirtSense, outshine it for stubborn stains like dried coffee. Roborock’s app lets you fine-tune water flow better, but Narwal’s edge-cleaning tech gets closer to baseboards. If you have lots of carpets, Roborock’s higher mop lift is better; for hard floors, Narwal’s smarter mopping takes the crown.
- Navigation and Obstacle Avoidance: Both robots use LiDAR, but Roborock’s Reactive 3D obstacle avoidance is a hair better. It dodged a stray toy and my son’s backpack more confidently than Narwal, which hesitated around low objects. However, Narwal’s side sensors hug walls tighter, ensuring cleaner edges. Roborock’s app is also a standout—sleek and intuitive compared to Narwal’s clunky interface. For navigation, Roborock has a slight lead, but Narwal’s not far behind.
- Base Station and Maintenance: Roborock’s all-in-one dock auto-empties dust, washes mops, and dries them, similar to Narwal’s. However, Roborock’s dust-emptying is noisier, hitting 90 dB compared to Narwal’s near-silent compression system. I empty Narwal’s dust bag every 6-7 weeks, while Roborock’s dock needs bag changes every 4-5 weeks in my pet-heavy home. Roborock’s $1,200 price is competitive, but Narwal’s premium build and quieter operation feel more luxurious.
Narwal Freo X Ultra Vs. bObsweep Robotic Vacuum
- Suction Power and Cleaning Performance: The bObsweep (I tested the PetHair Plus) has a modest 4,000 Pa suction, far below Narwal’s 8,200 Pa. It struggled with pet hair on my carpets, leaving visible clumps, while Narwal cleared everything in one go. On hardwood, bObsweep did fine but missed debris in corners. Narwal’s zero-tangle brush also trumps bObsweep’s hair-clogged rollers, which I cleaned weekly. For raw cleaning power, Narwal’s in a different league.
- Mopping Capabilities: bObsweep’s mopping is basic—an attachable wet pad that drags water across floors. It left streaks on my tiles and couldn’t handle stains. Narwal’s spinning mops and AI-driven cleaning are light-years ahead, scrubbing my kitchen spotless. bObsweep doesn’t auto-wash or dry its mop, so you’re stuck doing it manually. If mopping matters, Narwal’s a clear winner.
- Navigation and Obstacle Avoidance: bObsweep’s bump-and-go navigation is outdated compared to Narwal’s LiDAR precision. It crashed into my coffee table and got stuck under a rug, while Narwal glided around obstacles like a pro. bObsweep’s random pathing took twice as long to clean my living room. For smart navigation, Narwal’s miles ahead.
- Base Station and Maintenance: bObsweep lacks a base station, so you manually empty its small dustbin after every run—annoying in my busy home. Narwal’s hands-free dock and 7-week dust compression make maintenance a breeze. At $400-$600, bObsweep is budget-friendly but feels cheap compared to Narwal’s premium build. If you want low maintenance and high performance, Narwal’s worth the splurge.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Absolutely, if you value hands-off cleaning and have pets or hard floors. The 8,200 Pa suction, zero-tangle brush, and AI mopping make it a powerhouse for busy households. At $1,399 (or less on sale), it’s a premium investment, but the time you save and the spotless floors make it worthwhile. If you have thick carpets or need top-tier customer support, you might want to explore other options.
In my experience, yes. The Freo X Ultra outshines my old Roomba i7 with superior LiDAR navigation, tangle-free brush, and stellar mopping. Roomba’s app is smoother, and their support is better, but the Freo’s cleaning power and hands-free features make it a clear upgrade for most homes.
It depends. The Freo X Ultra’s 8,200 Pa suction and tangle-free brush beat the Roborock Q7 Max+ for pet owners and hard floors. Roborock’s app and obstacle avoidance are better, and its auto-empty dock is a plus. If you want premium build and mopping, go Freo; for app polish and carpets, Roborock’s a contender.
Not quite. Unlike Roborock or Ecovacs, the Freo X Ultra doesn’t auto-empty into the base station. It compresses dust into a 1L disposable bag or reusable bin, lasting up to 7 weeks. You’ll need to manually swap the bag or empty the bin, but it’s mess-free and less frequent than most.
Wrapping Up
The Narwal Freo X Ultra is a must-have for anyone who wants clean floors without the hassle. Its powerful suction, tangle-free brush, and AI-driven mopping have transformed my home, saving me hours of manual cleaning.
Despite a clunky app and minor navigation hiccups, it’s a premium robot that delivers. If you’re ready to ditch the mop and vacuum, grab the Freo X Ultra—you won’t regret it.