The IFA 2024 tech show saw the unveiling of several impressive robot vacuums, including the Narwal Freo Z Ultra and Dreame L40 Ultra. Both these devices share striking similarities, including their hefty $1,500 price tag, making them top contenders in the robotic floor cleaner market. If you’re looking for a reliable and powerful robot vacuum, you can’t go wrong with either. Our reviews of both the Dreame L40 Ultra and Narwal Freo Z Ultra highlight their exceptional cleaning capabilities, each offering a significant improvement over previous models. But which one reigns supreme? Let’s delve into a detailed comparison to help you make an informed decision.
Pricing and Availability
As mentioned earlier, both the Narwal Freo Z Ultra and Dreame L40 Ultra carry a price tag of $1,500, placing them among the most expensive robot vacuums available. The Dreame L40 Ultra is currently available only in white, while the Narwal Freo Z Ultra comes in both black and white options. Both boast a premium aesthetic that seamlessly blends with most home decor.
Vacuuming Performance
The Dreame L40 Ultra packs a powerful 11,000Pa suction power, making it a force to be reckoned with. It also utilizes a liftable side brush and main brush, effectively preventing spills and liquids from hindering its cleaning performance on hard floors. The side brush’s extended design allows it to reach into corners and tight spaces around furniture, leaving no dirt or debris behind. Our testing showed remarkable results, particularly in the kitchen, where the Dreame L40 Ultra successfully tackled areas that other robots often missed.
The Narwal Freo Z Ultra, however, boasts an even more impressive 12,000Pa suction power. While its brushes do not lift off the ground when encountering liquids, they seamlessly stop spinning and engage the mopping pads, ensuring a clean and dry floor. The side brushes, although effective in the areas they reach, don’t extend outwards, resulting in a few missed spots compared to the Dreame L40 Ultra.
Winner: Dreame L40 Ultra
Mopping Performance
Both robots utilize dual rotating mopping pads to clean your floors meticulously. The Dreame L40 Ultra features a unique design that allows one of its mopping pads to swing outwards, effectively cleaning near baseboards. The Narwal Freo Z Ultra, on the other hand, employs triangular mopping pads and a twisting motion for baseboard cleaning. Both methods deliver excellent results. As an added bonus, the Narwal comes with an optional side duster to tackle vertical surfaces on your baseboards during mopping.
Both devices allow you to install optional cleaning detergents in their docking stations, providing an additional cleaning layer for those who require more than just water. After each mopping cycle, both robots return to their docking stations to rinse and dry their mops, preventing mildew buildup and ensuring long-lasting functionality.
The Dreame L40 Ultra takes the lead with its ability to leave its mopping pads behind in the docking station, guaranteeing that your carpets remain dry. Our testing showed this to be a clever and practical solution for vacuuming on plush carpets. The Narwal, while capable of retracting its mopping pads, is only suitable for low-pile rugs.
Winner: Dreame L40 Ultra
Additional Features
Both the Dreame L40 Ultra and Narwal Freo Z Ultra offer a plethora of shared features. In addition to vacuuming, mopping, and self-cleaning at the base station, both devices provide robust mobile applications for customizing settings and designating restricted areas.
The Narwal boasts a slight edge in operating noise, proving noticeably quieter than the Dreame L40 Ultra, not just during vacuuming and mopping but also during the base station’s suctioning process. Regarding dustbins, the Narwal holds up to 120 days’ worth of dust, significantly more than the Dreame’s 75-day capacity.
Winner: Narwal Freo Z Ultra
Which Robot Vacuum Is Best for You?
The Dreame L40 Ultra emerges as the overall better choice for an all-around robot vacuum and mop due to its liftable brushes, extendable side brush, and detachable mops. While its suction power may not match the Narwal’s, it compensates with a powerful roller brush that excels at removing hair, fur, and other debris from carpets.
The Narwal Freo Z Ultra remains a fantastic option, particularly for those seeking a robot vacuum that demands minimal manual intervention. Its quiet operation, self-cleaning docking station, and massive dustbin contribute to a hassle-free cleaning experience.
Ultimately, choosing between the two comes down to your individual needs and preferences. If you prioritize a powerful and adaptable cleaner, the Dreame L40 Ultra is the winner. If quiet operation and minimal maintenance are your top concerns, the Narwal Freo Z Ultra is a solid choice. However, it’s always a good idea to check for current discounts on both brands as they often offer competitive deals. With both being exceptional products, the most affordable option might just be the best one for you.
