The Narwal Freo Z Ultra is the newest kid on the block in the world of robot vacuums and mops, taking over the reins from the popular Freo X Ultra. Both models excel at simplifying floor cleaning, offering a hands-free solution for carpets and hard floors. But the big question is, what exactly sets the Z Ultra apart, and is it worth upgrading from the X Ultra? To help you decide, we’ve put both models through the paces and are ready to break down the key differences.
Pricing and Availability
The Narwal Freo Z Ultra carries a hefty price tag of $1,500, while the Freo X Ultra is slightly more budget-friendly at $1,400. However, you’ll often find the Freo X Ultra discounted to $1,000 now that the Z Ultra is on the scene. This makes the X Ultra a more attractive option for those on a tighter budget, even though dropping $1,000 on a vacuum cleaner is no small feat. Narwal is also running a launch promotion for the Z Ultra, offering it for $1,100 until October 7th, after which the full price kicks in.
Winner: Narwal Freo X Ultra
(at the discounted price)
Vacuuming Power
The Narwal Freo Z Ultra boasts an impressive 12,000Pa of suction power, a significant improvement over the 8,200Pa offered by the Freo X Ultra. Both models employ a zero-tangle main brush, ensuring smooth carpet cleaning without getting tangled up in hair or pet fur. However, the Z Ultra’s extra suction power delivers a noticeably cleaner result. Another major advantage of the Z Ultra is its superior obstacle detection thanks to enhanced dual cameras, allowing it to swiftly react to moving pets or people. Narwal has also upgraded the dustbin on the Z Ultra, giving it the capacity to hold 120 days of dust. This is a vast improvement compared to the Freo X Ultra’s seven-week capacity, taking a significant step towards full robotic autonomy.
Winner: Narwal Freo Z Ultra
Mopping Performance
Both models excel in mopping performance, generating downward pressure to tackle stubborn stains or absorb spills effectively. They utilize two rotating, slightly triangular mopping pads and a unique twisting motion to clean near baseboards, reaching areas most other robots can’t. The Z Ultra’s upgraded sensors play a crucial role in its mopping effectiveness by better identifying liquids. This allows it to position itself strategically, keeping its brushes dry while mopping.
Winner: Narwal Freo Z Ultra
Additional Features
When traversing carpets, both robots cleverly lift their mops 12mm to avoid dragging dirty water across the floor. Once a cleaning cycle is complete, they return to their docks, where the mops are rinsed and dried to prevent unpleasant odor buildup. The Narwal Freo Z Ultra goes a step further by sucking dirt from its dustbin and storing it in the larger reservoir in the docking station. The Freo X Ultra, on the other hand, relies on a compression system to keep dust contained within the robot. Narwal has made notable progress in reducing the noise output of the Freo Z Ultra, making it significantly quieter than most other vacuums. While it can still be loud at full power, it’s a welcome change for those concerned about noise pollution in their homes.
Both Freo Z and Freo X models support the Narwal app, giving you control over features like setting restricted zones, creating cleaning schedules, or running customized cleaning routines.
Is the Narwal Freo Z Ultra a Worthy Successor?
The Narwal Freo Z Ultra represents a significant upgrade over the Freo X Ultra in nearly every aspect. From improved suction for enhanced vacuuming performance to superior sensor navigation for optimized mopping, and a dustbin capable of holding 120 days’ worth of debris, the Z Ultra delivers a substantial leap forward.
For anyone seeking an automated floor cleaner, the Z Ultra comes highly recommended. However, if you already own a Freo X Ultra, the upgrade might not be entirely justified. The $1,500 price tag is steep, and while the Z Ultra delivers improvements, there are no revolutionary new features. Essentially, it offers more of the same, but better.
If you own the Freo X Ultra, consider holding off on the Z Ultra and waiting for the next generation. Narwal is likely to introduce a new product in the coming year, which will almost certainly surpass the aging Freo X Ultra in a significant way.
