Narwal Freo Z10 review: the top choice for a lower price

      Narwal Freo Z10 review: outstanding value for the price

      **MSRP** $1,100.00

      “The Narwal Freo Z10 incorporates all the top features of the Freo Z Ultra while reducing the price by $400, positioning it as one of the leading robot vacuums of 2025.”

      **Pros**

      - Distinctive side brush design

      - Superb mopping capabilities

      - Base station that empties automatically for 120 days

      - Anti-tangle vacuum system

      **Cons**

      - Competitors offer stronger suction

      - Lacks the self-cleaning feature found in the Freo Z Ultra

      Narwal is a well-known manufacturer of robot vacuums, having sold approximately 2 million units since its establishment in 2016. Models like the Narwal Freo Z Ultra and Freo X Ultra bring unique features that set them apart from many rivals. Rather than making significant changes with the new Freo Z10, Narwal has chosen to bundle the best features of its predecessor into a more affordable option.

      It's important to note that the Freo Z10 isn’t an entry-level model, nor is it particularly inexpensive. However, at $1,100, it offers tremendous value for everything the latest Narwal robot vacuum provides. Along with impressive mopping abilities, users receive a robust base station that takes care of most maintenance, 15,000Pa of suction, and clever design improvements to minimize tangles. While some features may be less advanced to achieve this price, if you're looking for a premium robot vacuum that saves you a significant amount of money and time, the Narwal Freo Z10 is hard to surpass.

      **Affordable Freo Z Ultra**

      Comparisons between the previous Freo Z Ultra and the new Freo Z10 are inevitable. The Freo Z Ultra remains Narwal's top model, featuring a unique baseboard cleaning system for a superior clean and an electrolyzed water system for sterilizing its base station. Nonetheless, there are many similarities between the two models.

      Shared characteristics include a 2.5L dustbin that allows for up to 120 days of automated dust removal, a mop that can lift 12mm when on carpet, tri-laser structure light obstacle detection, and compatibility with Alexa, Google, and Siri voice assistants.

      Additionally, the Z10 offers 3,000 Pa more suction compared to the Z Ultra — a significant advantage given its lower price.

      While there are other differences, including varying dirt detection and mopping systems, they don't significantly affect daily performance. The Z10 has new MopExtend & Corner Reverse features for enhanced mopping, yet the mopping pressure decreases from 12N on the Z Ultra to just 8N on the Z10.

      Testing demonstrated that the Freo Z10 performs exceptionally well on hard floors, effortlessly removing dried stains and soaking up spills. Watching the robot in action is even enjoyable, as it maneuvers across floors, twisting to access corners and tackling messy spots.

      The same can be said for carpet cleaning. Low pile carpets work best with the Freo Z10, as its 12mm mop lift is insufficient for extremely plush surfaces. While 15,000 Pa is impressive for a Narwal robot vacuum, it falls short compared to competitors that are now pushing 20,000 Pa.

      **Daily Cleaning, Obstacle Navigation, and Automated Maintenance**

      Ultimately, a robot vacuum's primary purpose is to keep your house clean with minimal effort on your part. In this regard, the Narwal Freo Z10 succeeds. Although its base station does not have the same level of sophistication as the premium Freo Z Ultra, it still fulfills all the self-maintenance tasks expected from a product priced above $1,000.

      For instance, the dustbin can hold debris for up to 120 days, a major advantage over competitors that typically last only a few months. The Z10 also has features like adaptive hot water mop washing, hot air drying, auto-detergent dispensing, and a cleaning cycle that cleans the base station after handling the mops (ensuring no residue remains).

      Dirty water is moved to a reservoir, while clean water is drawn from a separate clean water reservoir. These will need regular filling and emptying, but the frequency will depend on how often the device is used and the size of your home. If you operate it a few times weekly in a small space, you may not need to intervene for weeks.

      The base station is a significant selling point for the Freo Z10, but the robot itself is equally appealing. It features an array of sensors that can detect objects as low as 1cm in height, can clean within 5mm of walls and furniture, and can map out new areas in under 10 minutes. Performance can also be optimized using the Narwal mobile app.

      However, I've found its onboard AI to be highly effective, so rather than adjusting settings, I let