Narwal Freo X Ultra Review: 14 Objective & Data-Driven Tests

In This Review
Cleaning Performance | Navigation | Build Quality | Noise Test | Usability | Maintenance | Size | Specs | Product Evolution | Comparison | FAQs

Performance Summary

At Modern Castle we test 14 different factors that impact the performance, build quality, and usability of the vacuum. Below is a complete list of our testing categories and their performance.

Test Type	Test Data
Overall Debris Tests	95.5%
Hardwood Floor Test	100.0%
Low Pile Carpet Test	89.0%
High Pile Carpet Test	97.5%
Long Hair Test	100%
Pet Hair Test	90.0%
Crevice Test	73.3%
Edge Cleaning Test	97.6%
Mop Test	Excellent
Cleaning Speed	90 min.
Obstacle Avoidance	Partially
Build Quality Test	Exceptional
Noise Test	59 dB

We do want to disclose that we had to create an alternative testing area for the Freo X Ultra, due to its sensors recognizing it was in a boxed-off lane. What this means is that this robot was not tested in the same boxed-off lane like all other robots tested. We don’t believe it impacted the collection or scoring, but it was a variable that was changed in our testing method.

Video Review

The cleaning was excellent, but it could have been better for the low pile carpet.

Since the navigation, mapping, and sensors on the Narwal Freo X Ultra were some of the best we have tested to date, it recognized the location of our testing lane and would cause an error since it was “trapped”. This was both impressive and frustrating, as a result, accommodations were made to replicate our tests in our office.

To test the debris removal performance of the Freo X Ultra, we put it through a series of 12 different cleaning tests consisting of 3 different floor types and 4 different debris types.

We measure 0.5 oz. of each debris type, spreading it evenly across the floor for the vacuum to clean. Next, we run the Freo over the debris on the highest suction power, letting it perform 2 complete cleaning cycles. After, we measure how much of the debris remains by weight and compare it to the starting amounts to determine cleaning performance.

Here are the overall results for the Narwal Freo X Ultra:

In our debris tests, the Freo X Ultra was able to remove 95.5% of debris by weight. This is 3% more debris than the average of 92.5%, based on all of our debris tests to date.

We saw no issue with the hardwood floor collection. The Freo X was meticulous and used its roller to capture all the debris in its path.

In our hardwood tests, the Narwal was able to remove 100% of debris by weight. This is 2.9% more debris than the average of 97.1%, based on all of our debris tests to date.

One small inconvenience we noticed with the Narwal was the speed at which the side brushes would spin, pushing debris across the floor. This is a common issue on hardwood and tile surfaces with robot vacuums. However, the Freo X was able to collect the debris with later passes.

As previously mentioned, we needed to adjust the testing method outside our normal testing lane. While the Narwal took significant time to navigate on and off the carpet patch, it did complete its cycle of cleaning the low pile carpet.

In our low pile carpet tests, the Freo X was able to remove 89.0% of debris by weight. This is 0.7% less than the average of 89.7%, based on all of our debris tests to date.

The main issue we observed with the Freo X was the suction power. While it performed better than the previous Freo model, it wasn’t enough to create an effective seal to remove the smaller debris from the carpet.

With the adjusted testing location, the high pile carpet faced many of the same issues as the low pile. It struggled to climb on and off our carpet patch, however, it was able to clean all the high pile carpet.

In our high pile carpet tests, the Narwal was able to remove 97.5% of debris by weight. This is 7.1% more debris than the average of 90.4%, based on all of our debris tests to date.

Overall, the Narwal had excellent performance navigating around the improvised testing area as it took its time to accomplish its cleaning cycle.

To test how well the Freo X Ultra manages long hair and avoids tangles, we pit it against 0.3 grams of long hair. We lay the strands of the hair on the hardwood flooring and run the vacuum over it on the maximum suction power completing 2 cleaning cycles. After cleaning, we check the floor for hair and the brush roll for tangles.

In our long hair tests, the Narwal Freo X Ultra had 0% long hair tangle by weight. This is 46.4% less long hair than the average of 53.6%, based on all of our long hair tests to date.

The Freo X left a small amount of the long hair on the testing surface. It wasn’t much and probably would be picked up on the next cleaning cycle.

For our pet hair test, we embed 1.0 grams of pet hair into high pile carpet. Next, we run the vacuum over the carpet completing 2 cleaning cycles on the highest suction power. Finally, we measure the amount of remaining pet hair in the carpet and compare it to the starting amount to determine performance.

In our pet hair tests, the Narwal Freo X Ultra removed 90% of pet hair by weight. This is 13.9% more hair than the average of 76.1%, based on all of our pet hair tests to date.

While the Narwal has excellent performance in collecting pet hair, it is important to know that not all pet hair is the same. We recommend monitoring the Narwal during its first cleaning cycle to see how the robot handles your pet’s hair.

For our edge cleaning test, we test to see how close to the edge the Narwal Freo X Ultra can clean. To test this, we place 0.3 oz of debris (sugar, kitty litter, and a little bit of rice) directly along the edge of the wall, to about 4.0″ away from the wall. We let the vacuum complete 2 cleaning cycles in our enclosed testing lane.

Finally, we measure in inches how close the vacuum was able to clean in proximity to the wall and how much of the debris remained by weight.

In our edge cleaning tests, the Narwal Freo X Ultra was able to remove 97.6% of debris by weight. This is 10% more debris than the average of 87.8%, based on all of our edge cleaning tests to date.

We noticed that while the Freo X was able to collect the debris on the edge, the brushes pushed some debris farther down the base of the wall. However, the robot was able to collect the debris as it traveled down the base of the wall.

To test the crevice-cleaning capabilities of the Freo X, will fill 3 crevices in our tile testing lane with 0.1 oz of sugar each, totaling 0.3 oz. We then let the robot complete a single cleaning cycle on the highest suction power and check how much of the sugar remains by weight to determine performance.

In our crevice tests, the Narwal was able to remove 95.2% of debris by weight from the crevices. This is 5.2% more debris than the average of 90.0%, based on all of our crevice tests to date.

We again needed to adjust the testing method with this robot. Instead of using the robot testing lane, we used the upright vacuum crevice testing tiles.

The Narwal collected a majority of the debris in the shallowest crevice, but it did miss a small amount. We believe that the Narwal Freo X Ultra will have no problem collecting debris in small crevices on a tiled floor.

To test the mopping capabilities of the Narwal, we check how well it can remove small-scale stains and remove dirt on a broader scale.

In our mop test the Freo X Ultra showcased excellent performance and was able to keep our office floors clean and dirt-free.

As you can see from the mopping pads and dirty water tank, the Narwal Freo X Ultra was able to remove a substantial amount of dirt during its cleaning cycle.

Lastly, the robot has the ability to lift the mopping pads 12 mm when it detects carpeted surfaces.

How well a robot vacuum can navigate and clean the home can greatly impact the overall user experience. To check how well the Narwal Freo X Ultra navigates, we focus on the key factors.

Our cleaning speed test showed the Freo X Ultra was able to clean our ~1,000 sq. ft. office space within 90 minutes.

The average cleaning speed we find, based on all robot vacuums we’ve tested to date, is 63 minutes. The Freo X is about 27 minutes slower than the average.

We must note that we tested the Narwal on its ‘meticulous’ coverage precision setting. This setting will force the robot to spend more time cleaning and moving in a tighter grid format as it moves over the cleaning area.

The Freo X Ultra has three sensors: Forward, Edge, and Top radar positioning sensor. Each is equipped with LiDAR with what Narwal calls LiDAR SLAM 4.0 to navigate and map your cleaning area. Additionally, the robot comes with an infrared sensor. Additionally, Narwal added a structured light sensor to help improve mapping and navigation.

To test the obstacle avoidance of the Narwal, we placed 4 objects in an area on the floor and sent the robot to clean around them. We observe the cleaning cycle, checking to see how well the robot vacuum navigates the space and avoids objects.

The Freo X only had one real issue with obstacle avoidance in our tests, and that was the cord. We could tell the Narwal detected the power block of the cord, but struggled to identify the thin cord itself. It ended up getting caught on the brushes and wheels, and dragging the cord across the floor.

We also test how well the Narwal Freo X Ultra cleans on a broader scale. We have the robot perform multiple cleaning cycles in our office and studio space, focusing on 3 core requirements: can it fully clean the space, can it not get stuck, and can it return to the base.

The Narwal had fantastic navigational performance in our tests. On average, we find robot vacuums have excellent performance when navigating our office and studio space and the Freo X Ultra is better than average.

The navigation was certainly a highlight of our review. The way it moved around and mapped our office blew us away. It was one of the most accurate maps we have seen recently to map our office. At the start of our testing, the Narwal detected that it was “trapped” within our testing lane, inside a room it had just mapped. The level of awareness the sensors gave the Freo X Ultra was impressive.

Our build quality test is a subjective test where we examine and assess the major material and design components of the robot vacuum. Specifically, we are looking for build and design issues that are more likely to break and/or be difficult to use.

The Narwal Freo X Ultra has great design and build quality between the robot and base station. The plastic felt thick and was well assembled. At no point in handling both the base station and robot did I feel like this product was cheap or prone to break.

Part	Build Quality
Overall	Exceptional
Body	Exceptional
Dustbin	Exceptional
Display / Controls	Exceptional
Spinning Side Brush	Exceptional
Wheels	Exceptional
Brush Roll	Exceptional
Charging Dock	Exceptional

Nearly all the robot mop combos we test are constructed of plastic with some metal for components. The Narwal Freo X Ultra is no different.

Vacuums are loud while in operation. To measure how loud, we run them on high pile carpet on each power mode and measure the noise generated with a sound meter. Before the test, we take a measurement of the ambient noise in the room to use as a baseline comparison to the vacuum. 

Power Level	Noise Level
Ambient	40.8 dB
Quiet	47.0 dB
Normal	49.7 dB
Strong	52.7 dB
Super Powerful	58.7 dB
Self Empty	n/a

In our noise tests, the Narwal Freo X Ultra generated 58.7 dB of noise on the max power mode. This is 9.92 dB lower than the average of 68.62 dB, based on all of our noise tests to date.

We want to mention since the noise test involved the robot climbing on and off the testing in our adjusted testing area, this is an average of multiple numbers we measured on its highest suction power.

The Narwal is an exceptional robot mop combo that gives the user the power to set their level of cleanliness.

Set up was simple and easy. It took no more than 10 minutes to get the robot unpacked, connected to WiFi, and the tanks filled for its first mapping.

While most robots can perform a quick mapping sequence while first cleaning, the Narwal requires a complete mapping before the first cleaning cycle.

The Narwal app has all the features you would want in an autonomous robot vacuum.

With the app you can:

• Manage maps
• Adjust cleaning settings
• Adjust mopping settings
• Adjust cleaning sequence
• Adjust cleaning order (ie. vacuum first, then mop)
• Change smart settings
• Create a custom cleaning schedule
• Create custom cleaning tasks
• View cleaning history
• Turn on do-not-disturb settings

The app allows the user to have in-depth control and customization on what they want

The robot itself has one button on the top that is used to:

• Power On/Off
• Return To Base
• Pause Cleaning

In The Box

• Freo X Ultra
• Mop Cleaning Fluid
• Mop Pads x2
• Cleaning Brushes x2
• Disposable Debris Bags
• Reusable Debris Container
• Base Station

The Narwal Freo X Ultra has an estimated yearly maintenance cost of $39.99. The following are the major maintenance tasks for the Freo X.

Task	Description	Est. Annual Cost
Dustbin	Empty dust bin as needed	$0
Brushroll	Remove tangles and any obstructions	$0
Filter	Periodically clean and replace as needed	$39.99 (Pack)
Dock Debris Bin	Replace as needed	$0
Mop Pads	Replace as needed	$39.99 (Pack)
Spinning Side Brush	Remove tangles, replace as needed	$39.99 (Pack)
Wheels	Remove tangles, replace as needed	$0
Dock Base Plate	Clean as needed	$0
Dock Water Tanks	Fill the clean tank and empty the dirty tank as needed	$0

The auto maintenance of the Freo X Ultra is convenient, but we wish there was more. The base station only has an auto mop cleaning feature. It can empty and refill the mop water, and clean the mopping pad.

Unfortunately, there is no collection bag for the dry debris. So, you’ll need to monitor and empty the bag as needed.

Size & Dimensions

The Narwal Freo X Ultra is like most robot vacuums with a square base station and circular robot design. The measurements were aligned with the average dimensions we see on robot vacuums

Size	Measurement
Dustbin Capacity	Unknown
Water Tank Capacity	Unknown
Dock Debris Capacity	Unknown
Dock Clean Water Tank Capacity	Unknown
Dock Dirty Water Tank Capacity	Unknown
Height	4″ (11 cm)
Diameter	14″ (35 cm)
Weight	9 lbs. (4 kg)

However, we were unable to verify the capacity of the both the Dust Bins and Mopping tanks.

Specifications

The following table details the product specifications according to the manufacturer.

Manufacturer Specifications
Type	Robot Mop Combo
Manufacturer	Narwal
Model	Freo X Ultra
Height	4″ (11 cm)
Diameter	14″ (35 cm)
Weight	9 lbs. (4 kg)
Floor Type	all (indoor)
Sensors	LiDAR
Dustbin Capacity	Unknown
Water Tank Capacity	Unknown
Dock Debris Capacity	Unknown
Dock Clean Water Tank Capacity	Unknown
Dock Dirty Water Tank Capacity	Unknown
Run Time	90 min.
Suction Power	Unknown
Obstacle Avoidance	Yes
Zone Cleaning	Yes
Room Cleaning	Yes
Digital Mapping	Yes
Bagless	Yes
Warranty	1 year
Price	Check Price

Product Evolution

The Narwal Freo X Ultra is the latest model and an update to the standard Freo. Narwal lists the main differences on their website as:

• Increased the suction power to 8,200Pa from 3,000Pa.
• New roller brush brush design to reduce tangle.
• Larger 1L debris bag/bin
• New structured light sensor
• Freo Advice heavy dirt zone detection

How does Narwal Freo X Ultra compare?

Below is a complete list of our vacuum tests and critical product data compared side by side to the average based on all of our vacuum tests to date.

Test Type	Test Data	Avg. Data
Overall Debris Tests	95.5%	92.5%
Hardwood Floor Test	100.0%	97.1%
Low Pile Carpet Test	89.0%	89.7%
High Pile Carpet Test	97.5%	90.4%
Long Hair Test	100%	53.6%
Pet Hair Test	90.0%	76.1%
Edge Cleaning Test	97.6%	87.8%
Crevice Test	73.3%	97.5%
Mop Test	92.0%	89.0%
Cleaning Speed	90 min.	63 min.
Obstacle Avoidance	Yes	Yes
Cleaning Efficiency	Exceptional	Exceptional
Build Quality	Exceptional	Exceptional
Noise Test	59 dB	69 dB
Type	Robot Mop Combo	Robot Vacuum
Bagless	Yes	Yes
Self-Empty	No	No
Auto-Wash	Yes	No
Dustbin Capacity	0 oz. (0 mL)	15.2 oz. (448.7 mL)
Weight	9 lbs. (4 kg)	8.4 lbs. (3.8 kg)

The Narwal Freo X Ultra is certainly a unique robot that has its advantages and disadvantages when compared to other robot vacuums. What sets this system apart from others, in our opinion, is the navigation,obstacle avoidance, and exceptionally good mopping performance.

On multiple occasions, we were impressed by how well the robot was able to move around objects, handle the modified testing area, and even recognize when it was “trapped” in our testing lane.

While the low pile carpet score and maintenance features are disappointing for a robot vacuum of this price, its trade-offs are well worth the price compared to other similarly priced robot vacuums.

Other Vacuums to Consider

FAQs