TL;DR: The Narwal Flow is the powerhouse, perfect for homes with carpets, pets, and heavy messes thanks to its 22,000 Pa suction and self-cleaning FlowWash mop. The Freo Z Ultra focuses on convenience, with automatic solution dispensing and triangle mop pads for precise edge cleaning. Both share advanced AI navigation, a 120-day self-emptying base, and smart features—so choose Flow for power, Freo Z Ultra for automation.
Narwal has quickly become one of the most innovative names in the robot vacuum space, pushing the limits of both suction power and mopping technology. Two of their newest flagships—the Narwal Flow and the Narwal Freo Z Ultra—look similar on paper but are built for different priorities. If you’re debating which one deserves a spot in your home, here’s a side-by-side breakdown to help you decide.
Suction Power: Flow Takes the Lead
- Narwal Flow: 22,000 Pa
- Narwal Freo Z Ultra: 12,000 Pa
This is one of the biggest differences. The Flow nearly doubles the suction power, making it a clear choice for homes with thick carpets, multiple pets, or lots of tracked-in dirt. The Freo Z Ultra still packs solid suction, but it’s more middle-of-the-road compared to the powerhouse Flow.
Mop Design & Cleaning Performance
- Narwal Flow: FlowWash Track Mop with real-time self-cleaning, paired with 113°F warm water.
- Narwal Freo Z Ultra: Reuleaux Triangle Pads for better edge coverage and corner scrubbing.
Both robots deliver 12N mop pressure and support adaptive hot-water mop washing (up to 167°F), but their design philosophies differ. The Flow is built around a continuous self-cleaning track system, which minimizes dirty water re-use mid-clean. The Freo Z Ultra’s triangle pads excel at edge and corner coverage—great for baseboards and tight spaces.
Hair & Tangle Management
- Narwal Flow: DualFlow Tangle-Free System
- Narwal Freo Z Ultra: Zero-Tangling Floating Brush
Both models aim to solve the same problem—hair tangles in the main brush. The Flow takes a dual-system approach, while the Freo uses a floating brush design. Pet owners will appreciate that both prioritize maintenance-free cleaning, though the Flow’s more advanced system may handle long hair and pet fur better over time.
Smart Features & Dirt Detection
Both the Flow and Freo Z Ultra share AI DirtSense 2.0, which intelligently detects dirtier spots and adjusts cleaning intensity accordingly. They also use TwinAI Dodge with Tri-Laser Structured Light, giving them precise obstacle avoidance and smart navigation even in tricky spaces. Voice assistant compatibility is identical—Alexa, Google, and Siri are all supported.
Base Station & Automation
Here’s where they overlap heavily:
- 120-day self-emptying dust storage
- 2.5L dust bin capacity
- Automatic mop washing, drying, and hot water cleaning
- Dust compression & drying built into the station
The big difference? Auto solution dispensing.
- Narwal Flow: No
- Narwal Freo Z Ultra: Yes
If you like the idea of your robot automatically mixing in cleaning solution for mopping, the Freo Z Ultra has a convenience edge here.
Mop Lifting
Both models feature 12mm auto mop lifting, which allows them to vacuum carpets without wetting them. This is especially important for homes with mixed flooring.
Key Takeaways
- Choose the Narwal Flow if… you want maximum raw power (22,000 Pa suction), stronger hair/tangle resistance, and a cutting-edge mop track system. It’s the better choice for homes with pets, lots of carpet, or higher cleaning demands.
- Choose the Narwal Freo Z Ultra if… you prefer convenience features like automatic solution dispensing and superior edge coverage from its triangular mop pads. It’s an excellent fit for homes with more hard floors and families that value set-it-and-forget-it mopping.
Final Verdict
Both the Narwal Flow and Freo Z Ultra are premium all-in-one cleaners designed to minimize hands-on maintenance. The Flow shines with raw power and deep cleaning performance, while the Freo Z Ultra balances convenience and precision. Ultimately, your choice comes down to whether you prioritize power and pet-friendly features (Flow) or ease of use and edge detailing (Freo Z Ultra).
Narwal Flow Review:
Narwal Freo Z Ultra Review: