NARWAL Freo Pro Review: 8,500Pa Power, Zero-Tangle Brush & Hands-Free Cleaning Tested

Today, we’re taking a deep dive into the NARWAL Freo Pro, a robot vacuum that has been creating a lot of buzz lately. A big thank you to NARWAL for sending us a sample! While we got an initial glimpse of the Freo Pro at CES, it’s exciting to have it in the studio and test it out in a real-world setting. If you’re interested in this vacuum, or simply want to learn more, the link to purchase is available in the description.

Unboxing the NARWAL Freo Pro

Let’s start by looking at what’s inside the box. The NARWAL Freo Pro comes with a list of impressive features right on the packaging. Among these are 8,500 Pa suction power, a zero-tangle floating brush, DirtSense technology for intelligent cleaning, and an all-in-one base station that handles washing, mopping, and self-cleaning.

Upon opening the box, you’ll find a power cord that matches the white aesthetic of both the station and the vacuum itself. There’s also upgraded side cleaning brushes that rotate to help with hair detangling, a spare dust bin (for those who prefer traditional emptying), and, of course, the vacuum unit and NARWAL station—the heart of the system where all the magic happens.

Design Features That Set It Apart

The NARWAL Freo Pro has a design that stands out in several ways. On the top, you’ll notice NARWAL’s branding, along with the lidar navigation module and buttons for home and power. The top cover can be easily removed to access the dust bin, and there’s a protective foam piece that needs to be taken out before using it.

One of the most innovative features is the disposable dust bin. This is a game-changer for households with pets or a lot of foot traffic. The vacuum uses dust compression technology, allowing it to go for up to 7 weeks without needing to be emptied. The concept of a self-contained dust processing solution is clever, offering convenience and efficiency. But, if you prefer a more traditional experience, NARWAL also provides a spare dust bin that you can empty manually.

When you move to the vacuum’s underside, it’s clear that NARWAL has paid attention to every detail. The floating brush is one of the standout features, designed with a conical shape that ensures hair doesn’t get tangled. This means that long hair, whether from pets or humans, is easily sucked into the dust bin without wrapping around the brush. If you’ve dealt with constant hair tangles in your current vacuum, you’ll appreciate how this system works. The side cleaning brushes rotate in a way that helps the hair and debris feed directly into the main brush, keeping things tidy.

Mopping with the NARWAL Freo Pro

Another impressive feature of the NARWAL Freo Pro is its mopping system. Unlike the typical circular mop pads found on many vacuums, the Freo Pro uses triangular mop pads. This design gives better coverage, especially in corners and edges, where mopping can often miss.

While the mopping system does an excellent job, it’s worth noting that if the pads get too dirty, you may need to give them a quick rinse. Thankfully, the Freo Pro’s mop washing and drying features in the base station help maintain clean pads between uses, so they’re always ready for the next cleaning session.

The Base Station: A Cleaning Powerhouse

The base station for the NARWAL Freo Pro isn’t just a docking station for charging; it’s where all the cleaning and maintenance happen. The station has separate tanks for clean and dirty water, allowing for effective mopping. After each use, the Freo Pro cleans and dries its mop pads, keeping them fresh and reducing bacteria buildup. However, the warm air drying is a bit below average compared to some other models, though it’s still effective enough to keep the pads clean and ready for the next round.

The base station also features a clever dust canister disinfection mode and a self-cleaning option, ensuring that the vacuum and mop pads stay in top condition. One downside here, though, is that the vacuum doesn’t charge while in disinfection mode, which might be a small inconvenience for some.

Real-World Cleaning Performance

After using the NARWAL Freo Pro for several days, I was impressed by its real-world performance. The dust bin filled up quickly, with a mix of pet hair, crumbs, and everyday household debris. Thanks to the dust compression technology, the vacuum made the most out of the dust bin’s space. It’s fascinating to see just how much dirt it collects in such a short time.

One of the standout features, as expected, is the hair detangling system. Whether it’s human hair or pet hair, the conical brush design ensures that hair doesn’t wrap around the roller. I saw very minimal hair buildup on the main roller, and any strands that were left were easily pulled off during the next cleaning session. This vacuum is a lifesaver for households like mine, where long hair and pet fur are constant challenges.

As for the mopping system, it performed well in my home, though I did notice some dirt collecting on the triangular corners of the mop pads. This could be due to the particularly muddy weather we’ve been experiencing lately, but overall, the pads did a good job of scrubbing the floors. The drying process, though not as fast as some other models, did the job well enough.

NARWAL Freo Pro: Features and Customization

The NARWAL app offers a great deal of customization, giving you full control over your cleaning sessions. You can adjust suction power, schedule cleanings, and manage the mopping system, including washing and drying the mop pads. The app also provides useful maintenance reminders and allows you to manage your maps, creating customized cleaning paths for specific rooms or zones.

One great feature is the Room and Zone Management, which lets you decide exactly where and how the vacuum will clean. You can even add or remove cleaning zones as needed. The app also supports multiple maps, making it ideal for multi-story homes.

Comparing the NARWAL Freo Pro to the Competition

When it comes to specs, the NARWAL Freo Pro holds its own against the competition. With 8,500 Pa suction power, it easily outperforms the average robot vacuum, which typically hovers around 5,700 Pa. The vacuum also boasts an impressive battery life of 210 minutes, far exceeding the average of 167 minutes. This means you can get your entire cleaning done in one go, without needing to recharge.

The self-emptying feature is another highlight, though NARWAL has reimagined the process. Rather than sending the dust bin back to the station for emptying, the Freo Pro does all of this on board, using a disposable dust bin. This system not only prevents clogging but also allows for weeks of use before needing to be replaced.

While the Freo Pro offers an excellent mopping system, it lacks hot water and solution dispensing. Some other vacuums on the market offer these features, but they are often found in higher-end models. However, NARWAL compensates for this by allowing you to use cleaning tablets, providing a simple but effective solution.

The Verdict

Overall, the NARWAL Freo Pro is an innovative and highly capable robot vacuum. The standout features are its hair detangling system, triangular mop pads, and self-emptying dust bin. If you’re in the market for a robot vacuum that handles both pet hair and long human hair with minimal maintenance, this is a great choice.

While there are a few areas for improvement—such as adding a mop pad removal feature or incorporating solution dispensing—the Freo Pro still offers great value. It’s a well-rounded vacuum that’s perfect for homes with pets or long-haired individuals, all while staying relatively affordable compared to some flagship models.For those seeking an all-in-one cleaning solution, the NARWAL Freo Pro is a strong contender. It’s got the power, the performance, and the design to keep your home spotless, without the hassle of constant maintenance.