I have tested my fair share of robotic vacuums during my time at CGMagazine, and while most blend into the background and feel oddly similar, the Narwal Freo X Plus managed to impress me. It has some great additions to the formula and boasts some impressive technology that managed to impress, all at a very competitive price. While not a game changer, this sleek and modern machine manages to strike a great balance for people looking to simplify their home cleaning with its dual vacuuming and mopping capabilities, all wrapped up in an eye-catching design.
I was impressed with the Narwal Freo X Plus when I first saw it at CES. With its glossy white exterior and futuristic aesthetic, it stood out from the sea of small black robots. The robot itself has a low profile, making it easy to navigate under furniture and into tight spaces while still having the power needed for larger rooms. It also manages to pack a range of technology.
This includes the ability to mop and vacuum, all into its compact body, making it a much more versatile option compared to some of iRobot’s models, and that’s not even taking into account the Narwal Freo X Ultra, which takes much of the manual work out of the equation, but as we’re only looking at the Plus model here, unfortunately, you’ll at least need to empty the vacuum and change the water for mopping.
As I mentioned earlier, the Freo X Plus is designed for homeowners who want a hassle-free cleaning solution that works on both hard floors and carpets. Thanks to its powerful suction and tangle-free brush design, it’s particularly suitable for pet owners. The robot’s ability to switch seamlessly between vacuuming and mopping makes it ideal for homes with mixed flooring types and its smart design choices, such as the way its wheels are structured, mean you will encounter far fewer tangling problems than with other brands.
There is a lot that makes the Narwal Freo X Plus worth looking at, not least its 7800 Pa suction power. Although I had to look into what this means in the real world, this feature puts it on par with many high-end models and ensures thorough cleaning of both hard surfaces and carpets. I was frankly shocked at how well the little robot was able to clean a room that I thought was largely already vacuumed. It managed to pick up a full load of dirt, even after I had vacuumed it with one of the office’s upright vacuum cleaners.
The robot uses a unique brush design that prevents hair and fur from tangling, a common problem with many robot vacuums. This ‘Zero Tangling Floating Brush’ uses a conical shape and angled bristles to efficiently direct debris into the bin. What this means in practice is that you will have far less trouble with tangles of hair or other long strands when cleaning your home or office.
“I was amazed at how much the Narwal Freo X Plus collected on each trip, but even more impressive was that it still had room for more.”
The unique concept uses a corkscrew-style brush that is only connected at one end, meaning that dirt is directed into the opening, avoiding most of the usual tangles you experience when keeping your space clean. Dyson uses something similar in their newer vacuum cleaners and I am amazed at how much of a difference it makes.
I was amazed at how much the Narwal Freo X Plus collected on each trip, but even more impressive was that it still had room for more. The Freo X Plus introduces innovative dust compression technology that allows it to store up to seven weeks of debris before needing to be emptied. This is a significant improvement over many competitors that require frequent bin emptying. The system also operates quietly, making it less disruptive during cleaning cycles.
Perhaps the most nerdy but potentially coolest for people who find the ways these vacuums navigate your home is its mapping technology. It uses a tri-laser array for obstacle detection and room mapping, providing more accurate navigation than single-laser systems. This allows the robot to create detailed maps of your home and navigate around obstacles with precision. It also means it will form a 3D map of your space that is impressive to see while in the app.
As I mentioned, the Freo X Plus does more than just vacuum, and much like the Roborock S8 I reviewed, also can tackle those hardwood and kitchen floors, giving them a mop after it finishes cleaning up the dust and dirt. It applies 6N of downward pressure while mopping, helping to tackle stubborn stains. The robot can also automatically lift its mop when it detects carpet, preventing wet messes, and despite my skepticism walking into the review, it all works pretty flawlessly.
While all the features Narwal has brought to the vacuum are useful, even better is how well thought out their app is and its smart features. The Freo X Plus is packed with features to enhance its usability. It supports voice control through popular virtual assistants and can be controlled via a smartphone app. The app allows users to set no-go zones, schedule cleaning sessions, and customize cleaning modes for different rooms, and the aforementioned 3D view of your spaces to give you a better sense of what the vacuum actually sees.
As much as I like what the Freo X Plus offers, it does have a few limitations, like any robot vacuum. While its performance on hard floors is excellent, it may struggle with deep-pile carpets or anything too thick, simply due to the nature of a low-to-the-floor robot. The mopping function, while good for light cleaning, may not replace manual mopping for tough, set-in stains. I tried it in a few areas of the office, and while it got some dirt off, it simply is not equipped for the scrubbing needed to get larger or more complex messes off perfectly.
Also, as I said, there are some limitations simply due to the way you change the water or empty the dirt. The base that comes with the Freo X Plus is designed to charge the machine, and that is about it. You will still need to refill the water when you need it. And although the bin is designed to be emptied less frequently if you use the cleaner daily, you will still need to keep an eye on it.
If you want to avoid these tedious tasks, the Ultra automates much of the process, but this comes at a price. The Freo X Plus costs around $399, the Freo that does automate some of the processes will set you back $999 and the Freo X Ultra that automates almost everything costs a staggering $1399.99, almost $1000 more than the Plus.
That said, for the price, the Freo X Plus does a fantastic job and stands out from other robot vacuums in a number of ways. Its dust compaction technology is relatively unique on the market, offering longer periods between cleanings. The tri-laser navigation system provides more accurate mapping and obstacle avoidance than many of its competitors. The combination of high suction power and tangle-free brush design makes it particularly attractive to pet owners.
For those considering a robot vacuum, the Narwal Freo X Plus presents a compelling option especially for the price. It offers a balance of powerful cleaning performance, smart features, and convenience at a price point that’s competitive with other mid-range to high-end robot vacuums. While it may not be perfect for every home situation or people who want a fully automated experience, it’s a strong contender for those seeking a versatile, low-maintenance cleaning solution. As the robot vacuum market continues to evolve, the Freo X Plus sets a new standard for what consumers can expect from a mid-range cleaning robot.
