Narwal - Flow Robot Vacuum & Mop

I’m in a similar boat (US based) with extensive hardwood floors and scattered low pile area rugs. 2 young children and plenty of long hair to vacuum. Bought the S1 Pro in 11/2024 - clearly outdated by the robot vac/mop updated by all brands in 2025. Hands-off and accurate navigation, thorough maintenance mopping (not 3 day old ketchup as the marketing tests love), and corner/edge vacuuming are the biggest priorities. I’m ordering the MOVA Z60 for the 9/16 release - $1199 w/ 3 yr warranty is attractive. Don’t think the price will be lower than that even w/ Black Friday/Christmas. I’m tempted by the Eufy S2 Pro as well - the water ionization is honestly more a gimmick, and the seemingly similar large dirty water tank is still there - and it’s my least favorite thing about the S1. But the vacuum tech is upgraded in addition to extending side brush. Narwal Flow I think is also a reasonable option - but the fact that they will likely release the upgraded version after 1/2026 makes me hesitant. The pre-order for $1090 w/ 3 yr warranty and extra accessories pack was a steal though.

FWIW - I have the MOVA V50 as well (in addition to an S1 Pro). GREAT robot vac/mop albeit w/ extendable spinning pads. Mapping/navigation for me has been excellent. The battery drainage is suboptimal but manageable - I’ve heard the Z60 does a better job w/ battery consumption. As for the Z60, I’m not picky about a self-cleaning dirty water tank especially if it’s small, removable, and easy to access (rear of Z60). I also prefer the retractable/extending LIDAR format of the Dreame/MOVA brands over the Narwal Flow. The Flow seems like a good robot esp w/ the track style, just not sure in my reality of 2-3 scheduled mop sessions weekly that the track will outperform the roller to any notable degree. The track pads (Dreame/MOVA) have been implemented and marketed heavily in Asian markets as well, where I’m sure there’s generally more tiled and hard flooring (vs. carpets, hardwood, and engineered hard floors common in the US market).

I got one from Narval last month for around 20k, happy with the experience as of now

I'd recommend the Flow from your list, sticky spills and hair it handles really well

Switchbot has really good Matter integration, but horrible vacuums. I just set up a Narwal Flow and love it and (take this part with a grain of salt) it's supposed to get a Matter update next month.

I have an ancient Shark vacuum that takes a running start and ramps the threshold just fine (though very aggressive and loud, that’s a slow “yes” to answer your question.) I am now running a Narwal Flow daily and it’s fun to watch it stick its little feet up and waddle over the same threshold much more gracefully.

Just got mine set up and ran it through a few different modes to test it out. It uses a ton of water in the Freo Mind AI mode, but it has been incredibly impressive overall.

Narwal flow with the automatic refill and drainage system. There is absolutely no equal on the market.

Norwall flow with the auto refill and drainage system. Best mop and vacuum system on the market hands down.

I really enjoyed using my Narwal Flow for mopping; it did a fantastic job! However, I ran into trouble with the vacuuming feature when it came to my high-pile carpets. It seemed like the vacuum just couldn’t handle the thickness, often sinking in and dragging the mop along. This extra drag made it get stuck quite a bit on the carpet. If you have low-pile carpets, I think this vacuum would work wonderfully for you. Unfortunately, I had to send mine back because, at that price, I expected it to perform well on both carpets and hard floors.

The compact version of the flow is an excellent mopping machine, outperforming competitors, and it is a good vacuum. A downside is its high water usage as a good mop should; it often returns to empty dirty water and refill with fresh. If you opt for the non-plumbed version, you'll need to replace the water frequently so there’s more babysitting of this robot if you have a big home with lots of hard floors. The plumbed version is great when functioning properly, but initial pump priming is required, which can lead to flooding. There is no help from Narwal on how to best prime the pump nor is there any instructions; at first, I just thought I had a defective unit. After some effort and a lot of water cleanup, I got mine primed finally, and now it works well. This pump priming issue is a manufacturing oversight that needs to be addressed.

Narwal Is the only robot that even attempts to clean the baseboard but the only thing the frio z or x does is run a muff along it. It doesn't actually clean. It's a duster. And the frio x and z have some other problems. Notably they are water hogs and you have to refill the water all the time. After every single run.

Between the two, no question, the Flow is better (I tested both). Still, neither beats the 3i S10 Ultra, and I think they're both on par with the Saros 10/10r. I know everyone wants roller mops to be the end all be all, but so far, they're good, but didn't blow my mind.

# [Under $300](https://amzn.to/48R0G4J) Generally speaking, I think its rare you find a great robot at this price, and I've discussed why there's some sense in [not spending the money on real discount robots](https://www.whatrobotvacuumshouldiget.com/2025/06/20/are-budget-robot-vacuums-worth-buying/). Still... there are a few gems worth looking at, as more expensive models drop under this threshold. If you've got a smaller place, or a place with many floor objects, try a Switchbot. Because they're so small, they can get between chair legs and make a small radius around things. Switchbot just doesn't get enough attention, IMO. Lots of people purchased the K10+ Pro on my recommendation during Prime Day and have posted about how happy they are. The 11 made the tower smaller and improved some other specs, but is mostly the same model. The perfect apartment, studio, or office vac. Performs spectacularly well as a vacuum, particularly given the price and stats, but it is ONLY a vacuum. If you're more concerned about a mop, get the 3i. (its great at both, to be clear, but it has the best mop of the bunch). I really like the 3i brand, they're not new, they've been making robots for other companies for years. The G10 is stripped down from premium models, but it had the same sweeper>roller design that is so effective on the higher end models. If you're looking for a carpet forward model, Eureka is the only legacy vacuum brand that successfully transitioned to robots that work. While no brand has great customer service anymore, there's a benefit to Eureka being US based. No waiting 24 hours for a response. |**Model**|**Original Price**|**BDD Price**|**Discount**| |:-|:-|:-|:-| |[SwitchBot Robot Vacuum K11+](https://amzn.to/4mOxq1O)|399.99|224.99|44%| |[3i G10+](https://amzn.to/48znS7N)|$449.99|$269.99|40%| |[Eureka E20 Plus](https://amzn.to/4mOwQBd)|449.99|299.99|33%| # [Under $500](https://amzn.to/4o4MPMA) Were seeing some amazing deals in this price band. That L40 Ultra has dropped from the original price of $1499 to under $500. So many people have been grabbing this model since Prime Day and most of them report being quite happy. While it wouldn't have been my favorite at a higher price, at this price, you're getting a premium model at an absurd sale price. I absolutely love the 3i current line up. The vacuum and mop are both fantastic and the app-easy. This is basically my top pick (3i S10 Ultra) minus the dehumidifier. The P10 still has the great sweep/roller design and gets up debris no other brand can without getting clogged. Get this one if you're concerned about larger debris. The Eureka is better than it should be. I loved the sweeper design, it moved debris off hard floors and carpet very effectively and would be my pick for carpet. Rarely got stuck on anything or reported errors, and it was just really reliable. I recommended this model during Prime Day, and got a lot of good feedback from folks who picked it up. |**Model**|**Original Price**|**BDD Price**|**Discount**| |:-|:-|:-|:-| |[Dreame L40 Ultra](https://amzn.to/48Rswhk)|$799.99|$469.99|41%   | |[Eureka J15 Ultra](https://amzn.to/4gUYACY)|699.99|489.99|30%| |[3i P10 Ultra](https://amzn.to/4h1Sy3y)|$1,099.99|$469.99|55%| # [Under $750](https://amzn.to/4nypaUV) Roborock has won my loyalty over the past few years by producing consistently reliable robots, and the S5A is no different. A variant of the Qrevo line, with spinning mop heads that extend. While Roborock may produce an absurd number of models, and the S5A is no exception, they are reliable for an exceptional app experience, with intuitive setting locations, great support and good hardware with easy to find replacement parts. The L40S is the best of both worlds. A premium vac, at a not premium price for now. This is the model with the best balance on this list, of vacuum and mop. It improves over the L40 in the previous band with better nav and suction. Finally, if you want to emphasize mopping, Narwal does it really well. My two issues w this model are that it uses a ridiculous amount of water and there's a giant button on top of the machine your pet or kid will want to bop. If you don't mind refilling a lot, and you dig into the settings to lock the button (or don't have kids/pets) this is ideal. |**Model**|**Original Price**|**BDD Price**|**Discount**| |:-|:-|:-|:-| |[Narwal Freo Z Ultra (White Version)](https://amzn.to/46IEhUI)|$1,499.99|$550.00|63%| |[Roborock Qrevo Edge S5A](https://amzn.to/46ZYXI5)|$999.99|$649.99|35%| |[Dreame L40s Ultra](https://amzn.to/4o5ARCv)|$1,099.99|$749.99|32%| # [Under $900 ](https://amzn.to/4oad9oS) From the day it was released, I thought the Curv was a steal, most of the premium features of the S8 line, at a better price with improvements to the sweeps, extending out beyond the robot. The CurvX improves on the Curv with higher Pa and better nav. I do think its a better vacuum than mop. The X9 is a better mop than vacuum. but other than getting clogged here and there, was generally a good vacuum, and this is a reasonable price for it. Eureka is the best surprise this year. The J15 line is consistent and reliably performing. I love the sweeps, its a very effective mop and carpet cleaner and offers US based support. |**Model**|**Original Price**|**BDD Price**|**Discount**| |:-|:-|:-|:-| |[Ecovacs x9 Pro Omni](https://amzn.to/46CySzK)|$1,599.00|$899.00|44%| |[Eureka J15 Max Ultra](https://amzn.to/46UkK3x)|1199.99|$899.00|25%| |[Roborock Qrevo CurvX](https://amzn.to/48PvS4j)|$1,499.99|$899.99|40%| # [Over $900 ](https://amzn.to/48OKBMY) In this band are my top two recommendations. Let's start with my favorite robot of all time (a BIG statement). 3i has been making robots for other brands for a while, but the 3i is their first flagship. The S10 Ultra blew me away and became the only robot I've ever kept after testing. It will vacuum anything, without getting stuck or clogged. I mean, giant pieces of mulch. No problem. It cleans water on its own and generates more from the air, so it truly is set it and forget it. Totally autonomous. I've been yapping about it for months, and of everyone who bought it during Prime Day, I'd say people were split, 60/40. Most loved it, but some complained of a musty smell, which makes sense, since the unit is basically a dehumidifier (that's how it generates water). I've had mine for 6 months and don't notice a smell in a very wet state (Oregon), but it seems like something worth noting. So let's talk about the Flow. I tested the Dreame and Narwal roller mops, (and previously, the Eufy roller mops). Everyone is obsessed with roller mops, but the Flow is the first one I recommend. The flow improves on the Freo Z and X by not needing to be refilled constantly, and the vacuum improves over all other Narwal models. I still don't think roller mops are the end all/be all, so I wouldn't recommend dropping $1500 of this model, but I do think the Flow is worth buying at this sale price. |**Model**|**Original Price**|**BDD Price**|**Discount**| |:-|:-|:-|:-| |[3i S10 Ultra](https://amzn.to/4o7hKIe)|$1,899.99|$1,099.99|42%| |[Narwal Flow](https://amzn.to/3IxMoLX)|$1,499.99|$1,099.99|27%| If you're looking for ALL the models on sale for Big Deal Days, they're [here](https://www.reddit.com/r/RobotVacuums/comments/1nvsulx/every_robovac_on_sale_for_amazon_big_deal_days/) or s[ee all sales models at once](https://amzn.to/4nt1sJH). For some context, I [write about robovacs](https://www.reddit.com/r/RobotVacuums/comments/1l48fms/i_write_about_robot_vacuums_for_a_living_ama/) both for an online pub and my own site, and we get access to prices beforehand, so long as we don't share them before brands ask us (embargo). I shared similar information and advice for [Prime Day](https://www.reddit.com/r/RobotVacuums/comments/1ljl8wd/prime_day_deals/), and people were generally pretty [happy](https://www.reddit.com/r/RobotVacuums/comments/1m0sjou/amanda_amanda_amanda_the_dreame_l40_is_amazing/) w the recommendations from the feedback. Feel free to ask questions. I'll also produce a list of recommendations per price band in another thread. I'm not sure these are ALL the deals out there, but these are what's been released to me (that's off embargo). These are affiliate links, I had mod permission (I assume, still).

Flow. I think there IS a big difference between them, and if you have the coins to go to a Flow, I would.

Hey. I've listed every [single price](https://www.reddit.com/r/RobotVacuums/comments/1nvsulx/every_robovac_on_sale_for_amazon_big_deal_days/) for the Big Deal Days sale, and my recommendations [per price band](https://www.reddit.com/r/RobotVacuums/comments/1nzbtex/big_deal_day_recommendations_by_price_band_these/). However, I'm getting the same questions over and over, so here's some additional context. # Best Robot for Long Hair (human or pet) Hair is the foil of all robot vacuums. It doesn't just wrap around the rollers, it also gets wrapped around the sweeps and the wheels, and while it doesn't hurt the robot, it will make it less effective, and require you to clean it more often. This isn't a problem with short haired pets (they have a different problem). Yes, having high suction is important, but it doesn't always translate to getting more debris up. In the case of long hair, nothing beats a razor cutter on the robot, and the only line that has one that I recommend is the Eureka J15 line. I like this line a lot for other reasons, too, but if you've got a long hair problem, this is the answer. There are J15s at a number of price points. [Eureka J15 Ultra](https://amzn.to/4gUYACY) [Eureka J15 Evo Ultra](https://amzn.to/42tMbQF) [Eureka J15 Max Ultra](https://amzn.to/46UkK3x) # Best Robot for Short Haired Pets Now, you have a different problem, which is sticky hair. Short hair sticks to the floor, it climbs the walls, and you need a sweep that will effectively get it off the ground and move it toward the roller, where the vacuum can capture it. The sweep plays a critical role here, and the sweeps that are most effective are large, in constant contact w the ground, and move in opposite directions. Eufy e25/e28 have the right design for this, but I don't recommend them for other reasons. The models that I've found that do this best are the 3i G10, P10 and S10. I love these models for other reasons, but those sweeps seal the deal for me on short hair. It's just a bonus that they are also the only models that can suck up cat litter without clogging. [3i G10+](https://amzn.to/48znS7N) [3i P10 Ultra](https://amzn.to/4h1Sy3y) [3i S10 Ultra](https://amzn.to/4o7hKIe) # Best Robot for Carpet If you've got a whole house of carpet, I like the Dreame X50, Dreame L40, Eureka J15 Ultra, and Switchbot K11+. That's not to say other robots suck at vacuuming, they don't. But I like these models specifically on carpet, and if you've just got one room with carpet, consider getting the K11+ for that room alone. Its cheap and great at navigating under beds, etc. [Dreame X50 Ultra](https://amzn.to/4h77Wfa) [Dreame L40 Ultra](https://amzn.to/48Rswhk) [Eureka J15 Ultra](https://amzn.to/4gUYACY) [SwitchBot Robot Vacuum K11+](https://amzn.to/4mOxq1O) # Best Robot for LVP Lots of people have LVP and want something specialized for it. In truth, there's nothing special about it. A robot good at hard floors will work for LVP. There aren't really robots that leave a lot of water behind anymore. # Best Robot for Area Rugs This is not a model specific problem, its a rug problem. Rugs have to be well anchored to the ground (a grip pad isn't going to cut it forever), and the lower the profile, the better. Think Ruggables. If a rug starts to roll up on an end, the robot is going to have trouble. If a rug has fringe, its a bad match for a robot. Even bathroom rugs are rough for robots. All that said, a robot with a lifting chassis is going to have an easier time getting onto a rug. Think X50, Saros 10/10r, CurvX. [Dreame X50 Ultra](https://amzn.to/4h77Wfa) [Roborock Qrevo CurvX](https://amzn.to/48PvS4j) [Saros 10/10r](https://amzn.to/4nyiwy5) # Best Robot for Small Spaces Get a Switchbot K11+. That is all. It's a vacuum only, but costs next to nothing, and is shockingly full of premium features. It also is a effective vacuum, getting into places no other robot can because of its size. [SwitchBot Robot Vacuum K11+](https://amzn.to/4mOxq1O) # Best Robot for Corners This doesn't exist. No robot is great at corners. In fact, most robots aren't great at the "edges" of rooms, they're mostly good at the main open area of a room. You have to let this go. The best you can do is get a robot with extending sweeps/brushes. A lot of robots have these now, and they're one of the best features. # Best Robot if You're Hellbent on a Roller Mop Everyone in this Reddit forum is convinced rollers are the end all/be all of mops. I disagree. They're fine. But if you're just absolutely determined to get one, get the Flow. Eufy's e25/e28 models were riddled with errors, and Dreame's roller mop leaks and streaks. The Flow was easily the best of the bunch. [Narwal Flow](https://amzn.to/3IxMoLX) # Best Robot for People with ADHD Also, my favorite robot. The point of a robot, for me, is autonomy. I want it to do the damn job, with as little required of me as possible. Otherwise, I might as well do the job myself. While most robots do help, they also require upkeep and new, consistent input. Change the water, change the filter, unclog it, find it where it got stuck on a cord, etc. And then, I tried the 3i S10, which i had zero expectations of, because I'd never heard of the brand. This is the robot to get if you're overwhelmed and just want the job done. It vacuums EVERYTHING without clogging. Does it silently. It mops well, and both makes its own water and sanitizes the water it recycles so you never have to change the water. It's got downsides: its effing HUGE and heavy. It looks like an exhibit at a science museum. Its expensive, and some people say it smells musty (it makes water via a dehumidifier, so that makes sense). But readers, I would marry mine. [3i S10 Ultra](https://amzn.to/4o7hKIe) \------------------------------- For some context, I [write about robovacs](https://www.reddit.com/r/RobotVacuums/comments/1l48fms/i_write_about_robot_vacuums_for_a_living_ama/) both for an online pub and my own site. I shared similar information and advice for [Prime Day](https://www.reddit.com/r/RobotVacuums/comments/1ljl8wd/prime_day_deals/), and people were generally pretty [happy](https://www.reddit.com/r/RobotVacuums/comments/1m0sjou/amanda_amanda_amanda_the_dreame_l40_is_amazing/) w the recommendations from the feedback. Feel free to ask questions. These are affiliate links, I had mod permission.

I don't like the Freo Z because you have to change the water ALL the time. Wouldn't recommend Flow because of the short dog hair.

oh Canada.... ugh. The truth us you don't have the robot I want you to get (the 3i S10 Ultra) and every other one is going not be up to the challenge of your household. So... here's what I think. Get a fleet. Get a fleet of cheaper robots, one per floor, so they each have a tiny domain, and are less likely to get clogged by kid mess and long hair. AND... if one goes out of commission, you've got 2 back ups. I'd recommend the [Eureka J15 Ultra](https://amzn.to/4gUYACY) because of the long hair and messes. But no matter what, you're going to have to sweep for kids toys and dropped food. No robot is going to handle those.

Tough. I like the [Narwal Flow](https://amzn.to/3IxMoLX) for mopping, but 3 dogs... that's a lot of hair. Ugh. You can't go wrong here, but I'm leaning towards the [Saros 10r](https://amzn.to/46Y6lUd) which is a more balanced robot.

nice small space, you just have a lot of hair. Get a [3i P10 Ultra](https://amzn.to/4h1Sy3y). Its a nice, middle of the road option.

I don't recommend those models, I'm so sorry. The only rollers I recommend are the 3i S10 Ultra and the Narwal Flow, which might struggle with your long hair.

if the mop is your priority, on tile, get the [Narwal flow](https://www.amazon.com/shop/amandablumstiktok/list/23Z9EP0ZNSFS9?ref_=aipsflist). While I don't think the vacuum is as good, my experience with it on both flat and pitted tile is unparallelled. And the vacuum isn't BAD, either. It's also pretty good. I think the Flow resolved a number of issues from the Freo line around water consumption, and the mapping is bang on good.

Honestly? I haven't had that problem. But I also don't have a dog that poops on the floor. If a lot of people are having that problem then yes, it's a problem. But just try to remember that there are now many many settings on each of these machines so you can fine tune them quite a bit. And also you're hearing a few elevated voices above thousands of users ... Doesn't diminish what they're saying, btw. Just saying, it's not everyone having this problem. I still have the flow installed..... I'm going to conduct an experiment. Check back in a few hours.

I just ordered a narwal. Expensive af, but I had accumulated enough Amazon reward points to pay for it. Anyway it’s supposed to be incredible at avoiding objects, and many of the newer ones are great as well. I have a Roomba that I’m replacing bc it’ll just run over socks and toys, etc.

I like my narwal flow

Any idea when Narwal will release an update firmware to address the carpet avoidance? That is literally the only issue that keeps me from purchasing it and I'd like to make the decision before losing out on early bird....but have no interest in the mop/vac if that does not get resolved. Waiting until BF is likely to offer a good price also.

....except (likely) in price - esp next BF or Prime.

Buying the Flow.…. eventually. Mopping and obstacle avoidance are all I want from it. Definitely keeping my Q5pro to vacuum only both carpet and the hardwood/laminate. It will significantly speed up the whole cleaning process using both a Flow for mopping and the Q5pro for vacuum. Best of both worlds.

Its a mostly fine robot but not a fan of their mapping software. Much better mapping and software options. Don't care how sophisticated a robot is if their software sucks. 

The basic and simple and frustrating issues with the Narwal software have been there now for well over a year. Problems that other redditors have posted over that time clearly show that timeline. Issues like mapping open concept spaces and having easy to use and manipulate split and merge lines have been solved years ago by other companies like Roborock and by Dreame. There is no excuse that Narwal - who has most definately been made aware of these issues long ago - has either chosen to ignore fixing 'merge/split' options (and more) or the current team is incapable of doing so. Agree. One day it may be fixed. One dayBut why should I wait when other companies have solved this issue a long time ago? Based on their current history of software development, I'm not holding my breath. If you're satisfied with their substandard software (and excellent robot build) that's fine. As a homeowner with a large open concept layout their mapping software is crap and pretty much renders using their robot useless unless I want to compromise how I use a Narwal. Something that is not an issue with Roborock or Dreame or Mova (and probably others also). So if a home has basically traditiona wall spaces.Sure. Narwal is great. If the layout is open concept. Then....Narwal no.

Narwal.Flow. Go ahead and put it a large open floor plan house to test its mapping. I dare you. 

The worst experience compared to Roborock or Dreame mapping. Thoroughly unusable. Merge and splits not lining up with sections. 4 remapping attempts. Over 20 merge or split attempts. Other comments from other reddit owners are there in threads ( found them when looking for solutions). Keyword 'Narwal Mapping problems' and a few will pop up. Narwal aware of issue. Others have reported it. 

I got my narwal flow yesterday from Amazon for Black Friday. After using it almost all day yesterday and running it this morning (mostly hardwood a couple area rugs, carpet in bedrooms) so far im extremely happy with it. This robot is a game changer. The vacuuming is solid but the mopping is what takes this thing to the next level.