The robotic vacuum cleaner market is evolving at lightning speed, and the offer is so wide that choosing the right model becomes a challenge. However, sometimes a device appears that makes you wonder - how come we haven't tested it yet? That's exactly what happened with the Narwal Freo Z Ultra, which left a very good impression due to its functionality and quality.

However, Narwal is not stopping there. The manufacturer soon introduced an updated version - the Narwal Freo Z10 Ultra. In this review, I will share my experience after several months of use. I will compare how this model differs from the Z Ultra, what the manufacturer has improved, and whether the Z10 Ultra has a chance to become one of the best robot vacuums in 2025.

Unboxing

The Narwal Freo Z10 Ultra arrives in a solid, well-protected package that immediately gives a premium impression. When I open the box, the first things I find are the side wipers, instructions, cable, cleaning pad, and ramp. All of this is neatly arranged, so the first impression is thoughtful and high-quality.

Next, the most important thing is the station itself with the robot vacuum cleaner. The station hides several useful accessories: a floor cleaner, an additional dust bag, a spare filter and a dust container for the robot itself. The package practically does not differ from the Z Ultra, but here too the manufacturer made sure that the user gets everything they need for the start. The abundance of accessories allows you to use the robot for the first months without any additional purchases - you unpack, start and enjoy cleanliness.

First impressions

At first glance, the Narwal Freo Z10 Ultra looks like a familiar old friend. Its design, proportions, and even the dock itself are almost identical to the Z Ultra. It's the same minimalist device that immediately creates a premium impression.

Both models are so similar in appearance that only those who have already delved into the subject will notice the differences. One of the more obvious differences is the design of the floor cleaning mop. One of the Z10 Ultra mops can extend beyond the edge of the robot, thus more effectively reaching hard-to-reach places. Perhaps because of this feature, the skirting board mop is no longer here.

Everything else is practically identical. The station has the same design and functionality. Such minor changes feel like an evolution of the robot vacuum cleaner, not a revolution - seemingly subtle changes are intended to take into account the shortcomings of the Freo Z Ultra.

App

When using the Z10 Ultra, you will spend most of your time in the Narwal app. What is pleasing is that it is extremely easy to use. The first connection is done with the help of a wizard: in a few steps I connect the pump to Wi-Fi and let the robot drive around the house. The map of the 68 sq.m. apartment was created in just 5 minutes, and after applying some manual changes (room names, type of coating) it took about 15 minutes. 

The map control app is full of features - it's easy to mark carpet areas, prohibit certain areas, set pet zones, etc. Each zone is not just a name, but rather a selection of different functions. For example, in the pet zone, the Z10 Ultra moves slower while mopping and vacuuming, thus better picking up hair and washing the floor more thoroughly.

The main window shows a map where you can select specific areas or rooms to clean. After selecting a location, you also need to select the type of cleaning - vacuuming, mopping, both at the same time, or mopping only after vacuuming. The strength and intensity can be adjusted before starting work. As with the Z Ultra, the Freo Mind function (or the automatically selected settings) works flawlessly, so I use the latter constantly.

The app also lets you create schedules, view cleaning history, see maintenance reminders (when it's time to change the filter or bag), and view live camera footage. There are a lot of features, but everything is laid out logically and there are simply no unnecessary things here.

AI obstacle recognition

One of the most useful features of robot vacuums is obstacle detection during cleaning. The Narwal Z10 Ultra did not disappoint here. During the entire period of use, not a single cord was "eaten", not a toy was pushed, or it hit anything.

By turning on the photo function during or after cleaning, you can see the detected obstacles and the names given to them. I was able to see wires, shoes, an animal, a bag, and clothing. All objects were recognized correctly.

Of course, for the best cleaning results, it is always recommended to move everything that may get in the way out of the way, but sometimes we overlook something and leave it. The only parts that were sucked in were a long thread sticking out of the curtain and a translucent, soft dog toy measuring 2 cm high and 3 cm wide.

Pumping

One of the main differences between the Z Ultra and the Z10 Ultra is the significantly increased suction power of the latter (from 12,000 Pa to 18,000 Pa). The number is impressive, but the most important thing is that it is really felt in real use. I also liked the fact that the noise level during suction remained the same. In other words, more power here does not mean more noise - this is a big plus.

As soon as you start the Z10 Ultra, it's obvious that it sucks harder - when you run your hand over a long-pile carpet, you don't feel any harder dirt (pebbles, sand) left behind. The same dirt is sometimes left near the edges, but it's clearly less than what was left after the Z Ultra vacuumed.

Tiles or floors are also vacuumed perfectly. Dust disappears instantly, while larger dirt accumulations are recognized by the vacuum itself and overcome by driving slower and vacuuming harder. 

Washing

One of the most liked functions of Narwal Freo Z10 Ultra is floor cleaning. Although Z Ultra removed stubborn stains better (12 N force), Z10 ultra (8 N force) does not leave streaks after washing. Also, thanks to the pop-up cloth, hard-to-reach places are washed - a few centimeters under the sofa, refrigerator, etc., where the robot vacuum cleaner does not miss.

The washing is practically autonomous, you just need to add clean water and pour out the dirty water. The cloths are rinsed and dried, and even after a couple of months of use, they still look like new.

What did we like?

One of the biggest strengths is AI obstacle recognition. Like the Z Ultra, the Z10 Ultra is extremely intelligent in its environment: it can see smaller objects, go around almost all obstacles, does not get tangled in wires, does not hang shoes or toys. What I like most is that the vacuum cleaner perfectly recognizes the dog. Even when it walks nearby, the robot not only does not collide, but also maintains a safe distance.

With a larger battery, the Z10 Ultra can do more work in less time. However, even with the Z Ultra, I have never encountered a dead battery. An area of about 40-50 sq.m. is vacuumed and washed in 40-60 minutes.

It is also pleasing that this model requires virtually no maintenance. All that is needed is to change the water and occasionally wipe the dust off the station itself. 

Verdict

After testing both the Z Ultra and the Z10 Ultra, I found them to be very similar robot vacuums. However, I would point out a few key differences.

The Z10 Ultra clearly has a stronger suction. It vacuums floors and carpets better, and the work itself is a little faster. The robot moves between obstacles faster, more confidently, so the entire cleaning process seems more dynamic. On the other hand, the Z Ultra washed out stubborn stains better. Does this affect daily cleaning? Not for me.

If they were both the same price, I would definitely go for the Z10 Ultra. But with a price difference of around a couple of hundred euros, the Z Ultra seems like a more logical choice to me - it still leaves a very good impression, and the money saved can be used elsewhere.