Narwal Freo Z Ultra vs 3i S10 Ultra

The Narwal Freo Z Ultra delivers 12,000Pa suction with dual rotating triangular mop heads applying 1.2kg force at 180 RPM, resulting in strong performance on hardwood and pet hair removal. Testing data shows the Freo Z Ultra achieved 96% effectiveness on pet hair tests and 90.7% on crevice cleaning. The 3i S10 Ultra lacks publicly available suction power specifications and mop force ratings, making direct cleaning performance comparison difficult. The Narwal's documented test results and dual-function mop system provide measurable cleaning advantages for pet owners and households with mixed flooring.

The Narwal Freo Z Ultra uses dual RGB cameras with dual AI chips (AI DirtSense 2.0) paired with spinning LiDAR and ultrasonic sensors, enabling detection of over 120 obstacle types. Its navigation system employs SLAM-based 3D mapping with advanced cliff detection, bump sensors, and side sensors for comprehensive spatial awareness. The 3i S10 Ultra employs dToF LiDAR and dual 3D structured light for obstacle avoidance and mapping without visual image storage, prioritizing privacy. Both systems use SLAM-based navigation, but the Narwal's dual-camera approach provides more granular obstacle detection at the cost of camera-based data collection.

The Narwal Freo Z Ultra operates at 0.5 m/s movement speed, completing typical cleaning cycles in approximately 50 minutes. The 3i S10 Ultra moves at a slower 0.3 m/s speed, which may extend cleaning times for equivalent floor areas. For larger homes or multi-floor residences, the Narwal's faster movement speed translates to shorter cleaning cycles, though actual runtime depends on floor layout and debris levels. The speed difference becomes significant in homes exceeding 2,000 square feet.

Both models feature a typical battery lifespan of 2–3 years according to specifications. The Narwal Freo Z Ultra operates for approximately 50–65 minutes per charge cycle depending on power mode selection, with noise levels ranging from 41.6 dB (ambient mode) to 68.2 dB (self-empty mode). The 3i S10 Ultra specifications do not provide detailed runtime or operational noise data, limiting direct comparison of daily usage patterns. The Narwal's published runtime data allows users to accurately estimate coverage for single-floor homes or plan multi-cycle operations for larger spaces.

The Narwal Freo Z Ultra supports mobile app control, voice integration with Alexa and Google Home, and autonomous operation. Its base station includes a flip-to-open hinged lid with a small LCD screen allowing control without a smartphone, though reviewers noted this interface is less capable than previous Narwal models. The 3i S10 Ultra provides similar app-based and voice control through Alexa and Google Assistant with proprietary 3i OS integration. The Narwal's physical base station interface offers a backup control method unavailable on most competitors, while the 3i platform emphasizes privacy-first design without on-device image storage.

The Narwal Freo Z Ultra has a compact robot body (35.5cm × 35cm × 10.96cm) weighing 4.5kg, paired with a substantial base station (43.08cm × 46.2cm × 38.83cm, 12.3kg).Its dual rotating mop heads require regular washing and drying via the base station, supported by 4.5L clean and 4.1L dirty water tank capacities. The 3i S10 Ultra shares similar robot dimensions (35cm × 35cm × 10.5cm) and weight (4.5kg) but lacks published base station specifications or mop maintenance details. Both models feature hands-free maintenance through automatic mop washing, though the Narwal's published tank capacity suggests higher water capacity for extended multi-cycle operation.

The Narwal Freo Z Ultra includes child lock, cliff detection, anti-collision bumpers, and explicit pet waste avoidance capabilities enabled by its dual-camera obstacle detection system. Its 120-day mop hygiene cycle and self-cleaning station reduce biological growth and odor accumulation, beneficial for multi-pet households. The 3i S10 Ultra provides child lock, cliff detection, anti-collision sensors, and AI-powered obstacle avoidance without image storage, addressing privacy concerns while maintaining safety. The Narwal's pet waste detection specifically addresses households with multiple animals, whereas the 3i's privacy-first approach appeals to users uncomfortable with camera-based monitoring.

The Narwal Freo Z Ultra's 0.5 m/s speed and 50-minute runtime advantage make it better suited for homes exceeding 2,000 square feet, reducing total cleaning time and enabling faster map updates across multiple rooms. The 3i S10 Ultra's 0.3 m/s speed may require extended cleaning cycles or multiple passes in large floor plans, potentially increasing battery strain over time. For households with open-concept layouts or multi-floor designs requiring frequent dock returns, the Narwal's faster movement and documented runtime data provide measurable operational benefits. The Narwal Freo Z Ultra is the stronger choice for large-home owners seeking predictable cleaning schedules.

The Narwal Freo Z Ultra explicitly includes pet waste avoidance through dual-camera detection and achieved 96% effectiveness in pet hair removal testing, making it purpose-built for multi-pet environments. Its dual mop heads with 1.2kg force effectively address pet-related stains, while the 120-day hygiene cycle prevents odor accumulation from pet accidents. The 3i S10 Ultra provides general obstacle avoidance and AI algorithms but lacks documented pet-specific features or cleaning performance data in pet-heavy scenarios. For households with dogs or cats, the Narwal's explicit pet detection and documented cleaning performance provide greater confidence in handling animal-related debris and accidents.

Both models occupy the same premium price tier ($1,099–$1,499), making direct value comparison dependent on feature prioritization rather than cost savings. The Narwal Freo Z Ultra justifies its positioning through documented cleaning performance (96% pet hair effectiveness), faster navigation (0.5 m/s vs 0.3 m/s), and pet-specific detection features. The 3i S10 Ultra appeals to privacy-conscious buyers through camera-less obstacle avoidance and potentially lower complexity, though published performance metrics are unavailable for direct capability comparison. Buyers prioritizing cleaning efficiency and pet handling should consider the Narwal; those emphasizing privacy and simplicity may find the 3i S10 Ultra more aligned with their values.