The world of vacuum-mop robots may not be making headlines like it once did, but that’s not because the technology is stuck. On the contrary—recent years have seen real improvements addressing everyday issues: Vacuums with small robotic arms to remove obstacles, retractable LiDAR sensors that allow robots to lower their heads and crawl under furniture, and even climbing mechanisms to handle high steps or elevated tracks—things that once required manual help.
Still, amid all this progress, one thing remains fairly static—the way the vacuum integrates into the living space. Most stations still look like giant white boxes you have to shove into a corner and ignore, even if they can drain water, wash mops, or send mobile alerts.
Then comes Narwal—a company that was among the first to innovate in this field. In 2019, via a crowdfunding campaign, it introduced the first vacuum-mop with an autonomous docking station that did far more than what we knew at the time. That was before the term “self-washing robot” became common.
Now it returns with the Freo Z10, a model arriving in Israel through import by Ronlight, aiming to regain an edge—not necessarily through one dramatic feature, but by combining refined design with mature technology. It spent a few weeks in our home, in a regular routine, without any special favors. And we have things to say about it.
Initial Setup and Connections
The Freo Z10 arrived in a large package, but with convenient side handles for carrying, and the setup itself was fairly simple. I placed the station in the center of the house, in plain view, mainly because it’s not as ugly as most stations—a magnetic front that pops off easily, a ramp that guides the robot in neatly, no messy collisions. Within minutes, everything was connected, including water filling, power hookup, and downloading the Narwal Freo app.
<br>Design: Not Just Aesthetic—It Doesn’t Need to Be Hidden
In most robotic vacuums, especially in the mopping category, design comes last. Round shape, protruding navigation sensor on top, and a structure that largely repeats itself across models. The Freo Z10 isn’t completely different—it also has a top bump for the navigation system—but there’s a sense of precision and cleanliness you feel the moment you unbox it. The lines are soft, the finish is white-silver, and the overall design manages to look modern without standing out too much.
But the real show-stealer is the station. It’s one of the most elegant units I’ve seen in this market—a rounded, glossy design with semi-transparent parts and a subtle purple touch that adds an unexpected flair for a home appliance. It doesn’t resemble any other docking station—not in structure and not in presence. When the robot is docked inside, it almost disappears into the unit, and the station remains quiet and visually clean, as if it’s a natural part of the space. It’s the kind of device you don’t look to hide—on the contrary, it can stand in the middle of your home without bothering anyone.
Technical Specs
The Freo Z10 doesn’t try to impress with ultra-innovative features. It doesn’t have robotic arms to move socks out of the way, can’t climb particularly high obstacles, and it lacks a retractable LiDAR sensor to crawl under very low furniture. You also won’t find a night-vision flashlight here, so in very dark areas—its navigation is less sharp.
Still, it’s an impressive machine. With a suction power of 15,000Pa, a dual mopping system with rotating pads, and a docking station that can wash, dry, and empty the dustbin on its own—it offers an almost zero-maintenance experience. The 2.5-liter dustbin reduces the need for manual emptying, it supports multi-floor mapping, recognizes carpets, handles different floor types, and even connects to voice assistants like Alexa, Siri, and Google Home. It’s not a gimmick—it’s just well-designed.
<br>Performance
The Freo Z10 pleasantly surprised me. In terms of suction, it easily handles all the dry dirt I’m used to seeing on the floor—crumbs, dust, balcony sand, and even cat hair, which cat owners know accumulates fast. With 15,000Pa suction power, side arms that fold inward at smart angles, and a main brush that doesn’t tangle with hair—not even cat hair—I barely encountered the need for regular maintenance, and the carpets looked cleaner than usual. By the way, the noise level is quite acceptable, not particularly different from other, more expensive vacuums.
As for mopping, the main difference isn’t that it cleans better than expensive models—but in the amount of water it uses. Most models I’ve tried, including those costing NIS 6,000 to NIS 7,000, can make floors shine—but they do so with minimal water. In contrast, the Freo Z10, with its two rotating pads, leaves a visible layer of water—not excessive, but definitely noticeable—which gives a real sense of mopping. That’s something less commonly seen in most robotic vacuums. The combination of EdgeReach and Smart-Swing also adds precision for reaching corners and furniture edges, and the end result just looks good.
The App: Works Well, But Room for Improvement
The Narwal Freo app may not be revolutionary, but it certainly gets the job done. It’s stable, didn’t crash even once, and it allows full control—from map creation to cleaning by rooms, areas, or schedules. There’s also a smart and convenient shortcut list on the home screen—something not always found in other apps. I use it often for quick spot cleaning (like around the table after dinner), and it saves time and hassle.
That said, the map-editing experience is still basic. If your home isn’t made up of symmetrical squares and rectangles—you’ll feel it. For example, my entryway couldn’t be adjusted precisely, unlike what I could do with Roborock or Ecovacs apps. Also, the Customized Mode is the default when choosing a room, meaning you have to manually select each time whether to mop, vacuum, or both—a bit annoying for daily use.
Bottom Line: Lots of Capability, Great Design, Fair Price
If you still don’t own a modern robotic vacuum, the Freo Z10 is an excellent entry point. It’s not cheap—but considering what it offers, its price is very fair. At NIS 3,599 (including an accessory kit worth NIS 599 and two years’ warranty from Ronlight—the official importer), you’ll get a vacuum-mop that does nearly everything the most expensive models can—yet looks good enough to place at the center of your home.
The Freo Z10 delivers a smart, quiet, and efficient cleaning experience, with powerful suction, real—not symbolic—mopping, a refined design, and a docking station that blends into your space. Sure, if you’re just looking to vacuum without mopping—this might be more than you need, and simpler models can get the job done for less. But if you’re after an advanced vacuum that looks good, actually mops well, and doesn’t break your budget—this is one of the most well-balanced models I’ve tested.