I’ve tried my fair share of robot vacuums, from budget models that whirr around in confusion to premium options that promise smart cleaning but still leave crumbs in the corners. The Narwal Flow doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but it feels like it’s paying attention to how the category is evolving, and how this brand can stay ahead of the game despite an increasingly aggressive market.
The Narwal Flow successfully pitches the brand’s strengths in an area where many other robot vacuum manufacturers are struggling. That is, mopping. And if that’s the feature you value above all others, it’s looking like the Narwal Flow could be the best option for the average user, thanks to several clever design refinements that boost overall performance.
In my small apartment with mostly hard floors, I’ve found myself genuinely enjoying watching it work. It’s polished, quiet, and precise in a way that makes you notice the difference without having to micromanage.
Where Narwal stands out is how it blends vacuuming and mopping into one routine without feeling gimmicky. Many brands slap on mop attachments and call it a day, but this AI system is methodical. The mop cleans itself in the docking station, the app gives you surprisingly granular control, and it remembers my apartment layout better than most. In a market crowded with aggressive Chinese brands expanding in Australia, Narwal is staking a claim as a serious contender rather than a flashy newcomer.
Design
Narwal’s design is simple but thoughtful. You have a few other brands on the market really trying to reimagine the robot vacuum as a design-forward element. The Narwal Flow looks fine, but it’s clearly valuing function over aesthetics.
The robot itself is low-profile and smooth, making it easy to slide under my furniture. It doesn’t feel flimsy, which is a relief because some smaller bots almost seem like they’d fall apart after a few bumps. The docking station is smartly conceived. It’s more than a home for the Flow; it washes and dries the mop pads automatically. For someone who doesn’t have the time or patience to rinse a mop every day, that’s a genuine win.
Even the little details feel well considered. Buttons are minimal, and the LED indicators are subtle rather than blinding. Setting it up in a corner of my living room didn’t feel like dedicating half the space to a gadget. The unit looks clean, modern, and functional, which matters when it’s part of your daily environment.
The real distinction lies beneath the unit. Narwal’s engineers have redesigned the body so that the robot can better close the gap between itself and the floor. This not only guarantees a more efficient clean, but it also allows for a stronger max suction power at 22000Pa. This makes carpet performance considerably more reliable, especially since the robot vacuum doesn’t need more than one or two runs to do a better job than most robot vacuums I’ve tested to date.
The flat, track-style roller cleans itself in real time with 45°C water, squeezing out the dirty water separately to ensure the mop is only using clean water at all times. This solves a massive issue that most robot vacuums have, while also featuring a first-of-its-kind system that extends the rollers so that it can clean the sides properly. Historically, this was a benefit only possible with pad mops. Narwal offering the best of both worlds instantly places this model above just about every other robot vacuum on the market right now.
Performance
Here is where the Narwal Flow really starts to earn its keep. On hard floors, it is thorough and doesn’t demand much effort. Fine crumbs disappear in one pass, and the robot doesn’t have to scrub an area more than once. Rugs are trickier. Low-pile rugs are handled without a hitch, but the thicker rug in my bedroom slows it down slightly. Still, for a combined vacuum and mop system, it performs admirably.
Mapping is precise.
The Flow learns the layout of my apartment quickly and remembers it for future cleaning sessions. I set up scheduled cleanings while I was out, and each time I returned home to find floors that actually looked clean. Battery life is solid. A single charge comfortably handles my whole space, and it reliably finds its way back to the dock when finished. It doesn’t get distracted by small obstacles or get stuck in corners, which is a relief when you’ve tried other robots that wander for half an hour before giving up.
We’re well on the path towards robot vacuums that can jump, but we’re not quite there yet. The Narwal Flow is one of the few on the market that can actually clear low-profile obstacles, so it doesn’t have to waste its time slowly working its way around everything. I’ve got legs on my dining room table that rise just slightly off the ground and have watched the Flow leap over them with no issue. It backs up, springs itself up, and “jumps” over the object.
Features
Narwal packs in features without overcomplicating things. The FlowWash mop-cleaning station is the star here. It washes and dries the mop pads automatically during and after each session, which saves time and keeps the process hygienic. Coupled with EdgeReach, the mop is able to extend just 0.19 inches from walls and corners, keeping more of the house genuinely clean without just moving smudges from one place to another.
The dual cleaning function is genuinely useful. You don’t have to choose between vacuuming or mopping. Both happen at once, which is rare in a robot this size. It’s a small detail, but it makes the Narwal Flow feel smarter than its competitors. Updates from the app also hint at long-term improvements, so the robot can get even better over time without you lifting a finger.
Verdict
The Narwal Flow is not the cheapest option on the market at $2999, but it earns every cent. It’s thoughtful in design, capable in performance, and surprisingly satisfying to watch in action. For my small apartment, it’s become a reliable part of the routine rather than a novelty that sits in a corner until forgotten.
In a crowded market, especially with so many Chinese tech brands pushing aggressively in Australia, Narwal has managed to carve out a spot near the top with this exceptional model.
After testing it for several weeks, I can say it’s one of the best robot vacuums I’ve used. It’s smart, efficient, and cuts cleaning time even further than most robot vacuums available in Australia right now. Watching it navigate the space, mop, and vacuum without having to repeat sections is oddly satisfying.
For anyone who wants a robot vacuum that handles both hard floors and rugs well, keeps maintenance simple, and just works reliably, the Narwal Flow is hard to beat.
FOUR AND A HALF STARS (OUT OF FIVE)
Highlights: Mopping system is second to none; AI maps the home perfectly; awesome suction power; can leap over small obstacles; very low profile.
Lowlights: Very expensive
You can buy Narwal Flow for $2,999 from Harvey Norman.
