Narwal Freo S
A cheap self-emptying LiDAR robot for small homes that mostly want vacuuming. Light mopping is a bonus, not a reason to buy it.
Amazon $199.99$199.99
The Narwal Freo S is the better robot vacuum overall, rated 4.1 to 2.9. The Narwal Freo S leads on value and navigation. The Narwal Freo S costs $50 less ($199.99 vs $249.99).
Roborock Q7 L5
#13 in Vacuum and mopFull review
For small, hard-floored homes on a tight budget that want LiDAR mapping; pet owners and carpeted homes should look elsewhere.
Amazon $249.99$249.99
Prices were last checked October 26, 2026 and are subject to change; the price and availability shown by the retailer at the time of purchase apply.
Which should you buy?
- Choose the Narwal Freo S for value ($200 vs $250) and navigation (LiDAR + 3D light vs LiDAR).
Scores side by side
Each factor is scored 0-100 against the same fixed reference points for every vacuum and mop robot vacuum; a clear win is highlighted. How we rank explains each one.
| Factor weight | Narwal Freo S | Roborock Q7 L5 |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 4.1/5 | 2.9/5 |
| Cleaning 30% | 73 not yet tested; estimated from 4 tested Narwal robots and the median of the 70 tested robots | 25 measured 80% of sand from carpet, 12.2% of pet hair, some hair tangled (0.6) |
| Value 25% | 100 $200 | 86 $250 |
| Dock 20% | 62 Self-empties the bin | 0 No self-empty dock |
| Navigation 15% | 85 LiDAR + 3D light | 65 LiDAR |
| Mopping 10% | 10 Static pad | 10 Static pad |
Independent tests
Narwal Freo S
No independent test published yet.
Roborock Q7 L5
| Tested by | Carpet deep clean | Pet hair | Hair tangle (0 = none) | Area per charge | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vacuum Wars | 80% | 12.2% | 0.6 | 1,528 sq ft | Embedded sand in medium-pile carpet; flattened 2.5 in pet hair on carpet, two runs; 7 in hair tangle on hard floor (0 = none wrapped). |
Specifications
| Narwal Freo S | Roborock Q7 L5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Vacuum | ||
| Claimed suction | 8,000 Pa | 8,000 Pa |
| Main brush | - | anti-tangle brush |
| Dustbin | 250 mL | 400 mL |
| Extending side brush | - | No |
| Mopping | ||
| Mop | Static pad | Static pad |
| Leaves mop at dock | No | No |
| Extending mop | No | No |
| Water tank | 300 mL | 270 mL |
| Dock | ||
| Dock | Self-empty | Charging only |
| Self-empties | Yes | No |
| Dust bag | 3.5 L | - |
| Washes mop | No | No |
| Navigation & app | ||
| Navigation | LiDAR + 3D light | LiDAR |
| Obstacle avoidance | Forward structured light | None beyond bump sensors; suggests no-go zones |
| Climbs thresholds | 20 mm | 20 mm |
| Matter | - | No |
| Voice assistants | Alexa, Google Assistant | Alexa, Google Assistant |
| Build | ||
| Height | 3.9 in (100 mm) | 3.9 in (99 mm) |
| Retracting LiDAR | No | No |
| Battery | 3,200 mAh | 3,200 mAh |
| Run time | - | Up to 3 h |
| Weight | 7.1 lb (3.2 kg) | 7.3 lb (3.3 kg) |
| Warranty | 1 year | 1 year |
| Released | 2025-08 | - |