Robot Vacuums · Head to head

Narwal Flow vs Shark PowerDetect Self-Empty

Full Robot Vacuums comparison in 2026

Updated October 2026
Data from Amazon and official Narwal and Shark sites.
2026 verdict
Vacuum-only robot, or one that mops too?
Narwal Flow
Winner
Narwal Flow
$999.99

Last recorded price

Buy on Amazon USA
The Narwal Flow is the robot vacuum that does both, and it wins this comparison. It mops with a track the dock washes and dries, runs 200 minutes against 110, publishes 22000Pa where the Shark publishes none, and adds Apple Home and Matter. The Shark PowerDetect Self-Empty is the more affordable vacuum-only machine, with LiDAR and a self-emptying base. Choose the Narwal Flow when the floor should be washed, and the Shark PowerDetect Self-Empty when hair and dust are the only job.
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FeatureNarwal FlowShark PowerDetect Self-EmptyWinner
Price$999.99$549.99Shark PowerDetect Self-Empty
Rating4.44.1Narwal Flow
Battery Life200 minutes110 minutesNarwal Flow
Connectivity2.4 GHz WiFi, 5 GHz WiFi, Bluetooth2.4 GHz WiFiNarwal Flow
IntegrationsGoogle Home, Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Samsung SmartThings, Home Assistant, MatterGoogle Home, Alexa, Home AssistantNarwal Flow
Mopping FunctionalityYESNONarwal Flow
Auto Mop WashingYESNONarwal Flow
Auto Mop DryingYESNONarwal Flow
Warranty1 year1 yearTie
Auto RechargeYESYESTie
Navigation TypeLaser (LiDAR)Laser (LiDAR)Tie
Obstacle DetectionYESYESTie

What the differences mean

Mopping

The Narwal Flow mops, washes the track, dries it and lifts it for carpet, with a 5L water system and no automatic detergent dispenser. The Shark PowerDetect Self-Empty does not mop. If washing the floor is on the list, the Shark is out before the other rows matter.

Runtime

The Narwal Flow is rated for 200 minutes and recharges in 3 hours. The Shark PowerDetect Self-Empty is rated for 110 minutes and recharges in 6 hours. The Shark is the one that splits a large floor into more than one outing.

Smart home

The Narwal Flow supports Alexa, Google Home, Apple Home, SmartThings, Home Assistant and Matter, on 2.4 and 5 GHz. The Shark PowerDetect Self-Empty supports Alexa, Google Home and Home Assistant, on 2.4 GHz, and not Apple Home, SmartThings or Matter.

What Shark still matches

Both use LiDAR, both detect obstacles and cliffs, both map rooms and both self-empty. The Shark PowerDetect Self-Empty is not a dumb bounce robot. It is a mapped vacuum that stops where the mop begins. Its suction figure is not published.

Which one to buy if

Winner
Narwal

Narwal Flow

Prime exclusive deal
$999.99

Last recorded price

Buy on Amazon USA
  • + Rating: 4.4
  • + Battery Life: 200 minutes
  • + Connectivity: 2.4 GHz WiFi, 5 GHz WiFi, Bluetooth
  • - Price: $999.99 vs $549.99

What owners say

These owners are happy about different chores. Narwal Flow owners, many coming from spinning pads, single out dried spots and kitchen grease coming up, a tangle-free roller and a quiet normal mode, and they complain that carpet is misread, that the app will not let them draw a rug zone, and that corners still get shorted. Shark PowerDetect Self-Empty owners single out pet hair, lifting over thresholds and a base they leave for weeks, and they complain about a plain app, Wi-Fi setup, missed spots, and the obvious limit that it never mops. Neither group is describing the other's machine.

Price history compared

Every price change of both, in the same store, so the gap between the two lines is what one costs more than the other.

  • Narwal Flow
  • Shark PowerDetect Self-Empty

Loading price history...

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better, the Narwal Flow or the Shark PowerDetect Self-Empty?

The Narwal Flow, unless you refuse a mop. It washes and dries the mop, runs 200 minutes against 110, and supports Apple Home and Matter. The Shark PowerDetect Self-Empty is the more affordable vacuum-only robot.

What is the biggest difference between the Narwal Flow and the Shark PowerDetect Self-Empty?

Mopping. The Narwal Flow scrubs with a track the station rinses and dries. The Shark PowerDetect Self-Empty does not mop. The Narwal also publishes 22000Pa. The Shark does not publish a suction figure.

Does the Shark PowerDetect Self-Empty work with Apple Home like the Narwal Flow?

No. The Narwal Flow supports Apple Home, SmartThings, Home Assistant and Matter. The Shark PowerDetect Self-Empty supports Alexa, Google Home and Home Assistant, and not Apple Home, SmartThings or Matter.

Can the Shark PowerDetect Self-Empty mop if the Narwal Flow is too much dock?

No. The Shark PowerDetect Self-Empty is vacuum only. Choosing it means you still mop by hand. The Narwal Flow is the one with the wash-and-dry station.

Who should buy the Narwal Flow?

Hard-floor and pet homes that want a track mop, a 200 minute run, 5 GHz Wi-Fi and Matter, and who have somewhere to put the dock.

Who should buy the Shark PowerDetect Self-Empty?

Buyers who want a more affordable mapped vacuum for pet hair, with a self-emptying base, and who do not want mop hardware or Apple Home.

Full comparison table

Compare all 166 Robot Vacuums side by side

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