# ECOVACS HOME vs Narwal

The clearest difference is rating: ECOVACS HOME at 4.6 against Narwal's 3.7. ECOVACS HOME also leads on ratings volume (56K vs 625) and review sentiment (55% vs 42%). Narwal's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and monetization model (free vs free with in-app purchases). On price, update cadence, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

ECOVACS HOME holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 3.7. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: ECOVACS HOME has 56K ratings behind it against 625, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 55% of ECOVACS HOME's written reviews are positive against 42% of Narwal's.

ECOVACS HOME ships an update every 3 weeks, Narwal every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 26, 2026 and October 25, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | ECOVACS HOME | Narwal |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.6 (56K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ecovacs-home/id1329458504/reviews)** | [3.7 (625 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/narwal/id1636748263/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **56K** | 625 |
| Positive reviews | **55.2% of reviews** | 41.8% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | **Every 2 weeks** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 324 MB | 322 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.1 | 15.1 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod, Apple Watch | iPhone, iPod, Apple Watch |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Ecovacs](https://appshunter.io/developer/586003690) | [Yunjing Intelligence Innovation (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1462004351) |

## What reviewers say

### ECOVACS HOME

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ecovacs-home/id1329458504)

Control your robotic vacuum cleaner remotely with advanced features. Schedule cleanings, set virtual boundaries, customize cleaning areas, and receive real-time cleaning status updates. Integrates with voice assistants for hands-free operation.

**Highlights:** Remote start, pause, and stop cleaning, Set cleaning schedules, Create virtual boundaries (no-go zones), Customize cleaning areas, View real-time cleaning map, Voice assistant integration (Alexa, Google Home)

**Features:** Apple Wallet, Apple Watch app, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Great cleaning performance
- 🤖 Helpful robot assistant
- 📊 Detailed mapping and scheduling
- 🧹 Effective vacuuming and mopping
- 🔌 Automatic self-emptying

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Unreliable mapping and navigation
- 🤯 Frustrating app experience
- 💤 Inconsistent cleaning coverage
- 🔄 Frequent need to remap
- 🔧 Maintenance issues and breakdowns

**Reported bugs**

- Maps frequently get corrupted or lost
- App crashes and freezes
- Scheduled cleanings fail to execute properly
- Vacuum gets stuck or lost, unable to return to dock
- Sensor and wheel issues cause navigation problems

**Requested features**

- Allow custom room labeling
- Improve map editing capabilities
- Add ability to resume interrupted cleanings
- Provide map backup and restore functionality
- Enhance voice control and integration


### Narwal

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/narwal/id1636748263)

Remotely control and monitor your cleaning robot from anywhere. Customize cleaning modes, schedules, and spot cleaning for a spotless home. Receive detailed cleaning reports and manage room layouts with no-go zones.

**Highlights:** Remote control and monitoring, Multiple cleaning modes, Customized cleaning plans, Spot cleaning functionality, Map management with no-go zones, Customized cleaning reports

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Apple Watch app, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Great machine, easy to operate
- 👍 Dependable and helps with allergies
- 💡 Excellent app and device
- 👍 Fantastic cleaning performance
- 👍 Seamless on hardwood and carpets

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Mapping and room splitting issues
- 🐛 Connectivity problems with app
- 🐛 Buggy and unstable app
- 🐛 Difficult to use app interface
- 🐛 Lack of push notifications and status updates

**Reported bugs**

- App crashes and freezes
- Connectivity issues between app and robot
- Mapping errors and inability to edit maps
- Unreliable scheduling and cleaning tasks
- Unexpected robot behavior and getting stuck

**Requested features**

- Ability to split rooms and create custom zones
- Improved mapping and room editing features
- More scheduling options (e.g., every 2 weeks, monthly)
- Integration with voice assistants
- Ability to order replacement parts directly from the app


## Frequently asked questions

### Is ECOVACS HOME free?

ECOVACS HOME is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Narwal free?

Narwal is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, ECOVACS HOME or Narwal?

ECOVACS HOME is rated higher. ECOVACS HOME averages 4.6 out of 5 from 56K ratings, while Narwal averages 3.7 from 625 ratings.

### Do ECOVACS HOME or Narwal have ads?

ECOVACS HOME shows ads; Narwal does not.

### Which is updated more often, ECOVACS HOME or Narwal?

ECOVACS HOME ships an update every 3 weeks, and Narwal every 2 weeks. Most recently, ECOVACS HOME was updated on October 26, 2026 and Narwal on October 25, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*