Compare Dyson V15s Detect Submarine Wet Dry Vacuum vs Narwal S20 Pro Cordless Vacuum Mop with Self-Cleaning

The bundle is repeatedly praised for including multiple floorheads and specialty tools, but several reviews say the docking/storage options do not neatly accommodate everything.

Several reviews highlight a well-rounded in-box kit, commonly including a spare roller, spare filter, cleaning brush, and a bottle of Narwal cleaning solution. This reduces immediate add-on purchases and helps with early maintenance.

Most reviewers like the premium Dyson look and finish, but a few call out plasticky feel on the Submarine head or aesthetic mismatches with some docking accessories.

Multiple reviewers call the S20 Pro sleek and premium-looking, with a clean gray finish and a modern base station. Fit-and-finish impressions are consistently positive in the video and article reviews.

The particle sensor and Auto mode are widely praised for adjusting power and visualizing what is being picked up; a few users also relied on the Dyson app/manual for fuller guidance.

Smart dirt sensing and automatic adjustment are repeatedly mentioned, including blue-light style DirtSense indicators and posture detection features. A missing app connection is noted by at least one reviewer, but many still feel the on-device automation and modes cover most needs.

A minor but real complaint appears about airflow blowing back toward the user when cleaning under very low furniture.

On area rugs, it generally cleans well, but light debris on thicker rugs can be pushed around unless you adjust technique or settings.

Most reviewers find initial assembly straightforward, but several say the Submarine instructions are too visual or confusing and may require looking up the full manual or app.

Setup is consistently described as quick, typically involving attaching the handle, charging, and filling the clean tank and solution reservoir. Several reviewers note it feels close to pre-assembled out of the box.

Some reviews mention alerts or shutoff behavior when airflow is obstructed or performance cannot be maintained, which helps protect the vacuum but can interrupt a job.

Auto pause or standby when the unit is stood upright is appreciated for quick interruptions without dripping or running unnecessarily. This feature is treated as a practical convenience during room-to-room cleaning.

Battery performance is a strong point overall, with long Eco/low runtimes and a removable battery; charging is often cited around 4.5 hours and Boost/Turbo drains quickly.

Battery life is described as competitive for a wet-dry machine, but recharge time is called out as long by some reviewers, with one citing about a 3-hour full recharge. Buyers with very large areas may need to plan around recharge and tank refills.

The bagless bin size is described as adequate and the emptying mechanism is mostly hygienic, though hair and clumps can occasionally stick and require a quick manual pull.

Reviews praise the dirty tank design for separating solids from liquids and keeping disposal relatively tidy, helped by tight seals and a removable debris basket. Wet debris can still take some manual brushing or scraping to fully remove.

The main vacuum feels sturdy and well-built in most reviews, while the Submarine head and some docking solutions get more mixed feedback (plasticky feel or leakage concerns).

Most impressions point to solid construction and good sealing around the tanks and head, supporting a premium feel. One hands-on reviewer experienced dripping and questioned long-term reliability, suggesting quality control could vary.

High-pile carpet results are more mixed: some reviews report strong pickup while lab testing shows lower scores and higher push resistance on thick carpet.

Low-pile carpet performance is typically excellent, with strong pickup even on embedded debris and hair.

Clogging is not a constant problem, but some reviewers report blockages with large debris (like pine needles) or residue buildup that needs manual clearing and head cleaning.

Design elements like a lower-positioned water system, one-way flow, and dual-direction brush action are credited with reducing clogs and keeping debris moving into the tank. Reviews also connect this to better handling of hair and chunky food bits without the head jamming.

Compared with other cordless vacuums and most mop-vacs, it is usually rated superior at dry vacuuming; the wet function is seen as convenient but not best-in-class versus dedicated wet cleaners.

In head-to-head and multi-model comparisons, the S20 Pro is often ranked at or near the top for overall package, especially on hard floors and for its drying system. Competitors may beat it on reverse pickup, rugs, or certain niche features, but the Narwal is frequently framed as the most complete option.

The LCD and mode controls are well-liked for showing runtime and particle info, but many reviews criticize the trigger-hold design for comfort during longer cleans.

The on-handle LCD and voice prompts are widely praised for clarity, showing mode, battery, alerts, and sometimes detergent status or timers. Some note the screen is small, but still informative and easy to follow during cleaning and self-clean cycles.

The vacuum converts into a handheld easily, which reviewers like for furniture, stairs, and quick spot cleaning.

Only one review gives a specific number, citing a 6-foot power cord for the dock, which influences where the base can sit. It is described as usable but not especially long.

Cordless convenience is consistently highlighted, especially for quick daily cleanups and moving between rooms without a cord.

Where mentioned, reviewers appreciate dock-side cord routing or a cord holder that keeps the charging base tidy. This helps reduce clutter around the storage station.

Dedicated crevice tools are effective for edges and tight spots, but the built-in/integrated crevice solution and the Submarine head can be less effective in deep grooves or corners.

Dyson's cyclone-based design is credited with maintaining strong suction and solid overall dust handling.

The laser illumination is one of the most praised features, repeatedly described as revealing hidden dust and improving confidence on hard floors.

Multiple reviews note the lack of a clear dirty-water level indicator, making it harder to tell when the dirty compartment needs emptying.

The Submarine roller can remove dried-on stains, but results vary: some tests show quick removal while others needed multiple passes and more water on older, set-in messes.

Dried coffee and similar stains are often removed with a pass or two, and reviewers credit scrubbing pressure and a boost mode for tougher spots. Very sticky or thick dried sauces like ketchup may require multiple passes, and some note the dehydrating dry-down can leave color residue that needs manual roller cleaning.

Overall usability is rated good thanks to strong cleaning and smart feedback, but trigger ergonomics, weight, and post-mop cleanup are recurring drawbacks.

Ease of use is a recurring positive: light weight, clear on-screen prompts, and one-button self-cleaning make daily cleanup straightforward. A few critiques relate to learning how to avoid backward passes and keeping up with tank emptying for best results.

Edge pickup during vacuuming is often excellent, while edge performance in mop mode is more mixed and can miss right along walls.

Edge performance is repeatedly called exceptional, with reviewers describing near-zero gaps along baseboards and strong cleaning at the front edge as well. This is one of the most consistently praised differentiators versus competing wet-dry models.

The ejector-style emptying system reduces contact with dust, though occasional clumps or hair can stay behind and need a quick manual assist.

Reviewers like the way the dirty tank separates solids, which helps keep emptying neater and reduces splashy cleanup. However, wet debris can adhere inside the tank and may need periodic scrubbing for a truly clean reset.

Maintenance alerts for the filter are appreciated, including prompts to wash or service filters during ownership.

Filtration and dust containment are consistently rated strong, with a sealed system and good particle control; HEPA-level filtration is mentioned more often for certain versions or upgrades.

Filtration is generally handled by a washable filter in or near the dirty-water tank; reviewers note it needs rinsing and fully drying before reuse. Some packages include a spare filter, which helps reduce downtime.

Floors usually dry quickly after Submarine passes, often described as only slightly damp and drying in minutes.

Floors are often left reasonably dry after a pass, especially compared with older wet mops, and the heated roller drying helps after-use drying. One reviewer still observed dripping and wet roller marks when the unit was set down, so drying outcomes can depend on handling and mess type.

Fresh spill cleanup is generally quick for small liquid-only messes, but larger spills or liquid mixed with solids can overwhelm the Submarine head.

Fresh spills and wet messes are commonly cleaned in a single forward pass, including coffee, soda, cereal milk, and yogurt-like messes. Reverse-pass pickup is reported as weaker in at least one test, so best results come from forward cleaning.

Carpet hair pickup is generally very strong, with reviewers pulling out visible hair and lint from rugs and carpeting.

Hair pickup on hard floors is consistently strong with the dry heads, while the wet head is best treated as a mop rather than a hair-collection tool.

Hair pickup on hard floors is consistently positive in demonstrations, and reviewers say hair is carried into the tank rather than staying on the roller. Results are especially strong when paired with the anti-tangle roller design.

Anti-tangle performance is usually a strength (especially with the hair screw tool), but longer hair can still wrap on the main brush bar in some situations.

Anti-tangle performance is a consistent highlight, with multiple long-hair tests reporting zero wrap thanks to dual comb and dual rotation design choices. This is repeatedly positioned as a major improvement over wet-dry competitors that require cutting hair off the roller.

Hard-floor fine dust pickup is consistently excellent, helped by the laser illumination and soft roller design for revealing and collecting powdery debris.

Reviews show strong pickup of fine particles like dust and flour on hard floors in forward passes. Performance can drop when cleaning backward, where some fine debris may be left behind.

Dry vacuum heads handle larger debris well, but the Submarine wet head struggles with bigger pieces (like cereal) and can push debris around rather than capture it.

Large debris like cereal, rice, chips, and pet food is generally handled well, often with minimal scatter when moving forward. Backward passes can be less reliable, with some debris getting pushed or caught behind the wheels.

A frequent complaint is the lack of built-in headlights, which can make it harder to spot debris in dim rooms or under furniture. Reviewers generally treat this as a convenience miss rather than a deal-breaker.

Reviewers view the concept as innovative: a flagship stick vacuum paired with a wet roller head, though several also describe the wet system as first-generation with compromises.

Kid appeal is mentioned in passing: the laser and on-screen feedback can make cleaning feel more engaging for families.

The low profile when laid flat helps it reach under toe-kicks and furniture, and reviewers repeatedly point to this as a practical advantage. It pairs well with posture detection that helps prevent water leaks when the unit is lowered.

Maintenance is a key tradeoff: standard vacuum upkeep is manageable, but the Submarine head adds regular rinsing, drying, and occasional messy dirty-water emptying.

Maintenance is generally reduced by the automated wash and heated dry, but users still need to empty the dirty tank and rinse and dry filters regularly. Neglecting post-clean tank care can cause odors, and some wish the self-clean used more water for an even cleaner reset.

Handling is generally strong thanks to swivel articulation and the ability to get under furniture, but some reviewers still find it heavy in-hand over longer sessions.

Handling is a standout theme: reviewers consistently call the unit light, easy to steer, and comfortable thanks to a pivoting head and low center of gravity. Lay-flat movement and swivel action make it feel less fatiguing than many wet-dry rivals.

Mopping is best described as maintenance-level: good for routine hard-floor refreshes and small spills, but it does not vacuum while mopping and struggles more with solids, edges, and large wet messes.

Most reviews show strong one-pass vacuum-and-mop results on typical spills and tracked-in dirt, with multiple modes to tailor water and suction. Heavy muddy sludge or cleaning while pulling backward can expose weaknesses, including streaking or debris left behind in a few accounts.

Noise is generally acceptable: mop mode is often described as quiet, while Boost/Turbo vacuuming gets noticeably loud.

Cleaning and especially the drying cycle are often described as unusually quiet for the category, with some reviewers measuring roughly 39 to 43 dB during roller drying. Quiet mode cleaning is also noted as comfortable for home use.

Heated drying and a fully dried roller are credited with minimizing musty odors between uses. At the same time, reviewers warn that leaving dirty water or neglecting tank cleaning can still create lingering smells.

Tool storage is a consistent frustration: you get many tools, but there is limited onboard or dock capacity to keep everything together.

Ongoing costs are usually moderate (filters and occasional roller replacement), but the Submarine roller can add a replacement/consumable consideration over time.

Across the set of reviews, overall sentiment is strongly positive, with several reviewers ranking it as a top pick for hard floors. The most negative feedback comes from one reviewer who saw streaking and dripping during a heavy muddy test and withheld a recommendation, plus recurring complaints about reverse pickup and missing headlights.

Packaging is described as protective and well-organized, with at least one review praising the recyclable materials and secure packing.

Reviewers with pets praise the dry-vac tools for hair and kibble, but note the Submarine mop head is not meant to pick up solid pet food while wet cleaning.

Price is a common pain point: many call it expensive and best justified only if you will use both the top-tier vacuuming and occasional mopping.

Value is usually framed as strong given the feature set and performance on hard floors, especially when discounted from the roughly 499 USD list price. Value perception drops if reverse cleaning, missing headlights, smaller tanks, or longer recharge time are major pain points.

Default/Eco runtimes are often around an hour or more depending on mode, with Auto mode shortening runtime when it ramps up power. Boost/Turbo runtime is consistently short, commonly under 10 minutes in testing.

Runtime in everyday or smart-style modes is described as strong, with one measured test around 39 minutes in smart mode and multiple claims of up to about 60 minutes in quieter settings. Actual coverage depends heavily on mode choice and how dirty the floors are.

High-temperature self-cleaning and heated drying are repeatedly positioned as a hygiene advantage that reduces bacterial growth and keeps the roller fresher. Reviewers treat it as more sanitary than air-drying rollers that stay damp.

Reviews repeatedly call out that there is no automated self-cleaning cycle or wash/dry base for the mop head, so post-mop cleanup is manual.

The self-clean and heated self-dry base is one of the biggest strengths, with multiple reviewers saying the roller comes out genuinely dry. Drying time is often described as sensor-controlled (roughly 30 to 80 minutes), though a few reviewers wish the wash used more water or note that strongly colored sauces may require extra manual cleaning.

Several reviews mention the Submarine head feels self-propelled, making wet passes easier and faster.

Several reviewers describe helpful push-pull assistance that makes the unit feel self-propelled, especially in smart modes. One review notes there are no dedicated self-propulsion wheels, suggesting the assistance may come from roller traction and can feel different than true powered drive.

The liquid system is simple and water-based; some reviews mention you can use a mild detergent, but there is typically only one wet mode and limited control over water flow.

The separate detergent reservoir and auto-dosing system are frequently praised, often described as lasting up to about 40 days and allowing solution on or off control. Reviewers also like having a suction-only mode for liquid pickup without spraying detergent.

With the handheld conversion and tools, stairs are generally easy to clean, especially on hard stair treads and edges.

It stores like a typical Dyson stick via a wall dock, but it is not truly freestanding and alternative docks can be bulky; the extra heads/tools also add storage complexity.

The dock base needs an outlet nearby, so placement can be less flexible in some rooms, and a few reviewers mention keeping it close to a plug. Most still find the storage setup straightforward once a spot is chosen.

Streaking is mixed: some report a streak-free shine, while others saw streaks or dirty-water drips, especially if the roller is paused mid-flow or the dirty channel gets too full.

Most demos show clean-looking passes, but one reviewer reported visible streaks and a failed white-glove test after cleaning a heavy muddy mess. This suggests residue can occur in extreme grime or if the machine is set down while the roller is still wet.

Across reviews, dry vacuuming is the standout: very strong suction and pickup on both hard floors and most carpets, though the high suction can make the head harder to push on thicker carpet.

Most reviewers describe strong hard-floor pickup and cite about 20,000 Pa suction, with convincing performance on mixed dry and wet messes. A recurring caveat is that pickup is weaker when pulling the unit backward, where debris can get caught near the wheels.

For heavy-duty mopping or frequent large wet messes, reviews suggest it is not ideal; it is better as a light, regular maintenance mop paired with strong vacuuming.

It is often framed as a good fit for apartments or smaller homes that only want one cleaning device, since it can replace a separate vacuum plus a basic mop.

Support is mentioned less often, but Dyson customer service is described as a plus where it comes up.

Support and reliability feedback is mixed: one review flags stock availability and a short warranty, while another reports dripping or leaking after a heavy muddy cleanup. Most other reviews do not report failures, but these flags add some risk for cautious buyers.

The soft rollers and floorheads are generally seen as gentle on hard floors, and at least one reviewer specifically noted reduced worry about scratching tiles.

Dry heads and tools click on quickly, but swapping between vacuum and mop heads is required for wet cleaning and some users find the Submarine setup a bit fiddly.

Under-furniture reach is a recurring positive due to head articulation and the ability to lay flatter, though one review notes the vent can blow air toward your face in tight spaces.

The ability to recline fully and clean under beds, couches, and cabinets is frequently praised, aided by a low profile in the laid-flat posture. Some reviews also mention automatic power changes when going flat to maintain pickup.

Motorized tools for upholstery and above-floor tasks perform well, especially for pet hair and furniture cleaning.

Versatility is a core theme: multiple heads let it cover hard floors, carpets, above-floor cleaning, and basic mopping, but wet cleaning requires a separate pass and head swap.

The clean-water tank is small (often cited around 300 mL), so it suits maintenance mopping more than big jobs; the dirty-water compartment can be messy and may leak if overfilled or tilted.

Tank sizes are described as adequate for routine cleaning, with published or reviewer-cited capacities around 0.79 L clean and 0.67 L dirty. Some reviewers feel the clean tank is on the smaller side and one test required emptying the dirty tank after about 20 minutes, so large homes may need mid-clean stops.

Weight is frequently noted: it is manageable for many as a stick vacuum, but the handheld configuration and long sessions can feel heavy or fatiguing for some users.

Many reviews call out the low weight, commonly around 9 to 9.5 pounds, making it easier to carry upstairs and less tiring to push. Weight is often cited as one reason it feels more agile than rivals.

At least one review reports acceptable cleaning on a delicate wool rug, suggesting it can be used carefully on wool surfaces.