Summary
- Its Tri-Band technology, Circle with Disney, and Orbi Voice Assistant make it a great choice for families and those seeking a reliable and feature-rich Wi-Fi system.
- Both the ASUS ZenWiFi Pro ET12 and Orbi are exceptional Wi-Fi systems that offer a wide range of features and performance.
- The ET12 excels with its Wi-Fi 6E support, AiMesh technology, and AiProtection Pro, while the Orbi impresses with its Tri-Band technology, Circle with Disney, and Orbi Voice Assistant.
The battle for Wi-Fi supremacy rages on, with two titans of the industry, ASUS and Netgear, vying for dominance. Their latest offerings, the ASUS ZenWiFi Pro ET12 and Orbi, promise unparalleled wireless performance and coverage. But which one deserves your hard-earned cash? In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll delve into the key features, performance, and value of these two Wi-Fi powerhouses to help you make an informed decision.
Design and Build Quality
Both the ASUS ZenWiFi Pro ET12 and Orbi feature a sleek and modern design. The ET12 consists of three cylindrical nodes, while the Orbi comes with a router and two satellites. All devices are compact and can be easily blended into any home décor. The ET12 has a slightly more futuristic aesthetic with its LED lighting, while the Orbi exudes a more traditional router look.
Wireless Performance
Performance is paramount when it comes to Wi-Fi systems. The ASUS ZenWiFi Pro ET12 utilizes the latest Wi-Fi 6E standard, which provides access to the uncongested 6 GHz band. This translates to faster speeds, reduced latency, and improved overall performance. It boasts a maximum theoretical speed of 11,000 Mbps, making it one of the fastest Wi-Fi systems on the market.
The Orbi, on the other hand, relies on the older Wi-Fi 6 standard. While still capable of delivering fast speeds, it tops out at 6,000 Mbps, which is significantly slower than the ET12. However, the Orbi makes up for this with its Tri-Band technology, which dedicates a separate band for backhaul communication, reducing interference and improving overall stability.
Coverage and Range
Coverage is another crucial factor to consider. The ASUS ZenWiFi Pro ET12 covers up to 7,000 square feet with its three nodes. The Orbi, with its router and two satellites, can cover up to 6,000 square feet. Both systems offer excellent range, ensuring reliable Wi-Fi throughout your home. However, if you have a particularly large or complex layout, the ET12’s extra coverage may be beneficial.
Features and Functionality
The ASUS ZenWiFi Pro ET12 and Orbi come packed with a host of features to enhance your Wi-Fi experience. The ET12 includes AiMesh technology, allowing you to seamlessly connect multiple compatible ASUS routers to create a mesh network with unified management. It also features AiProtection Pro, a comprehensive security suite that protects your network and devices from malware and other threats.
The Orbi also offers some notable features, including Circle with Disney, a parental control system that allows you to manage your children’s online activities. It also supports the Orbi Voice Assistant, which enables you to control your network with voice commands.
Price and Value
The ASUS ZenWiFi Pro ET12 retails for around $450, while the Orbi costs approximately $300. The ET12 offers a wider range of features, including Wi-Fi 6E support, AiMesh, and AiProtection Pro. However, the Orbi is a more affordable option with a solid feature set and a proven track record.
Which One Should You Choose?
The decision between the ASUS ZenWiFi Pro ET12 and Orbi ultimately depends on your specific needs and budget. If you demand the absolute best performance and coverage, the ET12 is the clear choice. Its Wi-Fi 6E support, AiMesh technology, and AiProtection Pro make it an exceptional Wi-Fi system.
However, if you’re on a tighter budget or don’t require the most cutting-edge features, the Orbi offers excellent value for money. Its Tri-Band technology, Circle with Disney, and Orbi Voice Assistant make it a great choice for families and those seeking a reliable and feature-rich Wi-Fi system.
Wrapping Up
Both the ASUS ZenWiFi Pro ET12 and Orbi are exceptional Wi-Fi systems that offer a wide range of features and performance. The ET12 excels with its Wi-Fi 6E support, AiMesh technology, and AiProtection Pro, while the Orbi impresses with its Tri-Band technology, Circle with Disney, and Orbi Voice Assistant. Ultimately, the best choice for you depends on your specific requirements and budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which Wi-Fi system has better performance, the ASUS ZenWiFi Pro ET12 or Orbi?
A: The ASUS ZenWiFi Pro ET12 offers better performance due to its Wi-Fi 6E support, which provides faster speeds and reduced latency.
Q: Which system offers better coverage, the ET12 or Orbi?
A: Both systems offer excellent coverage, but the ET12 covers a slightly larger area of up to 7,000 square feet.
Q: Which Wi-Fi system has more features?
A: The ASUS ZenWiFi Pro ET12 offers a wider range of features, including AiMesh, AiProtection Pro, and Wi-Fi 6E support.