What To Know
- This eliminates the need for a dedicated router and ensures a strong signal in every corner of your home, even in areas with thick walls or multiple floors.
- The eero 6 system starts at $299 for a 3-pack, while the eero Pro 6 system starts at $599 for a 3-pack.
- The Orbi RBK753 system starts at $269 for a 3-pack, while the Orbi RBK853 system starts at $499 for a 3-pack.
In the realm of home networking, eero and Netgear Orbi stand as two formidable contenders, offering mesh WiFi systems designed to eliminate dead zones and provide seamless connectivity throughout your home. This comprehensive guide will delve into the key differences between eero mesh WiFi and Netgear Orbi, empowering you to make an informed decision based on your specific needs and requirements.
Performance and Coverage
eero Mesh WiFi: eero’s mesh technology seamlessly distributes Wi-Fi signals across your home, creating a robust and consistent network. Each eero device acts as a node, connecting wirelessly to neighboring nodes to extend coverage. This eliminates the need for a dedicated router and ensures a strong signal in every corner of your home, even in areas with thick walls or multiple floors.
Netgear Orbi: Netgear Orbi employs a tri-band mesh system, utilizing a dedicated backhaul band to communicate between satellite nodes. This design provides increased bandwidth and speeds, making it ideal for homes with multiple streaming devices or heavy internet usage. Orbi’s satellite nodes are larger and more powerful than eero’s, offering wider coverage and improved signal strength.
Design and Features
eero Mesh WiFi: eero devices are known for their minimalist design and ease of use. They come in sleek, cylindrical shapes that blend seamlessly into your home décor. eero’s user-friendly app allows for quick setup and management, including parental controls and advanced network settings.
Netgear Orbi: Netgear Orbi offers a more traditional router-and-satellite system design. The router is typically larger and more conspicuous, while the satellite nodes are smaller and can be placed discreetly around your home. Orbi’s app also provides robust features, including device prioritization, guest network creation, and advanced security settings.
Range and Scalability
eero Mesh WiFi: eero systems are designed to cover a wide range of home sizes. The basic eero 6 system covers up to 5,000 square feet, while the eero Pro 6 covers up to 6,000 square feet. Additional eero devices can be added to extend coverage further.
Netgear Orbi: Netgear Orbi systems offer a wider coverage range compared to eero. The Orbi RBK753 system covers up to 5,000 square feet, while the Orbi RBK853 system covers up to 7,500 square feet. Orbi also allows for the addition of more satellites to expand coverage even further.
Parental Controls and Security
eero Mesh WiFi: eero provides robust parental controls through its eero Secure+ subscription service. Parents can set up profiles for each child, allowing them to limit screen time, block inappropriate content, and pause the internet as needed. eero also offers advanced security features, including automatic threat detection and prevention.
Netgear Orbi: Netgear Orbi also offers parental controls through its Netgear Armor subscription service. Armor includes features such as device blocking, content filtering, and parental reporting. Additionally, Orbi supports WPA2 and WPA3 encryption protocols for secure wireless connections.
Price and Value
eero Mesh WiFi: eero systems are typically priced higher than Netgear Orbi systems. The eero 6 system starts at $299 for a 3-pack, while the eero Pro 6 system starts at $599 for a 3-pack. eero Secure++ is an additional subscription service that costs $9.99 per month or $99 per year.
Netgear Orbi: Netgear Orbi systems are generally priced lower than eero systems. The Orbi RBK753 system starts at $269 for a 3-pack, while the Orbi RBK853 system starts at $499 for a 3-pack. Netgear Armor is also an additional subscription service that costs $6.99 per month or $69 per year.
Which System is Right for You?
The choice between eero mesh WiFi and Netgear Orbi ultimately depends on your specific needs and requirements. Here’s a summary to help you decide:
- Coverage and Performance: Netgear Orbi offers wider coverage and faster speeds, making it ideal for large homes and heavy internet usage.
- Design and Features: eero systems are more compact and discreet, with a user-friendly app and robust features.
- Range and Scalability: Orbi offers a wider coverage range and supports more satellites for further expansion.
- Parental Controls and Security: Both eero and Orbi provide parental controls and security features, with eero offering a more comprehensive suite through its subscription service.
- Price and Value: Netgear Orbi systems are generally priced lower than eero systems, offering a more affordable option.
Recommendations
Whether you choose eero mesh WiFi or Netgear Orbi, you can expect a seamless and reliable home networking experience. Both systems offer their unique advantages, so carefully consider your needs before making a decision. By understanding the key differences between these two mesh WiFi giants, you can ensure that you find the perfect solution to enhance your home connectivity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which system has better parental controls?
A: eero offers more comprehensive parental controls through its eero Secure+ subscription service.
Q: Which system is easier to set up?
A: Both eero and Orbi offer user-friendly apps for quick and easy setup.
Q: Which system is more affordable?
A: Netgear Orbi systems are generally priced lower than eero systems.
Q: Which system has better coverage?
A: Netgear Orbi offers wider coverage range compared to eero, especially for larger homes.
Q: Which system is better for gaming?
A: Both eero and Orbi offer low latency and reliable connections for gaming, but Orbi’s faster speeds may provide an edge.
