Quick notes
- The Linksys Atlas Pro 6 boasts a maximum coverage area of up to 6,000 square feet, while the Netgear Orbi extends its reach to an impressive 7,500 square feet.
- The Atlas Pro 6 starts at around $350 for a two-pack, while the Netgear Orbi is slightly more expensive, starting at $400 for a two-pack.
- While the Atlas Pro 6 excels in smaller homes with its compact design and Wi-Fi 6E support, the Orbi provides superior coverage for larger homes and offers a comprehensive suite of features.
In the ever-evolving world of home networking, the battle for Wi-Fi 6 supremacy rages on. Two of the most formidable contenders in this arena are the Linksys Atlas Pro 6 and the Netgear Orbi. Both systems promise blazing-fast speeds, seamless coverage, and advanced features to elevate your home Wi-Fi experience. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll pit the Linksys Atlas Pro 6 against the Netgear Orbi, analyzing their key specifications, performance, features, and more to help you make an informed decision for your home.
Design and Build Quality
The Linksys Atlas Pro 6 and Netgear Orbi adopt vastly different design philosophies. The Atlas Pro 6 features a sleek, cylindrical design with a matte black finish, exuding a modern and understated elegance. Its compact size allows for discreet placement in any room. The Netgear Orbi, on the other hand, sports a more traditional router-like design with a white or black glossy finish. Its larger size and protruding antennas may be more conspicuous in certain settings. Both systems are well-built and offer solid construction.
Coverage and Performance
Coverage and performance are paramount in any mesh Wi-Fi system. The Linksys Atlas Pro 6 boasts a maximum coverage area of up to 6,000 square feet, while the Netgear Orbi extends its reach to an impressive 7,500 square feet. Both systems use a tri-band configuration with dedicated backhaul bands to ensure optimal performance and minimize interference.
In real-world testing, both the Atlas Pro 6 and Orbi deliver exceptional speeds and reliable connections. The Atlas Pro 6 excels in smaller to mid-sized homes, providing consistent coverage throughout. The Orbi, with its larger coverage area, is more suitable for extensive homes or those with multiple floors.
Features
The Linksys Atlas Pro 6 and Netgear Orbi offer a plethora of features to enhance your home networking experience. The Atlas Pro 6 comes equipped with Velop Intelligent Mesh technology, which automatically optimizes network performance based on usage patterns and device connectivity. It also supports Wi-Fi 6E, the latest Wi-Fi standard, which offers faster speeds and reduced latency.
The Netgear Orbi boasts a comprehensive suite of features, including Armor cybersecurity protection, which provides real-time protection against malware, phishing, and other online threats. It also offers parental controls, guest network access, and an intuitive mobile app for easy management.
Price and Value
The Linksys Atlas Pro 6 and Netgear Orbi are both premium mesh Wi-Fi systems with a price tag to match. The Atlas Pro 6 starts at around $350 for a two-pack, while the Netgear Orbi is slightly more expensive, starting at $400 for a two-pack. Ultimately, the best value for money depends on the size of your home, coverage requirements, and desired features.
Which System is Right for You?
Choosing between the Linksys Atlas Pro 6 and Netgear Orbi depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a sleek, compact system with excellent performance in smaller to mid-sized homes, the Atlas Pro 6 is a great choice. Its Wi-Fi 6E support and Intelligent Mesh technology provide a future-proof and optimized network.
If you have a larger home or require extensive coverage, the Netgear Orbi is a better option. Its larger coverage area, comprehensive feature set, and Armor cybersecurity protection make it an ideal solution for demanding home networking needs.
Final Thoughts: The Battle of the Mesh Titans
The Linksys Atlas Pro 6 and Netgear Orbi are both exceptional mesh Wi-Fi systems that offer blazing-fast speeds, seamless coverage, and advanced features. While the Atlas Pro 6 excels in smaller homes with its compact design and Wi-Fi 6E support, the Orbi provides superior coverage for larger homes and offers a comprehensive suite of features. Ultimately, the best choice for you depends on your specific requirements and budget.
Quick Answers to Your FAQs
Q: Which system has a better design?
A: The Linksys Atlas Pro 6 offers a sleek and compact design, while the Netgear Orbi has a more traditional router-like design.
Q: Which system provides more coverage?
A: The Netgear Orbi has a larger coverage area of up to 7,500 square feet, compared to the Atlas Pro 6’s 6,000 square feet.
Q: Which system has more features?
A: The Netgear Orbi offers a wider range of features, including Armor cybersecurity protection, parental controls, and guest network access.