What To Know
- The quest for seamless Wi-Fi coverage has led to a surge in mesh Wi-Fi systems, and Linksys is at the forefront of this revolution with its Velop and Atlas offerings.
- The Atlas system has a similar set of features to the Velop, but it adds a few extras.
- However, if you’re looking for a more affordable system with a compact design and a solid set of features, the Linksys Velop is a great choice.
The quest for seamless Wi-Fi coverage has led to a surge in mesh Wi-Fi systems, and Linksys is at the forefront of this revolution with its Velop and Atlas offerings. Both systems promise to eliminate dead zones and provide consistent, high-speed internet throughout your home. But which one is the better choice for your needs? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll compare the Linksys Velop and Linksys Atlas side-by-side to help you make an informed decision.
Design and Build Quality
Linksys Velop: The Velop system features a sleek, cylindrical design that blends seamlessly into any décor. The nodes are compact and lightweight, making them easy to place around your home. The matte white finish gives them a premium look and feel.
Linksys Atlas: The Atlas system adopts a more traditional square design. While it’s not as visually appealing as the Velop, the Atlas nodes are slightly larger and heavier. They feature a glossy black finish that may not be to everyone’s taste.
Wi-Fi Performance
Linksys Velop: The Velop system uses a tri-band mesh network that provides excellent Wi-Fi coverage and speed. The dedicated backhaul band ensures stable connections between the nodes, minimizing interference and maintaining optimal performance.
Linksys Atlas: The Atlas system also employs a tri-band mesh network, but it uses a different technology called Intelligent Mesh. Intelligent Mesh is designed to optimize traffic flow and automatically adjust the system’s configuration based on real-time conditions.
Coverage
Linksys Velop: The Velop system offers a maximum coverage area of up to 6,000 square feet per node. This makes it suitable for large homes or multi-story buildings. However, the coverage may vary depending on factors such as walls, furniture, and other obstacles.
Linksys Atlas: The Atlas system boasts a coverage area of up to 7,500 square feet per node. This makes it an excellent choice for even larger homes or businesses. The Intelligent Mesh technology helps to extend the coverage further by optimizing the network’s performance.
Speed
Linksys Velop: The Velop system supports Wi-Fi speeds of up to 1.2 Gbps. This is sufficient for most home and office applications, including streaming, gaming, and video conferencing.
Linksys Atlas: The Atlas system offers slightly faster speeds of up to 1.8 Gbps. This makes it ideal for demanding applications such as 4K streaming, VR gaming, and large file transfers.
Features
Linksys Velop: The Velop system comes with a range of features, including parental controls, guest Wi-Fi, and device prioritization. It also supports Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant for voice control.
Linksys Atlas: The Atlas system has a similar set of features to the Velop, but it adds a few extras. These include a built-in speed test, automatic firmware updates, and a dedicated Ethernet backhaul port for wired connections between nodes.
Price
Linksys Velop: The Velop system is available in three different packages:
- 1-node system: $199.99
- 2-node system: $299.99
- 3-node system: $399.99
Linksys Atlas: The Atlas system is also available in three packages:
- 1-node system: $249.99
- 2-node system: $399.99
- 3-node system: $549.99
Which One Should You Choose?
The choice between the Linksys Velop and Linksys Atlas depends on your specific needs and budget. If you require extensive coverage and the fastest possible speeds, the Linksys Atlas is the better option. However, if you’re looking for a more affordable system with a compact design and a solid set of features, the Linksys Velop is a great choice.
Beyond the Comparison
Additional Considerations:
- Number of Nodes: Both the Velop and Atlas systems are modular, allowing you to add or remove nodes as needed. This flexibility ensures that you can customize the system to suit your coverage requirements.
- Wired Backhaul: The Linksys Atlas offers the option of using a wired backhaul connection between nodes. This can provide a more stable and reliable connection compared to wireless backhaul.
- Third-Party Compatibility: Both the Velop and Atlas systems are compatible with third-party mesh Wi-Fi extenders. This allows you to expand your coverage even further if necessary.
Answers to Your Most Common Questions
Q: Which system is better for gaming?
A: Both the Linksys Velop and Linksys Atlas offer low latency and high speeds, making them suitable for gaming. However, the Linksys Atlas may have a slight edge due to its faster speeds and Intelligent Mesh technology.
Q: Can I use either system outdoors?
A: No, neither the Linksys Velop nor the Linksys Atlas is designed for outdoor use. They are intended for indoor environments only.
Q: Which system has the best parental controls?
A: Both the Linksys Velop and Linksys Atlas offer comprehensive parental controls, including website filtering, time limits, and device blocking.
