Quick summary
- If you have a larger home or apartment and use a lot of devices, a tri-band router may be a better choice.
When it comes to choosing a new Wi-Fi router, one of the first decisions you’ll need to make is whether you want a dual-band or tri-band router. Both types of routers have their own advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to understand the differences before you make a purchase.
What is the Difference Between Dual-Band and Tri-Band Routers?
The main difference between dual-band and tri-band routers is the number of frequency bands they use to transmit data. Dual-band routers use two frequency bands: 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. Tri-band routers use three frequency bands: 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz.
The 2.4 GHz band is the older of the two and is used by a wide range of devices, including laptops, smartphones, and tablets. It has a longer range than the 5 GHz band, but it is also more susceptible to interference from other devices.
The 5 GHz band is newer and less crowded than the 2.4 GHz band. It offers faster speeds and less interference, but it has a shorter range.
The 6 GHz band is the newest and least crowded of the three bands. It offers the fastest speeds and the least interference, but it has the shortest range.
Which Type of Router Is Right for You?
The type of router that is right for you depends on your individual needs. If you have a small home or apartment and only use a few devices, a dual-band router may be sufficient. If you have a larger home or apartment and use a lot of devices, a tri-band router may be a better choice.
Here is a table that summarizes the key differences between dual-band and tri-band routers:
| Feature | Dual-Band Router | Tri-Band Router |
| — | — | — |
| Number of frequency bands | 2 | 3 |
| Range | Longer | Shorter |
| Speed | Slower | Faster |
| Interference | More susceptible | Less susceptible |
Advantages of Dual-Band Routers
- Lower cost: Dual-band routers are typically less expensive than tri-band routers.
- Wider range: The 2.4 GHz band has a longer range than the 5 GHz band, so dual-band routers can provide coverage to a larger area.
- More compatible: Dual-band routers are compatible with a wider range of devices than tri-band routers.
Advantages of Tri-Band Routers
- Faster speeds: Tri-band routers offer faster speeds than dual-band routers, especially on the 5 GHz and 6 GHz bands.
- Less interference: Tri-band routers are less susceptible to interference from other devices because they use three frequency bands.
- More capacity: Tri-band routers can handle more devices simultaneously than dual-band routers.
Which Netgear Orbi Router Should You Choose?
Netgear offers a variety of Orbi routers, both dual-band and tri-band. Here is a comparison of the most popular Netgear Orbi routers:
| Model | Type | Number of Bands | Range | Speed | Price |
| — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Netgear Orbi RBK50 | Dual-Band | 2 | Up to 2,500 sq. ft. | Up to 1.2 Gbps | $199.99 |
| Netgear Orbi RBK750 | Dual-Band | 2 | Up to 5,000 sq. ft. | Up to 2.2 Gbps | $299.99 |
| Netgear Orbi RBK850 | Tri-Band | 3 | Up to 7,500 sq. ft. | Up to 3 Gbps | $399.99 |
| Netgear Orbi RBK960 | Tri-Band | 3 | Up to 10,000 sq. ft. | Up to 6 Gbps | $699.99 |
In a nutshell
The best Netgear Orbi router for you depends on your individual needs. If you have a small home or apartment and only use a few devices, a dual-band router may be sufficient. If you have a larger home or apartment and use a lot of devices, a tri-band router may be a better choice.
Top Questions Asked
1. What is the difference between a dual-band router and a tri-band router?
A dual-band router uses two frequency bands (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz), while a tri-band router uses three frequency bands (2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz).
2. Which type of router is better?
The best type of router for you depends on your individual needs. If you have a small home or apartment and only use a few devices, a dual-band router may be sufficient. If you have a larger home or apartment and use a lot of devices, a tri-band router may be a better choice.
3. What are the advantages of a dual-band router?
Dual-band routers are typically less expensive, have a wider range, and are more compatible with a wider range of devices than tri-band routers.
4. What are the advantages of a tri-band router?
Tri-band routers offer faster speeds, less interference, and more capacity than dual-band routers.
5. Which Netgear Orbi router should I choose?
The best Netgear Orbi router for you depends on your individual needs. If you have a small home or apartment and only use a few devices, a dual-band router may be sufficient. If you have a larger home or apartment and use a lot of devices, a tri-band router may be a better choice.