Netgear Orbi vs Eero: Which Mesh Wi-Fi System Reigns Supreme?
In the ever-evolving world of home Wi-Fi systems, two popular contenders offering reliable and speedy connectivity are Netgear Orbi and Eero. As mesh Wi-Fi systems, both brands promise excellent coverage across large areas, with multiple nodes to distribute signals efficiently. With so many similarities, it can be challenging for consumers to decide which mesh Wi-Fi system best suits their needs.
Netgear Orbi stands out for its high-speed performance and extensive coverage area. It also features daisy-chaining and additional ethernet ports, making it a robust choice for demanding users. On the other hand, Eero impresses with its sleek design and ease of use, integrating seamlessly into any modern home interior. While it may not offer the same level of coverage and speed as the Orbi, Eero’s offerings remain reliable and user-friendly.
As you continue to explore the Netgear Orbi and Eero mesh Wi-Fi systems, several crucial factors will require closer examination. In the end, the decision will ultimately depend on individual preferences and home network requirements. Whether it’s faster speeds or a more stylish appearance, both Netgear Orbi and Eero have their respective strengths and weaknesses waiting to be discovered.
Features
Netgear Orbi
Netgear Orbi provides several attractive features which make it stand out among mesh Wi-Fi systems:
- Coverage: The Orbi system guarantees coverage of up to 5,000 sq. ft., ensuring strong Wi-Fi signals throughout larger homes.
- Speed: Offering powerful connection speeds, Orbi supports up to 1 Gbps over wireless.
- Daisy-chaining: This feature allows Orbi satellites to connect to other satellites, extending the network coverage even further.
- Ethernet Ports: Orbi provides more Ethernet ports than Eero, giving it an advantage in terms of wired connection options.
Eero
Eero also offers a range of features that make it a competitive mesh Wi-Fi system:
- Design: Sporting a sleek and stylish design, Eero integrates seamlessly with home furniture and décor.
- Coverage: While Eero may require additional nodes to reach the same coverage as Orbi, Eero Pro Wi-Fi System includes an extra node, providing up to 1,000 square feet of additional coverage.
- Speed: Eero also supports up to 1 Gbps speeds over wireless, keeping it on par with Orbi in terms of performance.
- Ease of Setup and Use: Eero is known for its simple setup process and user-friendly app.
In summary, both Netgear Orbi and Eero mesh Wi-Fi systems offer valuable features for optimizing home Wi-Fi coverage and speed. The choice between the two ultimately depends on individual preferences and requirements, taking into consideration factors such as design, ease of use, and coverage capabilities.
Coverage and Performance
Internet Speed
The Netgear Orbi system has a clear advantage over Amazon’s Eero in terms of internet speed. The Orbi is capable of reaching speeds up to 6Gbps, while the Eero can only achieve speeds up to 1Gbps 1. This difference in speed allows your devices to connect to a fast network, ensuring you can enjoy smooth streaming, gaming, and browsing on the internet.
Dedicated Backhaul
Both Orbi and Eero use a dedicated wireless backhaul channel on the 5GHz band for communication between their respective mesh nodes. This dedicated backhaul helps in maintaining the performance and stability of the Wi-Fi connection across a larger area. It also minimizes the loss of bandwidth that might occur if a single channel had to handle both client connections and inter-node communication.
Higher Speeds
Netgear’s Orbi system not only offers a faster internet speed but also provides a larger coverage area. With Orbi, you can expect coverage of up to 5,000 sq. ft., while Eero may require more units to achieve the same amount of coverage 2. This makes Orbi more suitable for larger homes and spaces where a high-performing and fast network is essential.
In summary, the Netgear Orbi system outperforms Amazon’s Eero in terms of coverage and performance. With a faster internet speed, dedicated backhaul on the 5GHz band, and a larger coverage area, Orbi is better equipped to handle the needs of users who require a robust and fast network across their home or workspace.
Design and Setup
Main Router and Satellite Unit
When comparing the design of the Netgear Orbi and Eero Wi-Fi systems, both have aesthetically pleasing and modern designs. The main routers and satellite units are small enough to blend seamlessly into most home decors. However, there are some differences between the two systems:
- Netgear Orbi: The main router and satellite unit have a more prominent and bulky appearance. Orbi devices typically have a white, tower-like design with subtle LED indicators. They also offer more Ethernet ports for wired connections, which can be helpful for power users.
- Eero: The Eero devices have a sleeker design, often resembling white, curved squares with rounded edges. They take up less space compared to the Orbi devices and can fit into smaller areas. However, Eero devices have fewer Ethernet ports, making them less suitable for those requiring multiple wired connections.
When it comes to setup, both systems offer relatively easy and user-friendly processes. They rely on smartphone apps (Netgear Orbi app or Eero app, respectively) to guide users through the installation and configuration steps. Both systems enable users to create and manage their home Wi-Fi networks, monitor connected devices, and control various settings.
Voice Integration
Both Netgear Orbi and Eero systems offer voice integration, allowing users to control their networks through popular voice assistants such as Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. This enables users to perform tasks like disabling the Wi-Fi network for specific devices, checking the network status, and getting guest network information simply by issuing voice commands.
To activate voice integration, users must connect their respective router systems to the desired voice assistant using the respective app (Netgear Orbi app or Eero app) and following the setup instructions.
In conclusion, when comparing Netgear Orbi and Eero systems in terms of design and setup, it’s evident that each system has its unique features and advantages. Netgear Orbi might be preferable for users who need more Ethernet ports and raw performance, while Eero may be a better choice for those valuing a minimalist design and seamless integration into their home decor. However, both systems offer user-friendly setup processes and voice integration capabilities, making them great options for enhancing home Wi-Fi networks.
Mesh Wi-Fi Systems Comparison
Orbi RBK50 vs Eero Pro
The Netgear Orbi RBK50 and the Eero Pro are both top choices when it comes to mesh Wi-Fi systems. While they share some similarities in terms of performance and design, there are key differences that might make one system more suitable for you than the other.
Orbi RBK50 offers:
- Coverage up to 5,000 sq. ft. with a 2-pack system
- Data transfer speeds up to 3 Gbps
- 4 Ethernet ports on the main router and satellite
- Tri-band Wi-Fi, with a dedicated backhaul channel for improved network stability
- A more extensive and customizable setup process
Eero Pro, on the other hand, provides:
- Coverage up to 3,500 sq. ft. with a 3-pack system
- Data transfer speeds up to 1 Gbps
- 2 Ethernet ports on each device
- Tri-band Wi-Fi, without a dedicated backhaul channel
- A simpler and more user-friendly setup process
Orbi RBK752 vs Eero Pro 6
Taking a step up in terms of performance and features, we find the Netgear Orbi RBK752 and the Eero Pro 6. These systems offer the latest Wi-Fi 6 technology ensuring faster data transfers, better performance with multiple devices, and increased energy efficiency.
Orbi RBK752 includes:
- Coverage up to 5,000 sq. ft. with a 2-pack system
- Data transfer speeds up to 4.2 Gbps
- 4 Ethernet ports on the main router and satellite
- Tri-band Wi-Fi, with a dedicated backhaul channel for improved network stability
- Advanced cybersecurity and parental controls through Netgear Armor
Eero Pro 6 offers:
- Coverage up to 6,000 sq. ft. with a 3-pack system
- Data transfer speeds up to 1 Gbps
- 2 Ethernet ports on each device
- Wi-Fi 6 technology for the best performance with compatible devices
- Eero Secure subscription service for extra security features and parental controls.
When choosing between Orbi and Eero mesh Wi-Fi systems, consider the size of the area you need to cover, your desired data transfer speeds, available Ethernet ports, and additional features like cybersecurity and parental controls. Both Orbi and Eero offer reliable Wi-Fi coverage; the decision will ultimately depend on your specific needs and preferences.
Additional Features
Ethernet Port Availability
Both the Netgear Orbi and the Eero systems have Ethernet ports available for wired connections. However, the Orbi generally offers more Ethernet ports than the Eero.
- Netgear Orbi: Each unit comes with multiple Ethernet ports, allowing for multiple wired connections to devices like gaming consoles or desktop computers.
- Eero: Although each Eero unit has two Gigabit Ethernet ports, it might not be enough if you have multiple devices that require wired connections.
Parental Controls
Parental controls are essential for families with children as they help to manage and control internet access for younger users.
- Netgear Orbi: The Orbi system offers robust parental control features through the Netgear Armor subscription service. This allows parents to set up internet filters, pause internet access, and monitor online activity.
- Eero: Eero also provides parental controls through the Eero Secure subscription. Users can set up profiles, filter content, and control internet usage for different family members.
Gaming Support
Gaming enthusiasts require high-speed, stable connections to experience seamless online gameplay. Both Netgear Orbi and Eero systems support gaming to varying degrees.
- Netgear Orbi: The Orbi is known for delivering higher speeds and more stable connections, making it ideal for online gaming. Additionally, more Ethernet ports mean that gaming consoles can be connected directly for better performance.
- Eero: The Eero system also supports gaming, but it might not offer the same higher speed and stability as the Orbi. However, it is still a good option for casual gamers who do not require top-notch network performance.
Alternatives to Orbi and Eero
While both Netgear Orbi and Eero offer excellent mesh Wi-Fi systems, there are a few alternative options available on the market that I’d like to briefly discuss. These options include traditional routers and TP-Link mesh systems.
Traditional Routers
A traditional router can serve as a low-cost alternative if you’re not ready to invest in a full mesh Wi-Fi system. Single routers may be sufficient for smaller homes or spaces that don’t require the extended range provided by a mesh system. Some high-quality traditional routers from reputable brands include the Asus RT-AC86U, Netgear Nighthawk R7000, and the Linksys WRT1900ACS. Keep in mind that while these may be more affordable, they don’t always provide the same coverage or user experience as a mesh Wi-Fi system.
TP-Link Mesh Systems
TP-Link offers a variety of mesh Wi-Fi systems, such as their Deco line of products, which can be another alternative to Orbi and Eero systems. Some popular TP-Link mesh systems include:
- Deco X20: Offers Wi-Fi 6 support, coverage up to 5,800 sq.ft., and speeds up to 1800 Mbps. This makes it suitable for medium-sized homes.
- Deco M9 Plus: A tri-band mesh system that offers coverage up to 6,500 sq.ft. and speeds up to 2134 Mbps. This system also functions as a smart home hub, compatible with Zigbee, and Bluetooth devices.
- Deco M5: Provides coverage for up to 5,500 sq.ft. and speeds up to 1300 Mbps. A good option for those on a tighter budget.
TP-Link Deco mesh systems tend to be user-friendly and offer features like parental controls, antivirus protection, and easy setup through the TP-Link Deco app.
In conclusion, while Netgear Orbi and Eero are popular choices for mesh Wi-Fi systems, it’s worth considering traditional routers or other alternatives like TP-Link mesh systems based on your specific needs and budget.
Verdict
When deciding between the Netgear Orbi and the Amazon Eero, there are a few factors to consider based on what you prioritize in a Wi-Fi system.
In terms of performance, the Netgear Orbi offers stronger Wi-Fi coverage and higher speeds. According to Ultimate Guide’s results, the Orbi surpasses Eero in terms of area coverage and daisy-chaining capabilities. Additionally, the Orbi has more ethernet ports for those who require a wired connection.
On the other hand, Eero, an Amazon product, presents a sleeker and more aesthetically pleasing design. This may be a factor for those who want a Wi-Fi system that blends in seamlessly with their home decor.
Here are some key points to note:
- Netgear Orbi:
- Higher speeds
- Greater area coverage
- Daisy-chaining capability
- More ethernet ports
- Amazon Eero
- Sleeker design
- Integrates well with home decor
In the end, the choice between Netgear Orbi and Amazon Eero comes down to your individual needs and preferences. If you prioritize performance and speed, then the Orbi might be the better choice for you. However, if design and aesthetics are primary factors for you, the Eero could be the ideal solution.
Remember to assess your specific requirements before making a decision to ensure that you select the Wi-Fi system that best caters to your needs.
Mark is a tech-obsessed serial entrepreneur who also enjoys reading and writing. He has a strong urge to keep learning and talking about technology, which led him to become an author. Mark has co-founded two successful startups, one of which was acquired in 2018.
