Netgear Orbi vs Eero
Wifi routers have become some of the most important devices in our homes. Previously, it was enough just having one but now, we strive for better speeds, more coverage, more stability in the signal, and more features.
Everyone is looking for the best long-range wifi routers that come with great features and don’t break the bank. Luckily, we’ve reviewed two amazing options that you will most likely be glad to have a look at. Let’s review the Netgear Orbi vs Eero and find out which one will be perfect for you.
Netgear Orbi
Design
We won’t waste too much time on design, as it’s significantly less important than features, software, and other factors. Both of the devices feature modern design characteristics, with sleek bodies, and elegant appeals.
The Netgear Orbi is a bit bigger than the Eero. It’s also quite easier to accidentally knock it off the table as it stands upright. It’s definitely not as stable as the Eero in terms of design. On the other hand, Orbi looks stunning wherever you place it and takes up very little space on any surface. It looks even more attractive when you pair it with the satellites.
Netgear Orbi Size: Length 6.4, Width 3.1, Height 8 in.
These two devices are great examples of why mesh wifi is great and explain a lot when it comes to comparing mesh wifi vs router and extender wifi devices. Here, you will find out how each performs compared to the other. This will help you decide which features matter to you and what will come in handy most.
Performance & Features
The Netgear Orbi is known for the high-speed wifi it can provide, the wide area of coverage, and many other rewarding benefits. It’s some of the most quality wifi you will ever have the pleasure of experiencing.
The standard unit package (2 units) that is available covers areas close to 5000 sq. ft. Thanks to this, it’s rare to see someone buying any additional units unless necessary. Combine this with the extremely fast internet speeds, and you have a very reliable device that will be more than enough for years to come.
Netgear Orbi is compatible with most of the major providers, including Comcast AT&T, Verizon, Optimum, Spectrum, Cox, and more. Aside from great compatibility, it’s also one of the most versatile devices of the sort. It provides amazing benefits like easy installation for non-technical users but it can also allow those who know what they’re doing to have total control of every single feature that Orbi has in its arsenal.
Netgear Orbi Specs
- Memory: 4GB Flash & 512MB RAM
- WiFi Coverage: 5000 sq. ft.
- Tri-Band
- 6 High-Performance Internal Antennas
- 4 Gigabit Ethernet Ports
- FastLane3 Technology
Speed
If your internet provider supports it, both these devices can allow high-speed wifi that will be more than enough for everyday use. Here is what both the Netgear Orbi and Eero can offer and how they compare.
Given that this is the more expensive option in this comparison, it’s only natural that the Netgear Orbi has more juice and is capable of supporting internet speeds up to 2.400 Mbps. That does sound amazing but it’s also important that these theoretical internet speeds don’t usually match when it comes to real-world use. However, even if it’s less than that when you put it to use, more than 2.000 Mbps is still way more than anyone needs for everyday, even office, use.
Eero
Design
At first glance, the Eero looks like a small TV smart box that sits nicely under your TV. It’s also a small device that doesn’t take up much space at all. It’s harder to bump into this one or break it, as its design makes it more stable than the Orbi. It’s definitely more plain in design than the Netgear Orbi, but let’s see how it compares where it really counts.
Eero Size: Length 3.86, Width 3.86, Height 2.36 in.
Performance & Features
There are a few areas where the Eero might feel underwhelming compared to the Orbi. However, keep in mind that is a less expensive device and that there are a few categories in which it thrives.
When it comes to WiFi coverage, one of the most important things for everyone, the standard package that includes 1 router and 1 beacon covers around 2000 sq. ft. One additional beacon will get you around 1000 sq. ft. more, adding up to a total of 3000 sq. ft. in coverage. The last, and largest, package that is offered includes 3 Eero routers, adding up to 3500 sq. ft. of wifi coverage.
It can’t catch up as easily to the Orbi but it’s a better option if you have a smaller home. On the other hand, you can still combine the routers with the beacons and achieve up to 5000 sq. ft. of wifi coverage with ease.
Nevertheless, it’s still an amazing device that is probably the easiest to install than any other. It comes with a convenient and easy-to-use app that has proved to be better than the Orbi app. It makes it that much easier to install and set up. Eero is also compatible with the same internet providers we mentioned above, and many more in addition. On top of all that, it features built-in Bluetooth, allowing you to sync all of your mobile devices instantly.
Eero Specs
- Memory: 1GB Flash & 512MB RAM
- WiFi Coverage: up to 5000 sq. ft.
- Dual-Band (2.4GHz & 5GHz)
- 700 MHz Quad-Core Processor
- 2 Auto-Sensing Gigabit Ports
Speed
The Eero provides much lower speeds than the Netgear Orbi even as a three-pack system combine with the beacons. Eero features dual-band wifi radios and 2×2 MU-MIMO, beamforming technology. It can’t really support speeds higher than 900 Mbps, and it will do its best at no higher than 550 Mbps when it comes to the Eero Pro 3-pack. The standard Eero mesh WiFi system is perfect for users who have internet packets up to 350 Mbps.