While having a single router is still a legit option, there are already better solutions for people who are dealing with dead spots, unreliable connections, and slow speeds of their home Wi-Fi network.
Known as mesh Wi-Fi, these systems consist of the main router and one or more access points (called satellites) that work together in order to cover your entire house with Wi-Fi. As a result, you get a stronger, more stable, and faster internet connection.
The Netgear Orbi, Linksys Velop, and Google WiFi are the best in the class products, each one had a simple setup, but if you want to go beyond the basics, there are differences you should know.
Affiliate links: Clicking the device names, images or check price buttons will redirect you to the product listing on the appropriate Amazon.com (.co.uk, .de, etc.) / Image courtesy of Amazon
Let’s take a closer look at the differences in our comparison article to help you decide which is best for you.
Netgear Orbi vs Linksys Velop vs Google WiFi: Comparision
Netgear Orbi RBK50
Orbi RBK50 Features:
- Tri-band WiFi technology (AC3000)
- Combined WiFi speed: 3,0Gbps
- Area coverage 5,000 sq. feet
- MU-MIMO technology and Beamforming
- Orbi app
- NETGEAR Armor
- Parental controls
- Alexa and Google Assistant integration
While Netgear already introduced more than 6 models of Orbi, each model is slightly different, in this short review, we will be speaking about the most popular model Orbi RBK50. This kit consists of the main router and a single satellite. These two units are communicating via a dedicated 1,733Mbps 802.11ac 5GHz network and can cover an area up to 5,000 sq. feet.
The Orbi system is operating on a simple basis. You plug the router into your modem (via its Ethernet WAN port), and you place the second satellite in the middle of your home to extend the coverage. These units come pre-paired, so all you have to do is connect the router to your internet connection, then place the satellite somewhere in your home and power it on.
Thanks to colored LEDs on the satellite, you can see the strength of your network – blue (good), amber (fair), and pulsing magenta (no connection).
Overall, the mesh Wi-Fi systems are the future in home networking and Netgear Orbi is of the best systems that deliver powerful and stable Wi-Fi to our entire house.
[su_button url=”https://amzn.to/322m2GW” target=”blank” background=”#1d73be” color=”#ffffff” size=”9″ wide=”no” radius=”0″ rel=”nofollow”]View on Amazon[/su_button]
Linksys Velop AC2200
Linksys Velop Features:
- Tri-band WiFi technology (AC2200)
- Combined WiFi speed: 2,2Gbps
- Area coverage 4,000 sq. feet
- MU-MIMO technology and Beamforming
- Linksys app
- Linksys Shield
- Parental controls
- Voice controls
Linksys Velop is a mesh Wi-Fi system that, like the Netgear Orbi, uses several satellites that work together to extend the range of your Wi-Fi signal.
This kit is offering a tri-band router with theoretical speed up to 2.2Gbps (867 + 867 + 400 megabits, AC2200) and one satellite that uses a 5GHz band to communicate with the main router with the max. speed of 867Mbps. Each satellite increases the Wi-Fi range (2,000 sq. ft.), so if you need to expand your network, just add more of them. They can be bought individually.
As you can see, Linksys Velop doesn’t break any speed records but is still a great solution for non-tech-users who live in larger than average homes (up to 4,000 square feet) and don’t have too many connected devices. Good enough for standard daily networking.
Although a little bit pricey, it has some interesting features like voice commands or Linksys Shield for better control of your network and family.
[su_button url=”https://amzn.to/346uve2″ target=”blank” background=”#1d73be” color=”#ffffff” size=”9″ wide=”no” radius=”0″ rel=”nofollow”]View on Amazon[/su_button]
Google WiFi
Google WiFi Features:
- Dual-band WiFi technology (AC1200)
- Combined WiFi Speed: 1,2Gbps
- Area coverage 4,500 sq. feet
- Network Assist
- Parental controls
It is affordable, has excellent range, fast, stable performance, and is very easy to set up. Just a few reasons why Google WiFi is the king of mesh Wi-Fi systems.
For the pack of 3 units, one router, and two satellites, you will pay much less than for Linksys Velop or Netgear Orbi. The great on these satellites is their discreet design and a relatively long Wi-Fi area coverage of 1,500 square feet. Google promises that the pack of 3 units can cover up to 4,500 square feet in a home.
Is Google WiFi perfect? No, there are few downsides to this model. Firstly, this is only a dual-band router with 802.11ac AC1200 wireless standard, with up to 1200Gbps Wi-Fi speed. Enough power for most apartments, but in the near future, with more connected devices, there should be at least an AC2200 version.
The second disadvantage is just theoretical, but still in the air. It´s Google, you know what it means – it can collect data.
The best routers are designed to handle the heavy load from multiple devices at the same time, and Google WiFi does it without any issue.
Unless you’re doing heavy networking over a wireless connection, Google WiFi gets you tons of performance and more individual nodes to expand your networking range.
[su_button url=”https://amzn.to/3aTmnm5″ target=”blank” background=”#1d73be” color=”#ffffff” size=”9″ wide=”no” radius=”0″ rel=”nofollow”]View on Amazon[/su_button]
Conclusion
While the Linksys Velop and Netgear Orbi are still excellent choices, when comparing Velop Vs Orbi and Google WiFi, we are on the side of Google WiFi. It´s great for people who want to taste the power of the mesh Wi-Fi system. It is affordable, has excellent range, fast, stable performance, and is very easy to set up.
You Might Also Like
Nechstar has affiliate partnerships (including Amazon). These do not influence editorial content, though Nechstar may earn commissions for products purchased via affiliate links. For more information, see our ethics policy. Please note, if we mention a price, discount or a special deal, this was valid at the time of posting the article. Since then, prices have probably changed.
