Welcome to our comprehensive comparison of two popular mesh WiFi systems, Orbi and Eero.
If you’re in the market for a new mesh WiFi system, you’ve come to the right place.
In this article, we’ll delve into the performance and features of these systems, helping you make an informed decision for your home connectivity needs.
When it comes to choosing the best mesh WiFi system, there are several factors to consider, such as ease of setup, app functionality, band steering, seamless roaming, and more.
Follow along as we explore the key features and compare their performance head-to-head. Let’s get started!
Easy Setup Comparison
When it comes to setting up a mesh WiFi system, ease and convenience are key factors.
In a comparison conducted by Allion Labs, the setup process for mesh WiFi systems like Orbi and Eero was found to be generally easier and less time-consuming than traditional wireless access points.
So, how do these systems stack up in terms of setup time?
The study evaluated the setup time for each system, and the results revealed that the eero Pro Wi-Fi System had the fastest setup time, taking only 30 seconds for 1 access point and 3 minutes and 9 seconds for all 3 access points.
On the other hand, the Asus Lyra MAP-AC2200 took the longest time for connection pairing.
| Mesh WiFi System | Setup Time for 1 AP | Setup Time for 3 APs |
|---|---|---|
| Eero Pro Wi-Fi System | 30 seconds | 3 minutes and 9 seconds |
| Netgear Orbi RBK50 | Not available | Not available |
| Asus Lyra MAP-AC2200 | 1 minute and 40 seconds | 12 minutes and 39 seconds |
Please note that the setup time for the Netgear Orbi RBK50 was not available in the study, but it’s worth mentioning that Orbi is also known for its user-friendly setup process.
Summary
- The eero Pro Wi-Fi System had the fastest setup time, taking only 30 seconds for 1 access point and 3 minutes and 9 seconds for all 3 access points.
- The Asus Lyra MAP-AC2200 took the longest time for connection pairing, with 1 minute and 40 seconds for 1 access point and 12 minutes and 39 seconds for all 3 access points.
- Netgear Orbi RBK50’s setup time was not available in the study, but it is known for its user-friendly setup process.
App Function Comparison
In this section, we will compare the app functions of the mesh WiFi systems analyzed in the study.
The availability and diversity of app features play a crucial role in controlling and customizing access point settings.
Let’s take a closer look at the exclusive app functions of the Orbi RBK50, eero Pro Wi-Fi System, and Asus Lyra MAP-AC2200.
Netgear Orbi RBK50
The Netgear Orbi RBK50 offers a user-friendly app that allows you to easily manage and monitor your network.
With the app, you can set up parental controls, create guest networks, and perform speed tests.
Additionally, the app provides advanced features such as device prioritization and traffic metering.
These functions give you more control over your network and ensure a seamless browsing experience.
eero Pro Wi-Fi System
The eero Pro Wi-Fi System also provides an exclusive app with a range of useful features.
With the app, you can easily set up and optimize your network, monitor internet speed, and manage connected devices.
The app also offers advanced security features, such as ad blocking and content filtering, to keep your network safe and secure.
Overall, the eero app provides a user-friendly interface and comprehensive functionality.
Asus Lyra MAP-AC2200
The Asus Lyra MAP-AC2200 stands out in terms of app functionality, offering a wide range of options for controlling and customizing your network.
The app allows you to set up parental controls, manage connected devices, and optimize network performance.
Additionally, it provides advanced features like QoS (Quality of Service) prioritization and AiProtection Pro, which offers enhanced security against online threats.
The extensive app functions of the Asus Lyra MAP-AC2200 make it a versatile choice for users who require more customization options.
Overall, all the mesh WiFi systems compared in the study provide exclusive apps with useful features for controlling and managing network settings.
While the Netgear Orbi RBK50 and eero Pro Wi-Fi System offer a range of functionalities, the Asus Lyra MAP-AC2200 stands out for its diverse options.
Depending on your specific needs and preferences, you can choose the mesh WiFi system that provides the app functions that best suit your requirements.
Band Steering Comparison
Band steering plays a crucial role in ensuring a fast and reliable wireless network connection.
In this section, we will compare the band steering capabilities of three popular mesh WiFi systems: Orbi, Eero, and Asus Lyra MAP-AC2200.
The focus will be on how well these systems steer devices to the 5GHz frequency band while minimizing wireless interference.
Table 1 provides an overview of the band steering performance of each system:
| Mesh WiFi System | Band Steering | Interference Reduction |
|---|---|---|
| Orbi | Successful steering to 5GHz band | Effective reduction of wireless interference |
| Eero | Successful steering to 5GHz band | Effective reduction of wireless interference |
| Asus Lyra MAP-AC2200 | Successful steering to 5GHz band | Effective reduction of wireless interference |
As shown in Table 1, all three mesh WiFi systems successfully steer devices to the 5GHz frequency band, resulting in better wireless network performance.
Additionally, these systems effectively reduce wireless interference, ensuring a more stable and reliable connection.
Seamless Roaming Comparison
Seamless roaming is a crucial feature of mesh WiFi systems, ensuring a stable and uninterrupted connection as you move between access points in your home.
To evaluate the seamless roaming capabilities of the Orbi, Eero, and Asus Lyra mesh WiFi systems, a series of tests were conducted using seven different validation methods.
All three systems performed relatively well in the tests, demonstrating their ability to maintain a stable connection during roaming.
However, it’s worth noting that during a Skype video call test, the Asus Lyra MAP-AC2200 experienced disconnections.
This suggests that the system may have occasional issues with seamless roaming in certain scenarios.
On the other hand, the Netgear Orbi RBK50 showed the best performance in terms of ping loss, with a rate of only 1% in the Ping Loss test.
This indicates that the Orbi system is highly efficient in maintaining a consistent connection without significant disruptions or delays.
Seamless Roaming Comparison Table
| Mesh WiFi System | Seamless Roaming Performance | Ping Loss Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Orbi RBK50 | Relatively smooth roaming experience | 1% |
| Eero Pro Wi-Fi System | Good overall roaming performance | Not available |
| Asus Lyra MAP-AC2200 | Occasional disconnections during specific tests | Not available |
Overall, while all three mesh WiFi systems offer seamless roaming capabilities, the Netgear Orbi RBK50 stands out for its excellent performance and minimal ping loss.
If you prioritize a seamless and uninterrupted connection as you move around your home, the Orbi system may be the ideal choice for you.
Selecting the Right Mesh WiFi System
When choosing a mesh WiFi system, it is important to consider various factors to ensure that you select the right one for your needs.
Two key considerations are signal coverage and wireless network transmission speed.
Let’s take a closer look at these factors and how they impact your decision-making process.
Signal Coverage
Signal coverage refers to the range and strength of the WiFi signal provided by the mesh system.
This is influenced by factors such as the number of access points (APs) and their placement within your home.
If you have a large home or need to cover multiple floors, it is important to choose a system that offers optimal coverage with a minimal number of APs.
Based on our analysis, the Netgear Orbi RBK50 is a suitable choice for users prioritizing signal coverage.
With only two access points, it offers impressive coverage and minimizes dead zones in your home.
This is especially beneficial for larger homes or those with thick walls that can interfere with WiFi signals.
On the other hand, if you have a smaller home or a more compact layout, other options may offer sufficient coverage with fewer APs.
Wireless Network Transmission Speed
Wireless network transmission speed is another crucial factor to consider when selecting a mesh WiFi system.
This determines how quickly data is transmitted and received across your network, impacting the overall performance of your internet connection.
Faster transmission speeds can result in smoother streaming, faster downloads, and a better overall internet experience.
Our analysis shows that the Netgear Orbi RBK50 excels in terms of wireless network transmission speed in strong to moderate signal areas.
It offers impressive speeds and delivers a high-performance WiFi experience.
However, it is worth noting that different systems may perform better in weaker signal areas, so if you have areas of your home with weaker signals, it may be worth considering alternate options.
| Mesh WiFi System | Signal Coverage | Wireless Network Transmission Speed |
|---|---|---|
| Netgear Orbi RBK50 | Excellent | Outstanding in strong to moderate areas |
| Asus Lyra MAP-AC2200 | Varies depending on deployment | Good in weaker signal areas |
| eero Pro Wi-Fi System | Varies depending on deployment | Varies depending on signal strength |
Remember, choosing the right mesh WiFi system ultimately depends on your specific needs and priorities.
Consider factors such as the size and layout of your home, the number of devices connected to your network, and your desired internet performance.
By carefully evaluating these factors, you can confidently select the mesh WiFi system that best suits your requirements.
Comparison of Basic Specifications
When comparing the basic specifications of Orbi and Eero mesh WiFi systems, it is observed that the specifications are generally similar.
However, the Netgear Orbi RBK50 stands out with its 3×3 feature, which refers to the number of antennae.
Additionally, both the Orbi RBK50 and Asus Lyra MAP-AC2200 have the signal strength detection function, which provides users with a reference when setting up the mesh WiFi system.
| Specification | Netgear Orbi RBK50 | Eero Pro Wi-Fi System |
|---|---|---|
| Antennae | 3×3 | 2×2 |
| Signal Strength Detection | Yes | No |
| Processor | Quad-core 710MHz | Quad-core 700MHz |
| Memory | 256MB RAM, 4GB Flash | 512MB RAM, 4GB Flash |
| Wireless Speed | AC3000 | AC2200 |
| Ethernet Ports | 4 | 2 |
The table above provides a summary of the specifications for both the Netgear Orbi RBK50 and Eero Pro Wi-Fi System.
While the Orbi RBK50 has a higher number of antennae and additional features such as signal strength detection, the Eero Pro Wi-Fi System offers a slightly faster wireless speed.
It’s important to consider these specifications when choosing the right mesh WiFi system for your home.
Although the specifications play a crucial role in determining the performance of mesh WiFi systems, it is also essential to evaluate other factors such as ease of setup, app functions, band steering, and seamless roaming.
By considering all these aspects, you can make an informed decision that meets your specific connectivity needs and preferences.
Heat Map Wireless Signal Coverage Comparison
In a Heat Map wireless signal measurement comparison conducted by Allion Labs, the Netgear Orbi RBK50 system exhibited better signal coverage on the 5GHz frequency band compared to Asus Lyra MAP-AC2200 and eero Pro Wi-Fi System.
The placement of a second access point for Netgear Orbi RBK50 resulted in minimal no-signal corners and maintained good signal quality in most regions.
However, both Asus Lyra MAP-AC2200 and eero Pro Wi-Fi System still experienced areas with insufficient signal coverage even after the deployment of a second access point.
Wireless signal coverage is a crucial factor when considering a mesh WiFi system, as it determines the range and strength of the WiFi signal throughout your home.
The heat map analysis allows for a visual representation of the signal coverage, with different colors indicating the signal strength – green for strong, yellow for moderate, and red for weak.
Based on the heat map comparison, the Netgear Orbi RBK50 system offers superior coverage, especially in large homes or areas with multiple floors.
The optimized placement of two access points ensures better signal distribution and minimizes dead zones.
On the other hand, both the Asus Lyra MAP-AC2200 and eero Pro Wi-Fi System may struggle to provide sufficient signal coverage in certain areas, even with the addition of a second access point.
Summary:
- The Netgear Orbi RBK50 system outperforms the Asus Lyra MAP-AC2200 and eero Pro Wi-Fi System in terms of signal coverage.
- Deploying a second access point improves coverage for all systems, but the Orbi RBK50 maintains the best overall signal quality.
- Signal coverage is a critical consideration when selecting a mesh WiFi system, especially for larger homes or areas with multiple floors.
| Mesh WiFi System | Signal Coverage | Signal Quality |
|---|---|---|
| Netgear Orbi RBK50 | Superior | Excellent |
| Asus Lyra MAP-AC2200 | Insufficient in some areas | Inconsistent |
| eero Pro Wi-Fi System | Insufficient in some areas | Inconsistent |
Performance: Transmission Speed Comparison
To determine the transmission speed of the Orbi, Asus Lyra, and eero Pro mesh WiFi systems, a comprehensive comparison was conducted.
The goal was to evaluate how each system performed in terms of signal strength in strong, moderate, and weak areas.
This analysis provides valuable insights into the performance of these popular mesh WiFi systems.
The results of the transmission speed comparison revealed interesting findings.
When the signal strength was strong to moderate, the Netgear Orbi RBK50 exhibited the most outstanding performance in terms of transmission speed.
On the other hand, Asus Lyra MAP-AC2200 performed better in weaker signal areas.
These differences in performance highlight the impact of signal strength and environmental factors on the overall speed of the WiFi network.
It’s important to note that transmission speed is a critical factor for many users, especially those who engage in bandwidth-intensive activities such as streaming high-definition content or online gaming.
Understanding the performance of different mesh WiFi systems can help users make informed decisions when selecting the best option for their specific needs.
| Mesh WiFi System | Transmission Speed in Strong Areas | Transmission Speed in Moderate Areas | Transmission Speed in Weak Areas |
|---|---|---|---|
| Netgear Orbi RBK50 | High | High | Moderate |
| Asus Lyra MAP-AC2200 | Moderate | Moderate | High |
| eero Pro Wi-Fi System | Moderate | Moderate | Moderate |
Decoding Orbi’s Ridiculous Naming Scheme
The Orbi product line from Netgear features a confusing array of model names and variations, making it challenging for consumers to decipher their differences.
Understanding the naming scheme is crucial when selecting the appropriate Orbi model for your specific needs.
To begin with, the flagship model of the Orbi series is the RB850.
This particular model is known for its exceptional performance and advanced features.
It is designed to cater to the demands of larger homes, providing optimal WiFi coverage and high-speed connectivity throughout the entire space.
In addition to the RB850, there are other Orbi models and variations available, each with its own unique characteristics.
These include models with a built-in cable modem, LTE modem, or even a smart speaker.
It’s important to carefully analyze your requirements and consider which features are essential for your home network setup.
| Orbi Model | Description |
|---|---|
| RB850 | Flagship model, excellent performance, ideal for larger homes |
| RBK852 | Best option for larger homes, extended coverage with multiple units |
| RBK53 | Comes with one router and two satellites, suitable for medium-sized homes |
| RBK33 | Offers router and satellite combo for smaller homes or apartments |
When considering the Orbi product line, it’s recommended to consult with a professional or refer to Netgear’s official website for a detailed breakdown of each model’s specifications and capabilities.
Understanding the naming scheme will help you make an informed decision and ensure that you choose the most suitable Orbi model for your home network.
Orbi RB850 Hardware: Big and Beefy
The Orbi RB850 hardware is a standout in terms of its size and construction.
It features a robust design with a mix of silver and white colors, adorned by large white panels on the front and back.
The RB850 units are noticeably substantial, so keep in mind that they may require ample space for placement in your home or office.
The specifications of the Orbi RB850 are equally impressive.
It boasts AX6000 tri-band radios, providing robust and high-performance WiFi coverage for large areas.
The eight internal antennas ensure a strong and stable signal throughout your space.
The RB850 is powered by a quad-core 2.2 GHz processor, ensuring smooth and efficient operation even with heavy network traffic.
With ample RAM and storage, the RB850 is designed to handle demanding networking tasks effortlessly.
The dimensions of the Orbi RB850 are as follows:
| Height | Width | Depth | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7.5 inches | 9.8 inches | 7.8 inches | 5.2 lbs |
The Orbi RB850 hardware sets the stage for high-performance WiFi coverage in large areas.
Its robust construction and impressive specifications make it an ideal choice for those seeking a powerful and reliable mesh WiFi system.
Specifications at a Glance:
- AX6000 tri-band radios
- 8 internal antennas
- Quad-core 2.2 GHz processor
- Ample RAM and storage
Conclusion
After careful analysis of the performance, features, and specifications of the Orbi and Eero mesh WiFi systems, you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs and preferences.
Both systems have their strengths and weaknesses, so let’s summarize:
Netgear Orbi RBK50:
If signal coverage and wireless network transmission speed are your top priorities, the Orbi RBK50 is an excellent choice.
With its outstanding performance and the requirement of only two access points for optimal coverage, it offers a reliable and fast WiFi experience.
Asus Lyra MAP-AC2200:
If app functionality is crucial to you, the Asus Lyra MAP-AC2200 provides a wide range of options.
Although it offers slightly less signal coverage compared to the Orbi RBK50, its diverse app functions make it a compelling choice for those who value customization.
Eero Pro Wi-Fi System:
For users who prioritize easy setup and a user-friendly experience, the eero Pro Wi-Fi System is a solid option.
With its straightforward installation process and intuitive interface, it ensures a hassle-free WiFi setup.
Ultimately, the best home WiFi system for you depends on your unique requirements.
Consider factors such as signal coverage, app functionality, and ease of setup when making your decision.
By selecting the system that aligns with your needs, you can enjoy a seamless and reliable WiFi experience in your home.
