Linksys Velop vs Netgear Orbi 2021: Which Wi-Fi Mesh System Should You Buy?
Are you using a Linksys Velop or Netgear Orbi Wi-Fi mesh system? It may interest you to know which has more satisfying features when surfing the internet from any zone.
We’re living in a world of speed, where everything should be done timely. No one wants to speed too fast when driving safely. But everyone will like to browse at the speed of light on the internet.
This article explores the exceptional operations of the above Wi-Fi systems and suggests the system that will provide greater delight. Linksys Velop and Netgear Orbi Wi-Fi mesh systems are two durable and movable Wi-Fi devices developed to provide you efficient access to the internet.
However, both Wi-Fi systems have their differences. Though both Wi-Fi systems are designed to operate very fast and to cover a good distance when used in the home or any given environment such an office.
But the question of how far they can include, their unique features, and the cost will guide your decisions in making a choice to buy that which will provide you with more satisfaction.
Also, Read TP-Link Deco M5 vs. Google WiFi
What is Wireless Mesh Network?
A wireless mesh network is an interconnection among devices or nodes designed for transmission of data through a wireless ad hoc network. It usually consists of mesh clients (cell phones, laptops, and other wireless devices), mesh routers and gateways.
How does It work?
As the name implies, it’s technically structured to function in a more advanced way compared to wired networks. A wireless mesh network operates in the following order:
- A node will have to be wired to the internet
- The wired node distributes the internet connection to wireless nodes.
- The network creates a cloud for more nodes to join the chain and boost the internet connection to become faster and stronger unlike a typical wired system
The system works as a self-form and self-heal network which continues to share information and connects to other devices despite a failure in one of the nodes.
1. Linksys Velop AC2200 Tri-band Whole Home WiFi Intelligent Mesh System
Maximize Your Wi-Fi Range and Speed for Whole Home Coverage
The Linksys Velop AC200 Tri-band Home Wi-Fi Mesh System provides its users the opportunity to explore unique features: a standard 3-pack, easy set-up of an account, and a great distance of 6000 square feet to cover in total, saving you the stress of moving around in search of internet connection.
This system can also be linked to an automated voice command, e.g. Amazon Alexa, which enables you to control your device from a different location. Another essential property of the system is the ability to block another device or website and sets time limit when used through the Linksys App.
2. NETGEAR Orbi Ultra-Performance Whole Home Mesh WiFi System
Upgrading Not Just Your Internet but Your Home
NETGEAR Orbi Ultra-Performance Whole Home Mesh Wi-Fi System (RBK50) provides users with a standard pack of 2 Orbi pods with each covering up to 2500 square feet of space in a given area.
The Orbi pods are strategically placed in the home or office for internet access. The set-up process is straightforward to configure because you don’t need to open an account, before successfully making use of its services.
The size of your home or office will determine if you will need more or fewer pods since they are placed at dead zones (the boundary where the connection range stops).
Similarities Between Linksys Velop and Netgear Orbi Wi-Fi System
Earlier in this article, we discuss how durable and efficient both systems operate. Now is time to point out to you what exact features are shared or alike. It’s okay to use a simile: “Velop is like Netgear”, considering the following features.
Smart Home Integration
Did I mention that Orbi can also work with Amazon’s Alexa like Linksys? Trust me when say both systems can integrate with that pleasing sound of the automated voice command from a different area within the internet connection axis.
Device Prioritization
This feature allows both Wi-Fi systems make a particular device a priority to generate an excellent internet connection power. It functions in such a way that it diverts stronger signals to the prioritized devices on the list.
External Access Control
What if I tell you that both systems cannot just restrict other devices, but they also grant access by creating a temporary network.
Linksys Velop vs Netgear Orbi Wi-Fi System: Comparisons
Both Wi-Fi systems are specially designed to provide you with great satisfaction when connecting to the internet. So, knowing their differences will be an eye-opener to get you sorted out which to spend some dollars for. I’ve spared you the stress by drafting eight factors that make it easier.
Design
Let’s talk about their designs; I mean how they look and how they work too.
Linksys Velop
The nodes possess identical resemblance (rectangular and white); whereby any of them can be used as the main router to connect others. The primary router has two Ethernet ports which are designed for a modem and LAN connections (when needed for a wired connecting node/device)
Netgear Orbi
On the other hand, Netgear Orbi looks a bit flat and comes in white too. It has four Ethernet ports: one for a modem connection and three for a LAN or other device direct connections.
Performance
The performance of both systems is essential here:
Linksys Velop
Velop is designed to operate with a tri-band device in transmitting data. One is made up of 2.4GHz, and the other two are 5GHz equally. That will sum up 7.4GHz to boost a speculated speed of 1276Mbps. A Velop’s main router has the innate ability to select which band to receive data from based on each performance.
Netgear Orbi
Orbi also has three bands with the same megahertz distributions above. Unlike a Velop, Orbi has a band channeled to an Ethernet backhaul which can generate about 1722Mbps of speed.
Main Features
Remember I talked about both systems having similar features such as external access control? However, controls are executed differently. Velop’s method to block or restrict devices or websites is conventional. Orbi’s way is traditional, but also has a great system of limiting the number of nodes in the network chain.
Specification (Hardware)
Having discussed their designs, the hardware of both Wi-Fi systems are designed differently as well. Velop hardware comes with vent holes and LEDs that report connections status.
Moving to Orbi, the hardware is design with a standard router and satellite. The primary router reports the status of the network.
Wi-Fi Range
Netgear Orbi area coverage ranges from 5000, 7000, 10000 square feet of space (2-pack, 3-pack, and 4-pack respectively) and increases depending on the number of packs involve. In the case of the Linksys Velop system, area coverage ranges from 2000, 4000, 6000 square feet of space (1-pack, 2-pack, and 3-pack respectively).
Also, Read Top-Listed Wireless Routers For Long Range
Connectivity
Both products make use of a mesh network with stable connectivity. For Velop, effective connectivity is best experienced when the nodes are three in number; an additional node may affect performance negatively. Since Orbi uses satellite, there are high chances of having poor connectivity when experiencing a harsh breeze.
Installation & Interface
Installation and interface processes for both Wi-Fi mesh systems are easy to set-up. But one cannot successfully make use of Velop Wi-Fi without opening a valid account for the purchased model. Unlike Velop, one can go on to enjoy fast and efficient internet connection after executing an extremely easy installation.
Price
The price factor may influence your decision in buying any of the two Wi-Fi mesh networks. Velop is available at the rate of $379.91, while Orbi at about $298.86 on Amazon. However, Orbi works with a standard satellite which increases the cost of price, and management during snowy or rainy periods.
Linksys Velop vs Netgear Orbi Wifi System: Likes and Dislikes
Linksys Velop: Likes
- It’s easy to set up.
- It has a stylish minimal footprint.
- It allows users to use voice command.
- It can be remotely controlled from anywhere on the internet.
- The design is attractive.
- The device is portable and mobile.
Linksys Velop: Dislikes
- No web-based management
- Each band is limited to 2000 feet.
- Nodes beyond three affect connectivity negatively
- The price is higher compared to similar Wi-Fi systems.
- Wi-Fi systems cannot be mounted on walls.
- Lacks anti-virus protection feature
Netgear Orbi: Likes
- Wi-Fi area coverage can extend to 1000 square feet.
- More ideal large areas.
- More Ethernet ports for LAN and other device connection.
- A band channeled to an Ethernet backhaul can generate about 1722Mbps of speed.
- The device can be mounted on the wall
- Faster speed experience
Netgear Orbi: Dislikes
- Lacks a smartphone app to access settings and set-up
- Mesh routers with the addition of satellite are expensive
- No in-built ISP modem
- Satellite increases cost of management such as buying a waterproof cover for effective maintenance
- Lacks the ability to identify the nodes transmitting data
- Lacks balance due to its almost flat shape and size
Velop vs Netgear Orbi: So, Which One Should You Buy?
After thorough research comparing both systems, Linksys Velop and Netgear Orbi prove to be effective and efficient systems for home or office use. However, the features of Netgear Orbi provide higher speed performance compared to Linksys Velop.Considering the cost of purchasing a Netgear Orbi system may discourage one to settle for Linksys Velop. But going for quality is better than going for quantity. Netgear Orbi system is faster than Linksys Velop. Thus it offers a user great satisfaction when making use of its services.