Amplifi vs. Orbi- Which is the better option?
Two of the most popular and well-trusted routers in the market are Amplifi and Orbi. Here is a look at what they both have going on for them to find out which one reigns supreme.
In the networking world, one of the most important devices you can buy is a router. A premium quality router can save you a whole load of trouble. While the technical specs of routers can be a bit hard for pros and novices to understand, settling on the best router is not something you can pass on.
This article is an overview of Amplifi and Orbi that are two of the best router brands. In your quest for finding a router device, you might have to choose between Amplifi and Orbi as they are both popular and highly reviewed in the market. Beyond customer testimonials, there is need to analyze these router brands to find out what they each have working for them.
Table of Contents
What are the differences between Amplifi and Orbi?
Model |
Amplifi |
Orbi |
Production |
Mostly mesh networking |
Mostly mesh (whole home) systems |
Accessories |
Amplifi app and web interface |
Web interface and Orbi mobile app |
Reliability |
Offers decent coverage for short and long range |
Offers better signal coverage for short range especially |
Amplifi vs. Orbi – A look at how they differ
Performance
Orbi routers are mainly mesh networking systems that come all spruced up for an enhanced experience. For instance, the Netgear Orbi Pro can offer up to 10,000 square feet coverage with all the nodes connected. This eliminates the need of any range/Wi-Fi extenders. Other advanced features that make Orbi routers high performance includes its Orbi app and the security set-up. Orbi routers work with the Orbi app that make the installation process a breeze. The app also acts as an interface to additional accessories like parental control options and device usage prioritization. All these together enhance the overall performance you get with Orbi.
For Amplifi routers, they also come with all you need for a stellar performance. In fact, one example like Amplifi Alien is able to deliver on polished delivery with its tri band technology. In fact, Alien comes with Wi-Fi 6 that boosts your coverage up to 2 times more. This advanced standard also increases the capacity of your network.Amplifi routers also deliver on fast speeds. The Amplifi Alien, for example, can do combined speeds of up to 7685Mbps. The 16 streams also ensure that many connected devices can be comfortably handled by this system.
After all, the selling point for mesh Wi-Fi systems like Orbi and Amplifi is seamless roaming even as you move around. Both these brands are able to keep you connected to the network at all times.
Design
While Orbi comes in a wide variety of designs they often have some similar underlying factors. The Netgear Orbi Pro for example, is a mesh networking system like many Orbi routers. This means that it comes with all you need to replace your single router system. Orbi routers usually come in multiple nodes that are small and compact sized making them a good fit with wherever you place them.
Amplifi routers on the other hand range from those that are a good fit for enterprises/offices to those that are a good fit for personal use at home. The Amplifi Alien for instance is jammed with all the high-tech specs in a compact size body such that it blends in with wherever you place it in your home.
Amplifi- Overview
Amplifi is one brand router that has a good-standing name in the industry for its quality hardware and software features. For example, the installation process of an Amplifi router has been made easy and quite the breeze using the Amplifi app. Once you have downloaded the app to your smart phone or tablet, the set-up process can be done within minutes. Amplifi routers are also not short of the latest router technology like its powerful reporting metrics as well as the parental control features.
Amplifi HD
By Ubiquiti Labs, the Amplifi HD Wi-Fi system is one of the routers in the Amplifi brand. It comes jammed with all the recent router technology that boosts its overall performance. First, it is a package that comes with a Wi-Fi router, 4 Gigabit Ethernet ports, 2 Mesh points as well as an Ethernet cable and 1 WAN port.
Once connected, the Amplifi HD kit works as all you need to set up a reliable and stable system in your home or office. It offers a range of up to 10,000 square feet which proves to be more than enough for all kinds of spaces including ranch and L-shaped houses. The antennas and self-configuring radios further add to the good features of this router.
Amplifi Alien Wi-Fi 6
No products found.
Yet another router by Ubiquiti Labs, the Amplifi Alien is a good quality home mesh system that blankets your entire home or office with stable Wi-Fi signals. With its expandable mesh system, you can easily have the Amplifi Alien replace your single traditional router system.
This Amplifi router also comes with 4 Gigabit Ethernet ports and an Ethernet cable. For an even better performance, it is designed with tri-band technology and the latest Wi-Fi 6 standard. Together, this means that your network’s coverage and capacity are up to 4 times better on this router compared to others. It also does not compromise on the power saving features of your devices.
Orbi- Overview
Orbi routers come in a sleek and bespoke design. While they usually come in small sizes, Orbi routers are nonetheless able to handle even resource intensive tasks. Orbi routers like the Netgear Orbi Pro can offer up to 10,000 square feet with the satellites wall mounted. This router also comes with ports for fast wired connections as well.
For added coverage with Orbi routers, consider going for additional nodes can really enhance your experience no matter if you place the nodes indoors or outside. Nonetheless, Orbi routers usually come in a mesh networking system which simply means that they replace the traditional single router system with multiple nodes.
Netgear Orbi Pro
- NO MORE DEAD ZONES AND LIGHTNING SPEED: Fast 3Gbps mesh WiFi covers up to 5,000 sq. ft. and 25+...
- OPTIMIZE PERFORMANCE & CONTROL ACCESS: Separate and prioritize devices across 1 to 4 dedicated...
With 1 router and 3 satellites that can be easily wall-mounted, the Netgear Orbi Pro is one of the highest performing routers that can work for both home and office use. In fact, with a wide coverage of up to 10,000 square feet and combined speeds of up to 3Gbps, this mesh system is a good fit. Netgear Orbi Pro also offers fast connection for its wired devices. The 15 Ethernet ports come in handy for fast wired connections as well as wide coverage.
To add, Netgear Orbi pro comes with security features. For example, you can set up three separate networks to protect your data and personal network. The Orbi app, as is with all Orbi routers, makes installation and management of your router easy. You can easily monitor and test the speeds you are getting with your router as well as manage and customize other settings.
Netgear Orbi RBK23
- Tri-band backhaul a dedicated band between your Orbi router and satellite frees up the other two bands...
- Works with all internet providers replace your existing wi-fi router and extender separate modem or...
This is a tri-band mesh Wi-Fi system by Netgear Orbi. It is complete with all you need to replace your single router set up. It offers up to 6,000 square feet with all the nodes connected. It comes as a 3-pack complete with the router and 2 satellites for additional coverage.
Netgear Orbi RBK23 is also designed to deliver on fast speeds of up to 2.2Gbps. It also has a high capacity of up to 20 devices which can all be connected with minimal lags and buffering. To add, it works with Alexa for voice controls and remote management of your network. It is also compatible with all internet service providers making it a good fit for all kinds of users.
Now let’s compare these two Amplifi and Orbi brand models.
Model |
AmplifiHD |
Netgear Orbi |
Chipset |
2 mesh points- 802.11ac |
Tri-band technology
|
Coverage |
Up to 10,000 square feet |
Combined up to 10,000 square feet |
Speeds |
Maximum theoretical throughput of 1,750Mbps |
Maximum theoretical speeds of up to 1,266Mbps |
Ports |
4 Gigabit Ethernet ports, 1 WAN port |
15 Ethernet ports |
Dimensions |
11.6 x 11.6 x 5.3 inches |
3.3 x 6.8 x 9.7 inches |
Accessories |
Amplifi app |
Orbi app, three separate networks- guest, admin and employee, 3 satellites |
Price |
Conclusion
This article has analyzed Amplifi and Orbi router companies. They have their own winning points like the wide variety of devices with Amplifi. Orbi routers on the flipside are sleek and compact sized making them a good fit wherever you place them.
Verdict: So, which is better? Amplifi or Orbi
While there are both highly renowned, if you have to choose one, consider going for Orbi routers as they offer high performance in their small, compact packages.
FAQ’s
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How does content filtering work?
One of the control options is filtering out inappropriate content. In the Eero for example, you can easily use the app to block out access to certain websites. You can easily do this using keywords.
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Are these routers backward compatible?
While the latest routers come designed with 802.11ax, they are also backward compatible with 802.11b/g/n among others
