Eero vs. Luma vs. Orbi – which mesh network router option is the best?

When it comes to the use of routers, you will notice that mesh networks are increasing in their popularity. It is also something we notice as well; more devices are now Wi-Fi enabled, not just computers, laptops and smartphones. Therefore, it is important to choose a router that works for you.

A trend that we have seen over the years is that the improvement of technology has led to more devices connecting to the internet; whether it is your refrigerator, smart TV, gaming console, wireless speakers, and so on. Manufacturers are increasingly improving their products and using them to solve issues of lame Wi-Fi.

That brings to light the trend of routers: they are not just for your smartphone and laptop connection anymore; they are built to accommodate the increasing demands of these other devices. In this article, we look at three of these routers: Eero, Luma, and Orbi – and use our extensive experiences with them to give you a comprehensive review. By the end of this article, you will hopefully make a more informed decision on each of them.

What are the differences between Eero, Luma, and Orbi?

Router
Eero (Winner)
Luma
Orbi
Wi-Ficonnectivity
802.11ac/b/a/n Tri Band
802.11ac/Dual Band
802.11ac/Tri Band
Wi-Fi throughput speed
1 Gbps
450 Mbps
500 Mbps
Coverage for a single unit (in sq. ft.)
2000
998
5000
Dimensions (in sq. inches)
4.76 x 4.76 x 1.26
4.6 x 4.6 x 1.2
8.9 x 6.7 x 3.1

Eero vs. Luma vs. Orbi – How they compare

Number of bands

This is mostly a standout for the Orbi. While you will find plenty of extenders, routers, and Wi-Fi connected devices exchanging data with each other on one of 2 bands – the 2.4GHz and 5GHz – the Orbi instead uses an extra one, a 1.7Gbps 5GHz channel. This is mainly meant for aiding communication between the satellites and the router, leaving the others free for connecting your devices.

Because of this feature, the Orbi can extend the maximum speeds of the internet to satellites that are around your home, regardless of their placement. As for the Eero and Luma, these two will mostly employ the two-band system to exchange data. While this is not a bad thing for the speed optimization, it can sacrifice internet speeds at times when the ISP connection is unreliable.

Performance

The advanced features that are available for the Orbi include its automatic updates, as well as parental controls. It supports the latest W-fi standard of 802.11ac, which means it can take on at least 20 devices without struggling much; it can even place the exact location of the devices and direct stronger ‘smart signals’ in this way.

As for its performance, Orbi can handle speeds of up to 3Gbps, which may not mean much to you – but it does make a major difference when you are streaming a high-intensive service like a video game. TheEero devices on the other hand will use a 700-MHz processor, which comes with flash storage of 4GB and RAM of 512MB.

In terms of comparison though, the Luma can put out 867 Mbps, the Eero is slightly lower at 600 Mbps, while the Orbi stands at 1,733 Mbps.

Design

The minimalist appearance that Orbi employs is reminiscent of the mesh networks that Luma uses, though it is not as delicate in setup. The routers come in form of a white round tower, which are the thickness and size of a large book. It has one thing going for it though, despite the large size: LED indicator lights. Maximum speeds are shown by a blue light, red means no internet connection, and amber means it is far from the optimal position. Similar to the Orbi, the Eero has 3 indicator lights, blue (indicating a secure connection), yellow (indicating a problem with the power adapter), and red (indicating a lost connection). The Luma has no indicator lights though.

The coverage also varies among the three, as the Eero has a coverage of 2,000 sq. feet, the Orbi has a coverage of 5,000 sq. feet, and the Luma has the smallest coverage of 998 sq. feet.

Eero vs. Luma vs. Orbi – A comparison review

Eero router – Overview

Among these three, we can say that Eero is the router that fits plenty of user needs. Like the other two routers in this review, it creates a mesh network by using multiple access points or nodes – essentially you plug one Eero into a modem, then plug the other three Eero units into a standard outlet.

There are aplenty of network options, and you can even include ‘bedtimes’ on a schedule to block Wi-Fi access. Unlike the Orbi, the Eero employs the use of small compact devices, but it lacks the microphone and speaker you will find in Orbi routers. Its coverage though, is quite impressive, especially for a small router set.

There are also 2 security choices that can help keep your Eero network secure, but they are quite costly. They are:

  • Secure option – comes at $29.99 annually, or $2.99 monthly. It will increase the defenses with the Eero Ad Block, and a weekly security report.
  • Secure Plus option – comes at $99 annually, or $9.99 monthly. You will get unlimited access for 5 users to encrypt the VPN, as well as the 1Password credential manager to cater for 5 users.

Pros

  • Extra levels of security
  • Easy setup even for guest users
  • The routers are small and compact

Cons

  • The security options are expensive
  • Lacks the inclusion of a microphone or speaker
  • Low performance

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Luma router – Overview

Luma Whole Home WiFi (3 Pack - White) - Replaces WiFi Extenders and Routers, Free Virus Blocking, Free Parental Controls, Gigabit Speed
  • Fastest home on the block: Ultra-fast WiFi delivered to every square inch of your house. No dead zones....
  • Serious security: All-day, every-day security automatically scans and neutralizes any virus or malware,...

While using the Luma router, we felt like it was a minor case of déjà vu – the system setup is quite similar to the Eero and Orbi, it has 3 hardware units, relatively large coverage (though not as much as the other two), and a mobile app. There are a few distinctions here, such as the web filtering and security features – but none of them is enough to be deemed as a ‘must-have’.

Similar to most Wi-Fi systems, you will use one of the three units as a main router, where you connect the broadband modem, then place the other 2 about 40 feet away to extend the coverage. As long as you have a smartphone, the process is easy, and as long as you are willing to download the Luma app and create an account.

The good thing is that you will not need to manage much, since the Luma has a limited customization set – all you can do is adjust the internet prioritization and the web filtering. The bad news is that the lack of bridge mode means you cannot use the Luma to communicate with the other routers locally, and you cannot share data, perform local backups, or stream media between them.

Pros

  • Reliable connection
  • Compact router design
  • Can cover a relatively large space

Cons

  • The Wi-Fi speed is slow
  • The mobile app can be tricky for first-time users to know
  • The system cannot work effectively with bridge mode or specific internet sources

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Orbi router – review

NETGEAR Orbi Tri-band Whole Home Mesh WiFi System with 3Gbps Speed (RBK50) – Router & Extender Replacement Covers Up to 5,000 sq. ft., 2-Pack Includes 1 Router & 1 Satellite White
  • Ultra-performance Mesh WiFi network blankets every inch of your home in super fast and seamless WiFi...
  • Eliminates WiFi dead zones and buffering - 5,000 square feet of consistent coverage - with speeds up to...

Coming in from Netgear, the Orbi can be viewed as a follow-up to the Luma and Eero. The trait we enjoyed the most here is the connectivity aspect – every Orbi has 4 ports to allow for extra connectivity, which will prove useful for individuals that have plenty of smart home hubs and entertainment systems.

Like the other two router options in this review, the Orbi uses a mesh network that will give you faster connections. There are 2 main products in the Orbi family:

  • Orbi Pro – works in work/office settings
  • Orbi – works for residential situations

Regardless of the Orbi product you use, you can set up the networks easily. You will need to plug the router into the modem, then use the app to access a variety of settings and adjust them to your preferences. The experiences that the manufacturer has in router technology give Orbi the upper hand when it comes to improvements in Wi-Fi speeds and efficiency, and that much shows here.

Pros

  • Very wide coverage
  • High connectivity speeds and reliability
  • It has plenty of improved security features
  • User-friendly interface in the app
  • Easier installation compared to most

Cons

  • Limited features on the mobile app
  • It lacks USB functions
  • Bulky design

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Verdict: So which is better? The Eero, Luma, or Orbi?

In order to combat issues to do with limited home internet cover, Wi-Fi mesh networks are best for your home. Among the three choices though, we find that the Eero is the best bet for ease of use as well as reliability, as its setup is compact and very easy to do.

Frequently asked questions

Is Orbi considered a true mesh network?

Not really, although it will act in a similar way because it uses satellite units to extend your home network.

How many Eero beacons do I require?

This will mainly depend on the size of your home, as a bigger space will need more beacons. If you want the best user experience, the beacons should not be more than 50 feet apart from each other.

How many Luma devices does a typical home need?

The typical-size home will need 3 Luma units.

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