Google Wi-Fi vs. Netgear Orbi RBK20 – A detailed comparison
Have you been wondering which Wi-Fi router to install in your middle-sized home? The Google Wi-Fi are fast and reliable, but are ideal for different settings.
It is almost impossible, in this day and age, to stay without a good home connection. You can find just about everything you can think of on the internet, and for this reason, it would be really convenient to have fast and wide range internet in your home. It would actually be better if there are many people in your house that consume internet.Enter Google Wi-Fi and Netgear Orbi RBK20, two incredibly reliable devices. While they are both excellent at internet transmission, one outdoes the other.
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What are the differences between Google Wi-Fi and Netgear Orbi RBK20?
Model |
Google Wi-Fi |
Netgear Orbi RBK20 |
Dimensions |
4.17 x 2.70 inches |
6.6 x 5.6 x 2.4 inches |
Range |
1,500 square feet |
3,000 square feet |
Transmission Speed |
800Mbps at 2.4GHz
867Mbps at 5GHz
|
400Mbps at 2.4GHz
867Mbps at 5GHz 1,700Mbps at 5 GHz |
Processor |
800MHz Dual Core |
710MHz Quad Core |
Ports |
1 WAN, 1 LAN |
1 WAN, 1 LAN
2 LAN – Satellite |
Google Wi-Fi vs. Netgear Orbi RBK20 – How do they compare?
Design and Build
While it is the general expectation that a router should have a futuristic look, a good number of them maintain a high level of simplicity. The Google Wi-Fi router strikes a balance between simplicity and sophistication which causes it to exude a degree of elegance. It is not a device that will be screaming for attention, but it is beautiful none the less. Aside from looking graceful, this router is quite small. This, coupled with its flat base, makes for easy and quick installation. Comparably, the Netgear Orbi RBK20 also bears a degree of elegance, but there is a lot more simplicity, making the router less visually striking than the Google Wi-Fi. On a positive note, though, it also bears a flat base on which it stands, making it easy to install.
The Google Wi-Fi is compact and has a more beautiful look than the Netgear Orbi RBK20, making it the better device.
Speed and Performance
As earlier mentioned, the Google Wi-Fi router is made for transmission in medium sized homes that span an approximate 1,500 square feet. It is, in actual fact, a mesh router that can be connected to other routers to increase the speed and range of transmission. Aside from being a comprehensive transmitter, it also has decent speeds that reach a cumulative 1,200Mbps theoretical throughput. On the other hand, the Netgear Orbi RBK20 is also a mesh router. It comes as a router and a satellite, and if you wish to increase range you can get another satellite to connect to the main router. This device gives the Google Wi-Fi a run for its money with its excellent speed and impressive range. It covers a home of up to 3,000 square feet, delivering a theoretical throughput of 2,500Mbps.
The Netgear Orbi RBK20 stands out as a better performer than the Google Wi-Fi because it covers a wider range and boasts higher speeds.
Ports and Connectivity
Being that ports are an important part of routers, it is a bit of a disappointment that the Google Wi-Fi router does not offer many of them for wired ethernet connectivity. It only comes with 1 WAN and 1 LAN port which is quite limiting. On the plus side, it can be controlled via a mobile app that you can download on your phone.
The Netgear Orbi RBK20 is a more accommodative as far as ports go, but only slightly. The main router has 1 WAN and 1 LAN port, and the satellite has 2 LAN ports that support ethernet connection. There is also a mobile app that lets you control the router from wherever you are in the house through your phone.
The Netgear Orbi RBK20 has slightly more ports than the Google Wi-Fi, making it the better router.
Google Wi-Fi vs. Netgear Orbi RBK20 – A detailed overview
Google Wi-Fi Overview
- A new type of connected system that replaces your router for seamless wifi coverage throughout your home,...
- Network assist technology keeps your connection fast by always selecting the clearest channel and fastest...
The Google Wi-Fi manages to precede itself where reliability is concerned. Many homes are connected through this device, not so much for its speeds, but for its comprehensive coverage. With 4 internal antennas, this router ensures that you enjoy consistent internet from every room within your home. The fact that it is a mesh router only adds to its merits since the satellite devices ensure that you do not suffer downtime or dead zones.
Behind this reliable router is an 800MHz Dual Core processor that works alongside a 512MB RAM and 128MB flash memory for efficiency. When it comes to transmission, the Google Wi-Fi accomplishes it throughtwo bandwidths since it is a dual band router. A 2.4GHz band transmits at 400Mbps while a 5GHz bandwidth transmits at 867Mbps, giving it a 1,200Mbps theoretical throughput.
Besides being great at transmission, this router is able to amply support streaming across multiple devices and light gaming. On top of this, it offers performance enhancing features like parental control, guest network management and speed tests.
Pros
- It is a mesh router
- Offers decent speeds and comprehensive coverage
- Has many performance enhancing features
Cons
- It does not have many ports
Netgear Orbi RBK20 Overview
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Netgear has been known to produce some of the fastest and dependable devices for a long time. This company’s devices feature a myriad of designs, and the Netgear Orbi RBK20 has one of the simplest.
This router often times comes as a set of two which includes a router and a satellite. They each measure 6.6 inches high by 5.6 inches wide by 2.4 inches depth, making them quite sizeable. For comprehensive transmission, the main routerhas 4 internal antennas that are ideal for boosting the speed and range of transmission. The satellite devices boast a similar number of antennas, ensuring an effective mesh system.
The router has a 710 Quad Core processor which works with a 512MB RAM and 256MB flash memory. Interestingly, it is a tri-band device that transmits at three different speeds. A 2.4GHz bandwidth transmits a 400Mbps while a 5GHz bandwidth delivers an 867Mbps speed. A secondary 5GHz delivers 1,700Mbps, resulting in a cumulative 2,500Mbps throughput.
Security is an imperative feature for this router, and for this reason, it comes with the NETGEAR Armor, a security software that ensures the router does not get affected by cyber attacks and that all your information stays secure. Aside from this it also comes with WPA/WPA-2 security.
Pros
- It is a mesh router
- Transmits at high speeds
- Comes with many ports and antennas
- Offers excellent security
Cons
- The set is a bit pricey
Verdict: So, which one is better – Google Wi-Fi or Netgear Orbi RBK20?
Our in-depth research shows us that the Netgear Orbi RBK20 bears more impressive characteristics than the Google Wi-Fi router, making it a better performer. It would be in a capacity to work quite well in a medium sized home.
FAQs
-
Does the Netgear Orbi RBK20 come with any form of cyber security?
Yes, it does. It comes with Netgear ARMOR that protects it against possible cyber threats.
-
How secure is Google Wi-Fi?
The device’s protection software keeps updating itself to stay at purr with security requirements.
