Google Wifi Vs Eero Vs Orbi- Which is the best router for you?

Selecting the best mesh router from the wide pool in the market may be tough. In this article, we look at three of the most popular mesh routers today: Google Wi-Fi, Eero and Orbi. We will compare them and see which is the most suitable for you.

Some of the best routers in the market today are the three routers we are going to look at in this article: Google Wi-Fi, Eero Router and the Orbi router. They are known as mesh routers because of how they work. They use satellite devices that are placed around the house. These satellite devices can easily spread strong Wi-Fi signals in all rooms comfortably. This is the reason they are a bit pricier than regular routers. However, as more and more options come from different companies, the price continues to reduce.

What are the differences between the Google Wi-Fi vs. Eero vs Orbi?

Google Wi-Fi vs. Eero vs Orbi – How do they compare?

These three routers are similar in a lot of aspects. However, they have a few differences that we will look at in this section.

Design

Coming from three different companies, the physical and exterior design of these routers vary from shape to color to the branding. Google is arguably the best tech company and it is easy to tell from the amazing design that it as. It is simple yet very elegant and futuristic. The contrasting silver grey colors on the body and strip do not shout and give it a very rich elegant look. The Google Wi-Fi router is round and cylinder shaped. It measures 4.1 inches in diameter, 2.7 inches in height and weight about 340 g. There is a horizontal strip or ring that runs around it that produces a gorgeous blue LED light when the router is on.

The NetgearOrbi on the other hand spots a different look. It is white in color but also has a blue LED light ring that runs across its body to indicate it is on and functioning. When it comes to shape, the Orbihas a unique thin oval shape that is long in height. It measures 6.7 x 3.1 x 8.9 inches and weighs a whopping 850 g.

The Eero is a mesh network router that is striking to the eye. It is known for its simple yet futuristic look. It is also small and compact and feels great on the hand. The Eero is white in color with the EERO brand name scribbled across it. It is compact and has a similar weight to the Goog Wi-Fi router at 240 g. It can be placed either vertically or horizontally due to the cuboid shape it has. In addition, it measures 4.8 x 1.2 x 4.8 inches.

Mobile Apps

Each of these router devices comes with a mobile app for both Android and Apple users. The apps provide different functionalities for the user and each has its own perks and letdowns. The Google Wi-Fi app provides the widest range of features such as: pause kids devices connected to the router, prioritize different speeds for different devices, speed test, allows new separate network for guests and allows you to add other admins for the network other than you, among others. The Google Wi-Fi router arguably has the best mobile app among the three routers.

The NetgearEero mobile app is known for its fast set up time when setting up the router. Everything is set up in under ten minutes using this app. The Eero app has the following functionalities: allows network sharing with guests, blocking specific users or devices from connection and use, schedule internet access times and allows viewing and managing the status of the router from anywhere in the world. The app also comes with a premium service subscription known as Eero Plus that allows for more features such as parental control, more security and full time access to your router.

The Orbi app has the following functionalities: allows network sharing with guests, blocking specific users or devices from connection and use, schedule internet access times and allows viewing and managing the status of the router from anywhere in the world. It also allows speed tests and generates reports of usage over a specified time period. You can also create a separate Wi-Fi network for guests just like in the Google Wi-Fi app.

Coverage

The Google Wi-Fi router has an amazing range of anywhere between 85 and 170 meters. This long range ensures that there is fast and strong internet connection in every corner of the house or office. However, this range is affected by the number of WiFi points. You get 85square meters with one point, 85-170 square meters for two WiFi router points and between 170 and 420 square meters for three WiFi router points.

The NetgearOrbi router also has amazing range. With one router or one Wi-Fi point, this router provides a coverage of 464 square meters. If you add another router, the range increases to 697 square meters. This is some of the best range performances of all routers in the market today.

The Eero Router is not specific with the range that it can provide. They instead measure their range according to the number of rooms in the house. For instance, they say that their Eero Pro Wi-Fi system covers a five or more bedroom house. The most basic Eero router however covers a house with two bedrooms max. The mid-range package on the other hand covers a three to four bedroom house.

Speed and performance

When it comes to speed and performance, Google Wi-Fi does well. It however does not have the best performance of the three routers on our list. Google Wi-Fi router is reliable over both wired and wireless connection. Over the local area network, you will get a high speed of between 450 Mbps to 500 Mbps. Some users even reported that with a speed of 100 Mbps from the Internet Service Provider, the speeds can exceed this limit. This router can maintain a speed of 100 Mbps decently.

Netgear’sOrbi router has one of the best performances of most routers in the market. It is reliable over both wired and wireless connection. Over the local area network, you will get a high speed of between 500 Mbps to 450 Mbps. But what the Orbi is known for is its ability to maintain these high speeds over long distances exceeding 10 feet. This makes it a great choice for gamers.

While both the Google router and Orbi have great performance, they cannot reach the great heights of the Eero in terms of performance. The Eero mesh boasts powerful networks over longer distances. Over the local area network, you will get a high speed of between 550 Mbps to 600 Mbps. It has the best performance for live streaming, gaming and heavy internet use over large spaces.

Google Wi-Fi vs. Eero vs Orbi – A Comparison Overview

Google Wi-Fi

Google WiFi system, 3-Pack - Router Replacement for Whole Home Coverage (NLS-1304-25),White

• A new type of connected system for seamless WiFi coverage throughout your home, helping eliminate dead...
• Replaces your current router, and works your modem and internet service. It’s compatible with major...

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Google is one of the biggest tech companies in the world. With almost everyone today being on the internet, Google has invested in the router business and come up with the Google Nest Wi-Fi router. It is a Wi-Fi 5 mesh router with nice reliable speed. The Google Nest Wi-Fi router comes as a two piece setup and provide a strong signal with an average coverage of 5800 square feet. It is known to rarely drop connection as you move within your house.

Google Nest Wi-Fi is strong and easy to setup. There is a mobile app to help with the setup and many other functionalities. With that said the following are the pros and cons of this network device

Pros

• It is very beautifully designed and looks amazing
• It receives constant regular updates that improve performance and functionalities
• It is quite easy to set up
• It can be expanded using Nest Wifi points
• It is affordable and offers great value for money

Cons

• It has few advanced level features
• You have to have a Google account and smartphone to install and set it up

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Netgear’sOrbi

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...

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The Orbi system is not a mesh network system but can do the same functions as a mesh system such as Google Wifi. It works similarly by extending and spreading your wifi network using satellite units. The satellites are only connected to the base and not each other. The Orbi supports Wi-Fi 6 and uses a second 5 GHz band that serves as a backhaul connection. When tested in a real world setting, the Orbi is a powerful beast that has a connection speed of 300 Mbps. The speed only drops to 95% at the farthest said distance. This is quite impressive and there has been no other mesh router that comes close.

The Orbi uses a three band system that allows for high fast speeds from anywhere in the house.

Pros

• There is no loss of speed from the mesh forwarding system used
• The base and satellites work together smoothly
• There is no need for an account when installing and setting up

Cons

• It is huge
• Since it does not come in pairs, getting a second satellite is quite expensive

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Eero Mesh Router

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The Eero is not as fast as other routers on this list but would still be a great addition to your household. A standout feature of the Eero however is the amazing mobile app it has. The app is advanced and offers a lot of advanced level functionalities that may not be found on other mesh systems. It is also known to be easy to setupand user friendly. It is one of the first mesh routers to be released. TheEeroCompany has recently been acquired by Amazon and since then, a new Eero router has been released. The Eero does not have a triband system which makes it susceptible to networks loss.

Pros

• The Eero mesh router is easy to setup and configure
• It comes with extra security features
• It has a wonderful exterior design that matches house deco interior
• The small size of the routers saves on floor space in the house

Cons

• There is no speaker or microphone
• The security options are expensive

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Conclusion

All in all, these three mesh routers offer great value for money and are great addition to your household Wi-Fi network. The Google Wi-Fi is the most affordable while the Eero is the fastest router of the three. If you’re looking for the best mesh router all round however, we recommend the Netgear’sOrbi mesh router.

Final Verdict -So which is better? The TP Link M9 or NetgearOrbi?

All factors considered, the Google WIFI takes the lead when it comes to selecting the best mesh router system in your house. This may be partly due to the fact that it is a more recent release and therefore features newer, better features. It offers more range and distance and loses minimal data speed when more nodes are used

FAQs

1. Do a higher number of antennas indicate greater signal strength?

Not always. The features of the antenna will need to be scrutinized to determine such an aspect.

2. Does Mesh WiFi slow down?

Unfortunately, yes. As range continues to increase beyond the recommended distances, the router signal becomes weaker and weaker. However, the speed is still fast enough for majority of the tasks.