Luma vs. Plume-Find out why mesh wifi systems are on high demand

Mesh network systems have transformed the way people use the internet. If you stay in a house with a lot of space, you need to consider these systems. The following Luma vs. plume guide can help.

Being able to afford my own place after school felt wonderful. I always imagined having the perfect home, doing what I liked without asking for my parents’ permission. Since I am an internet fan, one of my priorities was to install home wifi so that I could stream video content and play games during my free time. I, however, did not want a complicated system since I was not tech-savvy. During my search for network solutions, I came across two mesh networks, namely, Plume and Luma, and decided to compare them. This is what I discovered.

What are the differences between Luma and Plume?

Luma vs. Plume-How do they compare?

Units

Most of the mesh networks come in the form of three router-like units. If you want a mesh network system that has a unique design, you should consider Plume. This is made up of multiple superpods that you can plug into the wall socket. Though the shape of Luma and Plume units is not different, the mechanism is. The hexagonal Luma units have to be positioned upright for them to work efficiently. Luma units come in different colors, but Plume only comes in grey.

Radio bands

If a reliable network connection is your priority, it is advisable to choose tri-band routers. The plume superpod is a tri-band router that comes with three radio bands. Luma, on the other hand, works with two radio bands.

Performance

After testing both Luma and Plume, I found out that Plume superpods perform effectively. The internet speed and network coverage even get better with time due to the incorporation of AI software. Since Luma does not use such, its performance is not the best. I discovered that the speed of Luma goes down for about 10 minutes more than once in a day. When you add extra Luma units, you should also expect a decline in internet speed for a while.

According to my testing, a single Luma unit sustained wifi speed of around 323 Mbps at a range of 15 feet and 88 Mbps at a range of 70 feet. A single Plume superpod, on the other hand, delivers a maximum speed of 350 Mbps at a range of 15 feet and 125 Mbps at a range of 65 feet.

Luma vs. Plume – A comparison overview

Luma

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,...

Check Price

One of the pioneers of mesh network systems in the industry is Luma. Even though other mesh networks that have advanced features have been introduced, some people still prefer this unit due to its low cost. Some of the features in Luma are, however, a bit outdated. The manufacturer, however, has been working on improving some functionalities of Luma to make it remain relevant in the industry.

If you have never used a mesh wifi system before, you may find the features of Luma friendly. It supports MU-MIMO technology. This mechanism enhances the streaming of data to numerous devices without slowing down your internet speed. You, therefore, get to enjoy a better and stable network. Using this wireless router also gives you the chance to control your network as you please.

This is because it has functionalities, such as time scheduling of your network and web filtering. You can restrict access to precise devices according to your preference. Though the internet is quite useful, it can be dangerous for young ones. Control what sites your children can visit online by using the parental controls available in Luma. It also enables you to set precise devices on priority.

If you have a big house, feel free to expand your network by buying additional Luma devices. Let the size of your home guide you into choosing the right number of Luma units so that you can enjoy extensive network coverage. The router and the rest of the units are identical, making it easy for you to set up and configure your system accordingly. During our tests, I discovered that this mesh network does not offer a lot of room for customization. The network speed was also not consistent.

You should also get familiar with the Luma app for you to adjust some of the settings. You can install this app from your iOS or Android device. The app lets you name the different devices you wish to connect to your network. You can monitor the network use on certain devices or even pause it for some time. If you wish to access more features from Luma, you should consider paying for the Luma Guardian subscription. This comes with VPN services that keep your data and browsing history safe. The subscription plan encrypts your data and offers antivirus for at least three devices.

When you subscribe to this plan, the manufacturer gives you a discount and extends your warranty for two years. You will also like the hexagonal units of Luma. Feel free to choose these devices from a variety of colors such as white, orange, grey, or black.

Pros

• It is easy to set up
• Offers internet security
• Comes in different colors
• Unique design
• It is pocket friendly

Cons

• Inconsistent speeds

View Price on Amazon

Plume

No products found.

If you wish to boost your wifi signal while at the same time getting control over your network, you should consider buying Plume. This is a three-pack device that comes in the form of superpods. The company behind Plume gives you the option of choosing between dual-band and triple-band superpods. For people with big houses and lots of smart devices, choosing the triple-band Plume superpods is advisable. This can help you enjoy consistent internet speeds and reliable network coverage.

You can modify the settings of this device through the Plume smartphone app. This app lets you decide which device should be connected to your network. Plume also allows you to protect your network from any cyber-attacks since it uses excellent cloud-based software. When browsing the internet, most people find the constant pop up of ads quite annoying. Plume comes with an ad blocker to prevent such ads so that you can enjoy seamless internet use.

For you to enjoy using Plume, you should consider subscribing to its plan so that you can access services such as parental controls and internet security. Most people also like the hexagonal units of Plume devices that come in grey. You can easily plug them into your sockets. The units also feature a light that can tell you how strong your network is.

One Plume superpod is sufficient for two rooms. Placing them away from external walls can help you enjoy great wifi signal. Some people, however, find the device quite large and bulky. They can even occupy the space of two plugs preventing you from plugging in other devices on your socket. It took me about ten minutes to set up Plume superpods. You only need to download the app on your mobile device, set up an account, and follow the guidelines on the app to complete the installation process.

When it comes to the performance of these superpods, I discovered that they work effectively. Plume also uses artificial intelligence software, which continues to boost internet coverage in your home with time. If you have lots of visitors at your home, you will appreciate the home pass feature available on this device. It allows you to create a guest password that is available for a particular period.

Pros

• It boosts the network and speed with time
• Offers you high level of control
• Great for family use

Cons

• The superpods are bulky

View Price on Amazon

Conclusion

Different networking devices have been introduced over the years to try and fix home wifi problems. They have various features that enhance internet use. Some of the popular brands that you have probably come across include Plume and Luma. Understanding how these two models perform can help you choose one that can fulfill your internet needs.

Verdict: So, which is better? Luma or Plume

After comparing Luma versus Plume for some time, I realized that Luma was no match for Plume Superpods. Luma is a dual-band router that delivers inconsistent speeds. Plume, on the other hand, is a tri-band router that has an excellent performance. I liked the cloud-based technology incorporated in Plume superpods since it offers me uninterrupted network connectivity where I need it most. The excellent functionalities of Plumesuperpods made me conclude that this is a better mesh network than Luma.

FAQs

Can I utilize Luma with my current router?

No.  The lack of a bridge mode feature prevents this. If you wish to retain your current router, the mesh wifi system can act as a different network.

Do plume superpods come with Ethernet ports?

Yes. You can use this to connect individual devices.