Netgear AC1900 vs. Netgear AC2200 – Which Router Should I buy?

When setting up your internet system, choosing the best Wi-Fi router is one of the most important things you can do. Netgear AC1900 and Netgear AC2200 are two quality options- with Netgear AC shining out because of its

Buying the most suitable Wi-Fi router for your home or office space requires you to look at a number of factors. Elements such as the chipset and technology used to design a router highly counts. An example is how routers that support MU-MIMO (multiple-user, multiple-input, multiple-output) are guaranteed to give you stable performance even with many connected devices to your network.

As there are also technical aspects to finding the most suitable Wi-Fi router, it can be quite hard to decipher the best one for you. This article has narrowed down to Netgear AC1900 and Netgear AC2200 that are top-notch routers. Both manufactured by Netgear, they have similarities as well subtle differences that make each stand out. This guide is a comparison overview of both to help you find out which one is best suited for you.

What are the differences between the Netgear AC1900 and Netgear AC2200? 

Netgear AC1900 vs. Netgear AC2200 – How do they compare?

Technology

Netgear AC1900 offers impressive tech-features for its price. First, it is driven by a dual-core processor (1GHz) that supports the 802.11ac network standard. It also has other unique elements like DD-WRT and a built-in VPNN server. This simply means that you get additional third-party software and security from likely cyber threats. It also supports Broadcom BCM4709AO which makes it one of the fastest routers for its price range.

Netgear AC2200 on the other hand, is also designed with impressive tech-features. Some of these tech-specs include MU-MIMO (multiple-user, multiple-input, multiple-output) and Beamforming technology. Together, these elements mean that this router is able to handle many connected devices even with those on resource intensive tasks like online gaming and HD streaming. As for its wireless connectivity, Netgear AC2200 is compatible with IEEE 802.11b/g/n/ac wireless standards.

Structure and Design

Given that they are both developed by the same company, Netgear AC1900 and Netgear AC2200 are eerily similar. They both have a modern look and primarily come in either white or black.

For Netgear AC1900 it is quite bulky and you might need to carve out a lot of space for it. It also has a rather large power adapter that adds to its footprint. It measures11.22 x 7.26 x 1.97 inches and weighs 750g making it rather bulky compared to similar priced routers.

Netgear AC2200 on the flipside has the product dimensions of 5.6 x 2.4 x 6.6 inches. It also weighs 1.05lbs. This makes it rather light and compact sized compared to the AC1900. It also comes with two Gigabit Ethernet LAN ports on each side.

Speeds

Netgear AC1900 is a tri-band router that has fast speeds to match. The 2.4GHz band offers speeds of up to 600Mbps and combined you can get up to 1.9Gbps with this router. While this router is compatible with all Wi-Fi devices, it delivers stellar performance with 802.11ac enabled devices. Its Turbo QAM technology also means you get to experience faster speeds with the 2.4GHz band.

Netgear AC2200 is also designed with tri-band technology. The first 2.4GHz can deliver 400Mbps while the second and third bands each 5GHz frequency can offer up to 866Mbps each. Therefore, combined speed of the Netgear AC2200 is more than 2Gbps (400Mbps+866Mbps+866Mbps).

Performance in speed tests

Beyond the theoretical performance of routers, there is need to know how they perform in throughput tests. For Netgear AC1900 it has a rather impressive performance when placed in real-world situations like broadcasting signals through three plaster walls.

When at close proximity (15 feet), Netgear AC1900 can deliver up to 431Mbps. When the range is increased (100 feet which is long range) this router is still quite fast as it does up to 295Mbps. Netgear AC2200 on the other hand can do 180.22Mbps/246.13Mbps when in close proximity to the router.

Specs

Regarding its hardware and software features, the Netgear AC1900 also has some noteworthy features. For example, it has 256MB DDR RAM memory and 128MG flash memory. This router is also powered by a dual-core processor (1GHz) that is able to keep up with resource intensive tasks as well. To add, it supports two USB ports (2.0 and 3.0 at the front and back). For Netgear AC2200, it also has similar specs. First, it is powered by a quad-core processor with each core up to 710MHz. It also offers 512MB RAM and 256MB flash memory.

Additional accessories

One additional feature that you get with these routers is the Netgear Genie mobile app that is available for downloading and installation in your smartphone or tablet. For example, you can use the app to for digital streaming to a connected device. Keep in mind that these functions only work if the mobile device is located within the local network. Other accessories include the Time Machine backup support as well as an improved Quality of Service system.

Netgear AC1900 vs. Netgear AC2200- A comparison overview

Netgear AC1900

NETGEAR Nighthawk R7000 - Wireless router - 4-port switch - GigE - 802.11a/b/g/n/ac - Dual Band

• R7000-100NAS

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Netgear AC1900 is a reasonably priced router that comes with top-notch features. For instance, it offers good overall performance because of the 5GHz band that comes in for faster and more reliable speeds. In fact, it delivers on combined speeds of up to 1.9Gbps. When put to the test using software like IxChariot, Netgear AC1900 does not disappoint with its fast speeds when within close range (431Mbps).

Yet another pro feature of this router is that it comes with parental control options which you can use once you have signed up on an Open DNS account. With this account created, all you need to do is download the Netgear Live Parental Controls on your smartphone or tablet. Once installed, be sure to connect the Open DNS account you have created with the router you have.

The parental control features that Netgear AC1900 comes with include web filtering. You can use this to protect your children from visits to inappropriate websites. To add, you can also have the connection paused or set online time limits. For example, during dinnertime or bedtime, you can use the parental control options to make sure your children are not online throughout.

Regarding its structure and design, Netgear AC1900 is quite bulky (750g). The external antennas also add to how heavy this router is. It has a plastic chassis that it is quite sturdy. It also has a fingerprint-resistant finish keeping it clean looking at all times. It is a bonus that it can be wall mounted, making it a better blend for right about any room you place it.

Like all other products, Netgear AC1900 has its own drawbacks. First, it is quite bulky compared to similar priced routers. It weighs in at 750g which means it has a large footprint. Secondly, the web interface is quite limited given that you cannot utilize the parental control options that come with this router. To add, the Netgear Genie mobile app does not deliver stellar performance when used over the internet.

Pros

• Sturdy, solid and slick design
• Comes with the Ready Share Vault
• Offers complete VPN capability
• Can be easily mounted on a wall

Cons

• Rather bulky compared to similar priced routers
• Setup is not entirely easy for all users
• The rear end has ports that are not properly consolidated

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Netgear AC2200

NETGEAR Orbi Tri-band Whole Home Mesh WiFi System with 2.2Gbps speed (RBK23) Router & Extender replacement covers up to 6,000 sq. ft., 3-pack includes 1 router & 2 satellites

• 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...

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Netgear AC2200 is a quality home Wi-Fi system that has quite a lot going for it. First, it is reasonably priced and designed to be a good fit for smaller households especially. When placed in a small home, you are guaranteed of a stable yet quality networking experience. Keep in mind that you can purchase range extenders if you require more out of your router.

Secondly, Netgear AC2200 is a quality router because of its specs like the 512MB RAM and 256MB flash memory. It also has other quality software features. Netgear AC2200 is designed with a powerful quad-core processor that comes in handy for all the resource intensive tasks you might want to engage in. For example, playing HD games like Fortnite online requires a router that is able to keep up. Yet another noteworthy feature is that Netgear AC2200 supports MU-MIMO and Beamforming (implicit and explicit) technology. Simply put, this router is able to handle many connected devices simultaneously even with their many needs and requirements. It is able to do this by choosing which devices to prioritize as well as reduce any traffic backhaul.

In terms of its general design and structure, Netgear AC2200 is quite similar to AC1900. It measures 5.6 x 2.4 x 6.6 inches and weighs 476g. Netgear AC2200 is quite lighter than the AC1900 but it is also jammed with all the impressive features. For instance, it comes with two additional satellites in case you want to increase the coverage you are already getting with your router. This router also comes in white making it a good blend in right about any room it is placed in. It also comes with 2 Gigabit Ethernet ports that are kept well away for fast wired connections as well.

To add, this router comes with an LED light that keeps you up to speed on the status of your network at all times. Netgear AC2200 comes with a manual that has details on what every color means. The only downer is that it does not also include what one should do in case there is a failure and the LED light indicates so.

Another drawback with this router is that it is not a whole home mesh Wi-Fi system. While this means that it costs significantly less than other Netgear routers, it is still a drawback. Many router manufacturers have deviated towards mesh systems because of the innumerable benefits that they come with like wider coverage and faster speeds.

Pros

• Sleek, modern design that is a great blend for right about any room
• Easy to set up and install in your space
• More affordable compared to other Netgear routers
• Offers stable yet stellar performance

Cons

• Comes with few Ethernet ports
• Documentation is rather simple and shallow in case you need to troubleshoot

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Conclusion

This article has reviewed Netgear AC1900 and Netgear AC2200 that are both quality routers by Netgear. While they cost a pretty penny, they have impressive features that make them well worth the investment. For instance, they both deliver on fast speeds and come with additional accessories like the Netgear Genie app. Through this mobile app, you can easily monitor your network as well as exercise parental control options over all connected devices.

Verdict: So, which between Netgear AC1900 and Netgear AC2200 is better?

Netgear AC1900 and Netgear AC2200 both have their pros and drawbacks.

If you have to settle for one, Netgear AC1900 is the better option. It provides fast speeds as well as additional accessories that come in handy for customization purposes. To add, Netgear AC1900is designed with the Turbo QAM technology which also enhances your overall experience with this router.

Frequently asked questions

1. How do you set up your Netgear Wi-Fi system?

For both Netgear AC1900 and Netgear AC2200, the installation and setting up process is easy through the Netgear app. If you run into any issues, keep in mind that the Netgear Community Forum usually has practical solutions to any sort of mishap with these products.

2. What is the process of firmware updates on Netgear devices?

First, you need to visit the Netgear website at http://www.netgear.com/support and input your model number in the search box. From there, you will get prompts if there is any recent firmware update for your device.