Netgear AX8 VS Netgear Orbi RBK50 AC300 – Which router is a better option
Without a doubt, an efficient and stable Wi-Fi connection is an essential need in our homes today. The AX8 and the Orbi RBK50 are both routers from the Netgear brand that are worth looking at to satisfy your Wi-Fi needs.
These routers offer you maximum efficiency and high quality internet connection throughout because of their improved wireless technologies. They also provide you with consistent fast throughput speeds and great range which makes them suitable for use in even medium to large homes. However, they do have a number of differences that we shall look at in this review in order to determine the better option. We shall see how they compare in the table below.
Table of Contents
What are the differences between the NetgearAX8 and NetgearOrbi RBK50 AC300?
Model |
Netgear AX8 (Winner) |
NetgearOrbi |
Size |
11.0 x 9.0 x 2.1 inches |
8.9 x 6.7 x 3.1 inches |
No. of antennas |
2 |
6 (Internal) |
Processor |
1.8GHz, Quad-core processor, 512MB RAM, 25MB storage space |
710MHz Quad- core ARM, 512MB RAM, 4GB storage space |
Throughput speeds |
Dual Band 2.4GHz -1200Mbps + 5GHz- 4800Mbps |
2.4GHz- 400Mbps + 5GHz- 866Mbps |
Connectivity options |
5Gigabit LAN, 2 USB ports |
4Gigabit LAN, 2 USB ports |
Wireless streams |
(4×4:4, 4×4:4) 8 -stream |
(1×1:1, 1×1:1) 2 stream |
Availability |
Netgear Nighthawk AX8 vs NetgearOrbi RBK50- How do they compare?
Design
The Netgear AX8 is better looking and has a more sophisticated design as compared to the NetgearOrbi. However, it is slightly larger in dimensions as it measures11.0 x 9.0 x 2.1 inches with 2 foldable antennas. Aside, from looking better, it also offers you more practicality when the antennas are folded as its design will enable you to have a lot more options on where you could place the router without having to worry about space.The NetgearOrbi on the other hand, measures8.9 x 6.7 x 3.1 inches with 6 internal antennas and is placed upright.
Performance and speed
The Netgear AX8 has a more powerful processor as compared to the NetgearOrbi. This is because it is equipped with a 1.8GHz, Quadcore processor with 512MB RAM and 25MB storage space. With this processor, the router is able to support a number of devices connected to it and still provide you with great performance efficiently. The NetgearOrbi is equipped with a 710MHz Quad- core ARM processor with 512MB RAM and 4GB storage space.
In addition to this, the Netgear AX8 also has faster throughput speeds as compared to the NetgearOrbi router. This is because it is dual band thus its 2.4GHz band provides throughput speeds of up to 1200Mbps and its 5GHz band produces throughput speeds of up to 4800Mbps. These high performance bandwidths provide you with fast internet download speeds consistently enabling you to download files and even stream high quality videos without experiencing any buffer. The NetgearOrbi comes with two bands as well that work together. Its 2.4 GHz band produces throughput speeds of upto 400Mbps and 5GHz band that produces throughput speeds of up to 866Mbps.
Connectivity options
The Netgear AX8 comes with more connectivity ports as compared to the NetgearOrbi. It comes with 5Gigabit LAN ports and 2 USB ports which allow you to connect more devices to it and share data through the network easily. The NetgearOrbi comes with fewer connectivity ports i.e. 4 Gigabit LAN and 2 USB ports.
Netgear AX8 vs NetgearOrbi RBK50 – A comparison review
Netgear AX8
- WIFI 6 – STREAM EVERYTHING AT EPIC SPEED: Simultaneously stream uninterrupted movies, games, video...
- WORKS WITH ALL INTERNET PROVIDERS: Replace your existing WiFi Router (separate modem or gateway...
This router is black in colour and made up of a low latency design that enables it to operate efficiently. It measures 11.0 x 9.0 x 2.1 inches with 2 foldable antennas and still delivers peak performance even when these antennas are folded. In addition to this, it is equipped with the latest Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) standard technology. This standard allows you to connect devices that operate at their peak through 802.11ax standard and maintain fast throughput speeds even when multiple devices are connected to it. It also comes with two channels, a 2.4GHz channel that provide throughput speeds of up to 1200 Mbps and a 5GHz channel that provides throughput speeds of upto 4800 Mbps. These bandwidths efficiently support streaming of 4K videos.
Netgear equipped this router with eight simultaneous wireless streams that provide independent bandwidths ensuring smooth Wi-Fi connection. It is an 8×8 router where each stream provides its own independent bandwidth and these same streams can be used differently. This means that you can connect up to eight devices on one stream or have each device connected to its own independent stream enabling the router to work efficiently and maintain high quality wireless internet connection.
It also comes with a variety of connectivity ports i.e. two 3.0 USB ports and 5Gigabit LAN ports which enables you to connect your devices to the router and share data through the networks with your friends and family. There are also LED lights on the front of the router that serve the purpose of informing you which channels the router is connected to. Setting up this router is easy and very user friendly even to novices, as you can even configure it using your device and is compatible to both android and Apple devices.
Pros
- It has a powerful processor.
- Comes with link aggregation feature.
- Supports the new 802.11 ax.
- It is easy to set up.
Cons
- It does not have online security
NetgearOrbi RBK50
- 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...
This router is oval shaped, white in colour and its dimensions measure 8.9 x 6.7 x 3.1 inches that uses the mesh technology system. It also comes with 6 internal antennas and LED lights on the rim of the router. When the LED lights are blue it shows you that the router is operating at its peak delivering consistent throughput speeds however, when they turn amber it shows that Wi-Fi connection is low. The NetgearOrbi is equipped with a 710MHz Quad- core ARM processor with 512MB RAM and 4GB storage space for firmware settings. This processor enables you to enjoy fast throughput speeds consistently even under heavy use.
In addition to this, the Orbi router comes with two bands, a 2.4GHz band that provides throughput speeds of up to 400Mbps and 5GHz band that produces throughput speeds of up to 866Mbps. It comes as a two pack (main router and repeater) which gives the router great range of up to 3500 square ft.making it the ideal router for a medium to large sized home. The Orbi is also equipped with MU-MIMO (multi-user, multiple input and multiple output) which enables you to connect multiple devices to the router and still enjoy consistent fast throughput speeds on each device. It is set up through a browser, user- friendly Netgear Genie app or the Orbi app which are all available on both android and apple devices. Connectivity options are also in plenty as it comes with 4Gigabit LAN ports and 2 USB ports which allow you to connect your portable storage devices to it and share data through the network.
Pros
- It comes with MU- MIMO technology.
- Great user interface.
- It offers great range.
- Simple and good looking design.
Cons
- Mobile app is limited.
Final which is better, Netgear Nighthawk AX8 and NetgearOrbiRBK50?
In this comparison, the Netgear AX8 is the winner as compared to the NetgearOrbi. This is because it is equipped with a more powerful processor and delivers faster throughput speeds. These features enable the router to provide you with great performance and high quality wireless internet connection efficiently. Moreover, the AX8 also has more connectivity options, a more sophisticated and better looking design than the netgearOrbi.
FAQs
How does one set up the Negear AX8 router?
Setting up this router is easy as you can do it through the Netgear app or the web browser which consists of a very user-friendly and easy to use interface which will take you through the necessary steps.
Can the NetgearOrbi router be placed far apart from the repeater?
Yes it can, this router is made up of a very efficient mesh technology that enables it to cover great range of up to 3500 square ft.
