Netgear N150 Vs Belkin N300 – A Battle of the Two Routers
Routers are configured to allow communication between the local home network and other connected devices and the internet. Additionally, Routers that are used for the small networks have a unique name that is rarely use, and are normally called the residential gateway.
Well, it goes without saying that the new innovative routers in the market still come with defects, if it’s not the security issues then it might be with connectivity or the lengthy setup process. Solutions abound and there are some basic things that you can do to have your router back up and working. For example, you could update the router’s firmware; you could reset or change your router’s Wi-Fi channel among other things.
So, as I search for the perfect router to cater to my networking needs I happened to bump into some interesting features that have been incorporated on the Netgear N150 and the Belkin N300 to enhance their performance. Read below as we share our findings.
Table of Contents
What are the differences between the Netgear N150 and the Belkin N300
Model |
Netgear N150 |
Belkin N300 (Winner) |
Speeds |
450 + 450 mbps |
300mbps at 2.4GHz |
Connectivity Technology |
Wireless |
Wi-Fi˄Wired |
Data Transfer rate |
150.0 mb per second |
300mb per second |
Package dimensions |
11.6 x 4.4 x 1.6 inches |
9.13 x 2.69 x 7.5 inches |
Netgear N150 Vs Belkin N300 – How do they compare?
Performance
The Netgear N150 offers its users a theoretical speed of 450 Mbps and is capable of transmitting data at a transfer rate of 150.0mb per second, we can, therefore, safely say that the router’s performance is exceptionally high when compared to Belkin’s N300. However, the data transfer rate of a router can be interrupted if there are many devices connected to the same network that are beyond the capacity provided by the manufacturer.
Routers have a predetermined number of devices that are allowed to connect to the network; going beyond the provided number will lead to signal and coverage problems. Also if many devices are engaged in the bandwidth-intensive applications then high latency will be experienced by devices that are engaged in low bandwidth applications, but you can overcome this by settling with a router that has incorporated the QoS prioritization technology.
Belkin N300 offers its users up to 300mbps at 2.4GHz complete with a data transfer rate of 300mb per second. The data transfer rate of the Netgear is relatively high meaning that it can handle more intense tasks faster, be it uploading or downloading information, if adopted in a business environment you can be sure of productivity; because your customers will be able to interact with your website with minimal or zero delays and your responses to their queries will be delivered on time.
Speeds
Routers help improve internet speed but you have to ensure that your ISP matches your router speeds, meaning that if your router speeds are higher than that from your ISP then you won’t be able to experience the high networking speeds.
Both the Belkin and Netgear routers operate at high speeds, with Belkin offering up to 450mbps, which is higher than Netgear 300mbps. Both routers are, however, high performers because they have exceeded the standard speeds provided by the FCC, where the minimum download speeds when telecommuting is 5 -25mbps, file downloading is 10mbps, and streaming the high definition video has been set at 5-8 among others.
The FCC broadband guidelines recommend that the home internet should offer download speeds of about 25mbps and upload speeds of at least 3mbps. Important to note, however, is that the number of connected devices and the activities that the devices in your network engage in are the primary determinants of the speeds and coverage that you will get.
The Netgear N150 is the better performer because it offers high networking speeds at 450mbps, while the Belkin N300 offers low speeds at 300mbps.
Devices
The number of devices that a router can accommodate will give you a clear insight of its application, for example, the Netgear N150 can take on at least 5 wireless devices, in addition to the LAN ports then the numbers will improve making it a good unit for home networking or a small home office.
Belkin routers have been determined to connect up to 16 wireless devices and that is per wireless band making them highly reliable when compared to the Netgear N150, so if your router only offers the 2.4 GHz band then you will only add 16 devices to your network. But if your router has incorporated both the 5GHz and the 2.4 GHz bands then the number will double to 32, which also means that devices located close or far from the router will enjoy strong signal strengths.
The Netgear N150 vs Belkin N300 – A Comparison Overview
Belkin N300-Overview
- MultiBeam technology for a high-powered signal throughout your home
- Easy setup for getting your network up and running in 3 steps
New innovative technology helps enhance a router’s performance and the Belkin N300 has not been left behind in this race. The router features the multi-beam technology, which is an antenna technology and helps provide users with powerful signal strength and enhanced coverage. So if installed in your home, you can be sure that the dead spots will be greatly minimized.
The high speeds equipped in the router will cater to your internet surfing needs, emailing, and instant messaging. Even better is that the unit has an easy setup process complete with a preset security feature for your wireless network, (WPA/WPA2 encryption).
Pros
- Performance is enhanced by the self-healing application
- Set up and installation is easy
- Offers strong signal strengths around the home
- Preset security eliminates security threats to your wireless network
Cons
- Best for household only
- Technical support not responsive
Netgear N150 Overview
Netgear routers have to positioned with great care because an overlooked mistake will interrupt your networking signals. So the ideal and recommend position by Netgear when positioning your router is at the center where your computers and other devices will be located. In essence is that the devices that are to connect with your router should be within the line of sight, and this includes the wireless devices.
An elevated position will also suffice but be keen on the number of walls and ceilings between your router and the wireless devices. The N150 Netgear router should also be placed far from electrical devices, the home security systems, the ceiling fans, and other electronic devices such as the microwaves.
Pros
- Comes incorporated with the AC adapter and the installation disks
- Set up and installation takes less time
- Offers consistent signals
- Fairly priced
Cons
- Problems with firmware updates
Conclusion
What are your networking needs? if you want to connect many devices to your network and engage in the bandwidth-intensive applications then the Belkin N300 should suffice, but if you don’t have so many devices to connect and just want a simple home router that will effectively cater to the basic networking activities the Netgear N150 is your residential gateway.
Verdict; so which is the better router? The Netgear N150 or the Belkin N300
The Belkin N300 is the better router because it offers faster data transfer rates of up to 300mb per second meaning devices in the network will be able to operate in real time. The router has also been equipped with both the Wi-Fi and wired connectivity options thus more devices can be easily incorporated to expand the network.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is included in the Belkin’s N300 router packaging?
Your Belkin router packaging will come with a quick start guide, a power adapter, and an Ethernet cable
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How does the Netgear n150 reset button work
The button will either reset our router and can also be used to trigger a factory reset. For the latter, you will press for 5 seconds, and the former just press it for one second.