NETGEAR Orbi AC2200 vs. AC3000- A Detailed Comparison
With a strong, stable, and reliable internet connection, you can complete multiple network-related tasks within a very short time period. That’s what has made us compare the NETGEAR Orbi AC2200 vs. the AC3000.
Living in a large-sized home with multiple smart devices relying on my home network, has significantly taught me the value of having a fast, strong, and reliable internet connection. It is indeed true that a high-performing and top quality wireless router is the fundamental partner for lag-free faming, 4K video streaming, and instantaneous file downloads. At the same time, a reliable wireless router also prevents unexpected and frustrating signal drops and wifi dead zones around your home. In a nutshell, investing in a durable and reliable router gives you the best online experience, as long as it matches your budget, internet needs, and device preferences. From our end, we recommend the NETGEAR Orbi AC2200 and the AC3000. Let’s see how they compare.
Table of Contents
What are the differences between the NETGEAR Orbi AC2200 and the AC3000?
Comparison Features |
NETGEAR Orbi AC2200 |
NETGEAR Orbi AC3000 |
Frequency bands/ Wi-Fi technology |
2.4 and 5GHz Tri-Band Wireless Router |
2.4 and 5GHz Tri-Band Wireless Router |
Throughput Speeds |
400 Mbps (2.4 GHz) + 866 Mbps (5GHz) |
400 Mbps (2.4 GHz) + 866 Mbps (5 GHz) + 1,733 Mbps (5 GHz) |
Wi-Fi coverage |
6,000 square feet |
7,500 square feet |
Internal antennas |
4 small high-performing antennas |
6 large high-performing antennas |
Ports |
2 Gigabit Ethernet Ports, 1 WAN Port, and 1 LAN Port |
4 Gigabit Ethernet ports, 1 WAN port, and 3 LAN ports |
Security |
WPA/WPA2-PSK Support |
WPA/WPA2-PSK Support |
Availability |
NETGEAR Orbi AC2200 vs. AC3000 – How do they compare?
Speed and Performance
When it comes to speed, the NETGEAR Orbi AC3000 is unbeatable. It offers ultra-fast throughput speeds of up to 3 Gbps, meaning that you will never at any point have latency issues with this tri-band router. The AC2200, on the other hand, only delivers throughout speeds of 2.2 Gbps. Despite the significant differences in their bandwidth, both routers seamlessly accommodate high-bandwidth applications such as 4K video streaming, online gaming and large file downloads.
In terms of backhaul link speed, the AC3000 delivers more impressive speeds than the AC2200. Backhaul links actively increase network efficiency and significantly eliminate dead zones around your home. To be more specific, the AC3000 delivers backhaul link speeds of up to 1,733 Mbps, while the AC2200 can only deliver speeds of up to 866 Mbps.
These two routers are fitted with high-performing satellites to ensure efficiency and reliability. However, they greatly differ when it comes to performance. The AC3000 has larger satellites that have 2 Ethernet ports on each side, whereas the AC2200 doesn’t have Ethernet ports on the small satellites on its structure. This means that, the AC3000 offers a stronger signal and is more reliable than the AC2200.
Wi-Fi Coverage
The NETGEAR Orbi AC2200 gives you coverage of up to 6,000 square feet, whereas the NETGEAR Orbi AC3000 gives you coverage of up to 7,500 square feet. Despite the fact that walls and other devices may interfere with these statistics, we can deduce that the AC3000 offers extended and wider range coverage than the AC2200; hence the best option for homes and buildings with multiple floors and rooms.
Ports and Connectivity
The NETGEAR Orbi AC2200 and the AC3000 allow you to establish wired connections with your devices if you want ultra-fast speeds. However, the AC3000 has more connectivity ports than the AC2200, meaning that you can establish more simultaneous connections with your gaming consoles and computers. To be more specific, it has 5 ports, whereas the AC2200 only has 4.
NETGEAR Orbi AC2200 vs. AC3000 – A Comprehensive Overview
NETGEAR Orbi AC2200 Review
The NETGEAR Orbi AC2200 has been designed to accommodate those working with a limited budget. Along with advanced protection against cyber threats and dependable parental controls, it offers other amazing features such as guest access and an affordable price tag. It has MU-MIMO capabilities to allow for simultaneous streaming and gaming on multiple devices and provides up to 512 MB of RAM and 4GB flash memory to accommodate all your storage needs. Besides that, its performance is optimized through the tri-band technology. The additional 5GHz band actively delivers faster speeds when multiple devices are connected to your network.
In terms of number of ports and connectivity technologies, it has multiple satellites for better connectivity and 4 LAN ports through which you can establish strong and stable wired connections. When it comes to coverage, this tri-band router provides a great Wi-Fi range of up to 5,000 feet. Aside from that, this router seamlessly provides fast throughput speeds of up to 2.2 Gbps; however, you should know that the maximum speeds tend to vary depending on device distance from the router.
Pros
- Easy installation and quick set-up
- Aesthetically pleasing design
- Wide range and reliable coverage
- Ultra-compact and portable
- Great security system
- Budget-friendly Pick
Cons
- Doesn’t have any USB ports
NETGEAR Orbi AC3000 Review
- 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...
If you are trying to eliminate all the Wi-Fi dead zones around your home, you would be impressed by everything the NETGEAR Orbi AC3000 has to offer. It comes with six internal antennas that deliver fast throughput speeds of up to 3 Gbps. Having been equipped with the advanced tri-band technology, the additional 5GHz reduces network congestion and allows for a more seamless online experience. In fact, the third band is considered as a backhaul because it ensures dedicated communication between the router and the satellite.
When it comes to the number of ports and connectivity, this router comes with a lot of functional buttons and ports. You will find a WAN port, 3 Gigabit LAN ports to accommodate wired connections, and USB 2.0 ports for file sharing. Along with that, the beamforming and MU-MIMO technology contributes to the reliability, versatility, and efficiency of this router. Also, we cannot forget to mention that this router provides extended range coverage of up to 7, 500 square feet.
Pros
- Fast and reliable throughput speeds
- Aesthetic design and sturdy structure
- Easy installation and quick set-up
- Wider range coverage
Cons
- Quite expensive
Conclusion
The NETGEAR Orbi AC2200 and the AC3000 have been designed to accommodate home users and professionals alike. They deliver high-speed internet and allow for simultaneous connections. Also, you would be impressed by their reliability and durability levels.
Verdict: So, which is better – NETGEAR Orbi AC2200 or AC3000?
With all factors considered, the NETGEAR AC3000 is a better wireless router than the AC2200. It offers a wider range coverage and it can sustain a strong and reliable signal strength across multiple floors and rooms in your house. Besides that, it delivers faster internet speeds and is a more durable and futuristic option. However, if you are living in a very small home and are looking for a budget-friendly pick, then the NETGEAR Orbi AC2200 might be the most ideal option for you. Before you settle for any of these, ensure to revisit your respective internet needs and device preferences to avoid any disappointment.
FAQs
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How many devices can I connect to the NETGEAR Orbi AC3000?
You can connect up to 40 devices.
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Can I use the NETGEAR Orbi AC3000 with the AC2200?
Yes, you can. They are compatible with each other. However, the backhaul link speeds will be very slow.
