Netgear Orbi AC2200 vs Netgear Orbi AC3000 – Find a Wi-Fi router for your connectivity needs
Choosing the best Wi-Fi router for your home or office space is a rather crucial task. Netgear Orbi AC2200 and Netgear Orbi AC3000 are up to task to meet all your requirements- with the latter standing out because of fast throughput speeds and wide coverage.
12To make the right Wi-Fi router choice, you need to consider a number of elements. First, you need to look at the advertised speeds and range of the router. You would not want to settle for a Wi-Fi router that misses out on the speeds that you want to be delivered. Secondly, the chipset and general design of each Wi-Fi router weigh in to determine the performance levels of each.
Coupled with the fact that there are also many Wi-Fi routers in the market, choosing just one Wi-Fi router can be quite the chore. This guide has been created to be a one-stop read on all you need to know about Netgear Orbi AC2200 and Netgear Orbi AC3000: the top contenders for best Wi-Fi routers.
They are both well-reviewed and rated among many customers. For Netgear Orbi AC2200 one of its notable features includes its fast combined speeds. Netgear Orbi AC3000 on the other hand makes the cut because of its ultra-performance in reliably fast speeds and wide coverage (7,500 square feet).
To further understand the subtle differences between these two, this guide has all you need to know so as to make an informed decision on which router you want for your residence or home space.
Table of Contents
What are the differences between Netgear Orbi AC2200 and Netgear Orbi AC3000?
Model |
Netgear Orbi AC2200 |
Netgear Orbi AC3000 (Winner) |
MU-MIMO &Beamforming |
Yes with the Beamforming both Explicit and Implicit |
Yes |
Chipset |
Quad-core (each 710MHz), 512MB RAM, 256MB flash memory |
Quad-core 710MHz processor, 512MB RAM, 4GB solid state storage drive and Qualcomm IPQ4019 |
Speed (Long range) |
Combined up to 2Gbps
2.4GHz (400Mbps) + 5GHz (866Mbps) + 5GHz (866Mbps) |
Combined 1.2Gbps for the first 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands and 1.7Gbps on the dedicated 5GHz band |
Antenna |
4 high- power (external) |
6 amplified antennas |
Netgear Orbi AC2200 vs Netgear Orbi AC3000 – How do they compare?
Coverage
Netgear Orbi AC2200 is a mesh network that offers seamless roaming throughout your home or office space. It can cover up to 4,000 square feet consistently with minimal lags and buffering.
For Netgear Orbi AC3000, it offers up to 7,500 square feet coverage. This can cover your whole home from your patio to the indoors. It also offers stable speeds throughout the area you choose to put the router and extenders.
Speeds
Netgear Orbi AC2200 it delivers fast speeds (2.2Gbps) in this wide area without signal drops or dead zones. The first 2.4GHz can deliver 400Mbps with the two 5GHz each delivering 866Mbps this translates to (400Mbps+866Mbps+866Mbps).
Netgear Orbi AC3000 on the flipsideis also fast and can deliver combined speeds of up to 3Gbps. With this router, you can simultaneously perform tasks like online gaming and HD streaming of videos.
Performance in speed tests
Beyond the theoretical speeds you get with these routers, there is need to perform throughput tests. For the Netgear Orbi AC2200, when tested on Ookla it delivers 17.9Mbps when within 5 feet as well as when within 13 feet. Keep in mind this is the performance when tested against a 70Mbps internet service plan. It is able to maintain these speeds when there are no obstructions as well as through plaster walls (3).
When tested using the IxChariot software, Netgear Orbi AC3000 shines through with fast speeds of 552.1Mbps when within close range (5 feet). If you are within 30 feet of the router, it can deliver up to 429.1Mbps.
Structure and Design
Netgear Orbi AC2200 and Netgear Orbi AC3000 have a lot of similarities when it comes to their structure and design. For instance, they are both compact sized and primarily come in white. They also have the same general shape (square-like). For the AC2200, it measures 5.6 x 2.4 x 6.6 inches and weighs 1.05lbs.
The AC3000 is slightly heavier weighing 1.98lbs and measures 6.6 x 9 x 2.8 inches. For both routers, they also come with an LED light that lets you know on the status of your network at all times. Their manuals explain the meaning of each color you might see.
Nonetheless, they are a good fit for right about any room. They easily blend in and can be hidden away in case you do not want them noticeable in your home or office.
Orbi App
For both Netgear Orbi AC2200 and Netgear Orbi AC3000, many processes have been made easier using the Orbi app. For example, you can run speed tests through the app to make sure the performance you are getting is not subpar.
You can also create a guest network for your visitors through the Orbi app. Also, installing the system has been made easy through the app.
These routers also come with parental control options which you can use through the Orbi app. One way you can exercise parental control is by setting filter levels on your children’s specific devices. Considering their interests and age, you can filter out certain content that may not be appropriate.
Netgear Orbi AC2200 vs Netgear Orbi AC3000 – A Comparison Overview
Netgear Orbi AC2200
- Delivers seamless internet connectivity and creates a Mesh Wi-Fi network that blankets your home in super...
- Eliminates Wi-Fi dead zones and buffering — 4,000 square feet of consistent coverage — at speeds up...
Netgear Orbi AC2200 is a quality home mesh Wi-Fi system that is well-reviewed by many users. First, it entails a cable modem that is all in one, a single extender and a Wi-Fi router.
Together with the satellite extender, the AC2200 easily stands out for its good range and fast speeds. For example, the cable modem is up to 32X faster for smooth and fast internet connections. This modem (DOCSIS 3.0 cable enforced with 32 x 8 bonding) ensures that you enjoy the maximum download speeds with no interruptions.
Secondly, the AC2200 can deliver up to 2.2Gbps for over 4,000 square feet. Even with many devices connected to the network, its quad-core 710MHz processor is able to keep up with the demand and maintain this fast speed even with many connected devices.
Yet another quality feature of the AC2200 is that you can use the Orbi app on it. By simply downloading the app to your smartphone or tablet, you can set-up a guest network as well as access parental controls.
For example, you can block inappropriate websites and set online time limits for your children by having the internet connection paused every so often. To check on how your network is running, you can also do a speed test of your AC2200 through the app.To add, it works with Alexa so you can use voice control to remotely manage your Wi-Fi system.
AC2200 also offers fast wired connection through the 4 Ethernet ports on the router and 2 more on the satellite. With these, you can connect to your gaming consoles or smart TV for stable and fast wired connections.
Finally, the AC2200 is compatible with many Internet Service Providers including Cox and Spectrum. One drawback of this mesh system is that it is not compatible with some other key providers like AT&T and Verizon. It is also not compatible with Century Link or Gigabit service. Be sure to confirm compatibility with your service provider beforehand.
One drawback with Netgear Orbi AC2200 is that the technical support is only available for 90 days after purchase. Some users have had firmware update issues but have had to pay for customer support if they were out of that window.
Pointer: If you already had an existing Wi-Fi network name and password, consider using the same password for the AC2200 so that you will not have to update all your connected devices.
Also keep in mind that if you need additional Wi-Fi coverage, you can get additional Orbi satellites. While the 4,000 square feet is ideal for most users, you might need more nodes to cover your outdoors and indoors efficiently. To add, consider purchasing a separate UPS (uninterruptible power source) in case of any power outages.
Pros
- Reliable and fast speeds for simultaneous online gaming and HD streaming
- Good coverage of up to 4,000 square feet
- Has Alexa for voice controls
Cons
- Not compatible with all internet service providers
- Documentation and guide is rather too simplified
Netgear Orbi AC3000
- Wireless internet router works with Alexa, compatible with all Wi-Fi devices, 802.11ac and older
- Dual band router upgrades to 1750 Mbps high speed internet(450Mbps for 2.4GHz + 1300Mbps for 5GHz),...
Netgear Orbi AC3000 is an ultra-performance router that has many impressive, quality features. First, it is a whole home mesh system meaning it replaces a single router system. The package comes with a router and two extenders that boost the overall experience you get with this router.
Netgear Orbi AC3000 can deliver speeds of up to 3Gbps which is quite fast compared to other similar products. These fast speeds translate to minimal lagging and buffering that comes in handy when one is online gaming or HD streaming. To add, this router is able to maintain these fast speeds because of the tri-band technology it is designed with. This speed is maintained even with many connected devices to your Wi-Fi network. Netgear AC3000 also offers fast wired connections through the 4 LAN Gigabit Ethernet ports.
Secondly, this whole home mesh system delivers more than 7,500 square feet which is more than enough for all kinds of homes and office space. This router, when connected with the two satellite extenders can offer wide coverage for the indoors and outdoors. It also eliminates all dead-zones or ‘blind-zones’ that might be in your space.
Keep in mind that Netgear Orbi AC3000 comes in a 2-pack and 3-pack. The 3-pack can provide up to 7,500 square feet coverage while the 2-pack does up to 4,000 square feet. You can also expand this coverage if you have a larger house or office space.
Like all other products, Netgear Orbi AC3000 has a few downers. For example, it is rather pricey and it is quite bulky compared to the AC2200.
Pros
- Really fast throughput speeds
- Comes with the MU-MIMO functions enabled
- Easily configurable
- Sleek, modern design that easily fits in with any room
Cons
- Rather pricey
- Has limited USB functionality compared to similar priced products
Conclusion
Like all other mesh Wi-Fi systems, Netgear Orbi AC2200 and Netgear Orbi AC3000 do stand out because of their all-in-one package. Both these systems replace all your extenders, modems and routers with its package.
Therefore, you get a lot of freed up space while not compromising on your internet connection and fast speeds. The all-in-one Orbi cable also saves your time and money in the long haul as you need not pay modem rental fees again.
Nonetheless, they have their own subtle differences that make each stand out. For instance, the AC3000 is has a really wide coverage of 7,500 square feet for the 3-pac while the AC2000 offers stable performance and is easy to set up.
Verdict: Which is better between Netgear Orbi AC2200 and Netgear Orbi AC3000?
Both Netgear Orbi AC2200 and Netgear Orbi AC3000 have a lot going for them. However, if you have to settle for one, the Netgear Orbi AC3000 wins out.
If you go for the Netgear Orbi AC30003-pack, you get unmatched speeds and coverage. The 7,500 square feet is more than enough to cover your whole area with minimal lags and buffering because of the fast signals as well. This router is also quite pricey but it is well worth the splurge for all your connectivity needs.
Frequently asked questions
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What is the recommended ISP internet speed you need for these routers?
For both Netgear Orbi AC2200 and Netgear Orbi AC3000, the speeds you get with your internet service plan highly matters. To comfortably play online games and HD streaming, you ought to go for one that is 300Mbps or above. This is because such tasks are heavy traffic and they need fast internet speeds to match.
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What is the meaning of AC?
There have been many network standards from 802.11b to 802.11n. One of the most recent versions is 802.11ac which is quite novel in its work. In addition to the 2.4GHz band that is used with traditional routers, this new standard makes use of the additional 5GHz for an enhanced performance.
