Netgear Orbi Mini vs. Nighthawk X6s – Selecting the top Wi-Fi system for all your requirements

Between Netgear Orbi Mini and Nighthawk X6s, there is one that is best suited to meet all your needs. Read on for the subtle differences between these two to help you make the right choice.

For both novices and pros at handling Wi-Fi routers, it can get quite hectic to settle on one system for you. For example, the different products are either traditional in their single-router system or they can be mesh network systems. To add, most routers are also either dual-band or tri-band.

To make it easier on you while shopping, this article has narrowed down to Netgear Orbi Mini and Nighthawk X6s. A detailed analysis will be provided so that you are able to easily go for the right one for you.

What are the differences between Netgear Orbi Mini and Nighthawk X6s?

Netgear Orbi Mini vs. Nighthawk X6s- How do they compare?

Coverage

With the coverage of more than 2,500 square feet, Netgear Orbi Mini is indeed a whole home Wi-Fi system. For Nighthawk X6s, on the other hand, it is able to cover medium-large homes ranging from single to multi-story homes. Its coverage is 3,500 square feet which is more than enough for a wide array of houses.

If you are looking for more coverage, consider buying additional satellites or router boosters. However, you can rest easy knowing that this coverage is not compromised even with multiple devices connected to the system. Due to their tri-band technology, they are able to handle such demands.

Speeds

With all nodes connected, Netgear Orbi Mini can deliver speeds of up to 2.2Gbps. This is more than enough to comfortably handle resource intensive tasks like 4K/8K streaming and online gaming. It is also intelligently designed to ensure you are always connected to the fastest and strongest network available. This is because the Netgear Orbi entails a mesh Wi-Fi system operating under a single Wi-Fi network.

For Nighthawk X6s on the flip side, it is also a tri-band router with the 2.4GHz doing up to 750Mbps while the other two 5GHz can deliver up to 1625Mbps. Combined, X6s is rather fast with 750 + 1625 + 1625=4000Mbps as its total speed. To enjoy these speeds, be sure your internet service plan is already fast to begin with. If you are on a slow ISP, the speeds offered by both Orbi Mini and X6s might go unnoticed.

Performance in speed tests

Using Ixia’s software the new generation Netgear Orbi Mini routers can do 552.1Mbps. when device is within 5 feet of the router For older generation models, throughput speed is around 200Mbps which is still fast enough compared to similar priced routers. This is

For Nighthawk X6s on the flipside, it can do up to 661.5Mbps when within 50 feet of your router. At 5 feet and 15 feet, it is equipped to do 571.2Mbps and 628.7Mbps respectively.

Hardware and Software

Weighing 1.08lbs and measuring 11.1 x 9.0 x 2.1 inches, Netgear Orbi Mini is a compact sized router. It is jammed with stellar hardware and software features. For instance, it is a tri-band router able to handle multiple devices connected to its system. It also has a dedicated backhaul channel to deal with any congestion or traffic. It is also fitted with Netgear Armor security and smart parental controls.

Nighthawk X6s on the other hand, measures5.6 x 2.4 x 6.6 inches and weighs 2.43lbs.

It is rather lankier than the Orbi Mini but it is still compact sized enough to go unnoticed in a living room. It also has 2 USB ports in case you need to share a storage device with any of the connected devices. Some of its key software features include its smart parental control features as well and the guest network options. It is also a tri-band router that is able to deliver on fast and reliable speeds.

Accessories

Beyond the formidable specs in hardware and software, both Orbi Mini and Nighthawk X6s have additional features. First, they both have accompanying apps. For Orbi Mini, you can easily access the Netgear Armor without signing up with your personal information.

Secondly, they both offer parental control features. With Nighthawk X6s, you can set online time limits as well as filter out content you do not want accessed by your family member. You can alsopause and restart the Wi-Fi at your convenience. To add, monitoring the usage of each connected device is made easier using these parental control options.

Security Features

Nowadays, cyber-attacks tend to be dangerous and a great threat. To protect you from viruses, malware and other malicious sites, Nighthawk X6s has the WPA2 wireless security protocols. It also has a double firewall that offers added protection from cyber threats. Netgear Orbi Mini, on the other hand, has several cyber security measures. For example, it runs regular vulnerability assessment scans and sends prompt alerts to the owner in case of any potential attacks. Orbi Mini is also able to detect and remove any unauthorized users as well as protect your entire system from data theft. Powered by the Bitdefender Total Security system, which is complete cyber protection software on its own.

Netgear Orbi Mini vs. Nighthawk X6- Overview and Key Features

Netgear Orbi Mini

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For fast and secure Wi-Fi connection throughout your entire home, Netgear Orbi Mini is one of the best options to consider. With an additional satellite included, it is easily one of the highest-rated whole home Wi-Fi systems with many quality connectivity features.

First, it is designed with the latest tri-band technology that is equipped to handle the latest tasks. For example, if you want to enjoy online gaming and 4K streaming simultaneously, the additional band comes in handy. For Netgear Orbi Mini, the third band is specifically dedicated to handle backlog traffic. Therefore, even when there are multiple devices on the router, they all get to enjoy fast speeds.

Second noteworthy feature of this router is its wide coverage. Even without the additional satellite, the Orbi Mini is able to offer 4,000 square feet coverage. This is more than enough for a wide range of houses in all kinds of designs ranging from ranch houses to L-shaped homes. Without range extenders, the Orbi Mini can also cover your whole house from the patios to the attic and basement.

Netgear Orbi Mini is also notable because of its cyber security features. This router is able to block malicious sites as well as protect you from viruses, malware, spam and hackers. The Bitdefender Total Security does this function of protecting your entire system from cyber threats. Orbi Mini also runs regular vulnerability assessment scans to monitor whether your network is bound to face certain attacks in future. This scan is also able to notify you of any data theft and remove any devices that do not have authorized access. Its instant alerts system also ensures that your router is running in prim and proper conditions throughout.

Netgear Orbi Mini is also widely compatible with many devices ranging from Windows, Androids, iOs and MACOS.Orbi Mini also allows pause and restart the internet. This allows you to set online time limits where your child is expected to engage in other activities.

The only drawback with this router is that the coverage ought to be wider so as to be a good fit for extra-large homes as well. As it is, one needs a router extender or booster specifically for multi-story houses that were constructed with heavy materials like metal.

What we like

• Fast data transfer speeds for 4K streaming, online gaming and other resource intense tasks
• Simple set-up through the Netgear Armor app with no signing up needed
• Adequate range to cover outdoors and patios
• Strong cyber-security features like anti-malware and anti-virus

What we don’t like

• Similar priced products offer wider coverage

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Nighthawk X6s

NETGEAR Nighthawk X6S Smart Wi-Fi Router (R8000P) - AC4000 Tri-band Wireless Speed (Up to 4000 Mbps) | Up to 3500 Sq Ft Coverage & 55 Devices | 4 x 1G Ethernet and 2 USB Ports

• Maximum Range : 3500 Sq Ft
• Fast Wi-Fi performance: Get up to 3500 square feet wireless coverage with AC4000 speed (Tri-band up to...

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The Nighthawk X6s stands out for a number of reasons. First, it is fitted with advanced parental control options. For instance, you can easily set filters for each individual device that is connected to your Wi-Fi router. This means that you can block unwanted content and malicious sites from being accessed by anyone in your family. X6s also allows you to set online time limits. You can do this for any platform or app you do not want your family member to access throughout. Finally, you can pause and restart the Wi-Fi router at your convenience. During bedtime and dinnertime, you can remotely pause the Wi-Fi so that all your family members are fully present during such bonding sessions.

Secondly, Nighthawk X6s is a quality router because of its speeds and high capacity. X6s can deliver combined speeds of up to 4000Mbps on more than 50 devices connected to the network at the same time. Even if some are surfing, others streaming 4K Ultra-HD movies, X6s’s tri-band frequency and other chipsets can deliver.

Thirdly, X6s also has security features. It supports WPA2 wireless security protocol and it also has a double firewall for added protection. One can also create a guest network if need be.

Yet another pro feature of the X6s is easy installation and set-up process through the Nighthawk app. You can also use the app to customize the router settings to your own preference.

The X6s has a few drawbacks. First, if your unit fails after 90 days of purchase, you need to pay for troubleshooting. This can be quite the deal breaker as other companies like Linksys offer 24/7 customer care support at no additional costs. Secondly, minor modifications made to recent models need to be further improved for this device to reach near perfection.

What we like

• Easy set-up and customization of settings using the Nighthawk app
• Up to 55 devices can be comfortably connected to the system
• Offers smart parental control features like pausing the internet
• Safe and secure connection protected from cyber threats

What we don’t like

• Needs restarting often
• Customer support can be quite disappointing

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Conclusion

When choosing one Wi-Fi router for your home or office, there are a number of factors you need to consider. This article has analyzed Netgear Orbi Mini and Nighthawk X6s against this backdrop. To know which one is best suited to your particular needs you need to consider: their capacity, range, speeds, hardware and software specifics as well as their general design. You would not want to settle for a high-performance Wi-Fi router that you have to hide because it is an eye sore.

Other additional features that stand out in a Wi-Fi router include options like smart parental control and personal customization settings. A router that is also safe and secure is another bonus.

Verdict: Which is better between Netgear Orbi Mini and Nighthawk X6s?

While Nighthawk X6s is a quality product advanced dynamic QoS and wider coverage, the Netgear Orbi Mini is the better device.

First, the Orbi is a mesh-system therefore you can expect less ‘dead-zones’ or ‘blind-spots’. Orbi Mini also offers many additional features that are appealing. For instance, its comprehensive cyber-security options are impressive. You are assured of complete protection against viruses, hackers and other malware. Orbi Mini also uses one single Wi-Fi network name even if you have additional nodes.

Finally, the overall design and shape of theNetgear Orbi Mini is more stylish as well as a better fit for all kinds of homes and offices.

Frequently asked questions

1. What is seamless smart roaming as provided for by these two routers?

Latest Wi-Fi routers now have smart roaming which ensures you do not get disconnected from the network even as you move around your office or home. They do this by using your pre-existing SSID network name.

2. Why go for a mesh Wii-Fi system like that of Orbi?

Using a mesh system as opposed to a single-router with extenders has many benefits. Most importantly, a mesh system ensures there is only one network name throughout your home and office. This in turn ensures you have fast, reliable and stable data speeds wherever you are as the device does not keep disconnecting.