NETGEAR Orbi vs. Orbi Pro – Helping you find the right wireless router for your internet needs

Picking out the best wireless router for your network can be quite the challenge considering all the options available in the market today. So, to make the process easier, we have narrowed down your options to the NETGEAR Orbi and the NETGEAR Orbi Pro. Let us see how they compare.

Optimal performance, versatility, durability, and reliability are some of the main features that you should take into consideration when looking for a wireless router for your home network. Some of the most ideal options are the NETGEAR Orbi and Orbi Pro as they have been designed with particular attention to advanced Wi-Fi features, optimized software, and optimal performance for all your internet needs. Even though they are both high performing network devices, they greatly differ when compared against each other. So, which one reigns supreme?

What are the differences between the NETGEAR Orbi and the NETGEAR Orbi Pro?

Comparison Features
NETGEAR Orbi
NETGEAR Orbi Pro
Configuration
1 Router + 1 Satellite
1 Router + 1 Satellite
Frequency Band/ Wi-Fi Technology 
2.4 and 5 GHz – Tri-Band Wireless Router
2.4 and 5 GHz – Tri-Band Wireless Router
Network Compatibility
802.11 b/a/g/n/ac
802 b/a/g/n/ac
Number of Antennas
6 Non-Removable Antennas
6 Non-Removable Antennas
Recommended Number of Devices
20+
40+
Wi-Fi Coverage
5,000 square feet
5,000 square feet
Ports and Connectivity Options
7 Ports
7 Ports
Security Support
WPA/WPA2-PSK
WPA/WPA2-PSK
Availability

NETGEAR Orbi vs. Orbi Pro – How do they compare?

Design and Build

The NETGEAR Orbi differ when it comes to their overall design and build. The Orbi Pro features a very sleek and aesthetically pleasing design that seamlessly blends into your home. Along with that, you can place it vertically or horizontally to match the storage space around your home.

The Orbi, on the other hand, has large units which cannot be hidden. This means that you will need to re-arrange everything around your home to deploy them effectively. That said, the NETGEAR Orbi Pro is a more compact option and is easier to deploy than the Orbi.

Wi-Fi Coverage and Possible connections

The NETGEAR Orbi and Orbi Pro can connect up to 3 satellites in addition to 1 main router. Each of these satellites actively expand your network by about 2, 500 square feet, which is just enough to accommodate the needs of medium to large-sized homes. However, they differ when it comes to the number of devices that can connect simultaneously with each one of them. To be more specific, the Orbi is limited to 20 connections at a go, whereas the Orbi Pro allows for 40 devices concurrently. 

Ports and Connectivity

The NETGEAR Orbi and the Orbi Pro come with different ports that allow you to establish wired connections when the need arises. They both have 4 separate Gigabit Ethernet ports towards the back panel. One of these ports connects to the modem, while the other 3 connect to different network devices, including PCs, printers, gaming consoles, etc.

Along with that, the Orbi comes with a USB 2.0 port that allows you to connect file sharing devices, but the Orbi Pro does not offer this feature. Based on this comparison feature, we can deduce that the Orbi allows for more connections than the Orbi Pro, hence a better pick.

NETGEAR Orbi vs. Orbi Pro – A Comprehensive Overview

NETGEAR Orbi Review

NETGEAR Orbi Tri-band Whole Home Mesh WiFi System with 3Gbps Speed (RBK50) – Router & Extender Replacement Covers Up to 5,000 sq. ft., 2-Pack Includes 1 Router & 1 Satellite White
  • 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 AC3000 mesh-router system has been designed to fill medium to large-sized homes with high-speed Wi-Fi. You would be impressed with the ease of installation and the dedicated channel that helps the router-mesh system squeeze the maximum throughput to match your online wants and internet needs. This 2-pack kit is designed to cover 5,000 square feet. If you want more coverage, you can always purchase another standard unit that adds about 2,000 square feet of coverage. Along with that, it is fitted with 6 high-performance amplified antennas for more coverage and a better online experience.

In terms of size and aesthetics, the Orbi host and extensions are pretty large towers which can be too huge to easily hide, however, you would be impressed by their aesthetic and simplistic design. Along with that, the Orbi units have color-coded LED lights through which you can keep track of your connectivity status. When it comes to data transmission, the Orbi is equipped with 3 radio-frequency bands through which it can transmit Wi-Fi data. The 2.4 and 5 GHz are the primary bands that provide throughput speeds of up to 1.2 Gbps, whereas the second 5 GHz band that is dedicated to the backhaul delivers maximum throughput speeds of 1.7 Gbps.

Pros

  • Fast and reliable internet speeds
  • Advanced security features
  • Aesthetic and minimalistic design
  • Easy to install and deploy

Cons

  • Pretty large
  • Quite costly

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NETGEAR Orbi Pro Review

NETGEAR SRK60-100NAS - Discontinued by Manufacturer
  • NO MORE DEAD ZONES AND LIGHTNING SPEED: Fast 3Gbps mesh WiFi covers up to 5,000 sq. ft. and 25+...
  • OPTIMIZE PERFORMANCE & CONTROL ACCESS:  Separate and prioritize devices across 1 to 4 dedicated...

If you are looking for a router-mesh system to accommodate your high bandwidth applications, such as lag-free gaming and 4K online streaming, you would be impressed by everything the NETGEAR Orbi Pro has to offer. Aside from offering ultra-fast throughput speeds of up to 6 Gbps, this Wi-Fi 6 wireless system allows up to 4 times as many devices as connected to the Orbi. In addition to that, it offers lower latency and potentially improves the battery life of any compatible device. Its mesh coverage nature expands coverage over a range of 5,000 feet, which is just enough to eliminate nearly all dead zones around your home. Along with that, this mesh system features a 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet port that allows for multi-gig connectivity.

On top of that, the router has 4 Gigabit ports to accommodate multiple wired connections. One of its most notable features is the ability to create 3 separate networks, each with its own password for guests, admin staff, customers, and employees, depending on location and use. Besides that, it is very easy to set up and install, hence the best option for business users, office organizations, and homeowners alike.

Pros

  • Ultra-fast and reliable throughput speeds
  • Sturdy and extremely durable build quality
  • Excellent coverage
  • Fast and easy setup and installation
  • Very safe network

Cons

  • Limited USB capabilities

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Verdict: So, which one is better – NETGEAR Orbi or NETGEAR Orbi Pro?

The NETGEAR Orbi Pro is the better performer in this comparison. It is a Wi-Fi 6 router-mesh system that provides ultra-fast speeds and allows for 4 times as much devices as you would connect to the regular Orbi that came before. It is simply an improvement of the Orbi and offers a more seamless online experience.

FAQs

  1. Can I use the NETGEAR Orbi for Xfinity Internet?

Yes, you can. The Orbi system can be used with any internet service provider.

  1. Is the NETGEAR Orbi Pro compatible with the NETGEAR Orbi?

No, it is not. The Orbi Pro Satellite isn’t compatible and does not support the Orbi routers.

 

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