Orbi ax6000 vs. ax4200 – Which is the better Wi-Fi 6 router?
Are you tired of using an old router that no longer offers stable and speedy connections? Maybe it is time to consider replacing it with a new one. Check out this Orbi ax600 vs.ax4200 comparison review to figure out with is the best Wi-Fi 6 router for your internet needs?
In the past, Users had to browse the internet by using a combination of cables, which was complex to put together. Luckily, with the advent of technology, the means of accessing the internet has become much easier due to the introduction of Wi-Fi routers to the market. Different types of routers have flooded the market to meet the connectivity needs of various consumers. In this detailed overview, we compare the Orbi ax6000 and AX4200 to find the most reliable one for our connectivity needs.
Table of Contents
What are the differences between Orbi ax6000 and ax4200?
Model |
Orbi ax6000 (Winner) |
Orbi ax4200 |
Dimensions and weight |
10” by 7.5” by2.8” and a mass weight of 2.86 lbs |
9.1 by 7.2 by 2.8 inches and a total mass weight of 1.9 lbs
|
Performance and speed |
2.4GHz – 1200Mbps
2*5GHz- 2400Mbps |
2.4GHz-600Mbps
5GHz-1200Mbps 5GHz-2400Mbps |
Hardware and installation |
2.2 GHz powerful Quad-core processor, 1GB RAM, and 512MB NAND flash memory |
1.4 GHz Powerful Quad-core processor, 1GB RAM, and 512MB NAND flash memory |
Devices |
Ideal for use by 60+ devices |
Ideal for use by 40+ devices |
Orbi ax6000 vs. ax4200-How do they compare?
Dimensions and weight
Comprising of two units, the Orbi ax6000 has an oval-cross-sectional shape with dimensions of 10″ by 7.5″ by 2.8″ and a mass weight of 2.86 lbs. Its sleek design blends into various backgrounds, although it is relatively large. The device also comes with color-coded LEDs to show multiple functions of the system and eight internal antennas with high-powered amplifiers.
On the other hand, the Orbi ax4200 has two different hardware units, a satellite, and router, which have a similar design as that of the ax6000. However, the Orbi ax4200 is more compact and lightweight than the ax6000 as it has dimensions of 9.1 by 7.2 by 2.8 inches and a total mass weight of 1.9 lbs. It also has six high-performance internal antennas with high-powered antennas.
Performance and speed
The Orbi ax6000 and the ax4200 are tri-band mesh systems with a dedicated 5GHz backhaul that transfers data between the satellite and the router without using the bandwidth of the other two bands, which is for other devices. Both devices also have a coverage range of 5000 sq. Ft. to ensure your entire house has strong Wi-Fi signals.
The two units of the ax6000 have two identical 5GHz bands and a 2.4GHz that delivers fast performance with minimal to no signal degradation. Its 2.4GHz frequency has a maximum data rate of 1200Mbps while its other two 5GHz bands have a maximum data transfer speed of 2400Mbps each.
Alternatively, the ax4200 provides maximum data transmission rate of 600Mbps on its 2.4GHz and 1200Mbps and 2400Mbps on each of its 5GHz bands. It is worth noting that both mesh systems do not support the vulnerable 160MHz channel.
Therefore, the Orbi ax6000 is a better performer than the Orbi ax4200 as it delivers higher speeds.
Hardware and installation
The Orbi ax6000 has a 2.2GHz powerful Quad-core processor, while the Orbi ax4200 hosts a 1.4GHz Quad-core processor. However, both devices have no backward compatibility with the Orbi 5 hardware. More so, you cannot use the router to function as the satellite or vice versa. They both have a 1GB RAM and a 512MB NAND flash memory.
The Orbi ax6000 is, therefore, a more efficient processor than the Orbi ax4200.
Devices
The number of devices a mesh system accommodates gives you a clear insight into its application. For example, the Orbi ax4200 can take on at least 40 wireless devices, in addition to the LAN ports, meaning the numbers will improve. As a result, it is a functional unit for a small home network or a small office.
Alternatively, the Orbi ax6000 connects more than 60 wireless devices in addition to its versatile ports, making it highly reliable when compared to the Orbi ax4200. You can also purchase additional satellites to deliver faster speeds to your increasing number of devices.
The Orbi ax6000 or ax4200? Check out this video for more
Orbi ax6000 vs. ax4200 – A comparison review
Orbi ax6000 review
- Coverage up to 5,000 sq. ft. and for up to 100 devices. Extend coverage up to 2,500 sq. ft. with each...
- Ultrafast AX6000 gigabit speed with WiFi 6 technology for uninterrupted streaming, HD video gaming, and...
If you are looking for a high-performing mesh system and are not afraid to spend the extra buck, the Orbi ax6000 is an ideal option. It hosts full support for Wi-Fi 6, including WPA3 encryption and a second 5GHz band that acts as the dedicated backhaul connection.
Providing up to 5000 sq. Ft of wireless coverage, the package comes with two units that are white with silver trim, each measuring 10 by 7.5 by 2.8 inches and have a status LED near the base. The router node has a multi-gig 2.5Gbps WAN port and four Gigabit LAN ports, also available on the satellite node. The device also houses eight antennas, 1GB RAM, 512MB NAND flash memory, and a 2.2GHz powerful Quad-core processor.
Furthermore, the Orbi tri-band AX6000 system supports 4*4 MU-MIMO simultaneous streaming and signal beamforming technologies. It can reach a maximum data transfer speed of 1200Mbps on its 2.4GHz and 2400Mbps on its two 5GHz bands. The installation of the system is quite simple and quick as it uses the Orbi mobile app that allows you to set up in minutes. It also comes with an in-built Netgear Armor Multi-Layer security to protect the connected devices from viruses and malware.
Pros
- Easy to setup
- Multi-gig WAN
- Solid throughput speed
- Four LAN ports
Cons
- Expensive
Orbi ax4200 review
- Coverage up to 5,000 sq. ft. and for up to 40 devices. Extend coverage up to 2,500 sq. ft. with each...
- Fast AX4200 Gigabit speed with WiFi 6 technology for uninterrupted streaming, HD video gaming, and web...
The Orbi ax4200 is a less expensive Wi-Fi 6 alternative to the Orbi ax6000. Like the ax6000, the Orbi ax4200 is a tri-band mesh system that comes with two hardware units; the satellite node and the router node. Both units have the same physical design with product dimensions of 9.1 by 7.2 by 2.8 inches and a mass weight of 1.9 lbs. It can support more than 40 devices simultaneously without any interruptions.
Furthermore, this system offers a maximum total speed of 4200Mbps within a coverage range of 5000 sq. Ft. Similar to the ax6000, it has a dedicated backhaul that frees up the bandwidth of the other two bands, ensuring other connected devices enjoy its blistering speeds.
With an easy to install and user-friendly interface, you can plug in your computers, gaming consoles, and other wired devices by using its two Ethernet ports on the satellite node and 4 Ethernet ports on the router node. The system also supports MU-MIMO and beamforming technologies, and also comes with Smart Connect that allows users to access the entire network through one name. Likewise, it has Netgear Armor that provides advanced cyber threat protection.
Pros
- Exceptional performance
- MU-MIMO and beamforming technology
- Easy to install
- Compact and lightweight
- Affordable
Cons
- Limited functionality on the mobile app
Conclusion
Depending on your connectivity needs, both of these mesh systems are premium quality options. If you are looking for an affordable mesh system with decent performance, the Orbi ax4200 is an excellent choice. However, if you enjoy fast performance, Orbi ax6000 is the most suitable choice for you.
Final verdict: So which is better, Orbi ax6000 vs. ax4200?
After testing both the Orbi ax6000 and ax4200, we realized some significant differences that make one mesh system better. Though the Orbi ax4200 comes with a reasonable price tag, the Orbi ax6000 is a better choice due to its fast performance and better coverage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Orbi work better on router mode or AP mode?
It is better to work Orbi on the router mode as it prevents interference from other routers.
Can I use Orbi with VoIP phone and Xfinity dual-band router?
Yes, Orbi works excellent with both VoIP phones and Xfinity dual-band routers.
