Orbi vs Orbi Mini- Finding the best Wi-Fi mesh system
Various factors such as connectivity, coverage, speed and reliability are important when choosing the right Wi-Fi connection. In this article, Orbi and Orbi mini are critically discussed and analyzed to ensure you make the right choice for you.
First of all,there is need to know what a Wi-Fi system is as well as all the minute details that make one product stand out from the other. Currently, there are hybrids of all sorts that offer an easy way to blanket your home without wiring or extensions. In this article, emphasis is placed on two brands of Wi-Fi namely; Orbi Mini and Orbi.
Thisguide analyzes these two well- known and desired brands to further helpone to be informed when going in for a buy. Some of the factors to be considered include connectivity, speed, band technology and coverage. For example, connectivity determines how easy it will be for you to connect devices to your router.
The number of devices that can be connected to the router whether wirelessly or through the ports might stand out of office users especially.These factors are therefore crucial and this article is anchored on them. Read on for the subtle differences that exist between these two brands.
Table of Contents
What are the differences between Orbi Mini and Orbi?
Model |
Orbi (Winner) |
Orbi Mini |
Size (inches) |
6.67 x 2.36 x 8.89 |
5.6 x 2.4 x 6.6 |
Speed |
Combined up to 3.0 Gbps |
Combined up to 866 Mbps |
Signal Coverage (sq. feet) |
7500 |
5000 |
Technology |
Tri- Band |
Tri- Band |
Orbi vs Orbi Mini- How do they compare to one another?
Both routers perform the same job which is to provide wireless signals to devices. These routers however differ in so many ways hence both routers function differently under different conditions.
With this, ones’ experience may also differ with each system due to factors such as; size of the house and the number of people using the device. The article will further discuss the main differences between the two systems.
Design
The Orbi router measures 6.6 inches wide by 9 inches high and 2.8 inches deep. It weighs 1.98lbs while the Orbi mini measures 6.5 inches wide,8.03 inches high and 1.27 inches deep. It is a bit smaller than the Orbi. However, it has the same cylindrical shape and white finish. It also has the LED light ring on the top that glows in different colors respectively red when the router has an error and amber when rebooting. The Orbi router has a USB port unlike the Orbi mini that lacks a USB port.
Both the Orbi and Orbi Mini come with satellites that can be used as an extension of the wireless signal. The Orbi comes in a three-packsatellite, each individual satellite communicates with the main router in a hub and spoke arrangement unlike the mesh technology which would let data move from one satellite to another.
The Orbi mini comes with a two-pack satellite that is relatively vast. These satellites also differ in size. The Orbi satellite is much bigger than the Orbi mini. Being smaller, the Orbi mini is much more convenient in home use as it can be placed anywhere in your home. Regarding LAN wired ports,
Orbi has a total of four ports; one on the primary router and two each on two satellites while the Orbi mini has a total of three ports on the central router. These ports allow you to connect your devices to the router if you so wish to have a wired connection.
Hardware
The Orbi Routers are built with a control chip known as a Qualcomm IPQ 4019 and radio of 710 MHz which has a storage space up to 4 GB and 512MB of RAM. It has an additional QCA9984 chip which minimizes backhaul data. The main router is a tri band and has six antennas.
Orbi is capable of full speed of up to 3Gbps while Orbi mini has a speed of 866 Mbps. With the Orbi router you are able to enjoy a high speed and hence making it suitable to be used in larger homes or a large group of people compared to Orbi mini which is suitable for smaller homes or a small group of people.
Set Up & Interface
Both routers can be installed and configured using the app on ones’ smartphone. Instructions on how to set up the connectivity are clear and easy to follow. You are then required to plug the satellite into a wall outlet a few feet from your router then using your phones Wi-Fi settings, connect your phone to the Orbi’s SSID, enter the keyword and within no time, the satellite is configured and then gives the system a name and password. In short, configuration of the router is fast and easy to do.
The Orbi is a 2×2 router that can be able to handle two streams of data at the same time. It also adds the multi- user, multiple-input and multiple out-put Wi-Fi technology for sending focused data streams to several devises at the one time.
However, the Orbi mini router turned in solid scores in the multi- user, multiple in-put and multiple output performance tests scoring 411Mbps. In a three- story building with thick walls Orbi managed to stay connected with its users at a distance of 150 feet, Orbi router delivered a speed of nearly 229 Mbps. This is nearly seven times Google Wi-Fi. While the Orbi mini router delivered a speed of 142 Mbps at a distance of 30 feet.
Technology
They both use tri-band technology and this is a unique similarity because unlike other routers that use dual- band technology, Orbi and Orbi mini hence no congestion issue. The tri-band technology is more efficient and faster at distributing wireless signals.
They also both have guest access which is used when you do not want to share your network with your guests. The brands help you to create a separate guest point without exposing your home network.
Performance in speed tests
Using Ixia’s IX Chariot software, testing shows that Orbi routers can deliver up to 552.1Mbps when within 5 feet. For older generation models, they can do up to 400Mbps and the most recent ones (those supporting 802.11ac) can have fast speeds up to 866Mbps. At 30 feet, tests show throughput of around 200Mbps.
Additional features/Accessories
Both brands are easy to set up. There’s an Orbi app and is easily accessible and also performs other functions such as setting up your router from the phone. They also both have parental controlthat helps parents create restrictions that prevent children from sites that are unsafe.
Orbi vs Orbi Mini- Overview and Key Features
Orbi
- 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...
The Orbi router is a reliable device and has a lot of advantages too. First and foremost, fast internet speed for devices. Nevertheless, it is consistent and allows many devices to be connected at the same time. If you like wired connection Orbi is a great recommendation for you due to its performance and stability even with wired connection. It has Ethernet Ports that allows up to four devices to be connected.
It is also regarded to as the Ultra- performance whole home mesh Wi-Fi system that covers homes or offices up to 5,000 square feet and still retains its speed. Hence, it creates a seamless network that allows you to move from room to room without losing your signal. It also has a router and one satellite as stated above.
It works with all major internet providers such as Fios, Verizon and Comcast. To add, it works with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant so you can use your voice to control the network.
Regarding added controls, it has parental control as stated above that control and manage time consumed in the internet by kids. It also controls what is watched and websites that are age inappropriate. This feature also allows parents to pause the internet from their devices. Orbi router also protects from online threats by providing your home from internet threats. This is done by providing an excellent anti-virus for all connected devices. Orbi also allows Guest Network which is used to secure homes Wi-Fi password by giving guests a separate and secure Wi-Fi network.
To add, its executive design is another key feature of the Orbi router. It is a good fit in any room and serves a good aesthetic due to its white color.
Like every other product, Orbi router also has its own imperfections like its cost which is quite on the higher side. One might need to save up for this one time purchase.
Pros
- It has an aesthetically pleasing, minimalist design
- Offers parental control and other security features
- It is fast and has reliable speed
- Many access points to create a mesh network
- More LAN Ethernet ports and a USB port
Cons
- Quite bulky compared to Orbi mini
- Mobile app has limited functionality
- Expensive compared to other routers
- Warranty lasts only a year
- Limited functionality of the USB
Orbi Mini
- Tri-band backhaul a dedicated band between your Orbi router and satellite frees up the other two bands...
- Works with all internet providers replace your existing wi-fi router and extender separate modem or...
This is a two-piece router that consists of the router itself and a satellite. Additional satellites can also be bought in case you want to widen your coverage. In terms of its design, it issmaller than the Orbi router but still has the same cylindrical shape and colors. It also provides for good aesthetics when put in your home or office due to its size and colour. Both these features make it a good fit for any room.
Another noteworthy feature of this device is that it is easy to set up and does not require much time to put together since it has clear instructions and an app on smartphones. This app also allows you to manage your settings.
To add, Orbi mini comes with tri band technology that makes data transfer all the more efficient and faster. You can also enjoy seamless streaming and online gaming without much interference.
Like any other device, the orbi mini router also has its own imperfections in that it is not fast as the Orbi. It also lacks key features that are important to have today such as parental control.
Pros
- It is aesthetically pleasing
- Easy to set up
- Has Tri-band technology
Cons
- Fewer Ethernet Ports compared to the Orbi router
- Limited functionality of mobile app
- Warranty is available for one year only
- Cannot be mounted on the wall and can topple over because of the design
Conclusion
Both routers have outstanding features that make them an easy, attractivefit for any area. Their tech-features like wide coverage and signal strength also makes either good choices for all kinds of home designs like L-shaped and ranch homes. They can also keep up with resource intensive tasks like online gaming and 4K steaming.
Verdict: So, which is better between Orbiand Orbi Mini?
Orbi Mini has some quality features just like theOrbi. For instance, it has parental control which is an important feature especially today to protect our children from inappropriate videos and websites that are easily accessible in the internet.
Nonetheless, Orbi is easily the better router. Orbi is faster compared to Orbi mini even at a distance of 150 feet where it delivers a speed of nearly 229 Mbps. Orbi Mini router, on the other hand can only deliver 142Mbps when only at a distance of 30 feet. Orbi is also nearly seven times Google Wi-Fi. Therefore, Orbi surpasses Orbi mini and wins out in this view.
Frequently asked questions
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What is the default IP address for OrbiRouter?
The default IP address for most of the orbi Wi-Fisystems is 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.01.
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How can I change the username and password for my Orbi Router?
It is possible to change the username and password by logging in to orbilogin.com. In addition you can have just one username and password for the entire Wi-Fimesh system.
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How do I make sure that automatic firmware updates happen in the middle of the night for my orbi Wi-Fi system?
Orbi Wi-Fi system does an automatic firmware update, the automatic software updates take place from 1:00 AM and 4:00 AM and in order to prevent any inconveniences/interruptions the router should be set your current local time for it to be updated.
