Key points
- The Linksys Atlas Pro 6 offers a sleek design, wide coverage, and solid performance at a competitive price.
- If you have a large home or need the fastest possible speeds, the Netgear Orbi is the way to go.
- If you’re looking for a more affordable option with good performance and coverage, the Linksys Atlas Pro 6 is a great pick.
When it comes to home Wi-Fi, two titans stand out: Linksys Atlas Pro 6 and Netgear Orbi. Both offer cutting-edge technology and promise seamless connectivity, but which one reigns supreme? This comprehensive comparison will delve into their features, performance, and value to help you make an informed decision.
Design and Coverage
The Linksys Atlas Pro 6 boasts a sleek, cylindrical design with six internal antennas. It offers coverage of up to 6,000 square feet, ideal for larger homes or multi-story buildings.
The Netgear Orbi, on the other hand, consists of a router and one or more satellites. The router has four external antennas and a coverage range of up to 5,000 square feet. Additional satellites can extend the coverage to even larger areas.
Wi-Fi Technology
Both devices support Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), the latest Wi-Fi standard. This technology offers faster speeds, reduced latency, and improved efficiency over previous standards.
The Linksys Atlas Pro 6 features MU-MIMO (Multi-User, Multiple-Input, Multiple-Output) technology, which allows multiple devices to connect simultaneously without sacrificing speed. Netgear Orbi also supports MU-MIMO but adds OFDMA (Orthogonal Frequency-Division Multiple Access), which optimizes bandwidth allocation for more efficient data transfer.
Performance
In terms of performance, both devices deliver impressive speeds. The Linksys Atlas Pro 6 offers theoretical speeds of up to 5.4 Gbps, while the Netgear Orbi can achieve speeds of up to 6 Gbps.
However, real-world performance may vary depending on factors such as the number of connected devices, interference, and the distance from the router. Both devices perform well in most scenarios, providing consistent and reliable connections.
Features
The Linksys Atlas Pro 6 offers several features, including:
- Mesh Wi-Fi for seamless roaming
- Parental controls
- Guest Wi-Fi
- QoS (Quality of Service) for prioritizing traffic
- Advanced security features
The Netgear Orbi also includes similar features, such as:
- Mesh Wi-Fi
- Parental controls
- Guest Wi-Fi
- QoS
- Advanced security features
- Built-in Alexa voice assistant
Price
The price of these devices varies depending on the number of satellites included in the Netgear Orbi system. A single Linksys Atlas Pro 6 router retails for around $250, while a two-pack Netgear Orbi system costs around $350.
Key Points
Both the Linksys Atlas Pro 6 and Netgear Orbi are excellent choices for home Wi-Fi. The Linksys Atlas Pro 6 offers a sleek design, wide coverage, and solid performance at a competitive price. The Netgear Orbi provides even faster speeds, additional features, and the flexibility of expanding coverage with satellites.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on your specific needs and budget. If you have a large home or need the fastest possible speeds, the Netgear Orbi is the way to go. If you’re looking for a more affordable option with good performance and coverage, the Linksys Atlas Pro 6 is a great pick.
Top Questions Asked
Q: Which device has better coverage?
A: The Netgear Orbi offers slightly better coverage, especially with the use of additional satellites.
Q: Which device has faster speeds?
A: The Netgear Orbi has slightly faster theoretical speeds, but real-world performance may vary.
Q: Which device has more features?
A: The Netgear Orbi has a wider range of features, including built-in Alexa voice assistant.
Q: Which device is more affordable?
A: The Linksys Atlas Pro 6 is more affordable than the Netgear Orbi.
Q: Which device is better for gaming?
A: Both devices offer low latency and fast speeds, making them suitable for gaming.