Simplify Your Laptop Search with Tested Reviews and Expert Advice
Guide

Linksys vs. netgear: which router reigns supreme for your smart home?

My name is Michael, and I am passionate about all things laptops. With years of experience as a technology journalist and reviewer, I have an in-depth understanding of the latest and greatest laptops on the market.

What To Know

  • 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.

Was this page helpful?

Michael

My name is Michael, and I am passionate about all things laptops. With years of experience as a technology journalist and reviewer, I have an in-depth understanding of the latest and greatest laptops on the market.
Back to top button