What To Know
- The main router is a large, cylindrical tower with a matte black finish and a prominent Orbi logo.
- It offers tri-band connectivity with speeds up to 11,000 Mbps (6000 Mbps on the 6 GHz band, 2402 Mbps on the 5 GHz band, and 1201 Mbps on the 2.
- In terms of speed and latency, the ZenWiFi Pro ET12 and the Orbi are neck and neck.
In the ever-evolving world of home networking, the battle for supremacy between ASUS ZenWiFi Pro ET12 and Netgear Orbi rages on. Both systems promise to blanket your home with seamless Wi-Fi, but which one reigns supreme? This in-depth comparison delves into the features, performance, and value proposition of each system to help you make an informed decision.
Design and Build Quality
ASUS ZenWiFi Pro ET12
The ASUS ZenWiFi Pro ET12 features a sleek and understated design with two identical nodes. Each node is a compact cylinder with a glossy finish and subtle LED indicators. The nodes are designed to blend seamlessly into any home décor.
Netgear Orbi
The Netgear Orbi, on the other hand, has a more distinct look. The main router is a large, cylindrical tower with a matte black finish and a prominent Orbi logo. The satellite nodes are smaller and have a similar design, but with a white finish.
Hardware and Features
ASUS ZenWiFi Pro ET12
The ZenWiFi Pro ET12 is powered by a quad-core Broadcom processor and supports Wi-Fi 6E. It offers tri-band connectivity with speeds up to 11,000 Mbps (6000 Mbps on the 6 GHz band, 2402 Mbps on the 5 GHz band, and 1201 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band).
Additionally, the ZenWiFi Pro ET12 includes a variety of features such as AiMesh compatibility, Adaptive QoS, and parental controls.
Netgear Orbi
The Netgear Orbi is also powered by a quad-core Broadcom processor and supports Wi-Fi 6E. It offers tri-band connectivity with speeds up to 10,800 Mbps (6000 Mbps on the 6 GHz band, 2402 Mbps on the 5 GHz band, and 1201 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band).
The Orbi features similar features to the ZenWiFi Pro ET12, including a dedicated backhaul band, parental controls, and guest network support.
Performance
Coverage and Signal Strength
Both the ZenWiFi Pro ET12 and the Orbi offer excellent coverage and signal strength. The ZenWiFi Pro ET12 has a slightly larger coverage area due to its more powerful antennas. However, both systems provide reliable Wi-Fi throughout most homes.
Speed and Latency
In terms of speed and latency, the ZenWiFi Pro ET12 and the Orbi are neck and neck. Both systems offer fast and responsive Wi-Fi with minimal latency. However, the ZenWiFi Pro ET12 has a slight edge in upload speeds due to its dedicated backhaul band.
Software and Management
ASUS ZenWiFi Pro ET12
The ZenWiFi Pro ET12 is managed through the ASUS Router app. The app provides a user-friendly interface with easy-to-use features. It allows you to monitor your network, adjust settings, and troubleshoot any issues.
Netgear Orbi
The Netgear Orbi is managed through the Orbi app. The app is also user-friendly but offers a slightly more comprehensive set of features. It includes advanced settings, device prioritization, and parental controls.
Pricing and Value
ASUS ZenWiFi Pro ET12
The ASUS ZenWiFi Pro ET12 is priced at around $500 for a two-pack. This makes it one of the more expensive mesh Wi-Fi systems on the market. However, it offers exceptional performance and features for the price.
Netgear Orbi
The Netgear Orbi is priced at around $400 for a two-pack. This makes it a more affordable option than the ZenWiFi Pro ET12. However, it offers slightly less performance and features.
Final Verdict: ASUS ZenWiFi Pro ET12 or Netgear Orbi?
Both the ASUS ZenWiFi Pro ET12 and the Netgear Orbi are excellent mesh Wi-Fi systems. They offer fast and reliable Wi-Fi coverage, easy-to-use software, and a variety of features.
Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your specific needs and budget. If you’re looking for the best possible performance and features, the ASUS ZenWiFi Pro ET12 is the better choice. However, if you’re looking for a more affordable option that still offers excellent performance, the Netgear Orbi is a great choice.
Popular Questions
Q: Which system offers better coverage?
A: Both systems offer excellent coverage, but the ZenWiFi Pro ET12 has a slightly larger coverage area due to its more powerful antennas.
Q: Which system is faster?
A: Both systems offer fast speeds, but the ZenWiFi Pro ET12 has a slight edge in upload speeds due to its dedicated backhaul band.
Q: Which system is easier to manage?
A: Both systems have user-friendly management apps, but the Orbi app offers a slightly more comprehensive set of features.
Q: Which system is more affordable?
A: The Netgear Orbi is a more affordable option than the ZenWiFi Pro ET12.
Q: Which system is better for gaming?
A: Both systems are suitable for gaming, but the ZenWiFi Pro ET12 has a dedicated gaming mode that optimizes network traffic for gaming.
