What To Know
- The Atlas Pro 6 utilizes a tri-band design with a dedicated 5 GHz band for backhaul traffic, ensuring seamless and consistent connectivity.
- The Atlas Pro 6 is typically priced around $350 for a 3-pack, while the Orbi is priced around $300 for a 2-pack.
- If you’re looking for a more affordable option with good performance and a user-friendly app, the Orbi is a strong contender.
The world of home networking has witnessed a significant evolution with the advent of Wi-Fi 6. Two prominent players in this space, Linksys and Netgear, have introduced their latest mesh systems: Linksys Atlas Pro 6 and Netgear Orbi. This blog post will delve into a comprehensive comparison of these two cutting-edge systems, examining their features, performance, and value proposition to help you make an informed decision.
Performance: Speed, Range, and Reliability
Both Linksys Atlas Pro 6 and Netgear Orbi boast impressive performance capabilities. The Atlas Pro 6 utilizes a tri-band design with a dedicated 5 GHz band for backhaul traffic, ensuring seamless and consistent connectivity. Its maximum theoretical speed reaches 5.7 Gbps, making it one of the fastest mesh systems available.
The Netgear Orbi, on the other hand, employs a dual-band design with a 2.4 GHz band and a 5 GHz band. It offers a maximum theoretical speed of 3 Gbps. While not as fast as the Atlas Pro 6, the Orbi still provides ample speed for most home networking needs.
In terms of range, the Linksys Atlas Pro 6 offers coverage of up to 6,000 square feet, while the Netgear Orbi covers up to 5,000 square feet. Both systems provide excellent coverage for most homes and small businesses.
Reliability is crucial for any mesh system. The Linksys Atlas Pro 6 utilizes a proprietary Intelligent Mesh technology that optimizes network performance by automatically adjusting channel selection and power levels. The Netgear Orbi features a similar technology called Tri-Band Mesh, which also ensures reliable and consistent connectivity.
Features: Customization, Security, and Management
Customization is an important aspect of any mesh system. The Linksys Atlas Pro 6 offers a wide range of customization options through its mobile app, including parental controls, device prioritization, and guest network settings. The Netgear Orbi also provides a comprehensive set of customization options, including advanced QoS settings, VPN support, and the ability to create multiple SSIDs.
Security is paramount in today’s connected world. The Linksys Atlas Pro 6 and Netgear Orbi both come equipped with advanced security features, including WPA3 encryption, firewall protection, and parental controls. Additionally, the Atlas Pro 6 offers a unique feature called Threat Protection, which provides real-time protection against malware and other online threats.
Management is essential for maintaining a healthy network. The Linksys Atlas Pro 6 and Netgear Orbi offer both local and remote management options. The Linksys app provides an intuitive and user-friendly interface, while the Netgear app offers more advanced features for power users.
Design and Aesthetics
The Linksys Atlas Pro 6 and Netgear Orbi have distinct designs that cater to different aesthetics. The Atlas Pro 6 features a sleek and modern design with a matte black finish. The Orbi, on the other hand, has a more traditional mesh system design with a white finish and rounded edges.
The size of the nodes is also worth considering. The Linksys Atlas Pro 6 nodes are relatively compact and can be placed discreetly around the home. The Netgear Orbi nodes are larger and may be more noticeable in smaller spaces.
Price and Value
The Linksys Atlas Pro 6 and Netgear Orbi are both premium mesh systems with comparable pricing. The Atlas Pro 6 is typically priced around $350 for a 3-pack, while the Orbi is priced around $300 for a 2-pack.
When considering value, it’s important to assess the features, performance, and customization options offered by each system. The Linksys Atlas Pro 6 offers faster speeds, a dedicated backhaul band, and more advanced security features. However, the Netgear Orbi provides a more affordable option with solid performance and a user-friendly app.
Choosing the Right System for You
The choice between the Linksys Atlas Pro 6 and Netgear Orbi ultimately depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you prioritize speed, advanced security, and customization, the Atlas Pro 6 is an excellent choice. If you’re looking for a more affordable option with good performance and a user-friendly app, the Orbi is a strong contender.
Final Thoughts
Both the Linksys Atlas Pro 6 and Netgear Orbi are exceptional mesh systems that offer reliable and high-speed Wi-Fi coverage. The Atlas Pro 6 stands out with its superior performance, dedicated backhaul band, and advanced security features. The Orbi, on the other hand, provides a more affordable option with a user-friendly app and solid performance.
Ultimately, the best system for you will depend on your specific requirements and budget. By carefully considering the factors discussed in this comparison, you can make an informed decision and choose the mesh system that will elevate your home networking experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which system has better range, the Linksys Atlas Pro 6 or Netgear Orbi?
A: The Linksys Atlas Pro 6 offers a slightly better range, covering up to 6,000 square feet compared to the Orbi’s 5,000 square feet.
Q: Does the Linksys Atlas Pro 6 support Wi-Fi 6E?
A: No, the Linksys Atlas Pro 6 does not support Wi-Fi 6E.
Q: Which system offers more customization options?
A: The Linksys Atlas Pro 6 offers a wider range of customization options through its mobile app, including parental controls, device prioritization, and guest network settings.
Q: Is the Netgear Orbi compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant?
A: Yes, the Netgear Orbi is compatible with both Alexa and Google Assistant, allowing you to control your network using voice commands.
Q: Which system is better for gaming?
A: The Linksys Atlas Pro 6 is a better choice for gaming due to its faster speeds, dedicated backhaul band, and low latency.
