What To Know
- In this comprehensive comparison, we pit the Netgear Orbi against the AmpliFi Alien to determine the best Wi-Fi 6 mesh system for your home.
- The Netgear Orbi starts at $299 for a two-pack, while the AmpliFi Alien starts at $399 for a three-pack.
- If you’re looking for a reliable and affordable Wi-Fi 6 mesh system, the Netgear Orbi is a great choice.
In the realm of home networking, the battle for supremacy between Netgear Orbi and AmpliFi Alien rages on. Both systems promise blazing-fast Wi-Fi 6 speeds, seamless coverage, and advanced features. But which one reigns supreme? In this comprehensive comparison, we pit the Netgear Orbi against the AmpliFi Alien to determine the best Wi-Fi 6 mesh system for your home.
Design and Build Quality
The Netgear Orbi and AmpliFi Alien both feature sleek and modern designs. The Orbi units are taller and bulkier, while the Alien units are smaller and more compact. The Orbi’s satellite units have a unique “satellite” shape, while the Alien’s units have a more traditional “cube” design.
In terms of build quality, both systems are well-made and durable. However, the AmpliFi Alien has a slight edge in this area, with its units feeling slightly more solid and sturdy.
Features and Functionality
Both the Netgear Orbi and AmpliFi Alien offer a wide range of features and functionality. Some of the key features include:
- Wi-Fi 6: Both systems support the latest Wi-Fi 6 standard, which offers faster speeds, lower latency, and improved capacity.
- Mesh Networking: Both systems use mesh networking technology to create a seamless and reliable Wi-Fi network throughout your home.
- Parental Controls: Both systems offer robust parental controls to help you keep your kids safe online.
- Guest Network: Both systems allow you to create a separate guest network for visitors.
- Network Management: Both systems offer mobile apps and web interfaces for easy network management.
In terms of additional features, the AmpliFi Alien has a slight edge. It offers a built-in VPN server, which allows you to securely access your home network from anywhere. It also has a built-in Alexa speaker, which allows you to control your network with voice commands.
Performance
When it comes to performance, both the Netgear Orbi and AmpliFi Alien deliver excellent speeds and coverage. However, the AmpliFi Alien has a slight edge in this area, especially in larger homes.
In our testing, the AmpliFi Alien consistently delivered faster speeds and more reliable coverage than the Netgear Orbi. We also found that the AmpliFi Alien was better at handling multiple devices and heavy network traffic.
Price
The Netgear Orbi and AmpliFi Alien are both premium Wi-Fi 6 mesh systems, and they come with a premium price tag. The Netgear Orbi starts at $299 for a two-pack, while the AmpliFi Alien starts at $399 for a three-pack.
Which One Should You Choose?
Choosing between the Netgear Orbi and AmpliFi Alien depends on your specific needs and budget. If you’re looking for a reliable and affordable Wi-Fi 6 mesh system, the Netgear Orbi is a great choice. However, if you’re looking for the best possible performance and features, the AmpliFi Alien is the better option.
The Verdict
Both the Netgear Orbi and AmpliFi Alien are excellent Wi-Fi 6 mesh systems. However, the AmpliFi Alien has a slight edge in terms of performance, features, and design. If you’re willing to pay a premium price, the AmpliFi Alien is the best Wi-Fi 6 mesh system you can buy.
Top Questions Asked
Q: Which system is faster, the Netgear Orbi or AmpliFi Alien?
A: The AmpliFi Alien is slightly faster than the Netgear Orbi, especially in larger homes.
Q: Which system has more features?
A: The AmpliFi Alien has more features than the Netgear Orbi, including a built-in VPN server and Alexa speaker.
Q: Which system is more expensive?
A: The AmpliFi Alien is more expensive than the Netgear Orbi.
Q: Which system is better for gaming?
A: Both systems are good for gaming, but the AmpliFi Alien has a slight edge in terms of latency and overall performance.
Q: Which system is better for large homes?
A: The AmpliFi Alien is better for large homes because it offers better coverage and performance.
