So, what are the differences between eero vs. Orbi?
In the end, both eero and Orbi systems are very similar to each other, with the main differences lying in the unlimited units that can be connected to eero but lacking in the fact that its beacon units don’t feature any ports as it does with Orbi.
So it really depends on what you’re looking for in terms of your home.
The Short Version
eero = Tri-band WiFi radios, Simultaneous 2.4GHz, 5.2GHz, and 5.8GHz WiFi connectivity, two 1Gb ports WAN/ LAN & eero Beacon: None wired connectivity, compatible w/ MU-MIMO, beamforming, bridge mode, WPA2 security & network services, reduces WiFi Dead Zones, 1 Router + 1 Satellite up to 2,000 sq. ft. range, Quad-core 700MHz processor, 512MB memory, 4GB storage, eero Plus subscription plan available, eero Beacon night light, comes w/ Alexa support.
Orbi = Tri-band WiFi radios, simultaneous 2.4GHz, and 5GHz WiFi connectivity, 1 WAN; 3 LAN; One 2.0 USB; Orbi Satellite: 4 Gb LAN & One 2.0 USB wired connectivity, compatible w/MU-MIMO, beamforming, bridge mode, WPA/WPA2-PSK security & network services, reduces WiFi Dead Zones, 1 Router + 1 Satellite up to 5,000 sq. ft.range, Quad-core 710MHz processor, 512MB memory, 4GB memory, Premium Circle app, Technical Support after & 90-day free trial subscription plans available, no nightlight, comes w/ Alexa support.
Which one are you getting?
Last update on 2023-03-31 at 16:40 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
eero vs. Orbi — Easy Comparison Chart
| eero | Orbi | |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 4.76” x 4.76” x 1.26” | 8.9” x 6.7” x 3.1” |
| Color | White | White |
| Bridge Mode | Yes | Yes |
| Wired Connectivity | Two 1Gb ports WAN/ LANeero Beacon: None | 1 WAN; 3 LAN; One 2.0 USB; Orbi Satellite:4 Gb LAN; One 2.0 USB; |
| MU-MIMO | Yes | Yes |
| Subscription | eero Plus | Premium Circle app Technical Support after90-day free trial |
| Beamforming | Yes | Yes |
| Reduces WiFi Dead Zones | Yes | Yes |
| Range | 1 Router + 1 Satellite up to 2,000 sq. ft. | 1 Router + 1 Satellite up to 5,000 sq. ft. |
| Alexa Support | Yes | Yes |
| WiFi Connectivity | Tri-band WiFi radios, Simultaneous 2.4GHz, 5.2GHz, and 5.8GHzIEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | Tri-band WiFi radios ,Simultaneous 2.4GHz and 5GHzIEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac |
| Processor | Quad-core 700MHz | Quad-core 710MHz |
| Security and network services | WPA2 | WPA/WPA2-PSK |
| Memory | 512MB | 512MB |
| Storage | 4GB | 4GB |
| Nightlight | eero Beacon | No |
eero vs. Orbi — What’s Different?
Subscription – While both models offer optional subscription plans, there are a few differences.
With Orbi, you get a subscription to the Disney Circle service, which basically focuses on providing parents with more control and flexibility over how they monitor their children’s internet usage.
Additionally, you can do things like pause the internet, view browsing history and filter out the off-limits websites.
You can also take advantage of the Offtime, Time Limits, Bedtime, Usage & Rewards features as well.
Whereas with eero you can opt for the eeroPlus plan for 99USD yearly, and take advantage of the VPN Protection, Ad Blocking, and Family-Safe Browsing additions.
WiFi Connectivity – Both eero and Orbi offer a Tri-band, IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac WiFi radios, but with a few differences.
When it comes to eero, it uses simultaneously the 2.4GHz, 5.2GHz, and 5.8GHz connections in order to provide greater bandwidth to your various devices.
While with Orbi the 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands are the primary way that devices communicate with one another, with the third band being exclusively dedicated to the WiFi backhaul.
Thus ensuring a more stable connection with Orbi.
Design – When it comes to the design, Orbi features a more bulky design measuring at 8.9 x 6.7 x 3.1 inches, making it a little bit more difficult to stow away.
Whereas eero comes in a more sleek, and compact size with dimensions of 4.76 x 2.91 x 1.18’’.
Nightlight – With eero, you also have the advantage of using the eero Beacon nightlight which plugs directly into your outlets and includes a 10 Lumen LED nightlight that projects downwards.
Orbi lacks this addition.
Wired Connectivity – There are also a couple of differences when it comes to wired connectivity as well.
Since eero uses dual auto-sensing Gigabit ports for WAN and/or LAN connectivity, as well as a USB-C port for the AC power adapter, you’ll be limited in terms of the Gigaports since there are no actual ports on the beacons.
Whereas Orbi features 4 Gigabit Ethernet ports for more flexibility as well as a 2.0 USB port on the back of the device.
Units & Range – Lastly, eero offers powerful flexibility in terms of how many devices you can connect, which is unlimited.
And when it comes to range, eero can cover 1-2 bedroom houses with a coverage of 2000 feet.
However, when you use 2 eeros, you can extend that to 2-4 bedrooms and 3000 square feet.
Whereas Orbi takes it a step further by offering a more simple setup with a wider coverage range of up to 5000 square feet, while also being able to support up to 3 satellites and 1 main router.
Last update on 2023-03-31 at 16:40 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API