We’re going to go over the differences between NETGEAR Orbi vs. Google WiFi, and which is better for you and your home.
When it comes to advanced parental controls, connectivity, and MU-MIMO, NETGEAR Orbi comes out ahead with its speed and advanced technology.
However, Google WiFi is very reliable and stable, even if it lacks some of the fancier features of the Orbi model.
The Short Version
NETGEAR Orbi = Tri-band WiFi radios, simultaneous 2.4GHz, and 5GHz (2) WiFi connectivity, 1 Gigabit WAN; 3 Gigabit LAN; One USB 2.0; Orbi Satellite: 4 Gigabit LAN ports One USB 2.0 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 RAM memory & 4GB of storage, Premium Circle app, Technical Support after 90-day free trial subscription available.
Google WiFi = Dual-band WiFi radios, simultaneous 2.4GHz, and 5GHz WiFi connectivity, 2 Gb WAN/LAN per unit wired connectivity, no MU-MIMO, beamforming, bridge mode, WPA2-PSK security & network services, reduces WiFi Dead Zones, One 500-1500 sq ft, Two 1500-3000 sq ft, Three 3000-4500 sq ft range, Quad-core 710MHz processor, 512MB RAM memory & 4GB storage available, no subscription.
Which one are you getting?
Last update on 2023-09-22 at 22:30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
NETGEAR Orbi vs. Google WiFi— Easy Comparison Chart
| NETGEAR Orbi | Google WiFi | |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 8.9 x 6.7 x 3.1-inches | Diameter: 4.1″Height: 2.7″ |
| Color | White | White |
| Security and network services | WPA/WPA2-PSK | WPA2-PSK |
| Wired Connectivity | 1 Gigabit WAN; 3 Gigabit LAN; One USB 2.0; Orbi Satellite: 4 Gigabit LAN ports One USB 2.0; | 2 Gb WAN/LAN per unit |
| MU-MIMO | Yes | No |
| Beamforming | Yes | Yes |
| Bridge Mode | Yes | Yes |
| Reduces WiFi Dead Zones | Yes | Yes |
| Range | 1 Router + 1 Satelliteup to 5,000 sq ft | One 500-1500 sq ft Two 1500-3000 sq ft Three 3000-4500 sq ft |
| WiFi Connectivity | Tri-band WiFi radios, Simultaneous 2.4GHz and 5GHz (2)IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac | Dual-band WiFi radios, Simultaneous 2.4GHz and 5GHzIEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac |
| Subscription | Premium Circle app Technical Support after 90-day free trial | No |
| Processor | Quad-core 710MHz | Quad-core 710MHz |
| Memory | 512MB RAM | 512MB RAM |
| Storage | 4GB | 4GB |
NETGEAR Orbi vs. Google WiFi — What’s Different?
Subscriptions – With the NETGEAR Orbi you can opt for a premium subscription plan to amp up the features offered.
Which include Time limits, Bedtime, Offtime, Rewards, and Usage.
While Google WiFi doesn’t include any subscription plans to choose from.
Wireless Connectivity – Orbi features a tri-band setup, meaning that it does have better device communication capabilities than Google WiFi, which comes with a dual-band WiFi radios 802.11a/b/g/n/ac.
Design – In terms of design, Orbi comes with two units that almost look the same with a white matte finish, measuring at t 8.9 x 6.7 x 3.1 inches.
Whereas Google features a more compact device with dimensions of 4.17 x 2.70’’, also in a white finish.
Wired Connectivity – Orbi is a little bit more flexible when it comes to wired connectivity since it offers One USB port, 4 Gigabit LAN ports, 3 Gigabit LAN, & 1 Gigabit WAN.
Whereas Google comes with two Gigabit Ethernet ports per Wifi point rather than 4.
Range – Orbi also features an impressive coverage, with a range of 5000 square feet, while also being able to work with up to 3 satellites.
While Google requires more units to gain a large coverage range which starts from a single unit that is suited for a small home or apartment, with a range of 500-1500 square feet. Two units will beam WiFi across a medium-sized home, with a range of 1500-3000 square feet, and 3 units to cover a range from 3000-4500 square feet.
Parental Control – In terms of parental control, Orbi does offer more features as well as reliability with its Circle app that has been developed with the help of Disney, for a monthly fee.
Additionally, Google WiFi also provides impressive support for parental controls with SafeSearch automatically blocking billions of websites that host adult content.
MU-MIMO – Orbi also has an advantage due to the fact it’s compatible with MU-MIMO, or multi-output, multi-user, and multi-input.
Allowing it to efficiently transmit and receive data from all of the connected devices simultaneously.
Unfortunately, Google offers no such compatibility.
Last update on 2023-09-22 at 22:30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API