NETGEAR Orbi vs. Orbi Pro
Let’s get straight to the differences between the NETGEAR Orbi vs. Orbi Pro.
The major differences are Orbi Pro’s multiple satellite compatibility, traffic separation options, and the Captive Tunnel feature.
While the regular NETGEAR Orbi impresses us with its advanced Parental Controls and premium subscription plan.
So in the end, when it comes to choosing the better model, it’s worth keeping in mind that the previous Orbi is an excellent option for residential settings, while the Orbi Pro is definitely superior when it comes to small businesses.
The Short Version
NETGEAR Orbi = Tri-band WiFi radios, Simultaneous 2.4GHz, 5GHz WiFi connectivity, compatible w/ MU-MIMO, beamforming, bridge mode (Yes (default router mode), WPA/WPA2-PSK security & networks services, reduces WiFi Dead Zones, 1 Router + 1 Satellite 5,000 sq ft range, Premium Circle app features & Technical Support after 90-day free trial subscription plan, includes Alexa & Google support.
Orbi Pro = Tri-band WiFi radios, simultaneous 2.4GHz, 5GHz WiFi connectivity, compatible w/ MU-MIMO, beamforming, bridge mode – yes (default AP mode), WPA/WPA2-PSK security & network services, reduces WiFi Dead Zones, 1 Router + 1 Satellite 5,000 sq ft range, Technical Support after 90-day free trial subscription, no A;exa or Google support.
Which one are you getting?
Last update on 2023-09-22 at 16:41 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
NETGEAR Orbi vs. Orbi Pro — Easy Comparison Chart
| NETGEAR Orbi | Orbi Pro | |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 8.9” x 6.7” x 3.1” | 6.8” x 9.7” x 3.3” |
| Range | 1 Router + 1 Satellite 5,000 sq ft | 1 Router + 1 Satellite 5,000 sq ft |
| Bridge Mode | Yes (default router mode) | Yes (default AP mode) |
| Radio 1: | IEEE® 802.11b/g/n 2.4GHz–256QAM | IEEE® 802.11b/g/n 2.4GHz–256QAM |
| Radio 2: | IEEE® 802.11a/n/ac 5GHz–256QAM | IEEE® 802.11a/n/ac 5GHz–256QAM |
| Radio 3: | IEEE® 802.11a/n/ac 5GHz–256QAM | IEEE® 802.11a/n/ac 5GHz–256QAM |
| WiFi Connectivity | Tri-band WiFi radios,Simultaneous 2.4GHz, 5GHzIEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac | Tri-band WiFi radios,Simultaneous 2.4GHz, 5GHzIEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac |
| MU-MIMO | Yes | Yes |
| Beamforming | Yes | Yes |
| Security and network services | WPA/WPA2-PSK | WPA/WPA2-PSK |
| Google Assistant | Yes | No |
| Alexa Support | Yes | No |
| Reduces WiFi Dead Zones | Yes | Yes |
| Wired Connectivity | Four (4) 10/100/1000Mbps Gigabit Ethernet ports – One (1) WAN & three (3) LAN – One (1) 2.0 USB port Orbi Satellite – One (1) 2.0 USB port | Four (4) 10/100/1000Mbps Gigabit Ethernet ports – One (1) WAN & three (3) LANOrbi Pro Satellite |
| Subscription | Premium Circle app features Technical Support after 90-day free trial | Technical Support after 90-day free trial |
| Color | White | White |
NETGEAR Orbi vs. Orbi Pro — What’s Different?
Subscription – When it comes to subscription plans, the basic and free version of the Circle app already comes with a myriad of useful features.
However, for a monthly fee, you can gain other features such as Usage, Rewards, Offtime, Bedtime and Time Limits additions.
Unfortunately Orbi Pro doesn’t have the Circle app subscription plan available.
Default AP/Router Mode – The original Orbi will default to “router mode” when setting up in the beginning, whereas the Pro model will be set to Access Point mode by default already so you have the advantage of easily being able to integrate your Orbi into an existing network and reap the benefits that the nodes have to offer.
Design – When it comes to design, the regular Orbi features larger dimensions of 8.9 inches x 6.7 inches x 3.1 inches, as well as Orbi Pro whish measures at 6.8 x 9.7” x 3.3”.
However, Orbi Pro features a more sleek look that is also utilitarian in a way, and uniquely suited for a commercial setting.
Add-On Satellites – The regular NETGEAR Orbi model offers far more flexibility when it comes to satellites since it includes far more options such as the default Orbi Satellite, Orbi Voice Add-on WiFi Satellite and Smart Speaker, Orbi Outdoor Satellite and the Orbi Plug-In Satellite.
While Orbi Pro only offers the default Pro Satellite, as well as the Orbi Outdoor Satellite.
Parental Control – Additionally, the original Orbit also offers much more improved Parental Control features via The Circle app, since the Pro version is more suited for business and industrial type of establishments.
Maximum Expansion & User Connections – The Orbi Pro has an edge when it comes to its user connections and expansions limit as it can have up to 40 devices connected at once, with the ability to have 40 simultaneous users all with their own dedicated bandwidth, ideal for an office type of environment.
Whereas the regular Orbi can only support up to 20 connections at any one time.
Traffic Separation – Additionally, Orbi Pro allows you to have more options when it comes to separating the traffic.
For example, you’ll be able to create up to 3 WiFi networks for Admins, Employees, and Guests.
While with the older Orbi version you’ll be limited to a personal network as well as a guest WiFi network.
Captive Portal – Lastly, only the Orbi Pro version supports the Captive Portal addition.
This essentially shows a page upon entry to a guest network and requires users to agree to a set of terms and conditions before accessing the internet.
Last update on 2023-09-22 at 16:41 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API