Let’s take a look at the differences between the Orbi vs. Nighthawk AC1900 (R7000).
Most of the differences are slight, but Orbi’s advanced WiFi connectivity is a big one.
Additionally, Orbi also comes with a lot more range that we know of, as well as increased flexibility with its wired connectivity as well.
So in the end, while Nighthawk‘s affordable price and additional USB connectivity is a plus, NETGEAR Orbi is the better model in this comparison.
The Short Version
NETGEAR Orbi = Tri-band, Simultaneous 2.4GHz, 5GHz (2) WiFi connectivity, 1 WAN & 3 LAN; One 2.0 USB Orbi Satellite Four 1GB LAN & One 2.0 USB wired connectivity, MU-MIMO, compatible w/ 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 of storage available, Premium Circle app, Technical Support after 90-day free trial subscription plan.
Nighthawk AC1900 (R7000) = Dual-band, Simultaneous 2.4 and 5GHz WiFi connectivity, 1 WAN & 4 LAN; One 3.0 USB & One 2.0 USB wired connectivity, MU-MIMO, beamforming, bridge mode, WPA/WPA2—PSK security & network services, doesn’t reduce WiFi dead zones, large range, Dual-core 1GHz processor, 128MB memory & 256MB storage available, Premium Circle app, Technical Support after 90-day free trial subscription plan.
Which one are you getting?
Last update on 2023-09-22 at 15:30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Orbi vs. Nighthawk AC1900 (R7000) — Easy Comparison Chart
| NETGEAR Orbi | Nighthawk AC1900 (R7000) | |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 8.9” x 6.7” x 3.1” | 11.2” x 7.3” x 2” |
| Color | White | Black |
| Wired Connectivity | 1 WAN & 3 LAN; One 2.0 USB Orbi Satellite Four 1GB LAN; One 2.0 USB | 1 WAN & 4 LAN; One 3.0 USB; One 2.0 USB |
| WiFi Connectivity | Tri-band, Simultaneous 2.4GHz, 5GHz (2)IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac | Dual-band, Simultaneous 2.4 and 5GHzIEEE® 802.11 b/g/n |
| Bridge Mode | Yes | Yes |
| Beamforming | Yes | Yes |
| Reduces WiFi Dead Zones | Yes | No |
| MU-MIMO | Yes | Yes |
| Range | 1 Router + 1 Satelliteup to 5,000 sq ft | Very large homes |
| Storage | 4GB | 256MB |
| Memory | 512MB | 128MB |
| Processor | Quad-core 710MHz | Dual-core 1GHz |
| Subscription | Premium Circle app Technical Support after90-day free trial | Premium Circle app Technical Support after90-day free trial |
| Security and network services | WPA/WPA2 – PSK | WPA/WPA2 – PSK |
Orbi vs. Nighthawk AC1900 (R7000) — What’s Different?
Range – When it comes to the coverage capabilities of the Nighthawk model, it’s hard to say whether it’s more superior to Orbi’s 5000 square ft. range with a single router and satellite, since it wasn’t specified.
However, it does say that it’s designed for “Very large homes,” and it didn’t seem to have any issues when tested at a range of 2000 feet.
WiFi Connectivity – A big difference between the two models lies in the WiFi connectivity.
With Orbi featuring three WiFi radios, with simultaneous 2.4GHz and 5GHz connections, and Nighthawk’s dual-band 2.4 and 5GHz setup.
This makes Orbi fast stronger when it comes to its connectivity due to its extra band.
Design – In terms of the design, Orbi definitely comes in larger dimensions of 6.67 x 2.36 x 8.89 inches, sporting a white finish.
Whereas Nighthawk comes in a black color tone and slightly smaller but wider measurements of 1.2” x 7.3” x 2”.
Hardware & Performance – The Nighthawk router has an advantage when it comes to its Qualcomm Atheros IPQ4019 chipset with an integrated quad-core ARM processor clocked at 717 MHz.
However, NETGEAR Oerbi still comes out as the more reliable and faster option due to its 2.4GHz radio of 400 Mbps and a speed of 867 Mbps on the first GHz radio band, as well as a backhaul band with support for a 1733 Mbps to make up the 3000 Mbps.
Wired Connectivity – The difference in the wired connectivity, is that the Nighthawk router does provide more ports than the Orbi does, however, there are no options for remote connections through a satellite since the system is a standalone unit.
Therefore Nighthawk possesses a lower number of supported connections overall and the lack of flexibility in installation.
Last update on 2023-09-22 at 15:30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API