Orbi RBK50 VS Eero Pro: Which should you buy?

Quick Summary

If you crave power and performance, the Orbi RBK50, with its 2 nodes, is a great choice. However, if ease of use matters more to you than specs alone, then Eero Pro’s double-node setup offers an improved phone app for ultimate user-friendliness.

Setup

When it comes to mesh network installation, Eero is the clear winner. No tech-savviness is required; from experienced engineers and computer aficionados down to your parents who wouldn’t know a router if they saw one, everybody can install this system in 30 minutes or less!

The instructions are crystal clear, and you get tips on how to improve signal strength, with only three pieces needed for setup. And best of all? You never have any issues – four times installed without errors proves that Eero just keeps making their product easier with every new version!

Orbi offers a good installation process with clear and simple instructions. However, there are two key disadvantages: having only two nodes instead of three that cannot be interchanged and the occasional error you get when following their setup protocol (powering on satellite routers before setting up the network). In comparison to Eero’s seamless setup process, this is quite an inconvenience!

Software

Eero is a clear winner when it comes to savvy software and features – providing an intuitive user experience for the average consumer. With its self-resetting mechanics, or ability to reset through the app, Eero enables users peace of mind if something goes wrong.

Additionally, Family Profiles lets you build personal profiles with access control capabilities – allowing parents to set limits on each individual’s internet usage times; perfect for those who want better parental oversight at home!

Enjoy the internet with confidence and control! Eero is here to keep your family secure while managing bandwidth. You can prioritize one device for those time-sensitive projects or give friends easy access using QR codes – no more complicated WPA2 password memorizing!

With two subscription options, you get enhanced security features in addition to parental controls; plus all the advanced technologies like Thread support, Alexa commands & virtual hubs so that everyone stays connected without interruption. Discover how fast and reliable having a dedicated home network can be today with Eero’s top-notch offerings!

Despite Eero’s fantastic app, it still has a few shortcomings: no web interface and limited bandwidth monitoring options. Managing the router can also be tricky, with only one admin profile to share between family members. On top of that requirement for using your phone or tablet as an installation tool, Orbi isn’t quite up to par when compared to highly modernized routers like Eero, given their lack of smart capabilities and overall user-friendly experience.

Tired of those pesky “Router Not Set Up” warnings? Tap the dismiss button, and you’ll stay connected. While Traffic Meter gives information on past bandwidth usage, there could be room for improvement when it comes to design. With Netgear, Armor subscribers can access added protection against online threats – all while still skipping a hefty price tag!

Plus, if Alexa is more your thing than a WiFi cloud connection, no problem. This app has voice commands that allow users to reboot routers in an instant!

Performance

When it comes to top-notch home WiFi, you’re looking at a showdown between Orbi and Eero Pro. With my internet speed maxing out at 117/Mbps, the differences were marginal but clear – two Eero Pros managed 112/Mbps across 4,000 square feet of coverage while one Orbi RBK50 delivered an impressive 2200/Mbps theoretical limit with 108 Mbps in testing locations throughout my house. The choice is yours!

Eero Pro with two Beacons offers a three-node solution, perfect for tall and narrow homes. Thanks to the ample signal coverage of 4500 sq ft., you won’t have any issues connecting your devices even if they’re not near the closest router node – ensuring fast speeds all across!

Alternatively, Orbi’s RBK50 or RBK40 gives an average speed of 100/Mbps depending on which model is chosen – ideal for more “cookie cutter” houses that wouldn’t benefit from additional points.

Two Orbi’s RBK50 nodes were capable of delivering an impressive average speed of 115/Mbps, more than enough to cover 4-5 thousand square feet. Seeing as my internet has a limitation at 117/Mbps, I didn’t experience the same speeds that higher capabilities could offer with this system; it outperforms other networks like Eero in those areas.

Despite its advantages, there are some downsides: users have experienced sporadic signal dropouts, and since I couldn’t test on gigabit speeds, these two systems had comparable performance levels for me.

Design

The Eero Pro base is a piece of tech art featuring a sleek design and multifaceted features, such as the ability to turn its accompanying Beacon into a nightlight. However, it may not be suitable for everyone since there are only two Ethernet ports – one must always connect to your modem.

On the other hand, if power user status is what you seek, then meet Orbi – with plenty of size-able port options plus an added USB one – it’s obvious which router reigns supreme in this battle!

With the enormous RBK50 base, you’ll need to find a place specifically for it – but don’t despair! While bulky outlet routers or weather-resilient outdoor satellite routers are options, an alternative may be available. Look around and see what would fit your style as well as provide long-lasting service, both of which can make all the difference in maintaining that attractive edge desired by savvy home tech users alike.

Final Thoughts

For those in need of an extended range and lightning-fast internet, Eero is a clear choice. It boasts remarkable features and top-tier performance – it’s also so easy to set up that even technophobes can handle installation without a worry! Meanwhile, Orbi might be better suited for tech gurus hoping to max out their internet specs.