When comparing Norton Core vs Plume WiFi, the Slant community recommends Norton Core for most people. In the question“What are the best wireless routers?” Norton Core is ranked 8th while Plume WiFi is ranked 16th. The most important reason people chose Norton Core is:
The Core is capable of achieving maximum throughput speeds of 2.5 Gbps and can cover a home of somewhere between 3,000 and 5,000 square feet. It has a powerful 1.7 GHz Dual Core processor and performance-enhancing features, such as 4x4 MU-MIMO and beamforming. 4x4 MU-MIMO means that router can handle simultaneous transmission with up to three devices and beamforming allows router to focus Wi-Fi signal specifically on a device.
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Pros
Pro Great performance and range
The Core is capable of achieving maximum throughput speeds of 2.5 Gbps and can cover a home of somewhere between 3,000 and 5,000 square feet. It has a powerful 1.7 GHz Dual Core processor and performance-enhancing features, such as 4x4 MU-MIMO and beamforming. 4x4 MU-MIMO means that router can handle simultaneous transmission with up to three devices and beamforming allows router to focus Wi-Fi signal specifically on a device.
Pro Great design
The Norton Core has a very unique design, instead of a clunky box, it's a geodesic dome. It is available in two colors, Titanium Gold or Granite Gray, so you can match the router with your interior.
Pro State of the art security for safer browsing
The Norton Core is a combination of powerful router and an antivirus . It's able to defend you from spyware, malware, viruses, hackers and any other online threats. It checks every data packet for any suspicious activity and if Core notices anything strange about it, the packet gets denied.
Pro Provides network security for Internet of Things devices
The Norton Core will protect any internet-connected smart devices that you are using at your home. So if your fridge is connected to the internet, the Norton Core will protect it from hackers.
Pro Compact design
Plume WiFi system consists of hexagonal pods. Compared to most routers, Plume pods are very tiny and one can easily fit in the palm of a hand. They're just 2.5 inches across and 1.5 inches deep.
Pro Self improving, adaptive network
Plume WiFi uses cloud-based technology to figure out how you’re using the internet. It checks for interference from other devices and what devices are connected to each pod. It uses this information and over time optimizes its network to achieve the best possible performance.
Pro Fits in with a variety of decors
Pods are available in three colors - champagne, silver, and onyx. This gives you the option to match routers with your interior.
Cons
Con Poor range
With six pods, the system can cover a home of 1,800 square feet. Range of a single pod, with clear line of sight, is about 20 to 30 feet. If there are any obstacles, range decreases to about 15 feet. Beyond 15 feet you might lose connectivity.
You’ll need a separate pod for every room and for each pod you'll need a separate outlet. If you have a bigger living room, you might even need two pods.
Con Lacking performance
Plume WiFi is capable of a theoretical combined throughput of 1.2 Gbps. Realistically at a close range of 5 feet and a clear line of sight, the router registers throughput of 230 Mbps. When the distance is increased and there is no clear line of sight, throughput drops to 60 Mbps.
Con Lacks additional features
The Plume Pods lack additional features that are common in other WiFi systems, such as manual bandwidth prioritisation, manually assigning a device to a pod, or measuring the bandwidth usage of Ethernet devices.