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Add to SafariWhen comparing Netgear Orbi vs Asus RT-AC3200, the Slant community recommends Asus RT-AC3200 for most people. In the question“What are the best wireless routers?” Asus RT-AC3200 is ranked 2nd while Netgear Orbi is ranked 7th. The most important reason people chose Asus RT-AC3200 is:
The RT-AC3200 is theoretically capable of 3.2 Gbps throughput over its three bands. In real life testing at a close range of 15 feet the RT-AC3200 averages around 510 Mbps. At a distance of 100 feet it averages around 290 Mbps.
Specs
Question Ranking
Pros
Pro Great performance
This tri-band AC3000 device can deliver theoretical throughput speeds of 1,266Mbps (400Mbps on the 2.4GHz band and 866Mbps on the 5GHz band). Third 5GHz band can reach maximum speeds of 1,733Mbps. In real life testing the Orbi router turns in a score of 480Mbps, and the satellite delivers 470Mbps. At a distance of 30 feet, the Orbi router scores 223Mbps, and the satellite scores 220Mbps.
To maximize routers performance Orbi uses a separate 5GHz band that’s used only for communications between the router and the satellite. In comparison, other Wi-Fi extenders use the same bands to extend signal, which results in a 50% signal loss each time the signal is wirelessly extended.
Pro Good covarage
The Netgear Orbi WiFi system can cover up to 6,000 square feet home. The router itself can cover 2,000 square feet and one satellite unit covers additional 2,000 square feet. It’s possible to add a second extender for a total coverage of 6,000 square feet.
The idea is that you would put the main router near your ISP's modem and then just add the extender where it’s needed the most.
Pro Simple setup
Setting up the Orbi is very easy. All you need to do is to turn on the main router, download the Orbi app, and follow few simple steps. Then you need to find a place for satellite where you can get best possible coverage. Connection between main router and satellite will be done automatically.
Pro Great performance
The RT-AC3200 is theoretically capable of 3.2 Gbps throughput over its three bands. In real life testing at a close range of 15 feet the RT-AC3200 averages around 510 Mbps. At a distance of 100 feet it averages around 290 Mbps.
Pro Uses security software for safer browsing
The RT-AC3200 uses state-of-the-art built-in security software called AiProtection. It detects infected devices and prevents any information getting stolen from those devices. It also blocks malicious websites and provides constant security check-ups.
Pro Great for an office space
You can create up to nine simultaneous guest WiFi networks so visitors of your office can browse the internet without being able to access your files and printers.
Pro Two simultaneous internet service provider connections for redundancy and load-balancing
You can turn one of routers LAN ports into a second WAN port and have two separate internet service provider connections. You can use the second connection for redundancy, or if you’re using up all of bandwidth, it can be divided between both connections.
Pro Can be used as cloud storage
You can connect a flash drive or a hard disk drive to this router and access its files from your phone using Asus AiCloud app or via web browser.
Cons
Con Expensive to buy 1 individual satellite
If you find out that a pair of two is not sufficient, you will be paying a lot more for 1 extra satellite.
Con Expensive for bigger homes
Orbi Home WiFi System is available for just under $400. It includes a router and an extender which will cover 4,000 square feet. However if this isn’t enough for you and you need better coverage, you can get a third device for an extra $250, which makes it a total of $650.
Con Expensive
At $220 the RT-AC3200 is an expensive router. Unless you have a lot of devices performing demanding tasks, this router might be overkill.
Con There’s no app for remote management
The only way to access router settings and customization features is through a web browser. When compared to other routers in this price range you would get an app for easier network management.
Con Hard to configure for most people
Even though it's one of the most customizable routers on the market, or maybe because of this fact, it's also quite hard to configure even for normal use.
