When comparing TP-LINK Archer C7 (V2) vs Netgear Orbi, the Slant community recommends TP-LINK Archer C7 (V2) for most people. In the question“What are the best wireless routers?” TP-LINK Archer C7 (V2) is ranked 3rd while Netgear Orbi is ranked 7th. The most important reason people chose TP-LINK Archer C7 (V2) is:
The TP-Link Archer V2 offers great value for the money for most people who are looking to buy a wireless router. It is faster and covers the same area faster than routers that cost twice or three times as much, While it's not the best performant router under all circumstances, the jump in price to get the best router for a certain scenario would not be proportional to the added performance. At short range (around 11 ft) it provides 200Mbps-160Mbps depending on the line of vision, thickness of walls, etc. While on long range (around 43 ft) it provides 175Mbps-72Mbps depending on the line of vision, thickness of walls, materials the walls are made, etc.
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Pros
Pro Best performance for the price for both large and small houses
The TP-Link Archer V2 offers great value for the money for most people who are looking to buy a wireless router. It is faster and covers the same area faster than routers that cost twice or three times as much, While it's not the best performant router under all circumstances, the jump in price to get the best router for a certain scenario would not be proportional to the added performance.
At short range (around 11 ft) it provides 200Mbps-160Mbps depending on the line of vision, thickness of walls, etc. While on long range (around 43 ft) it provides 175Mbps-72Mbps depending on the line of vision, thickness of walls, materials the walls are made, etc.
Pro Great for appartments with lots of WiFi interference from neightbours
The Archer C7 allows you to access both 2.4GHz and 5GHz WiFi bands, which has the benefit of improving performance but also makes it easier to escape any interference from any neighbours' WiFi.
Pro Provides a good assortment of basic features
It has four Gigabit ethernet ports, supports USB file sharing and media streaming through two USB 2.0 ports, has parental controls for an increased degree of control, and has support for guest networks.
Pro Good degree of control over the guest network
The Archer C7 allows you to use one guest network per WiFi band. You can choose when these guest networks are activated and you can also configure the maximum amount of bandwidth that guests can use.
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.
Cons
Con Is missing some more advanced features found in other routers
It does not have some advanced features such as Quality of Service controls, iTunes server, jumbo frames or VPN server.
Con Parental controls might be somewhat confusing
For those who are less tech-savvy, setting up parental controls may be tricky, since they use the MAC addresses of the network's computers (both those use by adults and children).
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.
