“Routers have come a long way since the early days of broadband, and the market is now saturated with different models serving different need,” Jayce Wagner writes for Digital Trends.
“There are actually three flavors of the Netgear Orbi system, but we chose the middle tier version due to its performance versus price ratio. It’s an awesome setup, and the real-world connection speeds – not the ones advertised by Netgear – are impressive as you move throughout the house,” Wagner writes. “What makes the Orbi system unique is that it’s not a standalone device that connects to your service provider’s modem. It consists of at least two units — one that physically connects to the modem and serves as the main hub/router, and one that you can place anywhere else in the home or office to serve as an access point.”
“The best whole home router kit [is] the Eero Home Wi-Fi System,” Wagner writes. “Hands down, the Eero kit is an extremely reliable networking solution that provides fast, full coverage throughout your home or office. It’s based on the budding “mesh” networking technology that creates a web of connectivity between access points, generating an invisible blanket throughout the home or office.”
“The latest Eero kit includes one hockey puck-style unit serving as the hub, and two PC mice-like ‘beacons’ that are slimmer than the hub, and plug directly into an electrical outlet. These beacons even sport a built-in night light to fend off the monsters lurking in the dark,” Wagner writes. “Setting up the kit is a brainless project, and doesn’t involve digging through detailed settings in a browser-based interface. All maintenance is performed on a friendly mobile app. With the app, you can test your internet connection, manage a guest network, block unwanted devices, and more.”
Much more, including more router options, in the full article here.
MacDailyNews Take: We use and recommend eero products.
SEE ALSO:
Eero’s new mesh WiFi system packs more power in an Apple-esque design – June 29, 2017
AppleInsider reviews eero Wi-Fi: ‘A solid option for Apple’s outgoing AirPort’ – February 27, 2017
With Eero, you can kiss slow Wi-Fi goodbye forever – February 10, 2017
I tried Google WiFi and it seems very good.
Wow more expensive then Apple’s airport extreme?
I have Amplifi HD and it’s terrific
Sorry, can’t stand mesh networks unless they are your only option. UniFi AP’s are your only way to go in my option. Get multiple APs and run the same SSID’s on different channels with the same password security.
I thought we don’t much mention Netgear let alone advocate them. What with their CEO shooting off his mouth against Steve Jobs wishing him an early demise.
“Once Steve Jobs goes away, which is probably not far away, then Apple will have to make a strategic decision on whether to open up the platform,” Patrick Lo in January 2011.
He has issued a half-hearted apology in February of that year, but I have never owned any Netgear products since and probably never going to.
Just bought the Orbi system and it works wonderfully in my three storied home in France.
Would have liked to buy error, but they do not sell their product in Europe ….
I still prefer Apple’s AirPort Extreme + Express, as it provides streaming of audio to a stereo system via toslink optical digital, which is audibly superior to an analog connection. My entire Apple Lossless music collection sits on my computer and streams via toslink to the DAC front end of my hi-fi stereo for amazingly good sound quality. Most of these “mesh” kits don’t provide any provision at all for connecting a stereo.
I have Portalwifi.com paired with Portalplume.com pods. The coverage is better than the Eero, Luma type units for a bigger house.
The eero system is superb in my largish home. Great iPhone app and strong signal. Too bad my internet connection sucks.
I currently use an Airport Extreme Dual Band Improved Antenna and an Airport Express as a range extender.
What great difference would buying a mesh system be over what I already have?
I’m very happy with my AirPort Extreme and an airport express connected as an extended network.
I’m getting Great coverage in my house.
I use open DNS for free easy family filtering.
Added the free app OurPact to easily turn the kids iOS devices on/off.
Poor little critters. They won’t know what hit them them when their on-line games and YouTube videos stop working.
Yes, NETGEAR Orbi Home WiFi System and Google WiFi routers are the best options for new generation.