Orbi vs Eero WiFi 7
By Elisabeth Christ
Published April 2024
In today's world, a fast and reliable internet connection is essential. Mesh WiFi systems have become increasingly popular in recent years, offering a seamless and efficient way to connect multiple devices to the internet. Orbi and Eero are two of the most well-known brands in the mesh WiFi market, and their latest offerings, the Orbi 970 Series (RBE973S) and the Eero Max 7, are both top-of-the-line products. In this article, we'll compare the two systems to help you decide which one is the best fit for your needs.
Key Takeaways
The Orbi 970 Series (RBE973S) and Eero Max 7 are both high-performance mesh Wi-Fi systems that offer excellent coverage and speed. However, the Orbi 970 Series has a more powerful processor and a higher maximum throughput, making it a better choice for large households or businesses with high-bandwidth needs. On the other hand, the Eero Max 7 is more affordable and easier to set up, making it a great option for smaller homes or those who prioritize simplicity over raw performance.
Orbi 970 Series (RBE973S)
Best for Wi-Fi Speeds
✓ 27Gbps Wi-Fi 7 speeds
✓ Wider Wi-Fi coverage
✓ 10GbE ports on both router and satellites
✓ Quad-band architecture
Eero Max 7
Best for Simplicity
✓ Multiple 2.5GbE ports
✓ 6GHz band frequency
✓ Wide 320MHz channels
✓ Clean and user-friendly interface
#1 Price & Design
Orbi 970 Series (RBE973S)
When it comes to picking out a top-notch Wi-Fi system, price is usually the first thing that comes to mind. And the Orbi 970 Series (RBE973S) comes with a hefty price tag - we're talking $2,299 for the whole three-piece system! But with its quad-band design and ability to cover homes up to 10,000 square feet, this three-piece mesh system is worth considering. Each node (that's tech-speak for "router") comes with five wired LAN ports (excluding the WAN port), and all three nodes have a total of 12 antennas and 4 bands to ensure your connection stays strong. Plus, the Orbi 970 Series has some serious style points with its sleek black or white design options with gold or black trim.
Take a look at the Eero Max 7 at $1,699 price points for a three-pack setup, it's a bit more affordable than the Orbi 970 Series. This mesh system is a breeze to set up and offers fast ethernet and Wi-Fi 7 performance. Each node can cover up to 1,500 square feet, making it perfect for users who want a simple and easy-to-use mesh system with solid Wi-Fi 7 performance. In terms of design, the Orbi 970 Series may have more bells and whistles with its robust build and focus on high-speed networking and future-proof technology. This high-end mesh system is perfect for those who value simplicity and ease of use above all else. It may not have all the fancy features of its competition, but it gets the job done with style.
#2 Feature & Performance
Eero Max 7
Both Orbi 970 and Eero Max 7 represent the cutting edge of Wi-Fi technology, boasting the revolutionary Wi-Fi 7 standard. This translates to a significant leap in performance compared to older Wi-Fi 6 systems. However, they take distinct approaches in achieving this performance boost.
The Orbi 970 reigns supreme in raw speed with a staggering maximum theoretical combined speed of up to 27 Gbps. This blistering performance is achieved through a quad-band design, offering a dedicated 6 GHz band solely for backhaul data transfer between mesh nodes. This significantly reduces congestion on the primary bands used for client devices (laptops, smartphones, etc.), maximizing overall network performance. Imagine a multi-lane highway – the dedicated backhaul band in the Orbi 970 acts as a separate lane exclusively for data transfer between mesh nodes.
Within the device, there's this 2.4 GHz band that offers 600 Mbps (great for older devices), while the primary and secondary 5 GHz bands both offer an impressive 4.8 Gbps (perfect for high-bandwidth activities such as streaming or gaming). And if that's not enough, the 6 GHz band boasts exclusive speeds of up to 6 Gbps, reserved specifically for inter-node communication. In other words, the Orbi 970 Series is like having your own personal highway system dedicated to keeping your devices connected at lightning-fast speeds.
Orbi 970 Series (RBE973S)
Moving on to the Eero Max 7, it is a tri-band mesh system that takes a balanced approach to delivering top-notch performance. While it may not be as fast as the Orbi 970, it still packs a punch with a maximum theoretical combined speed of up to 6 Gbps. Perfect for data-intensive tasks like online gaming, high-res video streaming, and large file transfers, the Eero Max 7 is a great option for users who demand the best.
So, what kind of speeds can you expect? The 2.4 GHz band offers a solid 574 Mbps (great for older devices), while the primary 5 GHz band delivers an impressive 1201 Mbps (perfect for high-bandwidth activities). And if that's not enough, the secondary 5 GHz band offers an additional bandwidth boost with speeds of up to 2402 Mbps. In other words, the Eero Max 7 may not be the fastest kid on the block, but it's no slouch either. It's a balanced and reliable choice for anyone looking to up their Wi-Fi game.
Beyond raw speed, both systems utilize MU-MIMO (Multi-User, Multiple-Input, Multiple-Output) technology which improves data transfer efficiency when handling numerous connected devices simultaneously. Imagine having multiple waiters serving your table at a restaurant – MU-MIMO allows the router to transmit data to multiple devices at the same time, ensuring everyone gets served efficiently.
#3 Security & Protection
Eero Max 7
Security is paramount in today's internet-driven world. Both Orbi 970 and Eero Max 7 offer industry-standard WPA3 encryption to safeguard your network from unauthorized access. This encryption protocol utilizes the latest security measures to act as a digital vault door, protecting your data and preventing potential intrusions. Additionally, both systems include basic parental controls to filter content and manage screen time for connected devices. These controls act as a basic security fence, allowing you to establish boundaries for your family's online activity.
When it comes to protecting your digital life, the Orbi 970 takes things to a whole new level with its comprehensive security suite namely Advanced Parental Controls and a built-in VPN server, which are features crucial for anyone who demands top-notch security. With advanced Parental Controls, you can create user profiles for each family member, set time limits for internet access, filter content based on specific categories, and even pause internet access for specific devices. It's like having your own personal watchdog to keep your family's online activity safe and secure. And if that's not enough, the Orbi 970 also boasts a built-in VPN Server that acts as a secure tunnel, allowing you to access your home network remotely with an encrypted connection. This feature is especially handy when using public Wi-Fi networks at airports, coffee shops, or hotels - it's like having your own private and secure connection even on untrusted networks.
Orbi AX4200
Albeit the Orbi 970 may have more bells and whistles, but the Eero Max 7 holds its own with a solid lineup of essential features that prioritize user-friendliness. For starters, it uses the latest WPA3 encryption, which acts like a virtual fortress around your Wi-Fi network. Think of it as a complex combination lock that's almost impossible to crack. Plus, it offers basic parental controls that function like a digital fence. You can create user profiles for each family member, filter content based on categories (like social media or adult content) and set time limits for internet access. While the Eero Max 7 may not offer fancy features like built-in VPN servers or granular controls found in the Orbi 970, it provides a solid foundation for families who want essential security safeguards without sacrificing ease-of-use.
Eero vs Orbi WiFi 6
Final Thoughts
Orbi vs Eero WiFi 7
If you're looking for a high-performance mesh WiFi system, both the Orbi 970 Series and the Eero Max 7 are excellent options. The Orbi system is ideal for users who prioritize speed and performance, while the Eero system is better suited for those who want a more user-friendly and easy-to-use system. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on your specific needs and preferences. If you have a large home or office and need maximum coverage and performance, the Orbi system is the way to go. However, if you're looking for a more user-friendly and easy-to-set-up system, the Eero Max 7 is the better choice.
If you like to read more about WiFi Mesh System, check out our other relevant guides here:
Eero Max 7 vs Eero Pro 6E: Is the Higher Price Worth It?
Nest WiFi Pro vs Eero Pro 6E: Which Wi-Fi 6E Mesh Router is Best?
Google Nest WiFi Pro vs TP-Link Deco XE75: Best Wi-Fi 6E Mesh Routers Comparison
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