Nest WiFi Pro vs Orbi AX6000: Mesh Routers Compared
By Naila Syifa
Updated January 2024
When it comes to choosing a mesh router, there are a lot of options on the market. Two of the most popular models are the Nest WiFi Pro and the NETGEAR Orbi AX6000. Both promise to provide fast, reliable internet coverage throughout your home, but there are some key differences between the two that are worth considering before making a purchase.
Key Takeaways
Both offer tri-band, but Nest has 6 GHz while Orbi has 5 GHz. Nest also offers free parental control and network security features, while Orbi requires a subscription for these features. However, Orbi has an edge with its wider coverage, higher combined speeds, and more Ethernet ports.
Google Nest WiFi Pro
Wi-Fi Mesh for Connected Smart Home
✓ Tri-Band 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, 6 GHz
✓ Interchangeable Router and Point
✓ Free Parental Control and Internet Security
✓ Google Home, Matter, Thread
NETGEAR Orbi AX6000 (RBK852)
Premium Wi-Fi Mesh
✓ Tri-Band 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, 5 GHz
✓ Separate Router and Extender
✓ Combined Speed up to 6 Gbps
✓ 4 Ethernet Ports
#1 Price
NETGEAR Orbi AX6000
The Nest WiFi Pro is generally less expensive than the Orbi AX6000, making it a more budget-friendly option for those who want a reliable mesh router without breaking the bank. It is available at around US$200 for 1-pack, US$300 for 2-pack, and US$400 for 3-pack.
The Orbi AX6000, on the other hand, has a starting price of US$624.99, which is significantly more expensive than the Nest WiFi Pro. With this price, you'll get a router, a satellite extender, and a one-year NETGEAR Armor subscription. Purchasing an additional satellite extender costs expensively at US$349.99 each. If you need wider coverage, it is recommended to purchase the 3-pack, 4-pack, or 5-pack bundle to get a better deal.
#2 Specs & Performance
Nest WiFi Pro
Both the Nest WiFi Pro and the NETGEAR Orbi AX6000 have a tri-band configuration, but the Nest WiFi Pro uses the latest Wi-Fi 6E technology, which operates in the 6 GHz frequency band. The Orbi AX6000, on the other hand, uses Wi-Fi 6 technology, which operates in the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequency bands. It offers two 5 GHz bands, with one serving as a dedicated wireless backhaul to connect the router and the satellite extender.
Overall, the Orbi AX6000 claims to have a faster combined speed of up to 6 Gbps, while the Nest WiFi Pro claims a combined speed of up to 5.4 Gbps. However, combined-band speed ratings can often be misleading since devices can only connect to one band at a time. In reality, the 6 GHz band that the Nest WiFi Pro provides is less congested and offers faster speeds than the 5 GHz band that the Orbi AX6000 provides.
NETGEAR Orbi AX6000
When it comes to coverage, the NETGEAR Orbi AX6000 is winning. Each additional extender has a wider coverage range of up to 2500 sq. ft. compared to the Nest WiFi Pro's additional extender coverage range of up to 2200 sq. ft. This means, a 2-pack Orbi AX6000 can offer a wider coverage area of 5000 sq. ft. than a 2-pack Nest WiFi Pro which only covers up to 4400 sq. ft.
However, the Nest WiFi Pro does have much larger storage of 4 GB compared to the Orbi AX6000 with only 512 MB of storage. Having ample storage space may be crucial for some users.
#3 Design
Nest WiFi Pro
The Nest WiFi Pro and the NETGEAR Orbi AX6000 have a striking visual difference. While the Nest WiFi Pro comes in a sleek and minimalist design, the Orbi AX6000 has a bulkier and more industrial design. Visual appearance ultimately comes down to individual preferences, but a more compact design like the Nest WiFi Pro means it takes up less space and is easier to place inconspicuously around your home.
However, the Orbi AX6000 has an advantage with its 4 LAN/Ethernet ports and 1 WAN port (only in the main router unit), which is more than what the Nest WiFi Pro provides. More ports can be useful if you have multiple wired devices that need to be connected to the network.
#4 Features
NETGEAR Orbi AX6000
Both the Nest WiFi Pro and Orbi AX6000 support a wide range of features. They allow you to manage network settings, create guest Wi-Fi, and so on. One difference is that while accessing features in the Nest WiFi Pro is done through the Google Home app, the Orbi AX6000 provides a web interface (http://orbilogin.com) beside the NETGEAR Orbi mobile app.
Another difference important to consider is that while both mesh routers offer parental controls & network security features, the Nest WiFi Pro provides them for free while the Orbi AX6000 requires a paid subscription to access these features. Additionally, Nest even has self-monitoring, self-diagnosing, and automatic Wi-Fi speed optimization features to help ensure the best performance for your devices.
Nest WiFi Pro
The Nest WiFi Pro is also a better option for a connected smart home ecosystem. It is a Matter-enabled Thread border router, which means it can connect with other devices that use the Matter protocol, making it easier to control and manage your smart home devices. Thread also uses less power and provides a more reliable connection than other protocols. It is also great especially if you have other Nest devices in your home, as it seamlessly integrates with them to provide a more cohesive smart home experience.
However, the Orbi AX6000 also has an advantage with its compatibility with both Alexa and Google Assistant, while the Nest WiFi Pro only works with Google Assistant.
#5 Setup
NETGEAR Orbi AX6000
Setting up both routers is equally easy and straightforward. However, one difference to note is that the Orbi AX6000 mesh system consists of a router and satellite extenders as separate units, while the Nest WiFi Pro has the router and the extender combined into a single unit. This means, with the Nest WiFi Pro, you can use any of the units interchangeably as the primary router or extender, providing more flexibility in setting up your network.
Both the Nest WiFi Pro and Orbi AX6000 also support Ethernet backhaul. This means you can use Ethernet cables to connect the router and satellite extenders (in the case of Nest, connect between router units), providing a more stable and faster connection rather than relying on wireless backhaul.
Nest WiFi Pro vs Orbi AX6000
Final Thoughts
Nest WiFi Pro
Overall, both the Nest WiFi Pro and the NETGEAR Orbi AX6000 are great options for anyone looking for a high-performing mesh router.
The Nest WiFi Pro is a more budget-friendly option with Wi-Fi 6E technology, free features, and Matter and Thread support. On the other hand, the Orbi AX6000, with a premium price, offers wider coverage, higher combined-band speeds, a web interface, and more Ethernet ports. Consider your specific needs and preferences when choosing between the two.
If you like to read more about Wi-Fi Mesh Systems, check out our other relevant guides here:
Nest WiFi vs Nest WiFi Pro
Nest WiFi Pro vs Eero Pro 6E
Eero Max 7 vs Eero Pro 6E
Nest WiFi Pro vs TP-Link Deco XE75
Asus ZenWiFi XT8 vs Orbi AX6000
Asus ZenWiFi XT8 vs Eero Pro 6
Asus ZenWiFi XT8 vs Nest WiFi Pro
Don't miss out on tech
Subscribe to our newsletter to stay up to date on the latest tech trends and guides on the best gadgets around.
Recommended reading
