WIFI BUYING GUIDE
Choose the right WiFi solution: router or mesh system
Finding the right WiFi solution for your home comes down to a few key factors. Here’s our quick expert guide on how to choose.
What’s the difference?
A Nighthawk Router provides WiFi from one central location for concentrated performance that’s ideal for simpler layouts and smaller spaces. An Orbi Mesh System broadcasts WiFi from multiple points, spread throughout the home, for consistent performance in larger spaces.
WIFI ROUTERS
Nighthawk WiFi routers
A Nighthawk router provides WiFi from one central location for concentrated performance.
Focused coverage
A single router can deliver all the WiFi coverage you need for apartments and small-to-midsize homes with straightforward layouts.
Concentrated performance
High-speed performance close to the router, a good fit for homes where the WiFi signal doesn't need to reach faraway devices.
Great value
WiFi routers are available in a range of entry to mid-level price points, and generally cost less than mesh WiFi systems.
MESH SYSTEMS
Orbi mesh systems
An Orbi mesh system broadcasts WiFi from multiple points, spread throughout the home, for consistent performance in larger spaces.
Superior WiFi coverage
Mesh systems use satellites that amplify the WiFi signal from multiple locations to provide a bigger coverage area that’s ideal for large or multi-story homes.
Flexible placement
Place satellites anywhere you need to overcome larger spaces, multiple levels, thicker walls, or unique floor plans. Add more satellites to expand coverage as needed.
Consistent performance
A mesh router and satellites are specially tuned to work together, providing consistent, powerful performance throughout your entire home, inside and out.
Router vs mesh at a glance
Best for
Home layout
How it covers your home
Expanding coverage
Price
Find the perfect WiFi solution for your home
Nighthawk routers
Nighthawk routers deliver concentrated power and performance with WiFi coverage that’s ideal for apartments to mid-size homes.
Orbi whole-home mesh systems
Place Orbi satellites anywhere to create a sprawling WiFi network with consistent performance for larger homes and spaces.
Frequently asked questions
Not always. It depends on your home. A single Nighthawk router is a great fit for apartments and small-to-midsize homes with simpler layouts. An Orbi mesh system is the better choice for larger or multi-story homes, or anywhere you have WiFi dead zones.
Common signs include rooms where WiFi drops or slows down, a home with multiple floors, thick walls, or a long or unusual floor plan. If your devices are often far from the router, a mesh system spreads WiFi more evenly throughout your home.
An Orbi mesh system replaces your current router and works with any internet service provider. If you’re happy with your router and only need to cover one or two hard-to-reach areas, a WiFi range extender can be a simpler option.
It depends on the size and layout of your home. Most homes are well covered by a 2-pack or 3-pack Orbi system, and you can add satellites later if you need more coverage. Each Orbi product page lists its coverage area.
Not necessarily. Close to the router, both deliver fast speeds. The difference is farther away: a mesh system keeps performance consistent across your whole home, while a single router’s signal is strongest near the router.
Yes. Both Nighthawk and Orbi offer WiFi 7 models for the latest speed and performance.