If you’re looking at buying a router, then the likelihood is that you’ve come across the brands Netgear and TP Link. They’re two of the most popular brands to choose from, and in many cases, their products are very similar to one another.
But if you’re trying to decide between the two, how can you do this? Well although they are similar, there are ways that you can tell these two brands from each other. So, let’s look at some of the similarities between the two, and then look at some of the differences too.
Netgear vs TP Link
The fact of the matter is that there is very little difference between these two brands. However, Netgear tend to be the better choice for those looking for a high end router or extender. But, if you’re looking for a cheaper option, then it makes sense to look at what TP Link have to offer.
So although there aren’t many differences between the two, they’re both two of the most well known internet router brands in the UK. So, let’s take a look at the two brands individually to learn a little more about them.
Netgear
Netgear are the better known of these two brands. Although they are intended to provide value routers, extenders and more, they also have some more expensive, higher quality products too.
They have a wide range of different products for both home and business, and they actually work with service providers as well. So, they’re not just a cheap brand that you’ll find online; their products are pretty tried and tested.
They provide a range of products, including;
Where netgear routers are better
Another thing to consider about Netgear is that they’re likely the better choice for those that are looking for good internet for gaming. Why? Well, they have a specific range of products designed especially for gaming, called the Nighthawk range. These routers, switches and systems can help to increase the internet quality in your household.
In general, Netgear tend to have more expensive and heavy duty products than TP Link. The best example of this is to just take a look at the Nighthawk range, which is designed to support high end gaming and streaming.
Best netgear router for gaming – NightHawk R7000
For those looking for a particularly fast router for gaming, then the Nighthawk R7000 is one of Netgear’s best. It can give you more than 1900 more mbps in speed over both bands (2.4 GHz and 5.0 GHz). It’s also good for anywhere up to 30 devices, which is far more than most other routers out there offer.
It also has an increased 4 ethernet ports too, whereas most only come with one or two. The increase security is also a bonus, as you can easily set up parental controls to ensure that no-one accesses the internet when they’re not supposed to – it’s perfect if you want to set midnight limits.
Overall, as a gaming router, it’s definitely one of the best options currently out there. The Netgear Nighthawk range in general is one that you’ll want to check out.
Best netgear booster – AC2200
As well as selling some of the top routers in the industry, they’re also well known for producing wifi boosters too. A booster, or an extender, can help you to increase the speed of your wifi connection all around your home.
The best example of a good extender from Netgear is the AC2200. This is a tri-band extender, which means that you can have much more space across these bands for people to join the network.
It supports up to 40 devices, which is pretty impressive. It’s the perfect addition to your gaming setup if you’re a heavy gamer that users a lot of data.
TP Link
Although TP Link are probably the lesser known of the two in the UK, they are still a global range of wifi products. Although saying this, their products are stocked in retail stores like Argos, so you may have heard of them before.
They’re a good choice if you’re looking for a budget friendly option, as this Chinese company keeps the prices quite low. TP Link routers typically retail at a little bit less than Netgear.
Some of the products they sell include;
Where TP Link routers are better
If you’re looking for more variety of products, then TP Link are definitely going to be the better choice of the two. Why? Well, as they’re a Chinese company, obviously they have access to a wide range of different products for you to choose from. This variety can definitely help you to find something more specific for your needs, whether that be a router or another wifi product.
As well as having more variety, they’re generally the cheaper choice of the two brands too. Whilst they do have a good selection of high end routers too, if you’re looking for value for money, I’d advise that you check out this brand.
Best TP Link router – TL-MR6400
One of the best routers that TP Link offer is the TL-MR6400. It can comfortably offer faster speeds for when you’re browsing online, and it works fine with all different devices and operating systems. It supports slightly more than the Nighthawk, with up to 32 devices being able to be connected simultaneously.
This router is very, very simple to set up, and it requires almost no installation either. So if you’re looking for a high quality basic router, this model might be best.
Best TP Link Powerline Adapter – AV600
If you’re looking for a good powerline adapter, then it’s worth checking out the TP Link AV600, which is one of the top options on the market. It’s very easy to set up, and requires almost no configuration.
As you probably already know, a powerline adapter can be the easiest way for you to get a wireless wifi connection with the same quality as a wired connection. This adapter is very compact and takes up minimum space, and can help to improve the efficiency of data travelling around your house.
Conclusion
Overall, both of these brands are two of the best out there, and you should consider them when you’re looking for a new router. If you haven’t decided yet, there are various ones to choose from – check out Spacehop’s guide to the best wireless routers.
Although you might prefer one brand over the other, they both have good models to choose from. So, using them with the right internet service provider is as important as the router itself.
