Tied between which one to buy, Netgear R7000, or R7000P? Well, you’ll find out once you walk through this guide.
Both the routers deliver exceptional performance and quality for high-end users. However, which one will align with your requirements is what you are here for!
This guide will help you decide the better of the two.
Our Top Pick
If you don't currently have the time to read our full review, our top pick is the Netgear R7000P because:
- MU-MIMO technology for fast data transfers and streaming for multiple users
- A blazing fast 2300Mbps maximum bandwidth to ensure your demands are fully met
- It offers superb security with the NETGEAR Armor; no more cyber threats and unwanted programs
What Do I Need To Know Before Buying?
Before purchasing any product, it is necessary to research it thoroughly. There are so many brands to pick from, which can ultimately cause a headache for you regarding which one to choose. It is always wise to analyze your requirements and then look for the product delivering your needs. Here are some of the major aspects you need to consider before purchasing a NetgearR7000 or R7000P.
Dual Band
If you purchase a wireless router, make sure it offers dual-band, at least. A dual-band router broadcasts wireless signals on two different frequencies. Consequently, you will be able to see two or more wireless networks with different names or passwords. One of these frequencies broadcast a 2.4GHz frequency, which is compatible with old networking devices and standards like 802.11n. The other, 5GHz frequency signal is fast and compatible with modern devices and standards like 802.11ac or 802.11ac Wave 2. As a result, there exists less network traffic congestion and reliable streaming for multiple users.
MU-MIMO or 802.11ac Wave 2 Support
MU-MIMO, Multi-User MIMO, or Multi-User Multiple Input Multiple Output offers the ability to transfer data using multiple streams at once. Consequently, the router is capable of seamless data transferring or multiple data streams to multiple users on the same channel.
Fast Processor and RAM
The hardware of the router is essentially important when talking about seamless streaming without any interruptions. It greatly depends upon the processor and the RAM the router features. To handle multiple clients and their activities like video streaming, gaming, or browsing, you’d probably require a decent processor and RAM. Make sure whether the router you are purchasing is single or dual-core; the more, the better. Additionally, RAM should be at least 256MB if money is not an issue.
R7000 VS. R7000P Comparison
So, which one is better, the R7000 or the R7000P? Well, you are about to find out. Both the routers are from the same manufacturer so, there might not exist much of a difference. Additionally, both belong to the modern regime of routers. However, if you are a high-end user, you’d probably look for even the minute of advantages. Let’s put them into comparison, head to head, based on certain features.
Encryption
The NetgearR7000 offers a decent encryption system. Specifically, it offers Wi-Fi Protected Access® (WPA/WPA2—PSK) and WEP, securing your Wi-Fi channels. A guest network access which is separate and secure. In addition, it offers Double firewall protection (SPI and NAT) and Denial-of-service (DoS) attack prevention from DDoS attacks.
The NetgearR7000 offers a reliable encryption and security system to protect its users from any inconvenience. Protected Wi-Fi system and authorization enable you to stream without worrying about security issues. Moreover, a sound double firewall protection and Dos attack prevention offer you protection against DDoS attacks.
The NetgearR7000P, on the other hand, offers NETGEAR Armor™, advanced cyber threat protection for your home, and all your devices. The NETGEAR Armor protects you from cyberthreats while using the internet. Moreover, the R7000P offers the following encryption or security features as well.
- Wi-Fi Protected Access® (WPA/WPA2—PSK) and WEP
- Guest network access—separate & secure
- Double firewall protection (SPI and NAT)
- Denial-of-service (DoS) attack prevention
When compared to the NetgearR7000, the NetgearR7000P offers an additional security feature, the NETGEAR Armor. It protects your devices with its cybersecurity measures and delivers additional security. Henceforth, the NetgearR7000P is the clear winner in this case.
Wireless Speed Rating
Talking about the Wi-Fi speed for the NetgearR7000, it has a speed of 1.9Gbps. The NetgearR7000 offers an AC1900 speed rating, but wait! What does this mean? You’d probably get to notice an AC or an AX for various routers. AC means that the router readily supports 802.11ac (Wi-Fi 5) wireless network standard. An AX would mean support for 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6) wireless network standard. Both the R7000 and R7000P offer 802.11ac support.
The number that comes after the AC or AX represents the maximum theoretical bandwidth of the router. Since the NetgearR7000 has an AC1900 speed rating, it means it has a maximum bandwidth of 1900Mbps or 1.9Gbps.
Similarly, the NetgearR7000P has a speed rating of AC2300. It means that the R7000P supports 802.11ac (Wi-Fi 5) wireless network standard. Most importantly, it delivers an amazing 2.3Gbps or 2300Mbps of maximum theoretical bandwidth. Compared to the R7000, the R7000P offers an additional 400Mbps of speed rating than the R7000.
Well, you must have guessed the winner in this case. Yes, the winner is the Netgear R7000P. Offering a blazing fast speed rating of AC2300, the R7000P outsmarts the Netgear R7000 by a significant margin of 400Mbps. In short, the R7000P is an ultimate high-end router.
Streaming Capabilities
Well, talking about streaming capabilities, both the routers deliver an astounding streaming quality and coverage. The Netgear R7000 offers beamforming+, which is a completely new technology found in these routers. The primary purpose of the beamforming+ is to boost the speed of the Wi-Fi connections. In addition to that, it also enhances the reliability and range of the Wi-Fi signals as well. These enhanced signals can be recorded for both 2.4 and 5GHz bands.
The Netgear R7000 is a perfect choice for you if you need extensive Wi-Fi coverage. It can work perfectly in large houses as its signals are boosted continuously. The Netgear R7000P, on the other hand, offers MU-MIMO. The simultaneous streaming of data for multiple devices is not a problem for the R7000P. The MU-MIMO, Multi-User MIMO, or Multi-User Multiple Input Multiple Output offers a significant edge.
If you are looking for a router with decent streaming capabilities for several users, then this technology comes in handy. It allows you to transfer data using multiple data streams at once to a number of clients. As a result, you and your family members can now enjoy uninterrupted streaming. But wait, who is the winner?
Well, once again, the R7000P takes the lead in this case. Not only does it offer fast and reliable streaming, but it also serves multiple clients at once. Surfing the web or streaming videos won’t be a problem for you anymore, even with multiple users.
Compatibility
Well, both the routers offer a highly compatible design and features. The NetgearR7000 and 7000P offer you great functionality and compatibility, once installed. Apart from compatibility, they offer a wide area coverage as well. If you are purchasing these routers for a building with multiple floors, they will work great. Both possess a decent coverage and multiple bands to ensure interruption-free Wi-Fi signals.
You can also consider these routers for fairly large homes and offices. The multiple antennas found on both routers provide an equal and strong distribution of wireless signals throughout. As a result, you don’t have to face issues like dropping or low signals in several areas of your house or office.
Another great compatibility feature that these routers provide is the compatibility with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa. Now, you have the power to control your home network using voice commands. It’s true! You can easily change or set your home network settings without the hassle of changing router settings. You can directly voice command, and the settings will be changed in no time.
Since both of them are compatible with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa, this section is a tie between both.
Key Software Features
Well, there are various software features that both routers offer. These software features provide great reliability and ease of use, once these routers are installed. Let’s have a look at these features separately.
Parental Controls
These include time restrictions, user restrictions, and web-access restrictions. If you have kids at home, you would pretty much like to monitor and control your kid’s online activities. Well, both the NetgearR7000 and R7000P offer a parental control feature that allows you multiple restriction options.
You can either set the router to a time restriction limit, which can automatically limit the internet usage as per your time settings. Moreover, you can bound your children from using age-restricted websites using web-access restrictions. Also, a user restriction enables you to completely refrain a user from using wireless capabilities once it is enforced.
Remote Access of Files on USB Storage
Both these routers provide remote access to files on USB storage. If you are looking to upgrade your router’s firmware or create a backup of settings, you can do it easily. You don’t have to worry about outdated firmware or backup settings, as these routers provide both.
So, who wins? Yet, there is another tie between both these routers as they deliver similar offerings.
R7000 and R7000P Differences
If you are a high-end user or gamer and can’t afford even a minute of network interruptions, then the NetgearR7000 and R7000P won’t disappoint you. However, there exist certain differences between the two that might be the deal-breaker for you. The following are some of the differences between Netgear R7000 and R7000P.
Price
Well, for most users, price is a factor that most of us keep in mind. Although a high-end user won’t mind much of a price difference, it is a difference that separates the two. Obviously, the Netgear R7000P is the newer version of R7000 and thus costs more. But, judging the price does not mean it gives less value for money. In fact, the R7000P is better in several aspects than the R7000. It greatly depends on the user whether an R7000 would work fine or paying the extra money for the R7000P will. It’s totally up to you which one you choose.
Bandwidth
The NetgearR7000 comes with an AC1900 speed rating. It means it has a maximum theoretical bandwidth of 1900Mbps. The AC determines the 802.11ac network traffic gateway for this router. On the other hand, the Netgear R7000P offers an AC2300 speed rating. It defines a faster 2300Mbps maximum theoretical bandwidth that can be achieved. The network gateway is the same; however, the R7000P is 400Mbps faster than its predecessor, R7000.
Speed matters a lot if you are into streaming videos or if there are multiple users. In this case, the R7000P has a clear edge over the R7000 since it offers a 400Mbps faster bandwidth.
Streaming
The Netgear R7000 offers beamforming+ technology for streaming. With features like Dynamic Quality of Service (QoS) and beamforming+, you can experience an uninterrupted and lag-free experience. Whether it is streaming videos or playing games online, both these streaming technologies offer a unique experience and advantage.
On the other hand, the Netgear R7000P uses Multi-User MIMO technology. Thus, it can simultaneously stream data to a number of devices. With MU-MIMO, your Wi-Fi network can deliver a faster output to every connected device. Thus, the user can enjoy faster downloads along with smoother streaming.
The R7000P has a slight edge as the MU-MIMO technology offers a seamless streaming experience for multiple clients.
Overview of the Winner
Well, clearly, the Netgear R7000P is the winner if we combine the overall statistics of the two routers. Although the R7000P is the winner, we cannot neglect what R7000 has to offer. Anyways, let’s have a look at some of the aspects why the R7000P is the best of the lot.
Speed
The Netgear7000P offers a fantastic AC2300 speed rating, which is ideal for high-end usage. It delivers a powerful 2300 Mbps of maximum bandwidth to ensure your demands are met without interruptions. Moreover, it features an 802.11ac standard wireless path, also known as Wi-Fi 5. As a result, you would be able to experience a flawless and seamless experience without any complaints.
It’s 400Mbps faster than its predecessor R7000. Most high-end users and gamers tend to gain the maximum possible features for their money. We assure you that this router won’t let you down if you dream of a seamless video streaming or gaming experience.
Streaming Technology
The R7000P offers a reliable MU-MIMO technology that is perfect for your needs. If you are tired of gaming lags and buffering videos, then this is a perfect choice. Now even with multiple clients using the internet, services won’t slow you down! The MU-MIMO technology, also known as Multi-User Multiple Input Multiple Output, enables a faster data transfer and reliable streaming option. Not only does it allow data transfer to multiple connected devices, but a faster output as well. This enables much faster download speeds and smooth video streaming without any pause or interruption.
Unlike the R7000, the R7000P offers a significant advantage with this technology. As it is directed towards modern users and modern devices, you can fully benefit from this amazing service.
Security
Now, you can protect your home network and everything connected to it. Computers, mobile devices, and laptops were never safer before NETGEAR Armor was introduced. NETGEAR Armor is powered by Bitdefender that protects all your connected devices from cyber threats or attacks. It includes viruses, Trojans, spyware, ransomware, and others. You can easily check the security status for each device as well, all in one place. Additionally, you would also be able to receive blocked threat alerts in case of any.
In short, the best user experience you will ever get is from this router. It delivers a flawless operation and a user-friendly interface with multiple features to ensure you are completely happy and satisfied.
Conclusion
All in all, if you are looking for that one router that features all, we suggest picking either of the two. The Netgear7000 and the 7000P are the ideal choices if you are a high-end user. Additionally, if you require flawless and seamless streaming or gaming experience paired with high security, buy these! Get rid of the hassle of buffering videos, gaming lag, or fear of data compromise. Both Netgear 7000 and 7000P will ensure your dream of seamless wireless services come true.
