In today’s connected world, having a reliable and high-speed WiFi network is essential for modern homes. With the increasing number of devices competing for bandwidth, traditional routers often struggle to provide consistent coverage throughout the entire house. This is where the Netgear Orbi, a popular mesh WiFi system, comes into play.
In this comprehensive review, we’ll explore the features, performance, and value of the Netgear Orbi product line to help you determine if it’s the right solution for your home.
Quick Verdict
The Netgear Orbi product line stands as a formidable mesh WiFi system, excelling in performance, coverage, and advanced features suited for the modern, highly connected home. Despite their premium price, they offer exceptional speed and reliability, addressing bandwidth competition effectively with their tri-band and quad-band technologies. Its straightforward setup, comprehensive security measures, including Netgear Armor, and support for the latest WiFi standards make it a future-proof choice.
Recommendations For Netgear Orbi
The Orbi systems are recommended for those who:
- Want blazing-fast connectivity over WiFi 7, available on the Orbi 960 series?
- Need reliable coverage throughout a large home.
- Prefer a mesh system that’s easy to set up and use.
- Require multiple 2.5GbE ports and at least one 10GbE LAN port.
However, they may not be the best value for those without many WiFi 7 devices or who are looking for a more cost-effective mesh system.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Fast and reliable WiFi speeds
- Excellent coverage and range
- Easy setup process
- Advanced features like MU-MIMO, beamforming, and QoS
- Comprehensive security with Netgear Armor
Cons:
- Higher cost compared to some competitors
- Occasional firmware update issues
- Limited customization options for advanced users
Notable Features: Security, Smart Home Support, and More
The Orbi isn’t just fast – it’s also packed with features to keep your network safe and running smoothly:
- Netgear Armor powered by Bitdefender provides top-notch security
- Smart Home/IoT Support with a separate network for your connected devices
- Guest network to keep visitors off your main network
- VPN support for secure remote access
- Parental controls to keep your kids safe online
Netgear Orbi Models and Specifications
Netgear offers a range of Orbi models to cater to different needs and budgets. The most popular models include:
- Orbi RBK50: The original tri-band mesh system, supporting Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
- Orbi RBK752: An upgraded version with WiFi 6 (802.11ax) support and increased speed
- Orbi RBK763: Whole Home Tri-Band Mesh WiFi 6 System – Router with 2 Satellite Extenders, Coverage Up to 6,000 Square Feet, 40 Devices, AX3000 (Up to 3Gbps)
- Orbi RBK852: Whole Home Tri-band Mesh WiFi 6 System – Router with 1 Satellite Extender | Coverage up to 5,000 sq. ft., 100 Devices | AX6000 (Up to 6Gbps)
- Orbi RBKE963: The top-of-the-line model featuring WiFi 6E (802.11be) and quad-band technology
- Orbi Pro: A commercial-grade solution for businesses and large homes
The Orbi systems vary in their maximum theoretical speeds and coverage area. For example, the RBK752 can cover up to 5,000 square feet with speeds up to 4.2 Gbps, while the RBKE963 boasts an impressive 7,500 square feet of coverage and speeds up to 10.8 Gbps.
Design and Setup
One of the standout features of the Netgear Orbi is its sleek and modern design. The router and satellite units have a white, oval-shaped appearance that blends well with most home decor. The build quality is solid, ensuring durability and longevity.
Setting up the Orbi system is a breeze, thanks to the user-friendly Orbi mobile app and web interface. The app guides you through the process step-by-step, making it easy even for those with limited technical knowledge. However, some users have reported occasional firmware update issues, which can be frustrating.
Performance and Coverage
The Netgear Orbi excels in providing fast and reliable WiFi coverage throughout the home. In real-world speed tests, the Orbi consistently outperforms many of its competitors, such as the Eero, Google Nest Wifi, and Linksys Velop. The tri-band and quad-band technology ensures that devices have ample bandwidth, even in households with multiple users and devices.
The Orbi’s range and coverage are also impressive, effectively eliminating dead zones and providing seamless connectivity in every corner of the house. This is a significant advantage over traditional routers and WiFi extenders, which often struggle to maintain signal strength in larger homes.
Orbi systems are known for their elite performance, with the latest models utilizing WiFi 6 and WiFi 7 technology for lightning-fast speeds suitable for modern online activities. The Orbi 970 Series, for instance, offers coverage up to 10,000 square feet and speeds up to 27Gbps, thanks to its Quad-Band WiFi 7 technology. The Orbi 960 and 860 Series also deliver impressive performance, with the 960 Series engineered for speeds up to 10Gbps and the 860 Series providing up to 6Gbps with Tri-Band connectivity.
Features and Network Management
The Netgear Orbi comes packed with advanced features to enhance your WiFi experience. These include:
- MU-MIMO: Allows the router to communicate with multiple devices simultaneously, improving overall network efficiency
- Beamforming: Focuses the WiFi signal towards connected devices for stronger, more stable connections
- QoS (Quality of Service): Prioritizes bandwidth for specific devices or applications, ensuring optimal performance for critical tasks
The Orbi app and web interface provide a user-friendly way to manage your network settings, including guest network setup, parental controls, and device prioritization. While the app is generally easy to use, some users have reported that it can be occasionally glitchy or slow to respond.
Security and Parental Controls
Netgear takes security seriously, and the Orbi comes with a range of features to keep your network safe. The included Netgear Armor software, powered by Bitdefender, provides comprehensive protection against viruses, malware, and other online threats. It also includes a VPN service for secure remote access to your home network.
They also incorporate the latest WiFi security standards, including WPA3 encryption, and receive regular firmware updates to enhance performance and security.
The Orbi also offers built-in parental controls, allowing you to manage your children’s internet access and set time limits for specific devices. While these features are useful, some users may find the setup process a bit cumbersome compared to other mesh systems.
Connectivity and Ports
Orbi Mesh Routers and Satellites are designed to eliminate weak spots and ensure consistent WiFi coverage throughout your entire living space. The patented internal antenna design of the Orbi 970 Series and the high-performance antennas of other models contribute to their superior coverage. The Quad-Band technology in the 970 and 960 Series, which includes a 6GHz band, ensures minimal congestion and seamless streaming.
The secret to the Orbi’s success is its tri-band technology with a dedicated backhaul band. This allows the router and satellites to communicate without slowing down your devices. Plus, with the latest WiFi 6 and 6E support, you’ll be future-proofed for years to come.
The Netgear Orbi router and satellites come equipped with a range of Ethernet ports, allowing you to connect wired devices for even faster and more stable connections. This is particularly useful for gaming consoles, smart TVs, and desktop computers.
High-speed 10 Gig internet ports are also available for maximum transfer speeds between your modem and mesh router.
The Orbi also integrates seamlessly with various smart home devices and voice assistants, such as Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. This allows you to control your network settings using voice commands, adding an extra layer of convenience.
Scalability & Ease of Use
Orbi’s modular system allows for network customization according to your needs, and you can easily add Orbi Add-on Satellites to expand your coverage area.
Setting up an Orbi Mesh Network is straightforward, and the Orbi app simplifies the installation process The unique mesh design ensures seamless device transition between router and satellite units as you move around your home.
Pricing, Warranty, and Support
One potential drawback of the Netgear Orbi is its relatively high cost compared to some other mesh WiFi systems. The top-tier models, like the RBKE963 and Orbi 970 Series, can be particularly expensive. However, considering the advanced features, performance, and coverage offered by the Orbi, many users find it to be a worthwhile investment.
For those seeking value, the Orbi mesh router is a clear pick, especially when priced below $150 for a three-device setup.
Netgear offers a one-year limited warranty on the Orbi, which is standard for most mesh WiFi systems. The company also provides customer support through phone, email, and live chat. While some users have reported mixed experiences with Netgear’s support, the company generally tries to resolve issues in a timely manner.
See also:
Conclusion
The Netgear Orbi is a powerful and feature-rich mesh WiFi system that delivers exceptional performance and coverage. With its easy setup, advanced features, and seamless integration with smart home devices, the Orbi is an excellent choice for households looking to upgrade their WiFi experience.
While the high cost may be a deterrent for some, the Orbi’s benefits often justify the investment, especially for larger homes or those with many connected devices. If you’re looking for a reliable, high-speed mesh WiFi solution, the Netgear Orbi is definitely worth considering.
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