Netgear Orbi 870 Wi-Fi Mesh System

Tech Premium Pick
US$1299.99 (3-pack)
Estimated Price
★★★ ½
3.9 / 5.0

"Future-Proofing Your Home Wi-Fi: A Deep Dive into the Netgear Orbi 870"

The Netgear Orbi 870 Wi-Fi Mesh System promises to redefine home networking with its cutting-edge Wi-Fi 7 technology. Designed for large homes and demanding users, it delivers exceptional speeds up to 21 Gbps and broad coverage of up to 9,000 sq. ft. for a 3-pack, aiming to eliminate dead zones. Setup is typically straightforward via the Orbi app, and its sleek design blends well into modern aesthetics. However, this premium performance comes at a premium price, and some users have reported concerns regarding the limited features of the companion app and customer support. While it's a powerhouse for speed and coverage, potential buyers should weigh its cost against their specific needs and the current maturity of Wi-Fi 7 client devices.

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Analysis

Pros
  • Blazing-fast Wi-Fi 7 speeds up to 21 Gbps, future-proofing your network.
  • Extensive whole-home coverage designed to eliminate dead zones in large properties.
  • Tri-band technology with enhanced backhaul ensures stable performance across numerous devices.
  • Includes a 10 Gig internet WAN port to support the fastest internet plans available.
  • Sleek and unobtrusive design, along with a generally straightforward setup process via the Orbi app.
Cons
  • High price point, making it a significant investment.
  • Netgear Armor security and VPN features require a separate subscription after a trial period.
  • Lack of 10 Gbps or 5 Gbps LAN ports on satellites and the router (beyond the WAN port) for faster wired connections.
  • Some users have reported reliability issues like frequent disconnects and limited features within the Orbi mobile app.
  • No USB ports for connecting external storage or other peripherals.

Technical Specs

Wi-Fi Standard Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be)
Max Speed Up to 21 Gbps (BE21000)
Coverage (3-pack) Up to 9,000 sq. ft. (Netgear claim)
Wi-Fi Bands Tri-Band (2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, 6 GHz)
Processor Quad-core 1.5 GHz
Memory 2GB RAM, 4GB Flash
Router Ports 1x 10 Gbps WAN, 4x 2.5 Gbps LAN
Satellite Ports 4x 2.5 Gbps LAN (each satellite)
Antennas 8 high-performance internal antennas
Max Devices Up to 150 devices
Dimensions (each unit) 10.64 x 5.78 x 4.43 inches (270.3 x 146.8 x 112.4 mm)
Weight (router) 2.69 lb (1.22 kg)
Weight (satellite) 2.65 lb (1.201 kg)