How to Choose the Right Orbi System

WRITTEN BY

NETGEAR Team

Welcome to a world where buffering, dead zones, and slow internet connections are nothing but relics of the past. If you're ready to turbocharge your online experience and catapult into the realm of high-speed, seamless connectivity, then you're in for a treat!

Looking for The Ultimate Mesh System?

This ultimate buyer’s guide for the NETGEAR Orbi mesh systems will take you on a riveting journey into the future of WiFi . If you’ve been dreaming of a home network that defies limitations, Orbi is here to transform your digital realm into a seamless wonderland of speed, coverage, and unmatched performance. Get ready to explore the jaw-dropping capabilities of the Orbi 970 Series with WiFi 7 – the current flagship series that’s redefining the rules of home networking – or take our short Find My Orbi quiz to find the perfect Orbi mesh system for you.

mesh wifi connections

Why Orbi?

In the realm of cutting-edge Wi-Fi connectivity, Orbi Mesh Routers are the undisputed champions. Here’s why choosing Orbi over other mesh routers is not just a decision – it’s a strategic investment in a superior networking experience.

Blanket Coverage, No Dead Zones: Orbi’s tri-band and quad-band technology ensures that every corner of your home is enveloped in a seamless web of connectivity. Say goodbye to frustrating dead zones and experience uninterrupted browsing, streaming, and gaming, regardless of where you are within your home.

Unparalleled Speeds: Orbi Mesh routers and satellites utilize the latest WiFi 6E and WiFi 7 technology, delivering lightning-fast speeds that can handle the demands of modern online activities. Whether you’re streaming 4K videos, engaging in online gaming, or hosting video conferences, Orbi ensures that lag and buffering are no more than relics of the past.

Easy Setup: Setting up an Orbi Mesh Network is a breeze. With a user-friendly Orbi app guiding you through the process, you’ll have your network up and running within minutes. The Orbi app is compatible with both iOS and Android devices.

Seamless Roaming: Orbi’s unique mesh design ensures that your devices seamlessly transition between router & satellite units as you move around your home. You’ll experience no drops in signal strength or disruptions, allowing you to roam freely without interruption.

Advanced Security Features: Protecting your network and personal data is a top priority. Orbi takes this seriously, providing robust security features such as built-in NETGEAR Armor to safeguard against online threats, malware, and phishing attacks.

Scalability and Customization: Whether you have a small apartment or a sprawling estate, Orbi’s modular system allows you to customize your network’s size according to your needs. Expand WiFi effortlessly by adding more satellites to your setup and enjoy consistent performance throughout your space.

Unrivalled Performance in a Stylish Package: Orbi doesn’t just excel in performance; its sleek and modern design complements any home environment. No more unsightly antennas and clunky hardware – Orbi routers and satellites are engineered to blend seamlessly with your decor.

Orbi 970 Series: The Pinnacle of Home Networking

Among the Orbi Mesh Systems (and in the world of high-speed WiFi) a true champion stands tall – the Orbi 970 Series. With its WiFi 7 technology and Quad-Band design, this flagship product isn’t just a mesh system; it’s a revolution designed to elevate your online experience to new heights.

  • Orbi® 970 Series with WiFi 7 unleashes speeds up to 27Gbps† for unparalleled performance and coverage for your whole home, from the front door to the back yard and the basement to the rooftop
  • NEW: WiFi 7 delivers 2.4x faster speeds than WiFi 6 and is fully backward compatible with older WiFi devices
  • 320MHz high-capacity channels for up to 2.4x faster speeds
  • From 8K streaming to video conferencing, gaming, VR, and more, Orbi ensures your family can accomplish it all at once
  • Exclusive, patented Quad-Band technology with Enhanced Dedicated Backhaul ensures WiFi stays fast across all devices simultaneously
  • Elegant, new design and high-performance antennas provide exceptional 360° WiFi coverage across every corner of your home, no matter the layout
  • Effortless Setup with the Orbi App. From unboxing to a fully operational network, installing the Orbi 970 system is a breeze.
  • Whether multi-gig cable or fiber, get the fastest speeds available today and tomorrow with a 10 Gig internet port
  • 10Gbps† & 2.5Gbps† Ethernet ports unlock unbeatable speed and reliability for wired connections – including gaming consoles, media storage, and 10Gbps wired backhaul option
  • Orbi works with any internet service provider. The Orbi app makes it a breeze to set up and manage your WiFi
  • NETGEAR Armor™ software provides an automatic shield of security for your WiFi and connected devices (PC, phone, camera, TV, etc.) for real-time protection against hackers and added privacy with VPN. 1-year subscription included

Orbi 960 vs. Orbi 860 Series

While the Orbi 960 is the undisputed champion in home networking, the Orbi 860 is also a worthy contender it’s own right. Let’s delve into their specs and performance to see why they’re worth considering:

Orbi 960 Series:
Industry's first Quad-Band WiFi 6E mesh system
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The world’s most powerful WiFi 6E system. Engineered to deliver unprecedented coverage and performance across your whole home.

  • Up to 10.8Gbps WiFi performance
  • Quad-Band WiFi 6E at 6Ghz with dedicated backhaul
  • Patented antenna design boosts WiFi coverage
  • Up to 600 sq. m. of Coverage (3-pack RBKE963)
  • 10 Gbps WAN port and 4x Gigabit Ethernet LAN ports
  • NEW: Available In Black or White 2 – 4 pack size Add-on satellites available (rbse960)
  • Supports up to 200 connected devices
Orbi 860 Series:
Elevating Connectivity with Tri-Band WiFI 6
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The smart choice for smart homes. Orbi 860 Series WiFi 6 Mesh System, ensures your devices receive lighting-fast WiFi, with speeds up to 6Gbps and low latency for today’s hyper connected homes. Boasting the power of WiFi 6 Mesh System, the Orbi 850 series ensures that your devices receive lightning-fast connections of up

  • Tri-Band WiFi 6 with 5GHz Dedicated Backhaul
  • Whole-home WiFi speeds up to 6Gbps
  • Upgraded antenna design improves performance by 20% over the previous generation (Orbi 850 Series)
  • 8,000 sq. ft. of coverage (using 3-pack RBK863)
  • 10Gbps Internet WAN port and 4x 1Gbps Ethernet LAN Ports
  • Available In Black or White 2–5 pack size. Add-on Satellites available (RBS850)
  • Supports up to 100 connected devices

How to Choose the Perfect Orbi System For You

NETGEAR’s Orbi lineup presents a range of options, each catering to different needs and preferences. If you’re seeking a solution tailored to your specific needs, here are some of the factors you need to consider:

Coverage Area

Evaluate the size of the area you need to cover. Choose a mesh router with coverage that suits your space – whether it’s a small apartment, a medium-sized home, or a large estate.

If you have a medium-sized space or apartment, the Orbi 860 series, with coverage up to 560 sq. m, could suffice. For large homes or extensive areas, the Orbi 960 series, spanning up to a sprawling 600 sq. m., ensures comprehensive whole-home WiFi connectivity.

But if you want the best, most seamless coverage from the front door to the back yard, the Orbi 970 with its 10,000 square feet coverage is perfect for you.

Internet Speed

Consider your internet plan, your provider, and the speeds you require. Look for a mesh router that can deliver the desired speed to all your devices without compromising performance. High speed 2.5 Gig, 5 Gig and 10 gig internet ports will allow for maximum transfer speeds between your modem and mesh router.

WiFi Speed

If you crave blazing-fast wifi of up to 6-10Gbps and beyond, both the Orbi 960 and 860 series offer remarkable options. For those demanding the ultimate WiFi experience, the Orbi 970 Series steals the spotlight with up to 27Gbps of WiFi 7 performance, geared towards demanding data transfers and high-speed tasks.

Number of Devices

Determine the number of devices that will be connected to the network. Choose a mesh system that can handle simultaneous connections without lag or drop in speed.

If you have a substantial number of devices in a larger household, the Orbi 860 series is designed to handle the load with its advanced tri-band architecture and dedicated backhaul. For the ultimate connectivity, Orbi 960 and 970 Series eclipses all the other with a capacity up to 200 connected devices. From TVs and amplifiers to laptops and WiFi speakers, you can connect all your smart home devices without worrying about sudden drops and lags.

Tri-Band vs. Quad-Band

Understand the difference between tri-band and quad-band routers. The more bands a mesh system has, the higher its ability to reduce congestion and improve performance in busy networks.

For instance, Orbi 860 Series offer Tri-Band connectivity which means it utilizes three distinct WiFi bands to transmit data – one 2.4 GHz band and two 5 GHz bands. Orbi 960 and 970 take it further by providing Quad-Band connectivity and tapping into the uncrowded 6GHz band, ensuring virtually no congestion and consistently seamless streaming.

Add-on Features

Consider extra features like Smart parental controls, NETGEAR Armor, customization options, and the like. All Orbi Wi-Fi mesh systems in the Orbi series have NETGEAR Armor and Smart Parental control capabilities. Whatever mesh system you choose, you’ll have access to NETGEAR’s plethora of add-on features.

Scalability

Determine if the mesh router system allows for easy expansion by adding more satellite nodes to extend coverage as needed. All mesh systems in our Orbi series are engineered for scalability. Whether it’s the Orbi 860, 960, or 970, Orbi Mesh WiFi System give you the option to add more Orbi Satellites as necessary to meet your networking needs.

Overall Performance

Overall performance is a critical factor when choosing a router or mesh system because it directly influences the quality of your internet experience and the effectiveness of your network setup. Higher performance translates to consistently fast data transfer speeds. It also determines how smoothly your devices connect to the network and communicate with each other.

If you’re seeking unparalleled performance and coverage, look no further than the Orbi 970 Series. With its blazing-fast Quad-Band WiFi 7, it’s the ultimate choice for those seeking an unparalleled WiFi experience.

Why the Number of Satellites Matter

NETGEAR’s Orbi lineup presents a range of options, each catering to different needs and preferences. If you’re seeking a solution tailored to your specific needs, here are some of the factors you need to consider:

how many mesh satellites do I need

Enjoy Peace of Mind With Orbi’s Cutting-Edge Security and Control Features

In today’s interconnected world, safeguarding your digital presence is non-negotiable. NETGEAR’s Orbi systems take this responsibility seriously, offering a suite of comprehensive security features across all models, solidifying Orbi’s reputation as a reliable and secure choice for your connectivity needs.

NETGEAR Armor Protection

All Orbi models come equipped with NETGEAR Armor, a cutting-edge security solution that shields your network from cyber threats. With built-in multi-layer protection, it safeguards your devices from malware, phishing attacks, and other online risks, ensuring your digital activities remain private and secure.

Home WiFi Device Protection
WPA3 Encryption

Orbi systems incorporate the latest in WiFi security standards, including WPA3 encryption. This advanced encryption protocol enhances data protection, making it significantly harder for unauthorized parties to access your network.

Regular Firmware Updates

Security vulnerabilities can emerge over time, and staying ahead of potential threats is imperative. Orbi systems receive regular firmware updates that not only enhance performance but also patch any security vulnerabilities, keeping your network shielded from evolving cyber risks.

Guest Network Isolation

Orbi provides the option to set up a guest network, ensuring that visitors have their own isolated network separate from your primary devices. This prevents potential breaches and offers an added layer of security.

Parental Controls

Safeguarding your family’s online experience is made easier with parental controls available across all Orbi models. Set internet usage limits, block inappropriate content, and monitor online activities to ensure a safe digital environment for your loved ones.

Embrace Unparalleled Connectivity with Orbi Mesh Routers

Connectivity is the lifeblood of modern living and the Orbi Mesh Router Systems are the ultimate solution to bringing your networking experience to the next level.

With a range of remarkable features and benefits, the Orbi lineup sets a new standard for home networking excellence. And at the forefront of this revolution is the Orbi 970 Series – a flagship product that embodies speed, coverage, and innovation like never before.

From the unrivalled WiFi speeds and Quad-Band technology to the groundbreaking WiFi 7 support, the Orbi 970 Series isn’t just a router; it’s a gateway to a network that’s not bound by limitations.

Embrace a world without dead zones, and experience connectivity that’s as limitless as your aspirations.

The power to transform your network experience is within reach, and the journey starts with Orbi. It’s time to take the leap, embrace the future, and upgrade to an Orbi Mesh Router. Your network deserves nothing less than the best that technology has to offer. Make the wise choice, make it Orbi.

Need help deciding on an Orbi system? Try our Find My Orbi tool for a mesh WiFi recommendation based on your Internet usage.