The Orbi RBK50 Wi-Fi system from NETGEAR is not a recent launch and is in fact over a year old now, having launched at an MSRP of $399.99. It got rave reviews at the time by being what was then possibly the best-performing mesh Wi-Fi system, and today, it has just gotten better with updates to...

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  User friendly Wi-Fi mesh system (if you stick with one tool to set up and monitor), Excellent routing performance with a strong signal and low attenuation in the test area, High throughput maintained across both wireless N and AC networks in the test area, A high degree of settings and options...

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  Expensive, A confusing collection of setup and monitoring options that can potentially overwhelm customers, USB port on either unit is not accessible with a storage device, Warranty of only a year

While pricey, the Netgear Orbi is one of the fastest, most powerful routers we've tested, even without its mesh extension.

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  Phenomenal performance, Dedicated router-to-extension data channel, MU-MIMO technology, Choice of app or browser setup

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  Relatively large devices, Expensive, Limited functionality on mobile app for now

I've seen some grousing in the SNBForums Orbi threads about Orbi's $400 price tag and I suppose, rightfully so. You can buy most any AC5300 / AC5400 BHR for less, including NETGEAR's Nighthawk X8 and ASUS' RT-AC5300 . Only NETGEAR's just-announced AD7200 class Nighthawk X10 costs more at $500.

NETGEAR's Orbi AC3000 tri-band wireless "Mesh" system kit goes under the microscope today as we determine how it performs.

When I first got NETGEAR's pitch for Orbi, I expressed concern about its exclusive use of 5 GHz for backhaul. But NETGEAR assured me they had done their homework and that the results would be impressive. I have to say NETGEAR's right.

Plenty of features, user-friendly management and top-flight performance...

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  Blazing performance Four Ethernet ports per node User-friendly interface

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  Expensive

A smart system that boosts Wi-Fi range and speed, Orbi could be the answer for anyone struggling with uneven wireless performance

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  Very easy to set up, Delivers great performance and coverage

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  Distinctly pricey, Doesn't currently support YouView streaming

Unimpeded, seamless Wi-Fi coverage throughout your house isn’t just possible with Netgear Orbi, it’s easy as pie, but that convenience will cost you dearly. Unimpeded, seamless Wi-Fi coverage throughout your house isn’t just possible with Netgear Orbi, it’s easy as pie, but that convenience will...

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  Excellent coverage, Easy setup, Approachable design

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  Mighty pricey, Finicky Wi-Fi band settings

The Netgear Orbi is a new spin on the home Wi-Fi router, designed specifically to stretch Wi-Fi coverage further than any normal router can manage. It achieves this because it’s essentially two routers in one, with the second unit acting like a glorified Wi-Fi extender.

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  Very fast speeds at long range, Easy setup, Consistent coverage, Much faster performance than Wi-Fi extenders, Single SSID makes managing connections easy

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  High upfront cost, Modest feature set for power users, Not the fastest router when in close range

A fantastic kit for those who really must have a mesh network. And if you have a home that big, the price is unlikely to put you off.

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  Blistering wireless speeds, Great design, Incredibly simple setup

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  Beaten by much cheaper routers for everyday file transfers, QoS options are basic, Mobile app is horrific

Awesome, I set it up with the master in the living room at one end of the house, the satellite in the center and hard wired my old Nighthawk X6 in the garage configured as an AP. Used the app to set everything up and Bingo! I have excellent WiFi everywhere I need it.

I needed a whole home network which included both ethernet and wifi connected satellites to replace an Apple system. This system does the trick. However, it required a firmware update first, so I had to connect everything wirelessly, update the firmware and then I could connect 3 of the satellites...

Effortless, virtually idiot proof setup. Installed Netgear RBR50 primary router and satellite via Android phone app and phone scan app. Bulletproof installation and network coverage.

It's pricey but worth it. Was having issues with streaming Netflix / Hulu in certain areas of the house. This solved the problem. Easy set up and no more buffering. Simple and effective.

I've owned the Netgear Orbi for about a week now. Setup was quick and easy. Download the Orbi app, connect the router and the setup process is painless and simple, even when connecting the satellite Orbi in the other room which was my problem area. Not anymore.

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  Simple setupConsistent connectionsVery fast speedsSatellite has generous 4 Ethernet ports

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  Pricey.Built in USB port does not support NAS. The port is basically useless at the moment.Also would prefer the Orbi to be black in color.

Previously owned Apple Router (Airport Extreme & Express). Coverage was not very good in our NY apartment which I always blamed on thick concrete walls and neighbors. Satisfaction compromised by monthly reboots. After the Apple product burnt out I purchased a Linksys duel band AC; highly rated.

I have the Netgear Orbi RBK50 wireless router and satellite. The Orbi RBR50 Wi-Fi performance is great. The biggest drawback for me is the lack of more ethernet ports on the router. I have two networked printers and two network attached storage (NAS) devices.

Easy to set up with app. All done in 25 minutes. Go through out house and parts of the outdoors. Best router and satellite. No extender needed.