For years I’ve been interested in the features of expensive routers and whether they offer better value for money than standard routers offered by network providers. NETGEAR’s Orbi 960 is a top-of-the-line Wi-Fi mesh system, so it seemed appropriate for him to try out the 3-pack to determine if it’s worth buying a high-end router. Ta.
After testing the Orbi 960 system for about a month, I’m impressed with the improvements Orbi has made to my home network, but is it worth spending more than $1,000? Let’s find out.
NETGEAR Orbi 960: Pricing and availability
The NETGEAR Orbi 960 is available directly from NETGEAR or Amazon, and mesh systems start at $1,049 (currently $949) for one router and one satellite and can cover up to 6,000 square feet. If you want two additional satellites instead of one, as in the configuration reviewed here, it will cost $1,499 (currently $1,299).
The Orbi 960 is available in white and black, but you will need to purchase at least two additional satellites with your router to get the black version. The router and his one satellite package is available in white only. If you have a small home, the router alone will cost just under $600 from Amazon.
NETGEAR is offering a 4-pack (router + 3 satellites) for $1,999 (currently $1,799) that covers up to 12,000 square feet.
In the UK, NETGEAR prices start at £1,199 for a two-pack and go up to £3,799 for a six-pack, which is quite expensive. Interestingly, the product specs for coverage are also different, with slightly less square footage.
NETGEAR Orbi 960: What’s good about it?
I’ve been skeptical about the need to spend money on a router for a while, but the Orbi 960 mesh system opened my eyes to how much speed is possible with quality equipment.
I’ve been using 1Gbps fiber speeds through my provider for over a year, but using sites like Ookla’s Speedtest my internet speeds are closer to 700 Mbps for downloads and around 60 Mbps for uploads. Since moving to Orbi, my internet speed has improved significantly, with download speeds well over his 1Gbps and upload speeds well over his 100Mbps. Significant improvements here make game streaming services like GeForce Now an absolute dream, allowing me to finally play his games like Cyberpunk 2077 on my boyfriend’s Mac in all its glory. Now it looks like this.
The Orbi 960 mesh system also solved the apartment blind spot issue that had been plaguing my internet usage for over a year. Previously, he had to use 5G to access the internet in his bedroom, and the Wi-Fi reception was poor and would disconnect intermittently. Now the 1Gbps speed works perfectly throughout my apartment and there are no blind spots. I don’t have a large enough property to test the advertised 9,000 square feet, but I can confirm that the Orbi has no problems in small spaces. With so much technology in our homes, it’s pretty impressive to see how many products can use the internet at the same time without hesitation. Orbi has made life so much easier with my partner.
With the ability to reach up to 10.8Gbps and take full advantage of Wi-Fi 6E and its 6GHZ band, Orbi 960 delivers the experience you expect from a product of this quality and price. You might not need such a future-proof feature like a 10 Giga Ethernet port, but considering some people won’t buy a router or mesh system in their lifetime, this one checks all the boxes. can enter.
NETGEAR Orbi 960: What’s not good about it?
There are two main issues with the Orbi 960 Mesh System. The first is how evil and huge they are on the other side of the house. The black routers and satellites blend into the background, but these products are huge. For comparison, my boyfriend’s Orbi 960 router is the same size, if not slightly more expensive than the Xbox Series X.
The day the Orbi 960 mesh system arrived at my house, my partner was frustrated to say the least with the size of these three towers in our house. It’s been a month or so and she has come to accept them, but when purchasing the Orbi 960, be sure to be aware of the size and the best colors to blend with.
Another issue that really made me scream in anger is the actual plug that powers the Orbi router and satellite. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve accidentally kicked a giant plug sticking out of a wall. I hope NETGEAR decides to move to flatter power supplies in future models, as each plug protrudes nearly 10 cm from the wall.
NETGEAR Orbi 960: Contest
There are many routers and mesh systems that will improve your internet speeds without having to spend more than $1,000 on a product like the Orbi 960.
NETGEAR offers routers like the Nighthawk Tri-Band and Orbi 960 as standalone routers for small spaces. Both perform great, especially if you live in an apartment.
When it comes to mesh systems, NETGEAR just released the Wi-Fi 7-enabled Orbi 970, and the company also has cheaper options like the Orbi 750 Mesh System, which can be purchased for under $500.
Elsewhere, some of the best HomeKit routers, such as the Amazon eero Pro 6, offer faster internet speeds and smart home security features compared to your provider’s routers.
NETGEAR Orbi 960: Should you buy it?
Buy NETGEAR Orbi 960 Wi-Fi 6E Mesh System if…
- You want the best game streaming possible
- You have a large house with blind spots.
- I need the fastest possible internet
Do not purchase the NETGEAR Orbi 960 Wi-Fi 6E Mesh System if:
- I don’t like the design
- Doesn’t use dietary fiber
- I have plenty of room in my budget
NETGEAR Orbi 960: Verdict
The Orbi 960 mesh system was really comfortable to use. The Orbi 960 takes your home network speed to the next level, without bulky hardware, awkwardly shaped plugs, or a hefty price tag. If you want to stream games in 4K and live in a large house, this mesh system won’t let you down. This is truly one of the best Wi-Fi routers for Apple devices.
NETGEAR Orbi 960 Mesh System
incredible speed
The NETGEAR Orbi 960 Wi-Fi 6E Mesh System brings the fastest internet you’ve ever experienced to your home. Perfect for gaming and streaming, this mesh system can easily handle anything you throw at it. This is truly one of the best mesh systems on the market.
