Netgear Orbi RBK853 Wi-Fi 6 Mesh Wi-Fi System Review - 1 year on are they worth £959 / $1000?
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- čas přidán 23. 08. 2024
- In this rather long review I discuss my experience with the Netgear Orbi RBK853 Wi-Fi 6 Mesh Wi-Fi System after a year of use in my home.
Mesh Wi-Fi is a great way of covering 'not spots' in your home and ensuring you can make the most of your internet connection. Netgear's Orbi has been around for a while, and I used their previous generation of devices before moving to this, but those systems were significantly cheaper.
At £959/$1000 are these routers worth it? Does the RBK853 truly deliver flawless internet connectivity for the latest devices? In many ways, yes, but equally since Netgear has launched the Orbi RBK353 and Orbi RBK753 I'm not really sure anymore. I would certainly go for the cheaper options.
This review is very long but hopefully it'll give you the information you need.
If you want to buy the Netgear Orbi systems mentioned in this video or indeed anything else off Amazon (and want to support me at the same time), please consider doing so from the following Amazon Associates link, it will cost you nothing but I will earn a little commission from any sales. You don't even need to buy the lens, if you click on the link below and then search and buy different products, you'll still be supporting me!
Netgear Orbi RBK853: amzn.to/3IMO1A8
Netgear Orbi RBK753: amzn.to/3Cg3mGK
Netgear Orbi RBK353: amzn.to/3MqtxiF
This is an excellent review not only on the technology but also the price. I have just signed up for 1Gb speed download service. The truth is I don't actually need that speed. For the past 4 years I have been using 80/20 with no problems in a full household.... Admittedly this is more of a business type service.
I am using an ASUS mesh system in a 3 storey home. On the top floor I can get WiFi speeds of over 150 Mbps. But as I say I do not have need for such speeds.
Amazing summary of products wish I knew a lot of what you have mentioned months or years ago when I was installing this kit for clients in the field
Have come across the Netgear ownership issues but you have not mentioned the costs for Netgear support at all
If you buy the support then you save a bag load of cash within 3 months of purchase (they said 10 dollars for 2 years)
If you buy the support after the 3 months of purchase its hundreds of dollars for a support case (300 dollars for 1 support case after the 3 months of purchase)
Please inform buyers of the support cost as they are not mentioned anywhere on you tube
It may not be a available In The UK? They didn’t try to sell me it nor have I ever seen an offer it. Different regions, different laws and offerings 🙂
Thank you for your review after using them for 1 year.
In 2024 it costs 599£ - and setting up for myself - who knows nothing about computers was easy. Bought a few days ago. I wasted thousands with BT for many years and switched to Plusnet. Now for once i dont get Wi-Fi drop outs, Happy after two days!
Great and interesting topic Chris
Glad you thought so!
Excellent and detailed review, answered all of my questions. Thanks a ton.
So glad it was helpful! I felt like this review got super long so glad to hear it was useful 🙂
Thank You. Interesting Review.
Thanks 🙂
Anyone just looking for something that just works you can try plume they have different options (small nodes with Ethernet ports) that plug into outlets around your house. They have Super pods and another system I couldn't use they didn't work with fiber. (Not sure why?) They are cheaper you can scatter them everywhere to flood your home with wifi. I still use the 853 myself I have a 2 story solid brick home with a finished basement that has concrete walls it was built in 1914 so its a challenge to get WiFi through the entire house. Im paying for 300/20 i got 315 down regularly anywhere in the house 😊 spectrum over provision in my town for some reason? I can pull on a good day 365 down.
I was looking for a replacement of my Google WIFI Mesh (I have 4 units, but they are failing after about 4 years of use) and was just about to push the button to order them, when you said, I had to pay for the extra services. Phhhh that was close. Not spending almost 1400 Euros for 4 units and than a yearly subscription. So the search is on again.. Thanks for the warning
Agreed, it’s painful
Google are working in a new WiFi 6 mesh system heavily rumoured to be released later this year.
It should be a lifetime free option for that price yes, but on the other hand… for me these options are not necessary and only give a false sense of safety.
I just ordered the Tp Link Dex x75 which I saw a review for against the 950 series Orbi and it seemed a lot better price comparison wise, .. so Ill let you know how it get on .. well I hope!!
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23/01/24
23:02pm
Good review - I think I've come to the same conclusion as you. They may be pretty great, but jeez the price is insane, especially when you can get "most of the performance" from something like a collection of Powerline adaptors. I have a 900/900 fibre connection and in some rooms I'm down to 30/30 on a separate WiFi network created by a Powerline adaptor. One part of me is thinking, "oh I'd love that to reach 500/500 or something like that with this kind of kit"...... but then, there's the other part of me, happily watching CZcams writing this comment, doing everyday Internet stuff, with no real major downsides, in the room with 'poor' 30/30 'extension wifi'.
Also - in 5 years' time those £959 devices are going to sell for £300 max second hand, and will seem very dated I fear as newer/smaller/faster devices come out.
And not to mention NetGear's absurd up-sell policy. You spend £960 on kit like this and they still want to up-sell you?!!!
Honestly couldn’t agree more…
It's a good fit for some people and situations but personally I use Ubiquiti UniFi.
Yep that’s great kit. I can’t wait to try out their new mesh system! That’s the only thing that has held me back until now as I don’t want to run Ethernet cables..
@@HamerReviews I'll eventually do a home network video but my network is overkill for most people.
did not realize how big these things are.
They are certainly sizeable
Great review, and very accurate. Just bought this exact model. All installed and running, but have one device that will ONLY connect at 2.4Ghz. Pulling my hair out trying to figure aa solution. Many ideas appreciated. Ch5
How strange, not something I've run into but have you tried netgear support?
@@HamerReviews my next step. Thanks
Separate the band, assign independent SSID for 2.4 and 5ghz band. Then force that device to connect to 5ghz band. Hope the device u r trying to to connect is compatible with 5ghz band to begin with. Cheers
Just paid $800 total including tax in US, upgrading from Orbi WiFi 5…. Let’s see if I can “feel” the upgrade.
Great review ...im thinking of buying this product .
I know you are in the UK ,but why do you call them "Rooters "? ...they are called /pronounced "Routers " ..Rowters (Phoneticly )..
Here in Australia .."Rooters " are what Netgear does to anyone that is prepared to pay their insane prices for their product !
Regardless a great ..informative review ..Cheers
Many thanks for the informative review. Would these be a worthwhile upgrade over the 753? My home setup is a little complicated. I've got a cluster of devices in the den at the back of the house, and another cluster of devices in the home office upstairs. All these devices (some of them non-wifi) need to be connected to the router in the living room. Right now I'm using a 753 with the main unit next to the BT hub and a satellite in each of those two locations. I often copy files between PCs in each of these locations (the PCs are wired to the satellites). Right now the speed tops out at 350-400 Mbit/s. If I replaced the 753 with an 853 in the same locations, what sort of improvement in speed could I expect? Thanks in advance.
And just a note, when you turn off WiFi on your ISP router, then the orbis have to be in access point mode, so it's technically not passthrough. Unfortunately routers like BT Smart Hub 2 no longer offer modem mode. That means that you're still restricted a little by the device limit of the ISP router. So in access point mode, the Orbi's count as devices linked to the ISP and can only handle the ISP limit. If you have a dedicated modem or modem mode (not sure which ISP's still offer modem mode) then you're under the Orbi device limit, which would be significantly higher.
Interestingly we have a BT modem at my parents place where we have the previous gen Orbis and I have virgin which does have a modem mode 🙂
@@HamerReviews Yep good on Virgin, they just hand off the speed and you get the full capability of the Orbi's. I think the new Virgin routers even have a 2.5gig port, to future proof it as a modem for future speed boosts.
BT used to offer modem mode, as did plusnet but now you have to turn off WiFi and use access point mode on any mesh system, which absolutely sucks. Thankfully the new full fibre installs fit an ONT which is a modem, so you connect from that via WAN to whichever router you want.
They do Indeed! The 2.5GB port will be useful if I ever upgrade to over gigabit speeds
It might be because we have a BT business connection at my parents place but they only have an actual modem - no router with modem mode but just a modem 🙂
@@HamerReviews Ah, an openreach modem?
Good review. Would you put the new TP-LINK AXE5300 to the test. They're wifi 6e and will soon go on sale for £499. They will be literally 1/3 of the price of the Orbi Wifi 6e product.
Please give advices to resolve issue with equipment rejected to connect to my Orbi 753. How do I make the wifi selection to 2.4g in order to link my Feit wifi bulbs and plugs. Thank you
Not sure, but Netgear support should be able to help - I'd try calling them initially.
Great review. I’m in Edinburgh and trying to cover my church and cafe.
Would the signal go through the thick floors? I’m trying to figure out how to get wifi in both floors. Thanks
The wireless backhaul (connection between routers) is 5Ghz and it less suited for penetrating thick structures. Recommend you bridge the floor with ethernet or power line adapter
Thank you for your review. It was very helpful.
I currently have a Google WiFi mesh system, but I'm quite sure it isn't WiFi 6, hence I'm looking to upgrade.
Having watched your balanced review, I don't think these are for me. Aside from the fact that they look massive!
I may try the RBK353 if you think performance is not going to be severely affected? Or are there any other mesh router systems you think do a better job?
Thanks again.
Google are working in a WiFi 6 mesh system and it's currently rumoured to release later this year. I had the Orbi mesh system when Google WiFi launched, and I bought the google system and it absolutely destroyed the Netgear one in performance and reliability and usability. Obviously that was a few years ago now but it's meant I won't touch Orbi again, they were horrifically expensive even then.
I currently am using two Eero Pro 6 routers which whilst offering good performance, have been giving me issues plus due to the newer 6E models being released, the Eero's are updating the firmware every week which can happen at anytime if the day and it reboots the network, I've also had issues with IPV6 in these Eero's too.
It’s a tough one, personally I don’t want any Google hardware (yes I know it’s silly but just me in the same way I don’t have any Amazon hardware) but I totally get it. I’m just about to test a D-Link WiFi 6 mesh which is ultra affordable so really curious to see how it performs!
@@HamerReviews We all like different things, for me personally I just really liked the Google system and it's app was amazing, it was a separate app back then. I was also blown away how a search engine company took an idea and produced a product that beat everyone else for lower cost!
I have played around with UniFi gear and it is very in depth setting it up, but you can get great performance with it, however it does require looking after I found and googling to help you set it all up.
One thing Eero has though is that you can speak to the developers direct in Redit. As I found it when discussing my issues.
Asus are also pretty good and I think include all the parental controls for free?
Chris, any plans to review the Orbi 950 series Wifi 6E mesh system?
I’d love to but they’re so expensive it’s unlikely, unless Netgear choose to send me one - which I’d be surprised by
Super review.. especially for me who has already looked into these and a bit lost still as to why they are so damned expensive. e.g the 3 unit (1 router 2 satellite RBK853 Quad band) in your review is £959, but the 755 (1 router 4 satellites Tri Band) is £1,090. Given that I've always found the stated manufacturers range to be far less than reality (I live in a 5 bed Victorian). Should I go for the security of more nodes with the 755 or the fewer supposedly more powerful nodes of the 853?, given that the 2 packages are not that dissimilarly priced. And would it make such a big difference if I simply bought 6 BT Wifi6 mesh disc package for a total of £600? In a nutshell, is it better for go for more cheaper nodes or fewer more expensive nodes? Coverage is more important to me than marginal improvements in speed. I currently run a 6 disc BT wholehome premium (wifi5).
First off thanks for the comment and glad it was useful!
I’m your position I wouldn’t go for the RBK 355 kit if you can get it - you’re totally right that in your position more access points are more useful than more powerful ones. Alternatively get a RBK752 or RBK753 kit and add some RBS350 access points if needed.
I’m not sure I’d bother with the 800 series if you’re just likely to need more access points so the 300 series or 700 and 300 series would be my preferred choice
One other note… IF you can run Ethernet from one side of the building to the other (or better get from top to bottom floors, you could go RBK853 and use wired Ethernet backhaul between two routers and the use the third as a mesh between them - obviously you probably don’t want cables, but it is worth considering 🙂
@@HamerReviews Thks for the excellent review and the replies. I eventually got the RBK854 and can say it's been great. Even 3 satellites would probably have done the job in my 5 bed 3 Story Victorian home, but added the 4th to be sure. I have lodgers who wfh so needed a system that was most importantly, reliable. I've recently only used BT mesh, including their Premium range and found the Orbi to be far superior, although given the huge price premium of the Orbi this shouldn't be a surprise. The most important issue for me is reliability, range, then speed. The orbi is able to maintain all 3 without glitches. I can't stand wifi dropping, or going slow as I'm not technologically able enough to fix the issue myself or have the inclination to wait to speak to call centre for help. If you value something working consistently and are willing to pay for it then in my limited exp the Orbi is the best choice. Thks for Hamer for introducing this product.
Does the device have a bridge mode to allow use of a dedicated router?
Can you add an additional Satellite with the Orbi RBK853, making it 3 Satellites total?
You absolutely can, and in fact you can interchange Orbi devices as long as they are the same generation! So you could add an RBS850, RBS750 or RBS350 and they will all work together!
I am thinking of buying the 753 pack, 469 quid on Amazon. These will replace a net gear R9000 x10 which net gear have tried to kill with firmware numerous times. Do you think this is worth it? Or is there something better on the horizon? I looked at TP Link but after hearing about the questionable data harvesting I gave up on that idea. I also thought about the new Synology RT6600, but that has not been released yet. The x10 is showing signs of being a bit worn out, that or it is the firmware again! I am using a Virgin hub 5 with a 500mb connection. I get between 80 and 560mb all over the house, all depending on how the x10 is feeling. I will assume that the 753 will smooth out Internet and dropouts in teams and zoom calls? I am still working from home and will probably never go back to the office. Thanks for any advice you can give me
Sorry your comment got flagged as spam so didn’t see it till now. I do think the 753 would work for you - honestly I’d try the 353 kit - still more than capable.
thanks for your great videos . So I set up my new orbi mesh . I got the ax4200 with 4 satellites . I set that up 3 days ago . The speeds are phenomenal. The only issue is it keeps disconnecting my devices offline randomly . Different devices . I must’ve restarted the router 6 times . Any help please ? I really hate to return the system . I’ve never experienced these speeds everywhere in my house but I don’t know why this is happening. Thanks again
I find sometimes the mesh networks take a week or so to settle if that makes sense…. I’d honestly give it a few days. Have you tried unpairing the reviews and repairing? Have you tried switching off Netgear armour and parental controls if they are enabled?
Would you recommend this high end wifi 6 routers or something like the TpLink XE75?
As per the video I think the RBK 353 is the best value and what I’d choose if I was going this again 🙂
Thank you! I just purchased the pro business version sxk80 yesterday for $350
@@cmoney0619 Hi Cedrik! I am thinking of purchasing the same but have seen some bad reviews about the brand in general.. (customer service etc.). How has your experience been?
@@ducks1321 honestly no issues except when first installing and customer service walked me through the issue because one of their servers were down.
@@cmoney0619 Thanks for the quick reply! :) Is your original router wifi 5 or 6 btw?
iF netgear isn't going to support it's customers I might have to switch brands.
It was a weird situation, it sounds like they really dislike people buying used hardware which is pretty ridiculous - even if it’s only a month or two old.
I’m selling my orbi is there anything I can do to help reset it for the next user after your experience?
Just do a factory reset - 🙂
@@HamerReviews thanks I thought you said you had to prove you’re the new owner. Just didn’t want the new owner to go through all that trouble you did.
@@koruki good point! I’d call Netgear and try and deregister it or even provide your email to the new owner so you can potentially speak to netgear if they need to verify it has passed hands.
Sorry i completely forgot (it’s been a while!)
You wont get same speed with RK353, someones already reviewed, they did test in each room with rk353 and rk753, and rk753 was almost double the speed in every single room apart from really close to each satellite thats was the same speed
I disagree to be honest, we’ve now installed the 353 in a holiday property and the speeds as 100% of what we get through the line but I have plans for more mesh reviews and an in-depth look at the 353 and 853 in the near future as soon as I can get a set here 😉
These are for a large family, house over 3K Sq Ft, someone with a connection over a Gigabit. These will pay out over time. WiFi 6E isn't needed as it's only phones with AXE in them, not even a iPhone is 6E
Depends how you look at it, I always prefer to hugely overspec Wi-Fi to account for futureproofing and also increase in bandwidth. As you say, Gigabit+ is rare - at least in the UK - but it's growing fast, and as soon as we see a few more Wi-Fi 6E devices demand will grow.
These routers do well for now but I'd definitely consider the RBK353 over these in hindsight but that's the thing about hindsight isn't it ;)
@@HamerReviews I have this exact same system with a Nighthawk CM 2050V & my home is 4300 sq ft & these are overkill. I wish I would've gotten the 852. Not knocking your review, it's actually great. I'm just saying these aren't for the average consumer. I wanted oversoec as well, but my home is fairly new with cat 8 wired throughout & I have a wired backhaul & these rock
@@michigantoga yep that’s fair - my parents place isn’t that big but it’s a wifi dead zone so ironically even these 3 aren’t enough, they’ve got about 9 of the last gen orbi’s, it’s infuriating
Ive got the virgin media pods are they are total shite, i have hub 4 and 3 pods and most areas in house i get 50-100mb when im on 500mbs on wifi
UniFi don't have parental controls, Amplifi do and they are free. Google WiFi has free parental controls too. Eero charge you like Netgear, it's a disgusting money grab IMO.
You know I genuinely thought they did… oops. I agree it’s really egregious especially given the cost of the Netgear tech!!!
@@HamerReviews Yeah Ubiquiti UniFi is aimed at the enterprise market so lacks all the family features. I've sold all mine, had a Dream Machine and Dream Router and an access point, but the level of control is insane, endless settings on the devices, trouble is if the auto settings didn't work, first thing tech support will tell you to do is turn off all the auto settings and manually configure it all, now some may want to take the time doing that but I didn't, you have settings that in most home routers are configured by default that affect streaming for instance, on UniFi you have to set them up so need to google what they do etc. it's a great time waster and if your a geek you'll love it!
@@HamerReviews
High end laptops cost less then this mesh system.
Did you say 'rooter'😂