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Netgear Orbi 860 Series Review | 77 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£440
  • Avg. price in US: ~$430
  • Wi-Fi version: Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
  • Wi-Fi speed: 6000 Mbps
  • LAN port speeds: 1 Gbps
  • Wireless coverage: 251 m²

Netgear Orbi 860 Series review. Compare 77 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among routers and if it is worth buying.

7.9

Overall score

What it is: An overall evaluation of the router's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.

When it matters: When you need a quick reference to identify the best routers on the market.

Score components:

90.0%

7.8

Technical Score

10.0%

8.7

User score

Very good
7.8

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the router's technical performance, covering key areas such as Wi-Fi performance, wired connectivity, security, software features, coverage, and design.

When it matters: When you want to compare routers based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

26.0%

8.9

Wireless

20.0%

5.5

Ports

18.0%

7.3

Networking

14.0%

10

Security

12.0%

8.2

Hardware

10.0%

6.7

Management

Very good
8.7

User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the router.

When it matters: When you want to know how a router performs in daily use and how reliable it is for speed, coverage, and stability according to user feedback.

Score components:

70.0%

8.1

User reviews

30.0%

10

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.1
(1801)
amazon
4.0
(73)
amazon
4.5
(35)
amazon
2.4
(11)
United States
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3.7
(103)
Amazon_logo.png
4.0
(77)
Amazon_logo.png
4.4
(39)

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

Excellent
  • 9.1
    Gaming

    Score components:

    33.0%

    10

    Wi-Fi speed

    28.0%

    9.8

    CPU clock speed

    22.0%

    10

    RAM capacity

    17.0%

    5.2

    Maximum connected devices

  • 4.9
    Travel

    Score components:

    40.0%

    2.5

    Weight

    30.0%

    10

    Wi-Fi speed

    20.0%

    4.0

    Cellular modem type

    10.0%

    1.0

    SIM slot

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Best rankings

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Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The Netgear Orbi 860 Series is a high-performance AX6000 Tri-Band WiFi 6 mesh system that delivers wireless speeds up to 6Gbps and supports up to 100 concurrent devices across 2,700 to 8,000 square feet depending on the unit count. It features a powerful quad-core 2.2GHz processor, 1GB of RAM, and a patented internal antenna design that offers a 20% performance boost over previous generations. Key pros include a future-proof 10Gbps Multi-Gigabit WAN port, a dedicated WiFi backhaul for unimpeded router-to-satellite communication, and a 1-year subscription to Netgear Armor security. However, notable cons include the lack of multi-gigabit LAN ports, which caps wired local transfers at 1Gbps, the absence of the newer WiFi 6E/7 standard 6GHz band, and a relatively high price point compared to competitors.

Technical Specifications of router Netgear Orbi 860 Series

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the router's technical performance, covering key areas such as Wi-Fi performance, wired connectivity, security, software features, coverage, and design.

When it matters: When you want to compare routers based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

26.0%

8.9

Wireless

20.0%

5.5

Ports

18.0%

7.3

Networking

14.0%

10

Security

12.0%

8.2

Hardware

10.0%

6.7

Management

7.8
Netgear Orbi 860 Series has a technical score of 7.76 points, which is higher than that of 83.3% of products in this category.
User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the router.

When it matters: When you want to know how a router performs in daily use and how reliable it is for speed, coverage, and stability according to user feedback.

Score components:

70.0%

8.1

User reviews

30.0%

10

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.1
(1801)
amazon
4.0
(73)
amazon
4.5
(35)
amazon
2.4
(11)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
3.7
(103)
Amazon_logo.png
4.0
(77)
Amazon_logo.png
4.4
(39)

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

8.7
Netgear Orbi 860 Series has a user score of 8.7 points, which is higher than that of 66.4% of products in this category.
Popularity
What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the router.
When it matters: When you prefer to choose a router reviewed and selected by many other buyers.
10
Netgear Orbi 860 Series has a popularity of 10 points, which is higher than 63.5% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

What it is: An indicator that combines the router's overall rating with its cost.

When it matters: When you are looking for a router with a good balance between network performance, features, and price.

Score components:

60.0%

7.9

Overall score

40.0%

8.2

Price

8.0
Netgear Orbi 860 Series has a quality-to-price ratio of 8 points, which is higher than 67.9% of products in this category.
Brand name
What it is: The manufacturer or brand of the product.
When it matters: When you prefer a specific ecosystem, support network, or design philosophy.

Importance: MEDIUM

Netgear
Wi-Fi version
What it is: Identifies the Wi-Fi generation the router supports, such as Wi-Fi 5, 6, 6E, or 7.
When it matters: When newer phones, laptops, and consoles need the latest Wi-Fi efficiency and speed features.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)

Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
Netgear Orbi 860 Series uses Wi-Fi Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax). 65% of routers use this Wi-Fi standard.
Wi-Fi bands
What it is: Lists which wireless frequency bands the router can use, such as 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, or 6 GHz.
When it matters: When you need to balance range, speed, and congestion across different types of client devices.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: 2.4 GHz + 5 GHz

2.4 GHz + 5 GHz
Netgear Orbi 860 Series supports 2.4 GHz + 5 GHz Wi-Fi bands. 25% of routers use the same band setup.
tri-band with two 5 GHz radios
Wi-Fi speed
What it is: The advertised maximum wireless throughput rating of the router under supported conditions.
When it matters: When several users stream, download, and game at once and you want more wireless headroom.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >2700 Mbps

6,000 Mbps
Netgear Orbi 860 Series delivers 6,000 Mbps Wi-Fi speed, which is higher than 88.8% of routers and equal to 2.5% of routers.
Channel widths supported
What it is: Lists the Wi-Fi channel widths the router can use, such as 20, 40, 80, or 160 MHz.
When it matters: When you want the option to trade peak speed against stability in crowded wireless environments.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: 20 MHz + 40 MHz + 80 MHz

20 MHz + 40 MHz + 80 MHz
Netgear Orbi 860 Series supports 20 MHz + 40 MHz + 80 MHz channel width options, which is more than 40.4% of routers and the same as 32.1% of routers.
Show more
Wi-Fi security protocols
What it is: Lists the wireless security standards the router supports, such as WPA2 or WPA3.
When it matters: When you want stronger wireless protection without locking out older devices that still need compatibility.

Importance: HIGH

WPA3, WPA2, WPA
Netgear Orbi 860 Series supports WPA3, WPA2, WPA Wi-Fi security protocols. 87% of routers use this security setup.
DoS protection
What it is: Provides defenses intended to reduce the impact of denial-of-service traffic against the router or network.
When it matters: When exposed services or remote access make resilience against traffic floods more important.

Importance: HIGH

yes
Netgear Orbi 860 Series supports DoS protection. 11.1% of routers include DoS protection.
SPI intrusion protection
What it is: Uses stateful packet inspection to track sessions and block suspicious unsolicited traffic more accurately.
When it matters: When the router needs a stronger first line of filtering on an internet-facing connection.

Importance: HIGH

yes
Netgear Orbi 860 Series supports SPI intrusion protection. 3.7% of routers include SPI-based intrusion protection.
MAC address filtering
What it is: Lets the router allow or block devices based on their MAC addresses.
When it matters: When you want an extra device-level access rule beyond passwords and network names.

Importance: MEDIUM

yes
Netgear Orbi 860 Series supports mac address filtering. 1% of routers include MAC address filtering.
URL filter
What it is: Allows the router to block or allow access based on website addresses or domain rules.
When it matters: When you need to restrict specific sites for children, guests, or work-policy reasons.

Importance: MEDIUM

yes
Netgear Orbi 860 Series supports URL filter. 1.9% of routers include URL filtering.
Show more
IPv6 support
What it is: Support for the newer IPv6 internet addressing standard alongside the older IPv4 system.
When it matters: When your internet provider or network already uses IPv6, or you want the router to stay compatible as IPv6 use becomes more common.

Importance: HIGH

yes
Netgear Orbi 860 Series supports IPv6. 10.9% of routers are IPv6-ready.
Dynamic routing
What it is: Supports routing protocols or dynamic route updates instead of relying only on static route entries.
When it matters: When the router sits in a more complex network with changing paths between multiple subnets.

Importance: MEDIUM

no
Netgear Orbi 860 Series does not support dynamic routing. 53.4% of routers include dynamic routing.
Inter-VLAN routing
What it is: Allows the router to pass traffic between separate VLANs under controlled rules.
When it matters: When you need segmented networks to communicate selectively instead of staying fully isolated.

Importance: MEDIUM

no
Netgear Orbi 860 Series does not support inter-vlan routing. 22.2% of routers include inter-VLAN routing.
VLAN tagging
What it is: Lets the router mark traffic with VLAN tags for segmented or ISP-specific network setups.
When it matters: When you separate guest, office, IoT, or ISP-required traffic into different network segments.

Importance: MEDIUM

yes
Netgear Orbi 860 Series supports VLAN tagging. 37.2% of routers include VLAN tagging.
QoS
What it is: Provides quality-of-service controls that prioritize some traffic over less important traffic.
When it matters: When calls, gaming, and downloads compete and you want latency-sensitive traffic protected.

Importance: HIGH

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N. of LAN ports
What it is: Measures how many LAN ports the router includes. A higher count expands direct connectivity for matching devices.
When it matters: When you run a home office with NAS, TV boxes, and desktops, having more LAN ports avoids extra switches and keeps latency lower on wired links.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: 4 ports

4
Netgear Orbi 860 Series has 4 LAN ports, which is more than 23.4% of routers and the same as 69.5% of routers.
LAN port speeds
What it is: Lists the Ethernet speeds available on the router’s LAN ports, such as Gigabit or multi-gig.
When it matters: When wired transfers to NAS, desktops, or access points need more than basic Ethernet speeds.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: 1 Gbps

1 Gbps
Netgear Orbi 860 Series offers 1 Gbps on its LAN ports, which is faster than 27.2% of routers and on par with 59.8% of routers.
Per unit.
N. of WAN ports
What it is: Shows how many separate WAN uplink ports the router provides for internet connections.
When it matters: When you use dual internet lines, backup WAN, or load balancing between multiple external links.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: 1 WAN port

1
Netgear Orbi 860 Series has 1 WAN ports, which is more than 1% of routers and the same as 90.1% of routers.
N. of USB ports
What it is: Shows how many USB ports the router includes for storage, printers, or modem accessories.
When it matters: When you plan to share storage, attach a printer, or use USB-based network extras.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: 1 USB port

0
Netgear Orbi 860 Series has 0 USB ports, which is fewer than 61.1% of routers and the same as 38.9% of routers.
Power over Ethernet (PoE)
What it is: Power over Ethernet support, meaning the router can receive power, deliver it, or be part of a PoE-based installation.
When it matters: When you want cleaner installation with fewer separate power cables, especially in ceilings, walls, racks, or remote locations.

Importance: MEDIUM

no
Netgear Orbi 860 Series does not support Power over Ethernet (PoE). 0.5% of routers can be powered over Ethernet.
Show more
Management interface
What it is: Shows how the router is configured and monitored, such as web UI, app, or command-line tools.
When it matters: When setup depth and day-to-day admin convenience are part of the buying decision.

Importance: HIGH

Web UI, App
Netgear Orbi 860 Series is managed via Web UI, App. 33.4% of routers use this management method.
Firmware upgrade method
What it is: Describes how router firmware updates are installed, such as automatic OTA, web UI, or manual upload.
When it matters: When you want security fixes and new features applied with less maintenance friction.

Importance: HIGH

Web UI, Automatic
Netgear Orbi 860 Series uses Web UI, Automatic firmware updates. 35.4% of routers use this update method.
Traffic monitoring
What it is: Lets the router track bandwidth usage by device, app category, or time period.
When it matters: When you need to find which devices or activities are causing slowdowns or high data use.

Importance: MEDIUM

yes
Netgear Orbi 860 Series supports traffic monitoring. 17.5% of routers include traffic monitoring.
Aggregate traffic only.
Guest Wi-Fi network
What it is: Lets the router create a separate wireless network for visitors or less-trusted devices.
When it matters: When guests need internet access without reaching private devices on the main network.

Importance: HIGH

yes
Netgear Orbi 860 Series supports guest Wi-Fi network. 8.6% of routers offer a guest Wi-Fi network.
Captive portal
What it is: Supports a login or acceptance page that users must pass before getting internet access.
When it matters: When guest networks, rentals, cafes, or managed access points need a sign-in page.

Importance: MEDIUM

no
Netgear Orbi 860 Series does not support captive portal. 23.9% of routers include captive portal features.
Show more
CPU clock speed
What it is: Shows the operating frequency of the router processor, often listed per core.
When it matters: When routing, encryption, QoS, and many active clients can put heavier load on the CPU.

Importance: HIGH

4 x 2.2 GHz
Netgear Orbi 860 Series runs at 4x2.2 GHz, which is faster than 95.7% of routers and on par with 2% of routers.
RAM capacity
What it is: The amount of working memory available for sessions, routing tables, and running router services.
When it matters: When many devices, VPN tunnels, or advanced features need the router to stay responsive under load.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=512 MB

1,024 MB
Netgear Orbi 860 Series has 1,024 MB of RAM, which is more than 88.3% of routers and the same as 9.4% of routers.
Internal storage
What it is: The built-in storage available for logs, apps, shared files, or other local router functions.
When it matters: When the router runs extra services and needs space for logs, packages, or shared content.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=8 GB

512 GB
Netgear Orbi 860 Series has 512 GB of internal storage, which is more than 98% of routers and the same as 2% of routers.
Hardware acceleration
What it is: Uses dedicated hardware paths to offload routing, NAT, encryption, or switching tasks from the main CPU.
When it matters: When heavy routing or security features would otherwise reduce throughput on the processor alone.

Importance: HIGH

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N. of external antennas
What it is: Shows how many antennas are mounted externally on the router.
When it matters: When you want stronger adjustable coverage or plan to aim antennas for difficult room layouts.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: 3 antennas

0
Netgear Orbi 860 Series has 0 external antennas, which is fewer than 59.6% of routers and the same as 40.4% of routers.
Show more

Netgear Orbi 860 Series vs the average router

  • 4.14x faster Wi-Fi speed
    Netgear Orbi 860 Series has a higher Wi-Fi speed than the average router (6,000 Mbps vs 1,450 Mbps). The average router reaches Wi-Fi speed of 1,450 Mbps.
    What it is: The advertised maximum wireless throughput rating of the router under supported conditions.
    When it matters: When several users stream, download, and game at once and you want more wireless headroom.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >2700 Mbps

    Netgear Orbi 860 Series has a higher Wi-Fi speed than the average router (6,000 Mbps vs 1,450 Mbps). The average router reaches Wi-Fi speed of 1,450 Mbps.6,000 Mbps vs 1,450 Mbps
  • Stronger Wi-Fi security
    Netgear Orbi 860 Series supports the Wi-Fi security protocols WPA3, WPA2, WPA, while the average router supports WPA2, WPA, WEP, WPS. 0.00% of routers support WPA3, WPA2, WPA.
    What it is: Lists the wireless security standards the router supports, such as WPA2 or WPA3.
    When it matters: When you want stronger wireless protection without locking out older devices that still need compatibility.

    Importance: HIGH

    Netgear Orbi 860 Series supports the Wi-Fi security protocols WPA3, WPA2, WPA, while the average router supports WPA2, WPA, WEP, WPS. 0.00% of routers support WPA3, WPA2, WPA.WPA3, WPA2, WPA vs WPA2, WPA, WEP, WPS
  • Supports Mesh Wi-Fi
    Netgear Orbi 860 Series supports mesh Wi-Fi, while the average router does not. 37.3% of routers support mesh Wi-Fi.
    What it is: Supports mesh networking so multiple nodes can work together as one Wi-Fi system.
    When it matters: When one router alone cannot cover every floor or room reliably.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Netgear Orbi 860 Series supports mesh Wi-Fi, while the average router does not. 37.3% of routers support mesh Wi-Fi.
  • Supports dedicated mesh backhaul
    Netgear Orbi 860 Series supports dedicated mesh backhaul, while the average router does not. 8.2% of routers offer dedicated mesh backhaul.
    What it is: Uses a separate wireless link or radio for communication between mesh nodes instead of sharing client bandwidth.
    When it matters: When mesh nodes move a lot of traffic and you want less speed loss from node-to-node links.

    Importance: LOW

    Netgear Orbi 860 Series supports dedicated mesh backhaul, while the average router does not. 8.2% of routers offer dedicated mesh backhaul.
  • Supports OFDMA support
    Netgear Orbi 860 Series supports OFDMA, while the average router does not. 35% of routers support OFDMA.
    What it is: Supports OFDMA, which divides Wi-Fi channels more efficiently among multiple active clients.
    When it matters: When many small, busy devices share the network and contention needs to stay lower.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Netgear Orbi 860 Series supports OFDMA, while the average router does not. 35% of routers support OFDMA.
  • 6 more spatial streams
    Netgear Orbi 860 Series has more spatial streams than the average router (8 vs 2). The average router has 2 spatial streams.
    What it is: Shows how many parallel Wi-Fi spatial streams the router can use for wireless data transmission.
    When it matters: When modern clients need higher throughput from wider multi-stream Wi-Fi connections.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: 4 spatial streams

    Netgear Orbi 860 Series has more spatial streams than the average router (8 vs 2). The average router has 2 spatial streams.8 vs 2
  • Higher CPU clock speed
    Netgear Orbi 860 Series has a higher CPU clock speed than the average router (4x2.2 GHz vs 2x0.5 GHz). The average router has CPU clock speed of 2x0.5 GHz.
    What it is: Shows the operating frequency of the router processor, often listed per core.
    When it matters: When routing, encryption, QoS, and many active clients can put heavier load on the CPU.

    Importance: HIGH

    Netgear Orbi 860 Series has a higher CPU clock speed than the average router (4x2.2 GHz vs 2x0.5 GHz). The average router has CPU clock speed of 2x0.5 GHz.4x2.2 GHz vs 2x0.5 GHz
  • 768 MB GB more RAM
    Netgear Orbi 860 Series has more RAM than the average router (1,024 MB vs 256 MB). The average router has 256 MB of RAM.
    What it is: The amount of working memory available for sessions, routing tables, and running router services.
    When it matters: When many devices, VPN tunnels, or advanced features need the router to stay responsive under load.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >=512 MB

    Netgear Orbi 860 Series has more RAM than the average router (1,024 MB vs 256 MB). The average router has 256 MB of RAM.1,024 MB vs 256 MB
  • 4.14x faster Wi-Fi speed
    Netgear Orbi 860 Series has a higher Wi-Fi speed than the average router (6,000 Mbps vs 1,450 Mbps). The average router reaches Wi-Fi speed of 1,450 Mbps.
  • Supports Mesh Wi-Fi
    Netgear Orbi 860 Series supports mesh Wi-Fi, while the average router does not. 37.3% of routers support mesh Wi-Fi.
  • Supports dedicated mesh backhaul
    Netgear Orbi 860 Series supports dedicated mesh backhaul, while the average router does not. 8.2% of routers offer dedicated mesh backhaul.
  • Supports OFDMA support
    Netgear Orbi 860 Series supports OFDMA, while the average router does not. 35% of routers support OFDMA.
  • 6 more spatial streams
    Netgear Orbi 860 Series has more spatial streams than the average router (8 vs 2). The average router has 2 spatial streams.
  • Supports MU-MIMO
    Netgear Orbi 860 Series supports MU-MIMO, while the average router does not. 47.8% of routers support MU-MIMO.
  • 34.9% wider wireless coverage
    Netgear Orbi 860 Series has wider wireless coverage than the average router (251 m² vs 186 m²). The average router offers wireless coverage of 186 m².
  • Supports TWT
    Netgear Orbi 860 Series supports target wake time (TWT), while the average router does not. 36.8% of routers support target wake time.
  • Stronger Wi-Fi security
    Netgear Orbi 860 Series supports the Wi-Fi security protocols WPA3, WPA2, WPA, while the average router supports WPA2, WPA, WEP, WPS. 0.00% of routers support WPA3, WPA2, WPA.
  • Higher CPU clock speed
    Netgear Orbi 860 Series has a higher CPU clock speed than the average router (4x2.2 GHz vs 2x0.5 GHz). The average router has CPU clock speed of 2x0.5 GHz.
  • 768 MB GB more RAM
    Netgear Orbi 860 Series has more RAM than the average router (1,024 MB vs 256 MB). The average router has 256 MB of RAM.
  • 1024x more internal storage
    Netgear Orbi 860 Series has more internal storage than the average router (512 GB vs 0.5 GB). The average router offers 0.5 GB of internal storage.
  • Suitable for gaming
    Netgear Orbi 860 Series is suitable for gaming, while the average router is not. 37.2% of routers are designed for gaming.

Total
Wireless
Security
Hardware
  • No Dynamic routing
    Netgear Orbi 860 Series does not support dynamic routing, while the average router does. 53.3% of routers support dynamic routing.
  • 3,996 fewer NAT sessions
    Netgear Orbi 860 Series has fewer concurrent NAT sessions than the average router (100 vs 4,096). The average router supports 4,096 concurrent NAT sessions.
  • 1 fewer USB ports
    Netgear Orbi 860 Series has fewer USB ports than the average router (0 vs 1). The average router has 1 USB ports.
  • Limited firmware updates
    Netgear Orbi 860 Series supports the firmware update methods Web UI, Automatic, while the average router supports Web UI, App, Automatic. 0.00% of routers support the firmware update methods Web UI, Automatic.
  • Fewer NAS services
    Netgear Orbi 860 Series includes none NAS services, while the average router includes SMB, FTP, time machine, NFS, web access. 0.00% of routers include none NAS services.
  • No DLNA support
    Netgear Orbi 860 Series does not support DLNA, while the average router does. 54.5% of routers support DLNA.
  • 4.2 W higher power consumption
    Netgear Orbi 860 Series uses more power than the average router (12.3 W vs 8.1 W). The average router uses 8.1 W power.
  • 2 fewer external antennas
    Netgear Orbi 860 Series has fewer external antennas than the average router (0 vs 2). The average router has 2 external antennas.
  • No Dynamic routing
    Netgear Orbi 860 Series does not support dynamic routing, while the average router does. 53.3% of routers support dynamic routing.
    What it is: Supports routing protocols or dynamic route updates instead of relying only on static route entries.
    When it matters: When the router sits in a more complex network with changing paths between multiple subnets.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Netgear Orbi 860 Series does not support dynamic routing, while the average router does. 53.3% of routers support dynamic routing.
  • Limited firmware updates
    Netgear Orbi 860 Series supports the firmware update methods Web UI, Automatic, while the average router supports Web UI, App, Automatic. 0.00% of routers support the firmware update methods Web UI, Automatic.
    What it is: Describes how router firmware updates are installed, such as automatic OTA, web UI, or manual upload.
    When it matters: When you want security fixes and new features applied with less maintenance friction.

    Importance: HIGH

    Netgear Orbi 860 Series supports the firmware update methods Web UI, Automatic, while the average router supports Web UI, App, Automatic. 0.00% of routers support the firmware update methods Web UI, Automatic.Web UI, Automatic vs Web UI, App, Automatic
  • Fewer NAS services
    Netgear Orbi 860 Series includes none NAS services, while the average router includes SMB, FTP, time machine, NFS, web access. 0.00% of routers include none NAS services.
    What it is: Lists the onboard file-sharing services the router can provide, such as SMB, FTP, or media sharing.
    When it matters: When the router is expected to handle light file serving without separate NAS hardware.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Netgear Orbi 860 Series includes none NAS services, while the average router includes SMB, FTP, time machine, NFS, web access. 0.00% of routers include none NAS services.none vs SMB, FTP, time machine, NFS, web access
  • 1 fewer USB ports
    Netgear Orbi 860 Series has fewer USB ports than the average router (0 vs 1). The average router has 1 USB ports.
    What it is: Shows how many USB ports the router includes for storage, printers, or modem accessories.
    When it matters: When you plan to share storage, attach a printer, or use USB-based network extras.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: 1 USB port

    Netgear Orbi 860 Series has fewer USB ports than the average router (0 vs 1). The average router has 1 USB ports.0 vs 1
  • 4.89x more expensive
    Netgear Orbi 860 Series is more expensive than the average router (£440 vs £90).
    Netgear Orbi 860 Series is more expensive than the average router (£440 vs £90).£440 vs £90
  • 4.2 W higher power consumption
    Netgear Orbi 860 Series uses more power than the average router (12.3 W vs 8.1 W). The average router uses 8.1 W power.
    What it is: The amount of electrical power the router draws during normal operation, usually measured in watts.
    When it matters: When the router stays on all day and you care about heat output and long-term electricity cost.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: <6 W

    Netgear Orbi 860 Series uses more power than the average router (12.3 W vs 8.1 W). The average router uses 8.1 W power.12.3 W vs 8.1 W
  • No DLNA support
    Netgear Orbi 860 Series does not support DLNA, while the average router does. 54.5% of routers support DLNA.
    What it is: Supports DLNA-related media sharing or discovery for compatible devices on the local network.
    When it matters: When TVs, media players, and local content need easier plug-and-play discovery on the network.

    Importance: LOW

    Netgear Orbi 860 Series does not support DLNA, while the average router does. 54.5% of routers support DLNA.
  • 2 fewer external antennas
    Netgear Orbi 860 Series has fewer external antennas than the average router (0 vs 2). The average router has 2 external antennas.
    What it is: Shows how many antennas are mounted externally on the router.
    When it matters: When you want stronger adjustable coverage or plan to aim antennas for difficult room layouts.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: 3 antennas

    Netgear Orbi 860 Series has fewer external antennas than the average router (0 vs 2). The average router has 2 external antennas.0 vs 2
Total
Overall
Networking
Ports
Management
Hardware

Graphic comparison of Netgear Orbi 860 Series and other routers

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom
amazon
4.1
1801 Reviews
amazon
4.0
73 Reviews
amazon
4.5
35 Reviews
amazon
2.4
11 Reviews
United States
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3.7
103 Reviews
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4.0
77 Reviews
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4.4
39 Reviews

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

What customers like about Netgear Orbi 860 Series?

  • Exceptional Wi-Fi range and signal strength, covering up to 8,000 square feet with improved antenna technology
  • High-speed 10Gbps WAN port provides future-proofing for ultra-fast multi-gigabit internet connections
  • Very easy setup and management through the Orbi mobile app, including QR code scanning for quick activation
  • Consistently reliable performance with low latency, capable of supporting up to 100 simultaneous device connections
  • Includes dedicated IoT network support to ensure smart home devices maintain stable 2.4GHz connectivity
  • Features four Ethernet ports on both the main router and each satellite for stable wired connections to consoles and TVs

What customers dislike about Netgear Orbi 860 Series?

  • Extremely high price point compared to competing Wi-Fi 6 mesh systems from brands like TP-Link or ASUS
  • Lacks support for the newer Wi-Fi 6E (6GHz) standard, which is only available on the more expensive 960 series
  • No support for 160MHz channel width, which can limit the maximum possible speeds on the 5GHz band
  • Advanced security features (Netgear Armor) and parental controls require an additional paid subscription after the trial
  • Wired LAN ports are limited to 1Gbps, meaning the 10Gbps WAN speed cannot be fully utilized by a single wired device
  • The web management interface is considered outdated and less user-friendly than some competitor software

Expert reviews

A
androidcentral.com
08/12/2022
Netgear Orbi RBR860S router review: A bizarre balance of feature

a little longer The Netgear Orbi RBR860S is a high-performance, standalone WiFi 6 router featuring a 10Gbps WAN port and up to 2,700 square feet of coverage, designed for multi-gigabit internet connections. While offering strong, stable performance for up to 100 devices, the router lacks 160MHz channel support and limits local LAN ports to 1Gbps, hindering maximum wireless speeds on...Read more

G
gadgetguy.com.au
14/08/2023
Netgear Orbi 860 AX6000 mesh Wi-Fi review: blanket coverage

The Netgear Orbi 860 AX6000 is a high-performance, tri-band "blackspot killer" offering up to 20% improved range and speed over the 850 series via an upgraded antenna array, according to GadgetGuy. It features a 10 Gbps WAN port and covers up to 360 sq. m. for a 2-pack, making it ideal for large, high-speed homes. Key strengths include handling up to 100 simultaneous devices,...Read more

E
eftm.com
14/08/2023
Netgear Orbi 860 Series Review - Outstanding speed, range and simple setup

The Netgear Orbi 860 Series is a high-performance, tri-band Wi-Fi 6 mesh system featuring an upgraded antenna array that delivers a reported 20% boost in speed and range, covering up to 8,000 square feet. Key advantages include a 10Gbps WAN port for future-proofing, dedicated 5GHz backhaul for consistent 900Mbps+ speeds, a simple 15-minute app-based setup, and a separate IoT...Read more

T
trustedreviews.com
14/04/2023
Netgear Orbi RBK863S Review

The Netgear Orbi RBK863S is a premium Wi-Fi 6 mesh system offering extensive coverage, featuring a dedicated wireless backhaul that maintains high throughput at a distance. It boasts significant hardware upgrades, including an improved antenna design for 20% better coverage and a 10Gbps WAN port. However, notable limitations include the lack of Wi-Fi 6E support and a very high price...Read more

T
tomsguide.com
14/02/2024
Netgear Orbi RBK863SB review - Tom's Guide

The Netgear Orbi RBK863SB is a high-performance, $1,100 Wi-Fi 6 mesh system designed for large homes, boasting an eight-antenna design that boosts signal strength by roughly 20% over previous models. It delivers exceptional range and speeds, with a 10Gbps WAN port and robust Netgear Armor security that creates a dedicated network for IoT devices. Tom's GuideHowever, the system is...Read more

D
dongknows.com
09/12/2022
NETGEAR Orbi RBK860 Review (vs. RBK850)

In his review of the Netgear Orbi RBK860 series, Dong Ngo characterizes the system as a reliable yet underwhelming, overpriced upgrade compared to the RBK850, arguing that many performance claims are exaggerated. While the system boasts aesthetic appeal and stable, far-reaching coverage, it fails to deliver on the potential of its 10Gbps WAN port, topping out at around 900Mbps due...Read more

W
wired.com
10/01/2023
Review: Netgear Orbi RBK863 - WIRED

The Netgear Orbi RBK863 mesh system offers exceptional range and rock-solid reliability with a 10-Gbps WAN port for future-proofing, though it lacks Wi-Fi 6E support and has a massive design. Performance is fast, yet limited by a lack of 160-MHz channel support, making its overall experience similar to cheaper, less "awkward" models. The system is hindered by a high price and...Read more

R
rapidreviewsuk.com
21/12/2022
NETGEAR Orbi 860 Series RBK863SB - Rapid Reviews UK Would you like a breakdown of the performance differences between this model and the older Orbi 85...

The NETGEAR Orbi RBK863SB is a high-performance Wi-Fi 6 mesh system tailored for large homes, featuring a 10Gbps WAN port and upgraded antennas that extend coverage by 20%. Pros include exceptional range, stability through a dedicated tri-band backhaul, and four Ethernet ports per satellite, making it ideal for demanding, high-device environments. However, the system is hindered by...Read more

T
t3.com
11/03/2023
Netgear Orbi RBK863S review: high-end Wi-Fi at a high ... - T3

The Netgear Orbi RBK863S is a high-performance, tri-band Wi-Fi 6 mesh system designed for large homes, utilizing a dedicated wireless backhaul to deliver fast, stable speeds across multiple nodes. It supports up to 100 devices simultaneously and features a 10Gbps WAN port, offering top-tier performance for high-demand users. While praised for its 15-minute setup and 1-year included...Read more

I
itpro.com
28/02/2023
Netgear Orbi RBK863S review: A fine mesh three years ago

The Netgear Orbi RBK863S is reviewed as a high-performance, premium-priced Wi-Fi 6 mesh system that feels outdated, functioning as a minor refresh of the three-year-old RBK852 model. Key features include upgraded 10-Gigabit WAN port support for fast internet and broad coverage up to 8,000 square feet, though the "S" variant primarily adds a, soon-to-expire, bundled year of Netgear...Read more

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