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Netgear Orbi 960 Series Review | 77 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£1,500
  • Avg. price in US: ~$1,500
  • Wi-Fi version: Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax)
  • Wi-Fi speed: 10800 Mbps
  • LAN port speeds: 2.5 Gbps
  • Wireless coverage: 279 m²

Netgear Orbi 960 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%

9.6

Wireless

20.0%

6.5

Ports

18.0%

6.0

Networking

14.0%

10

Security

12.0%

7.2

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%

8.2

User reviews

30.0%

10

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.1
(1801)
amazon
4.1
(473)
amazon
4.1
(105)
amazon
4.7
(31)
amazon
3.6
(13)
United States
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4.1
(655)
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4.1
(116)
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4.1
(109)
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3.8
(16)

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

Excellent
  • 9.9
    Gaming

    Score components:

    33.0%

    10

    Wi-Fi speed

    28.0%

    9.8

    CPU clock speed

    22.0%

    10

    RAM capacity

    17.0%

    10

    Maximum connected devices

  • 4.7
    Travel

    Score components:

    40.0%

    2.0

    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 960 Series is a high-performance AXE11000 quad-band WiFi 6E mesh system that delivers combined speeds of up to 10.8Gbps and supports over 200 concurrent devices across 9,000 square feet in a three-pack configuration. Key technical specifications include a 10Gbps WAN port for multi-gig internet, a 2.5Gbps LAN port, three gigabit ports, and a dedicated WiFi backhaul to maintain high speeds between nodes. Main pros include its future-proof 6GHz band support, extensive signal reach through twelve internal antennas, and the inclusion of Netgear Armor for network security. However, notable cons include its extremely high retail price, the fact that most LAN ports are limited to 1Gbps, and the lack of USB ports for local file or printer sharing.

Technical Specifications of router Netgear Orbi 960 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%

9.6

Wireless

20.0%

6.5

Ports

18.0%

6.0

Networking

14.0%

10

Security

12.0%

7.2

Hardware

10.0%

6.7

Management

7.8
Netgear Orbi 960 Series has a technical score of 7.82 points, which is higher than that of 85.8% 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%

8.2

User reviews

30.0%

10

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.1
(1801)
amazon
4.1
(473)
amazon
4.1
(105)
amazon
4.7
(31)
amazon
3.6
(13)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.1
(655)
Amazon_logo.png
4.1
(116)
Amazon_logo.png
4.1
(109)
Amazon_logo.png
3.8
(16)

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

8.7
Netgear Orbi 960 Series has a user score of 8.74 points, which is higher than that of 70.1% 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 960 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%

2.6

Price

6.3
Netgear Orbi 960 Series has a quality-to-price ratio of 6.3 points, which is lower than 99% 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 6E (802.11ax)
Netgear Orbi 960 Series uses Wi-Fi Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax). 91.9% 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 + 6 GHz
Netgear Orbi 960 Series supports 2.4 GHz + 5 GHz + 6 GHz Wi-Fi bands. 93.6% of routers use the same band setup.
quad-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

10,800 Mbps
Netgear Orbi 960 Series delivers 10,800 Mbps Wi-Fi speed, which is higher than 96.3% of routers and equal to 0.3% 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 + 160 MHz
Netgear Orbi 960 Series supports 20 MHz + 40 MHz + 80 MHz + 160 MHz channel width options, which is more than 72.7% of routers and the same as 24.8% 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 960 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 960 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 960 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 960 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 960 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 960 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 960 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 960 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 960 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

no
Netgear Orbi 960 Series does not support QoS. 97.5% of routers include QoS controls.
Show more
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 960 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

2.5 Gbps
Netgear Orbi 960 Series offers 2.5 Gbps on its LAN ports, which is faster than 87.7% of routers and on par with 7.9% of routers.
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 960 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 960 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 960 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 960 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 960 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 960 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 960 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 960 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 960 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 960 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

0.5 GB
Netgear Orbi 960 Series has 0.5 GB of internal storage, which is more than 49.3% of routers and the same as 3.2% 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

?
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 960 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 960 Series vs the average router

  • 7.45x faster Wi-Fi speed
    Netgear Orbi 960 Series has a higher Wi-Fi speed than the average router (10,800 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 960 Series has a higher Wi-Fi speed than the average router (10,800 Mbps vs 1,450 Mbps). The average router reaches Wi-Fi speed of 1,450 Mbps.10,800 Mbps vs 1,450 Mbps
  • Stronger Wi-Fi security
    Netgear Orbi 960 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 960 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
  • More Wi-Fi bands
    Netgear Orbi 960 Series supports more Wi-Fi bands than the average router (2.4 GHz + 5 GHz + 6 GHz vs 2.4 GHz + 5 GHz). 2.40% of routers support 2.4 GHz + 5 GHz + 6 GHz.
    quad-band with two 5 GHz radios
    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

    Netgear Orbi 960 Series supports more Wi-Fi bands than the average router (2.4 GHz + 5 GHz + 6 GHz vs 2.4 GHz + 5 GHz). 2.40% of routers support 2.4 GHz + 5 GHz + 6 GHz.2.4 GHz + 5 GHz + 6 GHz vs 2.4 GHz + 5 GHz
  • Supports Mesh Wi-Fi
    Netgear Orbi 960 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 960 Series supports mesh Wi-Fi, while the average router does not. 37.3% of routers support mesh Wi-Fi.
  • Faster LAN ports
    Netgear Orbi 960 Series has a higher LAN port speed than the average router (2.5 Gbps vs 1 Gbps). The average router has LAN port speed of 1 Gbps.
    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

    Netgear Orbi 960 Series has a higher LAN port speed than the average router (2.5 Gbps vs 1 Gbps). The average router has LAN port speed of 1 Gbps.2.5 Gbps vs 1 Gbps
  • Supports dedicated mesh backhaul
    Netgear Orbi 960 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 960 Series supports dedicated mesh backhaul, while the average router does not. 8.2% of routers offer dedicated mesh backhaul.
  • 14 more spatial streams
    Netgear Orbi 960 Series has more spatial streams than the average router (16 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 960 Series has more spatial streams than the average router (16 vs 2). The average router has 2 spatial streams.16 vs 2
  • Supports OFDMA support
    Netgear Orbi 960 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 960 Series supports OFDMA, while the average router does not. 35% of routers support OFDMA.
  • 7.45x faster Wi-Fi speed
    Netgear Orbi 960 Series has a higher Wi-Fi speed than the average router (10,800 Mbps vs 1,450 Mbps). The average router reaches Wi-Fi speed of 1,450 Mbps.
  • More Wi-Fi bands
    Netgear Orbi 960 Series supports more Wi-Fi bands than the average router (2.4 GHz + 5 GHz + 6 GHz vs 2.4 GHz + 5 GHz). 2.40% of routers support 2.4 GHz + 5 GHz + 6 GHz.
  • Supports Mesh Wi-Fi
    Netgear Orbi 960 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 960 Series supports dedicated mesh backhaul, while the average router does not. 8.2% of routers offer dedicated mesh backhaul.
  • 14 more spatial streams
    Netgear Orbi 960 Series has more spatial streams than the average router (16 vs 2). The average router has 2 spatial streams.
  • Supports OFDMA support
    Netgear Orbi 960 Series supports OFDMA, while the average router does not. 35% of routers support OFDMA.
  • 50% wider wireless coverage
    Netgear Orbi 960 Series has wider wireless coverage than the average router (279 m² vs 186 m²). The average router offers wireless coverage of 186 m².
  • Supports MU-MIMO
    Netgear Orbi 960 Series supports MU-MIMO, while the average router does not. 47.8% of routers support MU-MIMO.
  • Wider channel widths
    Netgear Orbi 960 Series has a higher supported channel width than the average router (20 MHz + 40 MHz + 80 MHz + 160 MHz vs 20 MHz + 40 MHz + 80 MHz). The average router supports channel width of 20 MHz + 40 MHz + 80 MHz.
  • 136 more connected devices
    Netgear Orbi 960 Series supports more connected devices than the average router (200 vs 64). The average router supports 64 connected devices.
  • Supports TWT
    Netgear Orbi 960 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 960 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.
  • 61,440 more NAT sessions
    Netgear Orbi 960 Series has more concurrent NAT sessions than the average router (65,536 vs 4,096). The average router supports 4,096 concurrent NAT sessions.
  • Faster LAN ports
    Netgear Orbi 960 Series has a higher LAN port speed than the average router (2.5 Gbps vs 1 Gbps). The average router has LAN port speed of 1 Gbps.
  • Supports link aggregation (LACP)
    Netgear Orbi 960 Series supports link aggregation (LACP), while the average router does not. 14.6% of routers support link aggregation.
  • Higher CPU clock speed
    Netgear Orbi 960 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 960 Series has more RAM than the average router (1,024 MB vs 256 MB). The average router has 256 MB of RAM.
  • Suitable for gaming
    Netgear Orbi 960 Series is suitable for gaming, while the average router is not. 37.2% of routers are designed for gaming.

Total
Overall
Wireless
Security
Networking
Ports
Hardware
  • No QoS
    Netgear Orbi 960 Series does not support QoS, while the average router does. 97.3% of routers support QoS.
  • No Dynamic routing
    Netgear Orbi 960 Series does not support dynamic routing, while the average router does. 53.3% of routers support dynamic routing.
  • 1 fewer USB ports
    Netgear Orbi 960 Series has fewer USB ports than the average router (0 vs 1). The average router has 1 USB ports.
  • Limited firmware updates
    Netgear Orbi 960 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 960 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 960 Series does not support DLNA, while the average router does. 54.5% of routers support DLNA.
  • 5.3 W higher power consumption
    Netgear Orbi 960 Series uses more power than the average router (13.4 W vs 8.1 W). The average router uses 8.1 W power.
  • 2 fewer external antennas
    Netgear Orbi 960 Series has fewer external antennas than the average router (0 vs 2). The average router has 2 external antennas.
  • No QoS
    Netgear Orbi 960 Series does not support QoS, while the average router does. 97.3% of routers support 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

    Netgear Orbi 960 Series does not support QoS, while the average router does. 97.3% of routers support QoS.
  • No Dynamic routing
    Netgear Orbi 960 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 960 Series does not support dynamic routing, while the average router does. 53.3% of routers support dynamic routing.
  • Limited firmware updates
    Netgear Orbi 960 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 960 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 960 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 960 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 960 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 960 Series has fewer USB ports than the average router (0 vs 1). The average router has 1 USB ports.0 vs 1
  • 16.67x more expensive
    Netgear Orbi 960 Series is more expensive than the average router (£1,500 vs £90).
    Netgear Orbi 960 Series is more expensive than the average router (£1,500 vs £90).£1,500 vs £90
  • 20.7% worse value for money
    Netgear Orbi 960 Series has worse value for money than the average router (6.32 vs 7,623).
    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.
    Netgear Orbi 960 Series has worse value for money than the average router (6.32 vs 7,623).6.32 vs 7.62
  • 5.3 W higher power consumption
    Netgear Orbi 960 Series uses more power than the average router (13.4 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 960 Series uses more power than the average router (13.4 W vs 8.1 W). The average router uses 8.1 W power.13.4 W vs 8.1 W
Total
Overall
Networking
Ports
Management
Hardware

Graphic comparison of Netgear Orbi 960 Series and other routers

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom
amazon
4.1
1801 Reviews
amazon
4.1
473 Reviews
amazon
4.1
105 Reviews
amazon
4.7
31 Reviews
amazon
3.6
13 Reviews
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.1
655 Reviews
Amazon_logo.png
4.1
116 Reviews
Amazon_logo.png
4.1
109 Reviews
Amazon_logo.png
3.8
16 Reviews

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

What customers like about Netgear Orbi 960 Series?

  • Exceptional Wi-Fi 6E performance with speeds up to 10.8Gbps
  • Massive coverage area, effectively eliminating dead zones in large homes up to 9,000 sq ft
  • Robust hardware featuring a 10Gbps WAN port and 2.5Gbps LAN ports for high-speed wired connections
  • Dedicated quad-band backhaul ensures stable communication between router and satellites
  • Straightforward setup process using the Orbi mobile app
  • Stylish and sleek physical design available in white or black

What customers dislike about Netgear Orbi 960 Series?

  • Extremely high price point, often cited as one of the most expensive consumer mesh systems
  • Inconsistent reliability for some users, including reports of random disconnects and dropped calls
  • Software limitations, with a 'neutered' web interface and basic mobile app that lack advanced configuration
  • Ongoing costs due to subscription-based features like Netgear Armor security and parental controls
  • Large physical footprint of the units makes them difficult to place discreetly
  • Technical support and firmware stability have received mixed reviews from the community

Expert reviews

G
galaxus.at
01/03/2023
The Netgear mesh Wi-Fi speed test: Orbi RBKE963 (Wi-Fi 6E)

The Netgear Orbi RBKE963 is a top-tier quad-band Wi-Fi 6E mesh system delivering exceptional signal coverage, with 6 GHz tests achieving a 594 Mbps home-wide average and 5 ms latency. The system excelled in challenging, multi-story environments, boasting 12 internal antennas and a 10-Gigabit WAN port. Key pros include unparalleled, stable coverage and high-speed potential, while the...Read more

E
eftm.com
07/10/2022
Netgear Orbi WiFi 6E (RBKE963) Review - The most advanced WiFi system for the ultimate connected home

The Netgear Orbi WiFi 6E (RBKE963) is identified as a premier, high-capacity mesh system designed for large, device-dense homes, utilizing a dedicated 6GHz band for ultra-fast, interference-free connectivity. It supports over 120 simultaneous connections, features a dedicated IoT network for device isolation, and provides future-proof 10Gbps WAN support. While praised for...Read more

A
androidcentral.com
18/01/2022
Netgear Orbi RBKE963 quad-band Wi-Fi 6E mesh review

The Netgear Orbi RBKE963 is a high-performance, quad-band Wi-Fi 6E mesh system delivering exceptional speeds and coverage for large homes, boasting 10Gb WAN and 2.5Gb LAN ports for future-proof, multi-gigabit wired connectivity. Pros include unmatched throughput, a dedicated 5GHz backhaul, and a significant 9,000 square foot range, all while utilizing the 6GHz band exclusively for...Read more

D
dongknows.com
19/09/2022
NETGEAR Orbi RBRE960 Standalone Router Review Would you like a technical head-to-head comparison between the Orbi 960 and its successor, the Orbi 970?

The Netgear Orbi RBRE960 is a premium, quad-band Wi-Fi 6E router featuring a 10Gbps WAN port and 2.5Gbps LAN port, designed to operate as a high-speed standalone unit or as a future-proof anchor for a mesh system. While the 6GHz band offers impressive speeds, a major disadvantage is that one 5GHz band is reserved for dedicated backhaul, making it effectively a tri-band router, and...Read more

H
helsinkitimes.fi
17/10/2023
NETGEAR Orbi 960 Series Quad Band WiFi 6E Mesh System review

The Helsinki Times review identifies the Netgear Orbi 960 Series as a top-tier, high-performance quad-band WiFi 6E mesh system offering speeds up to 10.8Gbps across a 6GHz band. Key advantages include extensive coverage that eliminates dead zones, 12 internal antennas, and a user-friendly app for management, alongside robust wired connectivity featuring 10Gbps WAN and 2.5Gbps LAN...Read more

W
whatkatysaid.com
12/09/2023
Netgear Orbi 960 Quad-Band WiFi 6E mesh system review

The Netgear Orbi 960 offers extensive coverage of up to 7,500 square feet and utilizes WiFi 6E to deliver speeds of up to 10.8Gbps, ideal for eliminating dead zones in large homes. It manages up to 200 devices via a simple app, featuring easy setup and an aesthetically pleasing design. Despite high performance, the system's cons include a premium price tag, large physical units, and...Read more

M
moviesgamesandtech.com
20/08/2023
Review: Orbi 960 Series Quad-Band WiFi 6E Mesh System (RBKE963)

The NETGEAR Orbi 960 Series (RBKE963) is identified as a high-performance, quad-band WiFi 6E mesh system designed for large properties, offering coverage for up to 9,000 square feet and supporting up to 200 devices. It utilizes a dedicated 6GHz band to provide exceptionally fast speeds for compatible devices, alongside a 10Gbps WAN port and 2.5Gbps LAN ports for robust wired...Read more

R
rapidreviewsuk.com
12/07/2023
Netgear Orbi RBKE963 Review

The Netgear Orbi RBKE963 is identified as a premier, high-performance Wi-Fi system capable of extreme speeds and handling high-density, smart-home traffic via its quad-band, 10.8Gbps technology. While offering a massive, stylish design with easy app-based setup, the large 30cm units require significant space and offer superior, consistent coverage even through thick walls. Despite...Read more

E
eteknix.com
17/07/2023
Netgear Orbi 960 Series Quad-Band WiFi 6E Mesh System Review

The Netgear Orbi 960 Series (RBKE963) is a high-performance, quad-band WiFi 6E mesh system designed to eliminate dead zones in large homes, featuring 12 internal antennas and 2.5Gbps/10Gbps wired connectivity. Key advantages include dedicated WiFi backhaul for maximum speed and the addition of a 6GHz band for superior performance with compatible devices. While the system offers an...Read more

W
wepc.com
12/06/2024
Netgear Orbi RBKE963 review: a premium three-part mesh system

The Netgear Orbi RBKE963 is a premium, quad-band Wi-Fi 6E mesh system designed for massive homes, offering up to 9,000 square feet of coverage and 10.8Gbps total throughput. It features a dedicated 6GHz "superhighway" for modern devices, paired with a 10Gbps WAN port and 2.5Gbps LAN ports for high-speed, future-proof connectivity. Key advantages include incredible multi-gig...Read more

L
london-unattached.com
16/10/2023
NETGEAR Orbi 960 Series – Review

The Netgear Orbi 960 Series is a premium quad-band WiFi 6E mesh system designed for extensive coverage up to 7,500 square feet, featuring a sleek, non-intrusive aesthetic suitable for modern homes. It offers exceptionally easy setup through the Orbi app, making advanced networking accessible to non-technical users. Performance is described as top-tier, delivering "Ferrari-level"...Read more

P
popsci.com
29/06/2023
Netgear Orbi 960 WiFi 6E mesh system review

The Netgear Orbi 960 Series WiFi 6E mesh system delivers high-speed, quad-band performance for large homes, utilizing a dedicated 5GHz wireless backhaul to cover up to 9,000 square feet and support up to 200 devices. Key features include 12 internal antennas, a 10Gbps WAN port, and a 2.5Gbps LAN port on each node, providing robust wired and wireless capabilities for high-bandwidth...Read more

T
t3.com
13/03/2022
Netgear Orbi Wi-Fi 6E (RBKE963) review

According to T3, the Netgear Orbi RBKE963 is a premium quad-band Wi-Fi 6E mesh system setting a new performance benchmark for home networking with blistering speeds and extensive coverage. The system features a 10Gbps WAN port and easy setup via the app, making it a powerful, future-proof, albeit very expensive, option for large homes. However, the high price point and the need for...Read more

E
expertreviews.co.uk
08/02/2022
Netgear Orbi WiFi 6E review: The fastest mesh just got a lot better

The Netgear Orbi WiFi 6E (RBKE963) is identified as a top-tier, quad-band mesh system utilizing the 6GHz spectrum to deliver speeds up to twice as fast as standard WiFi 6. It features 12 internal antennas, a 10Gbps WAN port, and 2.5Gbps LAN ports for exceptional, future-proofed wired and wireless performance. However, the system is hindered by a very high price point, large physical...Read more

D
dongknows.com
21/12/2021
NETGEAR RBKE960 Series (RBE963) Review: Best Orbi, Big Cost

The Netgear Orbi RBKE960 is a premium quad-band Wi-Fi 6E mesh system designed for large homes with high-speed internet plans up to 10Gbps, featuring a dedicated fourth backhaul band and robust 10GbE/2.5GbE hardware. It offers exceptional throughput and covers vast areas, with a straightforward app setup and IoT-specific networks for improved smart home management. However, the...Read more

I
imore.com
27/03/2024
This NETGEAR Orbi 960 Wi-Fi 6E Mesh System increased my speeds...

The iMore review of the NETGEAR Orbi 960 Wi-Fi 6E Mesh System highlights it as a high-performance, future-proof solution featuring quad-band technology and a 10.8Gbps capacity to eliminate connectivity weak spots and manage massive, simultaneous device loads. The system shines in high-speed, tech-heavy households, offering exceptional 4K streaming performance, superior Apple device...Read more

T
techradar.com
01/02/2022
Netgear Orbi Quad-Band WiFi 6E review

The Netgear Orbi Quad-Band WiFi 6E (RBKE963) is identified as a premier, high-performance mesh system capable of 10.8Gbps speeds covering up to 7,500 square feet, utilizing a dedicated 6GHz band and a 5GHz backhaul for, often eliminating dead zones. Pros include an exceptionally simple setup process, high-speed connectivity via 10Gbps WAN and 2.5Gbps LAN ports, and the capacity to...Read more

T
trustedreviews.com
08/02/2022
Netgear Orbi RBKE963 Wi-Fi 6E Mesh System Review

The Netgear Orbi RBKE963 is identified by Trusted Reviews as a premium, quad-band Wi-Fi 6E mesh system delivering "brutally fast" speeds, notably exceeding 1Gbps on the 6GHz band, supported by a dedicated 5GHz backhaul. The system features a large design with extensive 10GbE and 2.5GbE wired connectivity, designed to support up to 200 devices across massive homes, according to the...Read more

P
pcmag.com
31/01/2022
Netgear Orbi RBKE963 WiFi 6E Mesh System Review

The Netgear Orbi RBKE963 is a high-performance, three-piece quad-band mesh system supporting Wi-Fi 6E, offering exceptional speeds for very large homes through a dedicated 6GHz band. It features a 10Gbps WAN port and 2.5Gbps LAN ports for high-speed wired connectivity. Praised for easy installation, excellent coverage, and robust security via Netgear Armor, it delivers top-tier...Read more

T
tomsguide.com
15/02/2024
Netgear Orbi Wi-Fi 6E (RBKE963) review

The Netgear Orbi Wi-Fi 6E (RBKE963) is identified as the fastest, most capable mesh system available for large homes, featuring quad-band technology with a dedicated 5GHz backhaul and 6GHz band for speeds up to 10.8Gbps. The system boasts a 10Gbps WAN port, 2.5Gbps LAN ports for high-speed wired connections, and a fast, user-friendly setup that covers up to 9,000 square feet....Read more

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