OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Wi-Fi extenders Methodology v3.0
Wi-Fi extenders Methodology v3.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Wi-Fi extenders Methodology v3.0: the technical score from the specifications is the base, and independent expert and video reviews (up to ±0.5 points), owner opinions (up to ±0.3) and best-of lists (up to +0.3) move it up or down.
Explore Wi-Fi extenders Methodology v3.0

Netgear RBS50Y review: 64 specs compared

Avg. price:~£?Wi-Fi version:Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)Wi-Fi speed:3000 MbpsCoverage area:?

Netgear RBS50Y Review: Compare 64 technical specifications and 7 expert and video reviews to see how this product ranks in the Wi-Fi extenders category and whether it is worth buying.

Netgear RBS50Y
7.3/10

Overall score

Score
7.3/ 10
✕
What it is
Our main score for this model, 1–10. It combines specs, best-of lists, expert reviews and ratings from across the web.
How we count it
Parts: Technical score 45%, List score 30%, Reviews score 15%, User score 10%
Marks: Each part gets a mark out of 10. For reviews, lists and owners, a typical model in this category gets about 8 and the best one gets 10.
No data yet: A part with no data shows "?". It counts as the mark of a weaker model in this category (4 in 5 models with data score higher). This way, models with reviews, lists and owners usually come out ahead.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 59% of models
Score components

45%

6.9

Technical score

30%

?

List scoreNot enough data yet, so we use 7.5, the mark of a weaker model in this category

15%

8.4

Reviews score

10%

6.9

User score

▼Worse than 59% of wi fi extenders
?

Value for money

Value for money
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the Wi-Fi extender's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a Wi‑Fi extender with a good balance between performance and price.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

70%

7.3

Overall score

30%

?

Price

Price not known yet
6.9

Technical score

Technical score
6.9/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 45% of the overall score.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 57% of models
Score components

40%

7.2

Wi-Fi Performance

30%

7.3

Network

12%

9.7

Setup

10%

6.4

Hardware

8%

1.0

Ports

▼Worse than 57%
8.4

Reviews score

Reviews score
8.4/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.5 for now.
Share: Reviews count 15% of the overall score.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 88% of models

80%

8.3

Average grade

20%

8.7

Popularity

Grades by review (7)
6 reviews: 4 with a printed score, 2 estimated from the review. 1 video review, counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 15% of the overall score.
Ratings from across the web count in the User score, not in this score.
▲Better than 88%
6.9

User score

User score
6.9/ 10
✕
What it is
How happy buyers are with this model, based on ratings from across the web.
How we count it
Enough data: A model needs at least 1 rating from across the web. Without one, it counts as 7.6, the mark of a weaker rated model in this category.
Share: User score counts 10% of the overall score.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 78% of models

6.9

Mark 7.6 is below the typical mark 8.1 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

70%

7.7

Rating

30%

7.4

Popularity

▼Worse than 78%
?

List score

List score
7.5/ 10
✕
What it is
How often independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers put this model in their best-of lists for this category.
How we count it
Points: The model in the most lists of this category gets 10; the others get 8 to 10 in proportion. In no list yet: 7.5. Lists count 30% of the overall score.
Enough data: Every list counts, even a single one. With fewer than 5 best-of lists in the category, this part is left out.
Lists with this model (0)
Not in any best-of list yet, so this part counts as 7.5. Models in a list get 8 to 10.
Not in any best-of list yet
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Where to buy
*As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.

What reviewers say about the Netgear RBS50Y

Based on 6 · 1

Strong range, stable speeds and weather resistance impress, but the power cable and high price annoy, and the downlight divides opinion.
Praised
Mixed views
Criticised
Pick a topic to see who said what
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Technical Specifications of Wi-Fi extender Netgear RBS50Y

Technical score
Technical score
6.9/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 45% of the overall score.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 57% of models
Score components:

40%

7.2

Wi-Fi Performance

30%

7.3

Network

12%

9.7

Setup

10%

6.4

Hardware

8%

1.0

Ports

6.9
Reviews score
8.4
User score
6.9
List score
?
Value for money
Value for money
8.1/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the Wi-Fi extender's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a Wi‑Fi extender with a good balance between performance and price.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 64% of models
Score components:

70%

7.3

Overall score

30%

?

Price

8.1
Wi-Fi version
Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
This Wi-Fi extender supports Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), more advanced than 14.3% of Wi-Fi extenders and equal to 38.3% of Wi-Fi extenders.
Wi-Fi bands
Dual-band
This Wi-Fi extender supports Dual-band, more versatile than 15% of Wi-Fi extenders and equal to 74.5% of Wi-Fi extenders.
6 GHz band support
no
This Wi-Fi extender does not support the 6 GHz band. 3.9% of Wi-Fi extenders support the 6 GHz band.
Wi-Fi speed
3,000 Mbps
Market range: <733 Mbps – >5.4k Mbps
This Wi-Fi extender reaches 3,000 Mbps Wi-Fi speed, faster than 79.6% of Wi-Fi extenders and equal to 4.6% of Wi-Fi extenders.
Max speed 2.4 GHz
400 Mbps
Market range: <300 Mbps – >600 Mbps
This Wi-Fi extender reaches 400 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band, which is faster than 44.9% of Wi-Fi extenders and equal to 6.8% of Wi-Fi extenders.
Show more
What reviewers say
Ethernet backhaul
?
Mesh compatibility
?
Mesh standard
?
Roaming feature
yes
This Wi-Fi extender supports roaming. 11.8% of Wi-Fi extenders support roaming.
802.11k support
?
Show more
What reviewers say
N. of LAN ports
0
Market range: <1 – >2
This Wi-Fi extender has 0 LAN port/s, fewer than 93.2% of Wi-Fi extenders and equal to 6.8% of Wi-Fi extenders.
Ethernet port speed
0 Gbps
Market range: <0.1 Gbps – >2.5 Gbps
This Wi-Fi extender offers 0 Gbps Ethernet speed, slower than 98% of Wi-Fi extenders and equal to 2.1% of Wi-Fi extenders.
N. of USB ports
0
Market range: <0 – >0
This Wi-Fi extender has 0 USB port/s, fewer than 2% of Wi-Fi extenders and equal to 98.1% of Wi-Fi extenders.
PoE standard
N/A
Dedicated smartphone app
yes
This Wi-Fi extender comes with a dedicated smartphone app. 10.4% of Wi-Fi extenders come with a dedicated smartphone app.
Web UI management
yes
This Wi-Fi extender has a web management interface. 1.3% of Wi-Fi extenders have a web management interface.
Automatic firmware updates
?
LED control
yes
This Wi-Fi extender has LED control. 9.7% of Wi-Fi extenders have LED control.
Buttons present
?
Show more
What reviewers say
Mounting type
?
Portable design
?
Height
?
Width
?
Thickness
?
Show more
What reviewers say

Netgear RBS50Y vs the average Wi-Fi extender

246810TotalWi-Fi PerformanceNetworkPortsSetupHardware
  • 4 more antennas
    This Wi-Fi extender has more antennas than the average Wi-Fi extender (6 vs 2). The average Wi-Fi extender has 2 antennas.
    6 vs 2
  • 71.4% faster Wi-Fi speed
    This Wi-Fi extender reaches faster Wi-Fi speed than the average Wi-Fi extender (3,000 Mbps vs 1,750 Mbps). The average Wi-Fi extender reaches 1,750 Mbps Wi-Fi speed.
    3,000 Mbps vs 1,750 Mbps
  • Guest network
    This Wi-Fi extender has a guest network, while the average Wi-Fi extender does not. 38.1% of Wi-Fi extenders have a guest network.
  • 15.1% higher review score
    Reviews score
    8.4/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
    How we count it
    Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
    Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
    Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.5 for now.
    Share: Reviews count 15% of the overall score.
    Score distribution
    ▼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    ▲ Better than 88% of models

    80%

    8.3

    Average grade

    20%

    8.7

    Popularity

    Grades by review (7)
    6 reviews: 4 with a printed score, 2 estimated from the review. 1 video review, counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 15% of the overall score.
    Ratings from across the web count in the User score, not in this score.
    8.4 vs 7.3
  • 15.1% higher review score
    Reviews score
    8.4/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
    How we count it
    Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
    Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
    Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.5 for now.
    Share: Reviews count 15% of the overall score.
    Score distribution
    ▼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    ▲ Better than 88% of models

    80%

    8.3

    Average grade

    20%

    8.7

    Popularity

    Grades by review (7)
    6 reviews: 4 with a printed score, 2 estimated from the review. 1 video review, counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 15% of the overall score.
    Ratings from across the web count in the User score, not in this score.
    8.4 vs 7.3
  • 4 more antennas
    This Wi-Fi extender has more antennas than the average Wi-Fi extender (6 vs 2). The average Wi-Fi extender has 2 antennas.
    6 vs 2
  • 71.4% faster Wi-Fi speed
    This Wi-Fi extender reaches faster Wi-Fi speed than the average Wi-Fi extender (3,000 Mbps vs 1,750 Mbps). The average Wi-Fi extender reaches 1,750 Mbps Wi-Fi speed.
    3,000 Mbps vs 1,750 Mbps
  • Guest network
    This Wi-Fi extender has a guest network, while the average Wi-Fi extender does not. 38.1% of Wi-Fi extenders have a guest network.
  • No WPA3 support
    This Wi-Fi extender does not support WPA3, while the average Wi-Fi extender does. 63.8% of Wi-Fi extenders support WPA3.
  • 27.9% slower 5 GHz speed
    This Wi-Fi extender delivers slower 5 GHz speeds than the average Wi-Fi extender (866 Mbps vs 1,201 Mbps). The average Wi-Fi extender reaches 1,201 Mbps on 5 GHz.
    866 Mbps vs 1,201 Mbps
  • 1 fewer LAN ports
    This Wi-Fi extender has fewer LAN ports than the average Wi-Fi extender (0 vs 1). The average Wi-Fi extender has 1 LAN port/s.
    0 vs 1
  • 8.0% lower user score
    User score
    6.9/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    How happy buyers are with this model, based on ratings from across the web.
    How we count it
    Enough data: A model needs at least 1 rating from across the web. Without one, it counts as 7.6, the mark of a weaker rated model in this category.
    Share: User score counts 10% of the overall score.
    Score distribution
    ▼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    ▼ Worse than 78% of models

    6.9

    Mark 7.6 is below the typical mark 8.1 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

    70%

    7.7

    Rating

    30%

    7.4

    Popularity

    6.9 vs 7.5
  • 8.0% lower user score
    User score
    6.9/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    How happy buyers are with this model, based on ratings from across the web.
    How we count it
    Enough data: A model needs at least 1 rating from across the web. Without one, it counts as 7.6, the mark of a weaker rated model in this category.
    Share: User score counts 10% of the overall score.
    Score distribution
    ▼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    ▼ Worse than 78% of models

    6.9

    Mark 7.6 is below the typical mark 8.1 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

    70%

    7.7

    Rating

    30%

    7.4

    Popularity

    6.9 vs 7.5
  • 27.9% slower 5 GHz speed
    This Wi-Fi extender delivers slower 5 GHz speeds than the average Wi-Fi extender (866 Mbps vs 1,201 Mbps). The average Wi-Fi extender reaches 1,201 Mbps on 5 GHz.
    866 Mbps vs 1,201 Mbps
  • No WPA3 support
    This Wi-Fi extender does not support WPA3, while the average Wi-Fi extender does. 63.8% of Wi-Fi extenders support WPA3.
  • 1 fewer LAN ports
    This Wi-Fi extender has fewer LAN ports than the average Wi-Fi extender (0 vs 1). The average Wi-Fi extender has 1 LAN port/s.
    0 vs 1

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

9.0
mtandiz
≈ estimated
01/03/2019
Hands-on review · outdoor installation and range test
Verdict
Netgear RBS50Y still picks up a signal about a quarter mile away outdoors, and the reviewer is happy with it.

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

9.0
trustedreviews.com
✓ explicit
24/04/2019
Hands-on test · Outdoor satellite
Verdict
The Netgear Orbi Outdoor RBS50Y gives a strong garden signal for security cameras and phones, best if you already run an Orbi system, though it is a touch expensive.
8.0
expertreviews.co.uk
✓ explicit
22/05/2019
Full review · Outdoor mesh satellite
Verdict
The Netgear Orbi Outdoor RBS50Y extends an Orbi network outdoors with fast speeds, though it is a little expensive.
8.0
mightygadget.com
✓ explicit
29/03/2019
Hands-on review · Garden Wi-Fi satellite
Verdict
The Netgear Orbi Outdoor RBS50Y reaches a garden, garage and beyond at fast speeds, but it is a niche buy that suits large homes or businesses.
8.0
pcmag.com
✓ explicit
26/02/2019
Lab test · Outdoor add-on satellite
Verdict
The Netgear Orbi Outdoor RBS50Y reliably extends an existing Orbi network to a patio, pool or garage, but it needs an Orbi router and is pricey.
9.0
technikzuhause.de
≈ estimated
14/05/2019
Practical test · Garden Wi-Fi satellite
Verdict
The Netgear Orbi Outdoor RBS50Y brings fast Wi-Fi into the far corners of a large garden, but it needs a power socket right beside where it sits.
9.0
smartissimo.de
≈ estimated
06/06/2019
Product test · Outdoor Wi-Fi satellite
Verdict
The Netgear Orbi Outdoor RBS50Y covers a whole garden with easy setup and a theft-proof wall mount, though the stand version is easy to steal.

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Netgear RBS50Y

  • A 3000 Mbps total rating leaves room for many devices at once.
  • Six antennas help it reach into far corners.
  • The guest network keeps visitors off the main network.
  • Band steering moves devices to the better band automatically.
  • MU-MIMO serves several devices at the same time.
  • The smartphone app handles setup and settings.

What customers don't like about Netgear RBS50Y

  • There are no LAN ports, so wired devices cannot connect.
  • There is no Ethernet backhaul, so the units must link over the air.
  • The 5 GHz band tops out at 866 Mbps.
  • There is no WPA3, so the security is older.
  • Indoor use only, with an operating range of 0 to 40 °C.

Verdict

Six antennas and a 3000 Mbps total rating make the Netgear RBS50Y a strong pick for a larger home that needs wireless coverage in every room. The antennas help it reach into far corners, and the guest network keeps visitors' phones off the main network. It supports mesh and band steering, so devices move to the better band on their own. The limits sit in the wiring and the fast band. It has no LAN ports and no Ethernet backhaul, so every unit and device connects over the air. The 5 GHz band tops out at 866 Mbps, far below the total figure. It suits a household that wants a wireless-only boost for a big house and values a guest network.

Compare Netgear RBS50Y with other products in the Wi-Fi extenders category

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