WiFi 7 routers remain pricey, yet prices are starting to decline, especially with brands like Netgear, a market leader.
Following the testing of the Orbi 970 with the latest iPhone 16 and the MacBook Pro / Mac mini equipped with the M4 chip, the router and WiFi hub manufacturer is now introducing the Orbi 870. This model serves as a good middle ground between the slower 770 and the much pricier 970.
We’re seeing a significant rise in the adoption of WiFi 7 as major brands launch devices with the latest standard, leading to an increasing demand for a router that can help consumers maximize their connection,
says Sandeep Harpalani, VP of product management at NETGEAR. NETGEAR is a trusted brand, committed to delivering outstanding WiFi performance and security features tailored to the diverse needs of every home, in a rapidly evolving market. And the Orbi 870 is the perfect balance of performance, coverage, and security.
Affordable WiFi 7 Performance
The challenge with WiFi 7 involves the entire chain necessary to enjoy the speeds of one’s local network as well as the latest optical fibers, which are close to 10Gbps.
I previously wrote a detailed post about the network equipment needed to fully utilize the Freebox Ultra in 10Gbps on your internal network, and the costs added up quickly!
For instance, unlike the Orbi 770 and many other routers in the market, the Orbi 870 includes a true 10Gbps port! If you have fiber at 8 or 10Gbps, it won’t be bottlenecked by the router. With 2.5Gbps, we are not only below the fiber speeds but also below the WiFi 7 speeds which exceed 3.5Gbps as we discussed earlier. Unfortunately, Macs and iOS devices
In this more detailed comparison, we can also see that the units offer 10 streams (compared to just 6 on the 770), which doubles the bandwidth per router (from 11 to 21Gbps). This remains less than the 970 (16 streams and 27Gb per router) but significantly above the competition. For instance, the TP-Link Deco BE85 only has just
8 streams, offering 19Gbps at higher prices (over €1000 for two units)
Optional Cybersecurity Features
In addition to WiFi, the Orbi stands out for its easy setup, but also for its advanced cybersecurity features (NETGEAR Advanced Protection) which even includes automatic receipt of new patches to continuously protect the system against cyberattacks and other threats.
The routers also offer automatic firmware updates, WPA3 WiFi security, access control, a dedicated WiFi for guests, a dedicated WiFi for IoT devices, and VPN support.
The Orbi 870 includes a 30-day trial offer for the NETGEAR Armor solution, developed in partnership with Bitdefender this is a comprehensive on-board protection, an effective security shield against all types of cyber threats before they reach your network. And when you are not connected to your home WiFi, all your devices remain protected thanks to the Armor software suite installed on your laptops, MacBooks, tablets, smartphones, and other devices
.
Furthermore, the NETGEAR Smart Parental Controls make it easier to manage how much time children spend online with their connected devices, helping them cut down on screen time and develop better habits. Basic functions are included, and it’s possible to try the premium functions for 30 days (advanced content filtering, time limits per app, etc.).
Availability & Suggested Retail Price
Available in two colors, the Mesh WiFi 7 Orbi 870 system is available now in a pack of 3 on the NETGEAR online store, and starting February at major retailers:
• Black: RBE873B: 1 base and 2 satellites (pack of 3) – estimated coverage of 600 m2: €1,399
You might want to wait for the 2-pack options which will be much more affordable and sufficient for most homes.