Netgear Orbi RBK763: Two-minute reviewNetgear’s Orbi range of mesh Wi-Fi systems has proven very popular in recent years – so much so that there’s now a somewhat confusing array of almost 30 different models currently listed on Netgear’s website. It even introduced a new model called the RBK960, one of the best mesh Wi-Fi systems on the market, a few months ago that adopted the state-of-the-art Wi-Fi 6E standard, which adds a new 6.0GHz frequency band to the conventional 2.4GHz

Within 30ft, three partition walls: 12.5MB/sNetgear’s hardsell is disappointing, but the Netgear Orbi RBK763 delivers the goods with its strong Wi-Fi performance. As you might expect, devices in the same room as the Orbi router and our normal broadband router simply recorded their usual Wi-Fi speeds of 100Mbps for the Ookla Speed Test, and 12.5MB/s for Steam downloads. However, we also placed one of the Orbi satellites in a back office that our normal router can’t reach, and where our office computers have to rely on PowerLine adaptors to provide a wired connection instead. The other Orbi satellite was then placed in a hallway, roughly halfway between the primary router and the satellite in the back office. With that set-up in place, we were able to pick up our laptop and wander into the back office, maintaining full speed for Ookla and Steam with no trouble at all. And, out of curiosity, we also ran those tests without using the second satellite in the hallway. Even with just the main router and one satellite, the Orbi was still able to maintain those speeds consistently, suggesting that the less expensive two-piece RBK762 kit would also be a good option for many small and medium size homes.Netgear Orbi RBK763: Price & availabilityHow much does it cost? $699.99 / £605.38 (three-packed as reviewed)When is it available? Available nowWhere can you get it? Available in the US and the UK onlyNetgear’s Orbi mesh systems always provide good performance and ease of use, but they don’t come cheap. Prices for the RBK760 series start at $499.99 / £461.51 for a two-piece system (model RBK762) that consists of a primary router and one satellite, and is capable of covering areas of up to 5,000 sq.ft. However, we reviewed the three-pack option, the Netgear Orbi RBK763, with a router and two satellites, which covers up to 7,000 sq.ft for $699.99 / £605.38. Customers who live in the US can also opt for a four-pack, with a router and three satellites, covering 10,000 sq.ft for $849.99, although that option isn’t currently available in the UK. The Orbi 760 series hasn’t yet reached the Asia-Pacific region, so none of these models is currently available in Australia.And, as mentioned, Netgear will also do its darndest to sell you additional subscription services too. The price of the RBK763 does at least include a 12-month subscription to Netgear’s Armor security service, but after that first year the service costs an additional $99.99 per year (approx. £82 or AU$160). You also get a 30-day trial of Netgear’s Smart Parental Control service, after which it costs $7.99 per month (approx. £6.50 or AU$13) or $69.99 per year (approx. £57.50 or AU$112). And, last but not least, there’s the ProSupport extended warranty, which starts at $19.99 (approx. £16.40 or AU$32) for an extra 2-year warranty or $49.99 (approx. £41.00 or AU$80) with 24/7 technical support. Value: 3.5 / 5Netgear Orbi RBK763: SpecsSwipe to scroll horizontallyWireless connectivity: Tri-band WiFi 6 (2.4GHz + 5.0GHz + 5.0GHz)Wired connectivity: 4x Gigabit Ethernet (router), 2x Gigabit Ethernet (satellites) Processor: 1.0GHz dual-coreMemory: 1GB Storage: 4GB Flash Dimensions:211 x 168 x 64mm (router and satellites)Weight:0.73kg (router and satellites)Should you buy the Netgear Orbi RBK763?Swipe to scroll horizontallyValueIt’s expensive, and Netgear’s attempts to charge extra for parental controls and other features is annoying.3.5 / 5DesignThe hardware design is smart and attractive, and the Orbi app is admirably straightforward and easy to use – but lacking in features unless you pay for additional subscriptions.3.5 / 5PerformanceWith a top speed of 5.4Gbps, and a range of 7,000 sq.ft the Orbi provides high-speed Wi-Fi for even the largest homes.5 / 5Average ratingWe can’t fault the performance or ease of use of the Orbi, but the limited parental controls are disappointing at this price.4 / 5Buy it if…You have lots of
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