Is the NETGEAR Orbi RBK853 right for you?

The NETGEAR Orbi RBK853 is a hard mesh system to suggest because it’s just so darn expensive. Sure, it’s packed with multi-gig internet support and a built-in VPN server, but that’s it. You’re paying a high price for good wide-range speeds you can get from cheaper (and smaller) mesh systems. Plus, you need at least two subscriptions to get the most out of it.

Orbi RBK853 standout features

Like other Orbi systems, you’re mostly paying for a wide range and decent speeds. It has the two callout features we list below, but that’s it. You don’t even get basic parental controls outside pausing a profile’s internet access.

Compare the Orbi RBK853 to the competition

Before you gawk at the Orbi’s price (and rightfully so—yikes), the Eero Pro 6 system launched in 2020 for $599. The price dropped substantially since then but was never at Orbi’s level. Still, the price difference between the two systems is hard to swallow, especially when we can get the same performance from Amazon’s cheaper kit.

The Orbi and Deco X50-PoE are the only systems on the list with multi-gig internet support. Theoretically, you could see real-world sub-2Gbps speeds with TP-Link’s system if your device and environment support 160 MHz-wide channels. The Orbi system doesn’t support 160 MHz channels, so you’d need a (hard to find) Wi-Fi 6 adapter or add-in card with three or more antennas to get real-world wireless speeds over a gigabit.

See our full coverage of the best mesh Wi-Fi systems and routers.

Our Orbi RBK853 scoring breakdown

* out of 5 points

With three-unit systems, we typically create an L-shaped topology that starts in the office (Router), continues into the TV room (Satellite #1), and ends at the bar dividing the kitchen from the dining room (Satellite #2).

First, we tested the connections between the router and the satellites. We plugged a laptop into an Ethernet port on Satellite #1 and recorded a 780Mbps average. We then moved our wired laptop to Satellite #2 and recorded a 749Mbps average. Whether the router decided to shoot through the wall or send our test connection through Satellite #2 is anyone’s guess, but our tests showed that each satellite had good starting speeds using a dedicated Wi-Fi band for the backhaul (Orbi-to-Orbi communication).

We also tested Wi-Fi using our iPhone 12 Pro Max and Google Pixel 6. We recorded a 601Mbps average standing maybe five feet from Satellite #2 and a 604Mbps average standing in the hallway behind Satellite #1. We saw similar speeds with the Eero Pro 6, which also has a third band but only sometimes uses it for the backhaul.

By comparison, we don’t usually see these speeds when testing kits without a third band for backhaul use. The TP-Link Deco X55 and X50-PoE systems benched a 379Mbps average near Satellite #2 and a 357Mbps average in the hall behind Satellite #1. But they’re also significantly cheaper than the Orbi RBK853 system.

And while we went long in the tooth here discussing the performance, hopefully, our efforts show the value in this system’s design and the speeds you can get throughout your home. We’ll always tell you to wire the router and satellites for the best backhaul speeds, but the dedicated 5 GHz band is a good alternative.

The Orbi RBK853 is a featureless system out of the box. The only notable callout is the built-in OpenVPN server (buried in the Advanced > Advanced section) you can use to surf the internet anonymously while you’re off the home network.

So, let’s ponder over that for a moment, shall we? If a single Orbi router is roughly $290, you could instead opt for a feature-packed standalone router—with super long range, mesh capabilities, free security, and free parental controls—for around the same price.

What we wish the Orbi RBK853 did better

• File sharing
• Some free parental controls

Many standalone routers with USB include services like file sharing and printer sharing. Mesh systems generally don’t have USB connectivity, but the Orbi system feels like it should, given the size of each unit.

Orbi could also use a basic level of parental controls. You can create a profile and pause the internet, but that’s it. You can’t even set a single bedtime like you can on non-NETGEAR products.

This Orbi system has a decent design. First, it includes a 2.5Gbps WAN port best used for internet plans of 1,000–2,300Mbps. It supports link aggregation, too, for speeds up to 2,000Mbps when connected to a compatible modem.

Second, it has a dedicated Wi-Fi band for Orbi-to-Orbi communication. This design is good because your devices and the Orbi units don’t share the same Wi-Fi channels that would otherwise cause congestion on your network. The downside is you only have four channels on the 5 GHz connection you can use, which may limit your speeds.

The setup process for this mesh system is easy, but it’s a little lengthy compared to installing a standalone router since you’re adding satellites. Plus, there are a few extra steps other manufacturers don’t require, like setting up security questions.

However, the setup includes two subscription nags: ProSupport for Home extended warranty and support and Armor security. Be prepared for NETGEAR’s email spam, too.

NETGEAR Orbi seemingly tries to combine the best of both worlds: the customization of a standalone router and the whole-home connectivity of a mesh system. You need the web interface and mobile app to use this system fully, which often applies to standalone routers but not mesh systems.

The NETGEAR Orbi app has a better, more streamlined experience than the web interface but not without some quirks. The app’s Orbi image consumes half of the home screen, plus the tile design requires you to scroll down to access many settings. Why can’t we have an organized tab design and a home screen detailing helpful information? Insert your favorite shrug emoji here.

Finally, every device you add defaults to the Home profile. You can create additional profiles to better group your devices, but profiles primarily exist for parental controls—which require a subscription. Many other mesh systems allow you to create profiles for anyone, not just for kids.

Are there any additional costs?

All NETGEAR Orbi systems have an additional cost if you want to get the most out of this system. Here’s what to expect:

• NETGEAR Armor – $99.99 per year
• Smart Parental Controls – $69.99 per year
• ProSupport for Home – $49.99 or $119.99 (one-time fee)

So, just in the security and parental controls alone, you’ll pay $169.98 annually after shelling out nearly $900 for this system. Honestly, you should get more free features at that price.

Our Orbi RBK853 review: The verdict

We can’t deny that the Orbi RBK853 mesh system provides good speeds at a wide range. You shouldn’t have problems getting stable, fast Wi-Fi connections throughout your home. Heck, it even supports multi-gig internet, so all your devices should have enough bandwidth to do their thing.

But we can’t get past the price—buying the router alone sets you back $290 (based on Amazon’s current price). You can get a far better standalone router with more free features and mesh support at that price. Then again, you may be hard-pressed to find a standalone router with a third band dedicated to backhaul communication.

So, we’re on the fence here, and maybe it’s because the free features and long range associated with standalone routers spoiled us. If you need strong, whole-home coverage spanning multiple floors, then this is the system for you. However, you may want to consider an older system (like the RBK752) or Amazon’s Eero Pro 6 if the potential investment has your wallet hissing with claws out at the price tag.

Get the NETGEAR Orbi RBK853

FAQ about the Orbi RBK853 system

Methodology

We test router speed by setting up each router in an office and connecting it to a local test server. Then, we transmit test data between our wireless devices and the server, taking numerous measurements to account for fluctuations in Wi-Fi speeds.

The first tests occur close to the router, without obstructions—so the Wi-Fi is as strong and fast as it’s gonna get. We repeat the process straight out at 10, 20, and 30 feet, with only a glass door obstructing our view of the router. The same glass door and an exterior door blocks our path when we test outside at 40 and 50 feet.

We also run tests in a hallway to the left of the TV room and office—where there’s a glass door, three walls, and an air handler unit blocking our view of the router. The dining room, another testing point, sits to the right of the kitchen, TV room, and office—two walls and a glass door block the path in this test.

To test video streaming, we connect a fast storage device to the router and stream a 4K video to six wireless devices simultaneously—two phones, three tablets, and a laptop—connected to the same wireless band.

Client devices used in testing

Orbi RBK853 benchmarks (5 GHz only)

Disclaimer

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