Is the Netgear Orbi Mesh Router Worth the Price?

A single Netgear Orbi WiFi 6 costs $379, a two-pack costs for $699, and a four-pack for $1,299. Even with discounts, the Netgear Orbi is a considerable investment. And consumers want to know why they should invest so much in a mesh router when Google offers its version for a fraction of Netgear’s price.

Tom’s Guide mentioned that the Netgear Orbi mesh router costs more than most of its competition. However, at the same time, they declared this device “worth every penny.” Find out why individuals and businesses might consider buying the Netgear Orbi WiFi6 instead of a cheaper alternative.

Google produces mesh routers, and TechRadar recommended this well-known brand because of its easy setup and use. That benefit attracts plenty of typical home and small business WiFi users. An earlier Upsie blog article covered Google WiFi mesh routers in more detail.

Still, even TechRadar reviewers admitted that Google’s mesh router lacks the kinds of features that Netgear offers. Some outstanding features of the router include excellent wall and ceiling penetration, support for WiFi 6, built-in malware protection, and a dedicated satellite channel. It also comes with four LAN/WAN ports and one satellite port.

As the Netgear router’s name implies, it supports WiFi 6. WiFi 6 refers to the latest generation of WiFi technology. This new standard enhances throughput, making it better for dense locations, like office buildings and smart homes.

Many internet users don’t even realize they can already take advantage of WiFi 6 so long as their router and devices can support it. CNET offered some examples of devices that support WiFi 6, including newer iPhones and Samsung Galaxy S Series phones.

In the future, look for this feature to emerge in computers and smart home devices. Devices that support earlier standards will still work but can’t take advantage of this new standard’s improved efficiency.

Netgear includes a one-year limited warranty and 90 days of complimentary support with new WiFi 6 mesh routers. Refurbished routers only get a 90-day warranty. The company also offers two extended warranty options. The basic extended warranty provides an additional year of warranty protection, and the other one also adds in an extra year of phone, email, and chat support.

Netgear’s additional customer support offers a nice benefit, but their limited warranty explicitly only includes problems that stem from defects during normal product use. Also, Netgear mentions several times that they require customers to keep their sales receipt to prove the date of purchase and that they made the purchase from an authorized reseller.

Before purchasing Netgear’s extended warranty option, compare it to an Upsie extended warranty for Netgear routers. With Upsie, customers can choose a two-year or three-year plan.

In addition, Upsie’s warranties include the following:

Upsie customers can purchase their warranty online, and they only need to upload the sales receipt one time and never worry about it again. Also, Upsie offers the same warranties for qualified refurbished products that they offer for new ones.

Customers can purchase an Upsie warranty for any router bought within the last 60 days, so there’s no reason to rush into buying an expensive retailer’s warranty. With Upsie, customers can save up to 70 percent on the cost of coverage.