Our research on NETGEAR products: what each one is best for, how they compare and which alternatives to consider.
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NETGEAR · Wi-Fi Routers
You have multi-gig internet in a large home and want the fastest mesh money can buy.
Pros
Cons
Thinking about buying NETGEAR? VerdictFox covers 1 NETGEAR product in wi-fi routers, each with an independent Buy, Consider or Skip verdict. Our highest-rated NETGEAR pick is the NETGEAR Orbi 970 Series Quad-Band, which typically sells for $1,299–$1,799 on Amazon.com.
The NETGEAR Orbi 970 Series Quad-Band is best for gigabit-plus homes with huge budgets. Its key feature is top-end Wi-Fi 7 speed, and it usually costs $1,299–$1,799. Buy it if you have multi-gig internet in a large home and want the fastest mesh money can buy. Skip it if you want value; Wi-Fi 6 mesh covers most US homes for a fraction of the price. Our verdict: Skip, with a research score of 6.8 out of 10.
How does NETGEAR compare with rivals? In wi-fi routers, the main alternatives include the TP-Link Deco X55 AX3000 Mesh Wi-Fi System (most homes, $149–$199), the Amazon eero 6+ Mesh Wi-Fi System (easiest setup, $199–$299) and the TP-Link Archer AX55 AX3000 Wi-Fi 6 Router (apartments and small homes, $69–$99). Our best wi-fi routers list ranks them side by side so you can see where NETGEAR wins and where it does not.
Before you add a NETGEAR product to your cart, compare the model number with the one we cover, because older or regional versions can look similar. Choose a listing sold by Amazon or NETGEAR directly, and register the warranty once it arrives.
Mesh beats a single router in homes over about 2,000 sq ft or with several floors. Wi-Fi 6 is plenty for most plans; Wi-Fi 7 helps only with multi-gig internet and new devices. Ethernet ports on each node help connect TVs, consoles and PCs.
If you have dead zones or a multistory home, yes. In an apartment, one good router is usually enough. Not for most homes yet. It only helps with multi-gig internet plans and newer phones and laptops that support it.
Mesh systems are discounted on Prime Day and Black Friday. If you rent a router from your internet provider for $10 to $15 a month, buying your own often pays for itself within a year.
Across the wi-fi routers we cover, typical prices run from $69 to $1,799. Prices on Amazon.com change often, so treat these as typical ranges and check the current price before you buy.
A few of the most-read verdicts on the site: In bluetooth speakers, the JBL Flip 7 ($119–$149) currently leads our picks for most people. Our top-rated choice among soundbars is the Sonos Arc Ultra, valued for big, clear Atmos sound from one bar. In tvs, the LG 65-Inch Class OLED evo C5 Series ($1,599–$2,499) currently leads our picks for best picture for most. In streaming devices, the Apple TV 4K ($119–$149) currently leads our picks for fastest, cleanest experience. Every pick links to Amazon.com, and prices shown are typical US ranges rather than live quotes.