These tall routers are not as substantial as the pricier Orbi 970 Series but feature a comparable design and are fairly sizable. The primary router is equipped with four 2.5 Gbps Ethernet ports, while each satellite contains two 2.5 Gbps ports. There is no USB port present. The setup process is straightforward with the Orbi app on your mobile device.

This is a tri-band configuration with a single SSID for the 2.4-GHz, 5-GHz, and 6-GHz bands, enabling multi-link operation (MLO), a feature of Wi-Fi 7 that permits devices to connect across multiple bands at the same time. However, MLO might create difficulties for older devices due to Wi-Fi 7’s more stringent security standards (WPA2 or newer). Legacy devices like an iPhone 5 will not connect unless utilizing a guest or IoT network.

Wi-Fi 7 additionally allows for broader channels (up to 320 MHz from 160 MHz) and other improvements. Anticipate consistently rapid Wi-Fi and superb coverage (up to 8,000 sq ft for a three-pack). It’s quick and dependable, though slightly slower than competitors in tests; however, this distinction is unlikely to be perceptible unless frequently transferring substantial files.

The Orbi 770 provides sufficient bandwidth for streaming and gaming among multiple users. Wi-Fi 7 devices linked to the main router may attain stable, low-latency, multi-gigabit speeds, although occasional lag might be experienced with satellites. Employing Ethernet cables for wired backhaul can resolve this problem.

The Orbi app is intuitive, enabling monitoring of connected clients and internet speed, with extra settings accessible. A 30-day trial of Netgear’s Armor security software (powered by Bitdefender) and Smart Parental Controls is included, priced at $40 for the first year (then $100) and $8 monthly, respectively, after the trial period. Neither subscription is essential.

For users without a large residence or multi-gig internet (over 2.5 Gbps), this mesh system might be indistinguishable from more expensive options like the TP-Link Deco BE85 ($1,200), Eero Max 7 ($1,700), and Netgear Orbi 970 Series ($2,000). In a contemporary home, I seldom noticed an improvement in performance of the 970 compared to the 770, and a two-pack typically suffices for most users. If your internet connection exceeds 2.5 Gbps, consider the Netgear Orbi 870 (3-Pack) priced at $1,300. Watch for regular discounts on all of these systems.

The Asus ZenWiFi BT10 impressed in evaluations, providing robust coverage and throughput. A tri-band system (2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz) with MLO, it reliably connects the primary router and mesh node. Tested in a modern 1,600-sq-ft residence, it also performed admirably in a challenging old Victorian house with thick walls. Each unit includes two 10-Gbps Ethernet ports, one Gigabit port, and a USB 3.0 port.