Netgear Orbi 770 Series: A Wi-Fi 7 Mesh System at a Realistic Price

Upgrading to Wi-Fi 7 has become a tantalizing prospect for tech enthusiasts and homeowners alike, but the steep price tags of many systems have kept it out of reach for most. Enter the Netgear Orbi 770 Series, a powerful Wi-Fi 7 mesh system that offers excellent performance at a much more affordable price. While it may not deliver the absolute top speeds of its more expensive counterparts, the Orbi 770 Series is a solid option for most households.

In this blog post, we’ll dive into the key features, design, performance, and whether this system is the right fit for your home.

Pros and Cons of the Netgear Orbi 770 Series

Pros:

• Affordable Price: The Orbi 770 Series is significantly cheaper than other Wi-Fi 7 systems.
• User-Friendly App: The Orbi app makes setup and control a breeze.
• Powerful Features: Offers useful parental controls and security options.

Cons:

• Performance Drops at Range: Speeds slow down as you move further from the router or satellites.
• Subscription Costs: Advanced features like Netgear Armor and enhanced parental controls require pricey subscriptions.

Key Features of the Orbi 770 Series

Wi-Fi 7 Technology

The Orbi 770 Series utilizes Wi-Fi 7, offering a total bandwidth of up to 11 Gbit/s. This is a massive upgrade over Wi-Fi 6 systems, delivering faster speeds and better support for multiple devices.

Ethernet Ports

The router comes with three 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet ports and one WAN port, while the satellites feature two 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet ports each. Although it lacks the 10 Gigabit Ethernet ports of pricier systems, the 2.5 Gbps ports are a significant improvement over standard Gigabit Ethernet.

Design and Build

The Orbi 770 Series adopts a sleek, tall, column design that takes up minimal space. Available in multiple configurations, you can purchase a three-pack (one router and two satellites) for $999.99 or a two-pack for $649.99. Additional satellites are available for $349.99 each.

While the system is more compact than the high-end Orbi 970 Series, it’s worth noting that the two systems are not compatible. This means you can’t mix and match satellites between the two.

If you’re ready to upgrade, check out the Netgear Orbi 770 Series on Amazon.

Performance and Features

Easy Setup

The Orbi app makes installation simple, with a QR code scan kickstarting the process. Within minutes, you’ll have your system up and running.

Parental Controls and Security

The free version of the parental controls allows you to assign devices to profiles and pause internet access. For $5.99/month or $59.99/year, you can unlock advanced features like scheduling, web filtering, and time limits.

Netgear Armor, a subscription-based security service powered by BitDefender, costs $84.99/year and provides malware protection for all connected devices. While these services are helpful, the combined subscription costs can add up quickly.

Performance Metrics

In testing, the Orbi 770 Series delivered impressive speeds at close range:
– Close Range: 1279.35 Mbps
– First Floor: 934.07 Mbps
– Second Floor: 483.80 Mbps

While speeds drop at longer ranges, the system still outperforms most Wi-Fi 6 mesh networks. For maximum stability, consider using Ethernet backhaul or placing satellites strategically.

Who Should Buy the Orbi 770 Series?

Choose This System If:

• You want a Wi-Fi 7 mesh network without breaking the bank.
• You need fast speeds for streaming, gaming, or working from home.
• You appreciate user-friendly setup and control via a mobile app.

Consider Alternatives If:

• You require top-tier performance at long ranges.
• You’re willing to invest in a higher-end system like the Netgear Orbi 970 Series or Eero Max 7.

Final Thoughts

The Netgear Orbi 770 Series strikes a balance between affordability and performance, making Wi-Fi 7 technology accessible to more people. While it doesn’t match the speeds of premium systems like the Orbi 970 Series, it still delivers faster-than-Gigabit-Ethernet wireless speeds in most scenarios.

If you’ve been holding off on upgrading to Wi-Fi 7 due to cost, the Orbi 770 Series might just be the solution you’ve been waiting for.

Ready to upgrade? You can find the Netgear Orbi 770 Series on Amazon.

FAQs

Is the Netgear Orbi 770 Series compatible with other Orbi systems?

No, the Orbi 770 Series is not compatible with other Orbi systems, including the Orbi 970 Series.

Does it include a dedicated backhaul?

No, the 770 Series uses Wi-Fi 7 over the 6GHz and 5GHz bands for backhaul, sharing bandwidth with client devices. For dedicated backhaul, consider the Netgear Orbi 970 Series.

Are the subscription services worth it?

While optional, the parental controls and Netgear Armor security services add valuable features, especially for families and security-conscious users. However, their combined cost may deter some buyers.

Whether you’re streaming 4K movies, gaming online, or managing a smart home, the Netgear Orbi 770 Series offers a compelling blend of speed, features, and affordability. Upgrade your home network today!