Head-to-head · Best Mesh Wi-Fi Systems For Large Homes

Eero Max 7 vs Netgear Orbi 960 (RBKE963)

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

The short answer

Netgear Orbi 960 (RBKE963) comes out ahead by a clear margin (3.8 vs 4.4). The gap is mostly about users seeking high-performance Wi-Fi 6E for large homes — read the strengths below before deciding.

Ranked #3 in Best Mesh Wi-Fi Systems For Large Homes

Eero Max 7

3.8

$600

The eero Max 7 represents Amazon's entry into the Wi-Fi 7 mesh market, offering Multi-Gig Ethernet support and 10GBASE-T ports. PCMag's John R. Delaney praised its wired capabilities but noted disappointing wireless performance. Dong Ngo from Dong Knows Tech criticized the device for its stripped-down free app, constant Plus upsells, and overall underperformance compared to competitors like the TP-Link Deco BE85. While it excels in wired networking, the Max 7 fails to deliver on its Wi-Fi 7 promises, making it a poor value for users seeking high-speed wireless performance.

Strengths

— Supports Wi-Fi 7 standard
— Features Multi-Gig Ethernet with 10GBASE-T and 2.5GBASE-T ports
— Delivers fast wired performance with daisy-chaining capability

Watch-outs

— Underwhelming Wi-Fi 6E performance in real-world testing
— Firmware issues and limited customization options
— Aggressive eero Plus subscription upsells in free app

$600 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Higher ratedRanked #1 in Best Mesh Wi-Fi Systems For Large Homes

Netgear Orbi 960 (RBKE963)

4.4

$1,800

The Netgear Orbi RBKE963 Wi-Fi 6E mesh system delivers robust performance with support for the latest Wi-Fi 6E standard, offering faster speeds and reduced network congestion. PCMag reviewers praised its seamless roaming and ease of setup, though noted it comes at a premium price. Tom's Guide also highlighted its strong performance across both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands, making it ideal for larger homes or those needing extensive coverage. This router is best suited for users seeking high-performance mesh networking but may not fit budget-conscious buyers.

Strengths

— Supports Wi-Fi 6E standard for faster speeds and less congestion
— Mesh networking system with seamless roaming between nodes
— Strong performance in both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands

Watch-outs

— Higher price point compared to basic mesh routers
— Limited Ethernet ports on the main router unit

$1,800 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

How they stack up

Eero Max 7

The Eero Max 7 is unique in this list for its robust Multi-Gig Ethernet support, including 10GBASE-T ports, which far exceeds the wired capabilities of the Eero Pro 6E, Amazon eero 6, and TP-Link Deco BE25. Despite its Wi-Fi 7 branding, its wireless performance is underwhelming compared to the Netgear Orbi 960 and even the entry-level TP-Link Deco BE25. Additionally, its aggressive subscription upsells and limited customization make it less appealing than the straightforward Netgear Orbi 960 for users who want a premium experience without extra costs.

Netgear Orbi 960 (RBKE963)

The Netgear Orbi 960 delivers the strongest overall wireless performance and seamless roaming among the Wi-Fi 6E options, outperforming the Eero Pro 6E and Amazon eero 6 in speed and coverage consistency. It avoids the firmware issues and subscription upsells criticized in the Eero Max 7, offering a more traditional, reliable router experience. While it is more expensive than the TP-Link Deco BE25 and Amazon eero 6, its robust dual-band performance makes it a superior choice for large homes compared to the limited range of the TP-Link Deco BE25.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	Eero Max 7	Netgear Orbi 960 (RBKE963)
Wi-Fi Standard	Wi-Fi 7	Wi-Fi 6E
Coverage	Up to 2,500 sq ft per unit	9,000 sq. ft.
Number of Nodes	3	3
Network Bands	Tri-Band (2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, 6 GHz)	2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, 6 GHz
Max Speed	Up to 10 Gbps	960 Mbps
Ethernet Ports	2x 10GBASE-T, 2x 2.5GBASE-T	4
Processor	Quad-core A73 processor	2.2 GHz quad-core
Pack Size	3-Pack	3-pack

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