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

Eero Pro 6E 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 (4.0 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 #2 in Best Mesh Wi-Fi Systems For Large Homes

Eero Pro 6E

4.0

$549

The Eero Pro 6E delivers Wi-Fi 6E performance with 160MHz channel support and seamless mesh networking for large homes. PCMag praised its ease of setup and strong coverage, while RTINGS.com noted its robust performance for large spaces. CNET called it a solid choice for users wanting the latest Wi-Fi standard, though it comes at a premium price. This router is best for tech-savvy homeowners with large homes needing reliable Wi-Fi 6E speeds, but those on a budget may find alternatives more appealing.

Strengths

— Supports Wi-Fi 6E with 160MHz channels for faster speeds
— Easy setup with Eero app and no complex configuration needed
— Strong mesh networking performance with seamless handoffs

Watch-outs

— Higher price point compared to standard mesh routers
— Limited Ethernet ports (only 1 Gigabit port per unit)

$549 · 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 Pro 6E

The Eero Pro 6E stands out for its exceptional ease of setup and seamless mesh handoffs, surpassing the more complex configuration often required by the Netgear Orbi 960 or TP-Link Deco BE25. It delivers strong Wi-Fi 6E performance with 160MHz channels, offering better wireless speeds than the older Amazon eero 6 or the TP-Link Deco BE25. However, it lacks the cutting-edge Wi-Fi 7 support and multi-gigabit wired ports found in the Eero Max 7 and Deco BE25, making it less future-proof for heavy wired users.

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 Pro 6E	Netgear Orbi 960 (RBKE963)
Wi-Fi Standard	Wi-Fi 6E	Wi-Fi 6E
Coverage	Up to 6,000 sq ft	9,000 sq. ft.
Network Bands	Tri-band (2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, 6 GHz)	2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, 6 GHz
Max Speed	2.3 Gbps	960 Mbps
Ethernet Ports	1x 2.5GbE, 1x Gigabit	4
Processor	1 GHz dual-core processor	2.2 GHz quad-core
Pack Size	3-pack	3-pack
Number of Nodes	3	3

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