Netgear Unveils Orbi 870 Series and Armor Plus at CES 2025

Netgear has announced its latest additions to the Orbi product line and an enhanced security offering at CES 2025. The new Orbi 870 Series mesh WiFi system and Armor Plus security subscription aim to address the growing demand for high-performance home networking and comprehensive cybersecurity solutions.

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Orbi 870 Series: Tri-Band WiFi 7 Mesh System

Key Features

The Orbi 870 Series is Netgear’s latest tri-band mesh WiFi system, utilising the new WiFi 7 standard. This system offers several notable features:

• Tri-band WiFi 7 configuration with 10 streams
• Total theoretical speed of up to 21 Gbps (BE21000)
• Multi-Link Operation (MLO) enhanced backhaul
• 10 Gigabit WAN port on the router
• Four 2.5 Gigabit LAN ports on both router and satellites

Performance and Coverage

Netgear claims the Orbi 870 Series can cover up to 9,000 square feet with a three-unit system (router + 2 satellites). The tri-band configuration allows for dedicated backhaul, which should result in more consistent performance throughout the home.

WiFi 7 Advantages

WiFi 7 brings several improvements over its predecessors:

1. Increased speeds: Up to 2.4 times faster than WiFi 6
2. Reduced latency
3. More resilient connections
4. Support for multi-gig internet plans

Netgear Orbi 770 vs Orbi 870 vs Orbi 970 Mesh WiFi

Product Variants and Pricing

The Orbi 870 Series will be available in the following configurations:

1. RBE873 (Router + 2 satellites): Covers 9,000 sq. ft., priced at $1,299.99
2. RBE872 (Router + 1 satellite): Covers 6,000 sq. ft., priced at $999.99
3. RBE870 (Satellite only): Adds 3,000 sq. ft. coverage, priced at $549.99

These products will be available for purchase starting 7th January 2025. Netgear will also offer the RBE873B, a black variant of the three-pack system and satellite.

Wired Connectivity

The Orbi 870 router features a 10 Gigabit WAN port, making it compatible with the fastest residential internet connections currently available. Both the router and satellites include four 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet ports, allowing for high-speed wired connections to devices such as gaming consoles, network-attached storage, and smart home hubs.

Flexible Deployment Options

Netgear has designed the Orbi 870 Series to support both wireless and wired backhaul configurations. This flexibility allows users to optimise their network setup based on their home’s layout and existing wiring.

Additionally, Netgear will offer a wall-mount accessory, sold separately, which is compatible with all Orbi WiFi 7 systems. This accessory provides more placement options, especially in homes where floor or shelf space might be limited.

Netgear Armor Plus: Enhanced Security Offering

Alongside the new hardware, Netgear is introducing Armor Plus, an upgraded version of its existing Armor security service.

Comprehensive Protection

Netgear Armor Plus aims to provide a holistic approach to online security, offering protection both at home and on-the-go. The service includes:

1. Home network security
2. Mobile device protection
3. VPN service with ad-blocking and anti-tracking capabilities
4. Web protection
5. Scam alerts
6. Account privacy monitoring

Mobile Device Protection App

A new mobile app will be available for Armor Plus subscribers, offering features such as:

• VPN with location selection and ad-blocking
• Web protection to block suspicious websites
• Scam alerts that scan SMS and calendar entries for malicious links
• Account privacy monitoring for up to 10 email accounts

The app will be available for Mac, Windows, iOS, and Android platforms, supporting up to 50 devices per subscription.

Extended Warranty and Support

Armor Plus subscribers will benefit from:

• Extended warranty coverage, including accidental damage
• Free express replacement service
• 24/7 priority technical support via phone, chat, and email

Competitive Positioning

Netgear claims that Armor Plus offers a more comprehensive package compared to competitors’ offerings. The company cites an AV-Comparatives study, which reportedly positions Netgear Armor as a leader in the router security space.

Analysis and Market Context

The introduction of the Orbi 870 Series and Armor Plus comes at a time when home networking demands are increasing. With more people working from home and the rise of bandwidth-intensive applications like 4K streaming and cloud gaming, there’s a growing need for robust and reliable home networks.

WiFi 7 adoption is on the rise, with Netgear reporting that WiFi 7 mesh systems’ market share grew from 7% in Q4 2023 to 21% in Q3 2024. This trend suggests that consumers are willing to invest in the latest networking technologies to future-proof their homes.

The emphasis on security with Armor Plus aligns with the increasing awareness of cybersecurity threats. Netgear cites statistics indicating over 10 daily attacks on home networks and 2.6 million reports of fraud in 2023. The growing vulnerability of IoT devices further underscores the need for comprehensive security solutions.

However, it’s worth noting that while Netgear positions itself as a leader in this space, the router security market is competitive, with several other manufacturers offering similar services. Consumers will need to carefully compare features and pricing across different brands to determine the best value for their specific needs.

Conclusion

Netgear’s announcements at CES 2025 demonstrate the company’s focus on high-performance networking and security. The Orbi 870 Series aims to capitalise on the growing demand for WiFi 7 systems, offering speeds and features that should appeal to tech-savvy consumers and households with high bandwidth requirements.

The introduction of Armor Plus shows Netgear’s recognition of the increasing importance of cybersecurity in the home networking space. By bundling advanced security features with extended warranty and support, Netgear is attempting to provide a comprehensive package that addresses multiple consumer pain points.

As with any new technology, the true test will be in real-world performance and user experience. While the specifications and features are impressive on paper, factors such as ease of setup, reliability, and actual throughput in various home environments will ultimately determine the success of these new offerings.

Consumers interested in the Orbi 870 Series or Armor Plus should carefully consider their specific needs and budget. While these products offer advanced features, they come at a premium price point that may not be justifiable for all users. As always, it’s advisable to compare with other options in the market and possibly wait for independent reviews before making a purchasing decision.

James Smythe( Editor-in-chief )

I am James, a UK-based tech enthusiast and the Editor and Owner of Mighty Gadget, which I’ve proudly run since 2007. Passionate about all things technology, my expertise spans from computers and networking to mobile, wearables, and smart home devices.

As a fitness fanatic who loves running and cycling, I also have a keen interest in fitness-related technology, and I take every opportunity to cover this niche on my blog. My diverse interests allow me to bring a unique perspective to tech blogging, merging lifestyle, fitness, and the latest tech trends.

In my academic pursuits, I earned a BSc in Information Systems Design from UCLAN, before advancing my learning with a Master’s Degree in Computing. This advanced study also included Cisco CCNA accreditation, further demonstrating my commitment to understanding and staying ahead of the technology curve.

I’m proud to share that Vuelio has consistently ranked Mighty Gadget as one of the top technology blogs in the UK. With my dedication to technology and drive to share my insights, I aim to continue providing my readers with engaging and informative content.