Weak Wi-Fi is the bane of many a home. Dead spots, unreliable connections and slow speeds are common problems. Possible solutions can range from running Ethernet cables around your home to installing Wi-Fi range extenders.

Very easy to set up; Delivers great performance and coverage

Distinctly pricey; Doesn't currently support YouView streaming

Bought a 3 unit package (main base and 2 satellites) set from Costco for $499. The setup was super easy and the performance is excellent in my view point. The unit came with an older Firmware code (1.2.x) which did not support some advanced features such as the "Guest" network.

Easy to setup; great performance

Unbaked firmware code; has glitches

Editors' Note: This review has been updated to reflect the addition of guest networking support, which was recently added by Netgear in a firmware update. The feature was not available when we tested the Orbi in October of 2016. Neither the score nor the Editors' Choice designation has changed.

Easy to install; Fast throughput; Multi-User Multiple Input, Multiple Output (MU-MIMO) capable; Highly configurable

Expensive; Bulky; Limited USB functionality

In all, the Orbi is a smart system: we found it delivered rock-solid and stable Wi-Fi to our entire house. If you've struggled with poor Wi-Fi performance in the past, then this router could well be the answer.

Sometimes, no amount of prime router placement can get you decent Wi-Fi coverage throughout your house. Netgear isn't the first to try and solve this problem, but its new Orbi Wi-Fi system tackles it pretty handily.

Excellent coverage; Easy setup; Approachable design

Mighty pricey; Finicky Wi-Fi band settings

When deployed with a single satellite, the Netgear Orbi is an excellent choice for moderate-sized homes, delivering higher TCP throughput than mesh...

Strong Wi-Fi performance (with a satellite, Three-port gigabit ethernet switch on the router; four-port switch on the satellite, Dedicated 4x4 radio...

Not nearly as fast as the competition when operating solo; Physically larger and more visually obtrusive than the competition; USB port is currently...

Note : This review discusses the Orbi's performance in a Mac environment. There's a very similar version of this story that discusses this router's performance in a Windows environment on our sister site TechHive.com. Ignore Netgear's advertising: Its Orbi Wi-Fi router is not a mesh network system.

Strong Wi-Fi performance, Three-port gigabit ethernet switch on the router; four-port switch on the satellite, Dedicated 4x4 radio for backhaul

Physically larger and more visually obtrusive than the competition; USB port is currently dormant

For settings where getting a usable Wi-Fi signal to every corner of your house is difficult, if not impossible, the Netgear Orbi Wi-Fi system looks to be a top option. Covering up to 4,000 square feet, its three-channel set-up allows for full data speeds even at remote locations.

Extends wireless range without loss of speed; Easy set up and use; 4,000 square feet of coverage; Add-on satellites for even larger homes are available

Only suitable where Wi-Fi signal distribution is challenging; Pricey

NETGEAR's Orbi kit is one of the strongest wireless systems on the market thanks to its engineering, but with that comes a hefty price tag that will scare some away.

Easy to set up; For the first time we have WiFi throughout the house

Cost is not insignificant; The product was recommended to us