Netgear Orbi RBK50V Mesh WiFi System with Orbi Voice Smart Speaker

2022-01-30T19:00:00

I had this for just over a year and now the speaker just makes random clicks and doesn?t work.

Ray713

Originally posted at

2021-07-18T20:00:00

Plagued by this thing having a mind of it's own, it mutes itself, it lowers volume to a zero pint, requires rebooting every 48 hours. I have read forums on this issue and anyone who owns one is awaiting netgear sending a fix via update for firmware, but it's been over a year. IF this did what they promise it'd be a great thing but it's buggy and requires constant attention to keep it working halfway right. A total shame.

Freddy K.

Originally posted at

2021-07-11T20:00:00

I just bought this a few weeks ago right here online. After several attempts to set the satellite up using the directions in the box AND speaking to a Troubleshooting rep for 2 hours - still nothing. Scoured internet forums and all, still did not work. Never think you're getting a "deal".

This S.

Originally posted at

2021-02-04T19:00:00

I took a star off of the rating because it was such a pain in the butt to post this otherwise positive review. Said I had to disable ad blocker which I thought I had done. Switched browsers and was able to get this to post. Why should I have to disable an ad blocker to leave a positive review. Jeeze. :( :( :( I won't bother with a positive review for Netgear again. Now for the good stuff. I bought two of these about six months ago. I had wanted to add another satellite to my Orbi RBR20 router/RBS20 network. At $100 each, I decided to get two. The Alexa /speaker functionality was a plus. The two Ethernet ports on each unit was another plus. I was a little concerned about adding RBS40V units to my RBR20 based setup, but the setup was simple enough, and it all works well. The ethernet ports allowed me to retire some powerline adapters in my home office. Having the extra satellites solved a connectivity problem I had when running the microwave oven, and I have a strong signal throughout the house. I wouldn't have spent full retail for these, but I am very pleased for $100 each.

Bucky

Originally posted at

2021-01-19T19:00:00

This unit arrived yesterday. It is to complement my RBR20 router with two satellites. The new RBS40V Orbi voice installed as expected and is now extending my network coverage just fine. However it will not make the connection with my Amazon Alexa function. The unit does show up on my amazon account but states that it is off line. I have tried every single step multiple times but it just won?t connect. Disappointing I can?t use Alexa stil. I spent three hours online with three different tech support persons at Orbi but they also were not able to solve the problem.

Ploemy

Originally posted at

2021-01-12T19:00:00

I bought two of these, and spent over three hours attempting to set them up with my orbi mesh system. In the end I found out I cannot use these because they are not compatible with my netgear orbi.

Cville123

Originally posted at

2021-01-08T19:00:00

Would be much better if multiroom speaker feature worked with this. We all now have many devices and they need to work together. I really wish Netgear would update the software and then let us know so we could really use this device. Right now it's best use as a dumb hub.

JRB C.

Originally posted at

2020-12-01T19:00:00

Great sound quality and works nicely for the internet reach in the house, but wish it had Bluetooth and/or connected to Sirius. I bought it for work, and I listen to SiriusXM during the day. But it doesn't Bluetooth nor can it connect to SiriusXM via the app. Otherwise, it is a nice device.

Elisabeth

Originally posted at

2020-11-30T19:00:00

I own this for a very long time but I can't believe how disappointed I am with an award-winning product with no software update and new features. I really didn't expect it to work less than an echo dot and nothing but an extender with a speaker that can stream basically nothing. DropIn call no. Streaming music no. Playing Plex music no.... basically, anything with Music that they can't play but a limited version of Alexa .... which I can get an echo dot for less than 20$ and more useful ... very very sad

AvengerMoJo

Originally posted at

2020-11-25T19:00:00

They (I have 2 worked well with my previous Orbi RBR40 Mesh 5.system especially as a cheaper satellites alternatives. I spend good money this month upgrading to Orbi RBR750 Mesh 6 system. I can't get these Orbi Voice to sync and work anymore with this newer system. Amazon and Netgear websites stated compatible with all system when I bought 2 Orbi Voices a few months ago. Now I see Amazon added a statement saying these are not compatible with Orbi 6 Mesh system. Why would Netgear developed a satellite/speaker that is compatible with every thing else but its own Mesh 6 system? Makes no sense to me. Very disappointing. I hope Netgear will find a solution.

Fatherof5

Originally posted at

2020-11-23T19:00:00

I bought this several months ago and have found it very frustrating to use after adding to Orbi network. The connection often drops so I can see the device resyncing often and music often stops mid way through playback. I have tried updating the firmware and reseting the device, but the device is very high maintenance to operate. Nice when it works, but often does not.

phwestlake

Originally posted at

2020-10-22T20:00:00

These are great! I was sceptical due to the price (how is the cheapest extender also a great speaker with Alexa? but they work great. I now have wifi plus music in my backyard shed for just $100! About to order another for the garage. I recommend spending $30 for 200 feet of Cat 6 cable and hard wiring them.

Daddio

Originally posted at

2020-10-19T20:00:00

I bought this from netgear after talking to tech support I got it back in 9/9/20 it synced with Nighthawk C7000v2 but it doesnt work properly after talking to multiple tech support for hours now (after a month) they saying it is not compatible to C7000v2 I asked for a compatible Wifi extender with same price range or more they said they can't give me another compatible devices, now I have to return it for a refund. worst customer service ever.

KL07369

Originally posted at

2020-10-07T20:00:00

I was incredibly excited when I found out about this gadget. I mean, a speaker which is guaranteed to have access to the internet, and therefore be able to play anything I want? Amazing. There are two problems, and both of them are big, in my opinion. 1. THERE IS NO BLUETOOTH. It really broke my heart when I realized this. Hence, you can?t play anything unless? (This leads to problem 2, a more systemic and insidious problem) 1.a THERE?s NO 3.5mm AUDIO JACK (This is not problem 2). I mean, seriously? More evidence pointing toward the ?This device is actually a really vehicle for Alexa.? 2. Amazon?s Alexa is deeply ingrained into the design and execution of this device. So? 2a. You can only output audio which has been piped through Alexa. In case this isn?t obvious, because it wasn?t at all, to me, this means that you can **only** play radio stations/music streaming services which are capable of interacting with Alexa. This leads to the next problem? 2b. You have to download Alexa onto a phone-like device in order to integrate Alexa into the Orbi, i.e. you have to download Alexa onto your phone to use the speaker: The entire point of buying this device. 2b. Privacy. Having 4 far-field mics which can only be ?turned-off? with a capacitive touch on the top of the Orbi voice, and whose staying on means Amazon potentially has a front seat view into your entire life, is a violation of privacy. As much as we all would love for Amazon, and every brilliant and successful corporation out there to have our best interests at heart, they don?t. We cannot guarantee the integrity of the communications with respect to Alexa and those microphones. Not to mention that your Amazon account is then directly linked to the Orbi, so, everything you say in your home and every bit of data you transmit can potentially be sent to Amazon and neatly categorized under your account. [Another boring privacy rant]. 2c. Quality and user experience were deeply sacrificed for the sake of embedding Alexa into this device. It?s really unfortunate, because Harmon makes quality products, and the price was great. Netgear makes great products, as well, but this was a gimmick, at best. Solutions: 1. Add the most current version of Bluetooth (5.x at the moment). 2. Integrate the ability for Apple Airplay 2. 3. Remove all smart-assistants and either 3a. Make them an optional firmware download. 3b. Make separate physical devices available which contain either Alexa or Google assistant or whatever. I don?t want either of those anywhere near my wifi. Advice: 1. The top of the Orbi Voice should consist of actual buttons, and, if we are really at the point in time where physical buttons are proletarian, then at least provide some haptic feedback for when those capacitive buttons are touched. 2. The glossy, white plastic does not pair well with the fabric. It looks forced. Perhaps look into a silicone-type material such as those used by Google?s home products. Final: I was really excited, and now I?m sad. I never write reviews, so, maybe this provided you with some insight.

solidstatejake

Originally posted at

2020-09-08T20:00:00

There is a scratch on the top of the device when I received it. Called technical support and being told the manufacture date is actually 2018. Don't work with my modem as opposed to what is advertised. Need to call another number for the return, has been trying for 2hrs, no one answer.

not_buy_this

Originally posted at

2020-09-04T20:00:00

Okay, update. After a week in the box and 2 garbled Support voicemails -2 minutes apart, I tried again. Did the same procedure as before to set up an extender on the WIFI 6 Orbi mesh, and this time it worked. Does exactly what I need. And the speaker is terrific.

bjbina

Originally posted at

2020-08-12T20:00:00

I am having used it for 2 weeks and It works perfectly. However, setup is so much complicated....

Miky

Originally posted at

2020-08-06T20:00:00

Please do not buy this for Alexa "multi room music" functionality - the speaker itself is fine, however, it does not support Alexa MRM functionality which is fundamental if you have more than one alexa device in your house. The satellite router functionality works as advertised, so if you are buying for that and you maybe need to play music in standalone fashion on one device then its fine.

alexajunkie

Originally posted at

2020-08-01T20:00:00

don't waste your time wont connect to my existing orbi rbr50 I was on with tech support for 2hrs they will be going back

Mega3636

Originally posted at

2020-06-18T20:00:00

If connecting as a satellite to an existing Orbi system you must set it to Orbi mode. It comes as an extender from the factory. The piece of paper that comes with this satellite explains how. Basically make sure the power button is off. Then plug it in. Then hold down the pairing button. Then power it on while holding pairing button. Then release pairing button. This will cycle it into orbi mode. It took my satellite about 5 minutes to finally go into Orbi mode. Once in orbi mode go to the app and pair it. Again, follow the paper that came with it unless you just want to use it as an extender.

Jmich

Originally posted at

2020-06-16T20:00:00

After first setting up it seemed to work great then after a few days I started to experience problems with my Sony TV (2019 Model. At first the TV connected to satellite on 5Ghz channel, but after a few days it was on 2.4Ghz channel and then after few more days it was on 5Ghz channel on Router which is further away. Then it started disconnecting and would not connect back (TV Says SSID is disabled), I would connect back and it wold only stay connected for 10-15 mins before disconnecting again After forgetting the network on the TV and adding again it connected back at 5Ghz on the Satellite but after few days it went through same cycle as before and eventually would only stay connected for 10-15 mins at a time. Eventually I moved the satellite closer and it now seems more stable with the TV staying on the 5Ghz channel from satellite. My guess is that there is some issue with the TV trying to connect back to the satellite once it connected to router and it ended up disconnecting instead. Other devices on the network don't have any issues. Apart from that its definitely improved the speed of my Wi-Fi over my AT&T U-Verse Router.

Weba

Originally posted at

2020-05-27T20:00:00

I purchased this from Best Buy along with the Orbi router a couple of months ago to replace my Netgear Nighthawk X6 which I liked but still had dead spots in a 1600 sq ft newly built townhouse. After reading that it will go through walls and alleviate dead spots, I was sold. I was so excited to pick up my Orbi and be on my way to better Wifi. Well, unfortunately that is not the case. After connecting which was rather easy, I tried Spotify to play music. About a half hour later it disconnected and wouldn't connect. I tried the next day and was able to get it to reconnect and played music again only for it to disconnect again. I know when it is disconnected because I'm not able to use Alexa when it happens. I researched and found I needed to set to AP mode, moved it further away from the router, turned of wifi for my fios router and that still didn't work. Emailed customer support and then called do to protocol and after 2 hours on the phone, nothing changed. I have had this for a month and a half an all it does is continually disconnect and give a poor signal downstairs. I loved the sound of the speaker when it worked which is only for a short time and unfortunately will be returning it.

Mario45126

Originally posted at

2020-05-26T20:00:00

There’s a reason the Orbi is at the top of all reviewers speed tests...it’s because it truly is fast! I utilize the wireless backhaul with the router and Orbi Voice satellite ~60ft apart, and I get consistent 300Mbps speeds throughout my entire 2400 sq ft home. Many areas are 400+, with some at 500+ (e.g., within 15ft of the router _or_ satellite. My garage was a dead zone with my previous single R7000 router (which in its own right was and still is a very good router), now I get 300Mbps. Close to zero in my backyard from my faraday cage of a home previously, I now get 200 to 300 easy. As a cute additional feature, the satellite is an Alexa speaker. To my semi-audiophile ear, the speaker is very muddy. Highs are unclear and voices are muffled. Bass is like tapping a hollow tissue box. The thing is it feels like the speaker is _capable_ of sounding really good, but the EQ controls only give treble and bass and really don’t affect the sound much. The controls in the Alexa app tease you into thinking you can adjust the treble, mid, and bass of the Orbi Voice, but modifying those settings yields zero difference. Also disappointing is the fact that as of this writing, you can’t use the speaker as part of Amazon’s multi-room music feature. However, if you think of the speaker as a large echo dot that can tell you the weather or read you the news, with the amazing side effect of carrying your Wi-Fi signal well beyond your dreams, then the speaker is great! A plus about the speaker is that it looks really good, thus makes it easy to leave it out in a more conspicuous place, where it can be heard, but more importantly where better Wi-Fi signals can be sent/received. Another thing I like about the Orbi system is most of the simple setup and configuration is done in the app, but there is the option to configure more advanced options in the web GUI (e.g., assigning static IP addresses to devices, setup port forwarding). The Circle and Armor add ons are nice perks. Circle will be essential as the kids get older for jailing of their privileges if they have chosen to forgo parental law. I didn’t buy this set for the speaker, I bought it for the mesh and this set was $200 great Black Friday deal... $80 cheaper than the typical 2-pack Orbi RB50K. If you need 4 vs 2 LAN ports on the satellite, or 5000 sq ft vs 4500 sq ft of coverage, or have more devices than me streaming at same time and need the 1.7Gb backhaul vs 866Mb, then you need the RB50K. I will enjoy my excellent mesh For the foreseeable future and wait for Wi-Fi 6 mesh systems to come down in price (currently $500 more for Orbi Wi-Fi 6 mesh...Ouch).

vette21man

Originally posted at

2020-04-30T20:00:00

The Orbi Voice is a solid and reliable router/satellite. Installation with the Orbi app was a breeze. If you take your time and follow instructions, it will go as smooth as silk. My install had one minor hiccup when the router was syncing up with the (Alexa voice satellite. When I hit “retry,” it synced up. Final setup with Alexa is simple when you already have an Amazon account. One suggestion: when you reboot your modem, wait for about one minute before reconnecting it. Like I said, take your time. Nothing times out on you with the Orbi app. After a couple of weeks, I’m glad to say that there are no issues. WiFi speed and coverage is excellent. I’m very pleased with Orbi and recommend it highly.

Bellport M.

Originally posted at

2020-04-18T20:00:00

Bought as satellite for existing ORBI system. Also thought I would try out the Amazon Alexa as well. Did not work for either. Very disappointed with the product as it did not perform as sold. Only determined this after 2 hours on the support site. The return process is rather difficult as well. NETGEAR should not sell direct to customers. Their sites are poorly designed and even though a product does not perform, the customer bears the burden.

JPO1

Originally posted at

2020-04-17T20:00:00

I bought this thinking that it would seamlessly integrate with my other echo dots for Alexa multi room music. After spending a few hours on the forums, it's clear that it doesn't work and netgear doesn't care about it

Marshall

Originally posted at

2020-04-15T20:00:00

I spent a lot of money this week on an Orbi RBK853 Wifi 6 Mesh system with two extenders, plus an Orbi voice, which I was assured would all work together. After a total of 5 hours messing around and 2 hours on the phone to Netgear, I am now told the Orbi voice is not yet compatible with the RBK853 but might be in a month! Useless.

Bigdal

Originally posted at

2020-04-13T20:00:00

I bought this to make life easier along with the other Orbi Router and Satellite as well as a nighthawk modem. Since my internet was spotty in my large home I thought this would be my solution. Well it is worse...Days wasted trying to get this thing working, Setting, resetting, rebooting, and having to reestablish everything over and over again in my smart home. Hours with tech support only to keep going through the same steps I have for days ....I have had this whole system less than a week and hate it....I am going to return. Not worth the price tag

DenverGuy

Originally posted at

2020-03-22T20:00:00

Would be much better if multiroom speaker feature worked with this

SingleSpeakerScott

Originally posted at

2020-03-04T19:00:00

Although this is sold as an Alexa enabled device it lacks the same functionality of other Alexa devices. You cannot play Apple Music on it even though you have been able to on other Alexa devices since March 2019. Some of the Alexa skills also don't work on it - the key one for UK buyers is the BBC Radio Skill which means that you cannot listen to any BBC Radio stations (think there will be very few users of a smart speaker in the UK that don't want to listen to any BBC Radio. The speaker also doesn't support airplay (or have bluetooth or have an audio or USB input) so if Alexa doesn't do it, you can't do it in any other way. It is basically a bit rubbish and I would go for a straightforward satellite wifi extender plus a proper smart speaker if you want something that actually works.

KCD27

Originally posted at