Thank you Kim again for a great video. I keep kicking the can down the road with replacing my very old router. As I learn more about cybersecurity, I feel I need to upgrade but with the many issues with no matter what path we take is challanging. Thanks again for sharing good information!
Thank you for sharing your thoughts! I completely agreed. I wasn't expecting all these additional behind the scene details when I upgraded. I was just looking for a simpler system for my home Internet. LOL The major shocker for me with the Netgear is that the app was being clunky and the fact that you cannot turn off 3rd party traffic even though you can disable Netgear Armor. I'm going to try their other Orbi model in the future just to see if it's any differences - I doubt it though - but I'm curious. 😆
So glad to see someone else looking through the logs of these routers. Been researching for about 20-30 hours this past week for a good mesh system. TP-Link looked good, but they track too much. Orbi isn't reliable (and tracks). Eero is owned by Amazon so that's an absolute NO (and they collect a ton of data)... I think the last hope might be the Asus RT-BE96U (which I think can be meshed) or their BE16 once it releases (can't recall the exact model number). Curious to see if those Asus routers have the same issues with creepy tracking.
Thanks for stopping by! I haven't tried Asus, so I don't know how it performs or if there's some privacy issue with them. It's definitely on my list to test though. From my experience so far with the Google Nest Pro, TP-Link Deco, and Netgear Orbi, I'd pick the TP-Link Deco and set blocking rules.
@@kimandtech I think that might be a good idea! TP-Link’s Chinese ties do give me a bit of concern. Yesterday I ordered an ASUS ROG Rapture GT-BE98 Pro… insane $800 but I want to give it a shot and see if it can replace my 2 Amplifi Aliens. Price is steep and we shall see if performance makes sense for the price. I’ll try to remember to follow up on this thread once I get it and go through the network logs to see who it’s phoning home to lol.
@@Slimothy Ooh cool...with WiFi 7 too! Every time I look at the these series, I envision they will flip their antennas upside down and start walking. HAHAHA But yeah..I'd love to hear your experience if you can stop by again to share your thoughts on it. Thanks a bunch!!!
All of these consumer routers are generally garbage in terms of features, performance, reliability, etc. My recommendation is just separate the network management from the wifi. Use an old computer to drive something like pfsense then get the AP of your choice (ie, tplink omada series, ubq, or something else). You'll have practically unlimited granular control over all aspects of your network. I picked up a tplink eap670 last fall to replace an older wifi5 router (rt-ac68u). It integrated well with my pfsense firewall. The eap670 does require some tcpip settings (ip, subnet, gateway, dns settings). I entered valid ip and gateway settings, but bogus dns. In addition, at firewall level, the eap670's ip is blocked from all internet access. Thus, it is impossible for the device to phone home in any manner. I'd even leave the gateway empty or bogus, but do have the unit set up for daily log emails. The email resides on a different subnet, so either the ap gets a valid gateway ip, or I need to configure a custom nat rule for traffic from the ap to the email server (self hosted). There is a learning curve to understanding all this, but it does pay dividends in the end.
@@kimandtech FYI I tried it out and returned it... it was dropping every other packet during a basic ping test! Back to the Wi-Fi 6 AmpliFi Alien routers. They are the absolute best, most solid routers I've used so far. Of course, no dropped pings on the Aliens. I just wish they were WiFi 6E or WiFi 7. Maybe soon! I'd stay away from those ASUS routers. I'll never buy one again after spending 900$ on it and then seeing the horrendous ping drops (after multiple factory resets). Luckily they accepted the return for a full refund.
Hi Kim, you reviewed 3 of the routers I was considering and pointed out the concerns I had about them. Thank you so much for that! Do you have a router(s) you recommend?
@TheJoseG Thank you so much for your kind gesture! Currently, from my experience, I'd would get the TP-Link and block the outgoing traffic to its 3rd party vendor. Now, I haven't tried Asus, which I do want to try later on to see if it's any better than the 3 brands I've tried.
@@kimandtechI tried the XT8, purchased new from Amazon. Unfortunately, there’s been serious connection problems, especially when using a walled guest network. This despite resetting every night. I bought a replacement after getting a refund, and then the app said the XT8 is no longer supported for installation wizard… a product just a few years old. I’m returning the ASUS and returning to NETGEAR or jumping to Eero. 😓
To be honest, I'm debating between buying one of the newer TP-Link Deco to check it out or get an Asus mesh system. I haven't decided yet. What are your thoughts on the Asus if you've tried it?
Excellent review. I appreciate your detailed review of this product. I was contemplating whether to get Orbi or something else. You got a new subscriber.
Hi, Your reviews are really great as they are very well researched and detailed so a Geek like me is happy. I am also looking to renew my router from a Linksys velop MX5500. Would it be possible for you to review the ASUS EMB68 this is touted to be a business class router which might be better that any of the usualt retail offerings. Thank you so much and please keeping making your videos.
Hi! Thank you for the kind compliment and the request! I am looking for an Asus router to test but haven't settled on one just yet. I'll definitely keep your request in mind to see if it's a fit for our environment to test it out! Thank you!
This lady is smarter than the teams over at Netgear. They should listen to her, and not just turn a blind eye to all this. We want a safe and clean internet for all. I had some Wyze cams a few years back making hifi signals that made all the animals go nuts, and amazon people dropping boxes. I even showed some people by recording the wyze cameras with a different mic. They just laughed like security and safety is not important. Im like, you dont find it odd that the box drops at the same time as the sound that you cant hear happens?.... Main point safety and security should matter, when I lock something it should stay locked, when I destroy something it should remain destroyed.✌️
Hi @NullBlox . Thank you so much for your kind words and sharing your experience with the Wyze cameras. That's really good to know! Also, completely agree with your last statement! Couldn't have said it better myself! *high 5 man 🙌
Very informative! One of the few channels that are up and coming. Thank you for this video. We are now looking at other brands. What would you recommend that you can find at Costco?
Thank you very much for the kind comment! From the 3 mesh systems that I've tested, I'd recommend the TP-Link Deco XE5300. However, if you're concerned about privacy, then I'd recommend blocking the 3rd party traffic from the router itself and a cloud DNS.
Thank you for your reviews. Since we have seen security issues with different mesh systems, do you have a recommendation for a non-subscription mesh system that is secure?
@ralphki5nuk130 Currently, I don’t have a recommendation for out of the box mesh system in regards to security and privacy concerns. I’m currently testing the new model of Tp-Link and hopefully get to test a few more brands to see if such system exist. It’s a bit time consuming though 😅
Thank you, dear. I’ve learned more from you than I had from the 24 seven tech-support, which is outsourced to countries that I can’t even understand their freaking accent. Unfortunately, I am taking it back today. I’ve wasted 2 1/2 days messing around with this exact model. It’s going right back to Costco. The app is completely useless. It would not detect the satellites. You couldn’t even tell if the satellites were detected on the PC it would show if you opened up your router in a browser that they were there, but the biggest downfall of all is going outside and sitting in the garden under my gazebo. I had no signal at all. Which was less than 60 feet from the bottom satellite, the other satellite upstairs in the loft would be like 40 feet distance and then the main router would be another 20 feet from the loft. My wireless security cameras went from strong signal to medium strength signal. I’m through messing around with this piece of crap!
@mattheww8059 Oh No! That’s terrible that you wasted so much time on that router system - definitely not worth the headache at all. I was very disappointed with this model. Hope you were able to get something that worked for you!
Great video, very helpful!! Thanks! Having problems with new Orbi AX5400, trying to setup as a pass through (with DHCP turned off) to my current router to get extra distance. Like you I have experienced bad support. The Orbi does not hold the 10.0.0.x static IP, keeps going back to 192.168.1.1 Maybe it’s time for that Deco… Thanks!
Thank you so much for the kind compliment and sharing your experience! I haven't tried pass through with any routers, so I cannot validate, but the Deco had better connection and speed for me. Hopefully, you'll get the issue resolved soon!
@@kimandtech Update: I have the router in AP Mode now and it works great! (Web interface Advanced > Advanced Setup > Router / AP Mode) All connections get DHCP from my main router (not the Orbi). The Orbi is positioned in our house to interface with the satellite in our granny house next door with guest mode turned on.
@@rideSYV246 Thank you for the update! Very Nice!!! Glad it worked out for you!!! I’ll definitely keep that in mind if we ever need to use AP Mode. Thanks!
@IcyyX_ I think it would be more reliable in term of connectivity and speed if wired backhaul is used. Sorry, I haven't tried the XE75, so I don't know.
@@IcyyX_ I think in term of features, they're neck to neck. The Deco app from TP-Link now offers MFA setup while the Netgear hasn't - at least the last time I used it. If we're talking about a feature-packed Wi-Fi Mesh System, then so far I'd say the ASUS ZenWiFi based on my experience. I'm blown away by the many options. I haven't had time to review any though, which I'm dreading the thoughts of having to do it. LOL
I have the same system. It stops working after about a year unless you pay for *extended security. basically, a renewal fee. DON'T buy as neither Costco or Netgear warn you about this. It's SHADY biz practice. When I called customer service, the third party customer service company literally hung up on me !!! TWICE !!!!! WHAT THE HAY?
@BuddyBearCreator Oh No! 😟 I’m so sorry to hear. That’s awful that you have to experience such bad customer service. Appreciate you sharing your experience! Did Costco let you return the product? I was able return mine 6 or 7 months in.
the product is older than a year. I'll try and return the product if possible. I'm more disappointed in the company customer service policy or lack thereof @@kimandtech
ty for the video kim. u deserve more likes. subscribed to support. i do enjoy your content cause you are very meticulous.
@AinzOalG0wn Thank you so much!!! Really appreciate your support!!! 🙏
It's very appreciated how unbiased and security focused you are
Thank you very much for the kind comment and recognizing my effort!
Much appreciated!!
Honestly I have the Orbi and love it. It’s been two years with the system and I’ve had no issues thankfully.
@TheGame16 That's great to hear!
Thank you Kim again for a great video. I keep kicking the can down the road with replacing my very old router. As I learn more about cybersecurity, I feel I need to upgrade but with the many issues with no matter what path we take is challanging. Thanks again for sharing good information!
Thank you for sharing your thoughts! I completely agreed. I wasn't expecting all these additional behind the scene details when I upgraded. I was just looking for a simpler system for my home Internet. LOL The major shocker for me with the Netgear is that the app was being clunky and the fact that you cannot turn off 3rd party traffic even though you can disable Netgear Armor. I'm going to try their other Orbi model in the future just to see if it's any differences - I doubt it though - but I'm curious. 😆
Incredibly helpful! Thank you for this. Your insights are much appreciated!
Glad it was helpful!
So glad to see someone else looking through the logs of these routers. Been researching for about 20-30 hours this past week for a good mesh system. TP-Link looked good, but they track too much. Orbi isn't reliable (and tracks). Eero is owned by Amazon so that's an absolute NO (and they collect a ton of data)... I think the last hope might be the Asus RT-BE96U (which I think can be meshed) or their BE16 once it releases (can't recall the exact model number). Curious to see if those Asus routers have the same issues with creepy tracking.
Thanks for stopping by!
I haven't tried Asus, so I don't know how it performs or if there's some privacy issue with them. It's definitely on my list to test though. From my experience so far with the Google Nest Pro, TP-Link Deco, and Netgear Orbi, I'd pick the TP-Link Deco and set blocking rules.
@@kimandtech I think that might be a good idea! TP-Link’s Chinese ties do give me a bit of concern. Yesterday I ordered an ASUS ROG Rapture GT-BE98 Pro… insane $800 but I want to give it a shot and see if it can replace my 2 Amplifi Aliens. Price is steep and we shall see if performance makes sense for the price. I’ll try to remember to follow up on this thread once I get it and go through the network logs to see who it’s phoning home to lol.
@@Slimothy Ooh cool...with WiFi 7 too! Every time I look at the these series, I envision they will flip their antennas upside down and start walking. HAHAHA
But yeah..I'd love to hear your experience if you can stop by again to share your thoughts on it. Thanks a bunch!!!
All of these consumer routers are generally garbage in terms of features, performance, reliability, etc.
My recommendation is just separate the network management from the wifi. Use an old computer to drive something like pfsense then get the AP of your choice (ie, tplink omada series, ubq, or something else). You'll have practically unlimited granular control over all aspects of your network.
I picked up a tplink eap670 last fall to replace an older wifi5 router (rt-ac68u). It integrated well with my pfsense firewall. The eap670 does require some tcpip settings (ip, subnet, gateway, dns settings). I entered valid ip and gateway settings, but bogus dns. In addition, at firewall level, the eap670's ip is blocked from all internet access. Thus, it is impossible for the device to phone home in any manner.
I'd even leave the gateway empty or bogus, but do have the unit set up for daily log emails. The email resides on a different subnet, so either the ap gets a valid gateway ip, or I need to configure a custom nat rule for traffic from the ap to the email server (self hosted).
There is a learning curve to understanding all this, but it does pay dividends in the end.
@@kimandtech FYI I tried it out and returned it... it was dropping every other packet during a basic ping test! Back to the Wi-Fi 6 AmpliFi Alien routers. They are the absolute best, most solid routers I've used so far. Of course, no dropped pings on the Aliens. I just wish they were WiFi 6E or WiFi 7. Maybe soon! I'd stay away from those ASUS routers. I'll never buy one again after spending 900$ on it and then seeing the horrendous ping drops (after multiple factory resets). Luckily they accepted the return for a full refund.
Hi Kim, you reviewed 3 of the routers I was considering and pointed out the concerns I had about them. Thank you so much for that!
Do you have a router(s) you recommend?
@TheJoseG Thank you so much for your kind gesture! Currently, from my experience, I'd would get the TP-Link and block the outgoing traffic to its 3rd party vendor. Now, I haven't tried Asus, which I do want to try later on to see if it's any better than the 3 brands I've tried.
@@kimandtechI tried the XT8, purchased new from Amazon. Unfortunately, there’s been serious connection problems, especially when using a walled guest network. This despite resetting every night.
I bought a replacement after getting a refund, and then the app said the XT8 is no longer supported for installation wizard… a product just a few years old.
I’m returning the ASUS and returning to NETGEAR or jumping to Eero. 😓
Great I was waiting for this one!
Great I'm not buying!
Okay, what is the next product on your lIst.
To be honest, I'm debating between buying one of the newer TP-Link Deco to check it out or get an Asus mesh system. I haven't decided yet.
What are your thoughts on the Asus if you've tried it?
@@kimandtech Last Asus router I had die about 1 year due to poor cooling design.
Oh dang..that sucks..Thanks for sharing!
Excellent review. I appreciate your detailed review of this product. I was contemplating whether to get Orbi or something else. You got a new subscriber.
Thank you for the kind comment! Yeah...for the price, I don't think the Orbi is worth the money - or at least for this specific model.
Hi, Your reviews are really great as they are very well researched and detailed so a Geek like me is happy. I am also looking to renew my router from a Linksys velop MX5500. Would it be possible for you to review the ASUS EMB68 this is touted to be a business class router which might be better that any of the usualt retail offerings. Thank you so much and please keeping making your videos.
Hi! Thank you for the kind compliment and the request! I am looking for an Asus router to test but haven't settled on one just yet. I'll definitely keep your request in mind to see if it's a fit for our environment to test it out! Thank you!
This lady is smarter than the teams over at Netgear.
They should listen to her, and not just turn a blind eye to all this.
We want a safe and clean internet for all.
I had some Wyze cams a few years back making hifi signals that made all the animals go nuts, and amazon people dropping boxes.
I even showed some people by recording the wyze cameras with a different mic.
They just laughed like security and safety is not important.
Im like, you dont find it odd that the box drops at the same time as the sound that you cant hear happens?....
Main point safety and security should matter, when I lock something it should stay locked, when I destroy something it should remain destroyed.✌️
Hi @NullBlox . Thank you so much for your kind words and sharing your experience with the Wyze cameras. That's really good to know!
Also, completely agree with your last statement! Couldn't have said it better myself!
*high 5 man 🙌
Very informative! One of the few channels that are up and coming. Thank you for this video. We are now looking at other brands. What would you recommend that you can find at Costco?
Thank you very much for the kind comment! From the 3 mesh systems that I've tested, I'd recommend the TP-Link Deco XE5300. However, if you're concerned about privacy, then I'd recommend blocking the 3rd party traffic from the router itself and a cloud DNS.
Thank you for your reviews. Since we have seen security issues with different mesh systems, do you have a recommendation for a non-subscription mesh system that is secure?
@ralphki5nuk130 Currently, I don’t have a recommendation for out of the box mesh system in regards to security and privacy concerns. I’m currently testing the new model of Tp-Link and hopefully get to test a few more brands to see if such system exist. It’s a bit time consuming though 😅
Thanks for the review. This helps decide not to get it even though currently 50% off at Costco.
Glad I could help!
Thank you, dear. I’ve learned more from you than I had from the 24 seven tech-support, which is outsourced to countries that I can’t even understand their freaking accent. Unfortunately, I am taking it back today. I’ve wasted 2 1/2 days messing around with this exact model. It’s going right back to Costco. The app is completely useless. It would not detect the satellites. You couldn’t even tell if the satellites were detected on the PC it would show if you opened up your router in a browser that they were there, but the biggest downfall of all is going outside and sitting in the garden under my gazebo. I had no signal at all. Which was less than 60 feet from the bottom satellite, the other satellite upstairs in the loft would be like 40 feet distance and then the main router would be another 20 feet from the loft. My wireless security cameras went from strong signal to medium strength signal. I’m through messing around with this piece of crap!
@mattheww8059 Oh No! That’s terrible that you wasted so much time on that router system - definitely not worth the headache at all. I was very disappointed with this model. Hope you were able to get something that worked for you!
Great video, very helpful!! Thanks!
Having problems with new Orbi AX5400, trying to setup as a pass through (with DHCP turned off) to my current router to get extra distance.
Like you I have experienced bad support.
The Orbi does not hold the 10.0.0.x static IP, keeps going back to 192.168.1.1
Maybe it’s time for that Deco…
Thanks!
Thank you so much for the kind compliment and sharing your experience! I haven't tried pass through with any routers, so I cannot validate, but the Deco had better connection and speed for me. Hopefully, you'll get the issue resolved soon!
@@kimandtech Update: I have the router in AP Mode now and it works great! (Web interface Advanced > Advanced Setup > Router / AP Mode) All connections get DHCP from my main router (not the Orbi). The Orbi is positioned in our house to interface with the satellite in our granny house next door with guest mode turned on.
@@rideSYV246 Thank you for the update! Very Nice!!! Glad it worked out for you!!! I’ll definitely keep that in mind if we ever need to use AP Mode. Thanks!
would it be reliable if i just use the 2nd router as a wired backhaul? or just go deco xe75
@IcyyX_ I think it would be more reliable in term of connectivity and speed if wired backhaul is used. Sorry, I haven't tried the XE75, so I don't know.
@@kimandtech its ok, which software is more user friendly and allows for more features?
@@IcyyX_ I think in term of features, they're neck to neck. The Deco app from TP-Link now offers MFA setup while the Netgear hasn't - at least the last time I used it. If we're talking about a feature-packed Wi-Fi Mesh System, then so far I'd say the ASUS ZenWiFi based on my experience. I'm blown away by the many options. I haven't had time to review any though, which I'm dreading the thoughts of having to do it. LOL
@@kimandtech LOL
No problem at all with our Orbi what so ever
What Wi-Fi system do you use I'm looking for something reliable
I’m currently testing out the TP-Link Deco 16000. The performance has been good so far. Haven’t been able to test much else about it.
I have the same system. It stops working after about a year unless you pay for *extended security. basically, a renewal fee. DON'T buy as neither Costco or Netgear warn you about this. It's SHADY biz practice. When I called customer service, the third party customer service company literally hung up on me !!! TWICE !!!!! WHAT THE HAY?
@BuddyBearCreator Oh No! 😟 I’m so sorry to hear. That’s awful that you have to experience such bad customer service. Appreciate you sharing your experience! Did Costco let you return the product? I was able return mine 6 or 7 months in.
the product is older than a year. I'll try and return the product if possible. I'm more disappointed in the company customer service policy or lack thereof @@kimandtech