TP-Link
TP-Link Deco BE85 (2-pack)
Wi-Fi 7 · Tri-band mesh · Dual 10 GbE
88
/ 100
From $999
VS
NETGEAR
NETGEAR Orbi 960
Wi-Fi 6E · AXE11000
88
/ 100
From $1,499
Specdex verdict
Dead heat — it comes down to priorities.
In our weighted Specdex score, TP-Link Deco BE85 (2-pack) lands at 88 and NETGEAR Orbi 960 at 88. With scores tied, the decision hinges on which sub-scores matter most to you.
Pick TP-Link Deco BE85 (2-pack) if…
- ✓Dual 10 GbE + dual 2.5 GbE per node
- ✓Tri-band Wi-Fi 7 with 320 MHz channels
- ✓MLO + 8 antennas — excellent coverage
Pick NETGEAR Orbi 960 if…
- ✓Current-gen Wi-Fi
- ✓App-driven setup
- ✓Parental controls (brand-dependent)
TP-Link Deco BE85 (2-pack) 88
vs 88 NETGEAR Orbi 960
Score breakdown
TP-Link Deco BE85 (2-pack)
88 throughput 92
range 90
features 90
value 86
NETGEAR Orbi 960
88 throughput 88
range 86
features 86
value 82
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | TP-Link Deco BE85 (2-pack) | NETGEAR Orbi 960 |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | Wi-Fi 7 (BE22000) 4×4 tri-band | Wi-Fi 6E |
| Bands | Tri-band (2.4 / 5 / 6 GHz) | — |
| Channel width | 320 MHz | — |
| Ports | 2× 10 GbE + 2× 2.5 GbE per node | — |
| Antennas | 8 internal | — |
| Features | MLO + Mesh AI roaming | — |
| Throughput | — | AXE11000 |
TP-Link Deco BE85 (2-pack)
Pros
- +Dual 10 GbE + dual 2.5 GbE per node
- +Tri-band Wi-Fi 7 with 320 MHz channels
- +MLO + 8 antennas — excellent coverage
Cons
- −HomeShield subscription for advanced security
- −UI feels dated
- −Slightly less range than eero Max 7
NETGEAR Orbi 960
Pros
- +Current-gen Wi-Fi
- +App-driven setup
- +Parental controls (brand-dependent)
Cons
- −Advanced features sometimes subscription-gated
- −Range varies
- −Firmware stability improves over time
FAQ: TP-Link Deco BE85 (2-pack) vs NETGEAR Orbi 960
Which is better, TP-Link Deco BE85 (2-pack) or NETGEAR Orbi 960? +
Both score 88 on our weighted rubric — tied. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.
Is TP-Link Deco BE85 (2-pack) worth the price? +
At $999, TP-Link Deco BE85 (2-pack) delivers a Specdex score of 88 — strongest in throughput.
Is NETGEAR Orbi 960 worth the price? +
At $1,499, NETGEAR Orbi 960 delivers a Specdex score of 88 — strongest in throughput.
Does TP-Link Deco BE85 (2-pack) or NETGEAR Orbi 960 last longer? +
Based on our long-term update and support ratings, both ship with multi-year support. Battery and reliability scores are visible in the breakdown above.