NETGEAR Orbi RBE973 Wi-Fi 7 Mesh System
9.8/10 (Expert Score)
- All prices mentioned above are in United States dollar.
- This product is available at Amazon.com.
- At amazon.com you can purchase NETGEAR Orbi 970 Series Quad-Band WiFi 7 Mesh Network System (RBE973S), Router + 2 Satellite Extenders, Security Features, Up to 27Gbps, Covers Up to 10,000 sq. ft., 200 Devices, 10 Gig Internet Port for only $1,699.89
- The lowest price of NETGEAR Orbi 970 Series Quad-Band WiFi 7 Mesh Network System (RBE973S), Router + 2 Satellite Extenders, Security Features, Up to 27Gbps, Covers Up to 10,000 sq. ft., 200 Devices, 10 Gig Internet Port was obtained on November 16, 2025 8:10 pm.
Original price was: $1,999.99.$1,699.89Current price is: $1,699.89.
Description
It’s a quad-band, Wi-Fi 7 mesh system that covers a ridiculous amount of space and can handle more connected devices than most people even own. This is what happens when NETGEAR puts the pedal all the way down and builds a system for folks who never want to think about their Wi-Fi again—because it just works, and works hard.
🧱 Design
Orbi systems have always looked modern, and the RBE973 takes that even further. Each unit has a sleek, futuristic vibe with soft edges and a premium finish that makes it look more like a smart speaker than a router. You can drop one in the living room and it won’t scream “network gear.”
Each node is fairly big, though, so plan on giving them a little breathing room. The vertical design helps with airflow and antenna positioning, so they’re not just pretty—they’re practical. If you’ve used earlier Orbis, these are similar in style, just bigger and bolder.
🧰 Features
Where to begin? The RBE973 runs on Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) and supports quad-band backhaul, including a dedicated 6GHz band to keep communication between the nodes lightning fast and out of your way. That means better performance for your devices because they’re not sharing airtime with the mesh.
It also includes 10 Gigabit WAN, 4x 2.5G LAN ports on each satellite, MU-MIMO, OFDMA, and Multi-Link Operation (MLO)—fancy Wi-Fi 7 tech that lets devices connect on multiple bands at once for better speed and stability. Add NETGEAR Armor (free trial, then subscription) and smart parental controls, and it’s fully loaded.
⚙️ Setup
Setting up the RBE973 is surprisingly easy, even with all that tech packed inside. You use the Orbi app, which walks you through setup, placement, and optimization. It’s basically plug, power, and follow the prompts. No advanced skills needed.
That said, if you’re a power user, the web interface offers a ton of control. You can tweak QoS, set up VLANs, manage guest networks, and more. Whether you’re tech-savvy or just want your Wi-Fi to work, the setup flow has you covered.
🚀 Performance
Let’s not sugarcoat it—this system is absurdly fast. We’re talking multi-gigabit speeds across a huge coverage area. Whether you’ve got a 2 Gbps internet plan or just a ton of local traffic (file transfers, gaming, cameras), the RBE973 handles it like a pro.
It’s also one of the most consistent mesh systems I’ve tested. No signal drop-offs when walking between rooms. No speed dips on the far end of the house. Just solid, clean performance everywhere—even when dozens of devices are hammering the network.
NETGEAR Orbi RBE973 vs TP-Link Deco BE95, Amazon Eero Max 7, and TP-Link Deco BE85
| Feature | NETGEAR Orbi RBE973 | TP-Link Deco BE95 | Amazon Eero Max 7 | TP-Link Deco BE85 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wi-Fi Standard | Wi-Fi 7 (Tri-Band) | Wi-Fi 7 (Quad-Band) | Wi-Fi 7 (Tri-Band) | Wi-Fi 7 (Quad-Band) |
| Top Speed | Up to 27 Gbps combined | Up to 33 Gbps combined | Up to 9.4 Gbps combined | Up to 22 Gbps combined |
| Coverage Area | ~10,000 sq. ft. (3-pack) | ~9,600 sq. ft. (3-pack) | ~7,500 sq. ft. (3-pack) | ~9,600 sq. ft. (3-pack) |
| Bands | 2.4GHz, 5GHz, 6GHz | 2.4GHz, dual 5GHz, 6GHz | 2.4GHz, 5GHz, 6GHz | 2.4GHz, dual 5GHz, 6GHz |
| Ethernet Ports per Unit | 4 (1 WAN, 3 LAN, multi-gig support) | 4 (1 WAN, 3 LAN, multi-gig support) | 2 (multi-gig capable) | 4 (1 WAN, 3 LAN, multi-gig support) |
| AI/Smart Features | NETGEAR Armor, Smart Connect, MU-MIMO, OFDMA, Beamforming | HomeShield Security, AI-Driven QoS, MU-MIMO, OFDMA | Auto-updates, TrueMesh, Thread & Matter support | HomeShield Security, AI-Driven QoS, MU-MIMO, OFDMA |
| Parental Controls | Yes (via subscription) | Yes (HomeShield) | Yes (subscription) | Yes (HomeShield) |
| Setup | Orbi app | Deco app | Eero app | Deco app |
| Price Range | $$$$ | $$$$ | $$$ | $$$$ |
WiFi Guy’s Take
The Orbi RBE973 is the Wi-Fi equivalent of a high-end sports car — fast, flashy, and built for those who want the top-tier home network. It’s perfect if you need massive coverage, high-speed backhaul, and more wired ports than most mesh kits offer.
The Deco BE95 beats it slightly in total speed on paper thanks to its quad-band setup, while the BE85 offers nearly the same coverage and features at a slightly lower cost. The Eero Max 7 shines for smart home integration and ease of use but can’t quite match the range or sheer performance muscle of the Orbi or Deco flagships. If you’re going all-in on Wi-Fi 7 and want to future-proof without compromise, the Orbi still feels like the showpiece everyone else measures against.
🧠 Verdict
The Orbi RBE973 is not for everyone—but for the right household, it’s unbeatable. If you’ve got a large home, a high-speed internet plan, and a ton of connected devices (or want to future-proof for the next 5–7 years), this mesh system delivers on every front.
It’s pricey, yes. But if you’re tired of upgrading routers every few years or dealing with patchwork extenders, this is a one-and-done solution. You’ll pay upfront, but you’ll stop thinking about Wi-Fi altogether—and that’s worth something.
❓ FAQs
Q: Does the Orbi RBE973 work with my current modem?
A: Yep. Just plug the main unit into your modem using Ethernet. It works with cable, fiber, and DSL connections.
Q: Do I need Wi-Fi 7 devices to benefit?
A: Not necessarily. Wi-Fi 6 and older devices will still see great performance, but you’ll get the most out of it as you upgrade your tech over time.
Q: Can I expand the system later?
A: Yes. You can add more Orbi satellites if you want to extend coverage even further.
Q: What’s the total coverage area?
A: A 3-pack covers up to 9,000 sq ft—more than enough for most homes, and even some small businesses.
Q: Is it worth it if I just stream and browse?
A: Probably not. This is overkill unless you’ve got a fast plan, a big home, or lots of demanding devices.
NETGEAR Orbi RBE973 – Video
Alternatives to the Orbi RBE973
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TP-Link Deco BE85 – Another Wi-Fi 7 mesh system with similar speeds, often priced a bit lower than Orbi.
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ASUS ZenWiFi XT9 – A premium Wi-Fi 6E mesh alternative with solid performance and AiProtection Pro security.
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Eero Max 7 – Amazon’s Wi-Fi 7 mesh system, known for ease of use and great smart home compatibility.
Home Network Engineer Course
✅ You’ll Be Able To:
- Fix Wi-Fi and device problems fast – Know what’s wrong and how to handle it
- Speed up your connection – Boost coverage, kill lag, and reduce dropouts
- Lock it down – Protect your network from freeloaders and shady devices
- Upgrade with confidence – Know what gear to get (and what to skip)
- Stop second-guessing yourself – Never be scared of a blinking router again
Last update on 2025-11-17 at 03:16 Affiliate links and Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
NETGEAR Orbi RBE973 Wi-Fi 7 Mesh System Prices
Price History
| Price history for NETGEAR Orbi 970 Series Quad-Band WiFi 7 Mesh Network System (RBE973S), Router + 2 Satellite Extenders, Security Features, Up to 27Gbps, Covers Up to 10,000 sq. ft., 200 Devices, 10 Gig Internet Port | |
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Additional information
Specification: NETGEAR Orbi RBE973 Wi-Fi 7 Mesh System
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NETGEAR Orbi RBE973 Wi-Fi 7 Mesh System Videos
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