Scored using Routers Methodology v3.0
Routers Methodology v3.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Routers Methodology v3.0: the technical score from the specifications is the base, and independent expert and video reviews (up to ±0.5 points), owner opinions (up to ±0.3) and best-of lists (up to +0.3) move it up or down.
Explore Routers Methodology v3.0

Netgear Orbi 970 review: 77 specs compared

Avg. price:~£1,500Wi-Fi version:Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be)Wi-Fi speed:27000 MbpsLAN port speeds:10 Gbps + 2.5 GbpsMesh Wi-Fi:yes

Netgear Orbi 970 Review: Compare 77 technical specifications, 33 expert and video reviews and 4 best-of lists to see how this product ranks in the Routers category and whether it is worth buying.

Netgear Orbi 970
8.6/10

Overall score

Score
8.6/ 10
✕
What it is
Our main score for this model, 1–10. It combines specs, expert reviews, best-of lists and owners.
How we count it
Parts: Technical score 40%, Reviews score 25%, List score 25%, Sentiment score 10%
Marks: Each part gets a mark out of 10. For reviews, lists and owners, a typical model in this category gets about 8 and the best one gets 10.
No data yet: A part with no data shows "?". It counts as the mark of a weaker model in this category (4 in 5 models with data score higher). This way, models with reviews, lists and owners usually come out ahead.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

40%

8.9

Technical score

25%

8.3

Reviews score

25%

8.5

List score

10%

8.4

Sentiment score

★Better than 97% of routers
6.8

Value for money

Value for money
6.8/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the router's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a router with a good balance between network performance, features, and price.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

70%

8.6

Overall score

30%

2.6

Price

▼Worse than 99%
8.9

Technical score

Technical score
8.9/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 40% of the overall score.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

26%

9.8

Wireless

20%

7.7

Ports

18%

8.4

Networking

14%

9.8

Security

12%

8.9

Hardware

10%

8.0

Management

★Better than 98%
8.3

Reviews score

Reviews score
8.3/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.7 for now.
Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10

80%

7.9

Average grade

20%

9.7

Popularity

Grades by review (33)
22 reviews: 15 with a printed score, 7 estimated from the review. 11 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
▲Better than 60%
8.5

List score

List score
8.5/ 10
✕
What it is
How often independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers put this model in their best-of lists for this category.
How we count it
Points: The model in the most lists of this category gets 10; the others get 8 to 10 in proportion. In no list yet: 7.5. Lists count 25% of the overall score.
Enough data: Every list counts, even a single one. With fewer than 5 best-of lists in the category, this part is left out.
Lists with this model (4)
List score: in 4 of 83 lists (5%)
★Better than 90%
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Where to buy
*As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.

What reviewers say about the Netgear Orbi 970

Based on 10 · 11

Reviewers praise the wide coverage and easy setup, but complain about the clunky app, subscription fees and bulky, hot-running units.
Praised
Mixed views
Criticised
Pick a topic to see who said what

What owners say about the Netgear Orbi 970

Based on 36 owners sharing their experience in online comments

31%positive25%mixed44%negative

Owners praise stable performance, fast WiFi, and strong backhaul, but many report dropouts, disappointing speeds, and a steep price.

What owners dislike

  • Owners report random drops and reboots on some setups, with smart home devices and Pixel phones losing connection and guest networks failing near satellites.10
  • Some owners see WiFi around 160 Mbps on an 800 Mbps connection, and guest WiFi running at a tenth of main WiFi speed.7
  • Owners say the price, around $2,300 for a set, is hard to justify for the performance they get.5
  • Owners say Netgear tech support was unhelpful when setup or connection problems came up.4
  • Owners report firmware updates fixing some bugs but breaking other things, and removing router features such as MAC filtering.4
  • Owners say the app and admin menu lack features, including a 250 IP DHCP limit and no view of 6 GHz or WiFi 7 devices.3

Points mentioned by at least 3 owners, most mentioned first.

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Technical Specifications of router Netgear Orbi 970

Technical score
Technical score
8.9/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 40% of the overall score.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components:

26%

9.8

Wireless

20%

7.7

Ports

18%

8.4

Networking

14%

9.8

Security

12%

8.9

Hardware

10%

8.0

Management

8.9
Reviews score
8.3
List score
8.5
Value for money
Value for money
6.8/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the router's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a router with a good balance between network performance, features, and price.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components:

70%

8.6

Overall score

30%

2.6

Price

6.8
Brand name
Netgear
Wi-Fi version
Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be)
This router uses Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be), which is more advanced than 88.2% of routers and equal to 11.8% of routers.
Wi-Fi bands
2.4 GHz + 5 GHz + 6 GHz
This router supports 2.4 GHz + 5 GHz + 6 GHz Wi-Fi bands, which are more versatile than 90.4% of routers and equal to 9.6% of routers.
Wi-Fi speed
27,000 Mbps
This router delivers 27,000 Mbps Wi-Fi speed, which is higher than 99.8% of routers.
Channel widths supported
20 MHz + 40 MHz + 80 MHz + 160 MHz
This router supports 20 MHz + 40 MHz + 80 MHz + 160 MHz channel width options, which is more than 66.5% of routers and the same as 27.4% of routers.
Show more
What reviewers say
Wi-Fi security protocols
WPA3, WPA2
This router supports WPA3, WPA2 Wi-Fi security protocols, which are more advanced than 70.5% of routers and equal to 3.9% of routers.
DoS protection
yes
This router includes DoS protection. 9.8% of routers include DoS protection.
SPI intrusion protection
yes
This router includes SPI-based intrusion protection. 4.7% of routers include SPI-based intrusion protection.
MAC address filtering
yes
This router supports MAC address filtering. 1.7% of routers include MAC address filtering.
URL filter
yes
This router supports URL filtering. 2.6% of routers include URL filtering.
Show more
What reviewers say
IPv6 support
yes
This router supports IPv6. 8.8% of routers are IPv6-ready.
Dynamic routing
no
This router does not support dynamic routing. 46.2% of routers support dynamic routing.
Inter-VLAN routing
?
VLAN tagging
?
QoS
yes
This router includes QoS controls. 2.4% of routers include QoS controls.
Show more
N. of LAN ports
5
This router has 5 LAN ports, which is more than 93.7% of routers and the same as 2.5% of routers.
LAN port speeds
10 Gbps + 2.5 Gbps
This router offers 10 Gbps + 2.5 Gbps on its LAN ports, which is faster than 98.5% of routers and on par with 0.4% of routers.
N. of WAN ports
1
This router has 1 WAN ports, which is more than 0.8% of routers and the same as 89.4% of routers.
N. of USB ports
?
Power over Ethernet (PoE)
no
This router does not support Power over Ethernet (PoE). 1.7% of routers can be powered over Ethernet.
Show more
What reviewers say
Management interface
Web UI, App
This router uses Web UI, App for management, which is more advanced than 29.7% of routers and equal to 60.9% of routers.
Firmware upgrade method
Web UI, App, Automatic
This router supports Web UI, App, Automatic firmware update methods, which are more convenient than 71.9% of routers and equal to 27.2% of routers.
Traffic monitoring
yes
This router includes traffic monitoring. 13.9% of routers include traffic monitoring.
Guest Wi-Fi network
yes
This router offers a guest Wi‑Fi network. 7.3% of routers offer a guest Wi‑Fi network.
Captive portal
no
This router does not offer captive portal features. 22.4% of routers offer captive portal features.
Show more
CPU clock speed
4x 2.2 GHz
This router runs at 4x2.2 GHz, which is faster than 94.5% of routers and on par with 2.5% of routers.
RAM capacity
4,096 MB
This router has 4,096 MB of RAM, which is more than 99.8% of routers and the same as 0.2% of routers.
Internal storage
4 GB
This router has 4 GB of internal storage, which is more than 96% of routers and the same as 2.6% of routers.
Hardware acceleration
yes
This router offers hardware acceleration. 24.9% of routers offer hardware acceleration.
N. of external antennas
?
Show more
What reviewers say

Netgear Orbi 970 vs the average router

246810TotalWirelessSecurityNetworkingPortsManagementHardware
  • Faster LAN ports
    This router has a higher LAN port speed than the average router (10 Gbps + 2.5 Gbps vs 1 Gbps). The average router has a LAN port speed of 1 Gbps.
    10 Gbps + 2.5 Gbps vs 1 Gbps
  • 15.43x faster Wi-Fi speed
    This router has a higher Wi-Fi speed than the average router (27,000 Mbps vs 1,750 Mbps). The average router reaches Wi-Fi speed of 1,750 Mbps.
    27,000 Mbps vs 1,750 Mbps
  • Newer Wi-Fi version
    This router supports a newer Wi-Fi version than the average router (Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) vs Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)). The average router uses Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac).
    Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) vs Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
  • More Wi-Fi bands
    This router supports more Wi-Fi bands than the average router (2.4 GHz + 5 GHz + 6 GHz vs 2.4 GHz + 5 GHz). The average router supports 2.4 GHz + 5 GHz Wi-Fi bands.
    2.4 GHz + 5 GHz + 6 GHz vs 2.4 GHz + 5 GHz
  • Stronger Wi-Fi security
    This router supports the Wi-Fi security protocols WPA3, WPA2, while the average router supports WPA2, WPA/WPA2, WEP.
    WPA3, WPA2 vs WPA2, WPA/WPA2, WEP
  • 16x more RAM
    This router has more RAM than the average router (4,096 MB vs 256 MB). The average router has 256 MB of RAM.
    4,096 MB vs 256 MB
  • 4.99x wider wireless coverage
    This router has wider wireless coverage than the average router (929 m² vs 186 m²). The average router offers wireless coverage of 186 m².
    929 m² vs 186 m²
  • Supports mesh Wi-Fi
    This router supports mesh Wi-Fi, while the average router does not. 45.2% of routers support mesh Wi-Fi.
  • 7.8% higher review score
    Reviews score
    8.3/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
    How we count it
    Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
    Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
    Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.7 for now.
    Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    Score distribution
    ▼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10

    80%

    7.9

    Average grade

    20%

    9.7

    Popularity

    Grades by review (33)
    22 reviews: 15 with a printed score, 7 estimated from the review. 11 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
    8.3 vs 7.7
  • 4.9% higher list score
    List score
    8.5/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    How often independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers put this model in their best-of lists for this category.
    How we count it
    Points: The model in the most lists of this category gets 10; the others get 8 to 10 in proportion. In no list yet: 7.5. Lists count 25% of the overall score.
    Enough data: Every list counts, even a single one. With fewer than 5 best-of lists in the category, this part is left out.
    Lists with this model (4)
    List score: in 4 of 83 lists (5%)
    8.5 vs 8.1
  • 15.43x faster Wi-Fi speed
    This router has a higher Wi-Fi speed than the average router (27,000 Mbps vs 1,750 Mbps). The average router reaches Wi-Fi speed of 1,750 Mbps.
    27,000 Mbps vs 1,750 Mbps
  • Newer Wi-Fi version
    This router supports a newer Wi-Fi version than the average router (Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) vs Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)). The average router uses Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac).
    Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) vs Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
  • More Wi-Fi bands
    This router supports more Wi-Fi bands than the average router (2.4 GHz + 5 GHz + 6 GHz vs 2.4 GHz + 5 GHz). The average router supports 2.4 GHz + 5 GHz Wi-Fi bands.
    2.4 GHz + 5 GHz + 6 GHz vs 2.4 GHz + 5 GHz
  • 4.99x wider wireless coverage
    This router has wider wireless coverage than the average router (929 m² vs 186 m²). The average router offers wireless coverage of 186 m².
    929 m² vs 186 m²
  • Supports mesh Wi-Fi
    This router supports mesh Wi-Fi, while the average router does not. 45.2% of routers support mesh Wi-Fi.
  • Supports dedicated mesh backhaul
    This router offers dedicated mesh backhaul, while the average router does not. 7.4% of routers offer dedicated mesh backhaul.
  • Supports OFDMA
    This router supports OFDMA, while the average router does not. 41.5% of routers support OFDMA.
  • Wider channel widths
    This router has a higher supported channel width than the average router (20 MHz + 40 MHz + 80 MHz + 160 MHz vs 20 MHz + 40 MHz + 80 MHz). The average router supports channel width of 20 MHz + 40 MHz + 80 MHz.
    20 MHz + 40 MHz + 80 MHz + 160 MHz vs 20 MHz + 40 MHz + 80 MHz
  • 136 more connected devices
    This router supports more connected devices than the average router (200 vs 64). The average router supports 64 connected devices.
    200 vs 64
  • Supports TWT
    This router supports Target Wake Time (TWT), while the average router does not. 42.6% of routers support Target Wake Time (TWT).
  • Stronger Wi-Fi security
    This router supports the Wi-Fi security protocols WPA3, WPA2, while the average router supports WPA2, WPA/WPA2, WEP.
    WPA3, WPA2 vs WPA2, WPA/WPA2, WEP
  • Faster LAN ports
    This router has a higher LAN port speed than the average router (10 Gbps + 2.5 Gbps vs 1 Gbps). The average router has a LAN port speed of 1 Gbps.
    10 Gbps + 2.5 Gbps vs 1 Gbps
  • 1 more LAN ports
    This router has more LAN ports than the average router (5 vs 4). The average router has 4 LAN ports.
    5 vs 4
  • 16x more RAM
    This router has more RAM than the average router (4,096 MB vs 256 MB). The average router has 256 MB of RAM.
    4,096 MB vs 256 MB
  • 32x more internal storage
    This router has more internal storage than the average router (4 GB vs 0.1 GB). The average router offers 0.125 GB of internal storage.
    4 GB vs 0.125 GB
  • Higher CPU clock speed
    This router has a higher CPU clock speed than the average router (4x2.2 GHz vs 2x1 GHz). The average router has a CPU clock speed of 2x1 GHz.
    4x2.2 GHz vs 2x1 GHz
  • 4 years newer release date
    This router was released more recently than the average router (2023 vs 2019). The average router release year is 2019.
    2023 vs 2019
  • 15.79x more expensive
    Netgear Orbi 970 is more expensive than the average router (£1,500 vs £95).
    £1,500 vs £95
  • 19.3% worse value for money
    Netgear Orbi 970 has worse value for money than the average router (6.77 vs 8.1).
    6.77 vs 8.08
  • 242.6 mm higher height
    This router is taller than the average router (294 mm vs 51.4 mm). The average router is 51.4 mm tall.
    294 mm vs 51.4 mm
  • 3.98x heavier weight
    This router is heavier than the average router (1,790 g vs 450 g). The average router weighs 450 g.
    1,790 g vs 450 g
  • 77 mm thicker design
    This router is thicker than the average router (131 mm vs 54 mm). The average router is 54 mm thick.
    131 mm vs 54 mm
  • 15.79x more expensive
    Netgear Orbi 970 is more expensive than the average router (£1,500 vs £95).
    £1,500 vs £95
  • 19.3% worse value for money
    Netgear Orbi 970 has worse value for money than the average router (6.77 vs 8.1).
    6.77 vs 8.08
  • 242.6 mm higher height
    This router is taller than the average router (294 mm vs 51.4 mm). The average router is 51.4 mm tall.
    294 mm vs 51.4 mm
  • 3.98x heavier weight
    This router is heavier than the average router (1,790 g vs 450 g). The average router weighs 450 g.
    1,790 g vs 450 g
  • 77 mm thicker design
    This router is thicker than the average router (131 mm vs 54 mm). The average router is 54 mm thick.
    131 mm vs 54 mm

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

9.0
The Review Daily
≈ estimated
17/12/2025
Hands-on review · speed, range, thermals and software
Verdict
The Netgear Orbi 970 is the fastest and most consistent mesh tested, best for big homes with open placement.
8.0
Airbnb Wifi and more
≈ estimated
17/12/2025
Hands-on test · coverage, channels and heat
Verdict
The Netgear Orbi 970 runs at an acceptable temperature, but its 2.4 GHz band needs its channel changed by hand for less interference.
8.0
The Lab Daily
≈ estimated
22/10/2025
Hands-on review · setup, speed, heat and app tests
Verdict
The Netgear Orbi 970 is a better fit for speed-focused users with fast internet and wired needs than for those wanting simple stability.
9.0
Everyday Chris
≈ estimated
01/03/2024
Hands-on review · range, speed and Tesla tests
Verdict
Netgear Orbi 970 is a solid futureproofing choice, though it makes most sense if you already own Wi-Fi 7 devices.
8.0
Chris Majestic
≈ estimated
06/12/2023
Full review · speed tests, setup and caveats
Verdict
The Netgear Orbi 970 is stable and fast for large homes, but its very high price and missing features hold it back.
9.0
GregglesTV
≈ estimated
30/11/2023
Long-term test · over a month of gaming and streaming use
Verdict
The Netgear Orbi 970 is a very reliable, fast mesh system for large households, recommended if the high price fits your budget.
6.0
George Langabeer
≈ estimated
03/10/2023
First look · unboxing and initial impressions
Verdict
Netgear Orbi 970 feels premium and stable so far, but the price is hard to justify yet.
8.0
TheChanClanLife
≈ estimated
22/09/2023
Unboxing · first impressions and comparison with Orbi 6
Verdict
Netgear Orbi 970 is worth it for early upgraders, though it is pricey and not for everyone.
Not graded
Brand video
Not graded
Brand video

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

7.0
pcguide.com
✓ explicit
16/09/2026
Hands-on review · Wi-Fi 7 mesh
Verdict
The Netgear Orbi 970 is a fast, easy-to-set-up Wi-Fi 7 system with many Ethernet ports, but its bulky units and subscription-locked security deserve a close look.
8.0
highspeedinternet.com
✓ explicit
01/10/2026
Speed test · Wi-Fi 7 mesh
Verdict
The Netgear Orbi 970 is the fastest mesh system tested for internet plans up to 10Gbps, though its free features are thin and 2.4GHz speeds disappoint.
8.0
trustedreviews.com
✓ explicit
19/08/2024
Hands-on test · Wi-Fi 7 mesh
Verdict
The Netgear Orbi 970 delivers very fast Wi-Fi 7 speeds and plenty of wired ports, but it needs Wi-Fi 7 devices and can't use older Orbi satellites.
8.0
expertreviews.co.uk
✓ explicit
25/04/2024
Hands-on test · Wi-Fi 7 mesh
Verdict
The Netgear Orbi 970 is one of the fastest home meshes, but Wi-Fi 7 isn't fully usable with today's drivers, so it's hard to recommend yet.
8.0
the-ambient.com
✓ explicit
23/09/2024
Hands-on test · Quad-band Wi-Fi 7
Verdict
The Netgear Orbi 970 is a very fast quad-band Wi-Fi 7 mesh system suited to large homes and busy networks, but it can't use older Orbi satellites.
7.0
howtogeek.com
✓ explicit
29/03/2024
Hands-on test · Wi-Fi 7 mesh
Verdict
The Netgear Orbi 970 suits homes with multi-gig internet and fast Wi-Fi 6E or 7 devices, but it's overkill and pricey for most households.
6.9
dongknows.com
✓ explicit
18/01/2024
Hands-on review · Wi-Fi 7 mesh
Verdict
The Netgear Orbi 970 is the fastest Orbi yet, but it offers few features for its price and was glitchy for months after launch.
6.0
tomshardware.com
✓ explicit
13/12/2024
Lab test · Speed benchmarks
Verdict
The Netgear Orbi 970 performs close to the fastest Wi-Fi 7 mesh routers, but its basic web interface and single shared network name limit control.
8.0
korben.info
≈ estimated
11/06/2026
Hands-on test · Thunderbolt setup
Verdict
The Netgear Orbi 970 is a fast quad-band system that reaches far rooms and the garden, but its 10Gbps ports only pay off with matching 10Gbps gear.
8.0
global.t3.com
✓ explicit
06/06/2025
Full review · Garden range
Verdict
The Netgear Orbi 970 is one of the strongest mesh systems available, reaching into the garden at steady speeds, but it suits large homes with many devices.
8.0
frandroid.com
✓ explicit
22/06/2024
Hands-on test · Wi-Fi 7 mesh
Verdict
The Netgear Orbi 970 offers excellent wireless speeds and a full feature set, but its high price and paid extras are hard to justify.
9.0
zdnet.fr
≈ estimated
04/03/2024
Hands-on test · Wi-Fi 7 mesh
Verdict
The Netgear Orbi 970 is an excellent mesh, but only worth its high cost if your devices and internet connection can use its speed.
9.0
pprod.tomshardware.fr
✓ explicit
18/07/2024
Hands-on review · Wi-Fi 7 kit
Verdict
The Netgear Orbi 970 is a fast, well-connected Wi-Fi 7 kit with a year of security included, but its huge units and subscription parental controls may put off casual users.
9.0
itdaily.fr
≈ estimated
18/02/2025
Hands-on review · Setup and speed
Verdict
The Netgear Orbi 970 is a fast Wi-Fi 7 mesh system that covers large homes and handles 200 devices, but occasional drops and subscription features may frustrate.
8.0
tg24.sky.it
≈ estimated
31/05/2024
Hands-on test · Wi-Fi 7 mesh
Verdict
The Netgear Orbi 970 is a fast Wi-Fi 7 mesh for very large homes with simple setup, but the price is high.
9.0
nl.mashable.com
≈ estimated
04/12/2024
Hands-on test · Mesh Wi-Fi 7
Verdict
The Netgear Orbi 970 is a fast, far-reaching mesh system for large homes, though it has no USB port for network drives.

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Netgear Orbi 970

  • Wi-Fi 7 system rated at 27 Gbps
  • Dedicated mesh backhaul between the units
  • Coverage figure of up to 929 m²
  • Wired speeds of 10 Gbps and 2.5 Gbps
  • 4 GB of RAM for a demanding network
  • Up to 200 devices connected at once
  • WPA3 and WPA2 security with WPS pairing

What customers don't like about Netgear Orbi 970

  • Very high price, far above ordinary mesh kits
  • Overkill for flats and typical homes
  • Needs a separate modem, with no built-in DSL or cable
  • Full 929 m² coverage needs several units

Verdict

The Orbi 970 sits at the very top of Netgear's mesh range, and its price shows it. This Wi-Fi 7 system is rated at 27 Gbps, and its coverage figure reaches 929 square metres. A dedicated mesh backhaul keeps traffic between the units off the bands that phones and laptops use. Wired speeds mix 10 Gbps and 2.5 Gbps, and 4 GB of RAM runs the system. Up to 200 devices can connect at once, which suits crowded smart homes. WPA3 and WPA2 are supported, and WPS makes pairing simple. Guest Wi-Fi and parental controls are part of the software, so visitors and children get their own rules. It suits very large homes and buyers who want dedicated links between nodes and do not mind the cost.

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