NetGear Orbi 970 Series Quad-band WiFi 7 Mesh Black Edition Review

Netgear has a rich history for high-end consumer routers, and while routers are rarely something to get excited about, the new NetGear Orbi is one of the rare occasions that it can be. When it comes to providing network coverage to larger workspaces or homes, the Orbi Quad Black is extremely powerful, promising whole home coverage thanks to its base unit and satellite units. This setup helps to reduce the chances of WiFi dead zones, but also ensures you can get massive network speeds to take advantage of super-fast fiber internet and network attached devices. There's just one major issue, it doesn't come cheap. Actually, it's near ruinously expensive. However, if you need a lot of flagship networking hardware, the Orbi 970 Series has it all. As you can see, compared to the popular Orbi 770 series, the Orbi 970 is a lot more expensive, coming in at £2199.99 for the triple pack system; that's the base unit plus two satellite units. However, it offers up to 200 concurrent devices, double that or the Orbii 770, as well as quad-band networking, 27 Gbps network speeds, 10GbE LAN ports, and coverage of around 8200 sq. ft. Of course, that's total overkill for most users, but for the ultra-fast speed internet lovers with extensive amounts of tech and smart home devices, it's going to be ideal. Key Features and Specifications The Orbi 970 3-Pack WiFi 7 Mesh System (RBE973SB) represents a significant leap forward in home networking, boasting cutting-edge WiFi 7 technology that delivers blazing-fast speeds up to 27Gbps. Its quad-band design ensures seamless connectivity for a large number of devices. The inclusion of a 10 Gig internet port, alongside multiple 10Gbps and 2.5Gbps Ethernet ports, caters to the most demanding users. With features like Multi-Link Operation, Preamble Puncturing, and robust NETGEAR Armor security, this system is primed for the future of high-bandwidth applications, from 8K streaming to gaming and plenty in between. WiFi 7 Technology: Provides significantly faster speeds compared to previous WiFi generations. Offers speeds up to 27Gbps. Backward compatible with older WiFi devices. Quad-Band WiFi: Utilises a quad-band system with an enhanced dedicated backhaul for consistent performance. Allows for optimal distribution of network traffic. 10 Gig Internet Port: Equipped with a 10 Gig internet port to support the fastest available internet speeds. Also has 10 gigabit LAN ports, and 2.5 gigabit ports. 360° Whole-Home Coverage: Designed with high-performance antennas to provide comprehensive coverage throughout the home. Coverage up to 8,200 sq. ft. for the 3 pack system. High Device Capacity: Supports connectivity for up to 200 devices simultaneously. Enhanced Performance: Optimised for 8K streaming, gaming, video conferencing, and other high-bandwidth applications. Multi-Link Operation. Preamble Puncturing. Security: Includes NETGEAR Armor software for enhanced network security and device protection. WPA3. Ethernet Ports: Includes 10Gbps and 2.5Gbps Ethernet ports for fast wired connections. Design: New antenna design, for better signal. Black colour. Technical Details: Quad-core 2.2GHz processor. 4GB Flash and 2GB RAM. 12 internal antennas. Packaging The box for the Orbi Quad-Band Mesh System is pretty hefty, but that's hardly surprising given that this bundle is effectively three routers in one box. You can buy a single, double, triple, or even quadruple setup, or just buy as many satellite units as you need separately. In the box, you'll find all three units very nicely packaged, with double folded cardboard on the exterior, double folded cardboard insert trays, and plastic over each one, ensuring they're extremely well protected. You get three power cables, an ethernet cable, and international adaptors for each unit, as well as all the usual documentation. A Closer Look This is easily the most expensive router bundle we've ever had in the office. OK, only because it's a bundle, but when each satellite unit can cost around £800 each, and there are two along side the base unit, it's not hard to see how this can get extremely expensive very quickly. That being said, they look like expensive products, with that matte black stealthy finish and tall form factor, they're pretty interesting. Of course, they're also somewhat understated, as these need to blend into your home too. They're designed with a three-sided main body that sits on a circular base. This shape makes them easy to place on a shelf, windowsill, next to a computer, etc, and they're not going to take up too much space. What's bonkers about this, is how minimalist it all feels. There's an extreme amount of high-end hardware here, but short of a couple of ports, you almost would not know it. There's a 10G Ethernet port on the back here, as well as 10G internet port. I must humble brag that I'm lucky enough to have internet that runs at 8000/8000Mbps (8Gb each way) so I can use almost all of that speed. If you only have say, 1000Mbps internet, the Orbi Black doesn't really make much sense at all, and a WiFi 6E model would more than cover your needs. Considering these can manage a max network speed of 27000 Mbps (obviously not from a single device, but combined with multiple devices), as well as wireless distributing 10 GbE and 2.5 GbE inputs and outputs, you'll need the latest laptops, motherboards, phones, consoles, etc, to really tap into all of it. The satellite units look identical to the hub unit, at least from the front and sides. However, on the back, you'l find they have fewer inputs. There's a 10G ethernet port, as well as a pair of 2.5G ports. Again, this is quite clever, as you can wire devices into the satellite units, and they benefit from a more direct connection, but they're still wirelessly connected to the hub unit using WiFi 7. The idea here is obvious, you put the main hub at the point of access for your fibre internet, and place the other two further way. Say you have the hub in your living room, the first satellite in your kitchen, and the second one upstairs. This ensures you're never far away from a strong and high-speed WiFi signal. This means that mobile devices (such as the Pixel 9 Pro here) can get full speeds of their WiFi anywhere in the home. While networked devices can be maxed out too. Software If you've owned a NetGear network product in the last 20 years, you'll feel familiar with the software. It really doesn't look like it's changed much at all, with a few colours and images dropped in here and there, but otherwise, it's the same old firmware design. On the basic tab, you can see all the day to day stuff you'll need. You can see the internet is on, the wireless SSID and password, the number of devices, and security settings. Here you can configure basic networking options, such as DNS, and WAN configuration, but again, this is simple enough and largely automatically configured. With the WAN setup you can dive into some more advanced features, although most home users would likely leave these at stock settings. The wireless tab is likely where you'll make the most changes. Here you can apply a funny WiFi name, change network channels, and enable a dedicated IoT network for smart home devices. While you'll set up the hub first, the satellite units can be added and configured here, such as the two that are included, or any additional ones you may purchase. Overall though, it's very straight forward, and while the interface is a bit dated, all the usual advanced security features are here and easy enough to use. You can easily see devices on your network, rename them, kick them, or fix them an IP address as you need to. There is a mobile app too, but it's largely just a simpler and watered down version of the main web browser configuration. However, for quickly checking network settings, speeds, WiFi, and the like, it's a quick and easy way to do so from anywhere in your home. And again, you can easily turn off access to devices here too; kids not done their homework? Guess their internet is turned off... whoops! How Much Does it Cost? The Netgear Orbi 970 series is undeniably a premium product, and its price reflects that. The 3-pack WiFi 7 Mesh System (RBE973SB) comes with a significant price tag of £2199.99. This investment places it at the very high end of the consumer router market, perhaps even outside of the consumer market. While the cost may seem prohibitive to many, it's crucial to consider the advanced technology and extensive coverage it provides. For those with demanding networking needs and a willingness to invest in top-tier performance, the Orbi 970 represents a long-term investment in future-proofed connectivity. Individual satellite units are also available, but they similarly carry a high price point, reflecting their sophisticated internal hardware. The only other solution that could beat it would be to invest in some 10 GbE switches and cables, but if you have dozens, or even hundreds of smart wireless devices, then you still need a good router as well anyway. You can check for up to date stock and prices here. Conclusion The Netgear Orbi 970 Black Edition is a powerhouse of networking technology, designed for users who demand the very best. It offers unparalleled speed, extensive coverage, and a host of advanced features that set it apart from the competition. While its price point places it firmly in the premium category, its performance justifies the investment for those with the most demanding networking needs. However, keep in mind that few devices support the latest WiFi technologies at this time (some examples below), but that will grow over time, so this router is strongly focused on future proofing. iPhone 16 series Google Pixel 9 series Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro OnePlus 12 Motorola Edge 50 Ultra Various new Asus ROG laptops Asus ROG line of motherboards that support the Z890 and X870 chipsets. Dell Alienware m18 R2 Gaming Laptop HP Envy x360 Build Quality The Orbi 970 system exudes quality in its design and construction. The matte black finish and tall, sleek form factor give it a modern and sophisticated look. The units are quite heavy, robust and well-built, reflecting the high-end components within. The minimalist design ensures that the system blends seamlessly into any home environment, while the strategic placement of ports and antennas optimises performance. They are also available in white too, if you want something that matches a brighter aesthetic. Features The Orbi 970 is packed with cutting-edge features, including WiFi 7 technology, quad-band networking, and 10 Gig internet and LAN ports. Its ability to support up to 200 devices simultaneously and provide coverage for up to 8,200 sq. ft. makes it ideal for large homes and demanding users. Features like Multi-Link Operation and Preamble Puncturing further enhance performance, while NETGEAR Armor provides robust security, not that you need to concern yourself, as much of this is setup and handled automatically by the routers. Security Security is a paramount concern for any network, and the Orbi 970 excels in this area. NETGEAR Armor, powered by Bitdefender, provides comprehensive protection against online threats, including malware and phishing attacks. WPA3 encryption ensures secure wireless connections, and the ability to create a dedicated IoT network enhances security for smart home devices. The system's advanced security features provide peace of mind for users concerned about protecting their network and devices. Speed and Connectivity The Orbi 970 delivers exceptional speed and connectivity, with a total wireless bandwidth of up to 27Gbps, it can handle the most demanding applications, from 8K streaming to online gaming from multiple users simultaneously with plenty to spare. The 10 Gig internet and LAN ports provide lightning-fast wired connections, while the 2.5Gbps ports offer flexibility for connecting a variety of devices such as NAS and gaming systems. Should I Buy One? The decision to purchase the Netgear Orbi 970 depends on your specific needs and budget. If you have a large home, a multitude of devices, and a need for the fastest possible network speeds, the Orbi 970 is an excellent choice. Its advanced features, robust security, and exceptional performance justify the high price tag for those who demand the best. However, if your networking needs are more modest, a less expensive WiFi 6E system may be sufficient. Ultimately, the Orbi 970 is a premium product for users who are unwilling to compromise on performance and coverage. If you've got multiple gaming PCs, consoles, the latest phones, and a big space, go for it. If you've got a PS5 and single phone, then yeah, it's total overkill.

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