ASUS RT-BE96U
Wi-Fi 7 · 19 Gbps tri-band · 10G WAN
Netgear Orbi 970 (RBE973)
Wi-Fi 7 quad-band · 27 Gbps · 10G WAN
ASUS RT-BE96U takes it — here’s why.
In our weighted Specdex score, ASUS RT-BE96U lands at 92 and Netgear Orbi 970 (RBE973) at 89. That puts ASUS RT-BE96U ahead by 3 points — a narrow margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.
Pick ASUS RT-BE96U if…
- ✓10G WAN + 10G LAN
- ✓Tri-band 4x4 Wi-Fi 7 with 320MHz
- ✓AiMesh + AiProtection Pro included
Pick Netgear Orbi 970 (RBE973) if…
- ✓Three-pack covers up to 9000 sq ft
- ✓Premium build quality
- ✓10G WAN + multi-gig LAN
Winner by scenario
Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate testThroughput
TieCompared on the throughput sub-score
Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.
Features
ASUS RT-BE96UCompared on the features sub-score
ASUS RT-BE96U leads on features (96 vs 92).
Range
Netgear Orbi 970 (RBE973)Compared on the range sub-score
Netgear Orbi 970 (RBE973) leads on range (96 vs 90).
Value for money
ASUS RT-BE96USpecdex score per dollar at MSRP
ASUS RT-BE96U more score per dollar ($599 vs $2,299).
Score breakdown
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | ASUS RT-BE96U | Netgear Orbi 970 (RBE973) |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) 4x4 tri-band | Wi-Fi 7 quad-band |
| Total bandwidth | 19000 Mbps | ▲ 27000 Mbps |
| WAN | 10 Gbps | 10 GbE |
| LAN | 1× 10G + 4× 1G | 4× 2.5 GbE on router + 1× 10 GbE per satellite |
| USB | 2× USB 3.0 | — |
| Coverage | ~3500 sq ft | ~9000 sq ft (3-pack) |
ASUS RT-BE96U
- +10G WAN + 10G LAN
- +Tri-band 4x4 Wi-Fi 7 with 320MHz
- +AiMesh + AiProtection Pro included
- −Antennas not removable
- −Pricey vs Wi-Fi 6E
- −Web UI cluttered
Netgear Orbi 970 (RBE973)
- +Three-pack covers up to 9000 sq ft
- +Premium build quality
- +10G WAN + multi-gig LAN
- −Most expensive mesh on the market
- −Armor security subscription separate
- −App polish trails competitors
FAQ: ASUS RT-BE96U vs Netgear Orbi 970 (RBE973)
Which is better, ASUS RT-BE96U or Netgear Orbi 970 (RBE973)? +
ASUS RT-BE96U scores 92 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 3. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.
Is ASUS RT-BE96U worth the price? +
At $599, ASUS RT-BE96U delivers a Specdex score of 92 — strongest in throughput.
Is Netgear Orbi 970 (RBE973) worth the price? +
At $2,299, Netgear Orbi 970 (RBE973) delivers a Specdex score of 89 — strongest in range.
Does ASUS RT-BE96U or Netgear Orbi 970 (RBE973) 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.
Which is better for features, ASUS RT-BE96U or Netgear Orbi 970 (RBE973)? +
ASUS RT-BE96U — leads on features (96 vs 92). Compared on the features sub-score.
Which is better for range, ASUS RT-BE96U or Netgear Orbi 970 (RBE973)? +
Netgear Orbi 970 (RBE973) — leads on range (96 vs 90). Compared on the range sub-score.