GL.iNet Flint 2 (GL-MT6000)
Wi-Fi 6 · OpenWrt · 2.5 GbE × 5
Netgear Orbi 970 (RBE973)
Wi-Fi 7 quad-band · 27 Gbps · 10G WAN
Netgear Orbi 970 (RBE973) takes it — here’s why.
In our weighted Specdex score, GL.iNet Flint 2 (GL-MT6000) lands at 87 and Netgear Orbi 970 (RBE973) at 89. That puts Netgear Orbi 970 (RBE973) ahead by 2 points — a narrow margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.
Pick GL.iNet Flint 2 (GL-MT6000) if…
- ✓Native OpenWrt with GL.iNet polish
- ✓5× 2.5 GbE ports
- ✓Tailscale + WireGuard built-in
Pick Netgear Orbi 970 (RBE973) if…
- ✓Three-pack covers up to 9000 sq ft
- ✓Premium build quality
- ✓10G WAN + multi-gig LAN
Score breakdown
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | GL.iNet Flint 2 (GL-MT6000) | Netgear Orbi 970 (RBE973) |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | Wi-Fi 6 dual-band | Wi-Fi 7 quad-band |
| Total bandwidth | 5400 Mbps | ▲ 27000 Mbps |
| WAN | 2.5 GbE | 10 GbE |
| LAN | 4× 2.5 GbE | 4× 2.5 GbE on router + 1× 10 GbE per satellite |
| USB | 1× USB 3.0 | — |
| Coverage | ~3000 sq ft | ~9000 sq ft (3-pack) |
GL.iNet Flint 2 (GL-MT6000)
- +Native OpenWrt with GL.iNet polish
- +5× 2.5 GbE ports
- +Tailscale + WireGuard built-in
- −Wi-Fi 6 (not 7) at this price
- −Limited 6 GHz support
- −Setup steeper than eero
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: GL.iNet Flint 2 (GL-MT6000) vs Netgear Orbi 970 (RBE973)
Which is better, GL.iNet Flint 2 (GL-MT6000) or Netgear Orbi 970 (RBE973)? +
Netgear Orbi 970 (RBE973) scores 89 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 2. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.
Is GL.iNet Flint 2 (GL-MT6000) worth the price? +
At $199, GL.iNet Flint 2 (GL-MT6000) delivers a Specdex score of 87 — strongest in features.
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 GL.iNet Flint 2 (GL-MT6000) 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.