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NETGEAR Nighthawk RS700S — Wi-Fi 7 BE19000 · 10 GbE WAN
NETGEAR

NETGEAR Nighthawk RS700S

Wi-Fi 7 BE19000 · 10 GbE WAN

89
/ 100
From $699
VS
Netgear Orbi 970 (RBE973) — Wi-Fi 7 quad-band · 27 Gbps · 10G WAN
Netgear

Netgear Orbi 970 (RBE973)

Wi-Fi 7 quad-band · 27 Gbps · 10G WAN

89
/ 100
From $2,299
Specdex verdict

Dead heat — it comes down to priorities.

In our weighted Specdex score, NETGEAR Nighthawk RS700S lands at 89 and Netgear Orbi 970 (RBE973) at 89. With scores tied, the decision hinges on which sub-scores matter most to you.

Pick NETGEAR Nighthawk RS700S if…

  • ✓True Wi-Fi 7 BE19000
  • ✓10 GbE WAN + 10 GbE LAN
  • ✓Great range

Pick Netgear Orbi 970 (RBE973) if…

  • ✓Three-pack covers up to 9000 sq ft
  • ✓Premium build quality
  • ✓10G WAN + multi-gig LAN
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Winner by scenario

Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate test

Range

Netgear Orbi 970 (RBE973)

Compared on the range sub-score

Netgear Orbi 970 (RBE973) leads on range (96 vs 94).

Throughput

Netgear Orbi 970 (RBE973)

Compared on the throughput sub-score

Netgear Orbi 970 (RBE973) leads on throughput (95 vs 92).

Features

Netgear Orbi 970 (RBE973)

Compared on the features sub-score

Netgear Orbi 970 (RBE973) leads on features (92 vs 86).

Value for money

NETGEAR Nighthawk RS700S

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

NETGEAR Nighthawk RS700S more score per dollar ($699 vs $2,299).

NETGEAR Nighthawk RS700S 89
vs
89 Netgear Orbi 970 (RBE973)

Score breakdown

NETGEAR Nighthawk RS700S
89
throughput 92
range 94
features 86
value 80
ease 0
Netgear Orbi 970 (RBE973)
89
throughput 95
range 96
features 92
value 0
ease 86

Specs side-by-side

NETGEAR Nighthawk RS700S versus Netgear Orbi 970 (RBE973) — full spec comparison
Spec NETGEAR Nighthawk RS700S Netgear Orbi 970 (RBE973)
Standard
Wi-Fi 7 (BE19000)
Wi-Fi 7 quad-band
Bands
Tri-band
—
Ports
1× 10 GbE WAN + 1× 10 GbE LAN + 4× 2.5 GbE
—
Total bandwidth
—
27000 Mbps
WAN
—
10 GbE
LAN
—
4× 2.5 GbE on router + 1× 10 GbE per satellite
Coverage
—
~9000 sq ft (3-pack)

NETGEAR Nighthawk RS700S

Pros
  • +True Wi-Fi 7 BE19000
  • +10 GbE WAN + 10 GbE LAN
  • +Great range
Cons
  • −Armor subscription for advanced features
  • −Bulky
  • −Pricey vs ASUS/eero

Netgear Orbi 970 (RBE973)

Pros
  • +Three-pack covers up to 9000 sq ft
  • +Premium build quality
  • +10G WAN + multi-gig LAN
Cons
  • −Most expensive mesh on the market
  • −Armor security subscription separate
  • −App polish trails competitors

FAQ: NETGEAR Nighthawk RS700S vs Netgear Orbi 970 (RBE973)

Which is better, NETGEAR Nighthawk RS700S or Netgear Orbi 970 (RBE973)? +

Both score 89 on our weighted rubric — tied. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.

Is NETGEAR Nighthawk RS700S worth the price? +

At $699, NETGEAR Nighthawk RS700S delivers a Specdex score of 89 — strongest in range.

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 NETGEAR Nighthawk RS700S 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 range, NETGEAR Nighthawk RS700S or Netgear Orbi 970 (RBE973)? +

Netgear Orbi 970 (RBE973) — leads on range (96 vs 94). Compared on the range sub-score.

Which is better for throughput, NETGEAR Nighthawk RS700S or Netgear Orbi 970 (RBE973)? +

Netgear Orbi 970 (RBE973) — leads on throughput (95 vs 92). Compared on the throughput sub-score.