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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
VS
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
Specdex verdict

Dead heat — it comes down to priorities.

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

Pick Netgear Orbi 970 (RBE973) if…

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

Pick NETGEAR Nighthawk RS700S if…

  • ✓True Wi-Fi 7 BE19000
  • ✓10 GbE WAN + 10 GbE LAN
  • ✓Great range
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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 Orbi 970 (RBE973) 89
vs
89 NETGEAR Nighthawk RS700S

Score breakdown

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

Specs side-by-side

Netgear Orbi 970 (RBE973) versus NETGEAR Nighthawk RS700S — full spec comparison
Spec Netgear Orbi 970 (RBE973) NETGEAR Nighthawk RS700S
Standard
Wi-Fi 7 quad-band
Wi-Fi 7 (BE19000)
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)
—
Bands
—
Tri-band
Ports
—
1× 10 GbE WAN + 1× 10 GbE LAN + 4× 2.5 GbE

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

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

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

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

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

Is Netgear Orbi 970 (RBE973) worth the price? +

At $2,299, Netgear Orbi 970 (RBE973) delivers a Specdex score of 89 — strongest in range.

Is NETGEAR Nighthawk RS700S worth the price? +

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

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

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

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

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