As smart homes become increasingly complex, the demand for robust, high-speed WiFi solutions has never been higher. Leveraging NETGEAR’s 25 years of WiFi expertise, the Orbi 970 Series Quad-band WiFi 7 system promises unparalleled performance and expansive coverage.
The Orbi 970 Series boasts a sleek, cylindrical design with black panels. Standing nearly 29cm tall, these units are undeniably stylish but not exactly minimalist.
The design accommodates high-performance antennas, ensuring 360-degree coverage throughout most home layouts.
While the Orbi units are visually appealing, their size means they remain noticeable fixtures rather than blending seamlessly into your home decor.
WiFi 7 technology, which delivers blistering speeds of up to 27 Gbps, is at the heart of the Orbi 970 Series.
The system operates on four bands: one 2.4 GHz, two 5 GHz, and one 6 GHz. This quad-band approach, combined with 320MHz high-capacity channels and 4K QAM, ensures devices receive up to 2.4 times the speed compared to older models, all while maintaining backward compatibility.
In real-world testing, the Orbi 970 showcased impressive performance. Close-range speeds reached up to 2 Gbps, covering a (almost) 1,600-square-foot home and extending into outdoor areas.
The signal quality in the toilets with a couple of concrete walls in the way was good as well.
Multi-link operation (MLO) and enhanced dedicated backhaul leveraging 5 GHz and 6 GHz bands contribute to reduced latency and increased reliability, making it ideal for data-intensive activities like 4K/8K streaming, online gaming, and AR/VR applications.
The Orbi 970 Series is packed with advanced features:
The main router offers two 10GbE Internet ports and four 2.5GbE LAN ports, while each satellite includes one 10GbE and two 2.5GbE ports. This setup caters to users with multi-gig internet plans and allows for ultra-fast wired backhaul connections.
Combining dedicated 5 and 6 GHz bands achieves wireless backhaul speeds up to 10 Gbps, ensuring seamless data flow between the router and satellites.
The system includes a one-year subscription to NETGEAR Armor, offering robust security features such as malware protection and VPN services. However, continued access to advanced security and parental controls requires additional subscriptions.
NETGEAR’s user-friendly app makes setting up the Orbi 970 straightforward. The pre-paired router and satellites streamline the installation process, although positioning satellites within optimal range is crucial for maximizing performance.
The app provides intuitive controls for managing connected devices, conducting internet speed tests, and configuring security settings. While the app caters well to average users, network enthusiasts might find the lack of advanced customization options limiting.
The Orbi 970 Series commands a premium price – RBE973S (Router + 2 Satellites): S$3,799 and/or the RBE972S (Router + 1 Satellite): S$2,799.
At these price points, the Orbi 970 positions itself at the higher end of the market. While it offers top-tier performance and advanced features, competitors provide similar capabilities at more affordable prices.
Additionally, ongoing subscription costs for enhanced security and parental controls can significantly add to the total ownership cost.
The NETGEAR Orbi 970 Series Quad-band WiFi 7 system is a powerhouse designed for tech enthusiasts and large households with demanding internet needs. It delivers exceptional speed, extensive coverage, and advanced features that set it apart from many competitors.
However, its premium price and additional subscription costs may deter potential buyers, especially when comparable systems offer similar performance at lower prices. If you have a large home, a multi-gig internet connection, and are willing to invest in top-tier WiFi performance, the Orbi 970 Series is a formidable choice. However, the cost-to-benefit ratio might not justify the investment for most users.