Tom’s Guide assessment
A three-week evaluation finds strong speed and coverage, with a very high original kit price and limited configuration options.
Tom’s GuideWi-Fi & networking / Review roundup
Netgear Orbi 970 three-pack
RBE973S kit: one router and two satellites
Roundup updated 2026-10-03 · 2 assessment sources
What reviewers found
For a large home that really needs fast wireless backhaul.
Most buyers should compare less expensive mesh first, and distinguish this three-pack from a cheaper two-node kit.
A roundup of published reviews; we haven’t tested this product. How we work
At a glance
Good for
For a large home that really needs fast wireless backhaul.
The catch
Very expensive kit; Some extras need subscriptions
Where to buy
Current prices are available at the retailer.Check price at Amazon Product search
Affiliate links · We may earn a commission.
Strengths and limitations
Pros
- Powerful wireless backhaul
- Multigigabit Ethernet
Cons
- Very expensive kit
- Some extras need subscriptions
In depth
Dong Knows Tech assessment
Powerful backhaul and multigigabit networking work well, but the cost and restricted settings weaken the value case.
Dong Knows TechWho should buy it
For a large home that really needs fast wireless backhaul. Most buyers should compare less expensive mesh first, and distinguish this three-pack from a cheaper two-node kit.
Tom’s GuideDong Knows TechReview observations
What reviewers reported in use; these are qualitative observations, not benchmark scores.
Review observation · Published assessment
Qualitative findingTom’s Guide: A three-week evaluation finds strong speed and coverage, with a very high original kit price and limited configuration options.
Tom’s GuideSpecifications
Check the configuration: memory, storage and cooling can vary between models.
Hardware & configuration
- Kit
- One router and two satellites
- Wireless standard
- Wi-Fi 7
- Wireless class
- BE27000
- Radio bands
- 2.4 GHz, two 5 GHz, 6 GHz
- Backhaul
- Dedicated wireless band with multi-link support
- Wired backhaul
- Supported
- Internet port
- 10Gb Ethernet
- Local Ethernet
- 10Gb and 2.5Gb connections
- Management
- Orbi mobile app and web interface
- Mesh role
- Router and satellite units are different
- Security extras
- Some features require paid subscriptions
- Placement
- Large upright nodes need open space
Still unknown
- No firsthand testing or long-term failure-rate study by Next Interrupt. Published measurements retain their original sample and test conditions.
Published reviews & comparisons
Dong Knows Tech · Review ·
Netgear Orbi 970 three-pack review ↗
Powerful backhaul and multigigabit networking work well, but the cost and restricted settings weaken the value case.
Test scope
Powerful backhaul and multigigabit networking work well, but the cost and restricted settings weaken the value case.
Publisher group: Dong Knows Tech
Tom’s Guide · Review ·
Netgear Orbi 970 three-pack review ↗
A three-week evaluation finds strong speed and coverage, with a very high original kit price and limited configuration options.
Test scope
A three-week evaluation finds strong speed and coverage, with a very high original kit price and limited configuration options.
Publisher group: Future
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