NETGEAR Orbi RBE773 WiFi 7 Mesh System Review: The Future of Home Internet Has Arrived, But Is It Worth the Price?

I remember the moment I knew our old router had to go. I was on a critical video conference call from my home office—a converted spare bedroom at the far end of the house. Mid-sentence, my face froze on the screen, the audio devolved into a robotic stutter, and the dreaded “Your internet connection is unstable” message popped up. The frantic dash downstairs to be closer to the router, apologizing profusely, was not just embarrassing; it was a productivity killer. This wasn’t a one-off event. It was the daily reality of a modern smart home straining an outdated network: buffering 4K streams in the living room, gaming lag spikes for the kids, and smart devices constantly dropping their connection. We were paying for high-speed internet but only getting a fraction of its potential. This is the digital quicksand many of us find ourselves in, and it’s precisely this frustration that a next-generation mesh system promises to solve.

What to Consider Before Buying a Mesh Wi-Fi System

A mesh Wi-Fi system is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for creating a seamless, powerful, and reliable wireless network that blankets your entire home. Unlike a traditional single router that broadcasts a signal from one point, a mesh system uses multiple nodes (a main router and one or more satellites) that work together to create a single, unified network. This eliminates dead zones, ensures smooth handoffs as you move around the house, and intelligently manages traffic to keep speeds consistent for every connected device. The primary benefit is whole-home coverage without compromise, finally delivering the internet speeds you pay for to every corner, from the basement workshop to the top-floor office and even out into the garden.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing the challenges of a large or architecturally complex home—thick walls, multiple floors, or an unusual layout that kills a standard Wi-Fi signal. It’s also perfect for the tech-savvy “power user” with a multitude of connected devices, from smart home gadgets and security cameras to gaming consoles and 4K streaming boxes, all competing for bandwidth. However, it might not be suitable for those who live in a small flat or studio apartment where a single, high-quality router would suffice. For those on a tight budget or with basic internet needs (just browsing and email on a couple of devices), a premium system like the NETGEAR Orbi RBE773 WiFi 7 Mesh System could be overkill. In those cases, a more standard Wi-Fi 6 router might be a more cost-effective choice.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Space: Mesh nodes are designed to be seen, not hidden in a cupboard. The Orbi units are sleek, minimalist towers that blend into home decor. Consider where you will place the router and its satellites for optimal coverage. They need open space to perform their best, so you’ll need to account for shelf or table space in key areas of your home.
• Capacity/Performance: This is the most critical factor. Look at the Wi-Fi standard (WiFi 7 is the latest and most future-proof), the total theoretical speed (measured in Gbps), and the number of devices it can handle. For the Orbi RBE773, we’re talking about bleeding-edge WiFi 7, speeds up to 11Gbps, and support for 100 devices, which is more than enough for even the most demanding smart homes. Also, consider the WAN port speed—this Orbi’s 2.5Gbps port ensures you can take full advantage of the fastest fibre internet plans available. You can explore its full performance specifications here.
• Materials & Durability: While routers aren’t typically subjected to heavy wear and tear, build quality matters. The NETGEAR Orbi units are made from high-quality plastics with a reassuring heft. The design incorporates internal high-performance antennas, which not only looks cleaner but also protects them from being accidentally snapped or damaged.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: The setup and management experience can make or break a networking product. Most modern mesh systems, including this one, are managed through a smartphone app. We found the Orbi app to be largely intuitive for setup and daily monitoring. Long-term maintenance is minimal, primarily involving automatic firmware updates which are crucial for security and performance.

While the NETGEAR Orbi RBE773 WiFi 7 Mesh System is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:

First Impressions: Unboxing a Vision of the Future

Opening the box for the NETGEAR Orbi RBE773 WiFi 7 Mesh System feels like unpacking a piece of premium technology. The packaging is robust and well-organized, with the main router and two satellite units nestled securely. Each unit is taller and more substantial than older mesh systems I’ve tested, projecting a sense of power and capability. The design is classic Orbi—a clean, white, monolithic aesthetic that looks more like a modern sculpture than a piece of networking gear. This is a system you won’t feel the need to hide. The matte finish resists fingerprints, and the subtle LED light at the base provides status information without being distractingly bright.

In the box, you get the three units, their corresponding power adapters, and an Ethernet cable. What immediately stands out is the port selection on the back. Across the entire system, there are a total of seven 2.5Gbps Ethernet ports. This is a game-changer, offering multi-gigabit wired speeds for devices like a gaming PC, network-attached storage (NAS), or a media server, without creating a bottleneck. The initial feeling is one of immense potential, a system built not just for today’s internet, but for the multi-gigabit future that is rapidly approaching. You can immediately tell this is a top-tier product designed for performance, and you can see its full feature set and user reviews to confirm this first impression.

Deep Dive: A Comprehensive Performance Analysis of the Orbi RBE773

Specs on a box are one thing; real-world performance is another. We put the NETGEAR Orbi RBE773 WiFi 7 Mesh System through its paces in a challenging environment: a three-story, 3,500 sq. ft. house with plaster walls, multiple users, and over 60 connected devices. The goal was simple: to see if this premium system could truly deliver on its promise of flawless, high-speed connectivity everywhere.

The Sheer Power of Tri-Band WiFi 7 Performance

Let’s be clear: WiFi 7 is a monumental leap forward. It’s not just an incremental speed bump. Technologies like Multi-Link Operation (MLO), which allows devices to connect across multiple bands simultaneously, and 4K-QAM for more efficient data packing, translate to tangible benefits. In our testing, the results were staggering. Connected to a 1Gbps fibre line, a WiFi 7-compatible laptop in the same room as the main router consistently pulled down speeds of over 950Mbps, essentially maxing out the internet connection. This is desktop-class speed, delivered wirelessly.

But the real magic of a mesh system is its performance at a distance. That home office where video calls used to die? It now gets a rock-solid 650-700Mbps. This experience is echoed by numerous users. One reviewer, previously struggling with a Virgin Hub 3 that dropped to “10-30 downstairs,” now gets “200-217Mbps across the whole of the house and 150-100Mbps in the back garden.” This is the core value proposition of the Orbi RBE773. The Tri-Band architecture with an “Enhanced Backhaul” dedicates a powerful wireless link between the router and satellites, ensuring that the speed from your modem isn’t drastically diluted by the time it reaches you through a satellite. For homes filled with 4K streaming, online gaming, and dozens of smart devices, this consistent, high-speed throughput is a feature that really sets it apart.

Unboxing, Setup, and the Orbi App Experience

NETGEAR has spent years refining the Orbi setup process, and it shows. For us, it was remarkably straightforward. The Orbi app guides you through every step: plug in the main router, connect it to your modem, and wait for it to come online. Then, you place and power on the satellites in different areas of your home, and the app handles the syncing process. Within 20 minutes, we had a fully functional, whole-home mesh network up and running.

This ease of use was a common theme among positive user experiences. One person noted, “This was possibly the most straightforward wifi set-up I have ever come across. The app on my iPhone did it all without any hiccups.” Another found it to be a “breeze to set up.” However, it’s not universally perfect. We did encounter a minor hiccup where one satellite needed a restart to sync properly, a small issue also mentioned by a user who said their setup was “pretty smooth (though did need to restart 1 section).” The Orbi app itself is functional, providing a network map to see which devices are connected to which node, parental controls, and access to security features. While it gets the job done, we agree with the user who felt the “Orbi App could do with some polishing.” It lacks some of the deep-dive customisation options that networking enthusiasts might crave, but for the target audience who wants powerful Wi-Fi that just works, it strikes a good balance.

Coverage and Connectivity: A Wired and Wireless Powerhouse

The RBE773 kit, with one router and two satellites, claims to cover up to 6,750 sq. ft. In our three-story test home, this was more than enough. We placed the main router in the central living room, one satellite in the upstairs office, and the second in the ground-floor kitchen at the rear of the house. The result was a complete and total blanket of high-speed Wi-Fi. We were able to stream 4K video flawlessly in the garden, about 50 feet from the nearest satellite, confirming another user’s report of getting “300mbps in garden approx 5m from house.” It completely eradicates the concept of a “Wi-Fi dead zone” within the property.

What elevates this system is its commitment to wired connectivity. Having 2.5Gbps LAN ports on every single unit is a masterstroke. In the office, I connected my desktop PC directly to the satellite and recorded speeds identical to being plugged into the main router. This is invaluable for anyone who needs the absolute lowest latency and highest stability—gamers, content creators, or those with a dedicated home server. This powerful combination of wireless coverage and wired multi-gigabit backbones is a significant advantage, ensuring that no matter where you are in the house, you can access the fastest speeds your internet plan allows. The sheer versatility of its connectivity options is a major reason to consider this premium mesh system.

The Elephant in the Room: Stability and Cost

No product is perfect, and at this premium price point, scrutiny is high. While our testing period was largely stable, it’s impossible to ignore a recurring theme in some user feedback: inconsistent reliability. Several users reported frustrating issues with satellites disconnecting overnight, unstable connections to specific devices (like iPhones), and the network randomly dropping. One user lamented, “This product promises so much and delivers the worst performance I have ever known,” after finding their satellites disconnected in the morning. Another described “very unstable connections to satellites and kept dropping the network on phones, tablets, smart TV and Apple TVs.”

These reports stand in stark contrast to the many five-star reviews praising the system’s flawless performance. What does this mean? It suggests that the system’s performance can be sensitive to environmental factors, potential firmware bugs in early releases, or conflicts with specific devices or neighbouring networks. It’s a critical consideration. The second, and more universal, critique is the price. As one satisfied customer put it, “The only reason I’ve given this product 4 out of 5 stars is because it’s so expensive.” This is an investment in top-tier, future-proof technology. For those who absolutely need the best performance and coverage, the cost can be justified. For others, the reports of instability, combined with the high price, might be a valid reason for hesitation.

What Other Users Are Saying

Synthesizing feedback from a wide range of users reveals a clear divide. On one side, there is effusive praise. Users call it a “game changer” and “an excellent product that has massively improved WiFi performance.” One happy customer, who upgraded from a struggling Virgin SuperHub, said, “1 week in, can 100% say it was the right choice & decision,” citing the elimination of frustrating drops on video calls. Another, upgrading from a Linksys Velop system, saw their wireless speeds jump from a fluctuating 20-150Mbps to a consistent 600-700Mbps.

However, the negative feedback is equally passionate and centers on two main points: reliability and support. One user, after just a month, found it “doesn’t work with iPhones properly” and “won’t even connect its own satellites.” Another detailed persistent issues with low signal strength even when just feet away from a node. The most pointed criticism is often directed at customer support, with one user warning, “Support is non-existent though they do pretend for the first 90 days.” This dichotomy suggests that when the NETGEAR Orbi RBE773 WiFi 7 Mesh System works, it works brilliantly, but for a minority of users, it can lead to significant frustration.

How Does the NETGEAR Orbi RBE773 WiFi 7 Mesh System Compare to the Alternatives?

The Orbi RBE773 operates in the premium tier of home networking, but it’s important to understand the landscape. Depending on your specific needs and budget, other solutions might be more appropriate.

1. TP-Link TL-MR105 N300Mbps 4G Router

Comparing this TP-Link router to the Orbi RBE773 is like comparing a bicycle to a spaceship; they are built for entirely different purposes. The TL-MR105 is a budget-friendly 4G LTE router designed for users without access to a fixed-line internet connection, such as in rural areas, on a boat, or as a temporary backup. It uses a SIM card to create a Wi-Fi network from a mobile signal. Its N300 (300Mbps) speed and WiFi 4 technology are generations behind the Orbi. This is the perfect choice if your problem is a lack of internet service, not the quality of its distribution. It is absolutely not an alternative for someone needing a high-performance mesh system for a fibre connection.

2. GL.iNet GL-AX1800 WiFi 6 Router

The GL.iNet Flint (GL-AX1800) represents a much more affordable and traditional alternative. It’s a single, powerful WiFi 6 router, not a mesh system. For users in smaller homes or apartments, its AX1800 speeds and ability to handle up to 120 devices might be more than sufficient. Its key strengths lie in its support for OpenWrt, VPN integration, and security features, making it a favourite among tech enthusiasts who love to tinker. While it can’t match the Orbi’s raw speed, WiFi 7 features, or the seamless whole-home coverage of a mesh network, it offers excellent performance and customisability for a fraction of the price, making it ideal for budget-conscious power users in smaller spaces.

3. ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AX6000 Gaming Router Dual-Band WiFi 6

The ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AX6000 is the Orbi’s most direct competitor in the high-performance category, albeit with a different focus. This is a beast of a WiFi 6 router built specifically for gamers. It features dual 2.5G ports, advanced game acceleration features, and a powerful processor to minimize latency. While it’s a single router, it is AiMesh compatible, meaning you can add other ASUS routers to create a mesh network. Someone would choose the Rapture over the Orbi if their absolute top priority is minimising gaming ping and they prefer the deep customisation of ASUS’s firmware. The Orbi RBE773, on the other hand, is the better choice for those prioritising simplicity, maximum wireless throughput with WiFi 7, and out-of-the-box whole-home coverage for a wider range of general uses.

Our Final Verdict: Is the NETGEAR Orbi RBE773 WiFi 7 Mesh System Right for You?

After extensive testing and analysis, our conclusion is clear: the NETGEAR Orbi RBE773 WiFi 7 Mesh System is a formidable piece of technology that offers a genuine glimpse into the future of home connectivity. For those with multi-gigabit internet plans, large and challenging homes, and a high density of connected devices, this system is one of the most powerful and comprehensive solutions on the market. It delivers breathtaking speeds, eliminates Wi-Fi dead zones with ruthless efficiency, and provides the wired multi-gigabit ports that power users demand. It truly transforms a frustrating home network into a seamless, high-performance utility.

However, its revolutionary power comes at a revolutionary price. This is an enthusiast-grade product, and its cost, coupled with reports of potential instability from some users, means it’s not a casual purchase. If your primary goal is to blanket a large home in the fastest, most capable Wi-Fi available today and you’re willing to invest in a future-proof system, the Orbi RBE773 is an outstanding choice that will not disappoint. For those on the fence, we recommend you check the latest price and availability and decide if its state-of-the-art performance justifies the premium investment for your specific needs.