Netgear Orbi 373: affordable and easy-to-use mesh Wi-Fi system for larger homes

Date:
Wed, 22 Oct 2025 12:07:33 +0000

Description:
Another fine affordable Wi-Fi 7 router from Netgear. But, should you upgrade?

FULL STORY ======================================================================Netgear Orbi 373: One-minute review

Netgears new management continues its quest to provide more affordable
options for home users who want to upgrade their Wi-Fi. The company has recently launched a number of affordable Wi-Fi 7 routers , and its now bringing that approach to its Orbi range of mesh Wi-Fi systems too.

Like many of the more affordable Wi-Fi 7 routers and mesh systems that weve seen recently, the Orbi 370 series keeps its price down by providing basic dual-band Wi-Fi 7 that uses just the 2.4GHz and 5.0GHz frequency bands, and omits the faster 6.0GHz band that is available with both Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7 .

However, Wi-Fi doesnt just focus on speed alone, and is also designed to be more reliable when connecting to lots of devices within your home all at the same time.

This means that a dual-band Wi-Fi 7 system such as the Orbi 370 series can still provide a useful upgrade for owners of older routers and mesh systems - especially for people who live in larger homes that need a far-reaching Wi-Fi network that can cover their entire home. (Image credit: Future)

This also ensures that the Orbi 370 remains fully compatible with older computers and other devices that use the 2.4GHz and 5.0GHz bands. However, owners of shiny new PCs or mobile devices that do have Wi-Fi 7 might prefer
to opt for a more expensive router or mesh system that provides full support for the high-speed 6.0GHz band. Netgear Orbi 373: Price & availability How much does it cost? $349.99/299.99/AU$349.99 When is it available? Available now Where can you get it? Available in the US, UK, and Australia

Most mesh Wi-Fi systems consist of two or more routers that are identical in terms of both design and features.

However, Netgears Orbi range takes a different approach, with each system consisting of a primary router along with one or more satellite units. The Orbi 370 series can be bought as a two-pack mesh system (Orbi 372) that consists of the main router and one satellite for $249.99/209.99/AU$249.99.

For this review, we tested the three-pack option (Orbi 373) that includes one router and two satellites, priced at $349.99/299.99/AU$349.99. Netgear states that this should cover an area of up to 6,000 sq.ft although that figure may vary due to differences in regional regulations, so check Netgears local web site in your own country before buying.

Theres also a four-pack available in the US and Australia, which adds a third satellite for $449.99/AU$449.99. However, that option doesnt seem to be available for the quaint little hovels in the tiny island state of Great Britain. Value: 4 / 5 Netgear Orbi 373: Specs

Wi-Fi:

Dual-band Wi-Fi 7 (2.4GHz, 5.0GHz)

Speed:

US/AU - 5Gbps, UK 3.6Gbps

Connectivity:

1x 2.5Gb WAN, 1x 2.5Gb LAN; Satellite - 1x 2.5Gb LAN



Processor:

Quad-core CPU, 1.25GHz

Memory

1GB

Storage:

512MB

Dimensions:

204 x 75 x 120mm, 0.35kg Netgear Orbi 373: Design Slimline, compact design Router provides 2.5Gb ports for broadband and wired connections Satellites only have one Ethernet port

The Orbi 373 follows the upright mini-tower design that Netgear introduced last year, with each slimline unit standing just 204mm high, 75mm wide and 120mm deep.

Theyre small enough to sit easily on any convenient table or shelf, although the white plastic casing feels a little flimsy, so its probably a good idea for parents to keep them out of reach of eager young hands.

There are some other compromises required to keep the price down too. The
main satellite just has two Ethernet ports one each for your broadband connection (WAN), and for providing a wired connection (LAN) for a PC or
other devices. (Image credit: Future)

The satellite units are even more basic, with just a single Ethernet port to provide a wired connection. Thankfully, though, the ports on both router and satellites all support 2.5Gb speeds so you can still use the Orbi 370 series with high-speed broadband services. However, if you do need additional Ethernet ports perhaps for an office network then you might prefer to look for an alternative that provides additional ports. Design: 3 / 5 Netgear Orbi 373: Features Easy to set up and use Parental controls require a subscription Provides Guest and IoT networks

One feature that helps to justify the price of Netgear products is that
theyre very easy to use, and setting up the Orbi 373 proved to be a piece of cake (albeit a piece of cake that moves at a rather leisurely pace).

All you have to do is scan the QR code thats printed on the main router and then download the Orbi app. This guides you through the set-up process automatically, connecting you to the new network created by the main router, and then linking the satellites to the router in order to complete your new mesh network.

It takes a little while the Orbi app warns that it can take up to 20 minutes to connect the satellites to the main router but the process is completely automatic. And, to keep things simple, the app merges the 2.4GHz and 5.0GHz bands into a single network. The only thing that you need to think about is whether you want to use the default log-in details for the Orbi network, or assign a new name and password that you can choose yourself.

The app isnt exactly overflowing with additional features though, because even with its lower pricing Netgear always wants to sell you some additional subscriptions. (Image credit: Netgear)

You can view a network map that lists all the devices connected to the network, and block any device that you dont trust (or if you just want to get the kids to put their phones down at dinner time).

You can also create a guest network for visitors, and an IoT network
(Internet Of Things) for any smart devices in your home. However, additional security features and parental controls will require a subscription to Netgears Armor security or Smart Parental Controls services.

You do get a 30-day trial for both services when you buy the Orbi, but after that youll need to pay for a subscription. The Smart Parental Controls subscription costs $7.99 per month (around 6/AU$12) or $69.99 per year
(around 50/AU$110). The Armor security service offers a discount for the
first year, costing $33.33 per year (around 25/AU$50), rising to $99.99 (around 75/AU$150) after one year. Features: 3 / 5 Netgear Orbi 373: Performance Dual-band Wi-Fi 7 5Gbps Wi-Fi speed (3.6Gbps in UK) 2.5Gb
Ethernet ports

Theres one minor oddity here, as Netgear states that the Orbi 370 series provides a Wi-Fi speed of 5Gbps in the US and Australia, but only 3.6Gbps in the UK.

Thats the first time weve come across a regional difference like that but, in any event, 3.6Gbps should still be more than adequate to handle most domestic broadband services. Netgear Orbi 373: Benchmarks Ookla Speed Test (download/upload)
Within 5ft, no obstructions: 150/150Mbps
Within 30ft, three partition walls: 150/150Mbps 20GB Steam download
Within 5ft, no obstructions: 150Mbps
Within 30ft, three partition walls: 150Mbps

The Orbi 373 that we tested certainly gave my office Wi-Fi a welcome boost.
It runs at 150Mbps, but my aging router can only manage a top speed of
120Mbps even for devices that are in the same room.

I also have an office towards the back of the building that my old office router cant reach at all, leaving me with an annoying Wi-Fi deadspot that means I have to use powerline adaptors to provide a wired connection instead.

The Orbi 373 immediately kicked my office Wi-Fi up a gear, hitting the
maximum 150Mbps for devices in the same room for both the Ookla Speed Test
and file downloads on Steam.

To reach the back office, I placed one of the satellites inside that office and the second satellite in a hallway, roughly halfway between the main
router and the other satellite.

And, as I wandered along the corridor to the back office with my laptop still downloading files from Steam, I was pleased to find that the Orbi held steady at 150Mbps the whole time.

Netgears fondness for selling add-on subscriptions remains irksome, but at least you can ignore that if you want to. Some people might also prefer a router or mesh system that provides additional Ethernet ports.

But, if you simply want a reliable and easy-to-use mesh Wi-Fi system that can cover larger homes or offices, then the Orbi 370 series fits the bill at a competitive price. Performance: 4 / 5 Should you buy the Netgear Orbi 373?

Value

Its dual-band Wi-Fi 7 means that the Orbi 373 is very much an entry-level option, but its competitively priced and should be fast enough for most domestic broadband services.

4 / 5

Design

The lightweight plastic casing could be a little sturdier, and it doesnt
offer too much in the way of wired connectivity either. However, 2.5Gb Ethernet ports still provide good performance for high-speed broadband services.

3.5 / 5

Features

The Orbis well-designed app is certainly easy to ease. However, its modest price is matched by a fairly modest selection of features, and Netgear really wants you to pay a subscription fee for parental controls.

3 / 5

Performance

Lack of support for the 6.0GHz band means that the Orbi 373 is no speed demon (especially for UK users). Even so, it should still be a good upgrade for people that are using an older router with Wi-Fi 5 or 6.

3.5 / 5

Final Score

Gamers or power users who want maximum performance should look elsewhere. However, the Orbi 373 is an affordable upgrade for people who need more reliable Wi-Fi for larger homes.

4 / 5 Buy it if...

You have lots of bedrooms
There are faster routers available, but the Orbi 370 series is a good option for larger homes that need far-reaching Wi-Fi coverage.

Youre on a budget
Wi-Fi 7 routers and mesh systems are still fairly expensive, so the Orbi 370 series provides a worthwhile upgrade without breaking the bank. Don't buy it if...

Youre a gamer
Dual-band Wi-Fi 7 is very much an entry-level option, so gamers who need lighting response times should look at a faster tri-band option.

You want parental controls
The Orbi 370 series is affordable, but it skimps on extra features and tries to sell you subscriptions for parental controls and other features. Netgear Orbi 373: Also consider

Netgear Orbi 373

Netgear Nighthawk RS100

Acer Predator Connect T7

Price:

$349.99/299.99/AU$349.99

$129.99/129.99/AU$259

$329.99/236.22/AU$699

Wi-Fi:

Dual-band Wi-Fi 7

Dual-band Wi-Fi 7

Tri-band Wi-Fi 7

Speed:

5 Gbps (UK 3.6 Gbps)

3.6 Gbps

11 Gbps

Connectivity:

Router 1x 2.5Gb Ethernet (WAN), 1x 2.5Gb Ethernet (LAN); Satellites - 1x 2.5Gb Ethernet (LAN)

1x 2.5Gb Ethernet (WAN), 4x Gigabit Ethernet (LAN)

1x 2.5Gb Ethernet (WAN), 2x Gigabit Ethernet (LAN), 1x USB-C (2.0)

Processor:

Quad-core, 1.5GHz

Quad-core, 2GHz

Quad-core, 1.5GHz

Memory:

1GB

1GB

1GB

Storage:

512MB

512MB

512MB

Dimensions:

204 x 75 x 120mm

184 x 66 x 122mm

212 x 109 x 109mm

Netgear Nighthawk RS100
Smaller homes with one or two bedrooms can probably get by with a single, conventional router. The RS100 is one of Netgears most affordable Wi-Fi 7 routers, with a top speed of 3.6Gbps and price of just $129.99/129.99/
AU$259.

Read our full Netgear Nighthawk RS100 review

Acer Predator Connect T7
If its speed youre after then Acers T7 is a high-end gaming router that provides tri-band Wi-Fi 7 with a top speed of 11Gbps. It can be used as part of a mesh system in larger homes too.

Read our full Acer Predator Connect T7 review How I tested the Netgear Orbi 373 Tested it for 3-4 days Used it as my main office router Used the Ookla Speed Test app and tested game download speeds

We pride ourselves on our independence and our rigorous review-testing process, offering up long-term attention to the products we review and making sure our reviews are updated and maintained - regardless of when a device was released, if you can still buy it, it's on our radar.

Read more about how we test

First reviewed October 2025



======================================================================
Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/computing/servers-network-devices/netgear-orbi-373


--- Mystic BBS v1.12 A49 (Linux/64)
* Origin: tqwNet Technology News (1337:1/100)