Netgear RBE373 Review: Dual-Band WiFi 7 Mesh with 2.5 Gbps Ports
The NETGEAR Orbi 370 Series RBE373 is a dual-band WiFi 7 mesh system designed to deliver up to 5 Gbps speeds and cover 6,000 sq. ft. for medium to large homes with heavy device usage.
By Elvis Dicki
Updated October 20, 2026
In the evolving landscape of home networking, the transition to WiFi 7 promises significant leaps in speed, capacity, and reliability. The Netgear RBE373, part of the NETGEAR Orbi 370 Series, enters this space as a dual-band mesh system aiming to bring next-generation connectivity to a broad audience. This three-pack system, consisting of one router and two satellite extenders, is engineered for medium to large homes up to 6,000 square feet, supporting simultaneous connections for up to 70 devices. It targets households seeking to eliminate dead zones while powering bandwidth-intensive activities like 4K streaming, competitive gaming, and video conferencing without interruption. For users ready to upgrade from older WiFi standards or basic mesh systems, the Orbi 370 Series offers a compelling blend of WiFi 7 performance and whole-home coverage at an accessible tier.
The bottom line is that the Netgear RBE373 provides a future-forward mesh solution with robust security features and multi-gigabit wired connectivity, making it a strong candidate for tech-savvy families and remote workers needing consistent, high-speed coverage throughout their living space.
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Netgear RBE373 at a Glance
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| WiFi Generation | WiFi 7 (802.11.be) |
| System Configuration | 1 Router + 2 Satellite Extenders (3-Pack) |
| Maximum Theoretical Speed | 5 Gbps (BE5000) |
| Coverage Area | Up to 6,000 sq. ft. |
| Supported Concurrent Devices | Up to 70 |
| Frequency Bands | Dual-Band |
| Key Wired Ports | 2.5 Gbps WAN Port, 2.5 Gbps LAN Ports |
| Security Protocol | WPA3, WPA2-PSK |
| Key Feature | Enhanced Backhaul, Automatic Firmware Updates |
| Included Components | Router, 2 Satellites, Ethernet Cable, Power Adapters, Guide |
Design and Build
The Netgear Orbi 370 Series RBE373 maintains a familiar, upright design common to many modern mesh units. Each device in the three-pack measures 8.02 by 4.72 by 2.95 inches, presenting a compact footprint suitable for placement on shelves, desks, or entertainment centers. The internal antenna design contributes to a clean aesthetic, free of external protrusions. The build quality aligns with NETGEAR’s reputation for producing solid networking hardware, though specific materials are not detailed in the provided specifications. The system is designed for home and business use, indicating a professional enough appearance for an office setting. The included components—router, two satellites, three power adapters, an Ethernet cable, and a quick start guide—provide everything needed for initial setup without requiring additional purchases, assuming standard power outlets are available.
Performance and Features
WiFi 7 and Network Performance
As a WiFi 7 (802.11.be) system, the Netgear RBE373’s headline feature is its claimed performance uplift over the previous generation. The manufacturer states it delivers speeds up to 5 Gbps, which is approximately 1.7 times faster than comparable WiFi 6 systems. This performance is designed to handle multiple high-bandwidth activities concurrently, such as 4K streaming, video conferencing, and online gaming, across many devices. The dual-band architecture utilizes Enhanced Backhaul technology, a dedicated wireless link between the router and satellites, to help maintain reliable speeds and stable connections throughout the coverage area. The system is fully backward compatible with older WiFi devices, ensuring seamless integration into existing smart homes.
Connectivity and Ports
A standout hardware feature of the RBE373 is its multi-gigabit Ethernet connectivity. The router includes a 2.5 Gbps WAN port for connecting to high-speed internet plans from modern cable or fiber providers, preventing a potential bottleneck at the source. It also provides LAN ports with 2.5 Gbps bandwidth, allowing for wired connections to devices like gaming consoles, NAS systems, or desktop PCs that benefit from the fastest possible local network speeds. The total number of physical ports across the three units is listed as 10, offering ample connectivity for wired devices. The specifications confirm compatibility with gaming consoles, personal computers, printers, and security cameras via both Wi-Fi and Ethernet.
Software and Security
The system runs on Orbi OS and is managed via a dedicated mobile app, which provides control over network settings, device prioritization, and parental controls. Security is a highlighted selling point. The Netgear RBE373 includes built-in security measures featuring automatic firmware updates to patch vulnerabilities. Its Advanced Router Protection is designed to offer enhanced safety features to help shield connected devices from online threats. The system supports the latest WPA3 security protocol alongside WPA2-PSK, ensuring robust encryption for wireless communications. These features aim to provide peace of mind for users concerned about network security without requiring a separate subscription for basic protection.
Setup, Support and Ownership
Setup is intended to be user-friendly, guided primarily through the Orbi app. The process typically involves connecting the main router to the modem, powering on the units, and following the app’s instructions to add the satellite extenders to create the mesh network. Owner feedback suggests the process is generally straightforward, though some users reported initial connectivity issues with the app during setup. Once operational, the system is designed to manage itself, with features like automatic firmware updates to maintain performance and security. The product comes with a one-year limited warranty from NETGEAR. For homes larger than the specified 6,000 sq. ft. coverage, additional Orbi satellite units can be added to the mesh, though compatibility specifics for expansion are not detailed in the provided data.
What Owners Say
Overall owner sentiment for the Netgear RBE373 is positive, reflected in its aggregated rating. A significant majority of reviewers award five stars, praising the system for delivering excellent whole-home coverage that eliminates previous dead zones, providing fast and stable connection speeds, and enabling seamless streaming and gaming. Many highlight the easy setup process and the noticeable upgrade in performance compared to their older WiFi systems, including other mesh brands. The consistent, strong signal throughout the home is a frequently mentioned benefit.
However, the reviews are not without criticism. A notable portion of one-star reviews cite hardware reliability issues, such as an Ethernet port failing after several weeks of use, leading to significant downtime and frustrating support experiences. Other lower-star reviews mention occasional difficulties during the initial setup phase, often related to the app or device discovery. This feedback indicates that while performance is highly rated when the system works correctly, long-term reliability and customer support resolution can be inconsistent for some buyers.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- WiFi 7 delivers significantly faster speeds and better multi-device handling.
- Exceptional coverage for medium to large homes up to 6,000 sq. ft.
- Robust built-in security features with automatic updates.
- High device capacity (70+) ideal for busy, connected households.
- Multi-gig 2.5 Gbps WAN and LAN ports support future-proof internet plans.
- Seamless roaming and enhanced backhaul for reliable mesh performance.
Cons
- Dual-band design may limit performance in ultra-high-density environments compared to tri-band models.
- Coverage might be insufficient for homes significantly over 6,000 sq. ft. without additional satellites.
- Potential reliability concerns noted in some owner reviews regarding hardware faults.
- Higher-end Orbi models offer more Ethernet ports and greater capacity for power users.
- Setup can present app-related challenges for a minority of users.
Who Should Buy It (and Who Should Skip It)
The Netgear RBE373 is an ideal fit for users in medium to large homes (up to 6,000 sq. ft.) who are experiencing WiFi dead zones and need consistent coverage for many simultaneous devices. It’s a strong upgrade for those with WiFi 5 or older WiFi 6 systems who want to leverage WiFi 7 speeds for 4K/8K streaming, competitive gaming, and large file transfers. Homeowners with smart home ecosystems, multiple remote workers, and families with heavy internet usage will benefit from its capacity and security features. Its multi-gig ports make it particularly suitable for subscribers to gigabit or faster internet plans.
This system may not be the best choice for users in very large or complex multi-story homes exceeding 6,000 sq. ft., who might require a tri-band system with greater range or the ability to add more satellites. Power users with extensive wired networking needs, such as a home server rack with many devices, might find the port selection on higher-end models more appropriate. Those with a very high density of WiFi devices (approaching or over 100) in a small area might also consider systems rated for more concurrent connections. Individuals with a very limited budget or those in small apartments may find a simpler, less expensive router sufficient for their needs.
Final Verdict
The NETGEAR Orbi 370 Series RBE373 successfully brings core WiFi 7 benefits—notably higher potential speeds and improved multi-device management—to a mainstream dual-band mesh format. Its combination of extensive wireless coverage, robust security suite, and valuable 2.5 Gbps wired ports creates a compelling package for the target market. For households looking to future-proof their network and eradicate connectivity issues, it represents a significant step up from previous-generation technology.
However, the decision should be weighed against the noted cons. The dual-band architecture, while efficient, may not match the absolute performance of tri-band mesh systems in the most demanding scenarios. Furthermore, prospective buyers should be aware of the reliability concerns raised in some user reviews. When functioning as intended, the Netgear RBE373 delivers on its promises of whole-home WiFi 7 coverage and performance. It stands as a strong contender in the mid-range mesh market, worthy of consideration for anyone building a reliable, high-speed home network. For further insights on securing your network, explore our guide on the best VPN routers.
FAQs
What is the main advantage of WiFi 7 in the Netgear RBE373?
The primary advantages are increased speed and efficiency. NETGEAR states the RBE373 can deliver speeds up to 5 Gbps, which is approximately 1.7 times faster than comparable WiFi 6 systems. WiFi 7 technology is also designed to handle multiple high-bandwidth devices more effectively, reducing latency and congestion for activities like gaming and video conferencing, even when many devices are connected simultaneously.
Can I use my existing devices with this WiFi 7 mesh system?
Yes, the Netgear Orbi 370 Series is fully backward compatible with older WiFi devices. This means smartphones, laptops, smart home gadgets, and other electronics using WiFi 6, WiFi 5, or earlier standards will connect and operate normally on the network. You do not need to upgrade all your devices to benefit from the improved coverage and some network management features.
What security features does it include?
The system includes several built-in security measures. These consist of automatic firmware updates to patch vulnerabilities, support for the WPA3 security protocol (alongside WPA2), and NETGEAR’s Advanced Router Protection. This suite of features is designed to offer enhanced safety for your connected devices without an immediate need for a separate subscription, helping to protect against various online threats. For broader security context, our Cybersecurity category offers additional resources.
How many devices can connect to the Netgear RBE373 at once?
The manufacturer rates the system for supporting up to 70 devices connected simultaneously. This capacity is designed to accommodate the growing number of internet-connected devices in modern homes, including phones, tablets, computers, smart TVs, streaming sticks, gaming consoles, and various smart home products like cameras and speakers, allowing them all to operate smoothly on the network.
About the author
Elvis Dicki writes reviews and buying guides for CyberSecLabs.