For years, I struggled with inconsistent Wi-Fi coverage in my large, multi-story home. Dead zones, buffering streams, and dropped video calls were daily frustrations, especially with more family members and smart devices coming online. The thought of upgrading my network always felt daunting, but the constant battles with slow internet made it clear that a robust solution was no longer a luxury but a necessity. Without a reliable network, productivity dipped, entertainment suffered, and the general flow of daily life became unnecessarily complicated. A powerful, whole-home mesh system like the NETGEAR Orbi 370 Series Dual-Band WiFi 7 Mesh Network System for Home (RBE374) would have certainly helped alleviate those early problems.
- Orbi 370 Series with WiFi 7 delivers speeds up to 5 Gbps for consistent performance across many devices at once
- WiFi 7 delivers 1.7x faster speeds than WiFi 6 and is fully backward compatible with older WiFi devices
- NETGEAR mesh systems and routers come with security measures built in, including automatic firmware updates. Our Advanced Router Protection enables enhanced safety features and updates designed to...
Before You Buy: Key Considerations for a Mesh WiFi System
The modern home often demands more from its internet connection than a single router can provide. Mesh WiFi systems like the Orbi 370 Series WiFi 7 Mesh System are designed to eliminate dead zones, extend coverage, and handle a multitude of connected devices simultaneously, solving the common issues of signal degradation and unreliable connections in larger or unusually shaped homes. An ideal customer for this category of product is someone with a large residence (e.g., 2,000 sq.ft. or more), multiple floors, or an abundance of smart home devices, gamers, and streamers who require consistent, high-speed internet everywhere.
Conversely, if you live in a small apartment or a very compact home with only a few devices, a powerful standalone router might suffice, and investing in a full mesh system could be overkill. Similarly, if your internet service provider (ISP) plan offers very low speeds (e.g., under 100 Mbps), you might not fully realize the benefits of a high-performance WiFi 7 system. Before purchasing, consider your home’s square footage, the number of devices you typically have online, your internet plan’s maximum speed, and whether you prefer a single, seamless network name or separate SSIDs for different frequency bands. Understanding these factors will guide you toward the right mesh system that truly meets your needs without overspending.
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- Orbi 370 Series mesh WiFi system with WiFi 7 mesh delivers speeds up to 5Gbps for consistent performance across many devices at once
Introducing the NETGEAR Orbi RBE374 System
The NETGEAR Orbi 370 Series Dual-Band WiFi 7 Mesh Network System for Home (RBE374) is NETGEAR’s latest entry into the home networking arena, promising cutting-edge WiFi 7 technology (802.11be) to deliver unparalleled speeds and coverage. This system is designed to provide up to 5 Gbps speeds and cover an expansive 8,000 sq.ft., supporting up to 70 devices simultaneously. When you purchase the RBE374, you receive one Orbi WiFi 7 Router (RBE371), three Orbi WiFi 7 Satellites (RBE370), an Ethernet cable, four power adapters, and a quick start guide.
Compared to previous generations, the Orbi 370 Series makes a significant leap, offering 1.7x faster speeds than WiFi 6. While market leaders might offer even higher-end (and pricier) tri-band or quad-band WiFi 7 systems, the RBE374 aims to strike a balance between advanced technology and accessibility for a broad home user base. This specific product is ideal for large families, remote workers, or avid gamers who demand robust performance across every corner of their home. It’s not for those with minimal internet needs or very small living spaces, as its full potential would be underutilized.
Here’s a quick rundown of its strengths and weaknesses:
Pros:
* Blazing-Fast WiFi 7 Speeds: Offers up to 5 Gbps, significantly faster than previous WiFi standards.
* Exceptional Coverage: With one router and three satellites, it blankets up to 8,000 sq.ft.
* High Device Capacity: Handles up to 70 devices without compromising performance.
* Multi-Gig Internet Port: A 2.5 Gig internet port supports today’s ultra-fast fiber and cable plans.
* Enhanced Security: Includes NETGEAR Armor for robust online protection.
Cons:
* Setup Can Be Tricky: Some users report initial setup challenges, requiring reboots and multiple attempts.
* Combined SSID: Automatically combines 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands under one network name, limiting manual band selection.
* No Device Insight in App: The Orbi app lacks detailed insight into which devices are actively using the internet.
* Tech Support Concerns: Some users have reported unsatisfactory experiences with customer support.
* Potential Speed Discrepancies: Actual Wi-Fi speeds to devices might not always match the router’s internal speed test results.
In-Depth Look: Features and Performance Benefits
Having lived with the NETGEAR Orbi 370 Series RBE374 for an extended period, I’ve had ample opportunity to put its features to the test, observing how it performs under various real-world conditions. This system truly is a cornerstone for anyone looking to modernize their home network.
Cutting-Edge WiFi 7 Technology (802.11be)
The most significant upgrade with the Orbi 370 Series is its adoption of WiFi 7 (802.11be). NETGEAR claims speeds up to 5 Gbps, and in my experience, the difference is palpable, especially when compared to my old WiFi 6 system. While I haven’t consistently hit the theoretical maximums on every device (which is often the case with real-world wireless performance), the overall responsiveness and speed across my network have dramatically improved. Downloads that used to crawl now fly, and large file transfers between devices are noticeably quicker.
Why is this important? WiFi 7 isn’t just about raw speed; it’s about efficiency and capacity. It uses wider channels, more efficient modulation, and multi-link operation (MLO), which essentially allows devices to use multiple frequency bands simultaneously for better performance and reliability. This means less congestion and a smoother experience for everyone, even when multiple family members are streaming 4K content, video conferencing, and gaming at the same time. The backward compatibility is also a huge plus, ensuring that all your older WiFi devices can still connect seamlessly while newer, WiFi 7-enabled gadgets reap the full benefits. This advancement directly addresses the core problem of a sluggish, overcrowded network, transforming it into a high-performance digital highway.
Seamless Whole-Home Coverage and Capacity
One of the primary reasons to opt for a mesh system is coverage, and the NETGEAR Orbi RBE374 system with its router and three satellites excels here. My previous setup left distinct dead zones in certain bedrooms and the backyard, but the Orbi system has eradicated them entirely. The advertised 8,000 sq.ft. coverage is impressive, and I can confirm that the signal strength remains robust even at the furthest reaches of my property. The elegant design of the units also contributes, with high-performance antennas providing exceptional 360° WiFi coverage, blending into various home layouts.
The ability to support up to 70 devices simultaneously is also a huge benefit. With smart TVs, phones, tablets, smart home gadgets, security cameras, and gaming consoles all vying for bandwidth, my old router often struggled, leading to lag and dropped connections. The Orbi 370 Series handles this device load with ease, maintaining consistent performance for each. This ensures that every smart device, from the thermostat to the garage door opener, remains reliably connected, solving the problem of a disjointed smart home experience. However, a minor drawback I’ve observed is that the system manages band steering and satellite connection automatically, which is usually a good thing for seamless roaming. But there were instances where devices close to a satellite connected to the main router, or vice-versa, which some users might find less than ideal if they desire manual control over specific device-to-unit connections for maximum localized speed. The dual-band technology with enhanced backhaul also plays a crucial role in maintaining these reliable speeds throughout the home.
Multi-Gig Ethernet and Backhaul Capabilities
The future of home internet is fast, and the Orbi 370 Series is ready for it. The inclusion of a 2.5 Gig internet port is a forward-thinking feature that truly unlocks the potential of today’s ultra-fast cable and fiber internet plans. If your ISP provides speeds exceeding 1 Gbps, this port ensures you’re not bottlenecked by your router. I’ve noticed a significant improvement in my wired connection speeds directly from the router, pushing closer to my ISP’s advertised gigabit speeds than ever before.
Beyond the WAN port, the system also offers powerful, reliable performance with a 2.5 Gig wired connection or 2.5 Gig wired backhaul option. This means you can use an Ethernet cable to connect your satellites to the main router, creating a dedicated, high-speed connection between them that doesn’t rely on wireless signals. While the wireless backhaul is excellent, a wired backhaul further reduces latency and maximizes throughput, which is crucial for very large homes or those with bandwidth-intensive applications running continuously. This feature directly supports the promise of uninterrupted 4K streaming, smooth video conferencing, and no-lag gaming across your entire network, ensuring that the *internal* network can handle the *external* internet speed.
Enhanced Security with NETGEAR Armor
In an age where online threats are constantly evolving, robust network security is non-negotiable. The NETGEAR Orbi RBE374 comes with NETGEAR Armor, a powerful suite of tools designed to keep you and your family safe online. This includes enhanced protection against hackers, malware, and identity theft, not just at home but also on the go, with the included 30-day trial.
The peace of mind that comes from knowing your network is actively protected is immense. NETGEAR Armor scans for vulnerabilities, blocks malicious websites, and provides parental controls, allowing me to manage screen time and filter content for my kids. The router being secure out of the box and receiving automatic firmware updates ensures that it remains protected against emerging threats without constant manual intervention. While it’s a subscription service after the trial, the comprehensive protection it offers is a compelling benefit for anyone concerned about their digital security, effectively solving the problem of managing various security tools across different devices.
Effortless Setup and Management via Orbi App
Setting up a complex mesh network can sometimes be intimidating, but the Orbi WiFi 7 Router aims to simplify the process with its intuitive Orbi app. For the most part, the setup was indeed straightforward – plug it in, download the app, and follow the on-screen instructions. The app guides you through connecting the router and satellites, renaming your network, and setting up passwords. Once up and running, managing your WiFi network is equally easy. You can view connected devices, run speed tests, manage guest networks, and configure security settings all from your smartphone.
However, I must acknowledge that my initial experience wasn’t entirely seamless, mirroring some user feedback. The setup wizard required a few retries and a power cycle of all devices before everything finally synchronized. While ultimately successful, it wasn’t the “first try, every time” experience one might hope for. Another minor point of frustration is the app’s lack of granular device insight, meaning I couldn’t easily see which specific devices were hogging bandwidth or manually force a device onto a particular band (2.4GHz vs. 5GHz) if I felt it was connecting sub-optimally. The system also defaults to a single SSID for both bands, which, while convenient for roaming, prevents users from segmenting their devices onto different frequency bands manually. Despite these minor hiccups, the app generally provides a polished interface that makes network management accessible even for non-tech-savvy users, fulfilling the promise of a simple yet powerful system.
What Users Are Saying: A Glimpse into Real-World Experiences
After perusing various online forums and reviews, it’s clear that opinions on the NETGEAR Orbi 370 Series RBE374 are quite varied, though largely positive regarding core performance. Many users echoed my experience, praising the significant boost in Wi-Fi speeds and the expansive coverage that finally eliminated dead spots in their homes. One person noted that their MBPS jumped from 50 to over 400 after installation, completely solving buffering issues for their streaming-heavy household. The sleek design and the quiet, light-free operation were also frequently highlighted as appreciated aesthetic points.
However, a recurring theme among some negative reviews revolved around the initial setup process, which several users found frustrating and time-consuming, often requiring multiple reboots. There were also concerns about discrepancies between the Orbi app’s internal speed test results and actual device speeds over Wi-Fi, suggesting that while the router itself is fast, wireless clients might not always achieve those peak numbers. Some users expressed a desire for more control, lamenting the combined 2.4/5GHz SSID and the inability to manually assign devices to specific bands or satellites. Furthermore, a few mentioned less-than-stellar experiences with customer support, particularly when encountering technical questions during setup. Despite these points, the consensus for many was that the dramatic improvement in network stability and speed outweighed the initial frustrations, making it a worthwhile investment for a truly robust home network.
Final Thoughts: Is the Orbi RBE374 Right for You?
The ongoing struggle with unreliable Wi-Fi in a connected home isn’t just an inconvenience; it can hamper productivity, disrupt entertainment, and lead to constant frustration. A robust mesh system like the NETGEAR Orbi 370 Series RBE374 is essential for anyone looking to truly leverage their high-speed internet plan and ensure every device in their home stays seamlessly connected.
The Orbi 370 Series WiFi 7 Mesh System stands out for several compelling reasons: its cutting-edge WiFi 7 technology delivers a significant speed boost, its extensive coverage eliminates dead zones even in large homes, and its capacity to handle numerous devices ensures a smooth experience for everyone. While the initial setup might require a bit of patience and some advanced customization options are limited, the overall performance and reliability it brings to a demanding home network are undeniable. If you’re tired of battling slow Wi-Fi and seek a powerful, future-proof solution, then this system is an excellent contender. To experience the difference for yourself, Click here to check out the NETGEAR Orbi 370 Series RBE374 .
Last update on 2025-09-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API