ConsFirst / Mesh Wi-Fi systems / Compare
Netgear Orbi 870 Series vs eero Pro 7
Which one has the downsides you can live with?
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The short answer
Netgear Orbi 870 Series ranks higher (#2 vs #4 of 8) and scores better on speed, coverage, features without subscription, reliability. eero Pro 7 wins on setup & app.
The biggest complaint about the Netgear Orbi 870 Series is very expensive; for the eero Pro 7 it's key software is behind a paywall. Pick the one whose catch bothers you less.
Side by side
| Netgear Orbi 870 Series | eero Pro 7 | |
|---|---|---|
| Rank in mesh wi-fi systems | #2 | #4 |
| Price tier | $$$ | $$$ |
| Type | Wi-Fi 7 | Wi-Fi 7 |
| Amazon 1–2★ share | — | 13% |
| Overall score | 4.2 | 3.8 |
| Speed | 5.0 | 4.5 |
| Coverage | 5.0 | 3.5 |
| Setup & app | 4.0 | 5.0 |
| Features without subscription | 3.0 | 2.5 |
| Reliability | 4.0 | 3.5 |
Price tiers: $ under $150 · $$ $150–400 · $$$ over $400. Highlighted = clearly better (a score gap of 0.3 or more, or a 1–2★ share at least 3 points lower). Scores are explained, with sources, on each product's page.
Top complaints
Netgear Orbi 870 Series
- Very expensive
Wirecutter calls it too expensive even for upgrade-pick status at about $900. PCMag lists it at $1,299.99 for a three-pack and calls it pricey next to its Editors' Choice. Tom's Guide lists 'premium price' as its con.
- Security and parental controls cost extra
PCMag says Armor costs $99.99 a year ($149.99 for Armor Plus) and some parental and security features need a subscription. Tom's Guide says to budget extra for Armor.
Source: PCMag review, Tom's Guide - Short warranty and support, no USB
Wirecutter notes a short one-year warranty, and Tom's Guide says only 90 days of technical support are included. PCMag lists the lack of USB ports.
eero Pro 7
- Key software is behind a paywall
PCMag lists the extra cost of the parental control and network security software as a con. Its review says parental controls need an eero Plus subscription.
Source: PCMag review, PCMag best mesh picks - Few ports and a higher price
Tom's Guide says it has only two Ethernet ports (both 5 Gbps) and costs slightly more than the competition. PCMag notes it has no USB. Wirecutter calls it too expensive to replace its upgrade pick. On Amazon, some owners don't think it's worth the extra cost.
- Unstable for some owners
Amazon's review summary calls connectivity mixed, with some owners reporting stable connections and others unreliable performance.
Who should pick which
Pick the Netgear Orbi 870 Series if
Very large homes
5- to 10-gig internet plans (10GbE WAN)
Buyers who want top speed at long range
Skip it if: You're on a budget; You want free security or parental controls; You want a long warranty or support period
Pick the eero Pro 7 if
Multi-gig (2-5 Gbps) internet plans
Owners who want speed without any tinkering
Amazon/Alexa smart homes
Skip it if: You need several wired devices at each node; You don't want a subscription for parental controls; Your home has very long runs between rooms
We don't list prices — they change daily. Paid links.