ConsFirst / Mesh Wi-Fi systems / Compare
Netgear Orbi 870 Series vs TP-Link Deco 7 (BE23)
Which one has the downsides you can live with?
We may earn a commission when you buy through our links. It never changes what we report. Learn more
The short answer
Netgear Orbi 870 Series ranks higher (#2 vs #3 of 8) and scores better on speed, coverage, reliability. TP-Link Deco 7 (BE23) wins on setup & app.
The biggest complaint about the Netgear Orbi 870 Series is very expensive; for the TP-Link Deco 7 (BE23) it's dual-band only, few ports. Pick the one whose catch bothers you less.
Side by side
| Netgear Orbi 870 Series | TP-Link Deco 7 (BE23) | |
|---|---|---|
| Rank in mesh wi-fi systems | #2 | #3 |
| Price tier | $$$ | $$ |
| Type | Wi-Fi 7 | Wi-Fi 7 |
| Amazon 1–2★ share | — | 10% |
| Overall score | 4.2 | 3.8 |
| Speed | 5.0 | 3.5 |
| Coverage | 5.0 | 4.5 |
| Setup & app | 4.0 | 4.5 |
| Features without subscription | 3.0 | 3.0 |
| 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.
TP-Link Deco 7 (BE23)
- Dual-band only, few ports
Tom's Guide lists the lack of 6 GHz and only two 2.5 Gbps ports per device as its cons. Wirecutter says you'll need an Ethernet switch for more wired devices.
Source: Tom's Guide, Wirecutter - Some units fail; connections can be mixed
Amazon's review summary reports mixed connectivity and reliability, with some units stopping working after three months. Some owners also find it overpriced.
- Less simple than eero
Wirecutter says the Deco app is easy, but parental controls require a separate KidShield app, and eero offers simpler fixes for ISP outages and adding nodes.
Source: Wirecutter
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 TP-Link Deco 7 (BE23) if
Large homes on a budget
Internet plans up to about 1 Gbps
People who want small, easy-to-hide units
Skip it if: You want 6 GHz Wi-Fi 7 speeds; You need more than two wired devices per unit without a switch; You want parental controls inside the main app
We don't list prices — they change daily. Paid links.