ConsFirst / Mesh Wi-Fi systems / Compare
TP-Link Deco 7 Pro (BE63) vs Netgear Orbi 870 Series
Which one has the downsides you can live with?
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The short answer
TP-Link Deco 7 Pro (BE63) ranks higher (#1 vs #2 of 8) and scores better on features without subscription. Netgear Orbi 870 Series wins on coverage, reliability.
The biggest complaint about the TP-Link Deco 7 Pro (BE63) is random disconnections for some owners; for the Netgear Orbi 870 Series it's very expensive. Pick the one whose catch bothers you less.
Side by side
| TP-Link Deco 7 Pro (BE63) | Netgear Orbi 870 Series | |
|---|---|---|
| Rank in mesh wi-fi systems | #1 | #2 |
| Price tier | $$$ | $$$ |
| Type | Wi-Fi 7 | Wi-Fi 7 |
| Amazon 1–2★ share | 14% | — |
| Overall score | 4.2 | 4.2 |
| Speed | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Coverage | 4.5 | 5.0 |
| Setup & app | 4.0 | 4.0 |
| Features without subscription | 4.0 | 3.0 |
| Reliability | 3.5 | 4.0 |
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
TP-Link Deco 7 Pro (BE63)
- Random disconnections for some owners
Amazon's review summary says reliability and connectivity are mixed: some owners have no issues while others see random disconnections. Value for money is also divided.
- Pricey, with paid add-ons
PCMag lists 'pricey' and 'some HomeShield features require a subscription' as cons. Advanced parental controls are $2.99/month, Security+ is $4.99/month, and Total Security is $5.99/month.
Source: PCMag review, PCMag best mesh picks - No 10-gig port
Wirecutter notes that pricier systems such as the Orbi 970 and Deco BE95 have faster 10GbE ports, though it says most people don't need them yet.
Source: Wirecutter
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.
Who should pick which
Pick the TP-Link Deco 7 Pro (BE63) if
Gigabit to 2-gig internet plans
Homes with lots of wired gear (five 2.5GbE ports per unit)
Wi-Fi 7 laptops and phones that can use 6 GHz
Skip it if: You have 5-10 gig internet (no 10GbE port); You want the simplest possible app; You don't want TP-Link's add-on subscriptions
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
We don't list prices — they change daily. Paid links.