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Introduction to the Netgear Orbi 370 Series
The Netgear Orbi 370 Series stands out in the crowded Wi-Fi 7 market as an affordable mesh networking option for households needing seamless internet coverage. With a reasonable price point of $349.99 for a three-pack, the Orbi 370 aims to deliver solid performance and ease of use for everyday consumers who seek reliable connectivity without breaking the bank.
Performance That Excels in the Right Areas
In testing, the Orbi 370 showcased impressive performance, especially in the 5 GHz band where it averaged a throughput of approximately 1,390 Mbps—making it the fastest entry-level Wi-Fi 7 router in this category, as mentioned in both Tom's Hardware and Gizmodo. At distances of 25 feet, the performance remained robust at around 694 Mbps, showing minimal degradation compared to competitors.
This consistent performance is particularly beneficial for high-bandwidth activities such as 4K streaming or gaming, where stability is crucial. However, it’s essential to note that the Orbi 370 falls short on the 2.4 GHz band, demonstrating slower speeds than other models—an area where the competition, like the TP-Link Deco BE5000, often excels.
A Cost-Friendly Choice with Missing Features
Despite its strengths, the Orbi 370 comes with notable omissions, particularly the absence of 6GHz band support, preventing it from delivering the full capabilities of Wi-Fi 7. This could hinder users looking to maximize their broadband investments or those expecting to experience the next generation of Wi-Fi technology fully. Plus, it lacks advanced features like multi-link operation (MLO) functionality unless users manually enable WPA3 security—a step that might not be intuitive for the average consumer.
Setup and Usability—Simplicity at Its Best
The setup process is user-friendly, allowing configurations through both a mobile app and a web interface. This dual option caters to both types of users: those who prefer quick setups via apps and those who desire the enhancements offered through web management. The app, however, is relatively basic, primarily promoting Netgear’s subscription services designed to enhance security and parental controls rather than offering advanced routing options.
Future-Proofing Your Network
With the growing trend toward smart homes and increasing device connections, the Orbi 370 is a forward-thinking solution for many homes. It covers up to 6,000 square feet, making it suitable for larger spaces while ensuring smooth connectivity for various devices. Yet, potential buyers who are already experiencing gigabit connections may want to evaluate models that fully utilize Wi-Fi 7's potential features, which can enhance the performance of future high-speed internet.
Conclusion: Is the Orbi 370 Right for You?
In summary, the Netgear Orbi 370 Series offers a reliable and budget-friendly option for users seeking stable Wi-Fi 7 performance across their homes. However, it’s essential to weigh the trade-offs of lacking features against the overall cost-effective benefits. For those requiring more control and advanced features, exploring competitive models may provide better long-term satisfaction.
Ultimately, if you simply need effective signal coverage without the need for extensive customization, the Orbi 370 should serve you well. As home networking needs evolve, so too will the expectations for performance and features in systems like the Orbi series, making it an exciting area to watch.
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