Head-to-head · Best Mesh Wifi Systems For Large Homes

Asus ZenWiFi BQ16 Pro vs NETGEAR Orbi RBE972S

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

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The short answer

Asus ZenWiFi BQ16 Pro comes out ahead by a clear margin (4.4 vs 3.5). The gap is mostly about power users seeking best-in-class Wi-Fi 7 experience — read the strengths below before deciding.

Higher ratedRanked #1 in Best Mesh Wifi Systems For Large Homes

Asus ZenWiFi BQ16 Pro

4.4

4 sources2 derived$1,019.99as of Aug 2

The ASUS ZenWiFi BQ16 Pro delivers exceptional Wi-Fi 7 performance with quad-band capabilities and 30000Mbps total bandwidth, making it a top-tier mesh system for demanding networks. Reviewers praised its premium design, two 10Gbps ports, and the robust ASUSWRT 5.0 firmware offering extensive features. However, its high price point and the need for lengthy restarts to apply certain settings were noted as drawbacks. This system is ideal for users seeking the best Wi-Fi 7 experience but may not suit budget-conscious buyers.

Strengths

— Top-tier Wi-Fi 7 performance with 30000Mbps total bandwidth and 320MHz channel width
— Two 10Gbps Multi-Gig ports for high-speed wired connections
— Latest ASUSWRT 5.0 firmware with extensive customization and free-for-life high-end features

Watch-outs

— Comparatively expensive with a retail price tag of $699.99 for a single unit
— Numerous settings require a lengthy restart to apply

$1,019.99 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Ranked #5 in Best Mesh Wifi Systems For Large Homes

NETGEAR Orbi RBE972S

3.5

3 sources

The NETGEAR Orbi RBE972S is a quad-band Wi-Fi 7 mesh system that delivers high-speed networking with its dedicated main router and two satellite units. PCMag's John R. Delaney praised its advanced features and performance, while YouTube reviewer Chris Majestic noted its premium price point of $2,300 for the three-pack, though he acknowledged its powerful capabilities. The system includes 10 Gigabit Ethernet ports and supports fast wired and wireless backhaul, making it ideal for demanding home networks but potentially overkill for average users.

Strengths

— Features Wi-Fi 7 technology with quad-band connectivity
— Includes dedicated main router and two satellite units for optimal mesh coverage
— Equipped with 10 Gigabit Ethernet WAN port and multiple 2.5 Gigabit ports

Watch-outs

— Expensive pricing at $2,300 for three-pack configuration
— Large physical size (11.5" tall) may be cumbersome for some users

Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Derived means the reviewer published no score, so one was inferred from their written verdict. Everything else is a number the publisher printed. How we rank.

How they stack up

Asus ZenWiFi BQ16 Pro

The ASUS ZenWiFi BQ16 Pro delivers top-tier Wi-Fi 7 performance with 30000Mbps total bandwidth and 10Gbps ports, outperforming the Netgear Orbi 970 Series in terms of raw speed and features. Unlike the eero Max 7, it lacks the simple setup but provides more advanced customization options and better wired connectivity. Compared to the ASUS RT-BE92U, it's more expensive but offers significantly better performance and firmware support.

NETGEAR Orbi RBE972S

The NETGEAR Orbi RBE972S provides quad-band Wi-Fi 7 with dedicated main router and satellite units, similar to the Orbi 970 Series but with a more premium price tag. Unlike the Orbi 370, it offers better performance and features but at a much higher cost, making it ideal for users who need the advanced capabilities of the Orbi 970 without the complexity of setup. Compared to the Orbi RBE773, it's more expensive but offers more bandwidth and device support.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	Asus ZenWiFi BQ16 Pro	NETGEAR Orbi RBE972S
Wi-Fi Standard	Wi-Fi 7	Wi-Fi 7
Total Bandwidth	30000Mbps	Up to 27Gbps
Ethernet Ports	Two 10Gbps Multi-Gig ports	10 Gigabit WAN, 10 Gigabit backhaul, 4x 2.5 Gigabit
Bands	Quad-band	Quad-band
Coverage Area	Up to 8,000 sq ft	up to 6,600 sq. ft.
Pack Size	2-pack	Three-pack
Security	AiProtection Pro powered by Trend Micro	NETGEAR Armor protection
Max Devices	—	up to 200

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