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Forum Discussion
Orbi 773 versus 773v2?
I bought an Orbi 773 at BestBuy today. To prep, I downloaded the user manual and also the firmware in case the unit I bought isn't up to date (although I assume it will auto-update on initial setup, I still like to have the firmware files local). Noticed there is different firmware versions for the 773 and 773v2. What is the difference between the v1 and v2 models and how do I tell which one I have? On the bottom of the 771 router the model states just RBE771 so I assume it's the original v1 and not the v2? Is this noted anywhere else? Should I care? ... are there important hardware/firmware performance and stability differences in the v2 and therefore I should return the v1 and purchase a v2 straight from Netgear's site? I tried searching on this topic but didn't find anything. Would really appreciate some guidance. Thanks in advance!
3 Replies
What an amazing puzzle! As you may have noticed, the Technical Specifications for both products link to the same file, but they have entirely different
- User Manuals (V1 June 2024 and V2 Dec 2025)
- Firmware versions.
It appears that you have not actually installed this system, so this appears to be quite a conundrum. I, personally, would be more comfortable with the v2 product, however....
- What assurance would you have that ordering directly from Netgear would result in receiving a v2 system?
- Could Best Buy perhaps swap out the v1 package for a v2?
I LOVE this Community Forum because every day someone reveals "something new".
p.s. please post if somehow you find anything!
p.s.
although I assume it will auto-update on initial setup
I see no reason so assume that will happen. Firmware updates are a frequent topic of discussion on the Community Forum.
Thx for the reply CrimpOn. You're correct, after seeing the different firmwares and becoming aware there was a v2, I haven't installed yet, just opened the box to see if it was labeled as 773v2 or just 773. I'm leaning to returning and hunting down a v2 version of the 773 but I need more info first. Could be it has a better board in each router/satellite or it could be Netgear cost cutting and it may be better to stick with the original v1, dunno, either seems plausible. It had to have had a rather major internals change such as new Qualcomm hardware chip inside, etc? Hoping Furrye38 or someone else knows the nitty gritty of why there's a rather newer v2 version of the 770/771/772/773 on the market. If it can't be answered in this forum then I guess I'll open a support ticket and see if I can get a detailed answer out of pre-sales / tech support and will post the response.
