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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!
15 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!
but they have entirely different
- User Manuals (V1 June 2024 and V2 Dec 2025)orbilogin.local was added - this brings on a few lines - and in total about two pages more:
===
v1:
2.
Enter orbilogin.com. A login window displays.
v2:
2. Enter orbilogin.com (Windows and Android devices) or orbilogin.local (Apple MacOS and iOS devices).
A login window displays.===
In a different context, it's 3. instead of 2.
but they have entirely different
¨...
- Firmware versions.For whatever reason - a slightly different hardware so v2 devices can't take and operate the v1 firmware.
Well, between an online chat and opening a support ticket and calling Netgear directly on the v2 series for the 770, this is all the info I could get:
"v2 likely uses a revised Qualcomm chipset or silicon revision, along with board/radio calibration changes. Orbi v2 uses a revised internal hardware platform (likely a Qualcomm silicon revision) that required separate firmware, is generally more stable than v1, and while NETGEAR doesn’t guarantee v2 when ordering direct, most new stock today is v2."
I'll be returning the 773v1 to BestBuy and ordering a replacement 773v2 directly from Netgear. They did offer a 20% off coupon so the overall price is comparible to the current sale price at BestBuy. Generally for both chat and call-in the support contacts were quite helpful, respectful and responsive, but were unable to provide the level of technical details I was hoping for. Maybe one of the community forum gurus have internal contacts and can reach out and track down the specifics and post here ... as I'm sure others would be interested in learning more. Thanks to both CrimpOn and Schumaku for their replies!
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.
I've used both systems and they performed pretty much exactly the same.
Versions tend to happen when something on the motherboard isn't being made anymore so they have to upgrade to a v2/3 etc to accommodate the change. Its rare to see a performance difference because if there was, then they tend to change the models.
Wondering if the v2 will receive 18 months or so of additional firmware updates than the original v1 given their respective release dates before each are eventually EOL'd ... I'm thinking not. Thoughts?
According to a query as of today on
https://www.netgear.com/about/eos/#search-eos none of the RBE770-100xxx (so V1) has reached the last sale date:
The product you searched has not yet reached the Last Sale Date and therefore has at least three years remaining for functional and cyber security updates. We encourage you to check back periodically. Read our full policy for details - so nothing to bother for v1 or v2.
Yes, I agree. I'm in Ohio and v2 isn't available anywhere in this market, not even Netgear USA direct at this point. I'm just going to stick with the 773v1 and stop concerning myself over this. Was an interesting tech-sleuthing ride though. Thanks to all for your quick and informative replies. Very much appreciated!
