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10 Best Netgear Routers 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

NETGEAR Nighthawk Tri-Band WiFi 7 Router (RS700S) - Security Features, BE19000 Wireless Speed (up to 19 Gbps) – 10 Gig Internet Port - Covers up to 3,500 sq. ft. – 1-Year Armor & Free Expert Help

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,325
Speed
Range
Security Features

Most important from
1364 reviews

Speed
This router offers exceptional range, speed, and quality, far surpassing standard modem/routers provided by ISPs.
Range
This router offers exceptional range, speed, and quality, far surpassing standard modem/routers provided by ISPs.
Security Features
The Netgear Armor provides an added level of security, ensuring all connected devices are protected.
Ports
Though it lacks a 2.5Gbe port, the performance remains impressive, making it a solid recommendation for friends and family.

The NETGEAR Nighthawk Tri-Band WiFi 7 Router (RS700S) stands out as a top-tier router with impressive Wi-Fi 7 speeds of up to 19Gbps. This makes it ideal for demanding activities like real-time gaming, 4K/8K streaming, and AR/VR applications. Its range covers up to 3,500 sq. ft., which is sufficient for large homes or small offices, and it supports up to 200 devices, making it versatile for high device density environments.

The tri-band capability ensures optimal performance across different frequencies, effectively managing network traffic and reducing congestion. Security features are robust, including automatic firmware updates and NETGEAR Armor, offering real-time protection against cyber threats along with a VPN for added privacy. This makes it a secure choice for protecting sensitive information. The router is equipped with a 10 Gig internet port and four 1 Gig LAN ports, providing ultra-fast wired connections, which are beneficial for high-speed internet plans and wired devices.

However, its initial setup and management require the Nighthawk app, which might be a learning curve for some users. It comes with a 1-year trial of NETGEAR Armor, which is excellent for initial safety but may lead to added subscription costs after the trial period. Its sleek design and high-performance antenna ensure a modern look and efficient signal distribution. On the downside, being designed for the U.S. only might limit its application internationally without proper adjustments. Additionally, the premium features and advanced technology come at a higher price point, which may not be ideal for those on a tight budget. In summary, this router excels in speed, range, and security, making it a great choice for users needing powerful and secure Wi-Fi in larger homes or small offices, though it comes with a higher price and requires some app-based management.

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,325
Speed
Range
Security Features

Most important from
1364 reviews

Speed
This router offers exceptional range, speed, and quality, far surpassing standard modem/routers provided by ISPs.
Range
This router offers exceptional range, speed, and quality, far surpassing standard modem/routers provided by ISPs.
Security Features
The Netgear Armor provides an added level of security, ensuring all connected devices are protected.
Ports
Though it lacks a 2.5Gbe port, the performance remains impressive, making it a solid recommendation for friends and family.
#2

NETGEAR Nighthawk Modem Router Combo (CAX30) DOCSIS 3.1 Cable Modem and WiFi 6 Router - AX2700 2.7 Gbps - Compatible with Xfinity, Spectrum, Cox, and More - Gigabit Wireless Internet

Rating
9.8
Wi-Fi Standards
Speed
Additional Features

Most important from
794 reviews

Wi-Fi Standards
The upgrade to DOCSIS 3.1 and WiFi 6 has resulted in flawless performance with no drops, even on a 1Gbps plan.
Speed
This modem-router combo supports up to 2700Mbps, providing a substantial cushion for future upgrades and ensuring no lag during heavy gaming sessions.
Additional Features
Setup was very straightforward with the Nighthawk app, walking through every step and handling activation seamlessly.

The NETGEAR Nighthawk Modem Router Combo (CAX30) is a solid choice for those seeking a high-performance device that combines both modem and router functionalities. With support for DOCSIS 3.1, it's ready to handle internet speeds up to 2Gbps, making it a great fit for users with high-bandwidth needs like gaming or streaming. The dual-band WiFi 6 capabilities allow for speeds of up to 2.7Gbps across a coverage area of up to 2,500 square feet, which should be sufficient for most average-sized homes and multiple concurrent devices.

One of the standout features is the built-in NETGEAR Armor which provides enhanced security for your network, helping protect against hackers and other threats. The device is also equipped with four Gigabit Ethernet ports and a USB 3.0 port for connecting various wired devices, giving you flexibility in how you set up your home network.

There are a few drawbacks to consider. The CAX30 is not compatible with certain providers like Verizon and AT&T, which may limit its usability for some customers. Moreover, while the setup is generally user-friendly through the Nighthawk app, those less tech-savvy might still encounter a learning curve. While the price can be a bit higher than basic models, the savings on equipment rental fees can make it worthwhile in the long run. The NETGEAR Nighthawk CAX30 is ideal for cable internet users who need robust performance, a wide range, and strong security features. It works well for homes with multiple devices and for users who value speed and reliability, but potential buyers should ensure their internet service is compatible before purchasing.

Rating
9.8
Wi-Fi Standards
Speed
Additional Features

Most important from
794 reviews

Wi-Fi Standards
The upgrade to DOCSIS 3.1 and WiFi 6 has resulted in flawless performance with no drops, even on a 1Gbps plan.
Speed
This modem-router combo supports up to 2700Mbps, providing a substantial cushion for future upgrades and ensuring no lag during heavy gaming sessions.
Additional Features
Setup was very straightforward with the Nighthawk app, walking through every step and handling activation seamlessly.
#3

NETGEAR Nighthawk Tri-Band WiFi 7 Router (RS280S) - Security Features, BE9200 Wireless Speed (up to 9.2 Gbps) - Covers up to 2,500 sq. ft. - 2.5 Gig Internet Port – 1-Year Armor & Free Expert Help

Rating
9.6
Wi-Fi Standards
Speed
Range

Most important from
996 reviews

Wi-Fi Standards
Delivers bandwidth that fully leverages WiFi 7 standards, streaming up to 8K video with zero latency and surpassing typical internet service speeds.
Speed
Delivers bandwidth that fully leverages WiFi 7 standards, streaming up to 8K video with zero latency and surpassing typical internet service speeds.
Range
Coverage is impressive, effectively servicing homes over 3,000 square feet and improving speeds on multiple floors compared to previous routers.
Security Features
Advanced security features combined with NETGEAR Armor offer robust protection against hackers and malware, ensuring network safety.
Ports
The multi-gigabit Ethernet ports provide exceptional throughput, easily managing 10 gigabit speeds on compatible networks and equipment.
Additional Features
Supports a large number of devices simultaneously, handling over 30 wireless and numerous wired connections with rock-solid stability.

The NETGEAR Nighthawk Tri-Band WiFi 7 Router (RS280S) is a powerful choice for users wanting very fast internet speeds and strong coverage. Supporting the latest WiFi 7 standard, it can deliver speeds up to 9.2 Gbps, which is about 2.4 times faster than previous WiFi 6 models. This makes it great for gaming, streaming, video calls, and handling many devices at once—up to 100 connected devices. The router covers around 2,500 square feet, suitable for medium to large homes or small offices.

It has three frequency bands (tri-band), which help distribute your internet traffic smoothly so multiple devices can work without slowing down. The 2.5 Gigabit internet port supports very fast multi-gig internet plans, and there are additional Ethernet ports (two 2.5 Gig and two 1 Gig) for reliable wired connections.

Security is a strong point here. The router includes NETGEAR Armor, a one-year subscription that helps protect against hackers, malware, and identity theft, plus automatic firmware updates for ongoing safety. However, it doesn’t have a coaxial input, so it won’t replace a cable modem—you’ll need a separate modem for your internet connection. The design is sleek and compact with high-performance antennas, and it’s made for use in the U.S. only. Some users might find the price higher compared to older router models, but for cutting-edge speed, wide coverage, and solid security, this router is a solid pick.

Rating
9.6
Wi-Fi Standards
Speed
Range

Most important from
996 reviews

Wi-Fi Standards
Delivers bandwidth that fully leverages WiFi 7 standards, streaming up to 8K video with zero latency and surpassing typical internet service speeds.
Speed
Delivers bandwidth that fully leverages WiFi 7 standards, streaming up to 8K video with zero latency and surpassing typical internet service speeds.
Range
Coverage is impressive, effectively servicing homes over 3,000 square feet and improving speeds on multiple floors compared to previous routers.
Security Features
Advanced security features combined with NETGEAR Armor offer robust protection against hackers and malware, ensuring network safety.
Ports
The multi-gigabit Ethernet ports provide exceptional throughput, easily managing 10 gigabit speeds on compatible networks and equipment.
Additional Features
Supports a large number of devices simultaneously, handling over 30 wireless and numerous wired connections with rock-solid stability.

Buying Guide for the Best Netgear Routers

When choosing a Netgear router, it's important to consider your specific needs and the environment in which the router will be used. Routers come with a variety of features and specifications that can greatly impact your internet experience. Understanding these key specs will help you make an informed decision and ensure you get the best router for your needs.
Wi-Fi StandardsWi-Fi standards determine the speed and range of your wireless network. The most common standards are 802.11n, 802.11ac, and 802.11ax (also known as Wi-Fi 6). 802.11n is older and slower, suitable for basic internet use. 802.11ac offers faster speeds and better range, ideal for streaming and gaming. 802.11ax is the latest standard, providing the fastest speeds and best performance in crowded environments. Choose a router with a standard that matches your internet usage and the number of devices you have.
SpeedRouter speed is measured in megabits per second (Mbps) or gigabits per second (Gbps). Higher speeds mean faster internet, which is important for activities like streaming HD videos, online gaming, and downloading large files. Routers are often labeled with their maximum speed, such as AC1200 or AX6000. For basic browsing and email, lower speeds like AC1200 are sufficient. For more demanding tasks, look for higher speeds like AC3000 or AX6000.
RangeThe range of a router determines how far the Wi-Fi signal can reach. This is important if you have a large home or multiple floors. Routers with multiple antennas and advanced technologies like beamforming can provide better coverage. If you live in a small apartment, a router with a shorter range will suffice. For larger homes, consider a router with a longer range or a mesh Wi-Fi system to ensure coverage in every corner.
BandsRouters can operate on different frequency bands, typically 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. Dual-band routers support both frequencies, while tri-band routers add an additional 5 GHz band. The 2.4 GHz band has a longer range but slower speeds, suitable for basic tasks. The 5 GHz band offers faster speeds but shorter range, ideal for high-bandwidth activities. Tri-band routers can handle more devices and reduce congestion. Choose a dual-band router for general use and a tri-band router if you have many devices or need high performance.
Security FeaturesSecurity features protect your network from unauthorized access and cyber threats. Look for routers with WPA3 encryption, which is the latest and most secure Wi-Fi encryption standard. Additional features like guest networks, parental controls, and built-in firewalls can enhance security. If you have sensitive data or children using the internet, prioritize routers with robust security features.
PortsThe number and type of ports on a router determine how many wired devices you can connect. Common ports include Ethernet ports for wired connections and USB ports for sharing printers or storage devices. If you have multiple wired devices like gaming consoles, smart TVs, or desktop computers, ensure the router has enough Ethernet ports. USB ports are useful for network storage or printer sharing.
Additional FeaturesSome routers come with additional features like Quality of Service (QoS), which prioritizes certain types of traffic, and MU-MIMO, which allows multiple devices to receive data simultaneously. These features can improve performance and user experience. Consider your specific needs, such as gaming, streaming, or smart home integration, and look for routers with features that enhance those activities.

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