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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 (RS500) – Router Only, BE12000 Wireless Speed (up to 12 Gbps) - Covers up to 3,000 sq. ft., 120 Devices – 2.5 Gig Internet Port - Free Expert Help

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,205
Speed
Range
Security Features

Most important from
1630 reviews

Speed
This router outperforms any modem/router provided by ISPs, with impressive range, speed, and quality.
Range
This router outperforms any modem/router provided by ISPs, with impressive range, speed, and quality.
Security Features
The Netgear Armor feature adds an extra layer of security, protecting all connected devices.

The NETGEAR Nighthawk Tri-Band WiFi 7 Router (RS500) is a top-tier router designed for high performance and extensive coverage. It offers WiFi 7 technology, which delivers blazing-fast speeds of up to 12Gbps, making it ideal for real-time gaming, 4K/8K streaming, UHD video conferencing, and AR/VR entertainment. This router is particularly suitable for households with multiple devices, as it can handle up to 120 devices simultaneously and cover an area of up to 3,000 square feet with its high-performance antennas.

The tri-band frequency ensures efficient management of device traffic across different frequencies for optimal performance. Additionally, it features a 2.5 Gig internet port and multiple Ethernet ports (1 x 2.5 Gig and 3 x 1 Gig) for fast-wired connections, supporting the latest cable or fiber internet service plans. Security is a strong point with built-in Advanced Router Protection, automatic firmware updates, and NETGEAR Armor providing real-time protection against hackers and added privacy with a VPN. The Nighthawk app simplifies setup and management of the WiFi network.

However, it's important to note that this router is made for use in the U.S. only. Another potential drawback is the premium price point that comes with such high-end features, which might not be necessary for users with simpler internet needs or smaller spaces. This router is best suited for tech-savvy users or households that require robust internet connectivity and advanced security features.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,205
Speed
Range
Security Features

Most important from
1630 reviews

Speed
This router outperforms any modem/router provided by ISPs, with impressive range, speed, and quality.
Range
This router outperforms any modem/router provided by ISPs, with impressive range, speed, and quality.
Security Features
The Netgear Armor feature adds an extra layer of security, protecting all connected devices.
#2

NETGEAR Orbi 370 Series Dual-Band WiFi 7 Mesh Network System for Home (RBE373) – Wireless Router + 2 Extenders, Security Features, 5 Gbps, Covers 6,000 sq.ft., 70 Devices, 2.5GB Internet Port, BE5000

Rating
10.0
Range
Speed
Additional Features

Most important from
3467 reviews

Range
Delivers a solid, stable, and reliable WiFi signal throughout the entire home, eliminating dead zones and connectivity drops.
Speed
Upgrading to this mesh network boosts performance for smart home devices and security cameras, enhancing their speed and reliability.
Additional Features
Setup is straightforward and user-friendly, even for those without technical expertise.

The NETGEAR Orbi 370 Series is a strong choice if you're looking for a mesh WiFi system to cover a large home with fast and reliable internet. It uses the newest WiFi 7 standard, which is faster than the older WiFi 6, offering speeds up to 5 Gbps and handling many devices (up to 70) smoothly. Its dual-band setup, combined with enhanced backhaul technology, helps provide steady coverage across up to 6,000 sq.ft., which is great if you have a bigger house or want seamless streaming, gaming, and video calls in multiple rooms. The system includes one main router and two extenders (satellites), making it easy to spread a strong signal everywhere.

Security-wise, it offers automatic updates and a suite of protections against hacking and malware, including a 30-day trial of NETGEAR Armor for extra safety. Ports are also a highlight, with a 2.5 Gigabit internet port and wired backhaul options, letting you take advantage of faster cable or fiber internet plans if available. This dual-band system, while very capable, might have slightly limited peak performance compared to tri-band systems in extremely busy networks.

It is designed specifically for U.S. use, so it might not work perfectly elsewhere. If you want a reliable, future-ready mesh WiFi with strong security and excellent coverage for your home, the Orbi 370 Series is worth considering.

Rating
10.0
Range
Speed
Additional Features

Most important from
3467 reviews

Range
Delivers a solid, stable, and reliable WiFi signal throughout the entire home, eliminating dead zones and connectivity drops.
Speed
Upgrading to this mesh network boosts performance for smart home devices and security cameras, enhancing their speed and reliability.
Additional Features
Setup is straightforward and user-friendly, even for those without technical expertise.
#3

NETGEAR Orbi 970 Series Quad-Band WiFi 7 Mesh Network System (RBE972S) - Router + 1 Satellite Extender, Security Features, 27 Gbps, 6,600 sq. ft., 200 Devices, 10 Gig Internet Port – Free Expert Help

Rating
8.5
Speed
Range
Ports

Most important from
3795 reviews

Speed
The speed is incredible with no lag, making it perfect for gaming, streaming, and managing multiple smart home devices simultaneously.
Range
Coverage is excellent, providing fast WiFi throughout large homes with a single network name, eliminating the hassle of multiple WiFi IDs.
Ports
The system supports wired backhaul and multi-gig Ethernet ports, delivering near-wired speeds even for entertainment devices connected via WiFi.

The NETGEAR Orbi 970 Series is a powerful mesh WiFi 7 system designed to deliver extremely fast wireless speeds up to 27 Gbps, which is about 2.4 times faster than the previous WiFi 6 standard. This makes it ideal for large homes or busy networks with up to 200 connected devices, supporting activities like 8K streaming, gaming, and VR without noticeable slowdowns. Thanks to its quad-band technology and dedicated backhaul, the system maintains strong and stable signals across a wide area of about 6,600 square feet, covering every corner of your home regardless of layout.

Security is a strong point here, with automatic firmware updates and NETGEAR Armor providing continuous protection for all your devices, including smart home gadgets. The router includes a 10 Gigabit port plus multiple 2.5 Gbps Ethernet ports, which is excellent if you want ultra-fast wired connections for gaming consoles or media servers.

Setup and management are user-friendly through the Orbi app, making it accessible for most users. This model is intended for use in the U.S. only, and with a relatively high price point, it may be more than what casual users need. While it supports backward compatibility with older devices, to fully benefit from WiFi 7 speeds, compatible client devices are required. The Orbi 970 Series represents a premium choice for those seeking top-tier speed, robust security, and expansive coverage in a home or small business environment, especially if you have many devices and demanding internet activities.

Rating
8.5
Speed
Range
Ports

Most important from
3795 reviews

Speed
The speed is incredible with no lag, making it perfect for gaming, streaming, and managing multiple smart home devices simultaneously.
Range
Coverage is excellent, providing fast WiFi throughout large homes with a single network name, eliminating the hassle of multiple WiFi IDs.
Ports
The system supports wired backhaul and multi-gig Ethernet ports, delivering near-wired speeds even for entertainment devices connected via WiFi.

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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