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10 Best Nighthawk Router 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

NETGEAR Nighthawk Tri-Band WiFi 7 Router (RS700S) - Router Only- 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
10.0
Chosen by1,322
Speed
Range
Security Features

Most important from
1568 reviews

Speed
This router offers unparalleled range, speed, and quality, making it a significant upgrade over standard modem/routers provided by ISPs.
Range
This router offers unparalleled range, speed, and quality, making it a significant upgrade over standard modem/routers provided by ISPs.
Security Features
NETGEAR Armor provides an added layer of security, protecting multiple devices effortlessly.

The NETGEAR Nighthawk Tri-Band WiFi 7 Router (RS700S) stands out for its impressive speed and coverage, making it ideal for users seeking a high-performance router for activities like gaming, streaming, and smart home connectivity. With speeds reaching up to 19Gbps and a range of up to 3,500 sq. ft., it accommodates a large number of devices—up to 200—ensuring smooth connectivity throughout a home or office.

This router's tri-band technology enhances performance by efficiently managing multiple connections, which is beneficial for households with various devices constantly online. Additionally, the inclusion of advanced security features, such as automatic firmware updates and NETGEAR Armor for real-time protection against cyber threats, adds a layer of safety that many users will appreciate.

Its high performance comes with a higher price point, which might not be suitable for those with basic internet needs. Moreover, while the setup can be managed through the Nighthawk app, some users may still find the initial configuration a bit daunting if they're not tech-savvy. It's also worth noting that this model is designed for use in the U.S. only, limiting its global appeal.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,322
Speed
Range
Security Features

Most important from
1568 reviews

Speed
This router offers unparalleled range, speed, and quality, making it a significant upgrade over standard modem/routers provided by ISPs.
Range
This router offers unparalleled range, speed, and quality, making it a significant upgrade over standard modem/routers provided by ISPs.
Security Features
NETGEAR Armor provides an added layer of security, protecting multiple devices effortlessly.
#2

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
9.4
Wi-Fi Standard
Speed
Range

Most important from
1292 reviews

Wi-Fi Standard
Delivers blazing fast Wi-Fi 7 speeds that handle 4K/8K streaming and gaming with ultra-low latency and no buffering.
Speed
Delivers blazing fast Wi-Fi 7 speeds that handle 4K/8K streaming and gaming with ultra-low latency and no buffering.
Range
Covers large homes seamlessly with powerful antennas and beamforming technology that eliminate dead zones and weak signals.
Security Features
Built-in security features including WPA3 encryption and NETGEAR Armor provide real-time protection against cyber threats.
Ports and Connectivity
Future-proof design with multi-gigabit ports and advanced Wi-Fi 7 technology supports heavy loads of multiple devices effortlessly.
Additional Features
Setup is straightforward and intuitive via the user-friendly Nighthawk app, with advanced customization options for tech enthusiasts.

The NETGEAR Nighthawk RS500 is a powerful WiFi 7 router designed to deliver very fast internet speeds, up to 12Gbps, which is ideal for smooth gaming, high-quality 4K/8K streaming, or video calls without interruptions. It supports the latest WiFi 7 standard, offering about twice the speed of WiFi 6, making it future-proof for many connected devices at home. Featuring three frequency bands, it can handle up to 120 devices and covers an area of up to 3,000 square feet, suitable for most medium to large homes.

For wired connections, the router includes a 2.5 Gigabit internet port plus three standard Gigabit Ethernet ports, enabling fast and stable connections for devices like gaming consoles or desktop PCs. Security is a strong point with built-in automatic updates and NETGEAR Armor software that helps protect your network from hackers and malware, with full protection available via subscription after a 30-day trial. The router has a compact design and comes with a user-friendly app for easy setup and management.

This router is well suited for users who want top-tier speed and advanced security for a busy smart home or gaming environment, although it might be more expensive and complex than what casual users require. Additionally, it is designed specifically for use in the US, so compatibility could be an issue in other regions.

Rating
9.4
Wi-Fi Standard
Speed
Range

Most important from
1292 reviews

Wi-Fi Standard
Delivers blazing fast Wi-Fi 7 speeds that handle 4K/8K streaming and gaming with ultra-low latency and no buffering.
Speed
Delivers blazing fast Wi-Fi 7 speeds that handle 4K/8K streaming and gaming with ultra-low latency and no buffering.
Range
Covers large homes seamlessly with powerful antennas and beamforming technology that eliminate dead zones and weak signals.
Security Features
Built-in security features including WPA3 encryption and NETGEAR Armor provide real-time protection against cyber threats.
Ports and Connectivity
Future-proof design with multi-gigabit ports and advanced Wi-Fi 7 technology supports heavy loads of multiple devices effortlessly.
Additional Features
Setup is straightforward and intuitive via the user-friendly Nighthawk app, with advanced customization options for tech enthusiasts.
#3

NETGEAR Nighthawk Tri-Band WiFi 7 Router (RS600) - Router Only, BE18000 Wireless Speed (up to 18 Gbps) – 10 Gig Internet Port - Covers up to 3,300 sq. ft., 150 Devices - Free Expert Help

Rating
9.4
Speed
Range
Bands

Most important from
1568 reviews

Speed
The Wi-Fi 7 capabilities are incredibly fast, making everything from streaming to gaming a breeze.
Range
The range covers up to 3,300 square feet, providing a strong, reliable signal even in the farthest corners of the house.
Bands
The multi-band capability ensures optimal frequency connection, enhancing overall performance in crowded environments.
Security Features
The built-in security, including NETGEAR Armor, offers real-time protection against cyber threats.

The NETGEAR Nighthawk Tri-Band WiFi 7 Router (RS600) is a powerful option for those needing high-speed internet and large coverage. It offers impressive speeds up to 18Gbps, which is ideal for demanding activities like real-time gaming, 4K/8K streaming, and video conferencing. Additionally, it supports up to 150 devices, making it suitable for busy households or small businesses. The router's range covers up to 3,300 sq. ft., ensuring strong connectivity throughout a large area.

Its tri-band capability helps manage multiple devices efficiently by spreading the load across three frequency bands. The built-in security features, including NETGEAR Armor, provide robust protection out of the box, adding to the router’s appeal with automatic firmware updates and VPN for added privacy. Setting up and managing the network is simplified with the Nighthawk app, making it accessible even for users who are not tech-savvy.

However, the router's somewhat bulkier design might not appeal to everyone in terms of aesthetics. Another potential drawback is the high price point, which might be a consideration for budget-conscious buyers. For those who need top-tier performance and extensive coverage, this router is a solid investment, but if the price is a concern, there are more affordable options available that might suffice for smaller households or less demanding internet use.

Rating
9.4
Speed
Range
Bands

Most important from
1568 reviews

Speed
The Wi-Fi 7 capabilities are incredibly fast, making everything from streaming to gaming a breeze.
Range
The range covers up to 3,300 square feet, providing a strong, reliable signal even in the farthest corners of the house.
Bands
The multi-band capability ensures optimal frequency connection, enhancing overall performance in crowded environments.
Security Features
The built-in security, including NETGEAR Armor, offers real-time protection against cyber threats.

Buying Guide for the Best Nighthawk Router

Choosing the right Nighthawk router can significantly enhance your internet experience, whether you're streaming, gaming, or just browsing. To make an informed decision, it's important to understand the key specifications and how they align with your needs. Here are the main specs to consider when selecting a Nighthawk router.
Wi-Fi StandardThe Wi-Fi standard determines the speed and range of your wireless network. The most common standards are Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) and Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax). Wi-Fi 6 offers faster speeds, better performance in crowded areas, and improved battery life for connected devices. If you have many devices or need the fastest speeds, opt for Wi-Fi 6. For general use, Wi-Fi 5 may suffice.
SpeedRouter speed is measured in megabits per second (Mbps) and indicates how fast data can be transferred. Speeds are often listed as AC1900, AC3000, etc., where the number represents the combined speed of all bands. Higher speeds are beneficial for activities like 4K streaming and online gaming. For basic browsing and streaming, lower speeds are adequate. Choose a speed that matches your internet plan and usage needs.
RangeThe range of a router refers to the area it can cover with a strong signal. Larger homes or spaces with many walls may require a router with a greater range. Routers with multiple antennas or mesh systems can extend coverage. If you live in a small apartment, a standard range router will work. For larger homes, consider a router with a longer range or a mesh system to ensure consistent coverage.
Number of BandsRouters can have single, dual, or tri-band frequencies. Single-band routers operate on the 2.4GHz frequency, which is slower but has a longer range. Dual-band routers add a 5GHz band, which is faster but has a shorter range. Tri-band routers include an additional 5GHz band to handle more devices. For basic use, a dual-band router is sufficient. For heavy usage with multiple devices, a tri-band router is ideal.
Security FeaturesSecurity features protect your network from unauthorized access and cyber threats. Look for routers with WPA3 encryption, built-in firewalls, and automatic firmware updates. Some routers offer additional features like VPN support and parental controls. If security is a priority, choose a router with robust security features to safeguard your data and devices.
Ports and ConnectivityThe number and type of ports on a router determine how many wired devices you can connect. Common ports include Ethernet, USB, and sometimes eSATA. More Ethernet ports are useful for connecting devices like gaming consoles and smart TVs. USB ports allow for network storage or printer sharing. Consider your connectivity needs and choose a router with the appropriate number and type of ports.
Additional FeaturesSome routers come with additional features like Quality of Service (QoS), which prioritizes traffic for smoother performance, or MU-MIMO, which allows multiple devices to receive data simultaneously. These features can enhance your network experience, especially in busy households. Evaluate which additional features are important to you and choose a router that offers them.

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