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10 Best Nighthawk Router 2026 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 by1,103
Speed
Range
Security Features

Most important from
2000 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 by1,103
Speed
Range
Security Features

Most important from
2000 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 WiFi 7 Router (BE17000) – Router Only, 17 Gbps Wireless Speed, 10 Gig Internet Port, Tri-Band for Gaming, Covers 3,300 sq. ft., 150 Devices, VPN – Free Expert Help

Rating
9.1
Speed
Range
Ports and Connectivity

Most important from
1062 reviews

Speed
Delivers unparalleled speed and rock-solid reliability, effortlessly handling 4K/8K streaming and ultra-low latency gaming without buffering or dropouts.
Range
Powerful antennas and advanced beamforming technology eliminate dead zones, providing seamless, high-speed Wi-Fi coverage throughout large homes and even outdoor areas.
Ports and Connectivity
Equipped with multi-gigabit ports and Wi-Fi 7 tech, it offers future-proof connectivity ideal for gamers, smart home enthusiasts, and heavy streaming households.
Security Features
Robust security features like NETGEAR Armor powered by Bitdefender and WPA3 encryption provide real-time protection against cyber threats and ensure network safety.
Number of Bands
Tri-band technology significantly improves device distribution across frequency bands, boosting stability and performance for numerous smart home devices.

The NETGEAR Nighthawk BE17000 is a high-end WiFi 7 router designed for users needing extremely fast and reliable wireless connections. It delivers impressive wireless speeds up to 17 Gbps, which is great for activities like gaming, streaming 4K or 8K videos, and video calls with minimal lag. With tri-band support, it efficiently manages many devices at once—up to 150—while covering a large home area of about 3,300 square feet. This means you can expect strong, stable WiFi signals throughout most homes.

Security is a strong point here, as it includes NETGEAR Armor to protect against hackers, malware, and identity theft, plus a built-in VPN for added privacy. For wired connections, it offers one 10 Gigabit port and three 1 Gigabit LAN ports, making it suitable for connecting gaming consoles or PCs with ultra-fast speeds. Additional conveniences include a USB 3.0 port and easy management via the Nighthawk app.

One downside is that its full feature set is designed specifically for the U.S. market, which might limit performance or support elsewhere. Also, this router is on the pricier side, which could be more than casual users require. This makes it an excellent fit for gamers, tech enthusiasts, or anyone with many devices who wants future-proof speed and strong security in their home network.

Rating
9.1
Speed
Range
Ports and Connectivity

Most important from
1062 reviews

Speed
Delivers unparalleled speed and rock-solid reliability, effortlessly handling 4K/8K streaming and ultra-low latency gaming without buffering or dropouts.
Range
Powerful antennas and advanced beamforming technology eliminate dead zones, providing seamless, high-speed Wi-Fi coverage throughout large homes and even outdoor areas.
Ports and Connectivity
Equipped with multi-gigabit ports and Wi-Fi 7 tech, it offers future-proof connectivity ideal for gamers, smart home enthusiasts, and heavy streaming households.
Security Features
Robust security features like NETGEAR Armor powered by Bitdefender and WPA3 encryption provide real-time protection against cyber threats and ensure network safety.
Number of Bands
Tri-band technology significantly improves device distribution across frequency bands, boosting stability and performance for numerous smart home devices.
#3

NETGEAR Nighthawk Dual-Band WiFi 7 Router (RS140) - Router Only, BE5000 Wireless Speed (up to 5.0 Gbps) - Covers up to 2,250 sq. ft., 80 Devices - 2.5 Gig Internet Port – Free Expert Help

Rating
8.5
Speed
Additional Features
Ports and Connectivity

Most important from
1062 reviews

Speed
The router delivers a stable and fast connection that effectively handles high-speed internet without buffering or freezing issues.
Additional Features
Setup is straightforward and user-friendly, with clear instructions and an intuitive app that simplifies network management.
Ports and Connectivity
It seamlessly pairs with existing modems and maintains device connections when using familiar network names and passwords.
Number of Bands
Automatic configuration of 2.4 and 5 GHz bands optimizes device connectivity without manual intervention.
Range
Signal strength and coverage are exceptional, providing reliable Wi-Fi performance throughout the home or workspace.
Security Features
Parental controls are easy to use and provide effective options for managing access and protecting younger users.

The NETGEAR Nighthawk RS140 router is designed for users who want fast, reliable Wi-Fi with the latest WiFi 7 technology. It offers speeds up to 5 Gbps, which is excellent for gaming, streaming, and video calls, providing smoother performance compared to older WiFi 6 models. With dual-band support, it helps manage multiple devices efficiently, and it can handle up to 80 connected devices, making it suitable for busy homes or small offices. The coverage of about 2,250 square feet is enough for most houses or medium-sized workspaces.

One standout feature is the 2.5 Gigabit internet port, allowing you to take advantage of faster internet plans if your provider supports them. However, this router does not include a built-in modem, so you’ll need a separate modem to connect to the internet, which might be an extra cost or setup step for some users. Its security features are solid, helping protect your network without much fuss. The physical design is compact with good antenna placement, which helps with consistent signal strength.

This router is a strong choice for gaming and general home or business use, but if you’re new to networking, you’ll have to manage the modem separately. It is a forward-looking router that offers strong speed and capacity for users ready to upgrade to WiFi 7.

Rating
8.5
Speed
Additional Features
Ports and Connectivity

Most important from
1062 reviews

Speed
The router delivers a stable and fast connection that effectively handles high-speed internet without buffering or freezing issues.
Additional Features
Setup is straightforward and user-friendly, with clear instructions and an intuitive app that simplifies network management.
Ports and Connectivity
It seamlessly pairs with existing modems and maintains device connections when using familiar network names and passwords.
Number of Bands
Automatic configuration of 2.4 and 5 GHz bands optimizes device connectivity without manual intervention.
Range
Signal strength and coverage are exceptional, providing reliable Wi-Fi performance throughout the home or workspace.
Security Features
Parental controls are easy to use and provide effective options for managing access and protecting younger users.

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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