10 Best Nighthawk Router 2025 in the United States

The NETGEAR Nighthawk Tri-Band WiFi 7 Router (RS280S) is designed for users who want cutting-edge wireless technology with very fast speeds and strong security. It supports the newest WiFi 7 standard, offering speeds up to 9.2 Gbps, which is about twice as fast as WiFi 6. This makes it great for gaming, streaming, and handling many devices at once—up to 100—within a home or small office space. Its range covers up to 2,500 square feet, suitable for most medium to large homes.

The router includes three bands, which helps reduce interference and improve network stability when multiple devices connect. It also has a 2.5 Gigabit internet port and additional LAN ports for fast wired connections, supporting multi-gig internet plans. Security is a strong point here, with built-in advanced protection that includes automatic firmware updates and a one-year subscription to NETGEAR Armor, which guards against hackers and malware.

This router is not a modem and does not have a coaxial input, so it needs to be used with an existing modem or fiber connection. Also, it is made specifically for use in the U.S., which may limit compatibility elsewhere. Although the price may be higher than older models, the advanced features and future-proof WiFi 7 technology make it a solid choice for users wanting top performance and security in their home network.

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.

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.