NETGEAR Nighthawk Tri-Band WiFi 6E Router (RAXE300) - Security Features, AXE7800 Wireless Gigabit Speed (Up to 7.8Gbps), New 6GHz Band, 8-Streams Cover up to 2,500 sq. ft., 40 Devices
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AI Verdict
This is a Tri-Band WiFi 6E router with 7.8Gbps speed and a 2.5G Ethernet port, designed for homes up to 2,500 sq. ft. with up to 40 devices.
This router is a strong contender if you have WiFi 6E devices and a need for its dedicated 6GHz band, offering up to 7.8Gbps speeds and a 2.5G Ethernet port. However, its value is diminished if you don't utilize WiFi 6E, and the subscription model for security features might be a drawback for some.
If you need more consistent performance across a larger or more obstructed home, look for a mesh WiFi 6E system with multiple access points.
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Pros
- Features a dedicated 6GHz band for WiFi 6E devices, enabling 4K/8K video streaming and AR/VR gaming with reduced interference.
- Offers combined WiFi speeds up to 7.8Gbps, driven by a 1.7GHz quad-core processor.
- Includes one 2.5G Ethernet port and four 1G Ethernet ports for high-speed wired connections and port aggregation.
- Provides coverage up to 2,500 sq. ft. and supports up to 40 connected devices.
- The 5GHz signal extends almost twice as far as some competing routers, and the 2.4GHz band covers a 2,000 sq. ft. home from a corner.
- Supports WPA3 encryption and offers VPN support for enhanced network security.
Cons
- The Nighthawk app lacks built-in QoS settings, making it difficult to prioritize specific devices or traffic without additional configuration.
- Advanced security features like NETGEAR Armor and Smart Parental Controls require separate subscriptions after an initial period.
- The physical design with fixed 'wings' limits placement options and occupies significant space, as the wings are not adjustable.
- Setup through the Nighthawk app can feel sluggish with multiple loading screens and requires a Netgear account.
- Performance on busy networks can degrade, with reported speeds dropping to 150 Mbps even 5 ft from the router when streaming and downloading simultaneously.
Dimension Scores
It offers up to 7.8Gbps combined speed and covers 2,500 sq. ft., with users reporting strong 5GHz and 2.4GHz signals across a 2,000 sq. ft. home.
While one user reported zero performance issues after a year, others noted significant speed drops on busy networks and at moderate distances.
Setup is straightforward but the app experience is hampered by sluggishness, mandatory account creation, and a lack of advanced controls like QoS.
It includes WPA3 and VPN support, but its enhanced security (NETGEAR Armor) and parental controls are locked behind a subscription.
Best For
- Homes with multiple WiFi 6E compatible devices needing dedicated high-speed bandwidth for AR/VR gaming or 8K streaming.
- Users with Gigabit internet plans who want to leverage a 2.5G wired connection for a main PC or server.
- Households with up to 40 devices that require simultaneous connectivity across a 2,500 sq. ft. area.
- Anyone prioritizing the latest WiFi standard (6E) for future-proofing their home network, despite current device limitations.
Not Recommended For
- Users who need extensive advanced network controls directly within the router's app, such as detailed QoS settings.
- Budget-conscious buyers who are unwilling to pay for ongoing subscriptions for security and parental control features.
- Small apartments or single-device setups where the full 7.8Gbps Tri-Band WiFi 6E capabilities would be overkill.
Watch Out For
- The Nighthawk app constantly displays pop-ups attempting to upsell subscription-based security and parental control features.
- Despite its 7.8Gbps theoretical speed, real-world performance can drop significantly; one user reported speeds falling from 800 Mbps to 100 Mbps just 15 ft away with two walls.
- The router's performance struggles with busy networks, with speeds dropping to 150 Mbps when streaming and downloading concurrently, even at close range.
- The physical design is fixed and bulky; the 'wings' are not adjustable, which can limit placement options on a desk or shelf.
- The setup process, while straightforward, can feel slow due to numerous loading screens and the mandatory Netgear account creation.
Full Specifications
| ASIN | B0B1LZMH78 |
| Brand | NETGEAR |
| Color | Black |
| Series | RAXE300 |
| Model Name | RAXE300 |
| Item Weight | 4.16 pounds |
| Manufacturer | Netgear |
| Wireless Type | 802.11ax |
| Special Feature | WPS |
| Operating System | Linux |
| Item model number | RAXE300-100NAS |
| Compatible Devices | Laptop, Gaming Console, Smartphone, Video Streaming |
| Product Dimensions | 13.64 x 8.16 x 6.47 inches |
| Frequency Band Class | Tri-Band |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 13.64 x 8.16 x 6.47 inches |
| Connectivity Technology | Ethernet, Wi-Fi |
| Recommended Uses For Product | Gaming |
| Wireless Communication Standard | 802.11ax |
What Buyers Say
Many users are stoked about the 6GHz band, saying it delivers blazing fast speeds, sometimes over 900 Mbps, especially for devices that can actually use it. However, some folks found that the router's performance takes a real hit when you move even 15 feet away through a couple of walls, or if you try to do a lot of things at once like streaming and downloading. The app is okay for basic stuff, but if you're a power user looking for granular control, you'll be disappointed, and it's constantly trying to sell you subscriptions. The physical design is a bit polarizing; some like the 'stealth bomber' look, but the fixed wings mean it takes up more space than you might expect.
“Man, this thing is fast on the 6E band, but seriously, the app keeps trying to sell me stuff and it gets slow if too many people are doing stuff at once. I wish it had WiFi 7 for this price, but my Quest 3 loves the 6GHz.”
Common Praise
- The 6GHz band provides exceptional speeds, with users seeing over 900 Mbps download and upload.
- The 5GHz signal reaches almost twice as far as previous routers, extending coverage effectively.
- Gaming and 4K streaming are smooth with no noticeable lag or disconnects.
- The router handles up to 40 devices without needing reboots, even after a year of use.
- The 2.5G Ethernet port is a significant upgrade for wired connections.
Common Complaints
- Speeds drop significantly, sometimes to 100 Mbps, when 15 ft away with two walls between the device and router.
- Performance tanks to around 150 Mbps when the network is busy with simultaneous streaming and downloading.
- The Nighthawk app lacks advanced controls like built-in QoS settings and pushes subscription services.
- The router's fixed 'wing' design is bulky and limits placement options, as it cannot be adjusted or folded.
- Setup process can be sluggish with multiple loading screens and requires a Netgear account.
Ownership Tips
- The router's physical footprint is larger than anticipated due to the non-adjustable 'wings'.
- You'll need to factor in potential subscription costs for NETGEAR Armor and Smart Parental Controls for full security features.
- The 6GHz band is a game-changer for compatible devices, but older devices won't see that benefit.
- If your home has many walls or interference, the advertised 2,500 sq. ft. coverage might not translate to consistent high speeds everywhere.
- The 2.5G Ethernet port is a real asset if you have a device that can utilize those speeds, like a gaming PC or NAS.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this router support WiFi 7?
No, the NETGEAR Nighthawk RAXE300 is a WiFi 6E router and does not support the newer WiFi 7 standard.
What kind of Ethernet ports does it have?
It features one 2.5G Multi-Gigabit Ethernet port and four 1G Gigabit Ethernet ports, supporting wired connections for various devices.
Are the security and parental control features free?
The NETGEAR Armor and Smart Parental Controls are subscription-based services after an initial trial period.
How much area does it cover?
The router is designed to cover up to 2,500 sq. ft., suitable for medium to large homes.
Can I use this with any internet provider?
Yes, it is compatible with any Internet Service Provider plan up to 1 Gigabit, including cable, satellite, fiber, and DSL.
Does it have a USB port?
Yes, it includes a USB port, which can be used to connect a storage device for network-wide file sharing.
Buying Guide
When looking at a router like this, you're really thinking about how many devices you have, how fast your internet is, and if you're ready for the latest WiFi tech. WiFi 6E means you get a brand-new 6GHz band that's less crowded, but only newer devices can use it. Don't just look at the 'up to X Gbps' number; think about how many devices will be active at once and how far they are from the router.
WiFi 6E (802.11ax)
This is the latest WiFi standard, adding a 6GHz frequency band. Think of it like adding a new, less congested highway for your newest, fastest cars (WiFi 6E devices) to drive on, leaving the older 2.4GHz and 5GHz roads clearer for everyone else.
Tri-Band (2.4GHz, 5GHz, 6GHz)
Having three bands means the router can spread out your devices more efficiently. The 2.4GHz band is for older devices and longer range, 5GHz is for faster speeds at medium range, and 6GHz is for the absolute fastest speeds with compatible devices over shorter distances.
7.8Gbps Wireless Gigabit Speed
This is the theoretical maximum combined speed across all three bands. It doesn't mean a single device will hit 7.8Gbps, but rather the total bandwidth available to all your devices simultaneously. It's like the total capacity of a multi-lane highway.
2.5G Ethernet Port
This port allows you to connect one wired device, like a high-end gaming PC or a network-attached storage (NAS) device, at speeds faster than standard Gigabit Ethernet (1Gbps). It's crucial if your internet plan is faster than 1Gbps or if you need super-fast local network transfers.
Alternatives
If this router doesn't fit, consider models with built-in QoS for traffic prioritization or a mesh system for more consistent coverage in larger, complex homes. Look for routers with WiFi 7 if future-proofing beyond 6E is a priority.
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