NETGEAR Nighthawk Dual-Band WiFi 7 Router (RS90) – Router Only, BE3600 Wireless Speed (up to 3.6 Gbps) - Covers up to 2,000 sq. ft., 50 Devices – 2.5 Gig Internet Port - Free Expert Help
Want the best price and purchase timing?
Our AI advisor analyzes real-time pricing across all channels to find you the best deal.
AI Verdict
A dual-band WiFi 7 router with BE3600 wireless speed and a 2.5 Gig internet port, suitable for small to medium homes with up to 50 devices.
This router is a situational fit, offering an entry point into WiFi 7 with 3.6 Gbps speeds and a 2.5 Gig internet port for its price band. However, its dual-band nature and BE3600 speed mean it won't deliver the full performance of higher-end WiFi 7 models, and some advanced features are locked behind subscriptions.
If you need more robust WiFi 7 performance, look for a tri-band router with a 6 GHz band and higher BE ratings (e.g., BE11000 or higher) for increased speeds and dedicated backhaul.
Regret Score™
Low RiskLower is better — measures purchase-regret risk from real buyer complaints, review credibility, and product maturity
Issues discovered after purchase
Critically weak dimension
Amazon rating vs actual quality
Chance this product isn't for you
Pros
- Supports the latest 802.11be (WiFi 7) standard, delivering speeds up to 3.6 Gbps.
- Features a 2.5 Gig internet port for multi-gig internet service plans.
- Provides WiFi coverage up to 2,000 sq. ft. and connects up to 50 devices.
- Setup and management are straightforward using the Nighthawk app.
- Includes four 1 Gig Ethernet LAN ports for wired connections.
Cons
- Lacks a 6 GHz band, limiting its full WiFi 7 potential compared to tri-band models.
- Security features like NETGEAR Armor and parental controls are paid add-on services, costing extra annually.
- The BE3600 speed, while WiFi 7, may not outperform higher-end WiFi 6/6E routers in range or consistency due to fewer streams and weaker hardware.
- Does not include a built-in cable modem, requiring a separate unit for internet service.
Dimension Scores
Offers WiFi 7 speeds up to 3.6 Gbps and covers up to 2,000 sq. ft., but its dual-band BE3600 configuration may not outperform higher-end WiFi 6/6E routers in real-world range and consistency.
One user reported it 'works well' for a small number of devices, but comprehensive long-term user feedback on stability for 50 devices is limited.
Setup is described as quick and user-friendly via the Nighthawk app, making it accessible for non-technical users.
Includes built-in security measures and NETGEAR Armor, but enhanced features and parental controls require an additional paid subscription.
Best For
- Small to medium-sized homes needing an upgrade from older WiFi 5 or 6 routers.
- Users with up to 50 connected devices for streaming, gaming, and video conferencing.
- Households with multi-gig internet service plans that can utilize the 2.5 Gig internet port.
Not Recommended For
- Users requiring the full capabilities of WiFi 7, including the 6 GHz band and higher multi-gig LAN ports.
- Individuals who prefer integrated security and parental control features without additional subscription costs.
- Large homes or environments with many high-bandwidth WiFi 7 clients that need maximum range and consistency.
Watch Out For
- NETGEAR Armor security and parental controls require an additional paid subscription, which can be an extra $115 per year.
- Despite being WiFi 7, the BE3600 dual-band configuration with fewer streams might not deliver better range or consistency than some higher-end WiFi 6/6E routers.
- The router does not have an integrated modem, so you'll need to purchase or use a separate cable modem.
Full Specifications
| ASIN | B0DW27FNG3 |
| Brand | NETGEAR |
| Color | Black |
| Model Name | RS90-100NAS |
| Item Weight | 1.87 pounds |
| Manufacturer | NETGEAR |
| Special Feature | Internet Security |
| Item model number | RS90-100NAS |
| Compatible Devices | Gaming Console, Personal Computer, Security Camera, Smart Television, Smartphone |
| Product Dimensions | 10.79 x 7.09 x 5.2 inches |
| Frequency Band Class | Dual-Band |
| Connectivity Technology | Ethernet, Wi-Fi |
| Recommended Uses For Product | Business, Gaming, Home |
| Wireless Communication Standard | 802.11.be |
What Buyers Say
Many users see this router as a budget-friendly way to get into WiFi 7 technology, especially when on sale for around $91.99. While it offers 3.6 Gbps speeds and a 2.5 Gig internet port, some sources indicate that its BE3600 dual-band setup might not provide a significant performance leap over higher-end WiFi 6/6E routers, particularly in terms of range and consistency. The ease of setup through the Nighthawk app is frequently mentioned as a positive. However, the cost of additional security and parental control features through a subscription is a recurring concern.
“I grabbed this on sale for like 99 bucks, and for that price, it's a pretty sweet deal to get WiFi 7, even if it's not the super-fast kind. Setup was a breeze with the app, but seriously, paying extra for parental controls feels a bit much.”
Common Praise
- Provides a cost-effective entry point into WiFi 7 technology.
- Offers fast wireless speeds up to 3.6 Gbps for various activities.
- Features a 2.5 Gig internet port for high-speed internet connections.
- The Nighthawk app makes initial setup and network management simple.
- Covers up to 2,000 sq. ft., helping to eliminate dead zones.
Common Complaints
- Advanced security (NETGEAR Armor) and parental control features require an extra annual subscription fee.
- The BE3600 dual-band WiFi 7 might not outperform some higher-tier WiFi 6/6E routers in range or consistency.
- Lacks a 6 GHz band, which limits the full potential of WiFi 7 for compatible devices.
- No integrated modem, requiring a separate device for internet access.
Ownership Tips
- The router's compact, tower-like design helps it blend into living spaces without taking up much room.
- While it supports 50 devices, real-world performance with that many active connections, especially high-bandwidth ones, might vary given its BE3600 rating.
- The actual benefit of WiFi 7 over WiFi 6 is most noticeable for local network transfers or if your internet speed exceeds 1 Gbps and you have WiFi 7 client devices.
- The inclusion of four 1 Gig LAN ports is practical for connecting multiple wired devices, but doesn't offer multi-gig speeds for internal network transfers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this router include a modem?
No, this is a router only. You will need a separate cable modem with coax inputs for internet service.
What kind of speeds can I expect?
The router supports WiFi 7 speeds up to 3.6 Gbps, which is 1.2 times faster than WiFi 6. Actual speeds depend on your internet plan and connected devices.
How many devices can it handle?
It's designed to handle up to 50 connected devices simultaneously.
Is NETGEAR Armor free?
NETGEAR Armor provides security, but some advanced features and parental controls are part of a paid subscription service.
Does it have multi-gig Ethernet ports for wired devices?
It has one 2.5 Gig internet port for your ISP connection and four 1 Gig Ethernet LAN ports for wired devices.
Buying Guide
When looking at a router, you're essentially buying the central hub for your home's internet. You need to consider how many devices you have, how big your space is, and what your internet service plan offers. Don't just chase the highest 'WiFi' number; sometimes a well-implemented older standard can outperform a basic version of a newer one. Also, check if it's just a router or if it includes a modem, as you'll need both for internet access.
WiFi Standard (e.g., WiFi 7 / 802.11be)
This indicates the generation of WiFi technology. Newer standards like WiFi 7 offer theoretical improvements in speed and efficiency, but you only see the full benefit if your devices also support that standard and your internet connection is fast enough.
Wireless Speed (e.g., 3.6 Gbps / BE3600)
This is the maximum theoretical speed the router can achieve wirelessly. Think of it like the top speed of a car; you won't hit it unless the road (your internet plan) and other cars (your devices) can keep up. 'BE3600' indicates the combined theoretical speed across its bands.
Coverage Area (e.g., 2,000 sq. ft.)
This tells you the estimated area the router can reliably cover with a WiFi signal. Walls, floors, and interference can reduce this, so consider your home's layout. If your home is larger, you might need a mesh system.
Internet Port (e.g., 2.5 Gig)
This is the port where your internet service comes into the router. A 2.5 Gig port means it can handle internet plans faster than 1 Gigabit, which is becoming more common. Make sure this matches or exceeds your internet plan's speed.
Alternatives
If this router doesn't meet your needs, look for models with tri-band support including a 6 GHz band for dedicated high-speed connections, or routers with higher multi-gig LAN ports for faster internal wired networks.
You Might Also Like
Amazon eero Pro 7 with 1 month free eero Business (auto-renews annually) - Supports internet plans up to 5 Gbps, Coverage up to 6,000 sq. ft., Connect 600+ devices, 3-pack
$600+This 3-pack Wi-Fi 7 tri-band mesh system delivers up to 3.9 Gbps wireless speeds and 5 Gbps wired speeds, covering 6,000 sq. ft. for businesses needing high-capacity networking.
Amazon eero 6 mesh wifi add-on extender - Add up to 1,500 sq. ft. of Wi-Fi 6 coverage. Required eero mesh wifi system not included
A Wi-Fi 6 mesh extender that adds up to 1,500 sq. ft. of coverage, exclusively for existing eero network users.
TP-Link Deco S4 Mesh AC1900 WiFi System - Up to 5,500 Sq.ft. Coverage, Replaces WiFi Router and Extender, Gigabit Ports, Works with Alexa, Deco S4(3-Pack)
A 3-pack AC1900 dual-band mesh system covering 5,500 sq ft with Gigabit Ethernet, for homes needing broad Wi-Fi 5 coverage on a budget.
TP-Link Deco X55 Pro AX3000 Whole Home Wi-Fi 6 Mesh System - Coverage up to 6500 Sq.Ft & up to 150 Devices, 2x2.5G WAN/LAN Ports, 4 Streams, Wired Ethernet Backhaul, Ideal for 1Gig+ Internet, 3-Pack
A Wi-Fi 6 mesh system with AX3000 speed and 2x 2.5G ports per unit, covering 6500 sq. ft. for homes with 1Gig+ internet.