NetGear Nighthawk RS700 WiFi 7 Tri-Band Router Review

The world of wireless networking is constantly evolving, and with the advent of WiFi 7, routers are reaching unprecedented speeds and capabilities. Netgear is one of the best-known and most recognisable networking brands in the world and has thrown its hat into the ring with the Nighthawk RS700. This is a flagship tri-band WiFi 7 router promising blazing-fast speeds, expansive coverage, and cutting-edge features, but of course, this comes at a significant cost. This router boasts impressive specs on paper, claiming to deliver up to 19 Gbps with a range of up to 3500 square feet, making it an enticing option for those seeking the ultimate WiFi experience in a larger home with multiple users.

WiFi 7

But the arrival of WiFi 7 raises the question: is it really necessary? With more devices than ever demanding bandwidth, and applications like 4K streaming, VR gaming, and online gaming pushing the limits of our home networks, the answer is increasingly becoming a resounding “yes.” WiFi 7 brings wider channels, higher frequencies, and improved efficiency, all contributing to significantly faster speeds, lower latency, and greater capacity for connected devices. There’s an elephant in the room too, as WiFi 7 compatible devices are still relatively scarce, with even the latest phones and laptops often not featuring the technology, at least, not yet.

10GbE

One of the standout features of the RS700 is its inclusion of a 10GbE port. This future-proofs your network, allowing you to take full advantage of multi-gig internet speeds that are becoming increasingly common. While most users may not need this level of connectivity just yet, it ensures that your router won’t become a bottleneck as internet speeds continue to climb. That being said, this router doesn’t make much sense if you don’t have some form of 10GbE or multi-gig fibre, so keep that in mind before you place your next order.

Premium Features and Design

Beyond raw speed, the RS700 also boasts a sleek, modern design. Its vertical form factor, with strategically placed antennas, looks good and aims to optimise signal strength and coverage without compromising on home-friendly aesthetics. The premium price also dictates a few other things, as you’ll find this router comes with a suite of high-end protection and management features, not that we would have expected anything less, of course.

Features

• Unrivalled WiFi 7 Speeds: Unleashes WiFi 7 speeds up to 9.3Gbps for gaming, smooth streaming, video conferencing, and entertainment.
• Latest WiFi 7 Technology: Delivers 2.4x faster speeds and significantly lower latency than WiFi 6 to maximize performance across all devices.
• 360° WiFi Coverage: Sleek new body offers smaller footprint and high-performance antennas for up to 2,000 sq. ft. of 360-degree WiFi coverage.
• Reimagined Speed & Reliability: Get the fastest speeds available today with a 2.5 Gig internet port, compatible with multi-gig cable or fiber. 2.5Gbps & 1Gbps Ethernet ports unlock unbeatable speed and reliability for wired connections.
• Secure and Private: NETGEAR® routers are secure out of the box with automatic firmware updates and industry-leading safety features.
• Essential All-In-One Internet Security: NETGEAR ArmorTM software provides an automatic shield of security for your WiFi and connected devices with real-time protection. 30-day trial included.
• Easy Set Up with Any Service Provider: Simple to plug Nighthawk into your modem and set it up with the Nighthawk app.

How WiFi 7 Works

Whereas WiFi 5 and WiFi 6 are dual-band systems, WiFi 7 taps into all 3 WiFi bands (6GHz, 2.4GHz, and 5GHz bands). WiFi 7 effortlessly changes lanes between the bands to avoid network traffic and/or keep you connected if you move out of range of one band. This feature, called multi-link operation, ensures data is delivered with maximum speed, reducing latency and improving reliability for online gaming, AR and VR, Zoom calls, and more.

Streamers and gamers will enjoy smoother crisper video, with the ability to stream multiple pieces of 4K and 8K content at once throughout the home. With improved bandwidth, speed, and resource allocation, a household can easily stream UHD videos, host Twitch streams and avid gamers in VR, work on Zoom calls, and browse the web without issue.