Over the years, Netgear has become the go-to company as far as the best routers are concerned. The reason; they eat, sleep, and breathe Wi-Fi. And not just any kind, but blazing speed Wi-Fi that knows no lags, buffering or disconnects. They have a demystified home network so it doesn’t sound like a thing for the chosen few. 

So what’s in the best Netgear router?

In this article, we unearth intimate details about top Netgear routers to help you make the right buying decision.

That will help you understand why you shouldn’t rent a router from your Internet Service Provider, instead, you should take home one of these.

The next 9 routers meet the needs of various home users depending on their internet plan, home physical size in square feet, number of devices they can serve, and the technology behind their being.

The best Netgear routers also come with hardware warranty and basic technical support for a set period after purchase.

Netgear’s Best Cable Modem Router for large homes with endless devices

This router promises to end all dropped connections, video buffering, and the uncalled for lagging during online gaming so you can enjoy Wi-Fi connectivity on all wireless devices at home.

Nighthawk X4S has a DOCSIS 3.1 modem with 32×8 channel bonding that supports internet plans up to 2Gbps.

It works with major Internet Services Providers in the USA; Cox, XFINITY and Spectrum, but doesn’t support DSL and bundled voice providers.

The dual-band router ensures blazing Wi-Fi speeds of 3.2Gbps suitable for multiplayer gaming and 4K streaming on various devices among other applications. It’s able to support up to 45 devices.

Its 4 external amplified antenna with range-boosting Beamforming technology allows Wi-Fi coverage up to 3,000 square feet while maintaining stable connections. It’s based on 802.11ac technology.

The cable modem router is powered by a 1.5GHz processor enhancing wireless, wired and WAN-to-LAN connections has 4 gigabit Ethernet ports and 2 USB 3.0 ports for your wired connections.

Nighthawk X4S is easy to set up and manage with the Netgear Genie App which also enables monitoring and repair of the home network should it ever fail.

Your home Wi-Fi network is always safe and secure courtesy of WEP, WPA/WPA2 security protocols, and parental control settings you can tighten at will.

Not to mention the Wi-Fi on/off for greater energy saving and control.

The device comes with a 1-year hardware warranty and free 24/7 basic tech support for the first 90 days after purchase. Ensure to buy it from a Netgear authorized seller to enjoy this.

Buying this router saves you about $168 every year in the rental fee imposed on you by your internet service provider. That’s a fair deal bearing its under-$400 price tag.

Netgear’s best router for a luxurious lifestyle

Nighthawk X6 promises intense Wi-Fi speeds for very large homes.

The tri-band router delivers 3200Mbps speed with the 2.4Ghz band offering up to 600Mbps for the legacy Wi-Fi devices, while the two 5Ghz bands run at 1300Mbps each to service all dual-band Wi-Fi devices.

It’s able to support up to 50 wireless devices, each enjoying ultra-high-speed internet – no questions asked. Nighthawk X6 runs on 802.11ac standard ensuring high throughput. 

It’s built on a 1GHz dual-core processor and 3 offload processors to ensure fast and stable overall speed; wireless, wired, and WAN-to-LAN. It has 4 gigabit Ethernet ports and 2 USB (2.0, 3.0) ports for your wired devices.

Its 6 amplified external antennas ensure wide coverage; up to 3,500 square feet with Beamforming for device-focused transmission and Dynamic Quality of Service for bandwidth prioritization improving efficiency in your home network.

The router has Alexa Voice control capability and uses Smart Connect to ensure all wireless devices stay on the band that can best serve their desired applications.

On security, Nighthawk X6 comes with a 30-days trial Netgear Armor security software guaranteeing cyber protection for every device on your network.

That spells the end to identity theft, attacks from hackers, malware and stolen passwords for all users. 

Use NETGEAR Nighthawk App for quick step-by-step setup and thereafter remain in control of your network for eternity.

Its intuitive dashboard allows you to run an internet speed test, pause the internet for devices on the network, and repair the network should it ever fail.

Use the Circle App to set parental control and monitor internet usage for every connected device. The App’s basic subscription is free.

Enjoy secure Wi-Fi connection courtesy of WPA2 wireless security protocol, firewall, and VPN support. Remember to set secure and separate guest Wi-Fi access for non-family members.

Nighthawk X6 comes with a 1-year hardware warranty and free 24/7 basic tech support for the initial 90 days after purchase if you buy the device from a Netgear authorized reseller. 

$250 isn’t too much to ask for such a great router, is it?

Netgear’s best Next Generation Wi-Fi 6 router

This router ensures lightning-fast 8-stream Wi-Fi of up to 6Gpbs suitable for 4K/8K streaming, lag-free gaming, and reduced congestion for existing and newer wireless devices. 

The simultaneous dual-band router is designed with a 64-bit 1.8GHz quad-core processor allowing it to support over 30 wireless and wired devices in your home network.

Its 4 internal antennas are situated for strong Wi-Fi coverage suitable for medium to large homes of about 2,500 square feet. It employs advanced technologies such as Beamforming, MU-MIMO, Dynamic OS, and OFDMA.

The router is Alexa-enabled and backward compatible letting your legacy devices dine in the same Wi-Fi table as the shiny Next-Gen gadgets; iPhone 11, Galaxy S10, and family.

Nighthawk RAX80 router comes with 5 gigabit Ethernet ports; aggregated 2 gigabit LAN ports enabling ultra-fast file transfer, aggregated 2 ports to provide multi-gigabit internet speeds and a WAN to connect it to your modem.

It marries well with the DOCSIS 3.1 Netgear CM1100 cable modem on a 2Gbps internet plan.

It also has 2 USB 3.0 ports good to create personal cloud storage using your USB storage device or join your USB printer into the home network.

The router ensures that your home network remains uncompromised by using WPA2 security protocol while Bitdefender’s NETGEAR Armor keeps the internet threats off your lawn.

It uses the Nighthawk App for a quick and directed setup. While at it, set a separate guest Wi-Fi access to ensuring the family business remains safe.

The same App enables remote network management and internet speed tests. Employ Circle App to set parental controls and manage when what and how Wi-Fi is used in that network.

Its firmware enjoys free hands-off updates for the latest security patches keeping your entire home network secure.

Enjoy the 1-year hardware warranty if the device is purchased from an authorized reseller. Don’t forget to register it for this warranty; it’s worth every bit of the $400 quoted.

Netgear’s best Wi-Fi mesh system

Home and dead are two words that shouldn’t sit in one sentence; a call for you to get rid of your old router and extenders then setup the cool but fan-less heavy processing 2-Pack Orbi Wi-Fi System.

Not only will you enjoy 5,000 square feet strong Wi-Fi coverage, but also a seamless network that never asks you to log in because you are in another zone. 

The 2-pack system consists of a router and a satellite. An extra satellite guarantees you of an extra 2,500 square feet of Wi-Fi coverage; a total of 7,500 square feet.

The Tri-band mesh Wi-Fi system delivers 3Gbps speeds with its 2.4GHz band running at 400Mbps, and 5GHz band at 866Mbps to service the network devices.

The other 5GHz band acts as a backhaul between the router and satellite and runs at 1766Mbps. That covers at least 25 devices in your home.

The setup is best for a 500Mbps internet plan and is compatible with most Internet Service Providers.

The RBK50 mesh system employs the best of technology in the Wi-Fi world; implicit and explicit Beamforming on both bands servicing the wireless devices, MU-MIMO, and Smart Connect. It works with both Alexa and Google Assistant voice control for ease of use. 

It’s designed with a 710MHz quad-core processor, 512MB RAM, 512mB RAM, and dedicated internal antennas to support the tri-band system. 

The router piece has 3 gigabit LAN ports and a WAN port to connect to the modem, while the satellite comes with 4 LAN ports to serve the wired devices in your home network.

That allows support for your TV, Game box, or Desktop. It’s a shame the system comes without USB ports. 

The system is easy to set up and manage using Orbi App. When done, test the speed to be sure you are well served.

Use Netgear Armor software for complete cybersecurity and Circle App for parental controls. 802.11i, PSK, and 128-bit AES encryption are used to beef up security.

Own the 2-Pack Orbi Wi-Fi System for about $320, and enjoy a 1-year hardware warranty with free 24/7 basic technical support for the first 90 days if purchased from an authorized dealer.

Netgear’s best home-upgrade router 

Though assuming an ordinary router’s look, this dual-band router pimps your home with incredible internet speeds. 

Expect Wi-Fi speed of 2.3Gbps serving up to 35 wireless devices with the 2.4GHz band offering 600Mbps and the 5GHz 1625Mbps.

Its 3 amplified external antennas help to spread strong Wi-Fi connection across 2,000 square feet of your home to reach each one of these devices.

Any wired device wanting to join the party is served through the 4 wired ports while the extra similar port, WAN, connects to the Modem over an Ethernet cable.

The 802.11ac router comes with 2 USB ports; a 2.0 type at the back and 3.0 in the front panel for your USB storage devices and printer.

Nighthawk R7000P is designed with a 1GHz dual-core processor and top range technology to ensure stable Wi-Fi in your home network.

It’s easy to set up and guarantees your security from the word go. Expect Netgear Armor software to tackle the internet threats, Circle App for parental control, and WPA2 wireless security protocol to stay in guard. 

It maintains the 1-year hardware warranty to let you get used to uninterrupted gaming, surfing, and streaming. Paying about $200 for this router is an honor bearing its specifications.

Netgear’s best gaming router

The XR500 forms the new standard for the world’s gaming routers; any gaming router with lesser specifications isn’t worth your money.

The 802.11ac dual-band professional gaming router is powered by a 1.7GHz dual-core processor to deliver traffic at the speeds of 2.6Gbps.

It’s equipped with 4 powerful external antennas to ensure every wireless device in your home network is reached with minimum interference.

The devices are also assured of communicating simultaneously and according to their demands courtesy of MU-MIMO technology. The Quad-stream ensures accelerated speeds all through your gaming escapades.

As for the wired devices, there are 4 gigabit Ethernet LAN ports to seal the deal. Use the colorful WAN port to connect to your modem.

Whether VR gaming, streaming, transferring files, or simple emailing, all devices are served in time and according to their needs. It also has 2 USB ports to serve your USB storage devices.

Nighthawk XR500 isn’t only about award-winning hardware, it also runs on cutting-edge software; DumaOS that eliminates lag to increase overall performance.

It allows you to customize geo-filters so you connect to the closest gaming servers, monitor network traffic to see the bandwidth-hogging devices, and adjust Quality of Service panel to suit your gaming habits.

It allows you to set the router to prioritize gaming traffic so you stay in the game, not in the queue.

The router also ensures top security throughout your gaming escapades. It places your devices behind a Hybrid VPN so your network identity is hidden and you are protected from DDoS attacks (Distributed Denial-of-Service) where your network could be overwhelmed with traffic to disrupt the operation. It also employs WPA/WPA2 for further securing your network.

Despite its outstanding specifications and customizability, you can have the Nighthawk XR500 router for less than $200. A major steal!

Netgear’s best budget router

This 802.11ac dual-band router promises fast Wi-Fi at a very low cost of less than $100 for medium-sized homes.

It’s powered by a 1GHz dual-core processor to deliver up to 1750Mbps feeding about 25 wireless devices scattered around 1,500 square feet space.

Its 2.4GHz band allows 450Mbps while the 5GHz band does 1300Mbps. That allows outstanding network efficiency for HD streaming and online gaming on multiple devices at the same time. 

The Nighthawk R6700 is equipped with 3 amplified external antennas increasing the range to allow mobility within your home without experiencing dead zones.

Beamforming technology enables it to focus the signal on every wireless device even when on the move.

It also employs other advanced technologies such as Dynamic Quality of Service and Smart Connect to ensure devices stay on the band they are served best.

The router is keen to keep your home network secure. It employs Netgear Armor to keep cyber threats out of your way, Circle App for smart parental controls, and allows you to set a separate Guest Wi-Fi access so you don’t have to share your family’s password with occasional guests.

Further security is geared by WPA2 wireless security protocol, firewall, and VPN.

Setting up the router is made easy with Nighthawk App that also allows you to monitor and repair the network when the need arises.

It’s enabled for Alexa voice control but you have to buy the necessary Alexa device aside.

Netgear’s best router for beginners

If your internet plan is in the range of 100Mbps, this router will serve you well. It’s cheap; about $50 and offers decent wireless speeds.

It’s built for small to medium-sized homes to cover about 1,000 square feet with 1Gbps Wi-Fi. The 2.4GHz band allows 300Mbps while the 5GHz does 700Mbps.

This capacity caters for up to 15 wireless devices while the wired plug into any of its 4 fast Ethernet ports. It allows for video streaming and casual gaming.

Nighthawk R6080 router has 2 external antennas to help it spread the wireless signal across your home.

It doesn’t use Beamforming technology though but it’s 802.11ac based and supports IPv6. Devices based on 802.11a/b/g/n are welcome into its network.

The router promises to keep your home Wi-Fi secure by employing WPA/WPA2-PSK, NAT firewall, and use of Guest Wi-Fi access. Say goodbye to any attempts of Denial of Service attacks in your network. 

Use Nighthawk App to set up your home network, access your network remotely, and manage how your playmates in the network access the internet with the parental controls. 

Netgear’s best Mesh System for smart homes

Planning to have a smart home at a fair price but still enjoy great Wi-Fi speeds?

This Nighthawk Mesh Wi-Fi 6 is the system for you. It delivers speeds up to 1.8Gbps covering about 3,000 square feet of your home supporting more than 25 wireless devices.

With 4 streams (2×2), it guarantees smooth 4K/8K ultra-HD TV streaming, multi-player online gaming, support for your security cameras, and every other smart device you can imagine.

Any wired device you need to join the network can either connect through the gigabit Ethernet port on the router or its satellite. The system doesn’t come with USB ports though.

The 2-piece system; Mesh router and satellite, requires you to throw out your old router and extender so as to enjoy seamless roaming throughout your home.

In the unlikely event you find some dead zone somewhere in your backyard, add another satellite in the room nearby.

You won’t need a password to access the network created there. But you can still create a guest Wi-Fi access for friends.

Though it’s based on 802.11ax standards, its backward compatibility enables it to support devices based on 802.11a/b/g/n/ac without slowing down the next-generation devices.

Both the router and satellite use advanced technologies; explicit beamforming on both bands and MU-MIMO for simultaneous data streaming.

The use of OFDMA enables increased data transmission at the same time and easy Wi-Fi bandwidth sharing. They are built on 1.5GHz quad-core processors and have 4 powerful internal antennas. 

Nighthawk Mesh Wi-Fi 6 uses Netgear Armor to keep your network safe from all sorts of cyber threats, Secure Boot to prevent interference with the system’s firmware and WPA3 for password-based authentication in case your password is weak. It also uses 802.11i and 128-bit AES encryption with PSK for Wi-Fi security.

The system works with all major Internet Service Providers and once purchased gives you free 24/7 basic tech support for the first 90 days.

It also has a 1-year hardware warranty. It comes at a surprising cost of about $230!

Security Secrets of The Best Netgear Routers

Every best Netgear router must advocate for added security. That’s why almost every router in the list above uses Netgear Armor software to secure your home network.

But there’s a catch.

The software protects an unlimited number of devices in your network from all sorts of cyber threats in one subscription.

That spares you the agony of buying several antivirus packages with endless subscriptions.

Think of your laptops, security cameras, smartphones, and their mates hidden behind the powerful Bitdefender VPN and every malicious device tossed out of the network just to keep you safe. 

And should you lose one of your devices, Netgear Armor promises to track it, lock it and wipe out all the data remotely so the thief doesn’t use it against you.

Netgear Armor lets you test drive it for 30 days for free when you buy that great Netgear router so you feel its power.

After that, you enjoy all the above benefits for $69.99 per year. VPN support attracts an annual fee of $39.99. For that level of protection, that’s a favor!

Then there’s Disney’s Circle App offering smart parental control. It allows you to see users’ browsing history, set internet time limits, bedtime, pause internet access, filter websites that are safe for users to mention but a few benefits.

Its basic support is free but limited. For overall protection, go for a premium subscription and test drive it for 30 days, free. After that, it costs $49.99 per year.