NETGEAR is releasing three new Nighthawk routers: the RS600, RS500, and RS200. These standalone WiFi 7 routers will join the existing Nighthawk RS700S and RS300. The 200 is the most basic version of the series, while the 500 and 600 offer a middle ground to what’s already available.
The Nighthawk RS600 is the best model of the new releases, offering 10-stream tri-band WiFi with speeds up to 18Gbps. It has a 10GbE internet port and four additional LAN ports, including one 10GbE port, for high-speed wired connections. It also comes with coverage of up to 3,300 square feet. The Nighthawk RS500 is an 8-stream tri-band router with speeds up to 12Gbps. It features a 2.5GbE internet port and four LAN ports (one 2.5GbE and three 1GbE). Its coverage is lower at 3,000 square feet. The Nighthawk RS200, the most affordable of the new models, is a 6-stream dual-band router with speeds up to 6.5Gbps. It also includes a 2.5GbE internet port and four LAN ports (one 2.5GbE and three 1GbE). The coverage is the smallest at 2,500 square feet.
All three models come with a 2.0GHz quad-core processor, a USB 3.0 port, and support for guest networks and VPN services. They offer NETGEAR Armor and Smart Parental Controls as paid subscription services. The models also supportWiFi 7, which gives significantly faster speeds than regular routers, though you will need a devices with Wi-Fi 7 support to get the best speeds—older devices will connect with the best-available standard (Wi-Fi 6E, 6, etc). They also come with minimal latency, and most have the ability to handle over 100 connected devices.
While these models are great, the RS700S, as NETGEAR’s premium WiFi 7 router, is still the best offered. It provides speeds up to 19Gbps, which exceeds the capabilities of the new models, and we named it one ofthe best routers of 2024. It also has a wider coverage area of up to 3,500 square feet. The new models give buyers more choices based on their specific needs and budget. The RS700S remains the top-tier option for those who want the highest performance, while the RS600, RS500, and RS200 are great alternatives at different price points and performance levels.
The new Nighthawk routers are available for purchase nowon the official website. The RS600 is priced at $499, the RS500 at $399, and the RS200 at $229. Alternatively, you can purchasethe RS700Sorthe RS300for $699 and $239, respectively.
