Netgear Expands Nighthawk Lineup with Three New Wi-Fi 7 Routers: RS600, RS500 & RS200

Netgear has unveiled three new additions to its Nighthawk Wi-Fi 7 standalone router series. The new routers – RS600, RS500, and RS200 – are designed to provide high-speed internet, secure connectivity, and support for a wide range of devices in modern homes.

 The new models join the existing Nighthawk RS700S and RS300 to offer consumers a broader range of options for high-performance home networking.

Related Content

• Netgear Orbi 770 Mesh Router Review vs Orbi 970
• Netgear Orbi RBE973 Review 
• Netgear Armor Review
• Netgear Nighthawk RS700S WiFi 7 Router Review
• Netgear Nighthawk A8000 AXE3000 WiFi 6E USB 3.0 Adapter Review

A New Era of Wi-Fi 7 Connectivity

The introduction of Wi-Fi 7 technology represents a notable advancement in the wireless networking sector. According to Netgear, Wi-Fi 7 offers a 2.4x speed increase over Wi-Fi 6, making it an appealing choice for households that require fast internet speeds and low latency for increasingly demanding tasks. Wi-Fi 7 is also designed to accommodate the growing number of Internet of Things (IoT) devices, which require greater bandwidth and stable connections to function efficiently. The new routers promise to deliver these benefits with enhanced performance, increased capacity, and the ability to support a wide range of smart home devices.

David Henry, president and general manager of Connected Home Products and Services at Netgear, commented on the rapid adoption of Wi-Fi 7, driven by the increasing availability of compatible devices, including popular consumer electronics like the iPhone 16. “Netgear’s latest Nighthawk RS600, RS500, and RS200 routers give more households access to the connectivity benefits of Wi-Fi 7 while also delivering robust network security to protect their homes and digital lives,” Henry said.

Key Features of WiFi 7

• Enhanced performance for multiple connected devices
• Faster speeds and near-zero latency
• Increased capacity for high-quality video streaming
• Support for advanced computing, including AI-driven applications and AR/VR experiences

The New Nighthawk Wi-Fi 7 Router Portfolio

The latest additions to Netgear’s Nighthawk lineup include the RS600, RS500, and RS200, all of which come equipped with Wi-Fi 7 technology. Each router is tailored to provide high-speed internet, low latency, and comprehensive coverage, ensuring households of all sizes and budgets can enjoy a reliable connection.

RS600 Router

• WiFi Coverage: 3,300 sq. ft.
• Concurrent Devices: 150
• Max Speed: 18 Gbps
• Best for Internet Speed: More than 1Gbps
• Technology: WiFi 7 Tri-band
• WiFi Streams: 10
• Ports: 2 x 10 GbE, 3 x 1 GbE
• Price: $499 MSRP

The Nighthawk RS600 router is positioned at the top of the new models, providing the highest level of performance. It offers a maximum speed of 18 Gbps, covers up to 3,300 square feet, and can support up to 150 devices simultaneously. This router is ideal for homes with multi-gig internet speeds, particularly for users who engage in bandwidth-heavy activities like streaming ultra-high-definition video, online gaming, and managing multiple smart home devices.

RS500 Router

• WiFi Coverage: 3,000 sq. ft.
• Concurrent Devices: 120
• Max Speed: 12 Gbps
• Best for Internet Speed: Up to 1Gbps
• Technology: WiFi 7 Tri-band
• WiFi Streams: 8
• Ports: 2 x 2.5 GbE, 3 x 1 GbE
• Price: $399 MSRP

The RS500 is designed for homes requiring slightly less power but still needing strong internet performance. It offers a maximum speed of 12 Gbps, covers up to 3,000 square feet, and can support up to 120 devices. Like the RS600, it features tri-band Wi-Fi 7 technology, ensuring optimal connectivity for homes with gigabit internet speeds and multiple users.

RS200 Router

• WiFi Coverage: 2,500 sq. ft.
• Concurrent Devices: 80
• Max Speed: 6.5 Gbps
• Best for Internet Speed: Up to 500Mbps
• Technology: WiFi 7 Dual-band
• WiFi Streams: 6
• Ports: 2 x 2.5 GbE, 3 x 1 GbE
• Price: $229 MSRP

The RS200 is the most affordable option in the new lineup, making it accessible to users with lower budgets or smaller homes. It delivers speeds of up to 6.5 Gbps, covers up to 2,500 square feet, and can support up to 80 devices at once. This router uses dual-band Wi-Fi 7, making it suitable for households with internet speeds of up to 500 Mbps.

Nighthawk Wi-Fi 7 Router Comparison

Comprehensive Coverage and Secure Networking

All the new routers feature a sleek, slender design and incorporate patented omni-directional internal antennas. This design allows for 360-degree signal coverage, ensuring that even the farthest corners of a home can benefit from the router’s performance. Each router also includes multiple Ethernet ports to support wired devices, with configurations that range from 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet (GbE) to 10 GbE ports.

One of the standout features of the Nighthawk routers is their robust security offerings. The growing number of IoT devices connected to home networks has introduced new cybersecurity risks. Netgear has equipped its new routers with state-of-the-art security features, including automatic firmware updates, VPN support, WPA3 encryption, and access control to help safeguard against cyber threats.

Furthermore, each router includes a 30-day trial of Netgear Armor, a security service powered by Bitdefender. Armor offers an additional layer of protection by guarding connected devices from external threats and providing users with real-time alerts when potential risks are detected. Users can also benefit from Smart Parental Controls, a feature that allows parents to manage their children’s screen time and internet usage.

This comprehensive security solution offers:

• Protection for all connected devices
• Real-time threat detection and blocking
• Customised security recommendations
• VPN for enhanced privacy

For Parental controls, features include:

• Manage children’s time online across connected devices
• Promote good online habits
• Set up content filters and time limits

Meeting the Growing Demand for Smart Home Connectivity

The rise of smart home technology and connected devices has created a demand for faster, more reliable internet connections. Wi-Fi 7 addresses this demand by enabling faster speeds and greater capacity for connected devices, making it well-suited for smart homes where multiple IoT devices are in constant operation. From smart plugs and thermostats to advanced AI-driven applications and augmented reality (AR)/virtual reality (VR) experiences, the Nighthawk routers are designed to handle these high-bandwidth applications with ease.

In fact, Netgear notes that home networks are exposed to an average of 10 attacks per day, and many of these attacks target IoT devices such as smart TVs, digital video recorders, and routers. By incorporating advanced threat detection mechanisms and automatic security updates, the Nighthawk routers act as the first line of defence against these potential threats, ensuring that homes remain secure while embracing the conveniences of modern technology.

Ease of Use and Availability

In addition to their technical features, the new Nighthawk routers are designed for ease of use. The Nighthawk app allows users to easily manage their network settings, prioritise specific devices, and perform tasks such as running speed tests and monitoring internet data usage. Users can even pause internet access remotely, a feature that could prove useful in homes with children or frequent visitors.

The RS600, RS500, and RS200 routers are available now through Netgear’s website and other major retailers. The RS600 is priced at £499, the RS500 at £399, and the RS200 at £229, making the latest Wi-Fi 7 technology accessible to a wide range of households.

Conclusion

Netgear’s latest additions to its Nighthawk lineup offer a range of options for consumers seeking fast, secure, and reliable home internet connections. With Wi-Fi 7 technology, these routers are designed to meet the growing demands of modern homes, from managing multiple IoT devices to supporting high-bandwidth applications like gaming, streaming, and virtual reality. With options to fit various budgets and household sizes, Netgear’s new routers provide the tools needed to navigate the complexities of the modern digital age while ensuring security and performance are maintained at the highest levels.

James Smythe( Editor-in-chief )

I am James, a UK-based tech enthusiast and the Editor and Owner of Mighty Gadget, which I’ve proudly run since 2007. Passionate about all things technology, my expertise spans from computers and networking to mobile, wearables, and smart home devices.

As a fitness fanatic who loves running and cycling, I also have a keen interest in fitness-related technology, and I take every opportunity to cover this niche on my blog. My diverse interests allow me to bring a unique perspective to tech blogging, merging lifestyle, fitness, and the latest tech trends.

In my academic pursuits, I earned a BSc in Information Systems Design from UCLAN, before advancing my learning with a Master’s Degree in Computing. This advanced study also included Cisco CCNA accreditation, further demonstrating my commitment to understanding and staying ahead of the technology curve.

I’m proud to share that Vuelio has consistently ranked Mighty Gadget as one of the top technology blogs in the UK. With my dedication to technology and drive to share my insights, I aim to continue providing my readers with engaging and informative content.