Netgear RS100 Launched: Affordable WiFi 7 Router Priced at £130

Netgear has expanded its WiFi 7 portfolio with the introduction of the Nighthawk RS100, priced at £129.99, making it the company’s most affordable WiFi 7 router to date. Announced on 12 March 2025, this new addition aims to make next-generation wireless technology more accessible to everyday consumers while still delivering the performance benefits of WiFi 7.

Preview	Product	Rating	Price
	NETGEAR Nighthawk WiFi 7 Router (RS100) – Security...	No ratings yet	£129.99	Buy on Amazon

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What the Nighthawk RS100 Offers

The Nighthawk RS100 is designed to provide households with faster speeds, improved security, and reliable performance at a more approachable price point compared to other WiFi 7 routers currently on the market. As home networks continue to support more connected devices and bandwidth-intensive applications, the RS100 offers a potential upgrade path for users looking to future-proof their home networking setup.

“For nearly 30 years, we’ve been at the forefront of home networking, empowering families and businesses to stay ahead of the connectivity curve,” said Sandeep Harpalani, VP of product management at Netgear. “With the Nighthawk RS100, we’re delivering next-gen WiFi 7 speeds and industry-leading security at a price point that makes upgrading more accessible than ever.”

Technical Specifications and Performance

The Nighthawk RS100 is a dual-band WiFi 7 router offering a total theoretical bandwidth of 3600Mbps across its bands. While this positions it as an entry-level WiFi 7 router, it still delivers significant improvements over previous WiFi generations.

Key Technical Features

• WiFi 7 Technology: Delivers 1.2x faster speeds than WiFi 6, with theoretical speeds up to 3.6Gbps
• Multi-Gig Internet Connection: Features a 2.5GbE internet port for cable and fibre plans up to 2.5Gbps
• Wired Connectivity: Includes four 1Gbps Ethernet LAN ports for wired devices
• Device Capacity: Supports up to 50 connected devices simultaneously
• Coverage Area: Provides WiFi coverage for up to 2,000 square feet
• Processing Power: Equipped with a 2.0GHz quad-core CPU, 512MB Flash, and 1GB DDR4 RAM

It’s worth noting that the RS100 features only a single 2.5Gbps port (the WAN port), which means that wired connections are limited to 1Gbps through the standard Gigabit Ethernet ports. This design choice differentiates it from some competitors that offer multiple multi-gigabit ports.

WiFi 7: The Next Generation of Wireless Connectivity

The Nighthawk RS100 brings WiFi 7 technology to a more accessible price point, but what exactly does WiFi 7 offer over previous standards?

WiFi 7 vs WiFi 6: Understanding the Differences

WiFi 7 represents a substantial advancement over WiFi 6 in several key areas:

While the RS100 doesn’t utilise all of WiFi 7’s capabilities (such as the full 46 Gbps theoretical maximum), it still offers meaningful improvements over WiFi 6 routers, particularly in terms of speed and reduced interference.

Key Benefits of WiFi 7 Technology

WiFi 7 provides several advantages that make it appealing for modern home networks:

• Increased Speed: WiFi 7 can deliver significantly faster data transfer rates, enabling smoother streaming and downloads
• Enhanced Capacity: Networks can support more connected devices simultaneously without performance degradation
• Reduced Latency: Lower response times benefit applications like video conferencing, online gaming, and other real-time activities
• Improved Reliability: More stable connections even in environments with many wireless devices and potential interference

Security and Privacy Features

In today’s connected world, network security is increasingly important. The Nighthawk RS100 includes several security features to help protect home networks and connected devices.

Built-in Security Protections

The RS100 comes equipped with:

• Next-generation encryption
• Automatic firmware updates
• VPN support
• WPA3 security protocol
• Access control options
• Guest WiFi network capabilities

These features help safeguard against the estimated 10 cyberattacks that home networks face every 24 hours on average, with particular protection for vulnerable IoT devices like smart TVs, plugs, and other connected home equipment.

Netgear Armor Security Suite

For additional protection, the RS100 includes a 30-day trial of Netgear Armor, powered by Bitdefender. This security suite provides:

• Real-time threat detection
• AI-powered alerts for connected devices
• Comprehensive protection without requiring additional software installation

Privacy Considerations

Netgear addresses privacy concerns with a strict privacy policy that ensures personal data is not stored on Netgear servers. This approach responds to research showing that 67% of smartphone users and 62% of smart home users worry about data security and privacy on their devices.

Management and Parental Controls

The Nighthawk RS100 offers straightforward management options through the Nighthawk App, allowing users to:

• Optimise network performance
• Test internet speeds
• Pause connectivity as needed
• Monitor data usage
• Configure guest networks

For families, the router includes Netgear Smart Parental Controls, providing tools to create safer online experiences and manage screen time for children. Basic parental controls are included at no additional cost, with the option to upgrade to a Premium Plan after a 30-day trial period.

Competitive Landscape

The Nighthawk RS100 enters a competitive field of WiFi 7 routers, with several alternatives at different price points:

• TP-Link Archer BE230: Priced at £90 (£150 RRP), this dual-band WiFi 7 router offers similar specifications but includes two 2.5Gbps ports (one WAN, one LAN) and a USB 3.0 port, potentially offering better value
• ASUS RT-BE58U: A similar specification to the Netgear RS100 with dual-band and a single 2.5Gbps port, priced at £130
• ASUS RT-BE96U: A high-performance WiFi 7 router that has 10Gbps connectivity while being reasonably priced at around £260

The RS100’s position as Netgear’s most affordable WiFi 7 router makes it notable, though some competitors offer more features at similar or lower price points.

Is the Nighthawk RS100 Worth Considering?

Potential Benefits

For users considering an upgrade to WiFi 7, the Nighthawk RS100 offers several advantages:

• Future-proofing: As more WiFi 7 compatible devices become available, having a compatible router ensures you can take advantage of the improved performance
• Improved Performance: Even with existing devices, the router may provide better speeds and reliability, particularly in congested environments
• Security Features: The included security protections and optional Netgear Armor service provide comprehensive protection for connected devices
• Accessibility: At £129.99, it represents one of the more affordable entry points into WiFi 7 technology

Limitations to Consider

However, there are some limitations to be aware of:

• Single Multi-Gig Port: With only one 2.5Gbps port (the WAN port), wired connections are limited to 1Gbps, potentially constraining the router’s full capabilities
• No USB Port: Unlike some competitors, the RS100 lacks USB ports for network storage features
• Dual-Band Only: Some competing routers offer tri-band connectivity for better performance in crowded environments
• Device Limit: The router supports a maximum of 50 connected devices, which may be limiting for homes with extensive smart home setups

Conclusion: Making WiFi 7 More Accessible

Preview	Product	Rating	Price
	NETGEAR Nighthawk WiFi 7 Router (RS100) – Security...	No ratings yet	£129.99	Buy on Amazon

The Netgear Nighthawk RS100 provides a solid entry point for users looking to upgrade to the latest WiFi standard.

For households with modest connectivity needs who want to future-proof their network, the RS100 offers a balanced combination of performance, security, and value. However, those with more demanding requirements or who need features like multiple multi-gigabit ports or USB connectivity may want to consider alternative options.

As WiFi 7 adoption continues to grow throughout 2025 and beyond, routers like the Nighthawk RS100 will play an important role in helping everyday users experience the benefits of this next-generation wireless technology.

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.

Last update on 2025-04-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API