Revamped Review: The Affordable Wi-Fi Upgrade - The Netgear Nighthawk RS100
Affordable, Reliable Wi-Fi 7 Router Evaluation: Netgear Nighthawk RS100
When looking to revamp your home Wi-Fi network, experimenting with one of the trendy mesh systems isn't your only option. Instead, consider a more straightforward upgrade like the Netgear Nighthawk RS100 dual-band router, equipped with Wi-Fi 7 technology.
This stylish piece of gear from established networking brand Netgear will likely outshine the router your internet service provider has sent over. The Wi-Fi 7 capabilities promise improved connection quality for Wi-Fi 7 devices, yet it's essential to scrutinize your current network's specifications to make a fair comparison. Remember, not all devices on the market are compatible with the latest Wi-Fi 7 standard and its top speeds.
During a couple of weeks' use in this review, the RS100 showed promise for most home setups with a budget in mind. Travellers would be better off consulting our best mobile hotspots list instead.
Price & Availability
At the moment, the Netgear Nighthawk RS100 dual-band Wi-Fi 7 router is readily available for purchase. The shopping widget above offers the best deals currently online. As of this writing, it's going for around £130 / $150. Shop it online at outlets like Amazon, Argos, or directly from Netgear itself.
Design & Setup
The Nighthawk RS100's design scores well in the aesthetic department, with its squashed hexagonal shape offering versatile placement options. The build might seem a tad cheap at first touch, but it's not attempting to take on the league of best smartphones. The convenient LED status lights and four Gigabit Ethernet LAN ports at the back are noteworthy features.
Setting up the router is typically handled via QR codes and mobile apps, ensuring a hassle-free installation process (just remember to peel off the big sticker from the back if you want to prevent unwanted guest connections). Be prepared to sign up for a free Netgear account if you don't already have one. The Netgear app guides you through the process swiftly.
Performance & Features
Netgear asserts that the RS100 can deliver speeds of up to 3.6Gbps for approximately 50 devices across a range of 2,000 square feet (equivalent to 186 square meters). If your residence falls within those parameters, the Nighthawk RS100 should cover your needs remarkably well. It also boasts Wi-Fi 7 to optimize connection quality with other Wi-Fi 7 devices.
The router is also touted for its high-performance antennas and 360-degree coverage, though the usefulness of the latter might be debatable given most broadband connections' entry points.
Put to the test in a medium-sized, two-storey semi-detached house, the Netgear Nighthawk RS100 displayed a respectable level of performance. Although there seemed to be little difference in speeds between Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 7 devices, coverage was good, even in other rooms, and speeds remained consistent.
There are simply two bands available here: the slower and broader-range 2.4GHz; and the faster and narrower-range 5GHz. The router intelligently regulates your multiple devices between these bands effectively, ensuring stable connections with minimal lag during testing.
The associated software manages the basics, such as displaying connected devices and monitoring data usage, and features a handy guest Wi-Fi network option. Netgear's advanced Armor security package is available for an additional £40 per year after the initial 30-day trial if extra protection is desired.
For those demanding a larger number of simultaneous connections, faster wired port speeds, or a higher bandwidth capacity, more expensive models catering to such needs exist, with several of them bearing the Netgear label. For less demanding users, the RS100 serves quite impressively.
Netgear Nighthawk RS100 review: Verdict
At present, the necessity of Wi-Fi 7 is still up for debate, considering that many new devices still lack Wi-Fi 7 support, such as the latest M4 MacBook Air.
Even if the Wi-Fi 7 devices populate your home, the difference in speeds provided may not be substantial, and changing routers won't inherently enhance your broadband speed.
If you do wish to venture ahead and opt for a router that will last for multiple years without frequent replacements, the Netgear Nighthawk RS100 is currently one of the most reasonably priced and value-rich Wi-Fi 7 routers in the market.
However, for those needing more advanced features or comprehensive Wi-Fi coverage, alternative options need to be explored.
Also consider
Another Wi-Fi 7 router worth checking out is the Acer Predator Connect X7 5G CPE. It's significantly pricier than the Netgear model, hence emphasizing the RS100's value for money. It offers three bands rather than two and features a 5G SIM card slot compatible with your regular broadband connection.
If you're a fan of the Netgear brand but require more networking muscle for your home, the Netgear Orbi 970 Series may be worth a closer look. Although it's significantly more expensive than the Nighthawk RS100, it delivers top-tier performance and serves as a mesh system for broader coverage.
The Netgear Nighthawk RS100 is a dual-band Wi-Fi 7 router that, when paired with compatible Wi-Fi 7 devices, can offer improved connection quality. To expand your network's capabilities beyond Wi-Fi 7, consider delving into data-and-cloud-computing solutions and purchasing gadgets that cater to such needs.
Protecting your new device from potential threats is essential. Ensure your Netgear Nighthawk RS100 is safeguarded with the advanced Armor security package, available for an additional cost, or research other options in the realm of technology for enhanced security solutions.
