Finally overloaded my venerable old Linksys WRT 1900 AC router with too many devices & it would just choke up & overheat until I power cycled it. Again. It did that when it was new too, but the signal strength & massive coverage I got with it made it worth the trouble of cycling pwr once every 2 or 3 weeks. Until it was every other day & that’s when I started looking at a replacement. Did the research on latest tech wifi & was totally surprised at finding wifi 6 & 6E. Cutting edge stuff in June, 2021. Not a lot of choices either but then not a lot of comparisons to mull over. (Duckduckgo is your friend) So after reading up on the new tech & available hardware, I decided on the Netgear RAXE500. Like I said, I have a LOT of devices on my network – Alexa, alarm systems, wireless security cameras, assorted laptops, desktops, iPhones, iPads printers & scanners…whew. I figured on a full day or two to set up the new WIFI router but was pleasantly surprised. I just reused the same SSIDs & PWD’s from the old Linksys router & everything just automatically (re)connected to the Nighthawk like old pals. Took like about 5 or 10 minutes. Netgear wants you to do the entire install via the IOS or Droid app which is fine if you don’t care about the finer details like changing defaults or tweaking passwords or other icky stuff. The app is actually pretty slick in that it does ALL the administrative typing of serial numbers, model numbers “unique” SSIDs, PWDs, MAC addresses etc for you & you just have to set up an email address & PWD for your user account at Netgear. Most of which can be edited & changed later if you like via the app or the web interface (192.168.1.1 just like everyone else) which is easier for me but to each his own. Having all the basics covered in the first few minutes is pretty awesome in my mind so all that’s left is to go a-tweaking in the ill-conceived browser interface. Don’t get me wrong, the browser interface works very well if you can find what you’re looking for in it, it just looks like it was designed by a disgruntled, color blind code engineer who hates his job & wants you to hate his boss as much as he does. But I digress. Another thing I noticed about this Nighthawk AXE500 is that it’s pretty big. 13 inches wide by about 10 inches deep is a lot of bookshelf real estate. Antennas are roughly “book height” so no problem there really. It looks cool anyway. Did I mention this thing is unbelievably fast? Well it is. Netgear Community (https://community.netgear.com) leaves a bit much to the imagination. I think it was organized by the same disgruntled engineer who wrote the User Manual & Web Interface. Everything you could ever need is there if you can find it, you just need to be creative. Or lucky. Still, Duckduckgo will get you answers faster than searching their site. It’s a *Feature*. All in all, I recommend the Nighthawk AXE500 highly. With all its faults, it’s still an awesome upgrade if you are in need of a new router. It is brand new technology just hitting the market so you can’t expect it to be totally flawless yet. If you can wait for more updates to WIFI 6E you probably should & you’ll probably be happier you did. But I would still allow my big sister to have one of these without worries even though she’s a crazy artist type who doesn’t actually know bits from bytes or WI from FI, if you know what I mean. She would probably plug in all her cables, stuff it into a wicker basket somewhere in a corner with plastic flowers sticking out of it where the cats would play & it would just sit there & be blinding fast WFI for her for years without her ever having to move away from her iPhone or Mac. Pros: -Seriously faster than AC, even on the same devices/hardware with no modifications. Throughput is phenomenal. -Unbelievably easy setup – like 10 minutes? Coverage is really, REALLY good – way better than what I was getting from the old router even they are both 802.11AC. As soon as it’s plugged in, it looks for an internet connection & will automatically phone home for firmware updates. (In case you’ve never dealt with routers or network hardware before-it just does all the things you should have thought of before calling tech support lol) -The Nighthawk RAXE500 lust LOOKS cool wherever you put it. Like having a miniature X-Wing Fighter on your bookshelf. -WIFI connections to devices are bullet proof. No dropping signal any time even on legacy hardware. -You can make backups of your config file anytime you want manually or set autobackups on a schedule. Cons: -Damned expensive. -Netgear Armor Free Trial installs whether you want it or not & there’s no way to stop it or turn it off once it’s there. (I will add to this review after the free trial period expires to let you know what happens when I decline the $70/month pay-to-play). -Do NOT check the box to enable mandatory use of https for wireless access as it disconnected my Nighthawk app from ever logging back on to the router without a complete factory restore & full setup again. (Web interface was just fine though & if I’m honest, full factory restore & setup is only another 10 minutes out of your day, so WTF? It’s all the little details & tweaks that take up your time anyway right?) UPDATE: -After the free 1 month trial of Netgear Armor was over & I didn’t fall for paying $70 to continue subscription, it just turned itself off & that was it. No having to reconfigure anything or any pain at all. Although I still get “Special Offers” from Netgear at drastically reduced pricing for another year of coverage. (Last one I got was about $30 for 1 year plus auto-renew for ever after at $70. No thanks) Things to think about: -For full WIFI 6E you will need to replace WIFI NICs to an Intel ax210 card. WIFI 6E is out but Windows 10 doesn’t support it, we will have to wait for Win 11 to see how all this shakes out. -Linux kernel 5.11 will support it but I haven’t had any luck with it yet. Ubuntu 21.04 can detect the signal but I can’t get it to connect yet. I think WPA3 is an issue. -On the whole, this has been rock solid for months now & I’m very pleased with it.

"NETGEAR's Nighthawk WiFi 6E Router (RAXE300) is a game-changer in the world of home networking. Setting it up was a breeze, thanks to its intuitive interface and straightforward instructions. Within minutes, I had my whole home covered with lightning-fast WiFi speeds and exceptional coverage, eliminating dead zones and ensuring seamless connectivity throughout. One standout feature is the Quality of Service (QoS) functionality, which prioritizes bandwidth for specific devices or activities, ensuring smooth streaming, gaming, and browsing experiences for everyone in the household. Security is paramount, and the included NETGEAR Armour suite offers peace of mind with its robust protection against online threats. With the free 1-year trial, users can enjoy advanced security features, including antivirus, anti-malware, and data protection, safeguarding their digital lives. Overall, the NETGEAR Nighthawk WiFi 6E Router (RAXE300) impresses on all fronts, from its easy setup and blazing-fast speeds to its advanced security features. It's a must-have for anyone looking to upgrade their home network to the next level." I would definitely recommend this router to anyone looking to upgrade their home WiFi network without breaking the bank!

From the moment I unboxed the NETGEAR Nighthawk Tri-Band WiFi 6E Router AXE11000 (RAXE500), I knew I was in for a treat. This router has completely transformed my home's internet experience. Firstly, the setup was a breeze. The instructions were clear, and I had the router up and running in no time. The sleek design is not only aesthetically pleasing but also fits perfectly in my living space without being intrusive. Performance-wise, the RAXE500 is nothing short of remarkable. The tri-band feature ensures that all my devices get the bandwidth they need without any lag or buffering. Streaming 4K videos and online gaming have never been smoother. The WiFi 6E technology really makes a noticeable difference in both range and speed, providing consistent and reliable connections throughout my house. Security is a top priority for me, and the RAXE500 delivers on that front as well. The NETGEAR Armor powered by BitDefender offers an added layer of protection that gives me peace of mind, knowing that my network and connected devices are safe from cyber threats. Lastly, I must commend the NETGEAR team for their excellent customer support. Any queries I had were promptly and professionally addressed, which only added to the overall positive experience. In conclusion, the NETGEAR Nighthawk RAXE500 is a top-tier router that offers unparalleled performance, range, and security. It's a significant upgrade from my previous router and well worth the investment. I highly recommend it to anyone looking to enhance their home internet experience.

Our old Netgear as in about 7 years old was outdated for me. It worked but the signal wasn't great in our two-story house with finished basement and I used two extenders to boost the signal upstairs and downstairs. I bought this and was stunned by the increase in performance and strength of the wi-fi signal throughout the three floors. My t.v., Arlo hub and PS5 are connected via cat 8 lines through a netgear 5 port switch. I had zero issues before with the Ethernet lines and the older Netgear router so no noticeable difference there. I signed up for a year of their Armor Protection and I guess it is doing "stuff" in the background as receive updates that my network has been scanned and no issues found type message every couple days. Otherwise for those familiar with Netgear routers, the user interface is pretty much the same and still user friendly. I am not using the 6g band as when I tried to connect our two iPhone 15s we kept receiving a message on the phone that there could be stability issues or something along those lines. I can't remember the exact message but just went ahead connected to the 5gh band with zero issues. No signal loss or interruption like when I was using the Wi-Fi boosters that didn't work that great IMO. At any given time we are running two PS5 consoles, one wired as mentioned and the other on Wi-Fi, one wired t.v. and two smart televisions that are using Wi-Fi to stream, not to mention the laptops, four phones, 9 -arlo cameras, two Ring cameras, and other devices without issue. We are with Xfinity and typically receive a download of 950 mbs and upload around 45 so I can't really comment on the claims that Netgear makes about the super-high speed transfer rates, etc.

In the world of home networking, the NETGEAR Nighthawk Tri-Band WiFi 6E Router AXE11000 (RAXE500) stands as a towering testament to what the future of internet connectivity can and should look like. From its sleek, futuristic design to its unparalleled performance, the RAXE500 is not just a router—it's a game-changer. Design and Build Quality: First impressions matter, and the RAXE500 impresses with its aesthetic and build quality. Its angular, stealth-like appearance not only makes it a conversation piece but also reflects its cutting-edge capabilities. The build is solid, exuding a premium feel that assures you of its durability. Performance: Diving into performance, the RAXE500 is a behemoth. Equipped with the latest WiFi 6E technology, it delivers blistering speeds up to 10.8Gbps across three bands (2.4GHz, 5GHz, and the new 6GHz). This ensures that every device in your home, from smart TVs to gaming consoles, receives optimal bandwidth with minimal interference. The range is equally impressive, providing reliable coverage across large homes without the need for extenders. Advanced Features: The router's Tri-Band capabilities are a standout, intelligently allocating devices to the most appropriate band to ensure seamless streaming, gaming, and browsing. Furthermore, the inclusion of a powerful 1.8GHz quad-core processor allows for smooth 4K/8K streaming and low-latency gaming, even when multiple devices are connected. NETGEAR's Nighthawk app simplifies setup and management, making it accessible even for those less technically inclined. Features like Netgear Armor (powered by Bitdefender) offer an added layer of cybersecurity, protecting all connected devices from online threats. Connectivity: With multiple Ethernet ports, including one 2.5G port, the RAXE500 caters to a wide range of connectivity needs, from high-speed internet plans to home servers and NAS devices. The addition of USB 3.0 ports allows for easy sharing of storage across the network, enhancing the router's versatility. Final Thoughts: The NETGEAR Nighthawk Tri-Band WiFi 6E Router AXE11000 (RAXE500) is not just an investment in a router; it's an investment in an ecosystem that promises to elevate the home networking experience. Its forward-thinking design, robust performance, and suite of advanced features position it as a pivotal piece of technology for any modern home. Whether you're a hardcore gamer, a streaming enthusiast, or simply seeking a reliable, high-performance home network, the RAXE500 exceeds expectations and sets a new benchmark for what is possible. In conclusion, the RAXE500 is more than just a router—it's the gateway to the future of home connectivity. Highly recommended for anyone looking to upgrade their home network to the cutting edge of technology.

The NETGEAR Nighthawk Tri-Band WiFi 6E Router AXE11000 has far exceeded my expectations, from when I opened it to setting it up. Not only does its sleek design add a touch of elegance to my workspace, but it also hints at the impressive performance that lies within. Setting up this router was incredibly easy, thanks to the user-friendly Nighthawk app. It guided me through a seamless process that had my network operational in just minutes. As someone who has struggled with complex router configurations in the past, I greatly appreciate NETGEAR's approach to making things simple and intuitive. In terms of performance, the AXE11000 is truly remarkable. With its WiFi 6E capability, all my devices now experience lightning-fast speeds and minimal interference or congestion due to its tri-band setup—even with multiple tech-savvy teenagers constantly using bandwidth-intensive activities like online gaming and streaming high-resolution videos in 4K. Thanks to this exceptional router, these activities now run smoothly without any interruptions or disruptions. The level of coverage is truly impressive. I've noticed a significant reduction in areas with weak signals, and even when I'm at the furthest distance from the router, the signal strength remains consistently strong. It's evident that NETGEAR has made substantial investments in advanced antennas and powerful amplifiers to ensure maximum reach and performance. When it comes to security, the RAXE500 excels as well. With its integration of NETGEAR Armor powered by Bitdefender, I feel confident knowing that all my devices are fully protected against various cyber threats lurking in today's digital world. If there is any downside worth mentioning, it would be its slightly higher price point. However, given the remarkable features and stability it offers, especially for homes requiring high connectivity demands, I believe it proves itself a worthwhile investment. In summary, the NETGEAR Nighthawk Tri-Band WiFi 6E Router AXE11000 is an impressive addition to any household network. It offers high-speed connectivity, extensive coverage, and robust security features—all without sacrificing performance. I highly recommend this product for anyone seeking to enhance their home internet experience and unlock its full potential. Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Had old Time Warner Internet Equipment that Spectrum did not want to replace as there was nothing really wrong with the signal they said, but gradually over the years the signal has been getting weaker and weaker as the equipment became aged, so decided to purchase our own NETGEAR Nighthawk 12-Stream WiFi 6E Router (RAXE500). Ever since it was installed, our internet has gone up significantly to the point that it is almost at our plan rate of speed again (The Modem just needs to be replaced and I am sure the internet will be exactly to plan speed). Installation was easy, we did not use the Nighthawk app, instead we just did the manual connection using the alternative method they give if you do not want to use the app or cannot use it. If anyone is looking for a huge WiFi boost, then this is the Router for you as we are loving ours. It is quiet and allows for direct connection to a network line if you have one, just a great router, worth the price.

We needed to upgrade our aged router for changing our internet over to gigabit fiber. This one fits the bill and it gets the job done. It was easy to set up and controls/settings are easier than I'm used to for a tech amateur. We have a large two-story house and the wifi signal is strong everywhere. It's been working for several weeks now with no problems, haven't had to power cycle it or anything.

This is my second Netgear WiFi router. I been using an older Nighthawk at another location for 8 years, so I already knew to expect a high quality 6E (three band, 2.4G, 5G and 6G) WiFi router with an outstanding user interface and that's what I got. This router has a builtin web server at 192.16.1.1 and a phone app for admin. They look similar, they work the same, the menus make sense, and they let you do anything. My only criticism is that you (apparently) can't make multiple changes, e.g., changing the SSIDs for all three radios, at once. You're forced to change one at a time with restart each time. (Otoh, how often does anyone do this once set up?) The antenna "wings" are a sensible solution the the MIMO antenna problem; the older style of individual antennas never stayed straight. This is an excellent product and a good value. You can spend less but it won't be as good.

Is Netgear on the verge of bankruptcy? The router is fantastic, it's hard to believe how powerful it is, but their app is annoying. It's constantly upselling you. They're desperate for you to get their worthless Netgear Armor. They force you into a "free" trial for a year and constantly try to show you how their useless "security" is protecting you which is just a glorified firewall. They're also constantly shilling their parental controls. You cannot turn any of this off and the offers show up again even after declining. All this to say that if you have computer illiterate people make sure they don't get their hands on the app or they'll get suckered into paying a yearly subscription for a glorified firewall. Wouldn't mind it if they weren't so insistent with it. The router itself is amazing and it works flawlessly. It's the software that's the issue and the competition is even worse so there you go.