NETGEAR routers are some of the biggest products in the networking industry. The routers provide excellent coverage for the internet. This means you can expect fast and seamless web browsing at any time of the day. They are also perfect for use in both home and business settings. They are also heavy-duty so you can expect to be able to use the router for a long period of time. What’s more, they are reasonably priced so you won’t hesitate with what you are paying for. If you’re thinking of switching your router or buying your first router, NETGEAR is the way to go. NETGEAR has a range of routers available to address different internet needs. Their routers vary according to the scope of internet connection and features. But you can expect excellent internet streaming capacity for all of them. Here are a few of the best NETGEAR routers for your consideration:
The Best Netgear Routers for Seamless Browsing
Things to Consider When Buying a NETGEAR Router
If you’re looking for your first NETGEAR router, the Nighthawk R6700 is for you. The best feature of the product is its ability to offer good-quality, fast internet speed. The only negative aspect is that it’s not feature-rich and could have had more features. Regardless, it’s still a great router and it’s easier to set up because you can do so with your smartphone. The best aspect of the NETGEAR R6080 is that it is affordable. However, it has a lower data transfer rate as opposed to other NETGEAR routers. All in all, the Nighthawk X6 is definitely a must-have for the ones who want the most out of their NETGEAR router. The best aspect of the Nighthawk X6 is that it has a great set of features and strong internet coverage. It would also be great if the collapsible antennas could be switched, which it currently cannot do. Create the best gaming experience with NETGEAR Nighthawk X6 (R8000). Users can set filtering parameters for parental control and blocking domains as well. It also has built-in DDoS protection. To further increase security, users can install compatible firmware. The device has a great set of features and strong internet coverage and heavy security software. The Wi-Fi may drop on occasion but this is only negligible. Get the best internet security features with the NETGEAR Smart Wi-Fi Router Nighthawk R7000. The best thing about the device is its built-in Plex server, which can handle multiple devices. It would be great if the device had a comprehensive set-up guide as it can be quite complicated to set up. Get the fastest internet speeds with NETGEAR Nighthawk X10 (R9000). The speed and range of the router are excellent for normal usage by multiple devices. There are also plenty of customization options. This is in terms of interface and helpful tips for first-time users. And if the Nighthawk RAX200 didn’t have parental controls, this one does. The best thing about the device is the DumaOS support for gaming. However, the geo-filtering capabilities of this feature, along with app support can still be improved. Enjoy the best games in the comfort of your own home with the NETGEAR Nighthawk XR500. The best thing about the device is the reduced lag in internet surfing, and that it is compatible with gaming systems. It would also be nice if NETGEAR could add more ports to this model instead of just one. Step up your gaming with the NETGEAR Nighthawk XR300. The device also has support for WAN port aggregation. This allows you to attach cable devices to the router for V show and movie streaming. There’s even a mobile app you can connect to the device. This offers remote control operation of the router. The Nighthawk RAX80 has excellent Wi-Fi 6 support but can be a little pricey compared to other models. Ensure that all devices are connected with the NETGEAR Nighthawk RAX80 8-Stream Router. Overall, the Nighthawk X4S offers a great internet range and great performance. The only issue is the USB ports the functionality of which can be unpredictable. Reach out to all your friends for the best gaming experience with the NETGEAR Nighthawk X4S R7800. Overall, you can expect excellent performance and cross-platform support from the Orbi RBK50. However, at some point, you might need more than one router for improved performance. The Orbi RBK50 available module is sold individually or in pairs. Amplify your router coverage with the NETGEAR Orbi RBK50. The device itself is massive with two collapsible antennas. It also comes in a sleek black design. The device can connect to a mobile app that allows for remote control operation of the router. The Nighthawk RAX200 promises fast and reliable internet. But it would have been better if it had gaming and online protection features. Experience the efficiency of tri-band with the NETGEAR Wi-Fi Router Nighthawk RAX200. The Nighthawk X6 has a sleek black design and six collapsible antennas. There’s also a button that activates the Wi-Fi protected set-up. With this set-up, you can connect any WPS-enabled modem to your router. The NETGEAR Genie acts as software support. It helps users to install and configure the device. There’s also a mobile app for remote management of the router. In summary, the Nighthawk X6 has excellent tri-band Wi-Fi coverage. The only issue with the device is its problematic 2.4GHz frequency band. Share your devices to everyone through the local network with the NETGEAR Nighthawk X6 R8000. Overall, the Nighthawk Home Mesh Wi-Fi offers the fastest close-range transfer speed. However, the manufacturers could still add a multi-Gig WAN port to the router. Glimpse the future of the internet with the Wi-Fi 6 compatible NETGEAR Nighthawk MK62 Home Mesh Wi-Fi. The Orbi Pro has a distinctive shape that is reminiscent of a white vase. The modules are oriented so they can either be placed on a flat surface or mounted on the wall. NETGEAR also sells an even larger version of the Orbi Pro with two satellites to cover twice as much area. All in all, the Orbi Pro offers excellent Wi-Fi coverage. However, users might find it rather difficult to find the optimal placement of the router within the room. It would be nice to have a software guide on proper placement for an optimized connection. The Orbi Pro module is sold individually, in pairs, and in any other quantity that you need for your office. Get excellent internet coverage for your office with the NETGEAR Orbi Pro. The first consideration you need to make when purchasing a router is the actual speed and range. You also need to consider whether the router is powerful enough. It needs to be able to accommodate all your devices in the home or at work. For example, you might purchase a high-speed router. However, you might suddenly find dead zones and blind spots in certain sections of your home. Other than speed and coverage, you should also consider other device specifications. These include connectivity type, bandwidth capacity, and extra features. Routers can be wired or wireless, single-band or dual-band, or have mesh capabilities. A wireless router is cheaper compared to the wireless router. However, the latter is becoming a more popular option as it allows more room for movement. With this, all users within the same area can move around freely without having to worry about dead spots.
Wi-Fi Bands
Single-band routers are limited to the 2.4 GHz frequencies. These are rather outdated but still work for minor internet browsing needs. On the other hand, dual-band routers have both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. This increased coverage is what makes dual-band routers the most popular option. That is, among both consumers and companies that create routers. There are also tri-band routers supporting one 2.4 GHz and two 5 GHz bands. When combined, the three bands allow for superior internet speeds. However, the demand for tri-band routers remains minuscule. This is because not a lot of people really need that much speed on their internet. And the dual-band routers still suffice in meeting the needs of most people.
Security Features
Security features are also something you need to look for. Your router of choice should have WP2A support. WPA2 encryption is the updated implementation of the Wi-Fi protected access protocol. It allows you to block unwanted users from your network. The encryption also screens for potentially malicious web activities. All devices that are added to the network should also have WPA2 support. Mesh capabilities, gaming compatibility, and beamforming are also great features. However, the set of features of each router varies.
Reliable Internet Connection
A reliable broadband internet connection is also a prerequisite. A slow internet connection would not be amplified or improved by a high-speed router. This is a very important consideration. Your internet service provider should provide you with a fast and reliable broadband service. And your internet speed is determined by them. Even if the router is able to process 1,300 Mbps, if your internet plan can only provide 100 Mbps, then that is the maximum bandwidth you will get. Make sure that your ISP delivers on its promises. Keep in mind that there are upload and download speed requirements for optimal browsing. They must also be able to accommodate the capabilities of your router. Your router must also be fully compatible with your router. Otherwise, the specific features of each will cancel the other one out. Conduct speed tests on a regular basis. This is to check whether you are getting the internet speeds that you paid for. You can also read this article on how to check internet speeds. An unstable internet connection is sometimes caused by low levels of Random Access Memory (RAM) or slow Central Processing Units (CPUs) of the router. Routers with faster RAM and CPUs may be able to handle more threads, which also improves router performance. Some ISPs provide equipment rentals for both routers and modems. Most of the time, the router, modem, and internet come in a bundle or package. However, you still have the liberty to buy your own router. Buying your own router may mean more powerful performance and better features. They can also save you some cash along the way.
Router Lifespan
The average lifespan of the router is another consideration. A regular router’s natural lifespan is somewhere between five to six years. It can last even longer when taken proper care of. But just like any computer or electronic device, routers will also die a natural death. There are a number of router offerings, prices, and features that depend on the model. You need to weigh the specific features, actual performance, and price range of the router. This allows you to make an informed decision when it’s time to purchase.
How to Use a NETGEAR Router
Before you can make full use of your wireless router, you will need to learn to set it up. You will also need to configure your Windows client to recognize the router. There are a number of options you need to understand before you start, and it could be quite easy to make a mistake. Luckily, NETGEAR provides a step-by-step guide for setting up your wireless router.
How to Set Up or Log In to Router
How to Access External Storage
You can convert USB storage into network storage through ReadySHARE Access. All the data on the USB storage can be accessed from any device connected to your home network. Once you’ve connected your external USB drive, you can already stream your media. This also allows you to backup your computer to the connected USB storage device. It’s also a great idea to set up a VPN account for added security online. You don’t want your neighbors or guests to have your Wi-Fi password. Neither do you want them to access your confidential files. In any case, here’s how to activate ReadySHARE on your NETGEAR router.
How to Find and Change Your Password
You can change your network name and password for your NETGEAR router. In fact, some experts recommend that this be done once in a while. Doing so lessens the chances of anyone hacking your internet connection. Here’s how:
Maintenance of a NETGEAR Router
Since routers are expensive investments, we’re sure most would want to keep it running for as long as possible. Keeping your router’s hardware clean and safe from potential physical damage is one step. There’s no step-by-step guide to cleaning or physical safety, but that’s already common sense. Keeping your firmware up to date and protecting your network from online threats through protective software is another. Thankfully, NETGEAR has incorporated helper software called the NETGEAR Genie to guide you with the maintenance of your software.
How to Update Your Router Firmware
The firmware on your NETGEAR router can be updated by two methods. This can be done either through automated or manual methods. The automated method relies on the NETGEAR Genie software to find the most suitable firmware for your router. The manual process, on the other hand, gives you more control. It allows you to load and install any available firmware from the NETGEAR site.
Automatically Upgrade Router Firmware
Manually Upgrade Router Firmware
How to Configure Your Router
NETGEAR Routers with Genie interfaces can be configured to detect your internet connection. There are various ways you can customize your security and connection settings. However, we will need to start with the basics. Here, we are going to connect your router to your broadband service so that they can recognize each other. Here’s how you can configure your router prior to the first use:
How to Factory Reset Router
Just like most computers, your NETGEAR router is also programmed with the ability to be reset as new. This is one way to rule out whether your router is the cause of the problem. This can be done when you are experiencing persistent, intermittent internet connection. It’s also great if you happened to have reset your password and then forgot about it. Reset your NETGEAR router to factory settings with the following steps:
Final Thoughts on NETGEAR Routers
NETGEAR routers are a household name in the market. The brand has been turning average routers into internet-saving support for modems. for its ability to turn normal modems into super modems. The routers promise to deliver on speed, stability, and high-definition resolution streaming. The NETGEAR modems may not be chock-full of feature, but it does offer the best of what you really need. And that is a reliable and steady internet connection. The routers are reliable enough to allow everyone in the family to do whatever they need to do. This is without having to worry about sharing bandwidth. You can also move around without having to worry about dead zones and getting poor reception. The router has software support for easy installation and configuration. There are also plenty of ethernet ports for connecting your USB drives. In addition are gaming consoles and cable devices that you can plug in to the router ports. You can even customize your gaming experience and invite other gamers. The devices are also compatible with other smart technology (i.e. Google Assistant). The NETGEAR router series is highly recommended for speedy and reliable internet surfing. If you want to explore more about the types and varieties of routers, you can check out this article on the best wireless routers available.
