TLDR Review: NETGEAR Nighthawk AX4 Router
Verdict
The NETGEAR Nighthawk AX4 (RAX40) is a solid choice if you want a high-performance Wi-Fi 6 router that delivers fast speeds and reliable coverage for small-to-medium homes. It excels at handling multiple devices with ease, making it great for streaming, gaming, and smart home setups. Just keep in mind that if you live in a large multi-story house, the signal may not cover every corner flawlessly without additional extenders. If you want something that tackles bigger homes or offers even more advanced features, you might want to explore higher-tier models like the NETGEAR Nighthawk AX8 or routers with mesh capabilities.
- Top pro:
- Supports Wi-Fi speeds up to 3Gbps, ideal for high-speed internet and multiple device connectivity.
- Top con:
- Coverage can struggle in multi-story homes, especially in extending signal to downstairs areas.
Pros
- •Supports Wi-Fi speeds up to 3Gbps, ideal for high-speed internet and multiple device connectivity.
- •Equipped with a powerful quad-core processor to handle traffic smoothly and reduce lag.
- •Four Gigabit Ethernet ports provide reliable wired connections for gaming, streaming, or work.
- •Future-proof Wi-Fi 6 standard with features like OFDMA, 160MHz channels, and 1024 QAM enhances network efficiency and capacity.
- •Strong and consistent signal throughout small-to-medium homes, with significant improvements over previous routers.
- •Includes 1 year of free Netgear Armor security for enhanced firewall and malware protection.
- •Easy network management and customization via the Nighthawk app without needing browser login.
- •Allows manual channel selection on both 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands for improved connection stability.
- •Setup process is mostly straightforward and user-friendly, even for those who aren't tech experts.
- •Enhances streaming, gaming, and VR experiences by reducing freezes, lag, and bandwidth conflicts.
Cons
- •Coverage can struggle in multi-story homes, especially in extending signal to downstairs areas.
- •Initial setup may be frustrating, sometimes requiring multiple resets and using the web interface to finalize configuration.
- •No physical manual included in the box; users must download it online.
- •The setup app relies heavily on touchscreen keyboards, which can be inconvenient for some users.
- •Design might not appeal to everyone despite its compact size.
- •Netgear Armor security subscription is optional and not necessary for normal router operation, which some users find confusing.
- •While signal strength is good, it may not fully replace higher-end models for very large or complex home layouts.
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How we researched this
About this review: it summarizes the professional reviews and customer ratings ShopSavvy collected for this product, alongside prices from 2 retailers in ShopSavvy's price data, most recently seen May 12, 2025.
Where to Buy
| Retailer | Price | Last seen | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| $134.00 | Nov 7, 2024 may have changed | ||
| $217.00 | May 12, 2025 may have changed |
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