TLDR Review: Netgear Nighthawk AX5 Router
Verdict
The Netgear Nighthawk AX5 offers solid WiFi 6 performance and strong security features, making it suitable for home office needs. However, its setup can be a headache, and some advanced features are missing or limited. If you’re comfortable with technical configurations and want a reliable, high-speed Wi-Fi router, this model is worth considering. But if a more user-friendly experience or more control over Wi-Fi bands is a priority, you might want to explore alternatives like the <component-button-product identifierProduct="12345-67890...">Netgear Nighthawk AX8</component-button-product>—which offers more advanced management options and fewer setup hassles.
- Top pro:
- Supports WiFi 6 with reliable connectivity, ideal for home office use
- Top con:
- Setup process can be complicated and frustrating, especially without technical help
Pros
- •Supports WiFi 6 with reliable connectivity, ideal for home office use
- •Provides strong security features including WPA3 and VPN support for remote access
- •Easy setup when using a computer with an Ethernet connection, avoiding app complications
- •Firmware auto-update feature keeps the router up to date, despite some bugs
- •Establishes and maintains stable Wi-Fi, reducing disconnections during work calls
- •The network is straightforward to configure even on a Double NAT setup, with automatic IP assignment
- •Enhances Wi-Fi signal and speeds compared to older equipment, supporting high-speed internet
- •User-friendly GUI for managing advanced features once set up
- •Supports QoS, allowing prioritized bandwidth for important devices or activities
- •The overall performance and reliability make it a good choice for tech-savvy home users
Cons
- •Setup process can be complicated and frustrating, especially without technical help
- •No wireless repeating mode; requires wired or WiFi connection to main router, which might be inconvenient
- •Limited customization options for Wi-Fi bands; no manual control over 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz bands
- •Lacks common features like USB NAS support, parental controls, and adjustable bandwidth options
- •Firmware bugs, such as login issues without a Netgear account, can cause lockouts
- •The router’s lifespan may be limited, with potential for hardware issues after a year or two
- •Download speeds are significantly slower than the maximum supported speeds, with reports of only around 22 Mbps
- •The setup process involves additional post-wizard steps, adding to the complexity
- •Dislikes include frequent ads and confusing app requirements, which detract from the experience
- •Compatibility issues with certain devices, like garage door openers that cannot connect to 5 GHz WiFi
We may earn a commission when you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. How ShopSavvy makes money
How we researched this
About this review: it summarizes the professional reviews and customer ratings ShopSavvy collected for this product, alongside prices from ShopSavvy's price data.
Download ShopSavvy App
Compare prices across tens of thousands of stores, set price alerts, watch for deals by keyword, and much more.
Install ShopSavvy Browser Extension
Compare and track prices automatically while you shop online at thousands of websites.
