NETGEARNighthawk WiFi 7 Router (RS100) – Security Features, BE3600 Wireless Speed (up to 3.6 Gbps) - Coverage up to 1,500 sq. ft., 50 devices – 2.5 Gig Internet Port

I bought this to replace a 4 year old Netgear Router (d6220) that was starting to lock up on a daily basis. The AX1800 was a pain to set up but that’s because my modem was non standard (a modem router configured to modem only mode) and the AX1800 wouldn’t see the BT Internet connection. However, that was my fault. This router will work out of the box (only need the standard BT username and password configured on the router) with the standard BT VDSL modems such as the Huawei or Draytek Vigor 130 - I tested both. The Wi-fi signals are strong all around a four bedroom modern house - I.e. thin walls. I noticed compared to my old netgear router the 5ghz wireless is about as good but the 2.4ghz Wi-fi is much better on the AX1800 achieving full broadband speeds all around the house which the old router couldn’t achieve. The router user interface via a browser is fast to load and navigate. I’ve got over 40 devices connected (mostly Wi-fi plugs and lights) and it can cope with them without a hiccup. I’ve noticed that web pages load more quickly too even though latency and Wi-fi speed is no better than my old router. Perhaps because the new router has more memory and more and faster CPUs. Only minor quibble is it has no power switch (which my older router had) and no USB port which in all honesty I don’t use anyway. It also runs warm and not hot to the touch like my old router. Gaming wise it has a good stable low ping connection and no lag. And one thing I like about Netgear routers, and why I buy them, is I always achieve open Nat with just the uPnP enabled (for some other brands I’ve tried this has been a pain to achieve).

Researched this device to make sure it was fully compatible with our ISP (Virgin Media(Hub 3)) and then ordered.Arrived quickly.Set it up using the Nighthawk app which is easy to navigate. Opened my VM hub's UI and set it to modem only and then finished set-up on the Nighthawk app. Fairly pain-free installation apart from a few niggles with our AV and VPN which were solved easily enough (which is amazing considering its having to communicate with Virgin Media junk)The WiFi throughout the home (3 bed semi) before installing this router was awful, patchy and slow (have 500mb VM package) and Virgin Media's solution was 2 plug-in boosters which is ok until you placed them in another room wherein they lost connection!The WiFi after booting up the Netgear router was great, good connection throughout the home with average 400-720mb wifi test speeds.I use this router in conjunction with a Netgear WiFi extender which enables great connection and speed in our garden some 30m and 2 solid walls away from where the extender is situated.Feel aggrieved I had to go to this length and cost but at the same point wish I had done this years earlier.Highly recommended (especially if you are a Virgin Media non Hub 5 user)!

For years I've bought Chinese brands (most routers are Chinese, but slyly named and marketed like a Western brand e.gone common brand starting with a T). Over time I've become concerned about both quality and most importantly, security. I also wanted a router that gave me more control. I've always heard good things about Netgear and they are an American company. I thought this was a bit pricey, but it was worth every penny. Very happy with it. The range of control that this offers is far superior. I like how you can set subtle things such as schedule the WiFi to turn on off at certain times. You can also turn the power down on the WiFi. No need to blast WiFi to your neighbours and beyond. I reduced the signal strength to 50% and I still get a good strong and fast connection all over the house.Best router I've ever had and I'll never getting a Chinese brand again.

A bit difficult to set up (they want you to use the app, but you can force it to use your laptop) but once it's running it's a pretty good basic Wifi 6 router. Better than CCP-owned companies with backdoors and at a lower price tooPros:WPA3Wifi 6 speeds and device handling (no more dropped smarthome devices as with Wifi 5)Good signal quality/rangeCons:UglyLots of flashing lights on the front, but these can be switched off in the setup optionsNeeds a fairly good understanding of computer hardware to get running properly with all settings tuned the way you really want