{"product_id":"netgear-nighthawk-tri-band-wifi-7-router-rs500-up-to-12-gbps","title":"NETGEAR Nighthawk Tri-Band WiFi 7 Router RS500 - Up to 12 Gbps","description":"\u003cp\u003eIn this review of the NETGEAR Nighthawk RS500 router, the bottom line is straightforward: this is a high-performance WiFi 7 router for homes that need ultra-low latency and maximum throughput. It is best for users with multi-gig internet or heavy local demand for 4K\/8K streaming, real-time gaming, and many simultaneous devices. The single biggest reason to buy is the move to WiFi 7 speeds up to 12 Gbps and an available 2.5 Gig internet port that lets users make the most of modern cable or fiber plans when paired with a separate modem.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWiFi 7 performance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Delivers blazing-fast wireless throughput up to 12 Gbps to support real-time gaming, UHD video conferencing, and 8K streaming across dense device setups.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTri-band design:\u003c\/strong\u003e Provides three separate bands including the ultra-fast 6 GHz band to reduce congestion and improve performance for latency-sensitive applications.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWide coverage:\u003c\/strong\u003e High-performance antennas and a compact chassis offer up to 3,000 sq. ft. of home coverage for multi-room streaming and reliable signal in many layouts.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMulti-gig wired option:\u003c\/strong\u003e A 2.5 Gig internet port plus three 1 Gig LAN ports let you connect a multi-gig modem or wired clients for consistent high-speed LAN transfers.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSecurity suite:\u003c\/strong\u003e NETGEAR Armor protection and automatic firmware updates add layers of malware and identity protection, including a 30-day trial of advanced services.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWho It's For\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Nighthawk RS500 is aimed at households with multi-gig internet plans, gamers, and content creators who need low latency and high sustained throughput across many devices. It also suits anyone upgrading from WiFi 6 who wants future-ready hardware and the faster 6 GHz band for next-generation clients.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is not a modem and requires a separate cable or fiber modem for internet service, so those seeking an all-in-one gateway should look elsewhere. Small apartments or users with modest internet plans may find its full capabilities unnecessary.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003ePros \u0026amp; Cons\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePros\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExceptional wireless speed with WiFi 7 for demanding streaming and gaming.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMulti-gig 2.5 Gig port and multiple 1 Gig LAN ports for wired performance and flexibility.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStrong coverage up to 3,000 sq. ft. with a compact design and high-performance antennas.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBuilt-in security features with NETGEAR Armor and automatic firmware updates.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCons\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRouter-only design requires a separate modem with coax or fiber inputs for internet service.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMade for use in the U.S. only, which may limit compatibility or support outside that region.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBrand\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNETGEAR\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eModel\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNighthawk RS500\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWireless speed\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eUp to 12 Gbps (WiFi 7)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCoverage\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eUp to 3,000 sq. ft.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eEthernet ports\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1 x 2.5 Gig WAN\/LAN, 3 x 1 Gig LAN\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDevice capacity\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSupports up to 120 devices\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDimensions\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e9.8 x 5.9 x 4 in\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eOur Verdict\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe NETGEAR Nighthawk RS500 is a strong choice for users who need cutting-edge WiFi 7 performance and multi-gig wired connectivity; it handles heavy streaming, gaming, and many simultaneous devices well. It represents good value for households with modern internet plans and those willing to pair it with a separate modem to realize multi-gig speeds.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDoes this router include a modem?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNo. This is a router-only product and requires a separate cable or fiber modem with the appropriate inputs for internet service.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow much coverage can I expect?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNETGEAR specifies up to 3,000 sq. ft. of WiFi coverage using the router's antenna design and tri-band radios, suitable for many medium to large homes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan it handle gigabit and multi-gig internet?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes. The RS500 includes a 2.5 Gig port to enable multi-gig speeds when paired with a compatible modem and service, plus three 1 Gig LAN ports for wired devices.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"NETGEAR","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48641239417051,"sku":"B0DG71H4GD","price":295.32,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0724\/1043\/1707\/files\/41VTiHCqW9L._AC_SL1200.jpg?v=1778737834","url":"https:\/\/gearmusthave.com\/products\/netgear-nighthawk-tri-band-wifi-7-router-rs500-up-to-12-gbps","provider":"GearMustHave","version":"1.0","type":"link"}