The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →The NETGEAR Nighthawk RS90 is a dual-band WiFi 7 router with a 2.5 Gbps internet port and four gigabit Ethernet ports. It can make sense for a smaller home with a fast broadband plan and several wired devices, but it is not a tri-band WiFi 7 model: it has no 6 GHz radio or Multi-Link Operation (MLO). For a large or multi-level home where coverage is the priority, independent review evidence suggests considering a mesh system or a router with stronger range.
What the RS90 offers
NETGEAR identifies the RS90 as a BE3600-class, dual-band WiFi 7 router. It has 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz radios, each in a 2×2 configuration, a quad-core 2.0 GHz processor, and two internal antennas. The user manual gives its combined theoretical WiFi rate as up to 3.57 Gbps; NETGEAR’s specification sheet rounds that figure to up to 3.6 Gbps. Neither number represents a guaranteed speed for a particular device or home.
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Its wired connections are one 2.5 Gbps internet/WAN port and four 10/100/1000 Mbps LAN ports. The faster port is for the connection to the modem or internet service; each wired device connected to a LAN port is limited to a 1 Gbps link. NETGEAR lists compatibility with cable and fiber service up to 2.5 Gbps at the internet port, but the router’s gigabit LAN ports cannot deliver a 2.5 Gbps wired connection to one client.
Is the RS90 good for your home?
NETGEAR advertises coverage up to 2,000 square feet and support for up to 50 devices. These are manufacturer maximum claims, not independent measurements or promises that every device will get strong service across that area. Walls, floor plan, interference, router placement, client hardware, and the broadband plan all affect real-world results.
#1 Best Overall
- 𝐅𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞-𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐲 𝐖𝐢-𝐅𝐢 𝟕 - Designed with the latest Wi-Fi 7 technology, featuring Multi-Link Operation (MLO), Multi-RUs, and 4K-QAM. Achieve optimized performance on latest WiFi 7 laptops and devices, like the iPhone 16 Pro, and Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra.
- 𝟔-𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐦, 𝐃𝐮𝐚𝐥-𝐁𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐖𝐢-𝐅𝐢 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝟔.𝟓 𝐆𝐛𝐩𝐬 𝐓𝐨𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐁𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐰𝐢𝐝𝐭𝐡 - Achieve full speeds of up to 5764 Mbps on the 5GHz band and 688 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band with 6 streams. Enjoy seamless 4K/8K streaming, AR/VR gaming, and incredibly fast downloads/uploads.
- 𝐖𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 - Get up to 2,400 sq. ft. max coverage for up to 90 devices at a time. 6x high performance antennas and Beamforming technology, ensures reliable connections for remote workers, gamers, students, and more.
- 𝐔𝐥𝐭𝐫𝐚-𝐅𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝟐.𝟓 𝐆𝐛𝐩𝐬 𝐖𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 - 1x 2.5 Gbps WAN/LAN port, 1x 2.5 Gbps LAN port and 3x 1 Gbps LAN ports offer high-speed data transmissions.³ Integrate with a multi-gig modem for gigplus internet.
- 𝐎𝐮𝐫 𝐂𝐲𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 - TP-Link is a signatory of the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency’s (CISA) Secure-by-Design pledge. This device is designed, built, and maintained, with advanced security as a core requirement.
It may fit a smaller home or apartment
The RS90’s combination of WiFi 7 and a 2.5 Gbps WAN port may suit a household that wants a current wireless standard, has broadband above 1 Gbps, and does not need faster-than-gigabit connections for wired clients. Its four LAN ports are useful if several devices—such as a desktop, console, or television—need Ethernet.
Look elsewhere if you need 6 GHz, MLO, or broader coverage
RTINGS’ review, initially published January 26, 2026 and updated on its test bench September 11, 2026, describes the RS90 as an entry-level WiFi 7 router with good wired and wireless connectivity options, while noting its missing 6 GHz band, lack of MLO, and middling range. RTINGS says it is better suited to smaller spaces than to solving whole-home coverage problems. That is an independent review assessment, not a guarantee about every layout.
Rank #2
- 𝐅𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞-𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐨𝐟 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐇𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐖𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐖𝐢-𝐅𝐢 𝟕: Powered by Wi-Fi 7 technology, enjoy faster speeds with Multi-Link Operation, increased reliability with Multi-RUs, and more data capacity with 4K-QAM, delivering enhanced performance for all your devices.
- 𝐁𝐄𝟑𝟔𝟎𝟎 𝐃𝐮𝐚𝐥-𝐁𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐖𝐢-𝐅𝐢 𝟕 𝐑𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐞𝐫: Delivers up to 2882 Mbps (5 GHz), and 688 Mbps (2.4 GHz) speeds for 4K/8K streaming, AR/VR gaming & more. Dual-band routers do not support 6 GHz. Performance varies by conditions, distance, and obstacles like walls.
- 𝐔𝐧𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐡 𝐌𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐢-𝐆𝐢𝐠 𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐃𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝟐.𝟓 𝐆𝐛𝐩𝐬 𝐏𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝟑×𝟏𝐆𝐛𝐩𝐬 𝐋𝐀𝐍 𝐏𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐬: Maximize Gigabitplus internet with one 2.5G WAN/LAN port, one 2.5 Gbps LAN port, plus three additional 1 Gbps LAN ports. Break the 1G barrier for seamless, high-speed connectivity from the internet to multiple LAN devices for enhanced performance.
- 𝐍𝐞𝐱𝐭-𝐆𝐞𝐧 𝟐.𝟎 𝐆𝐇𝐳 𝐐𝐮𝐚𝐝-𝐂𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐨𝐫: Experience power and precision with a state-of-the-art processor that effortlessly manages high throughput. Eliminate lag and enjoy fast connections with minimal latency, even during heavy data transmissions.
- 𝐂𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐂𝐨𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐫 - Covers up to 2,000 sq. ft. for up to 60 devices at a time. 4 internal antennas and beamforming technology focus Wi-Fi signals toward hard-to-reach areas. Seamlessly connect phones, TVs, and gaming consoles.
If your priority is coverage across multiple floors or a large footprint, compare the RS90 with mesh systems or tri-band routers before buying. RTINGS uses the ASUS RT-BE92U, eero 7, and TP-Link Deco 7 Pro BE63 as comparison examples; those are examples from its comparison, not a definitive or current ranking. RTINGS also notes that the RS90 provides four LAN ports, more than a single eero 7 node, but each RS90 LAN port is limited to 1 Gbps.
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| Feature | RS90 specification | Practical meaning |
|---|---|---|
| WiFi bands | 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz; 2×2 on each band (NETGEAR) | Dual-band, not tri-band; no 6 GHz radio, according to RTINGS. |
| WiFi generation and headline rate | WiFi 7; up to 3.57 Gbps theoretical combined rate in the manual, rounded to 3.6 Gbps on NETGEAR’s specification sheet | A theoretical combined maximum, not an expected speed for one device. |
| Internet/WAN | One 2.5 Gbps port (NETGEAR) | Connects to a compatible modem or service; does not make the LAN ports multi-gigabit. |
| Wired LAN | Four 10/100/1000 Mbps ports (NETGEAR) | Four wired connections, each with a maximum 1 Gbps link rate. |
| Manufacturer coverage and device claims | Up to 2,000 sq. ft. and up to 50 devices (NETGEAR) | Maximum vendor claims; actual results depend on the home and connected devices. |
| MLO | Not supported, according to RTINGS | It lacks this WiFi 7 feature. |
Setup and placement
NETGEAR says setup can be completed with the Nighthawk app or through the router’s web interface and installation assistant. The package includes the router, Ethernet cable, power adapter, and—on the specification sheet—a quick start guide. For a high-speed modem connection, the manual specifies Cat5e or better; the included cable may be sufficient, so a replacement is only relevant if you need a longer cable or the supplied one is unsuitable.
Rank #3
- 𝐍𝐞𝐱𝐭-𝐆𝐞𝐧 𝐖𝐢-𝐅𝐢 𝟕 - Optimize performance on latest WiFi 7 laptops and devices, like the iPhone 16 Pro, Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, and PS5 Pro with the latest WiFi 7 technology with Multi-Link Operation, Multi-RUs, 4K-QAM, and up to 320 MHz channels.◇△
- 𝟕-𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐦, 𝐁𝐄𝟗𝟕𝟎𝟎 𝐓𝐫𝐢-𝐁𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐖𝐢-𝐅𝐢 𝟕 𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐬 - Delivers smooth 4K/8K streaming, immersive AR/VR gaming, and blazing-fast downloads with speeds up to 5,765 Mbps on the 6 GHz band, 2,882 Mbps on the 5 GHz band, and 1,032 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band.⌂
- 𝐌𝐚𝐱𝐢𝐦𝐢𝐳𝐞𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐞 - Up to 2,600 sq. ft. coverage for up to 120 devices at a time. 6 optimally positioned antennas and Beamforming technology focus Wi-Fi signals toward hard-to-cover areas for stronger coverage-—ideal for those seeking the best WiFi router for large homes.
- 𝟏𝟎 𝐆𝐛𝐩𝐬 𝐏𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐌𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐢-𝐆𝐢𝐠𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐭 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐭𝐲 - Features 1x 10 Gbps WAN/LAN port, 1x 2.5 Gbps WAN/LAN port, and 3x 2.5 Gbps LAN ports. Integrate with a multi-gig modem for fast, wired gig+ internet.
- 𝐎𝐮𝐫 𝐂𝐲𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 - TP-Link is a signatory of the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency’s (CISA) Secure-by-Design pledge. This device is designed, built, and maintained, with advanced security as a core requirement.
- Connect the modem to the RS90’s yellow 2.5G internet port using Cat5e or a higher-rated Ethernet cable for a high-speed modem connection.
- Power on the router, then use the Nighthawk app or open its web interface and follow the installation assistant.
- Place the router away from sources of wireless interference, large metal or glass surfaces, and insulated walls, as NETGEAR recommends.
- Check coverage and connection quality in the rooms where you use devices; adjust placement if needed rather than assuming the advertised coverage will match your floor plan.
Security, subscriptions, and firmware
NETGEAR’s specification sheet lists WPA, WPA2, and WPA3 security, a guest network, firewall, access control, and automatic firmware updates. It also describes NETGEAR Armor, powered by Bitdefender, as an optional subscription and states a 30-day trial. Trial availability and subscription terms can change, so verify them with NETGEAR before relying on a particular offer.
NETGEAR Support lists firmware version 1.2.7.4 as released June 4, 2026. Its notes say the update adds cloud debugging support and a WiFi stability patch, changes QoS bandwidth checking to avoid a memory leak, and fixes issues involving app onboarding, IoT network behavior, PPPoE detection, Hostapd, and other matters. NETGEAR also says the update addresses security vulnerabilities. Firmware listings can change; check the RS90 support page for a newer version before installing or assessing the router.
Rank #4
- FASTER, FARTHER, MORE RELIABLE WIFI: A dedicated dual-band WiFi 7 router built to keep up with a growing home of streaming, video calls, gaming, and smart home devices.
- WORKS WITH YOUR EXISTING INTERNET SERVICE: Pairs with your existing modem or gateway via ethernet. Compatible with most cable, fiber, DSL, and satellite providers. Some gateways and modem router combos may require bridge mode. No coax needed.
- SET UP AND MANAGE YOUR NETWORK WITH THE NIGHTHAWK APP: Download the free Nighthawk app on iOS or Android for guided setup. Manage WiFi, run speed tests, pause devices, and set up guest networks from anywhere. Active internet required.
- WIFI 7 THAT KEEPS UP WITH A BUSY HOME: Up to 5 Gbps across 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands, 1.2x faster than WiFi 6. MU-MIMO and OFDMA let multiple devices send and receive data simultaneously. Real-world speeds depend on your devices and plan.
- COVERAGE IN EVERY ROOM: Delivers up to 2,250 sq. ft. of coverage for up to 80 devices. Walls, floors, and interference can reduce range. Larger or multi-story homes may benefit from a NETGEAR Orbi mesh WiFi system.
Verdict: who should consider the RS90?
The RS90 is a plausible fit if you want a standalone dual-band WiFi 7 router, value a 2.5 Gbps WAN connection, and can work within four gigabit LAN ports. It is a less compelling choice if you specifically want 6 GHz WiFi, MLO, multi-gigabit wired LAN, or a solution for weak coverage across a large or multi-level home. The manufacturer’s maximum speed, coverage, and device figures should be treated as claims, not household guarantees.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- DUAL-BAND WIFI 6 ROUTER: Wi-Fi 6(802.11ax) technology achieves faster speeds, greater capacity and reduced network congestion compared to the previous gen. All WiFi routers require a separate modem. Dual-Band WiFi routers do not support the 6 GHz band.
- AX1800: Enjoy smoother and more stable streaming, gaming, downloading with 1.8 Gbps total bandwidth (up to 1200 Mbps on 5 GHz and up to 574 Mbps on 2.4 GHz). Performance varies by conditions, distance to devices, and obstacles such as walls.
- CONNECT MORE DEVICES: Wi-Fi 6 technology communicates more data to more devices simultaneously using revolutionary OFDMA technology
- EXTENSIVE COVERAGE: Achieve the strong, reliable WiFi coverage with Archer AX1800 as it focuses signal strength to your devices far away using Beamforming technology, 4 high-gain antennas and an advanced front-end module (FEM) chipset
- OUR CYBERSECURITY COMMITMENT: TP-Link is a signatory of the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency’s (CISA) Secure-by-Design pledge. This device is designed, built, and maintained, with advanced security as a core requirement.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
