It only feels like we just got Wi-Fi 6 and 6E up and running in most of our routers and devices. But Netgear has decided to move things forward once again with Wi-Fi 7, introduced via their new RS700S Tri-Band router. This review might feel a little heavy, but we’ll do our best to punch out some breezy explanations for this new type of tech along the way.
Put simply, the RS700S router is fantastic for many reasons. Its slim and stylish design is a plus, while Wi-Fi 7 is two times faster than its predecessor, and less likely to be interfered with by materials and other signals. If you’re willing to pay the admittedly steep A$1499 price tag, there’s not much to complain about.
Design
As far as design goes, the RS700S looks incredibly stylish. You’d be forgiven for thinking it was a portable speaker, given its tall build and all-black colourway. Thankfully, its integrated antennas also help with its sleek look, compared to some of the higher-end gaming routers which take up way too much room and pack in way too many protruding antennas. I’m all for performance, but those things look like a UFO landed next to my NBN modem.
Up front, you’ve got a vertical panel of backlit icons which are all relatively straightforward, from your internet and LAN ports to active 2.4, 5 and 6 GHz bands. Around the back, you’ll find your standard options like reset and power button, USB 3.0 port, single WAN and 4 LAN ports, and a single 10G LAN port. Unfortunately, that latter 10Gbps LAN port isn’t a thing in Australia just yet, but it’s nice to know that you’re ready to go in future when those newer networks and speeds start dropping here.
Beyond that, there’s not much to complain about. The RS700S is sleek and stylish, and a welcome addition to any home that doesn’t want to mistake their new router for a UFO.
Performance
This is where things get a little tricky. This is a great performing router, but there is a catch. We could sit around all day and talk about the various performances across certain devices, but we’re going to step back and take another approach. The RS700S provides 2.4 times faster Wi-Fi up to 19Gbps, which is incredible on paper, but there’s a little more than meets the eye.
Wi-Fi 7 simply exists as the next iteration of Wi-Fi technology to support faster speeds and provide a more stable internet connection throughout the home. While 1Gbps speeds are currently available in Australia, it’s not quite yet the norm, with most Australian households running anywhere between 50-250 Mbps. It’s also worth noting that Wi-Fi 7 also only works as intended with those devices that are Wi-Fi 7 enabled, which is only entering its early stages. Put simply, this router would be absolutely overkill for those types of speeds and older devices, but does a few things well that you won’t find in just any router.
For one, bandwidth is sensational. With any decent internet connection, the RS700S can handle up to 200 devices, while streaming 8K, 4K or HD content. While that sort of usage does rely on outright internet speeds, the Nighthawk RS700S utilises a type of software called SmartConnect, which works to combine the included 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz bands to divert traffic across devices throughout the home for a more stable connection.
For a single router, the RS700S covers up to 325 square metres, which is more than most standalone routers can handle. Given there are mesh networks out there that support that same kind of coverage across three access points, it’s no surprise that this thing will hold up no matter where it’s placed. While my NBN setup is at the front of the house in my garage, like most new homes, I could still connect all my devices to my network even towards the back of my house and into the backyard, which is close to 30 metres away, and through multiple walls.
It’s admittedly tough to put something like this into perspective for an Australian market, but not for the reasons you might think. This router performs fantastically and rarely experiences any significant dropouts in speed and general stability. It’s great for those with multiple devices like gaming consoles, or multiple family members who like to fight over the internet. But I would be lying if I said Aussies would need something like this just yet.
That 10G functionality is great for future-proofing, but in the meantime, it feels like we’re driving a Lamborghini in a school zone. But like I said before, should the price suit, you’re still driving what can only be considered the supercar of routers.
Software
You’ll need to set up the RS700S via the Netgear Nighthawk app, which is thankfully super easy. I tend to roll my eyes when I have to download yet another app for tech around the house, but its rather minimal layout and setup work in its favour. Setup takes around 5-10 minutes, and then largely exists in the background.
You can use it to see how many devices and which devices specifically are connected to your network, test internet speeds, monitor usage, enable separate Wi-Fi for guests and monitor general data usage across bands. It also includes one year of Netgear Armor, an internet security package of sorts that automatically protects all users and devices connected to your network.
Given all these options deepen the experience without feeling essential, it’s nice knowing that the average user won’t have to jump through hoops to get this up and running. Even someone like me who accepts the need to download multiple apps for these reviews, can thank its easy setup and simplistic layout.
Verdict & Value
The Netgear Nighthawk RS700S Tri-Band router is about as good as it gets. It’s sleek and stylish, covers a huge area along with blistering speeds, and is well and truly built for the future.
But given that Wi-Fi 7, while better, is only compatible with newer Wi-Fi 7 devices and that 10Gbps functionality isn’t really a thing in Australia just yet, there are certainly some things to weigh up. That A$1499 price tag is probably the most notable, but it’s hard to argue with the results. Should you invest in the RS700S, you’re simply set for years to come.
FOUR STARS (OUT OF FIVE)
Highlights: Sleek design; Super fast capabilities; Wi-Fi 7 and 10Gbps support is built for the future; Easy to use software
Lowlights: Steep price; Not every device is built for Wi-Fi 7 just yet
Manufacturer: Netgear
Price: A$1499
Available: Now
Review based on unit supplied by Netgear.
