NETGEAR Nighthawk RS300

A tri-band BE9300 Wi-Fi 7 router (2.4, 5, and 6 GHz) with a 2.5 Gbps internet port, two 2.5 Gbps and two gigabit LAN ports, rated for up to 100 devices. Budget for the optional Netgear Armor security subscription after the trial.

The Netgear Nighthawk RS300 is the more affordable Wi-Fi 7 router in this comparison — a tri-band BE9300 unit with 2.4, 5, and 6 GHz bands, rated by Netgear for up to 100 connected devices and up to 2,500 sq. ft. The wired side suits multi-gig plans: a 2.5 Gbps internet port, two 2.5 Gbps LAN ports, two gigabit LAN ports, and USB 3.0. Its four antennas are internal, so it's tidier on a shelf than the antenna-heavy ASUS models. The catch is the business model: Netgear Armor security is an optional paid subscription after the included trial, and the 6 GHz band only helps devices that support it. Buy it for a busy household that wants Wi-Fi 7 and multi-gig ports without flagship pricing.