NETGEAR Nighthawk Smart Wi-Fi Router
Bottom line: The NETGEAR Nighthawk Smart Wi-Fi Router ($62.00 on Amazon as of 2026-10-21 04:15 UTC): Four gigabit Ethernet ports for wired PCs, consoles, and streaming players; main trade-off: wi-Fi 5 (AC1750) only, so no Wi-Fi 6 or 6E client speedups.
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*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-21. Price and availability subject to change.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ Four gigabit Ethernet ports for wired PCs, consoles, and streaming players
- ✓ 1GHz dual-core CPU with three amplified antennas and Beamforming+
- ✓ USB 3.0 port shares a drive or printer as personal cloud storage
- ✓ Dynamic QoS plus Smart Connect band steering for crowded networks
Cons
- ✗ Wi-Fi 5 (AC1750) only, so no Wi-Fi 6 or 6E client speedups
- ✗ 1500 sq ft ceiling leaves larger homes needing a mesh or extender
- ✗ 25-device rating is limiting for dense smart-home setups
- ✗ NETGEAR Armor and Parental Controls revert to paid after 30 days
Manufacturer description
The NETGEAR Nighthawk R6700 is a dual-band AC1750 router built for households that have outgrown an ISP-supplied gateway. It pushes combined wireless speeds up to 1750 Mbps, covers up to 1500 square feet, and is rated by NETGEAR for as many as 25 connected devices, so streaming boxes, phones, consoles, and smart-home gear can share the network without constant hand-offs. A 1GHz dual-core processor handles the routing load, while three amplified antennas and Beamforming+ aim signal at your devices instead of scattering it across the room. Dynamic QoS prioritizes video and game traffic when…
SpecPicks Verdict
SpecPicks scored NETGEAR Nighthawk Smart Wi-Fi Router using a rating × review-volume × price-fit model applied to published specs and reviews across the networking category. NETGEAR's networking lineup sits within the broader category mid-tier; price and specs are the deciding factors over brand loyalty here. Judge it on the specification table and the price rather than on sentiment: check the figures that decide your use case, then put it side-by-side with two or three close alternatives in the Compare tool before clicking through.
Common buyer scenarios for networking of this kind: matching it to an existing build, replacing a failing part, or upgrading from a previous-generation equivalent. Check the spec table below against your current setup — particularly socket / form-factor / power-rating fields — and confirm compatibility on the retailer's listing before purchase. Prices and stock are set by the retailer and may have moved since this page was last updated.
Frequently Asked Questions
How fast is the NETGEAR R6700?
It is an AC1750 dual-band router, meaning combined wireless speed up to 1750 Mbps across the 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands. Wired devices connect through four 1-gigabit Ethernet ports.
How much area does it cover and how many devices can it handle?
NETGEAR rates the R6700 for up to 1500 square feet of coverage and up to 25 connected devices for streaming, gaming, browsing, and smart-home gear.
Is the Nighthawk R6700 good for gaming?
It includes Dynamic QoS to prioritize game and video traffic, a 1GHz dual-core processor, and four gigabit Ethernet ports so a console or gaming PC can run wired for the lowest latency.
Does it support Wi-Fi 6?
No. The R6700 is a Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) router. If you specifically need Wi-Fi 6 or WPA3, look at a newer model; this one lists WPA2 wireless security.
What can I do with the USB 3.0 port?
You can attach a storage drive or printer and share it with any connected device, or create personal cloud storage you can reach from outside the house.
Key Features
- Maximum Range : 1500 Sq Ft
- Recommended for up to 25 devices: Reliably stream videos, play games, surf the internet, and connect smart home devices
- Wired Ethernet ports: Plug in computers, game consoles, streaming players, and other nearby wired devices with 4 x 1 gigabit Ethernet ports
- Loaded with advanced technology: Designed with a 1GHz dual core processor, 3 amplified antennas, Beamforming plus, Dynamic QoS, Smart Connect, and more
- USB connections: Share a storage drive or printer with any connected device or create a personal cloud storage to access from anywhere, using the 1 x 3.0 USB port
- Safe & secure: Supports WPA2 wireless security protocols. Includes Guest Wi-Fi access, DOS, Firewall, VPN, and more
Full Specifications
| Brand | NETGEAR |
|---|---|
| Color | Black |
| Weight | 1g |
| Voltage | 100120 volts |
| Coverage | 1500 square feet |
| Frequency | 5 GHz |
| Model Name | R6700-100NAS |
| Antenna Type | Retractable |
| Connectivity | Wireless, USB, WiFi |
| Model Number | R6700-100NAS |
| Compatibility | Mac, Linux |
| Maximum Range | 1500 Sq Ft |
| Safe & secure | Supports WPA2 wireless security protocols. Includes Guest Wi-Fi access, DOS, Firewall, VPN, and more |
| Built-In Media | Nighthawk AC1750 Smart WiFi Router (R6700)^Three (3) detachable antennas^Ethernet cable^Quick install guide^Power adapter |
| Control Method | Voice |
| Connection Type | Wired |
| Controller Type | amazon_alexa, vera |
| Mfr Part Number | R6700-100NAS |
| Number of Ports | 3 |
| Special Feature | QoS, WPS |
| Full listing title | NETGEAR Nighthawk Smart Wi-Fi Router, R6700 - AC1750 Wireless Speed Up to 1750 Mbps | Up to 1500 Sq Ft Coverage & 25 Devices | 4 x 1G Ethernet and 1 x 3.0 USB Ports | Armor Security |
Ready to buy?
NETGEAR Nighthawk Smart Wi-Fi Router, R6700 - AC1750 Wireless Speed Up to 1750 Mbps | Up to 1500 Sq Ft Coverage & 25 Devices | 4 x 1G Ethernet and 1 x 3.0 USB Ports | Armor Security is listed on Amazon. Price, availability, shipping and returns are set by Amazon and its sellers — check the listing for current terms. SpecPicks earns a small commission on qualifying purchases — thank you for supporting independent review work.
*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-21. Price and availability subject to change.
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