NETGEAR
NETGEAR Nighthawk AC2600 Smart WiFi Router (R7450)
Bottom line: The NETGEAR Nighthawk AC2600 Smart WiFi Router ($80.00 on Amazon as of 2026-10-06): AC2600 dual-band, up to 2.6Gbps (800 + 1733Mbps); main trade-off: wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), not newer Wi-Fi 6.
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*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-06. Price and availability subject to change.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ AC2600 dual-band, up to 2.6Gbps (800 + 1733Mbps)
- ✓ MU-MIMO streams to multiple devices at once
- ✓ Advanced QoS prioritizes gaming to cut lag
- ✓ Dual-core CPU speeds WAN-to-LAN throughput
- ✓ 3 amplifiers + external antennas extend range
Cons
- ✗ Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), not newer Wi-Fi 6
- ✗ No mention of MoCA or multi-gig WAN port
- ✗ External antennas add desk footprint
- ✗ Nighthawk app account needed for remote control
Manufacturer description
The Nighthawk AC2600 Smart WiFi Router supports MU-MIMO for simultaneous streaming and delivers extreme speed so you enjoy less lag and less buffering. Get larger WiFi coverage while reducing dead spots with Beamforming+, built-in high powered amplifiers and external antennas. Easily setup your home WiFi and access and control your router from anywhere using the Nighthawk App.
SpecPicks Verdict
SpecPicks scored NETGEAR Nighthawk AC2600 Smart WiFi 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.
Key Features
- AC2600 WiFi—Up to 2.6Gbps (800Mbps 2.4GHz + 1733Mbps 5GHz)
- MU-MIMO for simultaneous streaming of data to multiple devices
- Advanced QoS for lag-free gaming and smoother streaming
- Dual-core processor boosts wireless, wired & WAN-to-LAN performanc
- Better range with three amplifiers & external antennas
Full Specifications
| Brand | NETGEAR |
|---|---|
| Color | Black |
| Voltage | 100240 Volts |
| Coverage | Extensive |
| Frequency | 5 GHz |
| Model Name | Netgear AC2600 |
| Connectivity | Wireless, WiFi, 2.4GHz |
| Model Number | AC2600 |
| Control Method | App |
| Connection Type | Wired |
| Mfr Part Number | R7450-AC2600-NETGEAR-NIGHTHAWK-FBA |
| Number of Ports | 5 |
| Special Feature | QoS, WPS |
| Antenna Location | Gaming, Home |
| Wi-Fi Generation | Wi-Fi 5 |
| Security Protocol | WPS |
| Compatible Devices | Personal Computer |
| Data Transfer Rate | 800 Megabits Per Second |
| LAN Port Bandwidth | 800 Mbps |
| Is Modem Compatible | No |
Ready to buy?
NETGEAR Nighthawk AC2600 Smart WiFi Router (R7450) 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 2026-10-06. Price and availability subject to change.
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