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NETGEAR Nighthawk Tri-Band WiFi 7 Router (RS500) – Router Only, BE12000 Wireless Speed (up to 12 Gbps) - Covers up to 3,000 sq. ft., 120 Devices – 2.5 Gig Internet Port - Free Expert Help
NETGEAR

NETGEAR Nighthawk Tri-Band WiFi 7 Router (RS500)

Bottom line: The NETGEAR Nighthawk Tri-Band WiFi 7 Router ($369.88 on Amazon as of 2026-10-06): WiFi 7 BE12000 rating with combined wireless speeds up to 12 Gbps; main trade-off: router only: needs a separate cable modem or fiber gateway.

$369.88

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Buy on Amazon — $369.88 Compare to similar networking

By , Founder & Editor-in-Chief · Listing data updated

Mike Perry — Hardware researcher since 2014. For home networking and Wi-Fi gear, synthesises manufacturer specs and independent reviews rather than first-hand lab testing. Core beat: GPU performance across gaming, rendering, and local-LLM inference.

*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-06. Price and availability subject to change.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • ✓ WiFi 7 BE12000 rating with combined wireless speeds up to 12 Gbps
  • ✓ Tri-band design includes the 6 GHz band and 320 MHz channels
  • ✓ Rated for up to 3,000 sq. ft. of coverage from a single unit
  • ✓ Handles up to 120 connected devices at once
  • ✓ 2.5 Gig internet port plus a 2.5 Gig LAN port for multi-gig wired links

Cons

  • ✗ Router only: needs a separate cable modem or fiber gateway
  • ✗ Only one 2.5 Gig LAN port; the other three LAN ports top out at 1 Gig
  • ✗ 2.5 Gig WAN port caps internet plans faster than 2.5 Gbps
  • ✗ No mesh satellites in the box for homes larger than 3,000 sq. ft.

Manufacturer description

The NETGEAR Nighthawk RS500 is a tri-band WiFi 7 router for homes where several people are gaming, streaming and on video calls at the same time. It is rated BE12000, with combined wireless speeds up to 12 Gbps, and NETGEAR says that is 2.4x faster than WiFi 6. It broadcasts on three bands, including the 6 GHz band, and supports 320 MHz channels. That gives you room for up to 120 connected devices without one busy device slowing the rest. NETGEAR rates the coverage at up to 3,000 sq. ft. from a smaller body with high-performance antennas, so one unit can cover most single-family homes. For…

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SpecPicks Verdict

SpecPicks scored NETGEAR Nighthawk Tri-Band WiFi 7 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

Does the NETGEAR Nighthawk RS500 have a built-in modem?

No. The RS500 is a router only and has no built-in cable modem. You need a separate cable modem with coax inputs, or your fiber provider's gateway, to connect to your internet service.

How large a home can the RS500 cover, and how many devices can it handle?

NETGEAR rates the RS500 for up to 3,000 sq. ft. of WiFi coverage and up to 120 connected devices, using its tri-band design and 320 MHz high-capacity channels.

What wired ports does the Nighthawk RS500 have?

It has a 2.5 Gig internet (WAN) port, one 2.5 Gig LAN port and three 1 Gig LAN ports. Connect your fastest wired device, such as a gaming PC or NAS, to the 2.5 Gig LAN port.

Can I use the RS500 with a multi-gig fiber or cable plan?

Yes, up to the limit of its 2.5 Gig internet port. Plans up to 2.5 Gbps can run at full speed through the WAN port. Faster plans will be capped at that port's speed. You may still need a separate modem or ONT from your provider.

What warranty comes with the NETGEAR RS500?

The product details don't state warranty terms. Check the current product listing or NETGEAR's support site for the warranty that comes with the RS500.

Key Features

  • Blazing-fast WiFi 7 speeds up to 12Gbps for real-time gaming, 4K/8K streaming, UHD video conferencing, and AR/VR entertainment
  • WiFi 7 delivers 2.4x faster speeds than WiFi 6 to maximize performance across all devices. This is a Router not a Modem.
  • This router does not include a built-in cable modem. A separate cable modem (with coax inputs) is required for internet service.
  • Sleek new body with smaller footprint and high-performance antennas for up to 3,000 sq. ft. of WiFi coverage
  • 2.5 Gig internet port enables multi-gig speeds with the latest cable or fiber internet service plans, a separate modem may be needed for you cable or fiber internet service

Full Specifications

BrandNETGEAR
ColorBlack
Coverage3000 square feet
Frequency6 GHz
Model NameRS500-100NAS
Unit Count1 Count
Antenna TypeFixed
ConnectivityWireless, WiFi
Model NumberRS500-100NAS
Built-In MediaOne (1) 12V/3.5A power adapter, One (1) 2m Ethernet cable, One (1) WiFi 7 Tri-Band Router (RS500), Quick start guide
Control MethodPush Button
Connection TypeWireless
Mfr Part NumberRS500-100NAS
Number of Items1
Number of Ports4
Special FeatureInternet Security
Antenna LocationBusiness, Gaming, Home
Wi-Fi GenerationWiFi 7
Security ProtocolWPA2-PSK, WPA3
Compatible DevicesGaming Console, Personal Computer, Security Camera, Smart Television, Smartphone
Full listing titleNETGEAR Nighthawk Tri-Band WiFi 7 Router (RS500) – Router Only, BE12000 Wireless Speed (up to 12 Gbps) - Covers up to 3,000 sq. ft., 120 Devices – 2.5 Gig Internet Port - Free Expert Help

Ready to buy?

NETGEAR Nighthawk Tri-Band WiFi 7 Router (RS500) – Router Only, BE12000 Wireless Speed (up to 12 Gbps) - Covers up to 3,000 sq. ft., 120 Devices – 2.5 Gig Internet Port - Free Expert Help 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.

Buy on Amazon — $369.88

*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-06. Price and availability subject to change.

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NETGEAR Nighthawk Tri-Band WiFi 7 Router (RS500) – Router Only, BE12000 Wireless Speed (up to 12 Gbps) - Covers up to 3,000 sq. ft., 120 Devices – 2.5 Gig Internet Port - Free Expert Help
$369.88
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