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NETGEAR Nighthawk WiFi 6 Router (RAX36) – Router Only, AX3000 3 Gbps Wireless Speed – Dual-Band Gigabit Internet – Covers 2,000 sq. ft., 25 Devices – Built-in VPN, USB 3.0, Gaming
NETGEAR

NETGEAR Nighthawk WiFi 6 Router (RAX36)

Bottom line: The NETGEAR Nighthawk WiFi 6 Router ($99.99 on Amazon as of 2026-10-06): AX3000 WiFi 6 with combined speeds up to 3 Gbps; main trade-off: no built-in modem, so you need a separate modem.

$99.99

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Buy on Amazon — $99.99 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

  • ✓ AX3000 WiFi 6 with combined speeds up to 3 Gbps
  • ✓ 1.7 GHz quad-core processor for streaming and gaming at the same time
  • ✓ 160 MHz channel support for faster links to WiFi 6 devices
  • ✓ Four 1G Ethernet ports for consoles, PCs and streaming boxes
  • ✓ Built-in VPN and a USB 3.0 port

Cons

  • ✗ No built-in modem, so you need a separate modem
  • ✗ Dual-band only, with no 6 GHz band for WiFi 6E or WiFi 7 devices
  • ✗ Coverage tops out at 2,000 sq. ft., so larger homes may need mesh or an extender
  • ✗ Rated for 25 devices, which busy smart homes can exceed

Manufacturer description

The NETGEAR Nighthawk RAX36 is a dual-band WiFi 6 router built for homes up to 2,000 sq. ft. with as many as 25 connected devices. It is rated at AX3000, with combined wireless speeds up to 3 Gbps, so newer phones, laptops and consoles get a faster link for streaming, online gaming and video calls. A 1.7 GHz quad-core processor handles several demanding tasks at once, and 160 MHz channel support gives compatible WiFi 6 devices more bandwidth when the network is busy. For wired devices, four 1G Ethernet ports connect gaming PCs, consoles and streaming boxes. A USB 3.0 port and a built-in VPN…

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SpecPicks Verdict

SpecPicks scored NETGEAR Nighthawk WiFi 6 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 RAX36 have a built-in modem?

No. The RAX36 is a router only. It connects to your existing modem and replaces your current WiFi router.

Will the RAX36 work with my fiber or DSL internet?

Yes. NETGEAR lists it as compatible with any internet provider up to 1 Gbps, including cable, fiber, satellite and DSL. It connects through your provider's modem or gateway.

How big a home and how many devices can the RAX36 handle?

NETGEAR rates the RAX36 for up to 2,000 sq. ft. and up to 25 devices. Larger homes or households with more devices may need a mesh system or an extender.

How many Ethernet ports does the Nighthawk RAX36 have?

It has four 1G Ethernet ports for wired devices such as game consoles, desktop PCs and streaming players. It also has a USB 3.0 port.

Is the RAX36 good for online gaming?

It is built for gaming. You get WiFi 6 speeds up to 3 Gbps, a 1.7 GHz quad-core processor for running several tasks at once, and 160 MHz channel support. For the lowest latency, connect your console or PC to one of the four gigabit Ethernet ports.

Key Features

  • Coverage up to 2,000 sq. ft. for up to 25 devices
  • Ultrafast AX3000 speeds up to 3Gbps with WiFi 6 technology for uninterrupted streaming, HD video gaming, and web conferencing
  • This router does not include a built-in cable modem. A separate cable modem (with coax inputs) is required for internet service.
  • Connects to your existing cable modem and replaces your WiFi router. Compatible with any internet service provider up to 1Gbps including cable, satellite, fiber, and DSL
  • Plug in computers, game consoles, streaming players, and more with 4 x 1G Ethernet ports

Full Specifications

BrandNETGEAR
ColorBlack
Weight1g
Coverage2000 square feet
Frequency5 GHz
Model NameRAX36
Unit Count1 Count
Antenna TypeInternal
ConnectivityWireless, USB, WiFi
Model NumberRAX36-100PAS
Built-In MediaEthernet cable, NETGEAR Nighthawk AX4/4-stream AX3000 WiFi 6 Router (RAX36), Power adapter, Quick start guide
Control MethodApp
Connection TypeWireless
Controller TypeApp Control
Mfr Part NumberRAX36-100PAS
Number of Items1
Number of Packs1
Number of Ports4
Special FeatureInternet Security
Antenna LocationBusiness, Gaming, Home
Full listing titleNETGEAR Nighthawk WiFi 6 Router (RAX36) – Router Only, AX3000 3 Gbps Wireless Speed – Dual-Band Gigabit Internet – Covers 2,000 sq. ft., 25 Devices – Built-in VPN, USB 3.0, Gaming

Ready to buy?

NETGEAR Nighthawk WiFi 6 Router (RAX36) – Router Only, AX3000 3 Gbps Wireless Speed – Dual-Band Gigabit Internet – Covers 2,000 sq. ft., 25 Devices – Built-in VPN, USB 3.0, Gaming 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 — $99.99

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

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NETGEAR Nighthawk WiFi 6 Router (RAX36) – Router Only, AX3000 3 Gbps Wireless Speed – Dual-Band Gigabit Internet – Covers 2,000 sq. ft., 25 Devices – Built-in VPN, USB 3.0, Gaming
$99.99
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