NETGEAR Nighthawk RS90 Dual-Band WiFi 7 Router Review: A Budget-Friendly Upgrade for 2025

Is your WiFi struggling to keep up with your modern life? Between 4K streaming, smart home gadgets, Zoom meetings, and online gaming, most older routers are starting to fall behind. That’s where WiFi 7 steps in—offering faster speeds, lower latency, and smoother performance for every device on your network.

Enter the NETGEAR Nighthawk RS90, one of the most affordable WiFi 7 routers you can buy in 2025—priced under $150. It promises up to 3.6 Gbps speeds, solid dual-band performance, and coverage for up to 50 devices across 2,000 sq. ft.

But is this really the upgrade your home network needs? Or just another overhyped tech release? In this hands-on Nighthawk RS90 WiFi 7 router review, we’ll break down the setup experience, real-world performance, pros and cons, and whether it’s worth your money.

What Is the NETGEAR Nighthawk RS90?

The NETGEAR Nighthawk RS90 is an affordable WiFi 7 dual-band router built for speed, coverage, and easy setup. Supporting the latest 802.11be standard, it delivers up to 3.6 Gbps wireless speeds and covers up to 2,000 sq. ft., with capacity for 50 devices—ideal for smart homes, streaming, and gaming.

It features a 2.5 Gbps WAN port, WPA3 security, and quick setup via the Nighthawk app. While it doesn’t include tri-band or modem features, it’s a strong budget option for those upgrading from older WiFi 5 or 6 routers.

Key Technical Specifications of the RS90

Quick Take

If you’re looking for a WiFi 7 router that doesn’t require a tech degree or a massive budget, the NETGEAR RS90 is a compelling option. It covers the essentials—speed, coverage, and ease of use—while keeping the door open for faster multi-gig internet plans with its 2.5G port.

Unboxing & First Impressions

Right out of the box, the NETGEAR Nighthawk RS90 feels both premium and practical. Inside, you’ll find the router, a power adapter, an Ethernet cable, and a quick start guide to get you up and running fast.

Its sleek, matte-black design marks a shift from the bulky “alien antenna” look of older Nighthawk models, featuring a compact obelisk-style shape that fits comfortably on any shelf or desk. Measuring just 7.2 x 2.6 x 4.8 inches, it’s surprisingly small for a WiFi 7 router—perfect for apartments or homes with limited space.

The build quality is solid, though the plastic casing is less heavy-duty than higher-end models like the RS300. Overall, the RS90 balances modern design with functional simplicity, making it a stylish choice for 2025.

Nighthawk RS90 Setup: Quick and User-Friendly

Setting up the NETGEAR Nighthawk RS90 is simple and hassle-free. Just plug it in, download the Nighthawk app, and scan the QR code on the router. The app guides you step-by-step through naming your WiFi networks and connecting devices.

For best performance, many users recommend assigning separate names (SSIDs) for the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. This helps devices connect to the strongest signal without confusion.

The router also supports setup through a web interface at routerlogin.net, giving advanced users more control.

Overall, the setup experience is smooth—perfect for both tech beginners and experienced users upgrading their home network.

Performance Impressions: RS90 Speed Test Results

To evaluate the RS90 speed test performance, I tested the router in a 1,800-square-foot home with a 1 Gbps fiber connection. The results were solid but not groundbreaking, reflecting its entry-level positioning in NETGEAR’s WiFi 7 lineup.

• 5 GHz Band (Close Range, 15 ft): Using a WiFi 7-compatible laptop, I hit speeds of around 1.2 Gbps—impressive for streaming 4K/8K content or lag-free gaming. At 50 feet with walls in between, speeds dropped to about 600 Mbps, still plenty for most tasks.
• 2.4 GHz Band: Speeds peaked at 400 Mbps at close range, which is excellent for IoT devices or casual browsing. However, the 2.4 GHz band’s range was less consistent beyond 50 feet, especially in crowded WiFi environments.
• Wired Performance: The 2.5 Gbps WAN port delivered consistent 950 Mbps on a wired desktop, limited by my 1 Gbps plan. The 1 Gbps LAN ports performed as expected, with no bottlenecks for wired devices.

Compared to WiFi 6 routers like the NETGEAR RAX54S, the RS90’s WiFi 7 features (like 4K-QAM and preamble puncturing) provide better interference handling, resulting in more stable connections in busy networks. However, without a second 2.5 Gbps port, it’s not a true multi-gig solution, which limits its appeal for users with internet plans exceeding 2.3 Gbps.

Design and Build: Compact, Stylish, and Functional

The NETGEAR Nighthawk RS90 features a sleek, compact design that’s about 30% smaller than its higher-end sibling, the RS200. Its vertical black tower style with internal antennas fits neatly on any desk or shelf without taking up much space. Standing just 7.2 inches tall, it blends unobtrusively into modern homes.

Though lightweight, the build quality feels solid enough for everyday use. NETGEAR advertises 360-degree WiFi coverage, which delivers consistent signals throughout smaller homes and apartments.

The front panel includes clear LED indicators for power, internet, and WiFi activity — and you can easily turn these off for a cleaner, less distracting look.

Pros and Cons of the NETGEAR Nighthawk RS90

Who Is the NETGEAR Nighthawk RS90 Best For?

The Nighthawk RS90 is a solid choice for:

• Budget-Conscious Upgraders: If you’re upgrading from WiFi 5 or 6 and want WiFi 7 performance without spending over $300, the RS90 offers great value.
• Small to Medium Homes: With coverage up to 2,000 sq. ft., it fits perfectly in apartments, condos, or single-story houses.
• Casual Gamers and Streamers: The 5 GHz band delivers low latency and fast speeds ideal for smooth VR gaming and 4K/8K streaming.
• Smart Home Owners: Supports up to 50 connected devices, making it great for homes packed with IoT gadgets and smart devices.

Not the best fit if you:

• Have a Large or Multi-Story Home: For homes over 2,000 sq. ft. or multiple floors, a tri-band router or mesh system like the NETGEAR Orbi 870 is better suited.
• Need True Multi-Gig Networking: If your internet plan exceeds 2.3 Gbps, consider routers with multiple 2.5 Gbps or 10 Gbps ports, such as the RS600.
• Are a Power User: Advanced features like Multi-Link Operation (MLO) or deep customization require higher-end models like the RS700S.

How Does the NETGEAR Nighthawk RS90 vs. RS600 vs. ASUS ROG GT-BE98?

Here’s how the RS90 stacks up against other popular WiFi 7 routers in NETGEAR’s lineup and competitors:

	NETGEAR Nighthawk RS90 Check on Amazon	NETGEAR Nighthawk RS600 Check on Amazon	ASUS ROG Rapture GT-BE98 Check on Amazon
WiFi Bands	Dual-band (2.4 GHz & 5 GHz)	Tri-band	Tri-band
Max Wireless Speed	Up to 3.6 Gbps	Up to 12 Gbps	Up to 12 Gbps
Coverage Area	Up to 2,000 sq. ft.	Up to 3,500 sq. ft.	Up to 3,500 sq. ft.
Multi-Gig Ports	1 x 2.5 Gbps WAN port	Multiple 2.5 Gbps ports	Multiple 2.5 Gbps ports
Advanced Features	Basic QoS, NETGEAR Armor	Multi-Link Operation (MLO), QoS	Gaming-Optimized QoS, MLO
Ideal For	Budget home users, small to medium homes	Power users, large homes	Gamers, advanced users

Verdict: Is the NETGEAR Nighthawk RS90 Worth It?

The NETGEAR Nighthawk RS90 is an excellent entry point into WiFi 7 technology without breaking the bank. Offering speeds up to 3.6 Gbps, simple setup, and reliable performance, it’s a smart upgrade for small to medium-sized homes. While it doesn’t include the 6 GHz band or full multi-gig connectivity, its $150 price tag makes it hard to beat for everyday streaming, gaming, and smart home needs.

If you often experience buffering during Netflix binges or lag during VR gaming, the RS90 provides the speed and stability to meet 2025’s demands.

That said, if your home is larger than 2,000 sq. ft. or you have an internet plan exceeding 2.3 Gbps, consider a tri-band router or mesh system for better coverage and faster speeds.

For most users, the RS90 delivers a future-proof, budget-friendly way to embrace the latest WiFi 7 advancements.

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