NETGEAR R6700AXv3 Review: Is This the Best Budget AX1800 WiFi 6 Router for Small Homes?

If you’re tired of buffering videos, dropped Zoom calls, or laggy game nights, it might be time to upgrade your router — without breaking the bank. That’s exactly where the NETGEAR R6700AXv3 WiFi 6 Router comes in. As one of the most affordable AX1800 dual-band routers on the market, this sleek device promises fast, reliable WiFi for homes up to 1,500 sq. ft. and up to 20 connected devices.

I recently got my hands on this model to test its real-world performance, especially how it handles streaming, online gaming, and remote work—all while keeping security tight with features like WPA3 encryption and NETGEAR Armor. Whether you’re upgrading from an older router or setting up a new network, this compact powerhouse might just be the sweet spot between price and performance.

Let’s dive into how it holds up.

TL;DR – Quick Summary of the NETGEAR R6700AXv3

Short on time? Here’s a quick breakdown of what the budget friendly Wi-Fi 6 router brings to the table:

Verdict: If you want a reliable WiFi 6 router with modern security features and solid speeds at a budget-friendly price, the R6700AXv3 is one of the best-value options currently available.

👉 Grab the NETGEAR R6700AXv3 on Amazon now — currently available for just $76.22 (15% off)

Also read Best WiFi 7 Router Under $250

Performance & Real-World Usage

After spending a week testing the NETGEAR R6700AXv3 in a typical home setup, I was genuinely impressed by how well it handled daily demands. This router is powered by WiFi 6 (802.11ax) technology, which significantly improves speed and efficiency over older WiFi 5 models—especially when juggling multiple devices.

In my test environment (roughly 1,400 sq. ft.), the signal stayed strong across the entire space, including a back bedroom that usually suffers from weak reception. Whether I was streaming 4K videos on a smart TV, joining back-to-back Zoom calls, or downloading game updates on a console, the AX1800 dual-band speeds (up to 1.8 Gbps) didn’t falter. I had a laptop, two phones, a smart TV, and a PlayStation connected simultaneously—and not once did I notice slowdowns or hiccups.

The dual-band feature (2.4 GHz + 5 GHz) smartly manages traffic, helping reduce congestion even during peak usage. For everyday browsing, the 2.4 GHz band held up well, while the 5 GHz band offered snappier response times during bandwidth-heavy tasks like gaming and file transfers.

One standout is the dual-core 880 MHz processor inside. It may not sound like much, but it plays a big role in keeping things running smoothly under pressure. Real-time applications like video conferencing and multiplayer gaming felt stable and consistent, even when other household members were streaming or browsing.

For those needing a more reliable wired connection, the 4 Gigabit Ethernet ports are a huge plus. I connected my gaming console via Ethernet and easily reached stable ping levels for online play—no lag, no frustration.

Bottom line? The R6700AXv3 holds its own in both speed and stability, making it a smart pick for households with moderate to heavy internet usage. Whether you’re working from home, binge-watching Netflix, or managing multiple smart devices, this router delivers consistent performance without demanding a premium price.

Security Features & NETGEAR Armor

In today’s connected homes, WiFi speed is only part of the story. Security is just as crucial — and that’s an area where the R6700AXv3 really stands out, especially at this price point.

Right out of the box, the router supports both WPA2 and WPA3 encryption, the latest wireless security protocols designed to keep your network safer from intrusions. WPA3, in particular, offers stronger protections against brute-force attacks and enhances security on open networks — which is important if you live in a densely populated area like an apartment building.

But the real highlight here is NETGEAR Armor, a built-in cybersecurity suite powered by Bitdefender. With Armor enabled, your entire network — from smartphones to smart TVs to baby monitors — is protected from threats like malware, phishing, and even identity theft. It scans your devices in real-time and can alert you if something suspicious is happening on your network.

While Armor is a paid service after the initial 30-day free trial, it’s a valuable option for families or remote workers who want peace of mind without needing to install separate antivirus software on every device. You manage it all directly through the Nighthawk app, which makes it super easy to monitor activity and block unsafe websites or devices.

Also worth noting: the R6700AXv3 regularly receives firmware updates from NETGEAR, which help patch vulnerabilities and ensure your router stays protected against evolving threats.

In short, you’re not just getting a fast router—you’re getting a digital security gatekeeper for your home. That’s something many routers in this price class simply don’t offer.

Setup & App Experience (Nighthawk App)

If the thought of setting up a new router makes you anxious, don’t worry — NETGEAR’s Nighthawk app makes the R6700AXv3 refreshingly simple to get up and running, even if you’re not tech-savvy.

Right after unboxing, I downloaded the Nighthawk app on my phone (available on both iOS and Android), and within about 10 minutes, the router was fully configured and broadcasting. The app walks you through each step — from scanning a QR code on the router to naming your WiFi networks and setting a secure password. It even checks for firmware updates automatically during setup, which is a great touch.

Once you’re set up, the app becomes your control center. You can:

• Monitor connected devices in real-time
• Pause internet access for specific devices (great for managing screen time)
• Run speed tests to check performance
• Enable or disable NETGEAR Armor and security settings
• Prioritize bandwidth for gaming or video calls

I especially liked how intuitive the interface is — everything’s clean, well-labeled, and you don’t need to dig through menus to find essential features. If you’re managing a home with multiple smart devices, this app makes life a lot easier.

For advanced users, there’s also a web-based admin panel with deeper customization options, but most people will find the mobile app more than sufficient for everyday control and troubleshooting.

Whether you’re a first-time buyer or replacing an outdated unit, this router’s plug-and-play setup and mobile-friendly control system takes the headache out of home networking.

Pros & Cons of the NETGEAR R6700AXv3

Here’s a quick look at the key advantages and a few limitations of the Router to help you decide if it’s the right fit for your home.

The balance of features, speed, and security at under $80 makes the R6700AXv3 one of the most well-rounded entry-level WiFi 6 routers on the market.

Who is the NETGEAR R6700AXv3 Best For?

This router is an excellent choice for:

• Small apartments or homes: With a coverage area of up to 1,500 sq. ft., it’s ideal for smaller living spaces.
• Families with around 20 devices: It can comfortably handle the demands of multiple smartphones, tablets, laptops, and smart home gadgets.
• Budget-conscious buyers: It provides the benefits of WiFi 6 and robust security without a hefty price tag, making it one of the best budget WiFi 6 routers available.

NETGEAR R6700AXv3 vs. Other Budget WiFi 6 Routers

If you’re shopping for a reliable, affordable WiFi 6 router, the NETGEAR R6700AXv3 isn’t the only option. Let’s quickly compare it with two popular competitors — the TP-Link Archer AX21 and the ASUS RT-AX55 — so you can find the best fit for your needs.

	NETGEAR R6700AXv3 Check on Amazon	TP-Link Archer AX21 Check on Amazon	ASUS RT-AX55 Check on Amazon
Max Speed	AX1800 (up to 1.8 Gbps)	AX1800 (up to 1.8 Gbps)	AX1800 (up to 1.8 Gbps)
Coverage	Up to 1,500 sq. ft.	Up to 2,000 sq. ft.	Up to 1,500 sq. ft.
Connected Devices	Up to 20	Up to 30	Up to 20
Security Features	WPA3 + NETGEAR Armor (trial)	WPA3, TP-Link HomeCare (trial)	WPA3, AiProtection (free lifetime)
Ethernet Ports	4 x Gigabit	4 x Gigabit	4 x Gigabit
USB Ports	None	None	1 x USB 3.2
App Control	Nighthawk app	Tether app	ASUS Router app

Key Takeaways:

• Coverage: If you need a slightly larger coverage area, the Archer AX21 might be a better pick.
• Security: ASUS offers free lifetime network security features, while NETGEAR and TP-Link provide limited-time trials for their premium suites.
• USB Ports: ASUS RT-AX55 includes a USB port for sharing storage or printers over the network, which the NETGEAR lacks.
• Price: All three routers are competitively priced, making any a solid budget-friendly WiFi 6 upgrade.

Ultimately, if network security and ease of use via app are your top priorities, the NETGEAR R6700AXv3 offers an excellent balance of performance and protection at a great price point.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Verdict: Is the NETGEAR R6700AXv3 Worth It?

The NETGEAR R6700AXv3 stands out as one of the best budget-friendly WiFi 6 routers available today. It delivers solid AX1800 speeds, dependable coverage for small to medium homes, and reliable multi-device handling—all at a price that won’t break the bank.

What really sets it apart is the inclusion of modern security features like WPA3 encryption and the optional NETGEAR Armor service, providing an extra layer of protection that’s rare in this price range. The easy-to-use Nighthawk app makes setup and daily management accessible, even if you’re not a tech expert.

Of course, it’s not perfect: power users looking for USB ports or mesh network capability might want to consider higher-end models. But for most households seeking a hassle-free upgrade to faster, more secure WiFi, the R6700AXv3 hits the mark.

If you want a reliable, secure router that delivers consistent performance for streaming, gaming, and work-from-home tasks — all without a premium price — this NETGEAR model is absolutely worth considering.