{"id":12464,"date":"2025-07-04T19:39:09","date_gmt":"2025-07-04T13:39:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thegamersmall.com\/blog\/?p=12464"},"modified":"2025-07-04T19:40:55","modified_gmt":"2025-07-04T13:40:55","slug":"netgear-nighthawk-rs90-wifi-7-router-review","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thegamersmall.com\/blog\/netgear-nighthawk-rs90-wifi-7-router-review\/","title":{"rendered":"NETGEAR Nighthawk RS90 Dual-Band WiFi 7 Router Review: A Budget-Friendly Upgrade for 2025"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" src=\"https:\/\/thegamersmall.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/NETGEAR-Nighthawk-RS90-Review-1200x675.webp\" alt=\"Black NETGEAR Nighthawk RS90 Dual-Band WiFi 7 Router on a clean white background\" class=\"wp-image-12468 tgm-img-1\" srcset=\"https:\/\/thegamersmall.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/NETGEAR-Nighthawk-RS90-Review-1200x675.webp 1200w, https:\/\/thegamersmall.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/NETGEAR-Nighthawk-RS90-Review-300x169.webp 300w, https:\/\/thegamersmall.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/NETGEAR-Nighthawk-RS90-Review-768x432.webp 768w, https:\/\/thegamersmall.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/NETGEAR-Nighthawk-RS90-Review.webp 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p><strong>Is your WiFi struggling to keep up with your modern life?<\/strong> Between 4K streaming, smart home gadgets, Zoom meetings, and online gaming, most older routers are starting to fall behind. That\u2019s where <strong>WiFi 7<\/strong> steps in\u2014offering faster speeds, lower latency, and smoother performance for every device on your network.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Enter the <strong>NETGEAR Nighthawk RS90<\/strong>, one of the most affordable WiFi 7 routers you can buy in 2025\u2014priced under $150. It promises up to <strong>3.6 Gbps speeds<\/strong>, solid <strong>dual-band performance<\/strong>, and coverage for <strong>up to 50 devices<\/strong> across 2,000 sq. ft.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But is this really the upgrade your home network needs? Or just another overhyped tech release? In this hands-on <strong>Nighthawk RS90 WiFi 7 router review<\/strong>, we\u2019ll break down the setup experience, real-world performance, pros and cons, and whether it\u2019s worth your money.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"root-eb-toc-lfyi6 wp-block-essential-blocks-table-of-contents\"><div class=\"eb-parent-wrapper eb-parent-eb-toc-lfyi6 \"><div class=\"eb-toc-container eb-toc-lfyi6 eb-toc-sticky-left eb-toc-is-sticky eb-toc-collapsible eb-toc-initially-collapsed eb-toc-scrollToTop style-1 list-style-none\" data-scroll-top=\"false\" data-scroll-top-icon=\"fas fa-angle-up\" data-collapsible=\"true\" data-sticky-hide-mobile=\"false\" data-sticky=\"true\" data-scroll-target=\"scroll_to_toc\" data-copy-link=\"false\" data-editor-type=\"\" data-hide-desktop=\"false\" data-hide-tab=\"false\" data-hide-mobile=\"false\" data-itemCollapsed=\"false\" data-highlight-scroll=\"false\"><div class=\"eb-toc-header\"><span class=\"eb-toc-close eb-toc-sticky-left\"><\/span><h2 class=\"eb-toc-title\">JUMP LIST<\/h2><\/div><div class=\"eb-toc-wrapper \" data-headers=\"[{&quot;level&quot;:2,&quot;content&quot;:&quot;What Is the NETGEAR Nighthawk RS90?&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;What Is the NETGEAR Nighthawk RS90?&quot;,&quot;link&quot;:&quot;what-is-the-netgear-nighthawk-rs90&quot;},{&quot;level&quot;:2,&quot;content&quot;:&quot;Unboxing &amp; First Impressions&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Unboxing &amp; First Impressions&quot;,&quot;link&quot;:&quot;unboxing-first-impressions&quot;},{&quot;level&quot;:2,&quot;content&quot;:&quot;Nighthawk RS90 Setup: Quick and User-Friendly&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Nighthawk RS90 Setup: Quick and User-Friendly&quot;,&quot;link&quot;:&quot;nighthawk-rs90-setup-quick-and-user-friendly&quot;},{&quot;level&quot;:2,&quot;content&quot;:&quot;Performance Impressions: RS90 Speed Test Results&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Performance Impressions: RS90 Speed Test Results&quot;,&quot;link&quot;:&quot;performance-impressions-rs90-speed-test-results&quot;},{&quot;level&quot;:2,&quot;content&quot;:&quot;Design and Build: Compact, Stylish, and Functional&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Design and Build: Compact, Stylish, and Functional&quot;,&quot;link&quot;:&quot;design-and-build-compact-stylish-and-functional&quot;},{&quot;level&quot;:2,&quot;content&quot;:&quot;Pros and Cons of the NETGEAR Nighthawk RS90&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Pros and Cons of the NETGEAR Nighthawk RS90&quot;,&quot;link&quot;:&quot;pros-and-cons-of-the-netgear-nighthawk-rs90&quot;},{&quot;level&quot;:2,&quot;content&quot;:&quot;Who Is the NETGEAR Nighthawk RS90 Best For?&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Who Is the NETGEAR Nighthawk RS90 Best For?&quot;,&quot;link&quot;:&quot;who-is-the-netgear-nighthawk-rs90-best-for&quot;},{&quot;level&quot;:2,&quot;content&quot;:&quot;How Does the NETGEAR Nighthawk RS90 vs. RS600 vs. ASUS ROG GT-BE98?&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;How Does the NETGEAR Nighthawk RS90 vs. RS600 vs. ASUS ROG GT-BE98?&quot;,&quot;link&quot;:&quot;how-does-the-netgear-nighthawk-rs90-vs-rs600-vs-asus-rog-gt-be98&quot;},{&quot;level&quot;:2,&quot;content&quot;:&quot;Verdict: Is the NETGEAR Nighthawk RS90 Worth It?&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Verdict: Is the NETGEAR Nighthawk RS90 Worth It?&quot;,&quot;link&quot;:&quot;verdict-is-the-netgear-nighthawk-rs90-worth-it&quot;},{&quot;level&quot;:2,&quot;content&quot;:&quot;People also ask about Budget WiFi 7 router&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;People also ask about Budget WiFi 7 router&quot;,&quot;link&quot;:&quot;people-also-ask-about-budget-wifi-7-router&quot;}]\" data-visible=\"[true,true,false,false,false,false]\" data-delete-headers=\"[{&quot;label&quot;:&quot;What Is the NETGEAR Nighthawk RS90?&quot;,&quot;value&quot;:&quot;what-is-the-netgear-nighthawk-rs90&quot;,&quot;isDelete&quot;:false},{&quot;label&quot;:&quot;Unboxing &amp; First Impressions&quot;,&quot;value&quot;:&quot;unboxing-first-impressions&quot;,&quot;isDelete&quot;:false},{&quot;label&quot;:&quot;Nighthawk RS90 Setup: Quick and User-Friendly&quot;,&quot;value&quot;:&quot;nighthawk-rs90-setup-quick-and-user-friendly&quot;,&quot;isDelete&quot;:false},{&quot;label&quot;:&quot;Performance Impressions: RS90 Speed Test Results&quot;,&quot;value&quot;:&quot;performance-impressions-rs90-speed-test-results&quot;,&quot;isDelete&quot;:false},{&quot;label&quot;:&quot;Design and Build: Compact, Stylish, and Functional&quot;,&quot;value&quot;:&quot;design-and-build-compact-stylish-and-functional&quot;,&quot;isDelete&quot;:false},{&quot;label&quot;:&quot;Pros and Cons of the NETGEAR Nighthawk RS90&quot;,&quot;value&quot;:&quot;pros-and-cons-of-the-netgear-nighthawk-rs90&quot;,&quot;isDelete&quot;:false},{&quot;label&quot;:&quot;Who Is the NETGEAR Nighthawk RS90 Best For?&quot;,&quot;value&quot;:&quot;who-is-the-netgear-nighthawk-rs90-best-for&quot;,&quot;isDelete&quot;:false},{&quot;label&quot;:&quot;How Does the NETGEAR Nighthawk RS90 vs. RS600 vs. ASUS ROG GT-BE98?&quot;,&quot;value&quot;:&quot;how-does-the-netgear-nighthawk-rs90-vs-rs600-vs-asus-rog-gt-be98&quot;,&quot;isDelete&quot;:false},{&quot;label&quot;:&quot;Verdict: Is the NETGEAR Nighthawk RS90 Worth It?&quot;,&quot;value&quot;:&quot;verdict-is-the-netgear-nighthawk-rs90-worth-it&quot;,&quot;isDelete&quot;:false},{&quot;label&quot;:&quot;People also ask about Budget WiFi 7 router&quot;,&quot;value&quot;:&quot;people-also-ask-about-budget-wifi-7-router&quot;,&quot;isDelete&quot;:false}]\" data-smooth=\"true\" data-top-offset=\"\"><div class=\"eb-toc__list-wrap\"><ul class='eb-toc__list'><li><a href=\"#what-is-the-netgear-nighthawk-rs90\">What Is the NETGEAR Nighthawk RS90?<\/a><li><a href=\"#unboxing-first-impressions\">Unboxing &amp; First Impressions<\/a><li><a href=\"#nighthawk-rs90-setup-quick-and-user-friendly\">Nighthawk RS90 Setup: Quick and User-Friendly<\/a><li><a href=\"#performance-impressions-rs90-speed-test-results\">Performance Impressions: RS90 Speed Test Results<\/a><li><a href=\"#design-and-build-compact-stylish-and-functional\">Design and Build: Compact, Stylish, and Functional<\/a><li><a href=\"#pros-and-cons-of-the-netgear-nighthawk-rs90\">Pros and Cons of the NETGEAR Nighthawk RS90<\/a><li><a href=\"#who-is-the-netgear-nighthawk-rs90-best-for\">Who Is the NETGEAR Nighthawk RS90 Best For?<\/a><li><a href=\"#how-does-the-netgear-nighthawk-rs90-vs-rs600-vs-asus-rog-gt-be98\">How Does the NETGEAR Nighthawk RS90 vs. RS600 vs. ASUS ROG GT-BE98?<\/a><li><a href=\"#verdict-is-the-netgear-nighthawk-rs90-worth-it\">Verdict: Is the NETGEAR Nighthawk RS90 Worth It?<\/a><li><a href=\"#people-also-ask-about-budget-wifi-7-router\">People also ask about Budget WiFi 7 router<\/a><\/ul><\/div><\/div><button class=\"eb-toc-button  eb-toc-button-left\"><div>JUMP LIST<\/div><\/button><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Is the NETGEAR Nighthawk RS90?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The <strong>NETGEAR Nighthawk RS90<\/strong> is an affordable <strong>WiFi 7 dual-band router<\/strong> built for speed, coverage, and easy setup. Supporting the latest <strong>802.11be standard<\/strong>, it delivers up to <strong>3.6 Gbps<\/strong> wireless speeds and covers <strong>up to 2,000 sq. ft.<\/strong>, with capacity for <strong>50 devices<\/strong>\u2014ideal for smart homes, streaming, and gaming.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It features a <strong>2.5 Gbps WAN port<\/strong>, <strong>WPA3 security<\/strong>, and quick setup via the <strong>Nighthawk app<\/strong>. While it doesn\u2019t include tri-band or modem features, it\u2019s a strong budget option for those upgrading from older WiFi 5 or 6 routers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Key Technical Specifications of the RS90<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th>Feature<\/th><th>Specification<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>WiFi Standard<\/strong><\/td><td>WiFi 7 (802.11be), Dual-Band (2.4 GHz + 5 GHz)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Max Speeds<\/strong><\/td><td>Up to 3.6 Gbps (BE3600): 2882 Mbps on 5 GHz + 688 Mbps on 2.4 GHz<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Coverage Area<\/strong><\/td><td>Up to 2,000 sq. ft.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Device Capacity<\/strong><\/td><td>Up to 50 devices<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Ports<\/strong><\/td><td>1 \u00d7 2.5 Gbps WAN, 4 \u00d7 1 Gbps LAN<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Processor<\/strong><\/td><td>Quad-core (unspecified speed)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Security<\/strong><\/td><td>NETGEAR Armor (30-day trial), WPA3 encryption<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Dimensions<\/strong><\/td><td>7.2 x 2.6 x 4.8 inches<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Setup Options<\/strong><\/td><td>Nighthawk App or web interface (routerlogin.net)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Extra Features<\/strong><\/td><td>Guest WiFi, QoS, 4K-QAM, Preamble Puncturing<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Quick Take<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you&#8217;re looking for a <strong>WiFi 7 router<\/strong> that doesn\u2019t require a tech degree or a massive budget, the <strong>NETGEAR RS90<\/strong> is a compelling option. It covers the essentials\u2014speed, coverage, and ease of use\u2014while keeping the door open for faster <strong>multi-gig internet plans<\/strong> with its <strong>2.5G port<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Unboxing &amp; First Impressions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Right out of the box, the NETGEAR Nighthawk RS90 feels both premium and practical. Inside, you\u2019ll find the router, a power adapter, an Ethernet cable, and a quick start guide to get you up and running fast.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Its sleek, matte-black design marks a shift from the bulky \u201calien antenna\u201d look of older Nighthawk models, featuring a compact obelisk-style shape that fits comfortably on any shelf or desk. Measuring just <strong>7.2 x 2.6 x 4.8 inches<\/strong>, it\u2019s surprisingly small for a WiFi 7 router\u2014perfect for apartments or homes with limited space.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Nighthawk RS90 Setup: Quick and User-Friendly<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Setting up the NETGEAR Nighthawk RS90 is simple and hassle-free. Just plug it in, download the <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.netgear.com\/home\/services\/nighthawk-app\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Nighthawk app<\/a><\/strong>, and scan the QR code on the router. The app guides you step-by-step through naming your WiFi networks and connecting devices.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" src=\"https:\/\/thegamersmall.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/NETGEAR-Nighthawk-RS90-WiFi-7-Router-Setup-via-Mobile-App-1200x675.webp\" alt=\"Smartphone displaying NETGEAR Nighthawk app for RS90 router setup\" class=\"wp-image-12469 tgm-img-2\" srcset=\"https:\/\/thegamersmall.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/NETGEAR-Nighthawk-RS90-WiFi-7-Router-Setup-via-Mobile-App-1200x675.webp 1200w, https:\/\/thegamersmall.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/NETGEAR-Nighthawk-RS90-WiFi-7-Router-Setup-via-Mobile-App-300x169.webp 300w, https:\/\/thegamersmall.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/NETGEAR-Nighthawk-RS90-WiFi-7-Router-Setup-via-Mobile-App-768x432.webp 768w, https:\/\/thegamersmall.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/NETGEAR-Nighthawk-RS90-WiFi-7-Router-Setup-via-Mobile-App.webp 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The router also supports setup through a web interface at <strong>routerlogin.net<\/strong>, giving advanced users more control.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Overall, the setup experience is smooth\u2014perfect for both tech beginners and experienced users upgrading their home network.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Performance Impressions: RS90 Speed Test Results<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>To evaluate the <strong>RS90 speed test<\/strong> 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\u2019s WiFi 7 lineup.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>5 GHz Band (Close Range, 15 ft)<\/strong>: Using a WiFi 7-compatible laptop, I hit speeds of around <strong>1.2 Gbps<\/strong>\u2014impressive for streaming 4K\/8K content or lag-free gaming. At 50 feet with walls in between, speeds dropped to about <strong>600 Mbps<\/strong>, still plenty for most tasks.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>2.4 GHz Band<\/strong>: Speeds peaked at <strong>400 Mbps<\/strong> at close range, which is excellent for IoT devices or casual browsing. However, the 2.4 GHz band\u2019s range was less consistent beyond 50 feet, especially in crowded WiFi environments.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Wired Performance<\/strong>: The 2.5 Gbps WAN port delivered consistent <strong>950 Mbps<\/strong> on a wired desktop, limited by my 1 Gbps plan. The 1 Gbps LAN ports performed as expected, with no bottlenecks for wired devices.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Compared to <a href=\"https:\/\/thegamersmall.com\/blog\/best-wifi-6-routers-in-2025-speed-gaming\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"11338\"><strong>WiFi 6 routers<\/strong><\/a> like the NETGEAR RAX54S, the RS90\u2019s 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\u2019s not a true multi-gig solution, which limits its appeal for users with internet plans exceeding 2.3 Gbps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Design and Build: Compact, Stylish, and Functional<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The NETGEAR Nighthawk RS90 features a sleek, compact design that\u2019s about <strong>30% smaller<\/strong> 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 <strong>7.2 inches tall<\/strong>, it blends unobtrusively into modern homes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Though lightweight, the build quality feels solid enough for everyday use. NETGEAR advertises <strong>360-degree WiFi coverage<\/strong>, which delivers consistent signals throughout smaller homes and apartments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The front panel includes clear LED indicators for power, internet, and WiFi activity \u2014 and you can easily turn these off for a cleaner, less distracting look.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Pros and Cons of the NETGEAR Nighthawk RS90<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"affx-pros-cons-wrapper wp-block-affiliatex-pros-and-cons\" id=\"affiliatex-pros-cons-style-block-f3432407-3fbf-4685-8e1c-2d81c44dc70f\">\n\t<div class=\"affx-pros-cons-inner-wrapper layout-type-2\">\n\t\t<div class=\"affx-pros-inner\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"pros-icon-title-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"affiliatex-block-pros\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<i class=\"far fa-thumbs-up\"><\/i>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"affiliatex-title\">Pros<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"affiliatex-pros\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"affiliatex-list affiliatex-list-type-unordered afx-icon-list\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<i class=\"far fa-circle-check\"><\/i>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span>Fast WiFi 7 speeds: Supports up to 3.6 Gbps, ideal for 4K streaming, gaming, and smart homes.<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<i class=\"far fa-circle-check\"><\/i>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span>Compact design: Small, sleek, and unobtrusive, fitting well in any room.<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<i class=\"far fa-circle-check\"><\/i>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span>Good device capacity: Handles up to 50 connected devices without slowdown.<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<i class=\"far fa-circle-check\"><\/i>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span>Strong wired options: Includes a 2.5 Gbps WAN port plus four 1 Gbps LAN ports for versatile connections.<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<i class=\"far fa-circle-check\"><\/i>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span>Easy setup: Nighthawk app offers a smooth and intuitive installation process.<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<i class=\"far fa-circle-check\"><\/i>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span>Built-in security: NETGEAR Armor protects your network with advanced threat detection.<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"affx-cons-inner\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"cons-icon-title-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"affiliatex-block-cons\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<i class=\"far fa-thumbs-down\"><\/i>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"affiliatex-title\">Cons<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"affiliatex-cons\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"affiliatex-list affiliatex-list-type-unordered afx-icon-list\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<i class=\"far fa-circle-xmark\"><\/i>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span>Limited multi-gig support: Only one 2.5 Gbps WAN port; no multi-gig LAN ports for full multi-gig networking.<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<i class=\"far fa-circle-xmark\"><\/i>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span>2.4 GHz range limitations: Slightly weaker and inconsistent range on the 2.4 GHz band in crowded environments.<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<i class=\"far fa-circle-xmark\"><\/i>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span>Plastic build: While solid, the casing feels less premium compared to higher-end models.<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<i class=\"far fa-circle-xmark\"><\/i>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span>No coax input: Not a modem\/router combo\u2014requires a separate modem.<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Who Is the NETGEAR Nighthawk RS90 Best For?<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" src=\"https:\/\/thegamersmall.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/NETGEAR-Nighthawk-RS90-WiFi-7-Router-in-Home-Networking-Setup-1200x675.webp\" alt=\"NETGEAR Nighthawk RS90 router in a modern home with connected devices\" class=\"wp-image-12470 tgm-img-3\" srcset=\"https:\/\/thegamersmall.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/NETGEAR-Nighthawk-RS90-WiFi-7-Router-in-Home-Networking-Setup-1200x675.webp 1200w, https:\/\/thegamersmall.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/NETGEAR-Nighthawk-RS90-WiFi-7-Router-in-Home-Networking-Setup-300x169.webp 300w, https:\/\/thegamersmall.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/NETGEAR-Nighthawk-RS90-WiFi-7-Router-in-Home-Networking-Setup-768x432.webp 768w, https:\/\/thegamersmall.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/NETGEAR-Nighthawk-RS90-WiFi-7-Router-in-Home-Networking-Setup.webp 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>The Nighthawk RS90 is a solid choice for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Budget-Conscious Upgraders:<\/strong> If you\u2019re upgrading from WiFi 5 or 6 and want WiFi 7 performance without spending over $300, the RS90 offers great value.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Small to Medium Homes:<\/strong> With coverage up to 2,000 sq. ft., it fits perfectly in apartments, condos, or single-story houses.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Casual Gamers and Streamers:<\/strong> The 5 GHz band delivers low latency and fast speeds ideal for smooth VR gaming and 4K\/8K streaming.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Smart Home Owners:<\/strong> Supports up to 50 connected devices, making it great for homes packed with IoT gadgets and smart devices.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Not the best fit if you:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Have a Large or Multi-Story Home:<\/strong> 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.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Need True Multi-Gig Networking:<\/strong> If your internet plan exceeds 2.3 Gbps, consider routers with multiple 2.5 Gbps or 10 Gbps ports, such as the RS600.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Are a Power User:<\/strong> Advanced features like Multi-Link Operation (MLO) or deep customization require higher-end models like the RS700S.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How Does the NETGEAR Nighthawk RS90 vs. RS600 vs. ASUS ROG GT-BE98?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Here\u2019s how the RS90 stacks up against other popular WiFi 7 routers in NETGEAR\u2019s lineup and competitors:<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-affiliatex-product-comparison\" id=\"affiliatex-product-comparison-blocks-style-block-1194f1d2-575c-4d67-9edb-b20aee2b4d12\">\n    <div class=\"affx-product-comparison-block-container affx-versus-block-container\">\n        <div class=\"affx-versus-table-wrap\">\n            <table class=\"affx-product-versus-table layout-1\">\n                <thead>\n                    <tr>\n                        <th class=\"data-label\" style=\"width:23%;\"><\/th>\n                                                    <th class=\"affx-product-col\" style=\"width:23%;\">\n                                                                <div class=\"affx-versus-product\">\n                                                                            <div class=\"affx-versus-product-img\">\n                                            <img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1280\" height=\"720\" src=\"https:\/\/thegamersmall.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/NETGEAR-Nighthawk-Dual-Band-WiFi-7-Router-RS90-\u2013-Security-Features-BE3600-Wireless-Speed-up-to-3.6-Gbps-Covers-up-to-2000-sq.-ft.-50-Devices-\u2013-2.5-Gig-Internet-Port.webp\" class=\"attachment-full size-full tgm-img-4\" alt=\"NETGEAR Nighthawk Dual-Band WiFi 7 Router (RS90) \u2013 Security Features, BE3600 Wireless Speed (up to 3.6 Gbps) - Covers up to 2,000 sq. ft., 50 Devices \u2013 2.5 Gig Internet Port\" style=\"height: auto;\" srcset=\"https:\/\/thegamersmall.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/NETGEAR-Nighthawk-Dual-Band-WiFi-7-Router-RS90-\u2013-Security-Features-BE3600-Wireless-Speed-up-to-3.6-Gbps-Covers-up-to-2000-sq.-ft.-50-Devices-\u2013-2.5-Gig-Internet-Port.webp 1280w, https:\/\/thegamersmall.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/NETGEAR-Nighthawk-Dual-Band-WiFi-7-Router-RS90-\u2013-Security-Features-BE3600-Wireless-Speed-up-to-3.6-Gbps-Covers-up-to-2000-sq.-ft.-50-Devices-\u2013-2.5-Gig-Internet-Port-300x169.webp 300w, https:\/\/thegamersmall.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/NETGEAR-Nighthawk-Dual-Band-WiFi-7-Router-RS90-\u2013-Security-Features-BE3600-Wireless-Speed-up-to-3.6-Gbps-Covers-up-to-2000-sq.-ft.-50-Devices-\u2013-2.5-Gig-Internet-Port-1200x675.webp 1200w, https:\/\/thegamersmall.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/NETGEAR-Nighthawk-Dual-Band-WiFi-7-Router-RS90-\u2013-Security-Features-BE3600-Wireless-Speed-up-to-3.6-Gbps-Covers-up-to-2000-sq.-ft.-50-Devices-\u2013-2.5-Gig-Internet-Port-768x432.webp 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px\" \/>                                        <\/div>\n                                                                        <div class=\"affx-product-content\">\n                                                                                    <div class=\"affx-product-title-wrap\">\n                                                <h2 class=\"affx-comparison-title\" style=\"text-align: center;\">\n                                                    NETGEAR Nighthawk<br>RS90                                                <\/h2>\n                                            <\/div>\n                                                                                                                        <div class=\"affx-rating-wrap\">\n                                            <span class=\"rating-stars\"><span style=\"color:#FFB800;width:25px;height:25px;display:inline-flex\"><svg fill=\"currentColor\" width=\"25\" height=\"25\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\"><path d=\"M12 17.27L18.18 21l-1.64-7.03L22 9.24l-7.19-.61L12 2 9.19 8.63 2 9.24l5.46 4.73L5.82 21z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><span style=\"color:#FFB800;width:25px;height:25px;display:inline-flex\"><svg fill=\"currentColor\" width=\"25\" height=\"25\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\"><path d=\"M12 17.27L18.18 21l-1.64-7.03L22 9.24l-7.19-.61L12 2 9.19 8.63 2 9.24l5.46 4.73L5.82 21z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><span style=\"color:#FFB800;width:25px;height:25px;display:inline-flex\"><svg fill=\"currentColor\" width=\"25\" height=\"25\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\"><path d=\"M12 17.27L18.18 21l-1.64-7.03L22 9.24l-7.19-.61L12 2 9.19 8.63 2 9.24l5.46 4.73L5.82 21z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><span style=\"color:#FFB800;width:25px;height:25px;display:inline-flex\"><svg fill=\"currentColor\" width=\"25\" height=\"25\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\"><path d=\"M12 17.27L18.18 21l-1.64-7.03L22 9.24l-7.19-.61L12 2 9.19 8.63 2 9.24l5.46 4.73L5.82 21z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><span style=\"color:#A3ACBF;width:25px;height:25px;display:inline-flex\"><svg fill=\"currentColor\" width=\"25\" height=\"25\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\"><path d=\"M12 17.27L18.18 21l-1.64-7.03L22 9.24l-7.19-.61L12 2 9.19 8.63 2 9.24l5.46 4.73L5.82 21z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/span>                                        <\/div>\n                                                                                    <div class=\"affx-btn-wrap\">\n                                                <a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3IazlPT\" class=\"affiliatex-button affx-winner-button icon-btn icon-right\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\n                                                                                                        Check on Amazon                                                                                                            <i class=\"button-icon fas fa-angle-right\"><\/i>\n                                                                                                    <\/a>\n                                            <\/div>\n                                                                            <\/div>\n                                <\/div>\n                            <\/th>\n                                                    <th class=\"affx-product-col\" style=\"width:23%;\">\n                                                                <div class=\"affx-versus-product\">\n                                                                            <div class=\"affx-versus-product-img\">\n                                            <img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1280\" height=\"720\" src=\"https:\/\/thegamersmall.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/NETGEAR-Nighthawk-Tri-Band-WiFi-7-Router-RS500-\u2013-Security-Features-BE12000-Wireless-Speed-up-to-12-Gbps-Covers-up-to-3000-sq.-ft.-120-Devices-\u2013-2.5-Gig-Internet-Port.webp\" class=\"attachment-full size-full tgm-img-5\" alt=\"\" style=\"height: auto;\" srcset=\"https:\/\/thegamersmall.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/NETGEAR-Nighthawk-Tri-Band-WiFi-7-Router-RS500-\u2013-Security-Features-BE12000-Wireless-Speed-up-to-12-Gbps-Covers-up-to-3000-sq.-ft.-120-Devices-\u2013-2.5-Gig-Internet-Port.webp 1280w, https:\/\/thegamersmall.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/NETGEAR-Nighthawk-Tri-Band-WiFi-7-Router-RS500-\u2013-Security-Features-BE12000-Wireless-Speed-up-to-12-Gbps-Covers-up-to-3000-sq.-ft.-120-Devices-\u2013-2.5-Gig-Internet-Port-300x169.webp 300w, https:\/\/thegamersmall.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/NETGEAR-Nighthawk-Tri-Band-WiFi-7-Router-RS500-\u2013-Security-Features-BE12000-Wireless-Speed-up-to-12-Gbps-Covers-up-to-3000-sq.-ft.-120-Devices-\u2013-2.5-Gig-Internet-Port-1200x675.webp 1200w, https:\/\/thegamersmall.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/NETGEAR-Nighthawk-Tri-Band-WiFi-7-Router-RS500-\u2013-Security-Features-BE12000-Wireless-Speed-up-to-12-Gbps-Covers-up-to-3000-sq.-ft.-120-Devices-\u2013-2.5-Gig-Internet-Port-768x432.webp 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px\" \/>                                        <\/div>\n                                                                        <div class=\"affx-product-content\">\n                                                                                    <div class=\"affx-product-title-wrap\">\n                                                <h2 class=\"affx-comparison-title\" style=\"text-align: center;\">\n                                                    NETGEAR Nighthawk<br>RS600                                                <\/h2>\n                                            <\/div>\n                                                                                                                        <div class=\"affx-rating-wrap\">\n                                            <span class=\"rating-stars\"><span style=\"color:#FFB800;width:25px;height:25px;display:inline-flex\"><svg fill=\"currentColor\" width=\"25\" height=\"25\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\"><path d=\"M12 17.27L18.18 21l-1.64-7.03L22 9.24l-7.19-.61L12 2 9.19 8.63 2 9.24l5.46 4.73L5.82 21z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><span style=\"color:#FFB800;width:25px;height:25px;display:inline-flex\"><svg fill=\"currentColor\" width=\"25\" height=\"25\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\"><path d=\"M12 17.27L18.18 21l-1.64-7.03L22 9.24l-7.19-.61L12 2 9.19 8.63 2 9.24l5.46 4.73L5.82 21z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><span style=\"color:#FFB800;width:25px;height:25px;display:inline-flex\"><svg fill=\"currentColor\" width=\"25\" height=\"25\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\"><path d=\"M12 17.27L18.18 21l-1.64-7.03L22 9.24l-7.19-.61L12 2 9.19 8.63 2 9.24l5.46 4.73L5.82 21z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><span style=\"color:#FFB800;width:25px;height:25px;display:inline-flex\"><svg fill=\"currentColor\" width=\"25\" height=\"25\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\"><path d=\"M12 17.27L18.18 21l-1.64-7.03L22 9.24l-7.19-.61L12 2 9.19 8.63 2 9.24l5.46 4.73L5.82 21z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><span style=\"color:#FFB800;width:25px;height:25px;display:inline-flex\"><svg fill=\"currentColor\" width=\"25\" height=\"25\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\"><path d=\"M12 17.27L18.18 21l-1.64-7.03L22 9.24l-7.19-.61L12 2 9.19 8.63 2 9.24l5.46 4.73L5.82 21z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/span>                                        <\/div>\n                                                                                    <div class=\"affx-btn-wrap\">\n                                                <a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/45TIxSD\" class=\"affiliatex-button affx-winner-button icon-btn icon-right\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\n                                                                                                        Check on Amazon                                                                                                            <i class=\"button-icon fas fa-angle-right\"><\/i>\n                                                                                                    <\/a>\n                                            <\/div>\n                                                                            <\/div>\n                                <\/div>\n                            <\/th>\n                                                    <th class=\"affx-product-col\" style=\"width:23%;\">\n                                                                <div class=\"affx-versus-product\">\n                                                                            <div class=\"affx-versus-product-img\">\n                                            <img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1280\" height=\"720\" src=\"https:\/\/thegamersmall.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/ASUS-ROG-Rapture-GT-BE98-PRO-First-Quad-Band-WiFi-7-Gaming-Router.webp\" class=\"attachment-full size-full tgm-img-6\" alt=\"\" style=\"height: auto;\" srcset=\"https:\/\/thegamersmall.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/ASUS-ROG-Rapture-GT-BE98-PRO-First-Quad-Band-WiFi-7-Gaming-Router.webp 1280w, https:\/\/thegamersmall.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/ASUS-ROG-Rapture-GT-BE98-PRO-First-Quad-Band-WiFi-7-Gaming-Router-300x169.webp 300w, https:\/\/thegamersmall.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/ASUS-ROG-Rapture-GT-BE98-PRO-First-Quad-Band-WiFi-7-Gaming-Router-1200x675.webp 1200w, https:\/\/thegamersmall.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/ASUS-ROG-Rapture-GT-BE98-PRO-First-Quad-Band-WiFi-7-Gaming-Router-768x432.webp 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px\" \/>                                        <\/div>\n                                                                        <div class=\"affx-product-content\">\n                                                                                    <div class=\"affx-product-title-wrap\">\n                                                <h2 class=\"affx-comparison-title\" style=\"text-align: center;\">\n                                                    ASUS ROG<br>Rapture GT-BE98                                                <\/h2>\n                                            <\/div>\n                                                                                                                        <div class=\"affx-rating-wrap\">\n                                            <span class=\"rating-stars\"><span style=\"color:#FFB800;width:25px;height:25px;display:inline-flex\"><svg fill=\"currentColor\" width=\"25\" height=\"25\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\"><path d=\"M12 17.27L18.18 21l-1.64-7.03L22 9.24l-7.19-.61L12 2 9.19 8.63 2 9.24l5.46 4.73L5.82 21z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><span style=\"color:#FFB800;width:25px;height:25px;display:inline-flex\"><svg fill=\"currentColor\" width=\"25\" height=\"25\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\"><path d=\"M12 17.27L18.18 21l-1.64-7.03L22 9.24l-7.19-.61L12 2 9.19 8.63 2 9.24l5.46 4.73L5.82 21z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><span style=\"color:#FFB800;width:25px;height:25px;display:inline-flex\"><svg fill=\"currentColor\" width=\"25\" height=\"25\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\"><path d=\"M12 17.27L18.18 21l-1.64-7.03L22 9.24l-7.19-.61L12 2 9.19 8.63 2 9.24l5.46 4.73L5.82 21z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><span style=\"color:#FFB800;width:25px;height:25px;display:inline-flex\"><svg fill=\"currentColor\" width=\"25\" height=\"25\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\"><path d=\"M12 17.27L18.18 21l-1.64-7.03L22 9.24l-7.19-.61L12 2 9.19 8.63 2 9.24l5.46 4.73L5.82 21z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><span style=\"color:#FFB800;width:25px;height:25px;display:inline-flex\"><svg fill=\"currentColor\" width=\"25\" height=\"25\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\"><path d=\"M12 17.27L18.18 21l-1.64-7.03L22 9.24l-7.19-.61L12 2 9.19 8.63 2 9.24l5.46 4.73L5.82 21z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/span>                                        <\/div>\n                                                                                    <div class=\"affx-btn-wrap\">\n                                                <a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/4klnfAA\" class=\"affiliatex-button affx-winner-button icon-btn icon-right\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\n                                                                                                        Check on Amazon                                                                                                            <i class=\"button-icon fas fa-angle-right\"><\/i>\n                                                                                                    <\/a>\n                                            <\/div>\n                                                                            <\/div>\n                                <\/div>\n                            <\/th>\n                                            <\/tr>\n                <\/thead>\n                <tbody>\n                                            <tr>\n                                                                                                <td class=\"data-label\">\n                                        <strong>WiFi Bands<\/strong>                                    <\/td>\n                                    <td>\n                                        Dual-band (2.4 GHz &amp; 5 GHz)                                    <\/td>\n                                                                                                                                <td>\n                                        Tri-band                                    <\/td>\n                                                                                                                                <td>\n                                        Tri-band                                    <\/td>\n                                                                                    <\/tr>\n                                            <tr>\n                                                                                                <td class=\"data-label\">\n                                        <strong>Max Wireless Speed<\/strong>                                    <\/td>\n                                    <td>\n                                        Up to 3.6 Gbps                                    <\/td>\n                                                                                                                                <td>\n                                        Up to 12 Gbps                                    <\/td>\n                                                                                                                                <td>\n                                        Up to 12 Gbps                                    <\/td>\n                                                                                    <\/tr>\n                                            <tr>\n                                                                                                <td class=\"data-label\">\n                                        <strong>Coverage Area<\/strong>                                    <\/td>\n                                    <td>\n                                        Up to 2,000 sq. ft.                                    <\/td>\n                                                                                                                                <td>\n                                        Up to 3,500 sq. ft.                                    <\/td>\n                                                                                                                                <td>\n                                        Up to 3,500 sq. ft.                                    <\/td>\n                                                                                    <\/tr>\n                                            <tr>\n                                                                                                <td class=\"data-label\">\n                                        <strong>Multi-Gig Ports<\/strong>                                    <\/td>\n                                    <td>\n                                        1 x 2.5 Gbps WAN port                                    <\/td>\n                                                                                                                                <td>\n                                        Multiple 2.5 Gbps ports                                    <\/td>\n                                                                                                                                <td>\n                                        Multiple 2.5 Gbps ports                                    <\/td>\n                                                                                    <\/tr>\n                                            <tr>\n                                                                                                <td class=\"data-label\">\n                                        <strong>Advanced Features<\/strong>                                    <\/td>\n                                    <td>\n                                        Basic QoS, NETGEAR Armor                                    <\/td>\n                                                                                                                                <td>\n                                        Multi-Link Operation (MLO), QoS                                    <\/td>\n                                                                                                                                <td>\n                                        Gaming-Optimized QoS, MLO                                    <\/td>\n                                                                                    <\/tr>\n                                            <tr>\n                                                                                                <td class=\"data-label\">\n                                        <strong>Ideal For<\/strong>                                    <\/td>\n                                    <td>\n                                        Budget home users, small to medium homes                                    <\/td>\n                                                                                                                                <td>\n                                        Power users, large homes                                    <\/td>\n                                                                                                                                <td>\n                                        Gamers, advanced users                                    <\/td>\n                                                                                    <\/tr>\n                                    <\/tbody>\n            <\/table>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Verdict: Is the NETGEAR Nighthawk RS90 Worth It?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The NETGEAR Nighthawk RS90 is an excellent entry point into WiFi 7 technology without breaking the bank. Offering <strong>speeds up to 3.6 Gbps<\/strong>, simple setup, and reliable performance, it\u2019s a <strong>smart upgrade<\/strong> for small to medium-sized homes. While it doesn\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you often experience buffering during Netflix binges or lag during VR gaming, the RS90 provides the speed and stability to meet 2025\u2019s demands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For most users, the RS90 delivers a future-proof, budget-friendly way to embrace the latest WiFi 7 advancements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-essential-blocks-button  root-eb-button-8hgkt\"><div class=\"eb-parent-wrapper eb-parent-eb-button-8hgkt \"><div class=\"eb-button-wrapper eb-button-alignment eb-button-8hgkt\"><div class=\"eb-button\"><div class=\"eb-button-inner-wrapper \"><a class=\"eb-button-anchor \" href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3IazlPT\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Check Latest Price on Amazon<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">People also ask about Budget WiFi 7 router<\/h2>\n\n\n<div id=\"rank-math-faq\" class=\"rank-math-block\">\n<div class=\"rank-math-list \">\n<div id=\"faq-question-1751633003990\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">What is the maximum speed of the NETGEAR Nighthawk RS90 router?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>The RS90 supports the latest <strong>WiFi 7 speeds up to 3.6 Gbps<\/strong>, delivering faster wireless internet compared to WiFi 6 routers. This speed is ideal for <strong>4K\/8K streaming<\/strong>, <strong>online gaming<\/strong>, and managing multiple smart home devices.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1751633032424\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">Does the NETGEAR RS90 support the 6 GHz WiFi band?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>No, the Nighthawk RS90 is a <strong>dual-band WiFi 7 router<\/strong>, operating on <strong>2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequency bands<\/strong>. It does not include the 6 GHz band found in some <strong>tri-band WiFi 7 routers<\/strong> like the NETGEAR Orbi.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1751633040695\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">How many devices can the Nighthawk RS90 handle at once?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>This router supports up to <strong>50 connected devices simultaneously<\/strong>, making it perfect for smart homes with numerous <strong>IoT devices<\/strong>, smartphones, laptops, and gaming consoles.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1751633053272\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">Can I use the NETGEAR RS90 with my existing modem?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Yes, the RS90 works seamlessly with most cable or fiber modems. It features a <strong>2.5 Gbps WAN port<\/strong> that supports high-speed internet plans but is <strong>not a modem itself<\/strong>\u2014you\u2019ll need a separate modem to connect to your ISP.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1751633062145\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">What is the WiFi coverage area of the NETGEAR Nighthawk RS90?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>The router covers up to <strong>2,000 square feet<\/strong> of WiFi range, ideal for <strong>apartments, small to medium homes, and single-story houses<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>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\u2019s where WiFi 7 steps in\u2014offering faster speeds, lower latency, and smoother performance for every device on your network. Enter the NETGEAR Nighthawk RS90, one&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":12468,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_eb_attr":"","_kad_post_transparent":"","_kad_post_title":"","_kad_post_layout":"","_kad_post_sidebar_id":"","_kad_post_content_style":"","_kad_post_vertical_padding":"","_kad_post_feature":"","_kad_post_feature_position":"","_kad_post_header":false,"_kad_post_footer":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[105,275],"tags":[1025,615,1022,1021,1020,1027,1026,1018,1028,1023,1024,1019],"class_list":["post-12464","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-reviews","category-routers","tag-budget-router","tag-home-networking","tag-home-router-upgrade","tag-netgear-nighthawk-rs90","tag-netgear-router","tag-nighthawk","tag-nighthawk-rs90-setup","tag-router-review","tag-rs90","tag-rs90-speed-test","tag-wifi-7-router","tag-wifi-7-technology"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/thegamersmall.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12464","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/thegamersmall.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/thegamersmall.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thegamersmall.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thegamersmall.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=12464"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/thegamersmall.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12464\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":12472,"href":"https:\/\/thegamersmall.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12464\/revisions\/12472"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thegamersmall.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/12468"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/thegamersmall.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=12464"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thegamersmall.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=12464"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thegamersmall.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=12464"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}