Netgear Nighthawk AC1750 Dual Band R6700 Wifi Router Review

Are you constantly battling the dreaded buffering wheel, frustratingly slow downloads, or dead zones in your own home? If your Wi-Fi is more “weak-Fi,” it might be time for an upgrade. Enter the Netgear Nighthawk AC1750 R6700, a dual-band router promising faster speeds, better range, and a smoother online experience – all without breaking the bank.

But does this “Nighthawk” live up to its name and soar above the competition? In this comprehensive review, we’ll unbox this affordable router, put its performance to the test, explore its features, and help you decide if it’s the right upgrade for your home network. Whether you’re a casual user or a light gamer, get ready to find out if the Netgear Nighthawk AC1750 R6700 is the affordable WiFi solution you’ve been waiting for.

Unboxing the Netgear Nighthawk R6700: Sleek Design Meets Easy Setup

Upon unboxing the Netgear Nighthawk AC1750 R6700, I was immediately struck by its sleek, “Nighthawk”-inspired design. The matte black finish and angular lines give it a modern, high-tech look that wouldn’t be out of place in a gamer’s setup or a minimalist living room. The router itself is surprisingly compact, making it easy to find a discreet spot for it on a shelf or desk.

Inside the box, you’ll find everything you need to get started:

• The Nighthawk R6700 router
• Power adapter
• Ethernet cable
• Quick start guide

Setting up the R6700 was a breeze. I simply plugged it in, connected it to my modem, and followed the straightforward instructions in the quick start guide. The web interface was intuitive, and I had the router up and running in a matter of minutes. Even for those less tech-savvy, the process should be relatively painless.

Netgear Nighthawk R6700 Speed Test: Real-World Performance and Range

The real test of any router is how it performs in the wild. So, I put the Netgear Nighthawk AC1750 R6700 through its paces in my 1,500 square foot home, testing both speed and range on various devices.

Speed Test Results:

• 5GHz Band: On the faster 5GHz band, I consistently achieved download speeds around 150-200 Mbps close to the router, which is excellent for HD streaming, video conferencing, and online gaming.
• 2.4GHz Band: While slower, the 2.4GHz band offered a more reliable connection throughout my home, with average speeds of 50-70 Mbps. This band is ideal for general web browsing and less demanding tasks.

Wi-Fi Range and Coverage:

The Nighthawk R6700’s three external antennas did a respectable job of extending the Wi-Fi signal throughout my home. I experienced minimal signal drop-off even in rooms farthest from the router. While I did encounter a few dead spots in the far corners of my basement, the overall coverage was impressive for a router in this price range.

Handling Multiple Devices:

To test the R6700’s ability to handle multiple devices, I simultaneously streamed 4K video, played online games, and browsed the web on different devices. The router performed admirably, with no noticeable lag or buffering on any of the devices.

Netgear Nighthawk R6700 Features: More Than Meets the Eye

While the Netgear Nighthawk AC1750 R6700 may be an affordable router, it doesn’t skimp on features. The user interface is surprisingly intuitive, making it easy to manage your network settings, even if you’re not a tech expert.

Here are some standout features that impressed me:

• Parental Controls: The Nighthawk R6700 offers basic parental controls, allowing you to filter content and set time limits for internet access on specific devices. While not as comprehensive as some high-end routers, it’s a welcome addition for families.
• Quality of Service (QoS): The QoS feature prioritizes bandwidth for certain applications, like video conferencing or online gaming, ensuring a smoother experience even when multiple devices are connected.
• Guest Network: Easily set up a separate Wi-Fi network for guests, keeping your main network secure.
• Beamforming+ Technology: This technology focuses the Wi-Fi signal towards your devices, improving speed and reliability.
• USB 3.0 Port: Share files across your network or create a personal cloud storage solution with an external hard drive.

Additional Features:

• Netgear Genie App: Manage your network remotely from your smartphone or tablet.
• ReadySHARE Vault: Automatic backup for Windows PCs.
• Traffic Meter: Monitor your internet usage.

Is the Netgear Nighthawk R6700 Right for You?

The Netgear Nighthawk AC1750 R6700 is a versatile router that will suit a variety of users, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. Let’s break down who would find this router a perfect fit and who might need something more robust.

Ideal Users:

• Small to Medium Homes: The R6700’s range is well-suited for homes up to 1500 square feet, providing reliable coverage in most rooms.
• Budget-Conscious Shoppers: This router offers excellent value for its price, delivering impressive performance and features without emptying your wallet.
• Casual Gamers and Streamers: While not designed for hardcore gamers, the R6700 handles online gaming and HD streaming with ease.
• Families: The basic parental controls are a bonus for parents who want to manage their children’s internet usage.
• Anyone Needing an Upgrade: If you’re struggling with an older router and slow Wi-Fi, the R6700 will be a noticeable improvement.

Not Ideal For:

• Large Homes: If you have a large home with multiple floors or thick walls, you might need a router with a more powerful range.
• Heavy Gamers: Serious gamers who demand the absolute lowest latency and highest speeds might want to consider a more high-end gaming router.
• Users Needing Advanced Features: The R6700 has a decent feature set, but it lacks some advanced options found in more expensive models.

Netgear Nighthawk R6700 Review Verdict: A Budget-Friendly Wi-Fi Warrior

After thoroughly testing and living with the Netgear Nighthawk AC1750 R6700, it’s clear this router offers a compelling blend of performance, features, and value. It’s not the absolute fastest or most feature-packed router on the market, but it certainly punches above its weight class.pen_spark

Final Recommendation:

The Netgear Nighthawk AC1750 R6700 is a fantastic choice for anyone looking for a reliable, easy-to-use router that won’t break the bank. It’s ideal for small to medium homes, casual users, light gamers, and families who want basic parental controls. If you have a larger home or need top-of-the-line performance, you might want to explore more expensive options. But for most people, the Nighthawk R6700 delivers a satisfying Wi-Fi upgrade that won’t disappoint.