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The NETGEAR Nighthawk AX8 (RAX80) delivered very high short-range throughput in Tom’s Guide’s 2020 testing, but performance fell off sharply with distance. More importantly for anyone considering it now, NETGEAR’s June 2026 security advisory lists the RAX80 as end of service (EoS), with no security updates planned. Its historical performance may interest current owners, but it is not a sensible new purchase if you need ongoing vendor security support.
What the Nighthawk AX8 is
The RAX80 is NETGEAR’s dual-band, 8-stream Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) router. NETGEAR advertises maximum wireless link rates of 1.2 Gbps on 2.4 GHz and 4.8 Gbps on 5 GHz, for an AX6000 class rating. Those figures describe theoretical radio link rates under suitable conditions, not guaranteed internet speeds or the speed one device will necessarily achieve. Actual throughput depends on the client device, channel width, interference, distance, walls and internet connection. NETGEAR also cautions that the router may not support all mandatory features in Draft 3.0 of IEEE 802.11ax. NETGEAR RAX80 data sheet
Its connections include one Gigabit WAN port, five Gigabit LAN ports and two USB 3.0 ports. The router supports port aggregation for local wired transfers and, in supported configurations, WAN capacity. It is dual-band rather than tri-band, so it does not have a separate additional 5 GHz band. Tom’s Guide describes four internal antennas beneath the folding wings; they are not user-aimable or replaceable. NETGEAR RAX80 data sheet · Tom’s Guide review
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Tom’s Guide tested the RAX80 with Ixia ixChariot network-simulation software in a 100-year-old house. The results show a strong short-range result followed by a substantial decline as distance increased. These are measurements from that publication’s particular setup, not a prediction for another home. Tom’s Guide, 2020 review
#1 Best Overall
- Coverage up to 2,500 sq. ft. and 40 devices
- Fast AX6600 Gigabit speed with WiFi 6 technology for uninterrupted streaming, HD video gaming, and web conferencing
- NETGEAR devices come with security measures built in as well as enhanced safety features and updates designed to help protect you and your family
- Replace your existing WiFi Router (separate modem or modem router required). Compatible with any Internet Service Provider up to 2Gbps including cable, satellite, fiber, DSL and more
- 4 x 1 Gig Ethernet ports and 1 USB 3.0 port for computers, game consoles, streaming players, storage drive, and other wired devices
| Test position | RAX80 throughput reported by Tom’s Guide |
|---|---|
| 15 feet | 1,389 Mbps |
| 50 feet | 277.1 Mbps |
| 75 feet | 142.3 Mbps |
| 90 feet | 20.8 Mbps |
| Through a wall, 20 feet | 1,077 Mbps |
| Upstairs | 628.8 Mbps |
In the same historical review, Tom’s Guide reported that the TP-Link Archer AX6000 and Linksys MR9600 reached 884.4 Mbps and 822.0 Mbps, respectively, at 15 feet; at 50 feet, their results were 396.4 Mbps and 363.3 Mbps. This comparison is limited to the publication’s test method and the product versions tested, and does not establish a ranking against routers available today. Tom’s Guide, 2020 review
Tom’s Guide judged the AX8 better suited to small and mid-sized homes than larger ones, recommending that people with larger homes consider mesh coverage. The steep drop in its measured throughput with distance is a reason to weigh coverage across your own layout, not just a headline AX6000 rating. Tom’s Guide, 2020 review
Rank #2
- WIFI 6 – STREAM EVERYTHING AT EPIC SPEED: Simultaneously stream uninterrupted movies, games, video calls or download/transfer files at 6Gbps WiFi speed. Works with existing and new WiFi 6 devices like iPhone 11, Galaxy Note 10 and Galaxy S10.
- WORKS WITH ALL INTERNET PROVIDERS: Replace your existing WiFi Router (separate modem or gateway required). Compatible with any Internet Service Provider up to 2Gbps including cable, satellite, fiber, DSL and more.
- EASY TO SET-UP AND MANAGE: Connects to your existing cable modem and sets up and customizes in minutes with the Nighthawk app – easily manage your WiFi settings at the device and network level, test your Internet speed, view speed history and monitor data usage.
- USB CONNECTIONS: Share a storage drive with any connected device and create a personal cloud storage to access from anywhere using the 2 x 3.0 USB ports.
- NETGEAR ARMOR protects your family's WiFi with an automatic shield of security across all your connected devices with a 30-day free trial.
Support status changes the buying verdict
NETGEAR’s June 2026 security advisory marks the RAX80 “(EoS)” and says no security updates are planned for models carrying that designation. NETGEAR recommends retiring them for continued security support. Its End of Service policy states that products at this stage no longer receive firmware updates, including security updates. NETGEAR June 2026 security advisory · NETGEAR End of Service Policy
NETGEAR’s release notes list firmware version 1.0.11.148 as released on November 25, 2025, with security vulnerabilities addressed. That historical release entry does not establish that the version is current or final, and it does not override the later EoS advisory. RAX80 owners can check the device’s installed firmware and official status through NETGEAR’s support resources; the available evidence does not establish that a newer supported release exists. NETGEAR RAX80 firmware release notes · NETGEAR June 2026 security advisory
Rank #3
- MAXIMIZE YOUR CABLE INTERNET AND WHOLE-HOME WIFI: A cable modem and WiFi router in one device unlocks the full potential of your home internet with faster downloads, smoother WiFi for gaming and video calls, and reliable coverage in every room.
- APPROVED FOR YOUR PROVIDER AND PLAN: Works with Xfinity internet plans up to 800Mbps, Spectrum up to 1Gbps, and Cox up to 1Gbps. Not compatible with Verizon, AT&T, CenturyLink, DirecTV, DISH, or bundled voice plans. ISP activation required after setup.
- MULTI-GIG DOCSIS 3.1 SPEEDS: Get Gigabit+ cable download speeds on today's fastest plans, with headroom for the upgrades ahead. Real-world speeds depend on your plan and ISP network.
- WIFI 6 COVERAGE FOR THE WHOLE HOME: Stay connected in every room with dual-band AX2700 WiFi 6 covering up to 2,000 sq ft and capacity for 25+ connected devices. Real-world coverage depends on home size, layout, and building materials.
- WIRED CONNECTIONS FOR YOUR FASTEST DEVICES: Four Gigabit Ethernet ports keep gaming consoles, desktops, and streaming devices hardwired for the lowest latency and the most stable connection in your home.
NETGEAR’s general policy describes EoS timing in relation to the product’s last sale date, but the cited sources do not establish the RAX80’s exact last-sale date. The advisory does establish its current EoS status, so there is no need to infer a date to understand the support limitation. NETGEAR June 2026 security advisory · NETGEAR End of Service Policy
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Who the AX8 may still suit
For an existing owner, the RAX80’s historical results illustrate why it could feel fast near the router while delivering much less throughput farther away. Its five LAN ports and two USB 3.0 ports may also matter in a wired or USB-connected setup. But adding or repositioning this router does not change its EoS status; anyone who needs continuing vendor security updates should plan to replace it with a supported router.
Rank #4
- MAXIMIZE YOUR CABLE INTERNET AND WHOLE-HOME WIFI: A cable modem and WiFi router in one device unlocks the full potential of your home internet with faster downloads, smoother WiFi for gaming and video calls, and reliable coverage in every room.
- APPROVED FOR YOUR PROVIDER AND PLAN: Works with Xfinity internet plans up to 800Mbps, Spectrum up to 1Gbps, and Cox up to 1Gbps. Not compatible with Verizon, AT&T, CenturyLink, DirecTV, DISH, or bundled voice plans. ISP activation required after setup.
- MULTI-GIG DOCSIS 3.1 SPEEDS: Get Gigabit+ cable download speeds on today's fastest plans, with headroom for the upgrades ahead. Real-world speeds depend on your plan and ISP network.
- WIFI 6 COVERAGE FOR THE WHOLE HOME: Stay connected in every room with dual-band AX6000 WiFi 6 covering up to 2,500 sq ft and capacity for 30+ connected devices across your home. Real-world coverage depends on home size, layout, and building materials.
- MULTI-GIG WIRED CONNECTIONS FOR YOUR FASTEST DEVICES: One 2.5 Gig Multi-Gig port and four Gigabit Ethernet ports keep gaming consoles, desktops, and streaming devices hardwired for the lowest latency and the most stable connection in your home.
For a new buyer, a responsible present-day value comparison would require current prices, availability, competing models and their support lifecycles. Those facts are not established here, so a current price or market-value verdict would be speculative. The support decision, however, is clear: do not choose the RAX80 if ongoing NETGEAR security updates are a requirement.
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Quick Recap
Best Value
- 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
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
