iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
The NETGEAR Nighthawk RS90 is a sensible fit for a smaller home that needs WiFi 7, a 2.5 Gbps internet connection and several wired connections—but it is not a tri-band WiFi 7 router and its LAN ports top out at 1 Gbps. NETGEAR advertises coverage up to 2,000 square feet; RTINGS’ review describes its range as middling, so larger or multi-level homes with dead-zone problems should consider a mesh system or a router with stronger whole-home coverage.
What the Nighthawk RS90 offers
NETGEAR classifies the RS90 as a BE3600 dual-band WiFi 7 router. It has 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz radios, each with a 2×2 configuration, a quad-core 2.0 GHz processor and two internal antennas. It does not have a 6 GHz band. RTINGS also reports that the router does not support Multi-Link Operation (MLO), a WiFi 7 feature that can use multiple bands or links together.
NETGEAR’s specification sheet rounds the combined wireless headline to 3.6 Gbps. Its user manual gives the theoretical combined rate as up to 3.57 Gbps. Neither number is a per-device speed guarantee: actual WiFi performance depends on the client device, distance, obstacles, interference and broadband service.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →How fast are the ports?
The port arrangement is useful if your internet plan is faster than 1 Gbps, but less compelling for wired devices that need multi-gigabit speeds:
#1 Best Overall
- FASTER, FARTHER, MORE RELIABLE WIFI: A dedicated dual-band WiFi 7 router built to deliver the full speed of your internet plan for a whole home of streaming, video calls, gaming, and smart devices.
- WORKS WITH YOUR EXISTING INTERNET SERVICE: Pairs with your existing modem or gateway via ethernet. Compatible with most cable, fiber, DSL, and satellite providers. Some gateways and modem router combos may require bridge mode. No coax needed.
- SET UP AND MANAGE YOUR NETWORK WITH THE NIGHTHAWK APP: Download the free Nighthawk app on iOS or Android for guided setup. Manage WiFi, run speed tests, pause devices, and set up guest networks from anywhere. Active internet required.
- WIFI 7 SPEED FOR TODAY'S FASTEST INTERNET PLANS: Up to 5 Gbps across 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands, 1.2x faster than WiFi 6. Keeps every device connected at the same time with MU-MIMO and OFDMA. Real-world speeds depend on your devices and plan.
- COVERAGE IN EVERY ROOM: Delivers up to 2,250 sq. ft. of coverage for up to 80 devices. Walls, floors, and interference can reduce range. Larger or multi-story homes may benefit from a NETGEAR Orbi mesh WiFi system.
| Connection | RS90 port | Practical implication |
|---|---|---|
| Internet/WAN | One 2.5 Gbps port | Can connect to compatible cable or fiber service up to 2.5 Gbps, according to NETGEAR’s specification sheet. |
| Wired LAN | Four 10/100/1000 Mbps ports | Provides four wired connections, but each port is limited to gigabit Ethernet; a wired client cannot get a 2.5 Gbps LAN connection through these ports. |
The 2.5 Gbps WAN port can accommodate a sufficiently fast internet connection, but it does not make the four LAN ports multi-gigabit. That distinction matters if you transfer large files between wired devices or want a wired device to exceed 1 Gbps.
Is the RS90 good for a large house?
NETGEAR advertises coverage up to 2,000 square feet and support for up to 50 devices. These are manufacturer maximums, not independent measurements or promises that every home will get reliable coverage or full speed throughout. Walls, floor plan, router placement, interference and the capabilities of connected devices all affect results.
Rank #2
- FASTER, FARTHER, MORE RELIABLE WIFI: A dedicated dual-band WiFi 7 router built to keep up with a growing home of streaming, video calls, gaming, and smart home devices.
- WORKS WITH YOUR EXISTING INTERNET SERVICE: Pairs with your existing modem or gateway via ethernet. Compatible with most cable, fiber, DSL, and satellite providers. Some gateways and modem router combos may require bridge mode. No coax needed.
- SET UP AND MANAGE YOUR NETWORK WITH THE NIGHTHAWK APP: Download the free Nighthawk app on iOS or Android for guided setup. Manage WiFi, run speed tests, pause devices, and set up guest networks from anywhere. Active internet required.
- WIFI 7 THAT KEEPS UP WITH A BUSY HOME: Up to 5 Gbps across 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands, 1.2x faster than WiFi 6. MU-MIMO and OFDMA let multiple devices send and receive data simultaneously. Real-world speeds depend on your devices and plan.
- COVERAGE IN EVERY ROOM: Delivers up to 2,250 sq. ft. of coverage for up to 80 devices. Walls, floors, and interference can reduce range. Larger or multi-story homes may benefit from a NETGEAR Orbi mesh WiFi system.
RTINGS’ review, initially published January 26, 2026 and updated on its test bench September 11, 2026, describes the RS90 as an entry-level WiFi 7 router with good wired and wireless connectivity in a slim tower design. It also calls out the missing 6 GHz band and MLO, its 1 Gbps LAN ports and middling range. RTINGS considers it better suited to smaller spaces than to solving whole-home coverage problems.
If your current router leaves dead zones, or you need dependable coverage across multiple floors, a single RS90 may not be the right fix. Compare router options on range, band configuration and mesh expandability—not just the advertised square-foot figure. RTINGS’ comparison page includes examples such as the tri-band ASUS RT-BE92U and mesh systems including eero 7 and TP-Link Deco 7 Pro BE63; these are comparison examples, not a definitive or current ranking. RTINGS also notes that the RS90 has four LAN ports, more than a single eero 7 node, though the RS90 ports are limited to 1 Gbps.
Rank #3
- FASTER, FARTHER, MORE RELIABLE WIFI: A dedicated dual-band WiFi 7 router built to deliver the full speed of your internet plan across a medium to large home of streaming, video calls, gaming, and smart devices.
- WORKS WITH YOUR EXISTING INTERNET SERVICE: Pairs with your existing modem or gateway via ethernet. Compatible with most cable, fiber, DSL, and satellite providers. Some gateways and modem router combos may require bridge mode. No coax needed.
- SET UP AND MANAGE YOUR NETWORK WITH THE NIGHTHAWK APP: Download the free Nighthawk app on iOS or Android for guided setup. Manage WiFi, run speed tests, pause devices, and set up guest networks from anywhere. Active internet required.
- WIFI 7 SPEED FOR TODAY'S FASTEST INTERNET PLANS: Up to 6.5 Gbps across 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands, 1.2x faster than WiFi 6. Keeps every device connected at the same time with MU-MIMO and OFDMA. Real-world speeds depend on your devices and plan.
- COVERAGE IN EVERY ROOM: Delivers up to 2,500 sq. ft. of coverage for up to 80 devices. Walls, floors, and interference can reduce range. Larger or multi-story homes may benefit from a NETGEAR Orbi mesh WiFi system.
Who should consider buying it?
- Consider it if you want a dual-band WiFi 7 router, have a smaller or straightforward layout, and can use the 2.5 Gbps WAN port alongside gigabit wired connections.
- Look elsewhere if you specifically need 6 GHz WiFi, MLO, faster-than-gigabit wired LAN, or a mesh-oriented solution for broad coverage across a large or multi-level home.
- Check your broadband plan before paying for a 2.5 Gbps WAN capability; it does not increase the speed of an internet plan or client device that cannot use it.
The materials available here do not establish a current retail price or stock status, so value depends on the live price you find and what competing routers offer at that time.
Setup and placement
The box includes the router, Ethernet cable, power adapter and quick start guide. Connect the modem to the yellow 2.5G internet port. For a high-speed modem connection, NETGEAR’s manual specifies Cat5e or a higher-rated Ethernet cable; because a cable is included, a separate one is only relevant if you need a longer or replacement cable.
Rank #4
- FASTER, FARTHER, MORE RELIABLE WIFI: A dedicated tri-band WiFi 7 router with a third high-speed band for demanding devices, built to keep up as your connected home grows with streaming, video calls, gaming, and smart home devices.
- WORKS WITH YOUR EXISTING INTERNET SERVICE: Pairs with your existing modem or gateway via ethernet. Compatible with most cable, fiber, DSL, and satellite providers. Some gateways and modem router combos may require bridge mode. No coax needed.
- SET UP AND MANAGE YOUR NETWORK WITH THE NIGHTHAWK APP: Download the free Nighthawk app on iOS or Android for guided setup. Manage WiFi, run speed tests, pause devices, and set up guest networks from anywhere. Active internet required.
- WIFI 7 THAT KEEPS UP WITH A BUSY HOME: Up to 9.3 Gbps across 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz bands, 2.4x faster than WiFi 6. The added 6 GHz band gives your fastest devices their own lane so nothing slows down. Real-world speeds depend on your devices and plan.
- COVERAGE IN EVERY ROOM: Delivers up to 2,500 sq. ft. of coverage for up to 100 devices. Walls, floors, and interference can reduce range. Larger or multi-story homes may benefit from a NETGEAR Orbi mesh WiFi system.
- Place the router where its signal can reach the areas you use, away from sources of wireless interference, large metal or glass surfaces and insulated walls, as NETGEAR recommends.
- Connect the modem to the yellow 2.5G internet port with the supplied Ethernet cable, or another Cat5e-or-better cable if needed.
- Complete installation in the Nighthawk app or through the router’s web interface and installation assistant.
- Check WiFi performance in the rooms and locations that matter. If coverage is uneven, try a better placement before deciding whether the router meets your needs.
Security and firmware
NETGEAR’s specification sheet lists WPA, WPA2 and WPA3 security, a guest network, firewall, access control and automatic firmware updates. It also describes NETGEAR Armor, powered by Bitdefender, as an optional subscription and states a 30-day trial. Trial availability and subscription terms can change, so verify them with NETGEAR before relying on the offer.
Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minutePC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11NETGEAR Support lists firmware version 1.2.7.4 as released June 4, 2026. Its release notes describe a WiFi stability patch, cloud debugging support and a QoS bandwidth-checking change intended to avoid a memory leak. They also list fixes related to app onboarding, IoT network behavior, PPPoE detection, Hostapd and other issues, and say the update addresses security vulnerabilities. Firmware can change; check the NETGEAR RS90 support page for a newer release and its instructions before updating.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- FASTER, FARTHER, MORE RELIABLE WIFI: A dedicated dual-band WiFi 7 router built to deliver the full speed of your internet plan, with coverage for streaming, video calls, and smart home devices.
- WORKS WITH YOUR EXISTING INTERNET SERVICE: Pairs with your existing modem or gateway via ethernet. Compatible with most cable, fiber, DSL, and satellite providers. Some gateways and modem router combos may require bridge mode. No coax needed.
- SET UP AND MANAGE YOUR NETWORK WITH THE NIGHTHAWK APP: Download the free Nighthawk app on iOS or Android for guided setup. Manage WiFi, run speed tests, pause devices, and set up guest networks from anywhere. Active internet required.
- WIFI 7 SPEED FOR TODAY'S FASTEST INTERNET PLANS: Up to 3.6 Gbps across 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands, 1.2x faster than WiFi 6. Real-world speeds depend on your connected devices and internet plan. Backward compatible with WiFi 6 and earlier devices.
- COVERAGE IN EVERY ROOM: Covers up to 2,000 sq. ft. in open layouts, connecting up to 50 devices. Walls, floors, and interference can reduce range. Larger or multi-story homes may benefit from a NETGEAR Orbi mesh WiFi system.
Sources
- NETGEAR Nighthawk RS90 technical specifications
- NETGEAR RS90 support and firmware
- NETGEAR Nighthawk RS90 user manual
- RTINGS NETGEAR Nighthawk RS90 review
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.
