Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

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

NETGEAR has marked seven router models as End of Support (EoS) in its June 2026 security advisory: the R6400v2, R6700v3, R7000, R7800, RAX20, RAX41, and RAX45. NETGEAR says no security updates are planned for EoS devices and recommends retiring them. These are examples from one manufacturer’s advisory—not a list of exactly seven unsupported networking devices across all brands. (NETGEAR security advisory)

Which NETGEAR routers are officially end of support?

NETGEAR’s June 2026 advisory identifies these seven routers as EoS:

Model Product name in the advisory
R6400v2 AC1750 Smart WiFi Router
R6700v3 Nighthawk AC1750 Smart WiFi Router
R7000 Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router
R7800 Nighthawk X4S AC2600 Smart WiFi Router
RAX20 4-Stream AX1800 WiFi 6 Router
RAX41 Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream AX3600 WiFi Router
RAX45 Nighthawk AX6 6-Stream AX4300 WiFi Router

NETGEAR states that models marked EoS “have reached End-of-Support phase, and no security updates are planned.” It recommends retiring these devices and upgrading to a newer NETGEAR device for continued security support. (NETGEAR security advisory)

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Is my router too old?

Check the exact model and, when applicable, hardware version against the manufacturer’s current support or lifecycle information. “Too old” is not a universal age threshold: it is more useful to ask whether the manufacturer still supports the specific device and provides security updates.

#1 Best Overall
NETGEAR Nighthawk WiFi 6 Router R6700AX, Up to 1,500 sq ft, 1.8 Gbps
  • NIGHTHAWK WIFI 6 ROUTER FOR YOUR WHOLE HOME: Delivers fast, reliable WiFi across every room of your apartment or small home for streaming, gaming, video calls, and smart home devices, all running at the same time without slowing each other down.
  • 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.
  • READY FOR THE DEVICES YOU ALREADY OWN: Your phones, laptops, and TVs work right out of the box. WiFi 6 delivers speeds up to 1.8 Gbps across 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. Backward compatible with WiFi 5 and earlier.
  • COVERAGE IN EVERY ROOM: Covers up to 1,500 sq. ft. for up to 20 connected devices. Walls, floors, and interference can reduce range. Larger or multi-story homes may benefit from a NETGEAR Orbi mesh WiFi system.

For TP-Link products, the company says its end-of-life list can change and that EOL may apply to a model or a specific version. Check the model and hardware version printed on the device label against its list. (TP-Link End of Life Products)

Does end-of-sale mean a router is unsupported?

No. End-of-sale means a product is no longer being sold; it does not by itself establish that support or security updates have ended. Cisco’s lifecycle announcements distinguish end-of-sale from milestones such as software maintenance, security support, and the last date of support. Check the manufacturer’s stated support milestones before treating a discontinued product as unsupported. (Cisco lifecycle announcement)

Rank #2
NETGEAR Nighthawk WiFi 6 Router (RAX36) – Router Only, AX3000 3 Gbps Wireless Speed – Dual-Band Gigabit Internet – Covers 2,000 sq. ft., 25 Devices – Built-in VPN, USB 3.0, Gaming
  • 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

What does End of Support mean for security?

A router may continue routing traffic after support ends, but that does not mean it continues to receive security maintenance. For the seven NETGEAR models above, the company says no security updates are planned. Its router guidance also says End-of-Service products no longer receive firmware updates, including important security updates. EoS status alone does not prove a router has been compromised; it means the manufacturer no longer plans to provide those updates. (NETGEAR router guidance)

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

Should I replace a router that no longer gets security updates?

Consider replacing it when the manufacturer confirms security updates have ended, especially if the router is exposed to the internet or has persistent problems. Before blaming the router for poor performance, rule out a provider outage, placement issues, cabling problems, and issues with a particular device. NETGEAR’s guidance recommends checking support status and considering replacement when updates have ended or problems persist. (NETGEAR router guidance)

Rank #3
NETGEAR Nighthawk WiFi 7 Router RS140, Up to 2,250 sq ft, 5 Gbps
  • 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.

If you replace it, match the equipment to your needs rather than choosing by Wi-Fi label alone. Check whether your devices support the router’s Wi-Fi generation, whether your home needs a single router or mesh coverage, the number and speed of wired ports you need, and compatibility with your internet provider’s equipment and plan. Verify the replacement’s support status with its manufacturer.

Quick Recap

Bestseller No. 2
NETGEAR Nighthawk WiFi 6 Router (RAX36) – Router Only, AX3000 3 Gbps Wireless Speed – Dual-Band Gigabit Internet – Covers 2,000 sq. ft., 25 Devices – Built-in VPN, USB 3.0, Gaming
NETGEAR Nighthawk WiFi 6 Router (RAX36) – Router Only, AX3000 3 Gbps Wireless Speed – Dual-Band Gigabit Internet – Covers 2,000 sq. ft., 25 Devices – Built-in VPN, USB 3.0, Gaming
Coverage up to 2,000 sq. ft. for up to 25 devices; Plug in computers, game consoles, streaming players, and more with 4 x 1G Ethernet ports
$99.99
Bestseller No. 5
Netgear Nighthawk WiFi 6 Router 5-Stream AX3600 Dual-Band (up to 3.45Gbps) - RAX41
Netgear Nighthawk WiFi 6 Router 5-Stream AX3600 Dual-Band (up to 3.45Gbps) - RAX41
Coverage up to 2,250 sq. ft. for up to 25 devices; Plug in computers, game consoles, streaming players, and more with 4 x 1 G Ethernet ports
$69.99
Best Value
Netgear Nighthawk WiFi 6 Router 5-Stream AX3600 Dual-Band (up to 3.45Gbps) - RAX41
  • Coverage up to 2,250 sq. ft. for up to 25 devices
  • Ultrafast AX3600 speeds up to 3.45 Gbps 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
  • Connects to your existing cable modem and replaces your WiFi router. Compatible with any internet service provider up to 1 Gbps including cable, satellite, fiber, and DSL
  • Plug in computers, game consoles, streaming players, and more with 4 x 1 G Ethernet ports
Rank #4
Sale
NETGEAR Nighthawk WiFi 7 Router RS150, Up to 2,250 sq ft, 5 Gbps
  • 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.

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.