NETGEAR
NETGEAR Nighthawk RAXE500
The NETGEAR Nighthawk RAXE500 lands as a solid mid-range wi-fi router, built around Wi-Fi 6E.
58/100
Wi-Fi 6Etri-bandAX
£170best price at Amazon
In stock at 1 retailer
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Why we rate it
- Tri-band
- OFDMA
- Beamforming
- Above-average mu-mimo streams
- No mesh capable
- Below-average wan ports
Score profile
Scored against the wi-fi routers classWhere the NETGEAR Nighthawk RAXE500 wins and loses
Full specification
Grouped · supported features marked in blueSpecifications
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi standardWi-Fi 6E
Class (AX, BE)AX
Bandstri-band
Tri-bandYes
MU-MIMO streams12
OFDMAYes
BeamformingYes
WPA3 encryptionYes
Ethernet and ports
LAN ports4
WAN ports1
Max port speed2.5
2.5 GbE ports1
Processing
CPU cores4
CPU clock1.8 GHz
Features
VPN clientYes
Quality of ServiceYes
Parental controlsYes
Guest networkYes
App controlYes
Head to head
Highlighted cell = better in that rowNETGEAR Nighthawk RAXE500 vs ASUS ASUS RT-BE88U
NETGEAR Nighthawk RAXE500ASUS RT-BE88U
| NETGEARNETGEAR Nighthawk RAXE500This page | ASUSASUS RT-BE88U | |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 58 /100Better | 56 /100 |
| WIFI standard | Wi-Fi 6E | Wi-Fi 7 |
| Max throughput mbps | — | 7200 |
| Bands | tri-band | dual-band |
| Max port speed gbps | 2.5 | — |
Who it's for
Is the NETGEAR Nighthawk RAXE500 right for you?
Buy it if
Buyers on a budget
Anyone who needs a dependable wi-fi router for the essentials without overspending.
Skip it if
Skip it if
You need mesh capable, in which case a higher-tier wi-fi router is the better call.
Large-home power user
Many devices, big floorplan, wants no dead spots.
good
Typical household
Streaming, calls and browsing across a few rooms.
good
Budget buyer
Wants a dependable upgrade for less.
excellent
Common questions
Before you buy
Is the NETGEAR Nighthawk RAXE500 worth it?
It depends on what you need. It scores 58/100 against other wi-fi routers, a solid mid-range result where the class average is around 53.
What stands out on the NETGEAR Nighthawk RAXE500?
Its tri-band stands out, a genuinely useful feature if your setup calls for it.
How does it compare to the NETGEAR Orbi WiFi 6 Mesh System (RBK863SB)?
The NETGEAR Orbi WiFi 6 Mesh System (RBK863SB) scores 59/100 versus this one at 58/100, so it is the step up on the spec sheet.
You might also consider
Alternatives & similar wi-fi routers
If you want to spend less
NETGEAR Orbi 970 Series WiFi 7
The NETGEAR Orbi 970 Series WiFi 7 covers the basics for less outlay.
See review →If you want the best
NETGEAR Orbi WiFi 6 Mesh System (RBK863SB)
The NETGEAR Orbi WiFi 6 Mesh System (RBK863SB) scores higher and adds headroom for demanding setups.
See review →
