Is the RAXE500 or RAX200 right for you?

The RAXE500 and RAX200 are nearly identical in design except for one glaring difference: The RAXE500 has a 6 GHz connection, and the RAX200 does not. Both have the best range and the highest speeds we’ve tested to date. Go with either one if you prefer speed over features and price isn’t an issue.

But both routers feel overpriced for what you get, plus they require at least two subscriptions to get the most out of them. If you want more bang for your buck, look to competing routers instead like the ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AX11000 with a better balance of speed, range, and features.

RAXE500 and RAX200 standout features

The RAXE500 and the RAX200 support multi-gig internet by way of the 2.5 GbE port or through link aggregation (2Gbps). Both routers also include a built-in OpenVPN server and a media server for sharing files over the local network and across the internet.

Compare the RAXE500 and RAX200 to the competition

We usually push the RAXE500 and RAX200 as speed demons, but truth be told, they’re not that much faster than the competition—maybe a 10–40Mbps increase difference, depending on the tested router’s top speed. But they’re the only routers we’ve tested to date that can (barely) deliver internet at 160 feet—across the street by the mailboxes, in fact. Does that long range make up for the high cost? Not really.

With the TP-Link and ASUS routers, there’s a lot of bang for your buck for a smidge less speed than the Nighthawk routers, like free parental controls and free security. Heck, the TP-Link models even have eight Ethernet ports versus four. Frankly, the ASUS model is the most feature-packed router on the list, with added features like printer sharing and the VPN client.

See our full coverage of the best gaming routers.

Our RAXE500 and RAX200 scoring breakdown

Are there any additional costs?

You’d think premium parental controls and security would be part of the package for the amount of money you pay for these two routers. But no. The RAX200 has more free, basic parental controls than the RAXE500, but if you want time limits and bedtime schedules, you need a Circle or Smart Parental Controls subscription. Both routers require a NETGEAR Guard subscription to use the security features. Our FAQ provides more information about the cost and features.

Our Nighthawk RAXE500 vs. RAX200 review: The verdict

We’ve recommended the RAX200 as a router for speed for a while now, and that hasn’t changed. It’s still our top performer of the Wi-Fi 6 routers we’ve tested to date. Sure, it lacks in some areas and is a bit bloated in price for the features you get. But its range is impressive, so some may argue it’s worth the cost. We’re still on the fence about the overall value.

Now the RAXE500 model is here to take the performance crown. It’s identical in every way to the RAX200 model except for the 6 GHz radio for roughly over $200 more. That new connection is like a shiny new sports car you want to gun down the internet speedways, but you must have a Wi-Fi 6E device to take advantage of the top speeds.

If you need an upgrade right this minute, the RAX200 and RAXE500 are a tough sell, given the competition. Don’t even bother with the RAXE500 if you have no plans to get a Wi-Fi 6E device before Wi-Fi 7 surfaces in 2023.

Get the NETGEAR Nighthawk RAXE500

Get the NETGEAR Nighthawk RAX200

FAQ about the Nighthawk RAXE500 and RAX200

Methodology

We test router speed by setting up each router in an office and connecting it to a local test server. Then, we transmit test data between our wireless devices and the server, taking numerous measurements to account for fluctuations in Wi-Fi speeds.

The first tests occur close to the router, without obstructions—so the Wi-Fi is as strong and fast as it’s gonna get. We repeat the process straight out at 10, 20, and 30 feet, with only a glass door obstructing our view of the router. The same glass door and an exterior door blocks our path when we test outside at 40 and 50 feet.

We also run tests in a hallway to the left of the TV room and office—where there’s a glass door, three walls, and an air handler unit blocking our view of the router. The dining room, another testing point, sits to the right of the kitchen, TV room, and office—two walls and a glass door block the path in this test.

To test video streaming, we connect a fast storage device to the router and stream a 4K video to six wireless devices simultaneously—two phones, three tablets, and a laptop—connected to the same wireless band.

Client devices used in testing

RAXE500 benchmarks (5 GHz only)

RAX200 benchmarks (5 GHz only)

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