Bottom Line:

Offering impressive performance and design, the Nighthawk RAX120 cements its place among top-tier routers, but does it have enough to outclass its fierce competitors?

At first glance, the Netgear Nighthawk RAX120 looks like something from a sci-fi movie, with its futuristic design and claimed power-packed performance. In our in-depth review, we’ll dissect every aspect of this router and see if it’s a perfect match for your needs, be it streaming, TV, and Internet services or providing the best online gaming experience. Let’s dive in!

What We Like	What We Don’t Like
Impressive performance	Slightly bulky
Robust build quality	Limited advanced software features
Easy setup process	Gets warm during extended use

Design: Futuristic Elegance with a Stealth Bomber Flair:

The Nighthawk RAX120 breaks away from traditional router designs, leaning heavily towards modern aesthetics. The unit is sleek, with sharp lines and angles reminiscent of stealth aircraft. Its dual wing-like antennae might seem intimidating, but they fold neatly into the body when not in use, adding to the minimalist yet high-tech appeal.

More than just looks, the design also impacts its performance. The vertical orientation allows for better heat dissipation, while the wing-like antennae are designed for wider and more consistent coverage. But the real question remains: does it offer a best long-range router experience as claimed? We’ll explore that in the performance section.

Robust Build: Crafted to Last:

From the feel of the materials used to the weight of the device, it’s clear that the Nighthawk RAX120 has been crafted to last. Despite its powerful internals, the router remains compact and sturdy, with excellent weight distribution that prevents it from toppling over. The rubberized feet are a nice touch, providing additional grip and stability.

The build quality extends to the ports and switches. They’re neatly arranged and easy to access without any visible wobble or loose parts. However, it’s worth noting that the build is a double-edged sword. The device might seem bulky for some users, especially those who prefer compact devices or have space constraints.

Impressive Performance: Speedy Hawk in Flight:

The Nighthawk RAX120 shines brightest when it comes to performance. Thanks to its 12-stream AX6000 WiFi, it delivers blazingly fast speeds, making it a perfect fit for best gaming routers of 2023.

The router performs exceptionally well even with multiple devices connected, showing no noticeable lag or drop in speed. However, this top-tier performance comes with a caveat – the device gets noticeably warm during extended use. While it doesn’t reach alarming temperatures, it’s something users should be mindful of.

Software: A Blend of Simplicity and Complexity:

Netgear’s software interface is user-friendly and intuitive, making it easy to set up and manage the router. However, advanced users might find the software a bit lacking in terms of advanced features.

The parental control features are a nice addition, offering comprehensive control over connected devices. Despite these features, the router’s software could be its weakest link, particularly for users looking for more granular control and customization options.

Connectivity: A Multitude of Options:

With its diverse range of ports, the Nighthawk RAX120 stands out as a connectivity powerhouse. With five Gigabit Ethernet ports, the router is a solid choice for wired connections, perfect for small businesses searching for the best small business router.

In terms of wireless connections, the router supports Wi-Fi 6, ensuring that your connected devices can take full advantage of faster speeds and more efficient data transmission.

Process Setup: Simplicity is the Key:

Setting up the Nighthawk RAX120 is a breeze, even for novice users. The router comes with detailed instructions that guide you through the process, and Netgear’s mobile application makes the setup process even more comfortable.

However, while the setup process is straightforward, some users have reported difficulty in updating the firmware, which could potentially hinder performance. We recommend updating the firmware before setting up to avoid any possible issues.

Competitors: The Hawks in the Sky:

Compared to competitors like the Asus RT-AX88U or the Asus ROG Rapture GT-AX11000, the Nighthawk RAX120 offers similar performance levels. However, it falls short in terms of customization options and advanced features. In terms of design and build quality, the RAX120 holds its ground quite well.

On the other hand, routers like the Ubiquiti AmpliFi HD and TP Link archer c80 offer more affordable options for users on a budget, possibly giving them an edge in the best budget router category.

Conclusion: Soaring High, but Not Without Flaws:

Despite some minor drawbacks, the Nighthawk RAX120 proves itself as a powerful router with impressive performance and robust build quality. While its price might be a deterrent for some, the features and capabilities it offers make it a worthy contender in the world of high-performance routers.

Whether you’re searching for the best gaming experience or best mobile hotspot for gaming, or even if you’re looking to extend your network with the best Wi-Fi extender, the Netgear Nighthawk RAX120 deserves your attention.

FAQs:

Does the Netgear Nighthawk RAX120 support Wi-Fi 6?

Yes, the Nighthawk RAX120 supports Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), offering faster speeds and more efficient data transmission.

What is the range of the Netgear Nighthawk RAX120?

The exact range may vary based on factors like physical obstructions and wireless interference, but in optimal conditions, it can cover a large home with consistent signal strength.

Is the Netgear Nighthawk RAX120 good for gaming?

Absolutely. The RAX120 offers fast speeds and low latency, making it an excellent choice for gamers.

Specifications:

Specifications	Details
Wi-Fi Technology	Dual-Band Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
Processor	64bit 2.2GHz Quad-Core processor
Weight	3 lbs
Dimensions	12.2 x 7.48 x 1.77 inches
Number of Ethernet Ports	Five (5) 10/100/1000 Mbps Gigabit Ethernet ports (1 WAN & 4 LAN)
USB Ports	Two (2) USB 3.0 ports
Key Features	8 amplified antennas, Beamforming+, MU-MIMO, OFDMA, Alexa Voice Control, and more
Security	Supports WPA3, Guest Wi-Fi Secure Access, and VPN Support
Design	Futuristic, with wing-like antennae
Build	Robust, with quality materials used
Performance	High-speed performance with 12-stream AX6000 WiFi
Software	User-friendly, with a limited set of advanced features
Connectivity	Excellent, with diverse range of ports
Setup	Easy, with guided instructions