The Netgear RAX20 router is perfect for home use as it has a wide connectivity range and good browsing speeds. However, it cannot be used as part of a mesh network.
The Netgear RAX20 is an entry-level dual-band router first announced in early 2021. The WiFi 6 router runs on a quad-core 1.5 GHz processor, is also backward compatible with earlier WiFi generation devices and supports OFDMA technology for much more efficient sharing of its WiFi bandwidth. The router’s four LAN and single WAN ports should be sufficient for most basic users, but if you’re a heavy user who prefers a better port selection, check out our list of the best routers, where you’ll find alternatives like the Reyee RG E5. The router has a maximum bandwidth of up to 600 Mbps on its 2.4 GHz band and 1200 Mbps on its 5 GHz band and offers WPA3 security for secure browsing.
The Netgear RAX20 runs on a quad-core processor that guarantees superior performance but doesn’t support MU-MIMO technology and cannot be used as part of a mesh network.
Best For
Netgear
Consensus
our Verdict
The Netgear RAX20 dual-band router is a great buy for basic users who want to benefit from the latest WiFi 6 technology. The dual-band router has a range of up to 70 feet (per tests), so it should suffice for medium to large homes. Regarding its connectivity speed, the RAX20 averages download speeds of about 70 Mbps and 328 Mbps on its 2.4GHz and 5GHz networks, respectively, earning it a spot among the top 30% of routers in its category. It also boasts a 6ms latency on its 5 GHz band, and for better coverage, buyers can purchase an extender as the router can’t be used as part of a mesh network.
Installation and setup are done on the Nighthawk app, which allows owners to monitor connection speeds and bandwidth usage. Other apps for users to download include Netgear Armor for antivirus and antimalware protection and Netgear Smart Parental Controls for filtering accessible content and controlling access time.
Reason to Buy
Good connectivity speeds
The Netgear RAX20 offers speeds of up to 560 Mbps and 2480 Mbps on its 2.4GHz and 5 GHz networks, which places it in the top 20% of routers in its category.
Good range of coverage
The Netgear RAX20 has a tested range of up to 33.52 meters, which places it in the top 40% of routers.
Easy to set up and install
Owners of the RAX20 will be able to install & manage it through the Nighthawk app.
Reason to Avoid
Cannot be used as part of a mesh network
The RAX20 cannot be used as part of a mesh network.
Netgear RAX20 Specs
# of LAN Ports
4
# of Phone Ports
n/a
# of WAN Ports
1
App Compatible
Yes
Available Storage
256MB
Band Technology
Dual
Data Encryption Type
WPA, WPA2, WPA2-PSK, WPA3
Energy Star Certified
No
Frequency Bands
2.4 GHz, 5.0 GHz
Integrated Modem
No
LAN Ports
4 Gb Ethernet
MU-MIMO Support
Yes
Mesh System
No
Number of Antennas
2
Parental Controls
Yes
Processor Cores
Quad
Processor Speed
1.5 GHz
Quality of Service Prioritization
No
WiFi Range
1,500 sq.ft
WiFi Speed
1.8 Gb
Wired Speed
1000 Mb
Wireless Standard
AX
All Specs
Test Results
We are all about transparency. Click here to view our trusted dataset of product test results. *0 = no data
2.4 GHz Download speed (Mbits/s)
70
2.4 GHz Upload speed (Mbits/s)
0
5 GHz Download speed (Mbits/s)
328
5 GHz Upload speed (Mbits/s)
0
Router Range (ft)
70
Latency (ms)
0
6 Ghz Download speed (Mbits/s)
0
6 Ghz Upload speed (Mbits/s)
0
All Tests
Get the Winner of the Day Direct to Your Inbox
Join 1+ million monthly users and become an instant expert with our daily download of reviews, tips and guides.
The Netgear RAX20 is an entry-level dual-band router first announced in early 2021. The WiFi 6 router runs on a quad-core 1.5 GHz processor, is…
The Netgear RAX20 is an entry-level dual-band router first announced in early 2021. The WiFi 6 router runs on a quad-core 1.5 GHz processor, is also backward compatible with earlier WiFi generation devices and supports OFDMA technology for much more efficient sharing of its WiFi bandwidth. The router’s four LAN and single WAN ports should be sufficient for most basic users, but if you’re a heavy user who prefers a better port selection, check out our list of the best routers, where you’ll find alternatives like the Reyee RG E5. The router has a maximum bandwidth of up to 600 Mbps on its 2.4 GHz band and 1200 Mbps on its 5 GHz band and offers WPA3 security for secure browsing.
The Netgear RAX20 runs on a quad-core processor that guarantees superior performance but doesn’t support MU-MIMO technology and cannot be used as part of a mesh network.
The Netgear RAX20 has impressive download speeds, hitting 560 Mbps and 2480 Mbps on its 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks, making it faster than…
The Netgear RAX20 has impressive download speeds, hitting 560 Mbps and 2480 Mbps on its 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks, making it faster than the Netgear Nighthawk XR500, rated at 338 Mbps and 856 Mbps. Also different is that the Netgear RAX20 router has two only external antennas while the Netgear Nighthawk XR500 has four. Here’s our Netgear Nighthawk XR500 review for more information about what else it offers.
The Netgear RAX20 only ships as one router, while the Netgear Orbi RBKE963 ships as a mesh router system consisting of a main router and…
The Netgear RAX20 only ships as one router, while the Netgear Orbi RBKE963 ships as a mesh router system consisting of a main router and a satellite. Additionally, the RAX20 has four LAN ports and one WAN port, slightly different from the RBKWE963, which has one WAN and four LAN ports on its router and four LAN ports on each satellite. Take a look at what else it has to offer by going through our Netgear Orbi RBKE963 review.
The Netgear RAX20 router hits download speeds of up to 560 Mbps and 2480 Mbps on its 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands, making it…
The Netgear RAX20 router hits download speeds of up to 560 Mbps and 2480 Mbps on its 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands, making it faster than the Razer Sila AC3000, which achieves speeds of up to 40.35 Mbps and 226 Mbps on its two bands.
The RAX 20 also has two external antennae, while the Razer Sila AC3000 has internal antenna. However, the RAX20 has four LAN ports, more than…
The RAX 20 also has two external antennae, while the Razer Sila AC3000 has internal antenna. However, the RAX20 has four LAN ports, more than the three on the Razer Sila. The Razer Sila is also designed to appeal to gamers, so if you happen to be one and would like to see what else it has in store, read through our Razer Sila AC3000 review.
