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Linksys Hydra Pro 6 MR5500 Router vs NETGEAR Nighthawk RS150 WiFi 7 Router

Buy the Linksys Hydra Pro 6 if you want a cheap, proven WiFi 6 mesh router with a USB port and about 2,700 sq ft of coverage; it has sold for $69.00 to $93.99 since October 30, 2026. Buy the NETGEAR Nighthawk RS150 if you want WiFi 7 headroom for newer phones and laptops and a higher-rated, better-reviewed router. The RS150 costs more, so the Hydra Pro 6 is the value pick and the RS150 is the future-proofing pick.

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Linksys
Linksys Hydra Pro 6 Dual-Band Mesh WiFi 6 Router MR5500

Linksys Hydra Pro 6 MR5500 Router

Linksys Hydra Pro 6 Dual-Band Mesh WiFi 6 Router MR5500

3.7(3 ratings)
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Choose the Linksys Hydra Pro 6 if you want a low-cost WiFi 6 mesh router with a USB 3.0 port and coverage rated for 2,700 sq ft.

Pros
  • WiFi 6 with 160 MHz channels and up to 5.4 Gbps combined
  • Covers up to 2,700 sq ft and 30+ devices
  • USB 3.0 port for a drive or printer
  • Intelligent Mesh keeps one WiFi name across nodes
  • Low price: $69.00 to $93.99 since October 30, 2026
Cons
  • Dual-band only, no 6 GHz band
  • Older WiFi 6 standard, not WiFi 7
  • No rating shown for this listing
NETGEAR
NETGEAR Nighthawk WiFi 7 Router RS150

NETGEAR Nighthawk RS150 WiFi 7 Router

NETGEAR Nighthawk WiFi 7 Router RS150

4.6(2,700 ratings)
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Choose the NETGEAR Nighthawk RS150 if you have WiFi 7 devices and want the newer standard plus a 4.6-out-of-5 rating from 2,700 buyers.

Pros
  • WiFi 7, the newer standard for current phones and laptops
  • Rated 4.6 out of 5 from 2,700 ratings
  • WPA, WPA2 and WPA3 support
  • Gigabit Ethernet with many LAN ports listed
Cons
  • Rated coverage of 2,250 sq ft is less than the Hydra Pro 6
  • No price given, so value is hard to judge
  • Dual-band, so no 6 GHz band despite WiFi 7

What separates them

Linksys Hydra Pro 6 MR5500 RouterNETGEAR Nighthawk RS150 WiFi 7 Router
WiFi standardWiFi 6 (802.11ax), AX5400 classWiFi 7
BandsDual-band, 2.4 and 5 GHz with 160 MHz channelsDual-band
Rated coverageUp to 2,700 sq ftUp to 2,250 sq ft
MeshLinksys Intelligent Mesh, single network name across nodesNETGEAR mesh support
Wired ports1 Gigabit WAN, 4 Gigabit LAN, 1 USB 3.0Gigabit Ethernet, 45 ENET ports listed
SecurityWPA2 and WPA3WPA, WPA2 and WPA3
Voice assistantAmazon AlexaNot listed
Price$69.00 to $93.99 since October 30, 2026Not given

Price history

$150.00$69.00
Oct 30Oct 31
  • Linksys Hydra Pro 6 MR5500 Router: lowest $69.00 on Oct 31 at eBay.
  • NETGEAR Nighthawk RS150 WiFi 7 Router: lowest $150.00 on Oct 30 at eBay.

Prices at every store

Linksys Hydra Pro 6 MR5500 Router

  • Back MarketCheck price at Back Market
  • eBayCheck price at eBay
  • Newegg.comCheck price at Newegg.com

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Prices and history →

NETGEAR Nighthawk RS150 WiFi 7 Router

  • Best BuyCheck price at Best Buy
  • B&H Photo-Video-AudioCheck price at B&H Photo-Video-Audio
  • BrandsMart USACheck price at BrandsMart USA
Prices and history →

Specs compared

SpecLinksys Hydra Pro 6 MR5500 RouterNETGEAR Nighthawk RS150 WiFi 7 Router
ConnectivityWirelessWireless
Encryption TypeWPA2, WPA3WPA, WPA2, WPA3
Gigabit EthernetYesYes
Wireless StandardWireless-AC, Wireless-N, Wireless-GWireless-AC, Wireless-N, Wireless-G
ColorBlackBlack
Wireless Band CountDual-bandDual-band
Ethernet Ports4 ENET Ports45 ENET Ports
Coverage Area2,700 square feet2,250 square feet
Assistant SupportAmazon Alexa—
sizeN/A—

What reviewers say

Linksys Hydra Pro 6 MR5500 Router

Owner feedback on the Hydra Pro 6 centers on solid WiFi 6 speeds and easy app setup, with complaints about range in larger homes and the lack of a 6 GHz band.

What people mention
  • SpeedPraisedOwners report strong 5 GHz throughput on WiFi 6 phones and laptops.
  • SetupPraisedThe Linksys app makes setup and network management straightforward.
  • CoverageCriticisedSome owners find one unit does not reach the full 2,700 sq ft in homes with thick walls.
  • BandsMixedDual-band operation is fine for most, but buyers wanting 6 GHz must look elsewhere.

NETGEAR Nighthawk RS150 WiFi 7 Router

  • 4.6 / 52,700 ratings

Buyers rate the RS150 highly, at 4.6 out of 5 from about 2,700 ratings. Most praise its speed, easy setup and reliable coverage for a mid-size home.

What people mention
  • SpeedPraisedBuyers say WiFi 7 delivers noticeably faster throughput than their old routers.
  • SetupPraisedOwners describe setup as quick and straightforward.
  • CoverageMixedMost find 2,250 square feet adequate, but some in larger homes want more range.

Questions and answers

Which is better for a large house?
The Linksys Hydra Pro 6 is rated for up to 2,700 sq ft versus 2,250 sq ft for the RS150, and its Intelligent Mesh lets you add nodes under one WiFi name. For a very large home, plan on a mesh node with either router.
Is WiFi 7 worth it over WiFi 6?
Only if you own WiFi 7 devices such as recent phones and laptops. The RS150 is WiFi 7; the Hydra Pro 6 is WiFi 6 with 160 MHz channels, which is still fast for most homes.
Which has more wired ports?
The RS150 lists 45 Ethernet ports against 4 LAN ports plus 1 WAN port on the Hydra Pro 6. The Hydra Pro 6 also adds a USB 3.0 port, which the RS150 listing does not show.
Which is the better value?
The Hydra Pro 6 has sold for $69.00 to $93.99 since October 30, 2026, which is low for a WiFi 6 mesh router. No price is given for the RS150, so compare its current store price before deciding.
Do both support WPA3?
Yes. Both list WPA3, and the RS150 also lists the older WPA and WPA2 modes.
Which lasts longer?
Neither has a published lifespan. The RS150's WiFi 7 support should stay current longer as new devices ship with WiFi 7; the Hydra Pro 6 is already one generation behind.

More comparisons

  • NETGEAR Nighthawk WiFi 7 Router RS150 vs Linksys Hydra Pro 6E Tri-Band Mesh WiFi AXE6600 Router
  • Linksys MR9000 AC3000 Max-Stream Tri-Band Mesh WiFi 5 Router vs Linksys Hydra Pro 6 Dual-Band Mesh WiFi 6 Router MR5500
BandsCriticised
Some buyers miss the 6 GHz band found on pricier WiFi 7 routers.