Is the RS130 worth it over a Wi-Fi 6 router?

If you have Wi-Fi 7 phones, laptops or a fast fiber plan, the RS130 gives you newer radios and a 2.5 Gigabit port. If your devices are all Wi-Fi 6 or older, a good Wi-Fi 6 router covers similar ground for less.

How does it compare with tri-band Wi-Fi 7 routers?

It is dual-band, so it has no 6 GHz band and fewer streams. Tri-band models handle more heavy devices at once and cover larger homes, but they cost more.

How many devices can it handle?

NETGEAR rates it for up to 80 connected devices, which covers a typical family home with phones, TVs, computers and smart home gear.

Does it have a 2.5 Gigabit port?

Yes, it has a 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet port, so it can use multi-gig fiber plans without bottlenecking at 1 Gbps.

What is included with NETGEAR Armor?

Armor is a security service that shields connected devices. It comes with a trial, and continued use requires a paid subscription.

You get the router, a power adapter and an Ethernet cable, plus setup instructions through the Nighthawk app.

What do buyers say about the NETGEAR Nighthawk Dual-Band WiFi 7 Router (RS130)?

Rated 4.5 out of 5 from 188 ratings.

NETGEAR Nighthawk Dual-Band WiFi 7 Router (RS130)

Best price now

$129.00at WalmartChecked Nov 13

Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when.

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NETGEAR Nighthawk Dual-Band WiFi 7 Router (RS130)

Best price now

$129.00at WalmartChecked Nov 13

Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when.

Visit Walmart

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Price facts

Last seen at $129.00 at Walmart on Nov 13.

Our take on the NETGEAR Nighthawk Dual-Band WiFi 7 Router (RS130)

The Nighthawk RS130 is NETGEAR's entry-level Wi-Fi 7 router, a dual-band unit rated for up to 4.3 Gbps and coverage of about 2,250 sq. ft. for up to 80 devices. It has one 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet port, which suits fast fiber plans, and it includes a trial of NETGEAR Armor security. It is a sensible pick for a large apartment or a small house that wants Wi-Fi 7 without paying for a tri-band model. Compared with tri-band Wi-Fi 7 routers, it has fewer streams and no 6 GHz band, so very crowded homes and heavy multi-device users get less headroom. Owners rate it well overall, and the usual complaints are about the limited port count and the subscription cost of Armor after the trial.

Best forHomes of up to about 2,250 sq. ft.Fiber plans up to 2.5 GbpsHouseholds with many smart home devicesBuyers who want Wi-Fi 7 without a tri-band price

Pros

Wi-Fi 7 support with speeds up to 4.3 Gbps
2.5 Gigabit Ethernet port for fast fiber
Rated for up to 80 connected devices
Covers up to about 2,250 sq. ft.
NETGEAR Armor security included with a trial

Cons

Dual-band only, with no 6 GHz band
Fewer Ethernet ports than larger Nighthawk models
Armor requires a subscription after the trial
Not enough for very large homes on its own

NETGEAR Nighthawk Dual-Band WiFi 7 Router (RS130) prices at every store

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$129.00Checked Nov 13
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NETGEAR Nighthawk Dual-Band WiFi 7 Router (RS130) price history

Lowest price we've seen: $129.00 on Nov 13 at Walmart. Tracked across 1 store since Nov 13.

What reviewers say

4.5 / 5188 ratings

Owners rate the RS130 highly, generally praising easy setup, stable connections and the speed boost on Wi-Fi 7 devices. Complaints center on the small number of Ethernet ports and the cost of Armor once the trial ends.

What people mention

SetupPraisedOwners say the Nighthawk app makes setup quick and straightforward.
CoveragePraisedReviewers report solid coverage across a typical house or large apartment.
SpeedPraisedWi-Fi 7 devices see noticeably faster throughput than on older routers.
PortsCriticisedSome owners want more Ethernet ports for wired devices.
ArmorMixedThe included security is useful, but owners dislike paying for it after the trial.
BandsMixedBuyers note the lack of a 6 GHz band limits it against tri-band Wi-Fi 7 routers.

About the NETGEAR Nighthawk Dual-Band WiFi 7 Router (RS130)

The NETGEAR Nighthawk RS130 is a dual-band WiFi 7 (802.11be) router. It delivers speeds up to 4.3 Gbps, which is 1.2x faster than WiFi 6.

It covers up to 2,250 sq. ft. and handles up to 80 devices at once. It supports 4K streaming and video conferencing, and it keeps smart home devices connected.

NETGEAR Armor creates an automatic shield for all connected devices on the network.

Wi-Fi standard: Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be)
Bands: Dual-band
Max speed: Up to 4.3 Gbps
Ethernet speed: 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet
Coverage: Up to 2,250 sq. ft.
Device capacity: Up to 80 devices
Security: NETGEAR Armor

Specifications

Supported Bands: Dual-bandSource
Wi-Fi: YesSource
Wi-Fi Standard: Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be)Source
Ethernet Speed: 2.5 GigaBit EthernetSource

Questions and answers

Is the RS130 worth it over a Wi-Fi 6 router?: If you have Wi-Fi 7 phones, laptops or a fast fiber plan, the RS130 gives you newer radios and a 2.5 Gigabit port. If your devices are all Wi-Fi 6 or older, a good Wi-Fi 6 router covers similar ground for less.
How does it compare with tri-band Wi-Fi 7 routers?: It is dual-band, so it has no 6 GHz band and fewer streams. Tri-band models handle more heavy devices at once and cover larger homes, but they cost more.
How many devices can it handle?: NETGEAR rates it for up to 80 connected devices, which covers a typical family home with phones, TVs, computers and smart home gear.
Does it have a 2.5 Gigabit port?: Yes, it has a 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet port, so it can use multi-gig fiber plans without bottlenecking at 1 Gbps.
What is included with NETGEAR Armor?: Armor is a security service that shields connected devices. It comes with a trial, and continued use requires a paid subscription.
What is in the box?: You get the router, a power adapter and an Ethernet cable, plus setup instructions through the Nighthawk app.
Where is the NETGEAR Nighthawk Dual-Band WiFi 7 Router (RS130) cheapest?: At Walmart, for $129.00, as of our latest check.
What do buyers say about the NETGEAR Nighthawk Dual-Band WiFi 7 Router (RS130)?: Rated 4.5 out of 5 from 188 ratings.