Pick the TP-Link Archer BE600 if you want the most Wi-Fi 7 performance for the money: it is a tri-band BE9700-class router that usually costs less than the Netgear. Pick the Netgear Nighthawk RS300 if you prefer Netgear’s app and ecosystem, want a router rated for homes up to about 2,500 sq ft from a brand with a long track record in high-end routers, and do not mind paying a little more for it.
For most households upgrading to Wi-Fi 7 on a budget, the Archer BE600 offers slightly higher combined throughput at a lower typical price. The RS300 is a strong alternative when it is on sale, and the two are close enough in real-world speed that features, software and price should drive the decision. Expect roughly $230–$280 for the BE600 and $250–$320 for the RS300.
Our top picks
TP-Link Tri-Band BE9700 WiFi 7 Router- 𝐍𝐞𝐱𝐭-𝐆𝐞𝐧 𝐖𝐢-𝐅𝐢 𝟕 - Optimize performance on latest…
- 𝟕-𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐦, 𝐁𝐄𝟗𝟕𝟎𝟎 𝐓𝐫𝐢-𝐁𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐖𝐢-𝐅𝐢 𝟕 𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐬 - Delivers…
- 𝐌𝐚𝐱𝐢𝐦𝐢𝐳𝐞𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐞 - Up to 2,600 sq
NETGEAR Nighthawk WiFi 7 Router RS300- FASTER, FARTHER, MORE RELIABLE WIFI: A dedicated tri-band…
- Pairs with your existing modem or gateway via…
- Download the free Nighthawk app on iOS or…
NETGEAR Nighthawk WiFi 7 Router- FASTER, FARTHER, MORE RELIABLE WIFI: A dedicated tri-band…
- Pairs with your existing modem or gateway via…
- Download the free Nighthawk app on iOS or…
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Head-to-head spec table
| Spec | TP-Link Archer BE600 | Netgear Nighthawk RS300 |
|---|---|---|
| Wi-Fi standard | Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) | Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) |
| Speed class | BE9700 (up to about 9.7 Gbps combined) | BE9300 (up to about 9.3 Gbps combined) |
| Bands | Tri-band: 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, 6 GHz | Tri-band: 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, 6 GHz |
| Rated coverage | Not stated in listing title | Up to about 2,500 sq ft |
| Management app | TP-Link Tether / Deco ecosystem | Nighthawk app |
| Security add-on | HomeShield (basic free, Pro paid) | Netgear Armor (subscription after trial) |
| Typical price | About $230–$280 | About $250–$320 |
Combined speed figures add up the theoretical maximum of all bands. No single device will ever see those numbers; they are useful mainly for comparing router classes.
Wi-Fi 7 features that matter
Both routers support the core Wi-Fi 7 features that make a difference in everyday use:
- 320 MHz channels on 6 GHz: double the width of Wi-Fi 6E’s widest channels, which allows much higher peak speeds for Wi-Fi 7 phones and laptops at close range.
- 4K-QAM: packs about 20% more data into each transmission than Wi-Fi 6’s 1024-QAM, when signal is strong.
- Multi-Link Operation (MLO): lets compatible devices use more than one band at once for better speed and lower latency.
Those gains only apply to Wi-Fi 7 clients. Older Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 5 devices will still connect and often see better coverage from a new router, but they will not reach Wi-Fi 7 speeds.
Decision factor: real-world speed
On paper the BE600’s BE9700 class edges out the RS300’s BE9300. In practice, both are limited by your internet plan, your device’s Wi-Fi radio and the walls in your home. If your internet plan is 1 Gbps or lower, both routers have far more wireless capacity than you can use from the internet, and the difference will mostly show up in local transfers such as backing up to a NAS. If you have a multi-gig fiber plan, check the port speeds on each listing to make sure the router’s WAN port and your main wired devices can take advantage of it.
Decision factor: coverage and home size
Netgear rates the RS300 for up to about 2,500 sq ft. That is a typical figure for a single tri-band router in a two- or three-bedroom home with open layout. Thick walls, brick, multiple floors and placement in a corner closet all reduce effective coverage. For homes much larger than 2,500 sq ft, or long ranch layouts, a mesh system will usually beat any single router. TP-Link’s EasyMesh support lets you add compatible mesh units to the BE600 later; Netgear’s mesh path typically runs through its Orbi line instead.
Decision factor: software, security and subscriptions
Both brands offer polished phone apps for setup, guest networks, device lists and firmware updates.
- TP-Link: the Tether app handles setup and management, and HomeShield provides basic protection and parental controls, with more advanced features in a paid tier.
- Netgear: the Nighthawk app is straightforward, and Netgear Armor security and Smart Parental Controls are offered as subscriptions after a trial period.
If you dislike subscriptions, compare which free features each app includes. Both routers work fine without paid add-ons.
Decision factor: price and value
| Measure | Archer BE600 | Nighthawk RS300 |
|---|---|---|
| Combined Gbps | 9.7 | 9.3 |
| Typical price midpoint | About $255 | About $285 |
| Approx. Gbps per $100 | About 3.8 | About 3.3 |
This is rough arithmetic, not a performance test, but it shows why TP-Link is the value pick. Netgear also sells another Nighthawk Wi-Fi 7 listing with the same 2,500 sq ft and 9.3 Gbps rating that often costs less than the RS300; compare the model numbers and ports before choosing.
Setup tips for either router
- Place the router centrally and in the open, ideally elevated, not inside a cabinet or behind a TV.
- Keep the 6 GHz band in mind: it is fastest but has the shortest range, so Wi-Fi 7 devices close to the router benefit most.
- Update firmware during setup and enable automatic updates.
- Use WPA3 where all your devices support it, or WPA2/WPA3 mixed mode for older devices.
- Wire stationary devices such as desktops, consoles and TVs to free up wireless airtime.
Common questions
Do I need Wi-Fi 7 devices to benefit?
To see the headline Wi-Fi 7 gains, yes. Recent flagship phones and many 2025–2026 laptops support Wi-Fi 7. Older devices still connect on Wi-Fi 6, 6E or 5, and they often get a modest boost simply from a newer router with stronger radios and better placement.
Will either router replace my ISP’s gateway?
Usually yes, as long as your internet service provides a separate modem or an optical network terminal. If your provider gives you a combined modem-router, you can often put it in bridge mode and let the new router handle Wi-Fi and routing. Check with your provider before buying if you are unsure.
Is 6 GHz worth it in a small apartment?
In crowded apartment buildings, the 6 GHz band is often much less congested than 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz, which can make a real difference in consistency for nearby devices even if raw speed is not your priority.
Final recommendation
- Best value Wi-Fi 7 upgrade: TP-Link Archer BE600.
- Prefer Netgear’s ecosystem or found a good deal: Netgear Nighthawk RS300.
- Home over about 2,500 sq ft or multiple floors: consider a mesh system instead of either single router.
