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Netgear AC1450 Review | 77 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£130
  • Avg. price in US: ~$160
  • Wi-Fi version: Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
  • Wi-Fi speed: 1450 Mbps
  • LAN port speeds: 1 Gbps
  • Wireless coverage: ?

Netgear AC1450 review. Compare 77 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among routers and if it is worth buying.

6.5

Overall score

What it is: An overall evaluation of the router's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.

When it matters: When you need a quick reference to identify the best routers on the market.

Score components:

90.0%

6.7

Technical Score

10.0%

4.6

User score

Good
6.7

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the router's technical performance, covering key areas such as Wi-Fi performance, wired connectivity, security, software features, coverage, and design.

When it matters: When you want to compare routers based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

26.0%

4.8

Wireless

20.0%

6.2

Ports

18.0%

8.1

Networking

14.0%

9.2

Security

12.0%

6.0

Hardware

10.0%

7.9

Management

Good
4.6

User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the router.

When it matters: When you want to know how a router performs in daily use and how reliable it is for speed, coverage, and stability according to user feedback.

Score components:

70.0%

5.6

User reviews

30.0%

2.1

Popularity

User score:
United States
Amazon_logo.png
2.8
(22)

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

Poor
  • 4.4
    Gaming

    Score components:

    33.0%

    3.2

    Wi-Fi speed

    28.0%

    6.8

    CPU clock speed

    22.0%

    5.4

    RAM capacity

    17.0%

    1.4

    Maximum connected devices

  • 5.3
    Travel

    Score components:

    40.0%

    8.6

    Weight

    30.0%

    3.2

    Wi-Fi speed

    20.0%

    4.0

    Cellular modem type

    10.0%

    1.0

    SIM slot

  • No image
No image

Best prices in UK

    N/A~ £130

Best rankings

?

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The Netgear AC1450 is a dual-band 802.11ac Smart WiFi router powered by a dual-core 800MHz processor, designed to offer combined wireless speeds of up to 1450Mbps (450Mbps on 2.4GHz and 975Mbps on 5GHz). It features five Gigabit Ethernet ports (1 WAN, 4 LAN), six internal antennas, and two USB ports, including one high-speed USB 3.0 for enhanced network storage access. Main pros include its support for Beamforming+ technology for improved range and stability, DLNA certification for easy media streaming, and robust security through SPI/NAT firewalls and DoS protection. However, some users have reported that its stock firmware can be restrictive, and while the hardware is identical to the higher-spec R6300v2, it is software-locked to lower speeds unless manually flashed.

Technical Specifications of router Netgear AC1450

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the router's technical performance, covering key areas such as Wi-Fi performance, wired connectivity, security, software features, coverage, and design.

When it matters: When you want to compare routers based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

26.0%

4.8

Wireless

20.0%

6.2

Ports

18.0%

8.1

Networking

14.0%

9.2

Security

12.0%

6.0

Hardware

10.0%

7.9

Management

6.7
Netgear AC1450 has a technical score of 6.75 points, which is higher than that of 55.6% of products in this category.
User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the router.

When it matters: When you want to know how a router performs in daily use and how reliable it is for speed, coverage, and stability according to user feedback.

Score components:

70.0%

5.6

User reviews

30.0%

2.1

Popularity

User score:
United States
Amazon_logo.png
2.8
(22)

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

4.6
Netgear AC1450 has a user score of 4.56 points, which is lower than that of 99.5% of products in this category.
Popularity
What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the router.
When it matters: When you prefer to choose a router reviewed and selected by many other buyers.
2.1
Netgear AC1450 has a popularity of 2.1 points, which is lower than 64.7% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

What it is: An indicator that combines the router's overall rating with its cost.

When it matters: When you are looking for a router with a good balance between network performance, features, and price.

Score components:

60.0%

6.5

Overall score

40.0%

9.8

Price

7.5
Netgear AC1450 has a quality-to-price ratio of 7.5 points, which is lower than 52.7% of products in this category.
Brand name
What it is: The manufacturer or brand of the product.
When it matters: When you prefer a specific ecosystem, support network, or design philosophy.

Importance: MEDIUM

Netgear
Wi-Fi version
What it is: Identifies the Wi-Fi generation the router supports, such as Wi-Fi 5, 6, 6E, or 7.
When it matters: When newer phones, laptops, and consoles need the latest Wi-Fi efficiency and speed features.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)

Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
Netgear AC1450 uses Wi-Fi Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), which is more advanced than 39.4% of routers and equal to 25.4% of routers.
Wi-Fi bands
What it is: Lists which wireless frequency bands the router can use, such as 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, or 6 GHz.
When it matters: When you need to balance range, speed, and congestion across different types of client devices.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: 2.4 GHz + 5 GHz

2.4 GHz + 5 GHz
Netgear AC1450 supports 2.4 GHz + 5 GHz Wi-Fi bands, which are more versatile than 25% of routers and equal to 67.9% of routers.
Wi-Fi speed
What it is: The advertised maximum wireless throughput rating of the router under supported conditions.
When it matters: When several users stream, download, and game at once and you want more wireless headroom.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >2700 Mbps

1,450 Mbps
Netgear AC1450 delivers 1450 Mbps Wi-Fi speed, which is higher than 50% of routers.
Channel widths supported
What it is: Lists the Wi-Fi channel widths the router can use, such as 20, 40, 80, or 160 MHz.
When it matters: When you want the option to trade peak speed against stability in crowded wireless environments.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: 20 MHz + 40 MHz + 80 MHz

20 MHz + 40 MHz + 80 MHz
Netgear AC1450 supports 20 MHz + 40 MHz + 80 MHz channel width options, which is more than 40.4% of routers and the same as 32.1% of routers.
Show more
Wi-Fi security protocols
What it is: Lists the wireless security standards the router supports, such as WPA2 or WPA3.
When it matters: When you want stronger wireless protection without locking out older devices that still need compatibility.

Importance: HIGH

WPA2, WPA, WEP, 802.1X
Netgear AC1450 supports WPA2, WPA, WEP, 802.1X Wi-Fi security protocols, which are less advanced than 62.2% of routers and equal to 4.9% of routers.
DoS protection
What it is: Provides defenses intended to reduce the impact of denial-of-service traffic against the router or network.
When it matters: When exposed services or remote access make resilience against traffic floods more important.

Importance: HIGH

yes
Netgear AC1450 includes DoS protection. 11% of routers include DoS protection.
SPI intrusion protection
What it is: Uses stateful packet inspection to track sessions and block suspicious unsolicited traffic more accurately.
When it matters: When the router needs a stronger first line of filtering on an internet-facing connection.

Importance: HIGH

yes
Netgear AC1450 includes SPI-based intrusion protection. 3.6% of routers include SPI-based intrusion protection.
MAC address filtering
What it is: Lets the router allow or block devices based on their MAC addresses.
When it matters: When you want an extra device-level access rule beyond passwords and network names.

Importance: MEDIUM

yes
Netgear AC1450 supports MAC address filtering. 1% of routers include MAC address filtering.
URL filter
What it is: Allows the router to block or allow access based on website addresses or domain rules.
When it matters: When you need to restrict specific sites for children, guests, or work-policy reasons.

Importance: MEDIUM

yes
Netgear AC1450 supports URL filtering. 1.8% of routers include URL filtering.
Show more
IPv6 support
What it is: Support for the newer IPv6 internet addressing standard alongside the older IPv4 system.
When it matters: When your internet provider or network already uses IPv6, or you want the router to stay compatible as IPv6 use becomes more common.

Importance: HIGH

yes
Netgear AC1450 supports IPv6. 10.9% of routers are IPv6-ready.
Dynamic routing
What it is: Supports routing protocols or dynamic route updates instead of relying only on static route entries.
When it matters: When the router sits in a more complex network with changing paths between multiple subnets.

Importance: MEDIUM

yes
Netgear AC1450 supports dynamic routing. 46.8% of routers support dynamic routing.
Inter-VLAN routing
What it is: Allows the router to pass traffic between separate VLANs under controlled rules.
When it matters: When you need segmented networks to communicate selectively instead of staying fully isolated.

Importance: MEDIUM

no
Netgear AC1450 does not support inter-VLAN routing. 22.2% of routers support inter-VLAN routing.
VLAN tagging
What it is: Lets the router mark traffic with VLAN tags for segmented or ISP-specific network setups.
When it matters: When you separate guest, office, IoT, or ISP-required traffic into different network segments.

Importance: MEDIUM

yes
Netgear AC1450 supports VLAN tagging. 37.2% of routers include VLAN tagging.
QoS
What it is: Provides quality-of-service controls that prioritize some traffic over less important traffic.
When it matters: When calls, gaming, and downloads compete and you want latency-sensitive traffic protected.

Importance: HIGH

yes
Netgear AC1450 includes QoS controls. 2.7% of routers include QoS controls.
Show more
N. of LAN ports
What it is: Measures how many LAN ports the router includes. A higher count expands direct connectivity for matching devices.
When it matters: When you run a home office with NAS, TV boxes, and desktops, having more LAN ports avoids extra switches and keeps latency lower on wired links.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: 4 ports

4
Netgear AC1450 has 4 LAN ports, which is more than 23.4% of routers and the same as 69.5% of routers.
LAN port speeds
What it is: Lists the Ethernet speeds available on the router’s LAN ports, such as Gigabit or multi-gig.
When it matters: When wired transfers to NAS, desktops, or access points need more than basic Ethernet speeds.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: 1 Gbps

1 Gbps
Netgear AC1450 offers 1 Gbps on its LAN ports, which is faster than 27.2% of routers and on par with 59.8% of routers.
N. of WAN ports
What it is: Shows how many separate WAN uplink ports the router provides for internet connections.
When it matters: When you use dual internet lines, backup WAN, or load balancing between multiple external links.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: 1 WAN port

1
Netgear AC1450 has 1 WAN ports, which is more than 1% of routers and the same as 90.1% of routers.
N. of USB ports
What it is: Shows how many USB ports the router includes for storage, printers, or modem accessories.
When it matters: When you plan to share storage, attach a printer, or use USB-based network extras.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: 1 USB port

2
Netgear AC1450 has 2 USB ports, which is more than 79.3% of routers and the same as 20.4% of routers.
Power over Ethernet (PoE)
What it is: Power over Ethernet support, meaning the router can receive power, deliver it, or be part of a PoE-based installation.
When it matters: When you want cleaner installation with fewer separate power cables, especially in ceilings, walls, racks, or remote locations.

Importance: MEDIUM

no
Netgear AC1450 does not support Power over Ethernet (PoE). 0.5% of routers can be powered over Ethernet.
Show more
Management interface
What it is: Shows how the router is configured and monitored, such as web UI, app, or command-line tools.
When it matters: When setup depth and day-to-day admin convenience are part of the buying decision.

Importance: HIGH

Web UI, App, Utility
Netgear AC1450 uses Web UI, App, Utility for management, which is more advanced than 92.9% of routers and equal to 2% of routers.
NETGEAR genie
Firmware upgrade method
What it is: Describes how router firmware updates are installed, such as automatic OTA, web UI, or manual upload.
When it matters: When you want security fixes and new features applied with less maintenance friction.

Importance: HIGH

Web UI, App, Automatic
Netgear AC1450 supports Web UI, App, Automatic firmware update methods, which are more convenient than 78.9% of routers and equal to 19.9% of routers.
Traffic monitoring
What it is: Lets the router track bandwidth usage by device, app category, or time period.
When it matters: When you need to find which devices or activities are causing slowdowns or high data use.

Importance: MEDIUM

yes
Netgear AC1450 includes traffic monitoring. 17.5% of routers include traffic monitoring.
Guest Wi-Fi network
What it is: Lets the router create a separate wireless network for visitors or less-trusted devices.
When it matters: When guests need internet access without reaching private devices on the main network.

Importance: HIGH

yes
Netgear AC1450 offers a guest Wi‑Fi network. 8.6% of routers offer a guest Wi‑Fi network.
Captive portal
What it is: Supports a login or acceptance page that users must pass before getting internet access.
When it matters: When guest networks, rentals, cafes, or managed access points need a sign-in page.

Importance: MEDIUM

no
Netgear AC1450 does not offer captive portal features. 23.9% of routers offer captive portal features.
Show more
CPU clock speed
What it is: Shows the operating frequency of the router processor, often listed per core.
When it matters: When routing, encryption, QoS, and many active clients can put heavier load on the CPU.

Importance: HIGH

0.8 GHz
Netgear AC1450 runs at 0.8 GHz, which is slower than 57.6% of routers and on par with 2.3% of routers.
RAM capacity
What it is: The amount of working memory available for sessions, routing tables, and running router services.
When it matters: When many devices, VPN tunnels, or advanced features need the router to stay responsive under load.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=512 MB

256 MB
Netgear AC1450 has 256 MB of RAM, which is more than 50.4% of routers and the same as 15.2% of routers.
Internal storage
What it is: The built-in storage available for logs, apps, shared files, or other local router functions.
When it matters: When the router runs extra services and needs space for logs, packages, or shared content.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=8 GB

0.125 GB
Netgear AC1450 has 0.125 GB of internal storage, which is more than 44.4% of routers and the same as 22.5% of routers.
Hardware acceleration
What it is: Uses dedicated hardware paths to offload routing, NAT, encryption, or switching tasks from the main CPU.
When it matters: When heavy routing or security features would otherwise reduce throughput on the processor alone.

Importance: HIGH

yes
Netgear AC1450 offers hardware acceleration. 19.3% of routers offer hardware acceleration.
N. of external antennas
What it is: Shows how many antennas are mounted externally on the router.
When it matters: When you want stronger adjustable coverage or plan to aim antennas for difficult room layouts.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: 3 antennas

0
Netgear AC1450 has 0 external antennas, which is fewer than 59.7% of routers and the same as 40.3% of routers.
Show more

Netgear AC1450 vs the average router

  • 1 more USB ports
    Netgear AC1450 has more USB ports than the average router (2 vs 1). The average router has 1 USB ports.
    What it is: Shows how many USB ports the router includes for storage, printers, or modem accessories.
    When it matters: When you plan to share storage, attach a printer, or use USB-based network extras.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: 1 USB port

    Netgear AC1450 has more USB ports than the average router (2 vs 1). The average router has 1 USB ports.2 vs 1
  • Better management tools
    Netgear AC1450 uses the management interface Web UI, App, Utility, while the average router uses Web UI, App.
    NETGEAR genie
    What it is: Shows how the router is configured and monitored, such as web UI, app, or command-line tools.
    When it matters: When setup depth and day-to-day admin convenience are part of the buying decision.

    Importance: HIGH

    Netgear AC1450 uses the management interface Web UI, App, Utility, while the average router uses Web UI, App.Web UI, App, Utility vs Web UI, App
  • 1 more spatial streams
    Netgear AC1450 has more spatial streams than the average router (3 vs 2). The average router has 2 spatial streams.
    What it is: Shows how many parallel Wi-Fi spatial streams the router can use for wireless data transmission.
    When it matters: When modern clients need higher throughput from wider multi-stream Wi-Fi connections.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: 4 spatial streams

    Netgear AC1450 has more spatial streams than the average router (3 vs 2). The average router has 2 spatial streams.3 vs 2
  • 2x GB more RAM
    Netgear AC1450 has more RAM than the average router (256 MB vs 128 MB). The average router has 128 MB of RAM.
    What it is: The amount of working memory available for sessions, routing tables, and running router services.
    When it matters: When many devices, VPN tunnels, or advanced features need the router to stay responsive under load.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >=512 MB

    Netgear AC1450 has more RAM than the average router (256 MB vs 128 MB). The average router has 128 MB of RAM.256 MB vs 128 MB
  • Stronger Wi-Fi security
    Netgear AC1450 supports the Wi-Fi security protocols WPA2, WPA, WEP, 802.1X, while the average router supports WPA2, WPA, WEP, WPS.
    What it is: Lists the wireless security standards the router supports, such as WPA2 or WPA3.
    When it matters: When you want stronger wireless protection without locking out older devices that still need compatibility.

    Importance: HIGH

    Netgear AC1450 supports the Wi-Fi security protocols WPA2, WPA, WEP, 802.1X, while the average router supports WPA2, WPA, WEP, WPS.WPA2, WPA, WEP, 802.1X vs WPA2, WPA, WEP, WPS
  • 1 more spatial streams
    Netgear AC1450 has more spatial streams than the average router (3 vs 2). The average router has 2 spatial streams.
  • Stronger Wi-Fi security
    Netgear AC1450 supports the Wi-Fi security protocols WPA2, WPA, WEP, 802.1X, while the average router supports WPA2, WPA, WEP, WPS.
  • 1 more USB ports
    Netgear AC1450 has more USB ports than the average router (2 vs 1). The average router has 1 USB ports.
  • Better management tools
    Netgear AC1450 uses the management interface Web UI, App, Utility, while the average router uses Web UI, App.
  • 2x GB more RAM
    Netgear AC1450 has more RAM than the average router (256 MB vs 128 MB). The average router has 128 MB of RAM.

Total
Wireless
Security
Ports
Management
Hardware
  • No band steering
    Netgear AC1450 does not support band steering, while the average router does. 52.6% of routers support band steering.
  • 44 fewer connected devices
    Netgear AC1450 supports fewer connected devices than the average router (20 vs 64). The average router supports 64 connected devices.
  • 2 fewer external antennas
    Netgear AC1450 has fewer external antennas than the average router (0 vs 2). The average router has 2 external antennas.
  • Lower CPU clock speed
    Netgear AC1450 has a lower CPU clock speed than the average router (0.8 GHz vs 2x0.5 GHz). The average router has a CPU clock speed of 2x0.5 GHz.
  • No band steering
    Netgear AC1450 does not support band steering, while the average router does. 52.6% of routers support band steering.
    What it is: Can guide dual-band or tri-band clients toward the more suitable frequency band automatically.
    When it matters: When you want devices spread more intelligently across 2.4, 5, or 6 GHz bands.

    Importance: LOW

    Netgear AC1450 does not support band steering, while the average router does. 52.6% of routers support band steering.
  • 75.3% lower user score
    Netgear AC1450 has a lower user score than the average router (4.56 vs 8.000).
    What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the router.
    When it matters: When you want to know how a router performs in daily use and how reliable it is for speed, coverage, and stability according to user feedback.
    Netgear AC1450 has a lower user score than the average router (4.56 vs 8.000).4.56 vs 8
  • 2 fewer external antennas
    Netgear AC1450 has fewer external antennas than the average router (0 vs 2). The average router has 2 external antennas.
    What it is: Shows how many antennas are mounted externally on the router.
    When it matters: When you want stronger adjustable coverage or plan to aim antennas for difficult room layouts.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: 3 antennas

    Netgear AC1450 has fewer external antennas than the average router (0 vs 2). The average router has 2 external antennas.0 vs 2
  • 44 fewer connected devices
    Netgear AC1450 supports fewer connected devices than the average router (20 vs 64). The average router supports 64 connected devices.
    What it is: The vendor’s stated upper limit for how many client devices the router can support at once.
    When it matters: When the network must handle many phones, TVs, smart-home devices, and PCs together.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=128 devices

    Netgear AC1450 supports fewer connected devices than the average router (20 vs 64). The average router supports 64 connected devices.20 vs 64
  • 44.4% more expensive
    Netgear AC1450 is more expensive than the average router (£130 vs £90).
    Netgear AC1450 is more expensive than the average router (£130 vs £90).£130 vs £90
  • Lower CPU clock speed
    Netgear AC1450 has a lower CPU clock speed than the average router (0.8 GHz vs 2x0.5 GHz). The average router has a CPU clock speed of 2x0.5 GHz.
    What it is: Shows the operating frequency of the router processor, often listed per core.
    When it matters: When routing, encryption, QoS, and many active clients can put heavier load on the CPU.

    Importance: HIGH

    Netgear AC1450 has a lower CPU clock speed than the average router (0.8 GHz vs 2x0.5 GHz). The average router has a CPU clock speed of 2x0.5 GHz.0.8 GHz vs 2x0.5 GHz
  • 2.72x less popular
    Netgear AC1450 is less popular than the average router (2.15 vs 5.837).
    What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the router.
    When it matters: When you prefer to choose a router reviewed and selected by many other buyers.
    Netgear AC1450 is less popular than the average router (2.15 vs 5.837).2.15 vs 5.84
Total
Overall
Wireless
Hardware

Graphic comparison of Netgear AC1450 and other routers

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Attribute
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Third-party reviews

United States
Amazon_logo.png
2.8
22 Reviews

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

What customers like about Netgear AC1450?

  • High value for the price, especially when purchased as a refurb
  • Excellent hardware that is essentially a software-locked R6300v2
  • Capable of being flashed with third-party firmware like DD-WRT or upgraded to R6300v2 firmware to unlock faster speeds
  • Strong 5GHz and 2.4GHz range that covers large homes
  • Features high-speed connectivity including a USB 3.0 port and Gigabit Ethernet
  • Minimalist design with few distracting LEDs on the front

What customers dislike about Netgear AC1450?

  • Factory firmware is often reported as unstable or 'crippled'
  • Occasional signal drops reported with original software
  • DHCP server issues where some devices fail to get an IP address
  • Processor can run warm, sometimes requiring additional cooling like a USB fan
  • Lack of external antennas compared to newer Nighthawk models
  • USB printer sharing requires specific Netgear software which may not work on all devices

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