Netgear Essentials WiFi 6 AX1800 WAX204 Review | 77 Data compared
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Netgear Essentials WiFi 6 AX1800 WAX204 Review | 77 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£150
  • Avg. price in US: ~$130
  • Wi-Fi version: Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
  • Wi-Fi speed: 1800 Mbps
  • LAN port speeds: 1 Gbps
  • Mesh Wi-Fi: no

Netgear Essentials WiFi 6 AX1800 WAX204 review. Compare 77 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Routers category and whether it is worth buying.

7.2

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%

7.2

Technical Score

10.0%

?

User score

Very good
7.2

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%

6.3

Wireless

20.0%

5.4

Ports

18.0%

8.8

Networking

14.0%

10

Security

12.0%

6.1

Hardware

10.0%

7.1

Management

Very good
?

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%

?

User reviews

30.0%

?

Popularity

  • 8.0
    Gaming

    Score components:

    33.0%

    ?

    Wi-Fi speed

    28.0%

    ?

    CPU clock speed

    22.0%

    ?

    RAM capacity

    17.0%

    ?

    Maximum connected devices

  • 6.8
    Travel

    Score components:

    40.0%

    ?

    Weight

    30.0%

    ?

    Wi-Fi speed

    20.0%

    4.0

    Cellular modem type

    10.0%

    4.0

    SIM slot

  • No image
No image

Best prices in UK

    N/A~ £150

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 Essentials WAX204 is a dual-band WiFi 6 router and access point designed for home offices and small businesses, delivering a combined theoretical throughput of 1.8 Gbps (600 Mbps on 2.4 GHz and 1200 Mbps on 5 GHz). It features four Gigabit Ethernet LAN ports and one Gigabit WAN port for high-speed wired connectivity, alongside support for WPA3 security and up to three separate SSIDs to segregate guest and employee traffic. Main advantages include its cost-effective entry into WiFi 6 technology, the ability to support up to 64 client devices simultaneously, and a simple local web-based management interface that does not require a cloud subscription. However, notable drawbacks include the absence of a USB port for shared storage, a lack of support for mesh networking or remote mobile app management, and reports of a somewhat slow and cumbersome administrative interface.

Technical Specifications of router Netgear Essentials WiFi 6 AX1800 WAX204

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%

?

Wireless

20.0%

?

Ports

18.0%

?

Networking

14.0%

?

Security

12.0%

?

Hardware

10.0%

?

Management

7.2
Netgear Essentials WiFi 6 AX1800 WAX204 has a technical score of 7.16 points, which is higher than that of 58.3% 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%

0.0

User reviews

30.0%

1.0

Popularity

?
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.
1.0
Netgear Essentials WiFi 6 AX1800 WAX204 has a popularity of 1 points, which is lower than 72.1% 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%

7.2

Overall score

40.0%

9.7

Price

7.9
Netgear Essentials WiFi 6 AX1800 WAX204 has a quality-to-price ratio of 7.9 points, which is higher than 51.5% 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: LOW

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 6 (802.11ax)
Netgear Essentials WiFi 6 AX1800 WAX204 uses Wi-Fi Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), which is more advanced than 65% of routers and equal to 26.7% 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 Essentials WiFi 6 AX1800 WAX204 supports 2.4 GHz + 5 GHz Wi-Fi bands, which are more versatile than 24.8% of routers and equal to 68.1% 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

1,800 Mbps
Netgear Essentials WiFi 6 AX1800 WAX204 delivers 1,800 Mbps Wi-Fi speed, which is higher than 59.4% of routers and equal to 3.5% 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 Essentials WiFi 6 AX1800 WAX204 supports 20 MHz + 40 MHz + 80 MHz channel width options, which is more than 40.9% of routers and the same as 31.6% of routers.
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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: MEDIUM

WPA3, WPA2, WPA
Netgear Essentials WiFi 6 AX1800 WAX204 supports WPA3, WPA2, WPA Wi-Fi security protocols, which are more advanced than 87% of routers and equal to 13.1% 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: LOW

yes
Netgear Essentials WiFi 6 AX1800 WAX204 includes DoS protection. 12.8% 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: LOW

yes
Netgear Essentials WiFi 6 AX1800 WAX204 includes SPI-based intrusion protection. 6.1% 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: LOW

yes
Netgear Essentials WiFi 6 AX1800 WAX204 supports MAC address filtering. 2.2% 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: LOW

yes
Netgear Essentials WiFi 6 AX1800 WAX204 supports URL filtering. 3.4% of routers include URL filtering.
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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: MEDIUM

yes
Netgear Essentials WiFi 6 AX1800 WAX204 supports IPv6. 11.5% 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: LOW

yes
Netgear Essentials WiFi 6 AX1800 WAX204 supports dynamic routing. 47.8% 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: LOW

yes
Netgear Essentials WiFi 6 AX1800 WAX204 supports inter-VLAN routing. 76.7% 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 Essentials WiFi 6 AX1800 WAX204 supports VLAN tagging. 38.2% 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: MEDIUM

yes
Netgear Essentials WiFi 6 AX1800 WAX204 includes QoS controls. 3.2% of routers include QoS controls.
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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: MEDIUM

Good value: 4 ports

4
Netgear Essentials WiFi 6 AX1800 WAX204 has 4 LAN ports, which is more than 23.7% of routers and the same as 69.2% 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 Essentials WiFi 6 AX1800 WAX204 offers 1 Gbps on its LAN ports, which is faster than 27.1% of routers and on par with 59.9% 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: MEDIUM

Good value: 1 WAN port

1
Netgear Essentials WiFi 6 AX1800 WAX204 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: LOW

Good value: 1 USB port

0
Netgear Essentials WiFi 6 AX1800 WAX204 has 0 USB ports, which is fewer than 60.8% of routers and the same as 39.2% 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: LOW

no
Netgear Essentials WiFi 6 AX1800 WAX204 does not support Power over Ethernet (PoE). 0.5% of routers can be powered over Ethernet.
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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: MEDIUM

Web UI, App
Netgear Essentials WiFi 6 AX1800 WAX204 uses Web UI, App for management, which is more advanced than 33.4% of routers and equal to 57% of routers.
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: MEDIUM

Web UI, Automatic
Netgear Essentials WiFi 6 AX1800 WAX204 supports Web UI, Automatic firmware update methods, which are more convenient than 35.4% of routers and equal to 37.8% 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: LOW

yes
Netgear Essentials WiFi 6 AX1800 WAX204 includes traffic monitoring. 18.1% 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: LOW

yes
Netgear Essentials WiFi 6 AX1800 WAX204 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: LOW

no
Netgear Essentials WiFi 6 AX1800 WAX204 does not offer captive portal features. 23.5% of routers offer captive portal features.
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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: MEDIUM

4 x 1.5 GHz
Netgear Essentials WiFi 6 AX1800 WAX204 runs at 4x1.5 GHz, which is faster than 79% of routers and on par with 4.9% 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: MEDIUM

Good value: >=512 MB

64 MB
Netgear Essentials WiFi 6 AX1800 WAX204 has 64 MB of RAM, which is less than 69% of routers and the same as 14.3% 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: LOW

Good value: >=8 GB

0.25 GB
Netgear Essentials WiFi 6 AX1800 WAX204 has 0.25 GB of internal storage, which is more than 68.2% of routers and the same as 16.1% 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: MEDIUM

yes
Netgear Essentials WiFi 6 AX1800 WAX204 offers hardware acceleration. 31.4% 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: LOW

Good value: 3 antennas

3
Netgear Essentials WiFi 6 AX1800 WAX204 has 3 external antennas, which is more than 58.4% of routers and the same as 13.3% of routers.
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Netgear Essentials WiFi 6 AX1800 WAX204 vs the average router

  • Stronger Wi-Fi security
    Netgear Essentials WiFi 6 AX1800 WAX204 supports the Wi-Fi security protocols WPA3, WPA2, WPA, 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: MEDIUM

    Netgear Essentials WiFi 6 AX1800 WAX204 supports the Wi-Fi security protocols WPA3, WPA2, WPA, while the average router supports WPA2, WPA, WEP, WPS.WPA3, WPA2, WPA vs WPA2, WPA, WEP, WPS
  • Supports OFDMA
    Netgear Essentials WiFi 6 AX1800 WAX204 supports OFDMA, while the average router does not. 35% of routers support OFDMA.
    What it is: Supports OFDMA, which divides Wi-Fi channels more efficiently among multiple active clients.
    When it matters: When many small, busy devices share the network and contention needs to stay lower.

    Importance: LOW

    Netgear Essentials WiFi 6 AX1800 WAX204 supports OFDMA, while the average router does not. 35% of routers support OFDMA.
  • Newer Wi-Fi version
    Netgear Essentials WiFi 6 AX1800 WAX204 supports a newer Wi-Fi version than the average router (Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) vs Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)). The average router uses Wi-Fi Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac).
    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)

    Netgear Essentials WiFi 6 AX1800 WAX204 supports a newer Wi-Fi version than the average router (Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) vs Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)). The average router uses Wi-Fi Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac).Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) vs Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
  • Higher CPU clock speed
    Netgear Essentials WiFi 6 AX1800 WAX204 has a higher CPU clock speed than the average router (4x1.5 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: MEDIUM

    Netgear Essentials WiFi 6 AX1800 WAX204 has a higher CPU clock speed than the average router (4x1.5 GHz vs 2x0.5 GHz). The average router has a CPU clock speed of 2x0.5 GHz.4x1.5 GHz vs 2x0.5 GHz
  • Supports inter-VLAN routing
    Netgear Essentials WiFi 6 AX1800 WAX204 supports inter-VLAN routing, while the average router does not. 23.5% of routers support 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: LOW

    Netgear Essentials WiFi 6 AX1800 WAX204 supports inter-VLAN routing, while the average router does not. 23.5% of routers support inter-VLAN routing.
  • Supports MU-MIMO
    Netgear Essentials WiFi 6 AX1800 WAX204 supports MU-MIMO, while the average router does not. 47.7% of routers support MU-MIMO.
    What it is: Supports multi-user MIMO so the router can serve more than one client stream at the same time.
    When it matters: When many active devices share the network and you want wireless capacity used more efficiently.

    Importance: LOW

    Netgear Essentials WiFi 6 AX1800 WAX204 supports MU-MIMO, while the average router does not. 47.7% of routers support MU-MIMO.
  • Supports TWT
    Netgear Essentials WiFi 6 AX1800 WAX204 supports Target Wake Time (TWT), while the average router does not. 36.4% of routers support Target Wake Time (TWT).
    What it is: Supports Target Wake Time, a Wi-Fi feature that helps clients wake less often to save power.
    When it matters: When many battery-powered devices rely on Wi-Fi and longer client battery life matters.

    Importance: LOW

    Netgear Essentials WiFi 6 AX1800 WAX204 supports Target Wake Time (TWT), while the average router does not. 36.4% of routers support Target Wake Time (TWT).
  • 2x more internal storage
    Netgear Essentials WiFi 6 AX1800 WAX204 has more internal storage than the average router (0.3 GB vs 0.125 GB). The average router offers 0.125 GB of 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: LOW

    Good value: >=8 GB

    Netgear Essentials WiFi 6 AX1800 WAX204 has more internal storage than the average router (0.3 GB vs 0.125 GB). The average router offers 0.125 GB of internal storage.0.25 GB vs 0.125 GB
  • Supports OFDMA
    Netgear Essentials WiFi 6 AX1800 WAX204 supports OFDMA, while the average router does not. 35% of routers support OFDMA.
  • Newer Wi-Fi version
    Netgear Essentials WiFi 6 AX1800 WAX204 supports a newer Wi-Fi version than the average router (Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) vs Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)). The average router uses Wi-Fi Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac).
  • Supports MU-MIMO
    Netgear Essentials WiFi 6 AX1800 WAX204 supports MU-MIMO, while the average router does not. 47.7% of routers support MU-MIMO.
  • Supports TWT
    Netgear Essentials WiFi 6 AX1800 WAX204 supports Target Wake Time (TWT), while the average router does not. 36.4% of routers support Target Wake Time (TWT).
  • 1 more spatial streams
    Netgear Essentials WiFi 6 AX1800 WAX204 has more spatial streams than the average router (4 vs 3). The average router has 3 spatial streams.
  • 22% faster Wi-Fi speed
    Netgear Essentials WiFi 6 AX1800 WAX204 has a higher Wi-Fi speed than the average router (1,800 Mbps vs 1,475 Mbps). The average router reaches Wi-Fi speed of 1,475 Mbps.
  • Stronger Wi-Fi security
    Netgear Essentials WiFi 6 AX1800 WAX204 supports the Wi-Fi security protocols WPA3, WPA2, WPA, while the average router supports WPA2, WPA, WEP, WPS.
  • Supports inter-VLAN routing
    Netgear Essentials WiFi 6 AX1800 WAX204 supports inter-VLAN routing, while the average router does not. 23.5% of routers support inter-VLAN routing.
  • Higher CPU clock speed
    Netgear Essentials WiFi 6 AX1800 WAX204 has a higher CPU clock speed than the average router (4x1.5 GHz vs 2x0.5 GHz). The average router has a CPU clock speed of 2x0.5 GHz.
  • 2x more internal storage
    Netgear Essentials WiFi 6 AX1800 WAX204 has more internal storage than the average router (0.3 GB vs 0.125 GB). The average router offers 0.125 GB of internal storage.
  • 5 newer release date
    Netgear Essentials WiFi 6 AX1800 WAX204 was released more recently than the average router (2020 vs 2015). The average router release year is 2015.

Total
Wireless
Security
Networking
Hardware
  • 25.3% narrower wireless coverage
    Netgear Essentials WiFi 6 AX1800 WAX204 has narrower wireless coverage than the average router (139 m² vs 186 m²). The average router offers wireless coverage of 186 m².
  • No beamforming
    Netgear Essentials WiFi 6 AX1800 WAX204 does not support beamforming, while the average router does. 56.7% of routers support beamforming.
  • No PPTP server
    Netgear Essentials WiFi 6 AX1800 WAX204 cannot act as a PPTP server, while the average router can. 62.4% of routers can act as a PPTP server.
  • 13,188 fewer NAT sessions
    Netgear Essentials WiFi 6 AX1800 WAX204 has fewer concurrent NAT sessions than the average router (1,800 vs 14,988). The average router supports 14,988 concurrent NAT sessions.
  • 1 fewer USB ports
    Netgear Essentials WiFi 6 AX1800 WAX204 has fewer USB ports than the average router (0 vs 1). The average router has 1 USB ports.
  • Less capable NAS services
    Netgear Essentials WiFi 6 AX1800 WAX204 includes none NAS services, while the average router includes SMB, FTP, time machine, NFS, web access.
  • Limited firmware updates
    Netgear Essentials WiFi 6 AX1800 WAX204 supports the firmware update methods Web UI, Automatic, while the average router supports Web UI, App, Automatic.
  • No DLNA support
    Netgear Essentials WiFi 6 AX1800 WAX204 does not support DLNA, while the average router does. 54% of routers support DLNA.
  • 9.9 W higher power consumption
    Netgear Essentials WiFi 6 AX1800 WAX204 uses more power than the average router (18 W vs 8.1 W). The average router uses 8.1 W power.
  • 75% less RAM
    Netgear Essentials WiFi 6 AX1800 WAX204 has less RAM than the average router (64 MB vs 256 MB). The average router has 256 MB of RAM.
  • Less capable NAS services
    Netgear Essentials WiFi 6 AX1800 WAX204 includes none NAS services, while the average router includes SMB, FTP, time machine, NFS, web access.
    What it is: Lists the onboard file-sharing services the router can provide, such as SMB, FTP, or media sharing.
    When it matters: When the router is expected to handle light file serving without separate NAS hardware.

    Importance: LOW

    Netgear Essentials WiFi 6 AX1800 WAX204 includes none NAS services, while the average router includes SMB, FTP, time machine, NFS, web access.none vs SMB, FTP, time machine, NFS, web access
  • Limited firmware updates
    Netgear Essentials WiFi 6 AX1800 WAX204 supports the firmware update methods Web UI, Automatic, while the average router supports Web UI, App, Automatic.
    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: MEDIUM

    Netgear Essentials WiFi 6 AX1800 WAX204 supports the firmware update methods Web UI, Automatic, while the average router supports Web UI, App, Automatic.Web UI, Automatic vs Web UI, App, Automatic
  • 75% less RAM
    Netgear Essentials WiFi 6 AX1800 WAX204 has less RAM than the average router (64 MB vs 256 MB). The average router has 256 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: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=512 MB

    Netgear Essentials WiFi 6 AX1800 WAX204 has less RAM than the average router (64 MB vs 256 MB). The average router has 256 MB of RAM.64 MB vs 256 MB
  • 9.9 W higher power consumption
    Netgear Essentials WiFi 6 AX1800 WAX204 uses more power than the average router (18 W vs 8.1 W). The average router uses 8.1 W power.
    What it is: The amount of electrical power the router draws during normal operation, usually measured in watts.
    When it matters: When the router stays on all day and you care about heat output and long-term electricity cost.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: <6 W

    Netgear Essentials WiFi 6 AX1800 WAX204 uses more power than the average router (18 W vs 8.1 W). The average router uses 8.1 W power.18 W vs 8.1 W
  • 1 fewer USB ports
    Netgear Essentials WiFi 6 AX1800 WAX204 has fewer USB ports than the average router (0 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: LOW

    Good value: 1 USB port

    Netgear Essentials WiFi 6 AX1800 WAX204 has fewer USB ports than the average router (0 vs 1). The average router has 1 USB ports.0 vs 1
  • 25.3% narrower wireless coverage
    Netgear Essentials WiFi 6 AX1800 WAX204 has narrower wireless coverage than the average router (139 m² vs 186 m²). The average router offers wireless coverage of 186 m².
    What it is: The estimated area the router is intended to cover with usable Wi-Fi signal.
    When it matters: When one router needs to serve a large apartment, multi-room house, or open office area.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >230 m²

    Netgear Essentials WiFi 6 AX1800 WAX204 has narrower wireless coverage than the average router (139 m² vs 186 m²). The average router offers wireless coverage of 186 m².139 m² vs 186 m²
  • No beamforming
    Netgear Essentials WiFi 6 AX1800 WAX204 does not support beamforming, while the average router does. 56.7% of routers support beamforming.
    What it is: Uses signal-shaping techniques to direct wireless energy more effectively toward connected clients.
    When it matters: When coverage at the edge of the home needs to stay more stable for active devices.

    Importance: LOW

    Netgear Essentials WiFi 6 AX1800 WAX204 does not support beamforming, while the average router does. 56.7% of routers support beamforming.
  • No DLNA support
    Netgear Essentials WiFi 6 AX1800 WAX204 does not support DLNA, while the average router does. 54% of routers support DLNA.
    What it is: Supports DLNA-related media sharing or discovery for compatible devices on the local network.
    When it matters: When TVs, media players, and local content need easier plug-and-play discovery on the network.

    Importance: LOW

    Netgear Essentials WiFi 6 AX1800 WAX204 does not support DLNA, while the average router does. 54% of routers support DLNA.
Total
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Networking
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Third-party reviews

What customers like about Netgear Essentials WiFi 6 AX1800 WAX204?

  • Affordable Wi-Fi 6 entry point often available for under $100
  • Reliable Wi-Fi 6 performance with speeds reaching ~800Mbps at close range
  • Versatile operating modes as either a standalone router or a wireless access point
  • Supports VLAN tagging and multiple SSIDs (up to 3) for network isolation
  • Includes five Gigabit Ethernet ports, providing ample wired connectivity
  • Good coverage for small to medium spaces, typically up to 1,800 sq. ft.
  • Compatible with open-source firmware like OpenWRT for advanced users

What customers dislike about Netgear Essentials WiFi 6 AX1800 WAX204?

  • Management interface is reported as slow, cumbersome, and dated
  • Some users report intermittent connection drops that require frequent reboots
  • Web configuration page may trigger security warnings in modern browsers
  • Lacks a USB port for network-attached storage or printer sharing
  • QoS (Quality of Service) features are automated and lack manual customization
  • No support for simultaneous WPA2/WPA3 on a single SSID
  • Indicator lights are described as excessively bright with no option to dim

Video reviews

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