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Netgear Nighthawk AC2300 R7000P Review | 77 Data compared

Avg. price in UK: ~£190
Avg. price in US: ~$180
Wi-Fi version: Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
Wi-Fi speed: 2300 Mbps
LAN port speeds: 1 Gbps
Mesh Wi-Fi: no

Netgear Nighthawk AC2300 R7000P review. Compare 77 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Routers category and whether it is worth buying.

7.5

Very good

7.4

Very good

7.7

Very good

7.0
Gaming
Score components:
33.0%
?
Wi-Fi speed
28.0%
?
CPU clock speed
22.0%
?
RAM capacity
17.0%
2.0
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

Best prices in UK

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Verdict

The Netgear Nighthawk AC2300 (R7000P) is a dual-band Wi-Fi 5 router powered by a 1GHz dual-core processor, 256MB of RAM, and 128MB of flash memory, delivering combined wireless speeds up to 2300 Mbps (1625 Mbps on 5GHz and 600 Mbps on 2.4GHz). Its primary characteristics include Wave 2 technology with MU-MIMO for simultaneous streaming to multiple devices, Beamforming+ for enhanced range, and a versatile port array consisting of five Gigabit Ethernet ports (1 WAN, 4 LAN) alongside one USB 3.0 and one USB 2.0 port. Main pros include its exceptionally strong close-range throughput, ease of installation via the Nighthawk app, and advanced security features like Netgear Armor and Circle parental controls. However, notable cons include its underwhelming long-range performance, a web interface that can be slow to respond, and the requirement of paid subscriptions to maintain premium security and parental control services.

Technical Specifications of router Netgear Nighthawk AC2300 R7000P

Overall score

7.5

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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.

Wireless

5.9

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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 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

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

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

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Security

10

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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

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

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

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

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

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Networking

9.0

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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

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

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

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

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

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Ports

6.3

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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

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

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

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

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

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Management

7.9

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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

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

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

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

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

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Hardware

7.2

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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

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

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

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

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

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Netgear Nighthawk AC2300 R7000P vs the average router

Why is Netgear Nighthawk AC2300 R7000P better than the average router?

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Stronger Wi-Fi security
Netgear Nighthawk AC2300 R7000P 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 Nighthawk AC2300 R7000P 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
1 more USB ports
Netgear Nighthawk AC2300 R7000P 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: LOW
Good value: 1 USB port
Netgear Nighthawk AC2300 R7000P has more USB ports than the average router (2 vs 1). The average router has 1 USB ports.2 vs 1
Supports MU-MIMO
Netgear Nighthawk AC2300 R7000P 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 Nighthawk AC2300 R7000P supports MU-MIMO, while the average router does not. 47.7% of routers support MU-MIMO.
Suitable for gaming
Netgear Nighthawk AC2300 R7000P is designed for gaming, while the average router is not. 36.9% of routers are designed for gaming.
What it is: Highlights whether the router is aimed at gaming-focused use, such as lower-latency traffic handling or gaming-oriented controls.
When it matters: When gaming traffic, lower latency, or easier prioritization of consoles and gaming PCs matters in your network setup.
Importance: LOW
Netgear Nighthawk AC2300 R7000P is designed for gaming, while the average router is not. 36.9% of routers are designed for gaming.
55.9% faster Wi-Fi speed
Netgear Nighthawk AC2300 R7000P has a higher Wi-Fi speed than the average router (2,300 Mbps vs 1,475 Mbps). The average router reaches Wi-Fi speed of 1,475 Mbps.
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
Netgear Nighthawk AC2300 R7000P has a higher Wi-Fi speed than the average router (2,300 Mbps vs 1,475 Mbps). The average router reaches Wi-Fi speed of 1,475 Mbps.2300 Mbps vs 1475 Mbps
Removable antennas
Netgear Nighthawk AC2300 R7000P has removable antennas, while the average router does not. 27.4% of routers have removable antennas.
What it is: Detachable external antennas that can be swapped for different ones later.
When it matters: When you may want to replace the stock antennas later with higher-gain or more directional options.
Importance: LOW
Netgear Nighthawk AC2300 R7000P has removable antennas, while the average router does not. 27.4% of routers have removable antennas.
Higher CPU clock speed
Netgear Nighthawk AC2300 R7000P has a higher CPU clock speed than the average router (2x1 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 Nighthawk AC2300 R7000P has a higher CPU clock speed than the average router (2x1 GHz vs 2x0.5 GHz). The average router has a CPU clock speed of 2x0.5 GHz.2x1 GHz vs 2x0.5 GHz
More capable NAS services
Netgear Nighthawk AC2300 R7000P includes SMB, FTP, media server, time machine, AFP, web access NAS services, while the average router includes SMB, FTP, time machine, NFS, web access.
Requires attached USB storage.
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 Nighthawk AC2300 R7000P includes SMB, FTP, media server, time machine, AFP, web access NAS services, while the average router includes SMB, FTP, time machine, NFS, web access.SMB, FTP, media server, time machine, AFP, web access vs SMB, FTP, time machine, NFS, web access
Supports MU-MIMO
Netgear Nighthawk AC2300 R7000P supports MU-MIMO, while the average router does not. 47.7% of routers support MU-MIMO.
55.9% faster Wi-Fi speed
Netgear Nighthawk AC2300 R7000P has a higher Wi-Fi speed than the average router (2,300 Mbps vs 1,475 Mbps). The average router reaches Wi-Fi speed of 1,475 Mbps.
Stronger Wi-Fi security
Netgear Nighthawk AC2300 R7000P supports the Wi-Fi security protocols WPA3, WPA2, WPA, while the average router supports WPA2, WPA, WEP, WPS.
1 more USB ports
Netgear Nighthawk AC2300 R7000P has more USB ports than the average router (2 vs 1). The average router has 1 USB ports.
More capable NAS services
Netgear Nighthawk AC2300 R7000P includes SMB, FTP, media server, time machine, AFP, web access NAS services, while the average router includes SMB, FTP, time machine, NFS, web access.
Suitable for gaming
Netgear Nighthawk AC2300 R7000P is designed for gaming, while the average router is not. 36.9% of routers are designed for gaming.
Removable antennas
Netgear Nighthawk AC2300 R7000P has removable antennas, while the average router does not. 27.4% of routers have removable antennas.
Higher CPU clock speed
Netgear Nighthawk AC2300 R7000P has a higher CPU clock speed than the average router (2x1 GHz vs 2x0.5 GHz). The average router has a CPU clock speed of 2x0.5 GHz.

Why is Netgear Nighthawk AC2300 R7000P worse than the average router?

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29 fewer connected devices
Netgear Nighthawk AC2300 R7000P supports fewer connected devices than the average router (35 vs 64). The average router supports 64 connected devices.
No PPTP server
Netgear Nighthawk AC2300 R7000P cannot act as a PPTP server, while the average router can. 62.4% of routers can act as a PPTP server.
Limited firmware updates
Netgear Nighthawk AC2300 R7000P supports the firmware update methods Web UI, App, while the average router supports Web UI, App, Automatic.
83 mm wider width
Netgear Nighthawk AC2300 R7000P is wider than the average router (285 mm vs 202 mm). The average router is 202 mm wide.
70.5% heavier weight
Netgear Nighthawk AC2300 R7000P is heavier than the average router (750 g vs 440 g). The average router weighs 440 g.
Limited firmware updates
Netgear Nighthawk AC2300 R7000P supports the firmware update methods Web UI, App, 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 Nighthawk AC2300 R7000P supports the firmware update methods Web UI, App, while the average router supports Web UI, App, Automatic.Web UI, App vs Web UI, App, Automatic
2.11x more expensive
Netgear Nighthawk AC2300 R7000P is more expensive than the average router (£190 vs £90).
Netgear Nighthawk AC2300 R7000P is more expensive than the average router (£190 vs £90).£190 vs £90
No PPTP server
Netgear Nighthawk AC2300 R7000P cannot act as a PPTP server, while the average router can. 62.4% of routers can act as a PPTP server.
What it is: An older PPTP VPN server option for incoming remote connections.
When it matters: When legacy devices or older network setups still depend on PPTP for remote access, even though newer VPN standards are usually preferable.
Importance: LOW
Netgear Nighthawk AC2300 R7000P cannot act as a PPTP server, while the average router can. 62.4% of routers can act as a PPTP server.
83 mm wider width
Netgear Nighthawk AC2300 R7000P is wider than the average router (285 mm vs 202 mm). The average router is 202 mm wide.
What it is: The side-to-side size of the router body, usually measured in millimetres.
When it matters: When shelf space is tight and you need the router to fit cleanly beside other equipment.
Importance: LOW
Good value: <165 mm
Netgear Nighthawk AC2300 R7000P is wider than the average router (285 mm vs 202 mm). The average router is 202 mm wide.285 mm vs 202 mm
70.5% heavier weight
Netgear Nighthawk AC2300 R7000P is heavier than the average router (750 g vs 440 g). The average router weighs 440 g.
What it is: Measures the router's weight in grams. This affects placement, mounting, and space planning.
When it matters: When you mount the router on a wall or lightweight bracket, lower weight reduces strain and gives more placement options.
Importance: LOW
Good value: <300 g
Netgear Nighthawk AC2300 R7000P is heavier than the average router (750 g vs 440 g). The average router weighs 440 g.750 g vs 440 g
4.5% lower user score
Netgear Nighthawk AC2300 R7000P has a lower user score than the average router (7.65 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 Nighthawk AC2300 R7000P has a lower user score than the average router (7.65 vs 8.000).7.65 vs 8
29 fewer connected devices
Netgear Nighthawk AC2300 R7000P supports fewer connected devices than the average router (35 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: LOW
Good value: >=128 devices
Netgear Nighthawk AC2300 R7000P supports fewer connected devices than the average router (35 vs 64). The average router supports 64 connected devices.35 vs 64

Graphic comparison of Netgear Nighthawk AC2300 R7000P and other routers

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

What customers like about Netgear Nighthawk AC2300 R7000P?

Easy setup process using the Nighthawk mobile app or web interface
Strong wireless performance and throughput at close ranges
Effective MU-MIMO support for simultaneous data streaming to multiple devices
Wide signal coverage suitable for large homes and multi-story apartments
Robust security and parental control features, including Netgear Armor and Circle

What customers dislike about Netgear Nighthawk AC2300 R7000P?

Frequent connectivity issues, including random reboots and WiFi dropouts reported by some users
Advanced security features and parental controls require ongoing paid subscriptions
Middling long-range throughput and average file-transfer speeds
Web-based user interface is often described as slow and visually outdated
Reports of inconsistent firmware updates that can lead to performance degradation

Expert reviews

mbreviews.com

04/02/2019

Summary of the review

Netgear Nighthawk R7000P AC2300 Review

The Netgear Nighthawk R7000P AC2300 evolves from its predecessor, maintaining a, signature, bulky, F-117 stealth design while upgrading to a 1GHz dual-core chipset with added MU-MIMO technology. It introduces Smart Connect to manage traffic across dual-band frequencies, offering impressive 5GHz wireless speeds, particularly when paired with high-end adapters. Pros include a feature-rich interface and strong overall connectivity, though the 2.4GHz performance is less impressive and the web UI can feel outdated. For more details, visit MBReviews.

tweaktown.com

14/06/2017

Summary of the review

NETGEAR Nighthawk R7000P AC2300 Wireless Router Review

The Netgear Nighthawk R7000P AC2300 acts as a refined mid-range router, keeping the iconic "stealth fighter" aesthetic and build quality of the original R7000 while utilizing a 1GHz dual-core processor, 256MB of RAM, and 128MB of flash memory. Performance-wise, it delivers up to 940 Mbps in LAN/WAN throughput and over 800 Mbps on the 5GHz band, utilizing MU-MIMO and Beamforming+ for improved device handling and range. While praised for its, ease of setup, and solid 5GHz performance, the review notes that the performance gains over AC1900 models are small, and the 2.4GHz band shows significant throughput drops at range.

smallnetbuilder.com

08/06/2017

Summary of the review

NETGEAR R7000P Nighthawk Smart WiFi Router with MU-MIMO Reviewed

The Netgear R7000P Nighthawk AC2300 updates the classic R7000 with a Broadcom "Wave 2" design, supporting MU-MIMO and 1024 QAM via a new BCM4365 radio SoC. While marketed as AC2300, the review notes that due to lack of client support, it functions primarily as an AC1900 router for most users. Pros include strong 5 GHz downlink performance and useful software features like OpenVPN support. Conversely, cons show the 2.4 GHz downlink and wired routing performance are weaker than the original R7000. Enabling features such as traffic metering can drop routing throughput below 500 Mbps. SmallNetBuilderSmallNetBuilder concludes the R7000P is a mixed bag that fails to outperform the original R7000 in overall benchmarks. The review advises against upgrading to this model unless specific MU-MIMO or 1024 QAM support is required, noting the higher price point.

pcmag.com

16/08/2018

Summary of the review

Netgear Nighthawk AC2300 Smart WiFi Router (R7000P) Review

The Netgear Nighthawk AC2300 (R7000P) is a dual-band, wedge-shaped router featuring easy installation via the Netgear Genie app and robust security through Netgear Armor. It delivers solid close-range throughput and supports MU-MIMO data streaming, offering excellent, user-friendly management options, including Circle with Disney parental controls. However, the device suffers from mediocre long-range performance compared to competitors and requires ongoing paid subscriptions for its advanced security features.

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