Netgear WNDR4500 Review | 77 Data compared

The PCMag review of the Netgear N900 (WNDR4500) highlights its exceptional 2.4 GHz throughput and strong 5 GHz performance, positioning it as a high-performance, simultaneous dual-band router designed for heavy network loads. Key features include the user-friendly Netgear Genie management software and dual USB 2.0 ports, though the unit is limited by a bulky, vertical-only design. Despite its speed, the device was not awarded an Editors' Choice due to reported connectivity drops during testing, a high price point, and occasional setup issues.

The Netgear WNDR4500 N900 is a high-performance, dual-band router capable of 450Mbps speeds on both 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands, designed for heavy traffic like HD streaming. A key pro is its dominant "write" speed performance, especially with large files, though a con is its bulky, non-detachable vertical stand. Functionally, the router offers ReadySHARE for USB devices and the intuitive Netgear Genie software, but it is hindered by a bulky external power supply. While delivering excellent, stable range via six internal antennas, the WNDR4500 may face compatibility issues with specific USB drives and shows varied 2.4GHz performance.

The Netgear WNDR4500 is a vertical "monolith" router featuring a 3x3 antenna array, four gigabit Ethernet ports, and an internal fan for cooling, as detailed by SlashGear. It offers strong, stable wireless performance, delivering up to 450 Mbps on both 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands, with the Netgear Genie app simplifying setup. However, the review notes significant drawbacks, including "frustrating" wired performance that requires frequent resets and limited functionality of the USB 2.0 ports. While the router lacks support for modern file formats like HFS or exFAT, its superior wireless range, ease of use, and overall performance make it a notable, albeit premium, option.

The Netgear N900 (WNDR4500) is a high-performance dual-band router recognized for excellent 2.4 GHz throughput, making it ideal for legacy devices, and featuring user-friendly Netgear Genie management software. It boasts dual-band support with a combined 900 Mbps speed and includes ReadySHARE functionality via two USB 2.0 ports. However, the unit is higher priced, limited to vertical positioning, and experienced occasional connectivity drops during testing.

The Gizmodo review (via Maximum PC) highlights the Netgear WNDR4500 (N900) as a top-performing 802.11n router, featuring 450Mbps speeds on both 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands for superior performance with legacy devices. It features the user-friendly Netgear Genie software for management and a distinct vertical design, though this fixed orientation limits placement options. While 5GHz throughput was noted as exceptionally fast, the router is criticized for misleading N900 marketing, slow USB storage performance, and occasional connectivity drops.

The Netgear N900 (WNDR4500) is a high-performance 802.11n router featuring 450Mbps throughput on both 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands, designed for power users with a vertical, five-gigabit Ethernet port design. Key pros include exceptional 2.4GHz performance nearly doubling its predecessor's speed, easy mobile-friendly setup, and the intuitive Netgear Genie management software. However, the device suffered from occasional connectivity drops during testing, features a bulky, non-wall-mountable design, and carries a high price point that may not justify the marginal 5GHz speed increase over cheaper models.

According to Expert Reviews, the Netgear WNDR4500 (N900) sets a high standard for performance by delivering record-breaking speeds on both 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands. The router features a distinct vertical "monolith" design, offering robust, stable connections and easy CD-less setup via Netgear Genie software. Pros include dual USB 2.0 ports for ReadySHARE, extensive parental controls, and IPv6 support for future-proofing. However, the unit's large, non-wall-mountable design is a noted drawback, alongside slow USB data transfer speeds that limit its capability as a high-performance NAS. Additionally, users may face long, 20-second restarts for configuration changes, and some tests reported occasional connectivity drops. Despite these cons, it remains a strong, high-speed option for varied network needs.

The AVForums review characterizes the Netgear N900 WNDR4500 as a high-performance, dual-band router featuring simultaneous 450Mbps speeds on both 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands. While praised for its stylish, vertical design and comprehensive connectivity—including five gigabit Ethernet ports and two USB ports for ReadySHARE—the unit is noted for being bulky and a magnet for fingerprints. Setup is simplified via the intuitive Netgear Genie software, which allows for easy management, though initial 2.4GHz performance requires manual optimization to reach maximum speeds. The router boasts excellent wireless throughput, capable of handling multiple HD streams, though USB transfer speeds are relatively slow, limiting its efficiency as a high-speed NAS replacement. AVForumsKey pros highlighted include strong, stable signal performance, user-friendly software, and extensive feature sets. However, drawbacks consist of its large footprint, disappointing USB transfer speeds, and glossy finish that attracts marks. AVForums

The Netgear WNDR4500 (N900) delivers exceptional 5GHz wireless performance, marking it as a high-speed router capable of concurrent 450Mbps speeds on both bands for demanding home networks. However, the device features a bulky, non-detachable vertical design that cannot be mounted on walls. Key performance strengths include excellent signal range and stability, enhanced by the user-friendly Netgear Genie management software for monitoring and parental controls. Despite its high-speed capabilities, the router was criticized for slow USB transfer speeds, making it an ineffective NAS substitute. Additionally, the configuration process is hindered by a frustrating 20-second restart time for most setting changes, which hampers the overall user experience. While offering robust performance, the high initial price and software bottlenecks were significant disadvantages noted in the review.

The Netgear N900 (WNDR4500) is a high-performance, vertical-standing dual-band router featuring user-friendly Netgear Genie software and strong wired performance, achieving up to 109 MB/s in testing. It provides robust wireless speeds suitable for HD streaming (16MB/s) and includes dual USB 2.0 ports for network storage, although those ports exhibit relatively slow transfer speeds. While the router lacks horizontal or wall-mounting options, its fast performance and extensive features make it a strong option, according to StorageReview.

The Netgear WNDR4500 N900, reviewed on SmallNetBuilder, is a high-performance three-stream 802.11n router featuring a revamped "Genie" interface, two USB 2.0 ports, and four Gigabit Ethernet ports. While it offers top-tier 5 GHz throughput ideal for high-bandwidth tasks, it suffers from poor 2.4 GHz performance with two-stream clients, often showing high variation and oscillation. The design, featuring a fixed vertical stand and a large 5A power supply, is less convenient than competitors, resulting in a high-performance but costly option suited for specific user needs.

The Netgear WNDR4500 N900 is a high-performance router supporting 450Mbps on both 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands, featuring a revamped Netgear Genie interface for easy management. It excels in 5GHz speed and range, making it ideal for high-end wireless clients. However, the device suffers from subpar 2.4GHz performance and weak USB storage transfer speeds, while its large, vertical-only design limits placement options. Priced around $180 at the time of review, it is considered a solid, high-end option for users leveraging 5GHz, despite its mediocre lower-band performance.