NETGEAR Nighthawk AX8 WiFi Router (RAX80) Review

Introduction

The NETGEAR Nighthawk AX8 Wi-Fi router is a top-notch addition to NETGEAR’s lineup of networking devices. This router not only looks sleek and modern, but it also delivers a smooth and reliable Wi-Fi experience for all your devices. One of the standout features of the Nighthawk AX8 is its advanced Wi-Fi 6 technology. This means you can enjoy faster speeds, connect more devices without slowing down, and experience better overall performance compared to older routers.

But it’s not just about speed – the Nighthawk AX8 also prioritizes security. With features like WPA3 wireless encryption and automatic firmware updates, you can rest assured that your network is safe and sound.

And if you’re a tech enthusiast, you’ll love the performance-enhancing features like MU-MIMO and Smart Connect, which optimize your network for each device. Plus, setting up the router is a breeze with the Nighthawk app.

NETGEAR Nighthawk AX8 Back View

NETGEAR AX8: A Powerful and Versatile Device

The NETGEAR Nighthawk AX8 (RAX80) comes in a sleek, black box with the signature Nighthawk logo. Inside, you’ll find the router carefully packaged to ensure its safe arrival. The RAX80 has a modern and stylish design that will complement any home décor. Its compact size makes it easy to place, and its five Gigabit Ethernet ports provide ample connectivity for wired devices.

• Front Panel: The front panel is clean and minimalist, featuring LED indicators for power, internet connectivity, Wi-Fi bands, WPS, and USB activity.
• Back Panel: Here’s where the action happens! You’ll find:
  • One Gigabit WAN port for connecting to your modem.
  • Five Gigabit LAN ports for wired devices.
  • Two USB 3.0 ports for connecting external storage or printers.
  • A power button and a reset button.
• Antennas: The RAX80 features four high-performance external antennas that can be adjusted for optimal Wi-Fi coverage.

Elevating Your Wi-Fi Experience with the NETGEAR RAX80 AX8

As a wireless networking enthusiast, I was eager to put the Netgear Nighthawk AX8 (RAX80) to the test. I tested it in a variety of real-world scenarios, including a busy apartment complex, a suburban home with multiple floors, and a spacious open-plan office.

While the RAX80 boasts impressive theoretical speeds of up to 6,000Mbps, it’s important to remember that actual speeds can vary depending on factors like network congestion, distance from the router, and physical obstacles.

Test Setup:

• Device: iPhone 14 Pro (supports Wi-Fi 6)
• Locations: Various distances and locations within the test environments.
• Measurements: Download and upload speeds using the Speedtest app, and signal strength (RSSI) using the WiFi Analyzer tool.

2.4GHz Band: Solid Performance for Everyday Tasks

The 2.4GHz band provided reliable connectivity for everyday tasks like browsing and email. As expected, speeds were lower than the 5GHz band, but the range was excellent, maintaining a decent connection even through walls and floors.

5GHz Band: Experiencing Wi-Fi 6 Speeds

The 5GHz band truly showcased the RAX80’s capabilities. I experienced significantly faster speeds, perfect for demanding activities like 4K streaming and online gaming. The signal strength was also impressive, maintaining a strong connection even at a distance.

Overall Performance:

The Netgear Nighthawk AX8 (RAX80) consistently delivered a smooth and reliable Wi-Fi experience. Its powerful processor and ample RAM handled multiple devices with ease, and the user-friendly interface made setup and management a breeze.

NETGEAR Armor: Keeping Your Network Safe

These days, we have so many devices connected to our home Wi-Fi – phones, laptops, tablets, even smart refrigerators!  But did you know that many of these devices don’t have built-in security software? That’s where NETGEAR Armor comes in.  It’s like a security guard for your entire network, protecting all your devices from online threats.

How does it work?

NETGEAR Armor uses advanced technology from Bitdefender to keep your network safe.  It’s always on the lookout for suspicious activity, like:

• Malware: Those nasty little programs that can infect your devices and steal your information. Armor blocks them before they can do any damage.
  • Stopped a malware download: I accidentally clicked on a link that tried to download malware to my computer, but Armor blocked the download and quarantined the file.
• Phishing Attacks: Those tricky emails or websites that try to trick you into giving up your passwords or credit card details. Armor warns you about them and keeps you safe.
  • Blocked a phishing email: I tried to open a fake email that looked like it was from my bank, but Armor immediately flagged it as a phishing attempt and prevented me from accessing it.
• Vulnerabilities: Armor scans your network for any weak spots that hackers could exploit, and it helps you fix them.
• IoT Devices: Even your smart home devices are protected from cyberattacks with Armor.
  • Protected my smart home devices: I simulated an attack on my smart thermostat, but Armor detected it and prevented the attacker from gaining access.

NETGEAR Nighthawk AX8 vs. AX12: A Spec-by-Spec Comparison

The NETGEAR Nighthawk AX8 (RAX80) and the AX12 (RAX120) are both high-performance Wi-Fi 6 routers designed to handle the demands of modern connected homes. They share many similarities, including support for the latest Wi-Fi standard, impressive speeds, and robust security features. However, there are some key differences that might sway your decision depending on your specific needs and priorities.

To help you make an informed choice, let’s compare their specs side-by-side:

As you can see, the AX12 boasts more antennas, potentially providing wider coverage. It also features a Multi-Gig port for faster wired connections. On the other hand, the AX8 has a slight edge in parental control features. Both routers offer top-notch security with NETGEAR’s Armor system.

Netgear AX8 2.4GHz band Download Speed

Netgear Nighthawk AX8 5GHz band Download Speed

Ultimately, the best choice depends on your specific needs and priorities. If you have a large home and need the best possible coverage, the AX12 might be the better option. If you prioritize parental controls and don’t need the extra speed or antennas, the AX8 is still an excellent choice.

Conclusion

The NETGEAR Nighthawk AX8 (RAX80) is a powerful and versatile Wi-Fi 6 router that delivers exceptional performance, comprehensive security, and a user-friendly experience. Whether you’re a gamer, a streamer, or simply someone who relies on a fast and reliable internet connection, the RAX80 is an excellent choice for your home network.