If you have gamers or streamers in the house, then you'll want the Nighthawk RS300. This router offers tri-band WiFi 7, a 2.5 Gig Internet port, 2.5 Gbps & 1 Gbps Ethernet ports. That way, you can run your console or gaming PC wired while the rest of your family streams online via WiFi. For those with more demanding requirements, the Nighthawk RS700S represents the high-end option.
Gaming and streaming create different needs for a home network. For online gaming, it is important to have low and steady latency, along with a stable connection, while streaming will require adequate and steady bandwidth. Having a properly set up router could help in managing the various devices using the home network, but performance will depend on your internet connection and devices.
A router cannot fix a slow internet plan or a distant game server. It can reduce lag and buffering caused by WiFi congestion and weak in-home coverage.
IN THIS ARTICLE
The RS300 is the right pick for most homes. Choose the RS700S when you need more speed, coverage, and wired headroom.
| Pick | Router | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Main Pick | Nighthawk RS300 (BE9300) | Most gamers and streamers, homes up to about 2,500 sq. ft., internet plans up to 2.5 Gig |
| Premium Upgrade | Nighthawk RS700S (BE19000) | Multi-gig internet plans, larger homes up to about 3,500 sq. ft., heavy multi-device households |
Ready for smoother gaming and streaming? Shop the Nighthawk RS300, our best value WiFi 7 router.
WiFi 7 gives busy homes more room to game and stream at the same time, with less congestion when many devices are active.
Want the full technical picture? Learn about WiFi 7, or check out our best WiFi 7 gaming routers guide for the full lineup.
The Nighthawk RS300 is the perfect WiFi 7 router for gamers looking to get their game on with top-notch gaming and streaming performance with tri-band WiFi 7 and Ethernet connectivity at a moderate price point.
For gaming, you need low latency without interference from other activities like streaming movies and downloading data in the house. This router supports up to 100 devices and covers up to 2,500 sq. ft. Its 2.5 Gbps and 1 Gbps Ethernet ports let you wire a console and a gaming PC for the most stable connection, while phones, TVs, and tablets share tri-band WiFi 7.
Best for: Households with internet plans up to 2.5 Gig, one or two gamers, and several people streaming at once. Get the Nighthawk RS300 overview.
Consider stepping up to the Nighthawk RS700S if you have an internet connection over 2.5 Gig, a larger home, or a congested network with lots of gamers, streamers, and smart gadgets.
Multi-gig internet plans and busy households need more headroom than a mid-range router provides. The RS700S doubles device capacity to 200, extends coverage to 3,500 sq. ft., and adds 10 Gig internet and LAN ports so the router doesn’t hold back a multi-gig plan. It also lets you prioritize devices such as gaming PCs and TVs.
Best for: Internet plans faster than 2.5 Gig, larger homes, households with several gamers and streamers, and 10 Gig wired devices. Meet the Nighthawk RS700S.
The RS700S offers more speed, coverage, and port bandwidth, while the RS300 handles everything the average gamer/streamer needs.
| Feature | Nighthawk RS300 | Nighthawk RS700S |
|---|---|---|
| WiFi class | BE9300 tri-band WiFi 7 | BE19000 tri-band WiFi 7 |
| Top speed | Up to 9.3 Gbps | Up to 19 Gbps |
| Coverage | Up to 2,500 sq. ft. | Up to 3,500 sq. ft. |
| Connected devices | Up to 100 | Up to 200 |
| Internet port | 2.5 Gig | 10 Gig |
| LAN ports | 2x 2.5 Gig + 2x Gigabit | 1x 10 Gig + 4x Gigabit |
| Processor | Quad-core 2.0 GHz | Quad-core 2.6 GHz |
| Best for | Most gaming and streaming homes | Multi-gig plans and heavy use |
Speeds are maximum wireless signal rates. Actual throughput varies with your internet plan, devices, distance from the router, and network conditions.
The best setup for a PS5 is a wired Ethernet connection to one of your router’s LAN ports. When a cable is not practical, a strong WiFi 7 connection is the next best option.
The PS5 and PS5 Slim support WiFi 6, and the PS5 Pro supports WiFi 7 where permitted. All models connect to a WiFi 7 router. To get the most consistent connection:
The same steps apply to Xbox consoles and gaming PCs: connect via Ethernet first, then use the strongest, least-crowded WiFi band your device supports.
A few simple changes can cut lag and buffering on most home networks.
Keep in mind that latency also depends on your internet provider and how far you are from the game server. A router cannot change either, but it can make sure your home network isn’t the bottleneck.
Choose the RS300 for most homes and the RS700S for multi-gig, high-traffic homes. Weigh these factors:
The verdict: The Nighthawk RS300 is the best WiFi 7 router for gaming and streaming in most homes. Upgrade to the Nighthawk RS700S for multi-gig internet and heavy use. For very large or multi-story homes, a single router may not reach every room, so compare router vs. mesh WiFi before you buy.
Wondering if one router will be enough to cover all areas in your house? The Nighthawk router gives focused WiFi coverage from one spot, and this is suitable for either an apartment or small to medium-sized houses. Orbi mesh routers give WiFi coverage using routers and satellites.
See how they compare before you choose: Router vs. Mesh WiFi: What’s the Right System for You?
In most homes, the best router for gaming or streaming is the NETGEAR Nighthawk RS300, with tri-band WiFi 7 and 2.5 Gig internet and LAN ports (for a more premium option, choose the NETGEAR Nighthawk RS700S).
Yes. The Nighthawk RS300 offers tri-band WiFi 7 with speeds up to 9.3 Gbps, supports up to 100 devices, and includes two 2.5 Gig LAN ports, so you can wire a console or gaming PC while others stream on WiFi.
The RS700S has higher WiFi 7 speeds (up to 19 Gbps vs 9.3 Gbps), more coverage (up to 3,500 vs 2,500 sq. ft.), support for twice as many devices (200 vs 100), and 10 Gig internet and LAN ports. The RS300 uses 2.5 Gig ports and costs less.
WiFi 7 was developed to reduce latency and congestion on your home network, especially if you have multiple devices connected. Your overall latency depends on your internet service provider, distance to the game server, and whether you’re wired or wireless.
The PS5 Pro supports WiFi 7 in regions where it is permitted. The standard PS5 and PS5 Slim support WiFi 6. All PS5 models can connect to a WiFi 7 router because WiFi 7 is backward compatible.
Usually not. A 10 Gig port matters if your internet plan is faster than 2.5 Gig or you move large files between wired devices. For most gaming and streaming, a 2.5 Gig internet port like the RS300’s is enough.
A single router like the Nighthawk RS300 or RS700S is a strong fit if you can place it near your gaming and streaming devices. If you need strong WiFi across a very large or multi-story home, an Orbi mesh system may be the better choice. Compare router vs. mesh WiFi to find the right fit.
