Everything you need to know about the NETGEAR Nighthawk X6 [A Review]

Nothing beats an improved signal and added network coverage around your household. Here, we will look at the optimized features of the NETGEAR Nighthawk X6 dual-band router and how they contribute to a stable internet connection when you are gaming online or streaming 4K videos.

Online gaming and streaming 4K videos with frequent buffering had me looking for a router with fast throughput speeds that can establish strong wireless and wired connections. In the middle of my search, I came across the NETGEAR Nighthawk X6 dual band router. With this router, I have been able to game seamlessly, download and upload large files without having to worry about a connection lag and I have even been able to stream 4K videos comfortably for hours without dropping signals or any other kind of connectivity issues.

NETGEAR Nighthawk X6 review and breakdown

The NETGEAR Nighthawk X6 is a long-range router that covers up to 2,500 square feet which allows you to use it in large and multi-story homes. It has throughput speeds of up to 3200 Mbps which has been distributed as 600 Mbps for devices using the 2.4 GHz channel and 2600 Mbps for the devices using the two 5 GHz channels. It has been equipped with the genie software which allows for easy setup of the router. It is a tri-band router that has a single 2.4 GHz and a pair of 5 GHz channels which work together simultaneously to ensure that all your devices are connected to the internet without a lag.

It has been optimized with the beamforming technology and it is secured with the WPA/WPA 2 security protocols. It also has six antennas for added coverage in your household. This router is compatible with Amazon Alexa which allows you to use voice commands to control your network. It comes with both the USB 3.0 and USB 2.0which allow you to share files across your router. The NETGEAR Nighthawk X6 allows you to control and monitor your home network through the Nighthawk app.

What we liked;

• It comes with six antennas for added network coverage and an improved signal
• It is a tri-band router which improved network efficiency
• It comes with the USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 ports
• It has a Genie software for easy set up and configuration
• You can control your home network on the Nighthawk app

What we didn’t like;

• Unlike other tri-band routers, it does not comes with the ESATA port
• It has a large design with non-detachable antennas that takes up a lot of space

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NETGEAR Nighthawk X6 Specifications

Model	NETGEAR Nighthawk X6
Wi-Fi technology	AC3200
Speed bandwidth	600 Mbps + 2600 Mbps
Range Coverage area	Up to 2,500 square feet
Frequency band	2.4 and 5 GHz
Operating temperatures	0-40 °C
Wireless encryption	Up to 128-bit encryption
Security protocol	WPA/ WPA 2
MU-MIMO and beamforming technology	Yes
Home network control	Nighthawk app
Availability	Check price

NETGEAR Nighthawk X6 Features

Speed and performance

The NETGEAR Nighthawk X6 router provides a throughput speed of 3,200 Mbps that is distributed as 600 Mbps to the 2.4 GHz channel and 1300 Mbps each to the 5GHz channels respectively. The two channels work together simultaneously to give you a smooth and reliable network connection.

It has been optimized with the beamforming technology which ensures that the Wi-Fi signals are focused to your connected devices which reduces network interruptions from other devices, eliminated dead spots and prevent dropping Wi-Fi signals. It also allows you to pick out the device that you want to have higher bandwidth in your network. Aside from that, you can extend the signal in your household by making use of the 6 antennas where you adjust them to the direction you want the network to reach.

Range and capacity

The NETGEAR Nighthawk X6 is able to cover an area of up to 3,500 square feet and can hold a capacity of upto 50 devices at the same time. It works well as a router and an access point as well.When you have multiple devices connected to the Nighthawk X6, you are able to experience seamless network connection because of its tri-band operation, which is a single 2.4 GHz channel that provides you with up to 600 Mbps and two other 5 GHz which provide up to 1300 Mbps each. This feature allows it to handle the traffic well while maintaining your network efficiency.

Design and structure

The NETGEAR Nighthawk X6 comes in an all-black color with its size dimensions at 2.2 x 8.8 x 11.5 inches which is a pretty large router for a small storage space. It has been equipped with six antennas that can be adjust to different angles and whose length can be extended. However, none of the antennas are detachable which sometimes makes it bulky to deal with depending with how you intend you place it within your household.

It comes with mounting holes that can hold onto your wall when anchored. Its design only allows you to place it flat on your table surface. It has 13 separate LED lights on the top part of the router. When you study the behavior of the lights you are able to identify the status of your internet connection, the power status of your router and the connection of the frequency band channels and the LAN & WAN port.

At the rear panel of the NETGEAR Nighthawk X6, there is the power button that you use to turn it on or off and at the back there is a reset button which you can use when you have a connectivity issue and would like to reset it to its factory settings. Also, it comes with a USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 port where you can connect your hard disc or flash drive but it does not have an ESATA port that would supply power to your external devices.

Security and Network Control

The NETGEAR Nighthawk X6 has the Genie software as a specialized feature that you can access through the Nighthawk app. You can access tether your router to the Nighthawk app as a web app on your computer and as app on your Android or IOS mobile device. The NETGEAR Genie has been designed to automatically set up and configure your router once you have already plugged it into your power source. The default IP address for the NETGEAR Nighthawk X6 router is 192.168.1.1, its username is admin and its password is ‘password’ which is readily set up by the genie but you can change it to your preferred SSID. The router supports the WPA2, WPA-PSK, WPA, WPA2-PSK encryption protocols.

Through the Nighthawk app you are able to control and manage your home network. You are able to secure your children’s internet access by blocking malicious content and restricting the devices access to your network. At the same time you are able to monitor your connection log and create a separate guest network for your friends and visitors in case they come over to your house. This router enables you to download open source firmware and customize your network.

Who is it best suited for?

If you are looking for a reliable network connection to play online games, stream 4K videos, to connect multiple devices and to surf the internet, you should consider purchasing the NETGEAR Nighthawk X6 router. It gives you gigabit Ethernet ports that allow you to secure a strong wired connection to your game console and computer monitors as well.

Are there any alternatives for the NETGEAR Nighthawk X6 router?

An alternative to the NETGEAR Nighthawk X6 router would be the ASUS AC3200, the TP-Link AC3200 and the Linksys WRT3200ACM. However, the Linksys WRT3200ACM is a stronger router with more additional features as compared to the NETGEAR Nighthawk X6.

Features of alternative routers

Model	ASUS AC3200	TP-Link AC3200	Linksys WRT3200ACM
Wi-Fi technology	AC3200	AC3200	AC3200
Speed bandwidth	600 Mbps + 2600 Mbps	600 Mbps + 2600 Mbps	600 Mbps + 2600 Mbps
Range Coverage area	Up to 2,500 square feet	Up to 2,500 square feet	Up to 2500 square feet
Frequency band	2.4 and 5 GHz (Tri-band)	2.4 and 5 GHz (Tri-band)	2.4 and 5 GHz (Tri-band)
Operating temperatures	0-40 °C	0-40 °C	0 – 40 °C
Wireless encryption	Up to 128-bit encryption	Up to 128-bit encryption	Up to 128-bit encryption
Security protocol	WPA/ WPA 2	WPA/ WPA 2	WPA/WPA 2
MU-MIMO and beamforming technology	Yes	Yes	Yes
Home network control	ASUS Router app	TP- Link Tether app	Linksys app
Availability	Check price	Check price	Check price

Verdict: Should you purchase the NETGEAR Nighthawk X6 router?

Yes, you should. The NETGEAR Nighthawk X6 router has been optimized with 6 antennas and advanced technology which work together to give you a fast and stable internet connection throughout your home. Aside from that, this router guarantees you lag free online gaming and seamless 4K video streaming.

FAQs

Does the NETGEAR Nighthawk X6 support VPN?

Yes. The NETGEAR Nighthawk X6 router supports VPN servers including the Network Address Translation (NAT) and Stateful Packet Inspection (SPI) firewalls.

Are the antennas on the NETGEAR Nighthawk X6 detachable?

No. The 6 antennas on the NETGEAR Nighthawk X6 are not detachable but you can extend them up to 3.3 inches and you can adjust them to a 140 degrees angle. Also, you cannot replace them.