Netgear Nighthawk XR500 VS XR700 – A comprehensive router comparison
The Netgear pro-gamer series are designed for ultimate gaming performance for the users. Click on this Netgear XR500 VS XR700 for an extensive comparison.
Netgear is always coming up with new routers, promising better functionality. The Netgear XR700 seems like a more advanced version of the XR500, but how different are they? While the aesthetic of these two routers is different, there seems to be very little changes in the hardware and functionality of the devices.
This Netgear Nighthawk XR500 VS XR700 comparison aims to enlighten you on the major differences between the two so you can choose one depending on your needs. Read on for XR500 VS XR700 comparison.
Table of Contents
What are the key differences between Netgear Nighthawk XR500 and XR700?
Model |
NETGEAR Nighthawk XR500 WiFi Router (Winner) |
NETGEAR Nighthawk XR700 WiFi Router |
Processor |
1.7GHz Dual Core Processor |
1.7GHz Quad Core Processor |
Band type |
Dual band |
Tri-band |
Optimized for |
Call of Duty (Black Ops 4), Fortnite, PubG, Overwatch, CS:GO, Smash Bros and more |
Call of Duty (Black Ops 4), Fortnite, PubG, Overwatch, CS:GO, Smash Bros and more |
Wired LAN ports |
4 Gigabit |
6 Gigabit + 1x10Gbps port |
Wifi speed |
AD2600 (2.6gbps) |
AD7200 (7.2gbps) |
Availability |
Netgear Nighthawk XR500 VS XR700 – How do they differ?
Design
The Netgear XR700 is a bigger version of the Netgear nighthawk XR500. One of the main differences between the two is that the XR500 has more Wi-FI power and has a few more extra wired ports. It also has the ability to move up to a 10gbps throughput. The XR700 is slightly bigger than the XR500, is wedge shaped and has a swooping red strip in the top with the Netgear logo on the centre and front.
On the underside of the Netgear XR700 are rubber feet that prevent the router from marring your desk or table and it also has recessed inserts that allow wall mounting. Just like the nighthawk XR500, it uses a Qualcomm Wi-FI chip to enable 802.11 operations. It has an added company circuit, QCA9500 to increase the speed of the 802.11ad duties.
The Netgear nighthawk XR500 is better in terms of design when compared to the XR700. It has a better spaceship appeal design compared to the xr500, making it pleasing to the eye for gamers.
Software
While most routers of its quality work with a single integrated interface, the Netgear nighthawk works with two. You can use the Netgear nighthawk for the router management functions and the DumaOS software for gaming optimization. The Netgear nighthawk app works with 6 functional icons including Wi-FI settings, internet speed, support, device manager, guest Wi-FI, traffic metre and support.
The DumaOS interface on the other hand, makes it easy for gamers. You can pick gaming opponents based on network latency and geography due to its functional geo filters. It works with multiple games and gives you advantage over remote opponents. Besides gaming, the DumaOS also allows users to view the map of networked devices create a virtual private network and check the online status of the router.
There is not much difference in the type of software. Both the Netgear nighthawk xr500 and xr700 use DumaOS interface for gaming optimization.
Performance and Hardware
The XR700 delivers around 732.6mbps while the XR500 delivers only 704.7Mbps at a distance of 5 feet. When it comes to blasting Wi-FI through ceilings and walls, the Netgear nighthawk XR500 works better than the XR700. The XR700 is capable of transmission rates of 4600 mbps on the 60 GHz band, 1733 mbps on the 5 GHz band and 800 mbps on the 2.4 GHz band.
The Netgear nighthawk XR700 is powered by a quad core 1.7GHZ CPU, 1GB of ram and 512mb of flash memory while the Netgear XR500 comes with 512mb OF RAM, 256 MB flash storage space and 1.7Ghz dual core processor. The XR700 uses the same web based interactive management system as the XR500.
The Netgear xr700 is better in terms of hardware; with the xr700 having a QUALCOMM based upgrade that’s steps up to AD7200 while the xr500 is AC2600.
Netgear Nighthawk XR500 VS XR700 – a Comparison Overview
Netgear Nighthawk XR700 Router– Overview
- Minimize ping and maximize performance with six 1 Gigabit Ethernet ports for lag free, wired connectivity...
- Amp up your WiFi with cutting edge AD7200 Quad stream router that delivers speeds up to 7.2 Gbps. 60 GHz...
The Netgear programming XR700 is a massive tri band router that supports 802.11AD 60 GHz Wi-FI technologies. The Wi-gig technology operates on a 60 GHz band on the XR700 router. Equipped with 6 LAN ports and robust gaming controls, this router offers 10GHz Ethernet connectivity and link aggregation.
The sleek black closure, mesh top and red trim gives this router the perfect look for gamers. The I/O ports include a gigabit WAN port, 10GB LAN port and 10gh high speed switch that allows connectivity to a 10 GH network.
The XR700 is built to support multi users multiple input multiple outputs streaming. This means data is transmitted to several users simultaneously. It also supports smart connect for automatic router connection to the best radio band and signal strength as well as beam forming.
The DumaOS interface on the Netgear XR700is nice and easy to use. It provides you with enough information as well as ability to adjust the router settings on your mobile device. The app allows you to change the name and password of each network.
Pros
- Has a solid throughput performance
- Provides extensive USB storage capabilities
- Has plenty of features and configurations
Cons
- Larger in size
Netgear Nighthawk XR500 Router – Overview
- Minimize ping and maximize performance with four 1 Gigabit Ethernet ports for lag free, wired...
- Amp up your Wi-Fi with AC2600 dual band router that delivers blazing fast speeds up to 2.6 Gbps
The Netgear nighthawk XR500 router is especially built for pro gamers and perfect for people who want to gain control of their home network while customizing their gaming experience with the same router.
The Netgear nighthawk XR500 has an array of speed boosting tech. The router’s menu is powered by NetDumas’s DumaOS which gives gamers all the analytics and tools needed to minimize latency and keep the games running smoothly. The NetDuma’s DumaOS gaming software on this router is what makes it stand out from the rest in the market. The Quality of service feature on this router is meant to prioritize the bandwidth for gaming sessions. It can also distribute the bandwidth equally to connected devices for proper streaming.
This AC2600 rated router offer great Wi-FI coverage and top speeds with detailed parental controls. The router is created to be displayed on a shelf, which is not too bad given its design. This router is equipped with a 1.7GHz dual-core processor and comes with 512Mb of ram as well as 256Mb of flash storage space. The Netgear XR500 also has a geo filtering feature that allows users to limit the distance between the gaming server and your location.
Pros
- Has a powerful Wi-FI transmission
- Very intuitive software
- Has a dual band processor of 5GHZ AND 2.4GHZ
- Has great features for gamers
- You can view real time bandwidth utilization and real time ping latency
- Has a highbred VPN system
Cons
- Performance is not that impressive
- Expensive router
Conclusion: So, Which is better – Netgear Nighthawk XR500 or XR700?
The Netgear nighthawk XR500 is the clear winner in this comparison. Some of the features like the DumaOS and support level are the same for both, but the difference makes the xr700 stand out. You get good Wi-FI range and speed with either models but the xr700 has better hardware due to the Plex media server running it. However, the XR700 is much more expensive when compared and offers almost identical features and services.
FAQ
Can the XR700 be used for anything other than gaming?
If gaming is not your main priority, the XR700 is not the ideal router for you. While it can perform other functions other than gaming you can find other routers to serve your needs at a cheaper price.
Is there a difference in range between the Netgear nighthawk XR500 and XR700?
There is little to no difference in range limits between these two routers.
