Netgear Nighthawk X4S Wireless Router Review

Why do you need the Netgear Nighthawk X4S Wireless Router? 160 MHz! It's all explained in the video along with bandwidth tests and all the features of the router.
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[@lemler3337]

oh snap i didn't know you could turn the leds off! i wake up and think i have a candle burning lol

[@sammb.1570]

Thank you for that review. I just bought one because our alarm system wasn't working with the current router that we have from our internet carrier. So, I was told by the alarm people was to buy a Netgear Nighthawk and that would work fine with the security system at my house.

[@geekazine]

Glad I could help

[@thedon4800]

I have the router was pleased with it old right now had it for years. I got a ps4 pro and a new 4k TV thinking I need a new 4k router realised now I already have it save me some money!!... Thanks for the video

[@geekazine]

You're welcome!

[@JakeT304]

Just purchased this, replacing my linksys router made in 2005 😂🤣 I expect a massive difference lol

[@geekazine]

Massive difference of what? And what did you have that you replaced? If you're going from n to ac, then it will be noticeable on device to device transfers.

[@therealb888]

@@geekazine Hey really liked the review, btw can u share what microphone you are using in this video?

[@diegoestevez642]

What about the coverage? I´m thinking buy this router but i don´t know if its coverage will be enough for my threefloor house Dou you recommend me this router for my needs?

[@geekazine]

In all reality, this router is a few years old. I highly recommend looking at something with WiFi 6 Technology inside Check out amzn.to/3rLbhax

[@20MMbushmaster]

Amazing piece of equipment. You can tell a big difference in performance and range compared to Spectrum's wifi router. Still using the Spectrum modem of course. I recommend this as a great replacement for the spectrum wifi router.

[@geekazine]

Good to hear!

[@Mr.Thermistor7228]

This is my exact application as well and it’s phenomenal

[@prizonfrost123]

I have a verizon fios gigabit service which has ethernet as source not coax cable, and it only gives 200 - 300 MBPS. What do you thing the speed change might be after installing X4s. I have ISP provided router right now.

[@geekazine]

You will see the amount that Verizon gives you for the service.

[@Bestquickscoper122]

I recent got the netgear r7000 and flashed with xwrt vortex and it smooth and very fast on all connection

[@Bestquickscoper122]

And also got it for free

[@enniamrej]

+Slayer HD (SlaysHD) how did you get it for free?

[@Bestquickscoper122]

my friend gave it to me as a gift

[@krats23]

So I have the standard router/modem provided by my isp. Would they work together or would I need a different setup?

[@geekazine]

You would plug it in like a computer and it will work.

[@ChocolateDism]

can it handle my xbox and ps4 at the same time? along with 3 smart tvs or will that be too much?

[@geekazine]

There are newer models that will. I am not sure about this one.

[@MrShortStuff]

Hey buddy I bought one and I have updated firmware on it and I can't find the DSL settings that on the first firmware so I'm in Australia and using NBN and without finding this setting I can't configure it properly

[@geekazine]

Not sure. I don't have the product anymore.

[@MrShortStuff]

All good found out the issue was it was set to DSL instead on Ethernet WAN that's why couldn't find internet connection.

[@Nessy3nity]

I have this router but I connected to the one provided by my ISP the most I get is 85 Mbps. When I bypass the hawk and go directly to the isp router I get 200Mbps. I have not been able to increase the speed , any ideas? Thanks!

[@TheArmybrat23]

Why the bridge mode has more signal than normal mode? I live in a very big house and we have issues with the signal strength upstairs and downstairs. How bridge mode will improve the signal? because going away five houses down the block means very strong signal. please I need your input on this and how to set it up?

[@geekazine]

Please contact Netgear support for that. That's what they are there for!

[@robaroo]

Currently have the NETGEAR AC 1900 R7000 using Cat5E cables within the house (and WIFI). Want to upgrade to this. Would be be a good improvement? Problem is my house is about 20meters long and my gaming system is one end of the house and the router is the other end. Any feedback would be appreciated...

[@geekazine]

It would be an upgrade, but not much. Might want to look at Orbi to cover the home. Otherwise, the newer Gaming XR500 might be better.

[@shaunsg87]

does it generate lot of heat? As i will be placing it in my living room and the cooling isnt sufficient

[@geekazine]

As long as you don't overtask is, it'll be no warmer than a cable box, TV, or other device in living room. #Thankyou for the question

[@CaptainScorpio24]

buddyput it on a laptop cooler :

[@bigusdicus3677]

I have been having issues in the UK on Virgin media using the superhub 3. I get around 100Mbps down and 6Mbps upload speeds, but my PS4 connection (hard wired to the superhub 3) is ALWAYS too slow to start shareplay. I have around 15 devices on my network - mainly IOT lights and alexas and such, plus 4 phones and an iPad. I called Virgin and they said the slow speeds were due to me having too many devices connected. Some devices are barely used and they are not all being used at the same time, and don't use a lot of bandwith individually, so I don't see why it should matter. Virgin suggested I should go round and disconnect all the other devices when I want to use the PS4 - Facepalm! I have since read that Virgin Superhubs use PUMA 6 chipsets which have a lot of bad reviews I have 2 questions - 1) Will this router improve anything for me if I use the SH3 in modem mode with it? 2) The SH3 is quite big (more so with this router next to it), so is there any way of me getting a smaller modem to use in place of the SH3 with this nighthawk router on Virgin Media, or does it have to be the superhub as the modem? Sorry for the life story, any help would be appreciated! Thanks

[@geekazine]

I have never used a Superhub3, nor Virgin media. If all your devices are talking at once, I could see that statement to be true. The Netgear can help talk amongst your devices in your home, and would make the Superhub3 think it's connected to one device. The processor inside will manage things better, but in the end, I am not sure how it will interact with the modem. The best thing to do is put it through the paces in the first 14 days to see what you can expect from the duo. Good Luck

[@bigusdicus3677]

Thank you for taking the time to reply. I think I will go for it as the PS4 connection surely can't get any worse. I have been looking around and have seen a couple of used X4S R7800 for around £100 (unboxed with just the leads) or £170 new from Amazon. Are there any negatives buying a 2nd hand router, other than it might be DOA? Just not sure whether to buy new or used now - do you have any recommendations?

[@ThatSameer]

@@bigusdicus3677 did you buy it? How did it go after all this time?

[@killernut4075]

my area internet connection speed is 2 mbps my download speed is 0.5 mbps would this router help with that?

[@geekazine]

The router doesn't magically give you more Internet speed. However, moving files throughout the house will be quick and easy.

[@sacredlovetarot1971]

do you have to have a modem, I live in an RV and my wifi is in the clubhouse which is 50 feet from my RV, I purchased a netgear extender and I just purchased this nighthawk x4s, however even though the extender and nighthawk are 20 feet apart they are not connecting, what can I do in this regards

[@geekazine]

You are asking the devices to take internet from the clubhouse? How far is the router from the first repeater? Not the clubhouse, but the router in the clubhouse?

[@sacredlovetarot1971]

@@geekazine from the clubhouse to my router in the front room of my Rv is about 60 feet, they have it in stationed in a closet in the clubhouse

[@JMTZS]

I have the Uverse wifi modem from Att, If I get this x4s Will it need to be the one connected to replace the att modem or will it be connected with the att modem?

[@geekazine]

connected to the modem

[@henry8333]

On this video which x4s are you talking about I'm interested in purchasing one but I see a lot of different types for instant 7800 2600 which one are you reviewing? Thank you in advance for your response

[@geekazine]

At the time, there was only one.

[@henry8333]

@@geekazine oops I didn't realize the video was that old my apologies

[@djceejaay]

The last 6-7 years I've only used Airport Extreme routers but I've been looking at this router to replace my current Apple AirPort Extreme Base Station. I live in Hawaii and I have Time Warner cable internet because DSL is not available. My net usage is somewhat average; I use the internet every day in my house (laptop, iPad), Wi-fi for the phones, and I also stream Netfilx and Amazon maybe 8-10 hours a week. Sometimes I wonder if I'm getting throttled because my speeds dont just seem to be there...Your thoughts are very much appreciated.

[@geekazine]

Not sure what cable company you're using. If it's Time Warner - now Charter, you shouldn't be throttled or capped. The problem I have with APEs is there are no physical connectors to it. When I do something like streaming, I choose a wired connection over wifi. You never know when a wifi signal gets interrupted.

[@djceejaay]

Geekazine defintitely appreciate the response. so u conclude that regardless of which router I'm using, a direct ethernet connection from the router to the device is better than WiFi?

[@MrRandomNoLIfer]

Always, lol.

[@DaWiTtLeR]

How do you connect this router to your service providers cable box, the service providers router has a built-in Modem with a DSL Port but the Nighthawk router has no DSL port therefore how do I connect this router to my cable box?

[@geekazine]

Yes. Take the Ethernet cable, and plug it into the cable box. Plug the other end into the Nighthawk in the yellow input plug. That will allow you to use the Nighthawk as tyour primary device.

[@xCinnabar]

So I know nothing about any of this stuff. I just know that my internet is trash at home. If I get this will it help boost my internet? I can hardly game on my PS4 because my internet is so bad.

[@geekazine]

It will not improve your home Internet speeds, unless if your previous router was the problem.

[@stephencrabbe54]

I have this model and I am still getting lag while gaming sometimes more than before how can I fix this problem. I was pinging at 9 and then it would jump to 132

[@geekazine]

Did you check your ISP? Run directly on the modem to see what ping times you get. It might not be the Nighthawl

[@stephencrabbe54]

@@geekazine how do I check that? I have the unlimited data package .

[@Dessielano]

Hi, Great review, will this router support airplay?, my current r8000 doesn,t...

[@geekazine]

Yes it will

[@Dessielano]

Hi, thanks. Do you know this from experience?.

[@markfreiling5489]

Dimitri Valkenburg.

[@dutchy5752]

hi, I have my ISP modem connected via an UTP cable to the WAN port of the Nighthawk XS4. I have the Nighthawk set in Router mode (which is default). When setting up the WIFI I used the same name (SSID) as my ISP modem and the WIFI password of my ISP router. So all is working but the WIFI of my ISP modem and Nighthawk have the same name yet they are not identified as being the same. So I do not have nice WIFI continuous in my home. I watched videos where they do not use the WAN port but that turned into a mess and I went back, reset my modem. Can someone point me to a good explanation how to set this thing (the Nighthawk) up so that it uses the same WIFI address as my ISP modem and that WIFI in my house only shows 1 address? Thanks

[@godisgood2731]

Can it extends the signal thru brick walls?

[@geekazine]

No different than any other wireless.

[@amazoner0cks]

Hello, I was looking to buy a new Router and was choosing between this one and the Asus RT-AC5300, m leaning towards this one cuz it has a built in modem "the Asus is 40$ more expensive than the X4S here in my country, around 300$ X4S, 350$ Asus" which one u recommend or if u have other options? can i use my old modem/router as a modem to my new wifi router or it'll affect the speed? please help. Asus RT-AC88U is an option also.

[@geekazine]

I have not tested the Asus RT, so I can only safely recommend the Netgear.

[@vsantiesteban562]

My nighthawk ac2600 is not picking up 400mbs is there any setting I have to move

[@geekazine]

If you plug in directly to your cable modem, are you getting 400 mbs? Are there any firmware upgrades needed?

[@vsantiesteban562]

Geekazine when I plug hard wired from modem I do get 400

[@vsantiesteban562]

Geekazine the nighthawk is up to date on firmware.

[@geekazine]

OK, then bypass the router, plug directly into the modem, and see what your speeds are.

[@vsantiesteban562]

Geekazine I get 400 or over

[@therandomgamer8107]

Is this still the best modem router for gigabit connection?

[@geekazine]

It does well, but there are better out there now.

[@geekazine]

@@Evisues Newer Netgear routers, for example. I have the X10, and that's a couple years old.

[@RollinShultz]

The C7800 (C for combination) X4S is DOCSIS 3.1 and is a modem + router. It IS $399 on Amazon.

[@geekazine]

Here: amzn.to/2FQVZM7

[@ipathvvv]

Hi, is the nighthawk X8 a better router than this one? If so what would be the advantages of the X8 compared to this one?

[@geekazine]

I do not have the Nighthawk X8. Check on the specs page.

[@PJxBuchwild]

The X8 is futureproofed, if your just using 1 persons worth of devices its overkill plus some people have had issues with it, this one should do you fine

[@JayzBeerz]

Nothing is future proofed. Networking keeps evolving daily. The X8 is pure garbage.

[@JayzBeerz]

X8 is meant for multiple 5GHz devices only. Plus it doesn't run that well. The X4S is a proven performer in professional testing.

[@ipathvvv]

Thanks, i went with this one and it works great!

[@grifftech]

I just bought one of these and what we're talking about with Bridge mode? How does that work? Do I need 2 of these routers?

[@geekazine]

You most likely don't need 2 to bridge. You would need to be living in something over 1,200 square feet to need it.

[@williamsumpter292]

Which of the nighthawk routers are the best

[@geekazine]

I've reviewed the two so far. The X10 is what I use. New models will most likely be coming out soon.

[@slostero]

I have a cable modem can I use the nighthawk instead of that?

[@geekazine]

No. The modem still needs to turn the coaxial data into something the Nighthawk can recognize.

[@slostero]

+Geekazine So can I hook it to the cable modem or buy a net gear brand one?

[@geekazine]

Yes. Hook it to the modem.

[@jasonjohnson2269]

Great video. Just purchased this router and hooked it up yesterday. I have 60 megabyte internet and was getting that on my old router. I upgraded my router just because of the sheer amount of streaming devices and other devices on the network. I am only getting about 25 megabytes download now, any idea why?

[@geekazine]

Where are you getting those numbers?

[@jasonjohnson2269]

speed test. I hooked up old net gear router this morning and got 60 again?

[@geekazine]

It sounds like either your Internet provider had a hiccup, or other devices were connecting and sending across the Internet. It happens.

[@jasonjohnson2269]

I ran about 10 different speed tests over the last 2 days ranging from 19 to 25. The minute I hooked up my old router I instantly got 60 again, and to be honest my old router probably had way more devices connected to it as I had not connected every device to my new router yet.

[@jasonjohnson2269]

Thank you for your feedback by the way.

[@francescoardizzonicinema]

Can I use it without the main modem? Is it a modem too??

[@geekazine]

It is NOT a modem. You can use it without, but you will need another Internet source.

[@francescoardizzonicinema]

Thank you👍

[@geekazine]

Rock on! #geekout

[@F4Y541]

@@geekazine what do you mean by this? I'm sorry I'm not too learned on this topic so I dont understand why I'd need another internet source for it to function :D

[@Elfig2011]

Good review, but background music is very bad and disrupts the speaker volume

[@Jose_Ole_Posole]

I have an Asus wireless Ac1300 dual band gigabit router but I'm looking to buy this router to replace it. Will it make a difference? My current router drops signal when I'm in my bedroom as the router is in the living room. Its why I'm looking to upgrade with something that has range and maintains speeds.

[@geekazine]

Looks like it'll be a good upgrade.

[@wingscancer]

does it have a built in modem?

[@geekazine]

no

[@MrJustmitch]

tieuquy linthinh sorry but it does

[@manujoe72]

@@MrJustmitch provide a link please. This is news to me!

[@capplanetfresh3687]

If I had 9 devices in my home and got this router. Would my PS4 still run well and get great speeds with less latency

[@geekazine]

Depends on the other 9 devices and what they do.

[@d0tc0m187]

How is that not a helpful response you technologically stunted troll? Without knowing what the devices are being used for there's no way of telling how much bandwidth they're using. All devices are not created equal.

[@williamsumpter292]

Your a moron

[@houljourneyofficial5748]

YES

[@houljourneyofficial5748]

Yes because it is SMART! It prioritizes gaming!!!

[@moayadh14]

Is this router good for gaming?

[@geekazine]

Netgear focuses on gamers. It's not the latest, but it should get the job done.

[@tapiwaachium8180]

Can this work with BT infinity

[@geekazine]

I don't see why not

[@davidkowalski5869]

If my download is around 30 and upload is around 2 would this router increase the speeds?

[@geekazine]

No. If your Internet carrier is 2 MB, this will not change that.

[@noliafat1]

I have a netgear 1750 is it worth upgrading to the x4s

[@geekazine]

They are pretty comprible. The X4S does have 802.11N, and meant for larger homes. If you search on "netgear 1750 x4s" you'll get a webpage that compares the two.

[@toobikills6766]

It depends, this router is good in terms of managing bandwidth. It’s qos features evenly distribute bandwidth and can prioritize gaming/streaming to reduce lag. It supports fq_codel qos. It’s one of the few routers that do this straight out the box. I have it and I recommend it but there are other cost effective options that support SQM, these include Ubiquiti edgerouters/mesh soulutions, netgear x4s and my new favorite the eero. You can buy a stand alone eero unit to act as a stand alone router, my only gripe with this is the lack of barebones features. or you can flash openwrt on a compatible router to get sqm.

[@DennisMathias]

This is the one I use. Quick Computers in Lincoln, NE set it up for me. Very robust.

[@Bacano115]

nice plug for Quick Computers.....

[@DennisMathias]

Yea, I confess. But it's tough to get good help so yea, I did it. If you think I should I'll remove it.

[@Bacano115]

I wouldn't remove it man. Folks, get your Netgear X4S installed from Quick Computers in Lincoln, Nebraska. In store now and ready to ship!

[@Hydroy]

Is the ac3200 better?

[@geekazine]

I don't know. I didn't test the ac3200. I do have a newer Nighthawk which is in queue for review.

[@JayzBeerz]

2 different classes and NO!

[@Hydroy]

JayzBeerz what you mean by 2 different classes?

[@JayzBeerz]

Venode the X4S is an AC2600 router. The X6 is the AC3200 router. 2 different classes.

[@xAlwaysDying]

Does this router decrease ping when gaming?

[@geekazine]

Not to my knowledge.

[@michaelmcmahan4612]

Where can I buy it for $250.00?

[@geekazine]

I don't know. eBay used?

[@HERESPILOT]

Does this have a vpn client?

[@geekazine]

I believe this model can do VPN. Don't have it anymore.

[@MrInjun382]

Thank you.

[@geekazine]

you are welcome

[@CadStr]

Anything regarding, health impact due wifi antenas?

[@geekazine]

That is something I do not cover. There are no major reports on it out there.

[@jonnyc2.047]

Other guy seid 1.4ghz so what is it .1.7 or 1.4 I think 1.4 ther not going give u one for 1.7 selling used for 50cash

[@geekazine]

+jonny c 2.0 what other guy?

[@jonnyc2.047]

@@geekazine on you tub video seid 1.4ghz think u not getuing all that wein u get it used for 50 ebay

[@piratet0aster719]

HOw fast time goes- I just purchased this router/ stumble upon ths video again BRUH 6 years already has passed -F uuuuuuuc

[@maorappelbaum1288]

Safe and sound

[@geekazine]

Good to hear.

[@mnash3]

Coool vid... Thanks for the review... I like the router. I like the prioritization feature. Whether my budget or my cheapness, I think $180 is a fair price! lol....I want it now, but I am not sure if I am ready to spend $250 plus tax plus I am one of those crazy people that donate money to Best Buy's warranty division..... long story.... In either case, thanks for sharing your experience.

[@geekazine]

There are less powerful Netgear routers for that price, like the ac1900 - amzn.to/293rJcQ

[@mnash3]

Hi Geekazine, Thanks for your kind response. I was hoping for one of those unbelievable flash sales for X4S to go on sale for $180, but it is not looking good... lol... Right now, Amazon is showing $240.... If they could meet me at $210 or $220, I would be almost forced to buy. I still think $180 is a good price for this item. By the way, thanks for sharing the ac1900. I took a look at it, but I decided on the x4s because it has a QoS feature that allows the router to prioritize traffic. I like that idea and think it is an excellent idea. If the ac1900 model had that feature, I would go with it as the price is right, buuuut it doesn't soooo I am just going to have to hope that labor day is kind to me... lol.... Thanks again for your response and have a good one....

[@rgray318]

Do they have working MU-MIMO? The whole point to this router is perfectly working MU-MIMO, which is the single most important aspect of a efficiently working network with many devices attached. www.digitaltrends.com/computing/what-is-mu-mimo/

[@mnash3]

Hmmmm.... Thanks for sharing your article. I read the article. It appears to say that MU-MIMO is new technology and can only support up to 4 devices. Also, it gave the impression that you would need to buy a new computer to even be compatible with the new technology and not only that, you would somehow need your wireless gear to be compatible with that new technology. As for does the MU-MIMO work to your standards, I do not know, but according to the Netgear website, it does have the MU-MIMO feature. At the same time, I am not that high-tech... I am comfortable that the nighthawk can prioritize the devices and that is going to have to be good for me. The good news is that recently the nighthawk when on sale for $199 from Office Depot, Best Buy, and B&H. It is back up to $239 - 249, buuuuut I am expecting by Xmas for a sale to get it to $180 as I still believe that is a fair price. lol.... In either case, the link is below if you want to look at the specs. www.netgear.com/home/products/networking/wifi-routers/R7800.aspx?cid=wmt_netgear_organic

[@demon6937]

mnash3 actually the ac1900 have qos feature all of nighthawk models if I'm not mistaken

[@jorowi]

Wow! That's a pricey router!

[@geekazine]

+John Wilkerson Is it really? For what's inside, this router is right in line with the competition.

[@jorowi]

I don't think I've ever paid more than $40 for a router.

[@HPad2]

+John Wilkerson Its when you throw more devices or have a higher speed connection where it matters..

[@geekazine]

+Hunter Yelton agreed. Jennifer used to have horrible buffering on the iPad of games and movies. That has gone away with this router.

[@PJxBuchwild]

Dont look at the 5300 then, youll shit bricks

[@demon6937]

I could only afford $150

[@houljourneyofficial5748]

demon6937 Save your money then it's worth it

[@geekazine]

There are other models that will work for that price range.

[@billpancake]

Great video, stop using horrible music. It is unnecessary and doesn't enhance the viewing experience

[@NVMiele78]

Will this work with Fios 300/300?

[@geekazine]

Don't see why not. If there's an Ethernet cable option, it will work.

[@vannatouch2172]

@@Saved-qv2ow how did you hook it up with fios?

[@vannatouch2172]

@@Saved-qv2ow oh okay thanks for the reply, i need a modem for mine cuz of the coax