This is one of the better routers on the market — and it still has gaps that matter. Wi-Fi 7 routers are new to market. Without router-level VPN or strict network segmentation, your work laptop, banking sessions, security cameras, and any infected smart device all share the same flat network.
A B grade is a relative ranking in a market where the floor is low. The gaps are real, they just aren’t urgent.
-
New hardware sees fewer eyes from researchers — undiscovered flaws are statistically more likely
New hardware sees fewer eyes from independent researchers, so undiscovered flaws are statistically more likely. Anything an attacker finds first hits your work laptop, banking app, and smart devices before a patch exists.
Show technical detail
New hardware - limited independent security audit: Wi-Fi 7 routers are new to market. Security researchers haven't had time to fully audit the firmware. Statistical likelihood of undiscovered vulnerabilities is higher on new platforms.
-
When researchers find flaws in this router, fixes often arrive weeks after the attack details are already public
When researchers find a flaw in this router, the fix often arrives weeks after the attack details are already public. During that window, anyone reading security blogs has a working exploit and your work laptop, smart locks, and Ring doorbell are still behind the unpatched router.
Show technical detail
Netgear's slow patch response history: Netgear's history of slow response to discovered vulnerabilities is a risk factor, especially on new hardware where vulnerabilities are more likely.
-
Without paying the subscription, your home network has no active threat detection
Without paying for the subscription, your home network has no active threat detection. Known malware traffic from an infected smart bulb or your kids' game console can pass through to your work laptop and banking app silently.
Show technical detail
Armor subscription for advanced protection: Full threat detection requires a paid subscription.
If a new vulnerability is found for your Netgear Nighthawk RS700, we'll email you. One email per incident. No spam.
- Multiple CERT disclosures · 2019–2023 ↗
- Netgear Armor · $99/yr ↗
- FCC Equipment Authorization Database ↗