The Netgear Nighthawk RS600 is a mid-range router that stands out with its 10 Gbps WAN port, one 10 Gbps LAN port, and three 1 Gbps ports, all priced at $449.99. Its sleek design and comprehensive software make it an appealing option, but its performance is where it falls short compared to its competitors.

Despite the RS600's performance shortcomings, it remains a solid choice for those looking for a capable Wi-Fi 7 router at a reasonable price. The router boasts a modern look, with a black tower-style design that exudes a premium feel, thanks to its build quality and dark gray finish. However, the top of the router is marred by a white sticker with a QR code that displays the router’s SSID and password, which some may find intrusive.

Setting up the RS600 is a breeze, with Netgear offering both a web interface and an app for easy configuration. The router's software provides robust features, including Smart Connect for seamless band switching, LAN and QoS settings, and a trial of the Netgear Armor security suite.

Performance-wise, the RS600 delivers generally average results across the 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz bands, both with and without congestion. While this is acceptable, it doesn't quite match the performance of its more expensive competitors, like the TP-Link Archer GE800, which offers higher performance and a better port layout.

For those seeking a capable Wi-Fi 7 router without breaking the bank, the Netgear Nighthawk RS600 is a solid option, despite its performance shortcomings.