Nighthawks are popular for their powerful performance and reliable connectivity. With several models available, it can be tough to decide which one is the best choice for your needs. This comprehensive guide compares the latest Nighthawk routers and mesh systems to help you find the right fit.
Key Differences Between Nighthawk Models
While all Nighthawk routers boast robust features for strong WiFi coverage, they vary in terms of design, specs and pricing. Key factors to consider include:
- Wireless standards – The latest routers support fast WiFi 6 (802.11ax) technology. Some budget-friendly models still use 802.11ac.
- Speeds – Top speeds range from 1.2Gbps on low-end models to up to 10Gbps on premium routers.
- Processor – Faster processors power more capable and advanced features.
- Antennas – More antennas generally provide wider coverage. High-end routers have up to eight antennas.
- Ports – The number and type of Ethernet ports for wired connections.
- Mesh – Select models have mesh capabilities for whole home coverage.
- Gaming – Some routers have gaming-centric features like geo-filtering to optimize connections.
- Security – All Nighthawks have standard security protocols. Premium routers add advanced threat detection.
- Price – Entry-level models start around $100, while high-performance routers run $300 and up.
Keep these factors in mind as we compare the latest Nighthawk routers.
Nighthawk AX4
As a budget-friendly WiFi 6 router, the AX4 delivers fast speeds up to 1.2Gbps for under $100. With a dual-core processor and two external antennas, it powers essential features like OFDMA for efficient transmissions to multiple devices. The AX4 is ideal for small apartments or condos that need reliable AX speeds on a budget.
Nighthawk AX4 Key Features:
- WiFi 6 router
- Up to 1.2Gbps speeds
- Dual-core processor
- 2 external antennas
- OFDMA
- 1Gb WAN port
- 4Gb LAN ports
- Supports up to 25 devices
- Beamforming
- Amazon Alexa support
- $99.99 MSRP
Nighthawk AX6
The AX6 amps up performance with a triple-core processor and two powerful antennas to deliver AX speeds up to 1.8Gbps. It comes loaded with advanced features like 256QAM for increased throughput to devices, along with WPA3 security. For under $150, the AX6 excels for medium homes that need high-speed WiFi 6.
Nighthawk AX6 Key Features:
- WiFi 6 router
- Up to 1.8Gbps speeds
- Triple-core processor
- 2 external antennas
- 256QAM
- OFDMA
- 1Gb WAN port
- 4Gb LAN ports
- Supports up to 25 devices
- Beamforming
- WPA3 security
- $149.99 MSRP
Nighthawk AX8
Need an affordable WiFi 6 router with high speeds? The AX8 delivers with powerful dual-band AX performance up to 2.6Gbps. It features a quad-core processor and two antennas to manage up to 25 devices efficiently. With four Gigabit LAN ports and advanced security, it’s a robust AX router for under $200.
Nighthawk AX8 Key Features:
- WiFi 6 router
- Up to 2.6Gbps speeds
- Quad-core processor
- 2 external antennas
- 256QAM
- OFDMA
- 1Gb WAN port
- 4Gb LAN ports
- Supports 25+ devices
- Beamforming
- WPA3 security
- $199.99 MSRP
Nighthawk AX12
Serious gamers and large families should consider the brawny AX12. Using a powerful quad-core processor, its four antennas pump out dual-band WiFi 6 speeds up to 3.6Gbps. Advanced gaming features like geo-filtering optimize multiplayer connections, while its eight streams handle 30+ devices with ease.
Nighthawk AX12 Key Features:
- WiFi 6 router
- Up to 3.6Gbps speeds
- Quad-core processor
- 4 external antennas
- 256QAM
- OFDMA
- Link aggregation
- 1Gb WAN port
- 5Gb LAN ports
- Supports 30+ devices
- Geo-filtering
- Advanced security
- $349.99 MSRP
Nighthawk RAX120
Leading the pack with premium performance, the RAX120 delivers blistering fast AX speeds up to 10.8Gbps. Its powerful hexa-core processor and eight massive antennas create a high-capacity streaming WiFi 6 network. Advanced features like dedicated gaming bandwidth take connectivity to new heights. The RAX120 is ideal for large smart homes that demand cutting-edge wireless performance.
Nighthawk RAX120 Key Features:
- WiFi 6 router
- Up to 10.8Gbps speeds
- Hexa-core processor
- 8 external antennas
- 1024QAM
- OFDMA
- Multi-Gig 2.5Gb WAN port
- 5Gb & 2.5Gb LAN ports
- Supports over 45 devices
- Dedicated gaming bandwidth
- Threat detection
- $449.99 MSRP
Nighthawk Mesh Systems
If you need to cover a large or multi-story home, Nighthawk WiFi 6 mesh systems use multiple access points to blanket up to 7,500 square feet with strong signal. Models vary by features and price. Let’s compare the options.
Nighthawk MK62
Delivering AX1800 dual-band speeds, the affordable MK62 mesh kit includes a router and one satellite to cover homes up to 3,000 square feet. It’s easy to set up and manage with the Nighthawk app.
- Up to 1.8Gbps speeds
- Dual-band AX1800
- Covers up to 3,000 sq. ft.
- Router & 1 satellite
- OFDMA
- Easy setup
- $229.99 MSRP
Nighthawk MK63
Step up to the MK63 to enjoy AX3600 WiFi 6 speeds up to 3.6Gbps. It includes a powerful router and two satellites to blanket larger homes up to 5,000 square feet with strong dual-band signal.
- Up to 3.6Gbps speeds
- Dual-band AX3600
- Covers up to 5,000 sq. ft.
- Router & 2 satellites
- OFDMA
- WiFi 6 optimal connections
- $399.99 MSRP
Nighthawk MK83
For the ultimate in whole home WiFi 6 coverage, the premium MK83 mesh system delivers AX6000 tri-band speeds up to 6Gbps. The three-piece system blankets up to 7,500 square feet with strong signal strength.
- Up to 6Gbps speeds
- Tri-band AX6000
- Covers up to 7,500 sq. ft.
- Router & 2 satellites
- OFDMA
- Powerful quad-core processor
- $699.99 MSRP
Nighthawk Gaming Routers
For serious gamers, Nighthawk offers advanced routers optimized for top multiplayer performance. Let’s compare the XR1000 and XR11000 gaming models.
Nighthawk XR1000
Built for fast WiFi 5 speeds, the XR1000 delivers ultra-smooth low-latency gaming with speeds up to 2.6Gbps. Gaming dashboard lets you view ping and device speeds.
- Up to 2.6Gbps speeds
- Dual-band AC2600
- Quad-core processor
- 4 external antennas
- Advanced security
- Gaming dashboard
- Geo filter, QoS
- 2 USB ports
- $249.99 MSRP
Nighthawk XR11000
Enjoy low-lag gaming with the blazing fast XR11000. It delivers WiFi 6 speeds up to 10.8Gbps for fully immersive multiplayer action. Unique features like active antenna optimize gaming traffic.
- Up to 10.8Gbps speeds
- Dual-band AX11000
- Quad-core processor
- Active antenna
- Gaming dashboard
- Gaming VPN
- Geo filter, QoS
- Advanced security
- $499.99 MSRP
Conclusion
With robust options across budgets, Nighthawk routers and mesh systems make it easy to find your ideal WiFi 6 networking solution. The powerful RAX120 router delivers leading performance for high-speed media streaming and VR gaming, while the MK83 mesh blankets extra large homes with seamless roaming. Gamers can optimize multiplayer connections using the XR11000’s specialized gaming features.
For the best value under $200, the AX8 WiFi router packs in fast AX speeds and useful features. Or get extended coverage at an affordable price point with the MK63 mesh system. With its consistent mix of strong performance, advanced capabilities and easy management, Nighthawk continues to innovate WiFi 6 networking.
