Linksys EA9500 Wi-Fi Router vs Netgear Nighthawk RS700S
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.
The Linksys EA9500 Max-Stream AC5400 Wi-Fi Router is engineered to deliver high-speed wireless connectivity to multiple devices simultaneously. Equipped with a powerful 1.4 GHz dual-core processor and eight adjustable external antennas, it eliminates dead zones and ensures robust coverage for large households with demanding bandwidth needs. Featuring MU-MIMO technology, this router treats multiple devices as if they each have their own dedicated router, reducing lag and dramatically improving overall network efficiency. It also offers advanced wired connectivity with eight Gigabit LAN ports and comprehensive security administration via the Linksys Smart Wi-Fi app.
The Nighthawk RS700S brings the newest Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) technology to the home, offering tri-band coverage across 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz with combined speeds up to 30 Gbps. Its eight high-gain antennas and advanced beamforming keep connections stable even in dense device environments. Equipped with a native 10 Gbps Ethernet WAN port, two 2.5 GbE LAN ports, a 10 Gbps SFP+ slot, and a USB 3.0 port, the RS700S delivers ultra-fast wired backhaul for NAS, gaming consoles, and workstations. Integrated Netgear Armor security, sophisticated QoS, and the intuitive Nighthawk app make setup and ongoing management simple and secure.
- Extremely fast tri-band performance
- Generous selection of eight Gigabit LAN ports
- Strong wireless coverage for large homes
- User-friendly setup and mobile management app
- Wi-Fi 7 performance with multi-gigabit speeds.
- 10 Gbps WAN port eliminates need for external media converters.
- Comprehensive security suite with Netgear Armor.
- Easy management via Nighthawk mobile app.
- Large physical footprint and bulky design
- Higher price point compared to standard dual-band routers
- Lacks native Wi-Fi 6 support
- Higher price point compared to Wi-Fi 6 routers.
- Large physical footprint may not fit compact spaces.
- Limited number of 2.5 GbE LAN ports for wired devices.
More alternatives & similar tools
Alternatives to Linksys EA9500 Wi-Fi Router
View all →Ultra-fast Wi-Fi 7 tri-band router with a built-in 10 Gbps internet port for next-gen home networking.
High-performance AC2300 smart Wi-Fi router for fast home streaming and gaming.
An all-in-one router, firewall, and network controller for prosumers.
Alternatives to Netgear Nighthawk RS700S
View all →Ultra-powerful Tri-Band AC5400 gigabit router designed for heavy-duty home networks.
High-performance AC2300 smart Wi-Fi router for fast home streaming and gaming.
The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataThe Linksys EA9500 offers solid AC1200 tri‑band performance with many Gigabit LAN ports at half the price, while the Netgear Nighthawk RS700S provides cutting‑edge Wi‑Fi 7 and native 10 Gbps WAN for future‑proof, high‑speed needs at a premium cost.
Key differences
- •Wi‑Fi standard: AC5 (Wi‑Fi 5) vs Wi‑Fi 7 (802.11be)
- •Maximum combined wireless speed: 5.3 Gbps vs 30 Gbps
- •WAN capability: Gigabit Ethernet only vs native 10 Gbps Ethernet WAN port
- •Wired LAN ports: eight Gigabit LAN vs two 2.5 GbE LAN + 10 Gbps SFP+
- •Price: $399.99 vs $799
Performance
RS700S delivers up to 30 Gbps Wi‑Fi 7 vs EA9500’s 5.3 Gbps Wi‑Fi 5.
Build quality
EA9500’s larger chassis (264 × 317 × 63 mm, 1.73 kg) suggests more robust construction than RS700S’s compact 0.73 kg unit.
Connectivity
RS700S includes 10 Gbps WAN, 2.5 GbE LAN, and SFP+; EA9500 offers only Gigabit LAN ports.
Power & efficiency
RS700S is lighter (0.73 kg) than EA9500 (1.73 kg), indicating lower power/energy demand.
Compatibility
EA9500 supports eight Gigabit Ethernet ports and USB 3.0/2.0 for printers/storage; RS700S has fewer LAN ports.
Price & value
EA9500 costs $399.99, roughly half the $799 price of RS700S.
Warranty & support
RS700S offers a 2‑year limited warranty, double EA9500’s 1‑year warranty.
Choose Linksys EA9500 Wi-Fi Router if…
Large households or enthusiasts needing many wired devices and solid AC performance on a tighter budget.
Choose Netgear Nighthawk RS700S if…
Power users or small offices requiring Wi‑Fi 7, multi‑gigabit WAN/LAN, and future‑proof performance regardless of cost.
Common questions
Is the higher price of the RS700S justified?
It provides Wi‑Fi 7, up to 30 Gbps, 10 Gbps WAN, and a longer warranty, which the EA9500 lacks.
Can I connect many wired devices with the RS700S?
RS700S has only two 2.5 GbE LAN ports and an SFP+ slot, whereas the EA9500 offers eight Gigabit LAN ports.
Will the EA9500 work with my existing Wi‑Fi 6 devices?
Yes; Wi‑Fi 5 is backward compatible with newer devices, though it won’t deliver Wi‑Fi 6 speeds.