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This is the Asus RT-AXE7800 vs. Netgear RAXE300 matchup I promised in the review of the former.
Asus's latest Wi-Fi 6E router is the answer to the Netgear's counterpart, whether or not anyone wants to admit it. Sharing the exact same Wi-Fi specs and processing power, the two seem to be cut from the same cloth. Or are they?
There are a lot of similarities between the two, but yet, they can't be any more different. Let's drive in!
Asus RT-AXE7800 vs. Netgear RAXE300: One gives the other a good run for its money
The RT-AXE7800 and the RAXE300 are two eye-catching Wi-Fi routers. One looks like a spaceship, and the other, well, a dead spider, but in a cool way.
While I love the RAXE300 for its excellent appearance, the RT-AXE7800 is much more practical. It's more compact, lighter, and wall-mount-ready right out of the box.
In many ways, the two represent Asus and Netgear, respectively, in designs and Wi-Fi approaches. And in that sense, the RT-AXE7800 shares the good and the bad of the RAXE300. And then, it has a bit more. Actually, a whole lot more.
With that, let's pitch them against each other in the hardware specs.
Asus RT-AXE7800 vs. Netgear RAXE300: Hardware specifications
 |  | |
| Asus AXE7800 tri-band Wi-Fi 6E Router | Netgear Nighthawk 8-Stream AXE7800 Tri-Band Wi-Fi 6E Router | |
| Model | Asus RT-AXE7800 | Netgear RAXE300 |
| Wi-Fi Technology | Tri-Band AXE7800 | |
| First Band | 2.4GHz 2x2 Wi-Fi 6 Up to 574Mbps (20/40MHz) | |
| Second Band | 5GHz 4x4 Wi-Fi 6 Up to 4804Mbps (20/40/80/160MHz) | |
| Third Band | 6GHz 2x2 Wi-Fi 6E Up to 2402Mbps (20/40/80/160MHz) | |
| Backward Compatibility | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | |
| AP Mode | Yes | |
| Mesh-ready | Yes (AiMesh) | No |
| Gigabit Network Port | 1 x WAN/LAN 3 x LAN | 1x WAN/WAN 4x LAN |
| Multi-Gig Network Port | 1x 2.5Gbps LAN/WAN | |
| LAN Link Aggregation | Yes | |
| WAN Link Aggregation | Yes | No |
| Dual-WAN | Yes | No |
| USB | 1 x USB 3.0 (USB-A) | 1x USB 3.0 (USB-C) |
| Mobile App | Asus Router | Netgear Nighthawk |
| Processing Power | 1.7GHz quad-core CPU, 256MB Flash, 512MB RAM | |
| Dimensions | 9.57 x 8.78 x 6.1 in (24.3 x 22.3 x 15.5 cm) | 11.86 x 8.16 x 3.23 in (30.13 x 20.79 x 8.2 cm) |
| Weight | 2.28 lbs (1.33 kg) | 2.23 lb (1.01kg) |
| Firmware Version (at review) | 3.0.0.4.388_21593 | 1.0.4.52_1 |
| Power Input | 100-240V | |
| Power Consumption (per 24 hours) | ≈185 Wh | ≈200Wh |
| Release Date | September 2022 | January 2022 |
| Price (at publication) | $329.99 | $399.99 |
Asus RT-AXE7800 vs. Netgear RAXE300: Better firmware for the win
The two are almost identical in hardware specs.
Both are tri-band Wi-Fi 6 routers on the Wi-Fi front, of which only the 5GHz has the top-tier treatment. Their 2.4GHz and 6GHz bands are middling with the latter's bandwidth caps at only 2400Mbps.
Both routers share the same processing power and the number of network ports. There's only one 2.5GbE Multi-Gig port that can work either as a LAN or a WAN.
That said, what sets them apart is the firmware. The Netgear uses a proprietary firmware of which the local web interface has been slowly neutered over the years to coerce users into using the Nighthawk mobile app. You need this app—which requires a login account—and pay for a handful of subscriptions to get the most out of the router.
The Asus, on the other hand, runs on an open-source Linux-based firmware that gives you a robust web user interface and an optional Asus Router mobile app. No matter which you use, there's no need to sign up for a login account with the vendor. On top of that, it shares many features and settings with other Asus routers—all free for life.
And last but not least, the Asus RT-AX7800 is mesh-ready. You can use it as the primary router or a satellite node of an AiMesh system. (Considering it has no additional 5GHz band, it's best to use it with wired backhauling.)
Asus RT-AXE7800 vs. Netgear RAXE300: Grading and performance
Asus RT-AXE7800's Rating
Pros
Excellent performance with tons of network settings with an excellent feature set, free online protection, and Parental Controls
AiMesh 2.0 support with Mult-Gig wired backhauling as a satellite
Super-flexible network ports for Dual-WAN and LAN/WAN Link Aggregations
Compact and practical design; relatively affordable
Cons
Only one Multi-Gig port
Middling 6GHz band
Netgear Nighthawk RAXE300's Rating
Pros
Wi-Fi 6E-ready with excellent performance
Flexible 2.5Gbps LAN/WAN port, USB-C
Robust web interface, helpful (optional) mobile app
Cool fanless, wall-mount-ready design
Cons
Middling 6GHz specs, no standard Remote Management via Dynamic DNS
No 10Gbps port, only one 2.5Gbps port; not-well-thought-out Wi-Fi on/off button
Limited Wi-Fi settings and online protection/Parental Controls require a mobile app and subscription
Mediocre NAS performance when hosting a portable SSD; 100-120V power adapter
Asus RT-AXE7800 vs. Netgear RAXE300: Which to get
At a friendly price, the Asus RT-AXE7800 is a much better deal than the Netgear RAXE300.
In fact, the only thing the Netgear has going for itself in this matchup is the unique spaceship-like design. Other than that, it's overpriced and stacked against the Asus counterpart.
However, the Netgear hit the market much earlier, and if you already have gotten it, there's no need to ditch it for the Asus. In the end, in terms of Wi-Fi experience, the two are very similar.
Thanks for the informative reviews!
I have a 3-level house & wondering if the Asus AXE7800 is compatible with my existing Netgear Wifi range extender (AC1900) in case it’s needed.
An extender is generally compatible with any router, Dave—more on extenders here. However, in your case, since the extender uses Wi-Fi 5, it’ll require the router (Wi-Fi 6/E) to work in the compatibility mode. So, using it would make your wireless network slower (on the 5GHz band) though chances are the impact is minimal since you likely have other Wi-Fi 5 devices in the network anyway.
Hi,
Thank you for this excellent comparison. I’ve read the review of the Asus RT-AXE7800 and have a couple of questions. You specifically mention the Netgear is fanless, can I assume the Asus isn’t? If so, is it noisy? How many concurrent client devices can the Asus handle?
I live in a 3 storey house with ethernet cable between the first 2 floors. I have a fibre connection with approx 500Mb download. I have a budget of around £400 to spend on a new WiFi system. I was looking at the Neat WiFi Pro until I found your review. I then purchased the Deco X75 Pro, but returned it after a few days due to the subscription requirement for parental controls. I’m wondering if the Asus would be a good fit for me, as I’m not sure I need a mesh system? I get by at the moment with my single ISP provided router and have coverage all over the house.
Sorry, meant to say the ethernet connection on the middle floor is in my bedroom, hence the question regarding the fan/noise!
The Asus RT-AXE7800 is fanless. It’s actually very compact, as you can see in the photos. This post will give you an overall picture of Asus routers.
Hello. Thanks for the great review. Is the ASUS AXE7800 wall mountable?
See the photos, Cosmin!