The Nighthawk AX12, Netgear’s recently released high-performance Wifi 6 router and our current reference router, now has a companion: the Netgear Nighthawk EAX80 AX6000 extender. Featuring a similar design and robust specifications, we’ve conducted thorough testing and present our detailed review here.
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Familiar Design, Updated Interface
As seen in the AX12, this extender incorporates Netgear’s updated graphical user interface. This new interface offers improved speed, a cleaner layout, and greater stability compared to its predecessor (which contributed to the eventual decommissioning of our previous reference router, the R9000). The Nighthawk app aims to simplify setup, though we encountered some difficulties using the guided setup. Alternatively, we successfully employed the WPS button for a straightforward pairing process, particularly effective with devices in close proximity. The EAX80 exhibits a taller and more ventilated design compared to its predecessor, the Netgear Nighthawk EX8000 X6S, while maintaining similar connection options. Unlike our experience with the EX8000’s problematic firmware, the EAX80 operated flawlessly from the outset with the latest software version pre-installed. Updates are also less frequent, which is a positive indication of stability. The four LAN ports proved valuable for connecting devices such as the Xbox One X, PS4 Pro, Apple TV 4K, and Google Stadia. While our 900 Mbit connection is limited by the consoles’ services, we consistently achieved an average of 250 Mbit on most devices, which is a respectable result.
EAX80: A True Plug-and-Play Experience
Netgear is to be commended for addressing the software-related issues that affected their previous hardware generation. The current system offers a stable and straightforward user experience. The AX12 and EAX80 function seamlessly together, as expected given their premium price points. Configuration is simple and requires minimal technical expertise, whether you intend to use the system as a mesh network (One Wifi, enabling seamless device switching between access points), an extender (with its own Wifi network name), or a dedicated Access Point (similar to a LAN switch). The system operates reliably and effectively, providing the expected performance.
Netgear Nighthawk EAX 80 AX6000 Extender – Ahead of the Curve
Currently, the availability of Wifi 6-compatible devices is limited. This is partly due to the recent finalization of the standard (post-dating the Netgear AX12’s 2019 release) and partly because Wifi 5 (802.11ac) adequately serves many users’ current bandwidth needs. However, Wifi 6 adoption is rapidly increasing, driven by devices like the popular iPhone 11 and new PC laptops.
In general, upgrading to Wifi 6 isn’t urgent, particularly for connections below 500 Mbit, where existing capacity is sufficient. CAT 5e cables also remain adequate for networks up to 1GBps, exceeding the speeds available to many users. However, when investing in new equipment, selecting Wifi 6-compatible devices is a future-proof choice, given the technology’s increasing adoption. The Netgear Nighthawk EAX80 extender is a strong contender for extending Wifi coverage in large homes or outdoor areas like gardens.
The Netgear Nighthawk EAX80, priced just over SEK 3,000 at the time of this review, requires pairing with a capable main router, ideally one with Wifi 6 support, such as Netgear’s own AX12. It’s a recommended choice for users needing a new extender and planning to operate numerous devices, especially Wifi 6-compatible ones. For users without such devices or with standard fiber connections (100-250 Mbit), an immediate upgrade may not be necessary. We anticipate the arrival of more Wifi 6 devices to fully unlock the extender’s potential, likely within the next year or two.
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