Netgear Nighthawk RAX40
Expert rating6.5 / 10
- WiFi Standard:
- WiFi 6 (802.11ax)
- Speed Class:
- AX1800
- Band Configuration:
- Dual-Band
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Manufacturer: Netgear Last updated: 2026-09-12
Netgear Nighthawk RAX40 (WiFi 6/Standalone Router/Dual-Band AX1800/Nighthawk AX4) Review
Netgear Nighthawk RAX40 dual-band WiFi 6 router, AX1800 speed class, marketed as the Nighthawk AX4 entry point into the Nighthawk lineup.
The RAX40, sold as the Nighthawk AX4, is Netgear's cheapest way to put the Nighthawk name on a WiFi 6 router. It's a fairly modest AX1800-class router underneath the marketing, suited to smaller homes rather than the sprawling coverage the Nighthawk brand implies at the flagship end.
Overview
An entry-level Nighthawk-branded dual-band WiFi 6 router with AX1800 speed class, four Gigabit LAN ports, and optional NETGEAR Armor security subscription.
Comparison to Alternatives
Against the TP-Link Archer AX21, specs and pricing are close, with the choice mostly coming down to app preference and brand loyalty. Compared to Netgear's own Nighthawk RAX50, the RAX40 covers noticeably less area and offers lower peak throughput. Buyers wanting the Nighthawk name with real flagship performance should look at the Netgear Nighthawk RAXE300 instead.
Specifications
Wireless
| WiFi Standard | WiFi 6 (802.11ax) |
|---|---|
| Router Type | Standalone Router |
| Band Configuration | Dual-Band (2.4GHz + 5GHz) |
| Coverage Area | 1500 |
Connectivity
| Wired Ports | 4x Gigabit LAN, 1x Gigabit WAN |
|---|---|
| Special Features | NETGEAR Armor security (subscription), Nighthawk app management |
Wireless standard
| Speed Class | AX1800 (up to 1.8Gbps combined) |
|---|
| MU-MIMO/OFDMA | Yes |
|---|
Expert Review
Reviewed by Burooj Alam. Rated by us, not by users.
Expert rating6.5 / 10
An entry-level router riding on the Nighthawk name, adequate for small homes but modest next to Netgear's own higher-tier models.
Best for
- Small apartments wanting a recognizable router brand
- Budget buyers loyal to the Nighthawk app ecosystem
- Simple single-router households
Not for
- Larger homes needing more coverage or throughput
- Buyers wanting multi-gig ports
- Households with heavy simultaneous device use
FAQs
What are the key specifications of the Netgear Nighthawk RAX40 (WiFi 6/Standalone Router/Dual-Band AX1800/Nighthawk AX4)?
The Netgear Nighthawk RAX40 (WiFi 6/Standalone Router/Dual-Band AX1800/Nighthawk AX4) is a router from Netgear. Key specs: WiFi Standard WiFi 6 (802.11ax), Router Type Standalone Router, Band Configuration Dual-Band (2.4GHz + 5GHz), Speed Class AX1800 (up to 1.8Gbps combined), Coverage Area 1500.
Will the Netgear Nighthawk RAX40 (WiFi 6/Standalone Router/Dual-Band AX1800/Nighthawk AX4) work with my current setup?
The Netgear Nighthawk RAX40 (WiFi 6/Standalone Router/Dual-Band AX1800/Nighthawk AX4) lists WiFi Standard is WiFi 6 (802.11ax). Check that against the hardware you already own before buying, since this is the field that most often decides whether a part fits.
Who is the Netgear Nighthawk RAX40 (WiFi 6/Standalone Router/Dual-Band AX1800/Nighthawk AX4) best suited to?
It suits small apartments wanting a recognizable router brand, budget buyers loyal to the nighthawk app ecosystem, simple single-router households.
What are the drawbacks of the Netgear Nighthawk RAX40 (WiFi 6/Standalone Router/Dual-Band AX1800/Nighthawk AX4)?
It is a poor fit for larger homes needing more coverage or throughput, buyers wanting multi-gig ports, households with heavy simultaneous device use.
Compare and read more
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