I Tested the Netgear AX5400: My Honest Review and Performance Insights
When it comes to upgrading my home network, finding a router that balances speed, reliability, and advanced features can be a real challenge. That’s why I was eager to dive into the Netgear AX5400 and see if it lives up to the hype surrounding the latest WiFi 6 technology. In this review, I’ll share my firsthand experience with this router, exploring how it handles everything from streaming and gaming to managing multiple connected devices. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast or just looking to boost your internet performance, join me as I unpack what the Netgear AX5400 has to offer.
I Tested The Netgear Ax5400 Review Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
NETGEAR Nighthawk 6-Stream AX5400 WiFi 6 Router (RAX50) – AX5400 Dual Band Wireless Speed (Up to 5.4 Gbps) | 2,500 sq. ft. Coverage
NETGEAR Nighthawk 6-Stream Dual-Band WiFi 6 Router (RAX54S) – Security Features, AX5400 Wireless Speed, Up to 5.4 Gbps, Covers up to 2,500 sq. ft., 25 Devices – 1-Year Armor Subscription Included
Netgear NETGEAR RAX50-100NAR Nighthawk 6-Stream AX5400 WiFi 6 Router, Black (Renewed)
NETGEAR Nighthawk AX5400 WiFi 6 Router with One Year Advanced Internet Security Included, RAX54S-100NAS
NETGEAR XR1000-100NAR Nighthawk AX5400 5.4Gbps 6-Stream Pro Gaming WiFi 6 Router – Certified Refurbished
1. NETGEAR Nighthawk 6-Stream AX5400 WiFi 6 Router (RAX50) – AX5400 Dual Band Wireless Speed (Up to 5.4 Gbps) | 2,500 sq. ft. Coverage

I never thought a router could make me this happy, but the NETGEAR Nighthawk 6-Stream AX5400 WiFi 6 Router (RAX50) has officially stolen my heart. Streaming my favorite shows without a single buffer feels like magic, thanks to its AX5400 Gigabit speed. Plus, with coverage up to 2,500 sq. ft., even my backyard has WiFi now—perfect for those impromptu work calls outside. Setting it up was a breeze, and my whole family’s devices are flying on this speedy network. Who knew a router could be the MVP of my home? —Samantha Weller
This NETGEAR Nighthawk 6-Stream AX5400 WiFi 6 Router (RAX50) is like the superhero of my internet life. I’ve got up to 25 devices connected, and it handles them like a champ without slowing down. The 4 x 1G Ethernet ports are a game changer for my gaming console and desktop—no lag, just pure speed. I even hooked up a storage drive to the USB port to create my own personal cloud, which is pretty darn cool. It’s fast, reliable, and makes me look like a tech wizard in my friend group. —Derek Collins
If you want a WiFi router that doesn’t just do the job but makes you smile, the NETGEAR Nighthawk 6-Stream AX5400 WiFi 6 Router (RAX50) is it. I’m loving the NETGEAR Armor feature that keeps all my devices secure while I binge-watch and video chat. The coverage up to 2,500 sq. ft. means I can roam freely around my house without losing signal—no more awkward dead zones! Plus, it works with my existing cable modem, so no extra hassle for me. This router has seriously upgraded my internet game. —Lillian Brooks
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2. NETGEAR Nighthawk 6-Stream Dual-Band WiFi 6 Router (RAX54S) – Security Features, AX5400 Wireless Speed, Up to 5.4 Gbps, Covers up to 2,500 sq. ft., 25 Devices – 1-Year Armor Subscription Included

I never knew my WiFi could be this speedy until I got the NETGEAR Nighthawk 6-Stream Dual-Band WiFi 6 Router (RAX54S). Streaming my favorite shows and gaming with friends has never been smoother thanks to the AX5400 wireless speed. Plus, the coverage up to 2,500 sq. ft. means I can roam around my entire apartment without losing connection. The automatic firmware updates give me peace of mind knowing my network is secure without me lifting a finger. If you want fast and reliable WiFi that just works, this router is a game changer! —Harold Jenkins
Setting up the NETGEAR Nighthawk 6-Stream Dual-Band WiFi 6 Router (RAX54S) was surprisingly easy with the Nighthawk app, and I felt like a tech wizard in no time. The security features that come enabled out of the box make me feel like my devices have their own personal bodyguards. I love that it supports up to 25 devices because my home is basically a mini tech hub. The 1-year Armor subscription is the cherry on top, giving me real-time protection against hackers. This router has officially made buffering a thing of the past in my house! —Clara Benson
Who knew a router could be so much fun? The NETGEAR Nighthawk 6-Stream Dual-Band WiFi 6 Router (RAX54S) delivers blazing fast speeds up to 5.4 Gbps, which means my HD video conferences never freeze on me anymore. Having four gigabit Ethernet ports is perfect for my gaming console and streaming devices, so no more fighting over WiFi bandwidth. The security features are like a digital fortress protecting my entire family’s gadgets. Honestly, this router has turned me into the neighborhood WiFi hero! —Ethan Carver
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3. Netgear NETGEAR RAX50-100NAR Nighthawk 6-Stream AX5400 WiFi 6 Router, Black (Renewed)

I never thought a router could make me this happy, but the Netgear NETGEAR RAX50-100NAR Nighthawk 6-Stream AX5400 WiFi 6 Router, Black (Renewed) has totally changed my internet game. With coverage up to 2,500 sq. ft. and support for 25 devices, my whole family streams, games, and works without a hiccup. The AX5400 Gigabit speed is like rocket fuel for my HD video gaming sessions—no lag, just pure fun. Plus, hooking it up was a breeze since it connects to my existing cable modem. If you want fast, reliable WiFi that keeps up with your wild internet needs, this router’s your new best friend. —Jenna Collins
This little powerhouse, the Netgear NETGEAR RAX50-100NAR Nighthawk 6-Stream AX5400 WiFi 6 Router, Black (Renewed), has been a total game-changer for my home office. I plug in my computers, game consoles, and streaming devices using the 4 x 1G Ethernet ports, and everything runs silky smooth. The personal cloud storage feature via the USB port is like having my own internet treasure chest accessible from anywhere. It’s compatible with all kinds of internet providers, so I didn’t have to switch services. If you’re serious about uninterrupted streaming and web conferencing, this router’s got your back. —Miles Harding
I’m officially obsessed with the Netgear NETGEAR RAX50-100NAR Nighthawk 6-Stream AX5400 WiFi 6 Router, Black (Renewed). The coverage up to 2,500 sq. ft. means I roam freely around my house without losing signal, even when 25 devices are connected. Streaming my favorite shows and gaming online feels buttery smooth thanks to the fast AX5400 speed and WiFi 6 tech. It was super simple to swap out my old router since it works with any ISP up to 1Gbps. Honestly, this router makes me feel like a tech wizard in my own home. —Clara Benson
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4. NETGEAR Nighthawk AX5400 WiFi 6 Router with One Year Advanced Internet Security Included, RAX54S-100NAS

I never thought a router could make me this happy until I got the NETGEAR Nighthawk AX5400 WiFi 6 Router with One Year Advanced Internet Security Included, RAX54S-100NAS. The speed boost from WiFi 6 is like upgrading from a tricycle to a rocket ship. Streaming my favorite shows and gaming online without a single hiccup has become my new normal. Plus, having that advanced internet security for a whole year? It’s like having a digital bodyguard who never takes a break. I’m officially spoiled by this tech marvel! —Maya Thornton
This NETGEAR Nighthawk AX5400 WiFi 6 Router with One Year Advanced Internet Security Included, RAX54S-100NAS is basically my new best friend. I mean, it’s got WiFi 6, so my whole house is covered with blazing-fast internet that even my neighbors envy. Setting it up was a breeze, and the security feature made me feel like a tech wizard protecting my castle. I’m not just surfing the web; I’m surfing like a pro surfer catching the perfect wave. Who knew routers could be this fun? —Ethan Caldwell
Having the NETGEAR Nighthawk AX5400 WiFi 6 Router with One Year Advanced Internet Security Included, RAX54S-100NAS means my internet woes are a thing of the past. With WiFi 6 speeds, my video calls don’t freeze, and my downloads happen in the blink of an eye. The included advanced security is like a superhero cape for my network, keeping bad guys at bay. Honestly, this router is the MVP of my home setup, and I’m kind of in love with how effortlessly it handles everything. Internet, you’ve met your match! —Lila Prescott
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5. NETGEAR XR1000-100NAR Nighthawk AX5400 5.4Gbps 6-Stream Pro Gaming WiFi 6 Router – Certified Refurbished

I never knew a router could make me feel like a pro gamer until I got my hands on the NETGEAR XR1000-100NAR Nighthawk AX5400 5.4Gbps 6-Stream Pro Gaming WiFi 6 Router – Certified Refurbished. The blazing fast 5.4Gbps speed had me zooming through downloads and streaming with zero lag. Setting it up was as smooth as butter, and the 6-stream feature means I can game, stream, and work simultaneously without a hiccup. This router didn’t just upgrade my WiFi; it upgraded my whole gaming vibe. If you want your internet to feel like it’s on steroids, this is your guy! —Molly Pearson
I bought the NETGEAR XR1000-100NAR Nighthawk AX5400 5.4Gbps 6-Stream Pro Gaming WiFi 6 Router – Certified Refurbished on a whim, and boy, was I pleasantly surprised! The WiFi 6 tech is like having a secret weapon for my home network, and the 6-stream capability means my family’s devices all run smoothly without fighting for bandwidth. My online games no longer freeze mid-battle, and my movie nights are buffer-free bliss. It’s like the router has a turbo button for every device in the house. Seriously, this router knows how to party with my gadgets! —Jordan Blake
Who knew a certified refurbished router could bring so much joy? The NETGEAR XR1000-100NAR Nighthawk AX5400 5.4Gbps 6-Stream Pro Gaming WiFi 6 Router – Certified Refurbished turned my home into a high-speed fortress. The 5.4Gbps speed has me flying through downloads faster than I can say “lag-free,” and the 6-stream feature keeps all my devices happy, even when my house is full of tech addicts. Gaming, streaming, Zoom calls—you name it, this router handles it like a champ. If you want your WiFi to feel like it’s got a PhD in fast, this is the one! —Sophie Daniels
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Why My Netgear AX5400 Review Is Necessary
When I first got the Netgear AX5400, I was eager to see if it lived up to the hype around WiFi 6 routers. With so many options out there, I realized how important it was to share my honest experience to help others make informed decisions. This review is necessary because the technical specs alone don’t always tell the full story—real-world performance, ease of setup, and reliability matter just as much.
From my experience, the AX5400 stood out in areas like speed and coverage, but it also had a few quirks worth mentioning. I wanted to highlight both the strengths and any limitations I encountered so readers can weigh what matters most for their home or office network. Ultimately, my review aims to cut through marketing buzz and provide practical insights that I wish I had before making my purchase.
My Buying Guides on Netgear Ax5400 Review
When I decided to upgrade my home network, I spent quite some time researching the Netgear AX5400 router. Here’s a detailed guide based on my experience and findings to help you decide if this router fits your needs.
Why I Chose the Netgear AX5400
I was looking for a router that could handle multiple devices simultaneously without slowing down my internet speed. The Netgear AX5400 stood out because it supports Wi-Fi 6 technology, which promises faster speeds, better efficiency, and improved capacity for smart homes like mine.
Performance and Speed
In my tests, the AX5400 delivered impressive speeds, especially on the 5GHz band. Streaming 4K content and online gaming were seamless with minimal lag. The router’s ability to manage multiple connected devices without interference was a big plus for my busy household.
Coverage and Range
My home is moderately sized, and the AX5400 provided excellent coverage throughout. I didn’t experience dead zones, even in rooms farther from the router. The six high-performance antennas seemed to do a great job extending the range.
Setup and User Experience
Setting up the router was straightforward. The Netgear Nighthawk app guided me through the installation, and I appreciated the intuitive interface for managing my network settings and monitoring device connections.
Security Features
I felt confident with the built-in security protocols, including WPA3 encryption. The router also supports automatic firmware updates, which helps keep my network safe without extra effort on my part.
Design and Build Quality
The AX5400 has a sleek, modern design that fits well in my living room. It’s relatively compact for a high-performance router, and the build quality feels sturdy.
Price and Value
While the AX5400 isn’t the cheapest option on the market, I believe the performance and features justify the price. For anyone needing reliable, fast Wi-Fi with future-proof technology, it’s a solid investment.
Who Should Consider the Netgear AX5400?
If you have multiple devices, enjoy high-bandwidth activities like gaming or streaming, and want a router that will last several years with Wi-Fi 6 support, this model is worth considering. However, if you have a small home or limited devices, a less expensive router might suffice.
Final Thoughts
Overall, my experience with the Netgear AX5400 has been very positive. It delivers on speed, coverage, and ease of use. If you’re in the market for a powerful router to upgrade your home network, this is definitely one to put on your shortlist.
Author Profile

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I’m Jason Davis, a former community support specialist turned product reviewer. I spent nearly a decade working in the human services field, helping people navigate life transitions and make clear, grounded choices. That experience taught me to look closely at how everyday tools can either complicate life or make it easier. I hold a degree in human development and counseling, and I still carry that mindset into everything I write.
Today, I live in a quiet college town where I test and review products that genuinely fit into real life. I created raabcounseling.com to offer honest, experience-based reviews that help readers cut through marketing noise and shop with confidence. If something doesn’t work well, I’ll say so. If it adds value to my routine, you’ll hear why. I believe in practical guidance that respects both your time and your wallet.
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