Routers / Compare

NETGEAR Nighthawk RS100 vs TP-Link Archer BE230

A

Product A: NETGEAR

Nighthawk RS100

53 of 90 known

Change NETGEAR Nighthawk RS100

Compare the TP-Link Archer BE230 with

Search routers

B

Product B: TP-Link

Archer BE230

64 of 90 known

Change TP-Link Archer BE230

Compare the NETGEAR Nighthawk RS100 with

Search routers

All 90 fields

Every value links to where we found it.

Only differences

ANETGEAR Nighthawk RS100

BTP-Link Archer BE230

General

3 of 9 differ

Series

Nighthawk1Maker product pagenetgear.com/home/wifi/routers/rs100Read 14 October 2026

Archer1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-be230Read 14 October 2026

Model numbersiMaker identifiers for this exact model and its listed variants. Excludes sibling models and other generations.

RS100, RS100-100NAS, RS90, RS90-100NAS1Maker product pagenetgear.com/home/wifi/routers/rs100Read 14 October 2026Page data gives the part number RS100 and the US SKU RS100-100NAS. The US page links the shared user manual for RS100, RS90 and RS70 and the manual gives RS100 and RS90 the same radios. The job brief says Amazon US sells the same router as RS90 (RS90-100NAS). The RS90 datasheet matches the RS100 datasheet in size, weight, adapter and ports. The EU model RS100-100EUS is not stored, because the EU page quotes another coverage.3Maker spec sheet (PDF)downloads.netgear.com/files/GDC/RS90/RS90_TS.pdfRead 14 October 2026RS90 datasheet: same BE3600 radios, 2 internal antennas, quad-core 2.0 GHz, 12V/1.5A adapter, 184 x 66 x 122 mm and 380 g as the RS100.

Archer BE230, Archer BE36001Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-be230Read 14 October 2026The support page lists the Archer BE3600 Dual-Band Wi-Fi 7 Router datasheet under the Archer BE230 downloads, and the maker's end-of-sale list has Archer BE230 and Archer BE3600 (Walmart) rows with the same dates. Tom's Guide and Dong Knows Tech both call the BE3600 the identical router. The datasheet of the BE230 is used.

GTIN / EAN

6064491723861Maker product pagenetgear.com/home/wifi/routers/rs100Read 14 October 2026UPC 606449172386 in the page's product data for RS100-100NAS. The RS90-100NAS UPC was not found.

Not available

AnnouncediThe maker's first announcement of this model. This is separate from first retail availability.

Not available

Not available

Status

Available1Maker product pagenetgear.com/home/wifi/routers/rs100Read 14 October 2026The US NETGEAR store sells the router at 149.99 USD on 2026-10-14.

Available1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-be230Read 14 October 2026The product page and the support downloads are live. Firmware 1.2.6 build 20260617 is dated 2026-07-30. The maker's US end-of-sale list (V9) gives an end-of-sale notice date of 2026-08-18 and an end-of-sale date of 2027-02-14 for the US versions, so it is still sold.5Maker spec sheet (PDF)static.tp-link.com/upload/manual/2026/202609/20260921/US%20EOS_List_Home%20-%20V9.pdfRead 14 October 2026Archer BE230 versions 1.0, 1.6, 1.20 and 1.26 (US) and Archer BE3600 1.6 and 1.26 (USW): end-of-sale notice 2026-08-18, end of sale 2027-02-14. Stored as available until the end-of-sale date passes.

PredecessoriThe model this one directly replaced, in the same line, tier and size, as the maker or a trusted review names it.

Not available

Not available

SuccessoriThe model that directly replaced this one, in the same line, tier and size. A revision such as a Slim or OLED model does not count when a next generation exists.

Not available

Not available

Launch price (US)iThe maker's US launch MSRP for the stated configuration, excluding tax. Current store prices and later discounts do not qualify.

$149.995Maker product pageweb.archive.org/web/20250219233836/https://www.netgear.com/home/wifi/routers/rs100Read 14 October 2026Archived copy of the maker's US page from 2025-02-19 lists the RS100 at $149.99. The first Wayback copy was written before launch coverage. TechRadar says the launch price was $129.99 and other outlets say $149, so the sources disagree. The maker's own price is stored.6Reviewdongknows.com/netgear-nighthawk-rs100-reviewRead 14 October 2026Hardware table: US launch price $149.99.

$9911Reviewdongknows.com/tp-link-archer-be230-reviewRead 14 October 2026Spec table: U.S. price at launch $99, for the Archer BE230 (Archer BE3600). The Tom's Hardware launch report of 2024-07-23 gives $99 at Walmart too. Tom's Guide later prints a list price of $120. Retailer sale prices are not used.13Press articletech.yahoo.com/general/articles/tp-walmart-tout-first-sub-181914722.htmlRead 14 October 2026The new TP-Link Archer BE3600 is available exclusively through Walmart for $99. Excluding tax, US.

Launch price (EU)iThe maker's euro launch price for the stated configuration, including VAT as published. Current store prices and later discounts do not qualify.

Not available

Not available

MarketsiISO country or region codes where this exact model or variant is sold. A source page's language does not establish availability.

US1Maker product pagenetgear.com/home/wifi/routers/rs100Read 14 October 2026The US store page offers it for sale.

US10Reviewtomsguide.com/computing/routers/tp-link-archer-be3600-reviewRead 14 October 2026US review and US prices.11Reviewdongknows.com/tp-link-archer-be230-reviewRead 14 October 2026US launch price.13Press articletech.yahoo.com/general/articles/tp-walmart-tout-first-sub-181914722.htmlRead 14 October 2026US, Walmart.

ColoursiThe maker's own colour names

Not available

Black10Reviewtomsguide.com/computing/routers/tp-link-archer-be3600-reviewRead 14 October 2026Wrapped in black plastic. The review gives no colour name. The retail listings say Black.

Form factoriMesh system is a product line sold in packs of mesh units, e.g. eero, Deco and Orbi. A standalone router that can join a mesh as an option is a router. A travel router is a pocket-size router sold for travel.

Router1Maker product pagenetgear.com/home/wifi/routers/rs100Read 14 October 2026

Router1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-be230Read 14 October 2026Standalone router, EasyMesh-compatible.

SegmentiThe maker's own product category, e.g. ASUS ROG is Gaming and ASUS ExpertWiFi is Business. It is not assigned from price or features.

Home1Maker product pagenetgear.com/home/wifi/routers/rs100Read 14 October 2026Listed under Home WiFi, WiFi Routers.

Home1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-be230Read 14 October 2026Listed under the maker's WiFi routers for homes. The page rates coverage for 3 Bedroom Houses.

Wi-Fi

6 of 14 differ

Wi-FiiThe newest Wi-Fi generation the product supports.

Wi-Fi 71Maker product pagenetgear.com/home/wifi/routers/rs100Read 14 October 2026Title: WiFi 7 Router, dual-band, up to 3.6 Gbps. Wi-Fi 7 on both bands per the manual.

Wi-Fi 71Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-be230Read 14 October 2026

Wi-Fi speed classiThe maker's class name, e.g. BE19000 or AXE11000. It adds up the top link rates of all radios. No single device reaches it. A Wi-Fi 6E class starts with AXE, also when the maker writes AX, so eero's AX5400 is AXE5400. The class is not the model number, so GL.iNet's GL-AXT1800 is AX1800.

BE36001Maker product pagenetgear.com/home/wifi/routers/rs100Read 14 October 2026The page names it a BE3600 WiFi 7 performance router.2Maker spec sheet (PDF)downloads.netgear.com/files/GDC/RS100/RS100_TS.pdfRead 14 October 2026Technical Specifications: BE3600 Router Dual-Band WiFi, 2.4 GHz (2x2) and 5 GHz (2x2). Document TS-RS100-3.

BE36001Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-be230Read 14 October 2026The page names the product BE3600 and shows the total as 3570 Mbps (2882 + 688).

Wi-Fi radiosiOne row per radio in one unit. A quad-band unit with two 5 GHz radios has two 5 GHz rows.

ANETGEAR Nighthawk RS100

Band	Wi-Fi	Streams	Max channel width (MHz)	Max link rate (Mbps)	Dedicated backhaul
2.4 GHz	Wi-Fi 7	2	40	688	No
5 GHz	Wi-Fi 7	2	160	2,882	No

Source4Owner's manualdownloads.netgear.com/files/GDC/RS90/RS100-90-70_UM_EN.pdfRead 14 October 2026Chapter 1, publication 202-12760-02 (July 2025): RS100 and RS90 have a combined speed of up to 3.57 Gbps. The 2.4 GHz radio supports 802.11 n/ac/ax/be with 4096-QAM, 20/40 MHz and up to 0.7 Gbps. The 5 GHz radio supports 802.11 n/ac/ax/be with 4096-QAM, 20/40/80/160 MHz and up to 2.9 Gbps. The 2 streams per band come from the 2x2 bands in the datasheet. The rates are in the Dong Knows Tech entry.6Reviewdongknows.com/netgear-nighthawk-rs100-reviewRead 14 October 2026Hardware table: dual-band BE3600, 5 GHz 2x2 BE up to 2882 Mbps (20/40/80/160 MHz), and the text says the 160 MHz rate needs DFS channels. The 2.4 GHz cell is garbled for the RS100. The review's table prints 2x2 BE up to 688 Mbps (20/40 MHz) for the BE230, which has the same BE3600 radios. 688 plus 2882 is 3570 Mbps, the same as the combined 3.57 Gbps in the maker's manual, so 688 is stored for the RS100 2.4 GHz radio. The maker prints only 0.7 and 2.9 Gbps.

BTP-Link Archer BE230

Band	Wi-Fi	Streams	Max channel width (MHz)	Max link rate (Mbps)
2.4 GHz	Wi-Fi 7	2	40	688
5 GHz	Wi-Fi 7	2	160	2,882

Source1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-be230Read 14 October 2026WiFi Speeds: BE3600, 5 GHz 2882 Mbps (802.11be) and 2.4 GHz 688 Mbps (802.11be). Capacity: 2x2 MU-MIMO, 4 streams, dual-band. Streams per band follow from the rates: 688 Mbps at 40 MHz and 2882 Mbps at 160 MHz are both 2 streams. The widest channels come from the datasheet.2Maker spec sheet (PDF)tp-link.com/us/document/17286Read 14 October 2026Datasheet Archer BE230_V1: WiFi Speeds 2882 Mbps (5 GHz) + 688 Mbps (2.4 GHz). The reception sensitivity table lists 11be EHT40 on 2.4 GHz and 11be EHT160 on 5 GHz, so 40 MHz and 160 MHz are the widest channels.

Radio bandsiRadios that work at the same time in one unit. Tri-band is 3 and quad-band is 4, also when two radios use the same frequency band.

2=CalculatedFrom Wi-Fi radios

2=CalculatedFrom Wi-Fi radios

6 GHz band

No=CalculatedFrom Wi-Fi radios

No=CalculatedFrom Wi-Fi radios

Combined Wi-Fi link rateiSum of the top link rates of all radios in one unit. It is close to the number in the speed class. No single device reaches it.

3,570Mbps=CalculatedFrom Wi-Fi radios

3,570Mbps=CalculatedFrom Wi-Fi radios

Wi-Fi streamsiSpatial streams of all radios in one unit, e.g. 12 for a tri-band router with 4x4 on each band.

4=CalculatedFrom Wi-Fi radios

4=CalculatedFrom Wi-Fi radios

Max Wi-Fi channel widthiWidest channel of any radio, e.g. 320 on the 6 GHz band.

160MHz=CalculatedFrom Wi-Fi radios

160MHz=CalculatedFrom Wi-Fi radios

Wi-Fi featuresiFeatures the maker names for the product. Band steering puts all bands under one network name and moves devices between them, e.g. Smart Connect. Band steering over only some of the bands, such as 2.4 and 5 GHz on a tri-band router, counts. AFC is Automated Frequency Coordination, which allows standard power on 6 GHz. Support that needs a later firmware counts, and the firmware goes in the source note.

4K-QAM, OFDMA, MU-MIMO, Band steering1Maker product pagenetgear.com/home/wifi/routers/rs100Read 14 October 2026Smart Connect puts both bands under one network name (manual). 4096-QAM is in the manual's introduction.3Maker spec sheet (PDF)downloads.netgear.com/files/GDC/RS90/RS90_TS.pdfRead 14 October 2026The RS90 datasheet lists MU-MIMO capable for simultaneous data streaming and uplink and downlink OFDMA. The RS100 datasheet does not list them. RS90 and RS100 share one manual and one set of radios, so the RS90 list is used for the RS100.4Owner's manualdownloads.netgear.com/files/GDC/RS90/RS100-90-70_UM_EN.pdfRead 14 October 2026Chapter 6: Smart Connect is on by default and both radios share one network name. MU-MIMO can be turned on or off on page 69. 4096-QAM is in chapter 1.

Multi-Link Operation (MLO), Multi-RU, 4K-QAM, OFDMA, MU-MIMO, Beamforming, Band steering1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-be230Read 14 October 2026Advanced Features: MLO, 4K-QAM, Multi-RUs, EasyMesh-compatible. Capacity lists 2x2 MU-MIMO, OFDMA and Airtime Fairness. Range lists Beamforming.2Maker spec sheet (PDF)tp-link.com/us/document/17286Read 14 October 2026WiFi 7 Features: MLO, 4K-QAM and Multi-RUs. Smart Connect assigns each device to the best Wi-Fi band, stored as band_steering.3Owner's manualtp-link.com/us/document/46774Read 14 October 2026Smart Connect combines the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands and assigns devices between them to balance network demands. Wireless Settings offers OFDMA + MU-MIMO.

External antennasiAntennas outside the case, as the maker counts them.

01Maker product pagenetgear.com/home/wifi/routers/rs100Read 14 October 2026Antennas: (2) high-performance internal antennas. None are outside the case.

41Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-be230Read 14 October 20264x External Antennas.11Reviewdongknows.com/tp-link-archer-be230-reviewRead 14 October 2026Four non-detachable antennas that swivel 180 degrees and tilt up to 90 degrees.

Internal antennasiAntennas inside the case, as the maker counts them.

21Maker product pagenetgear.com/home/wifi/routers/rs100Read 14 October 2026Antennas: (2) high-performance internal antennas and high-power amplifiers.2Maker spec sheet (PDF)downloads.netgear.com/files/GDC/RS100/RS100_TS.pdfRead 14 October 2026

Not available

Detachable antennasiThe external antennas screw off and can be replaced. Fixed antennas that only fold or turn do not count.

No1Maker product pagenetgear.com/home/wifi/routers/rs100Read 14 October 2026The two antennas are internal, so they cannot be removed.

No10Reviewtomsguide.com/computing/routers/tp-link-archer-be3600-reviewRead 14 October 2026Spec table: number of antennas/removable: 4/No. The text says the antennas swivel but can't easily be replaced.11Reviewdongknows.com/tp-link-archer-be230-reviewRead 14 October 2026Four non-detachable antennas.

Coverage of one unit (claimed)iThe maker's claimed area that one unit covers. A square feet claim is converted exactly and rounded to a whole m². A claim for a whole pack is stored separately. An area that a trusted review quotes from the maker counts, and the source note names the review.

186m²1Maker product pagenetgear.com/home/wifi/routers/rs100Read 14 October 2026US page says covers up to 2,000 sq. ft. Converted exactly with 0.09290304 to 185.8 and rounded to 186. The NETGEAR Germany page for the EU model says up to 135 m2, and Expert Reviews quotes 185 m2 for the UK. The US figure is used for the US model.2Maker spec sheet (PDF)downloads.netgear.com/files/GDC/RS100/RS100_TS.pdfRead 14 October 2026

Not available

Connected devices per unit (claimed)iThe maker's claimed maximum number of devices one unit serves. A claim for a whole mesh pack is not stored here.

501Maker product pagenetgear.com/home/wifi/routers/rs100Read 14 October 2026Supports up to 50 connected devices.2Maker spec sheet (PDF)downloads.netgear.com/files/GDC/RS100/RS100_TS.pdfRead 14 October 2026

Not available

Ports and modem

4 of 9 differ

PortsiData ports on the main unit. The power input is not a port. A combo port takes an RJ45 cable or an SFP+ module and is counted once. WAN or LAN means the maker says the port can be either, including auto-sensing ports.

ANETGEAR Nighthawk RS100

Port	Count	Role	Max speed (Gbps)
RJ45	1	WAN	2.5
RJ45	4	LAN	1

Source1Maker product pagenetgear.com/home/wifi/routers/rs100Read 14 October 2026Ports: (1) 2.5 Gbps internet port and (4) 10/100/1000 Mbps Gigabit Ethernet LAN ports. The page lists no USB port.2Maker spec sheet (PDF)downloads.netgear.com/files/GDC/RS100/RS100_TS.pdfRead 14 October 2026(1) 2.5 Gbps internet port and (4) 10/100/1000 Mbps Gigabit Ethernet LAN ports.4Owner's manualdownloads.netgear.com/files/GDC/RS90/RS100-90-70_UM_EN.pdfRead 14 October 2026Rear panel: four Gigabit Ethernet RJ-45 LAN ports and a yellow 2.5G Internet port. No USB port is described.

BTP-Link Archer BE230

Port	Count	Role	Max speed (Gbps)	Version
RJ45	1	WAN	2.5	Not available
RJ45	1	LAN	2.5	Not available
RJ45	3	LAN	1	Not available
USB-A	1	Not available	5	USB 3.0

Source1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-be230Read 14 October 2026Ethernet Ports: 1x 2.5 Gbps WAN, 1x 2.5 Gbps LAN and 3x 1 Gbps LAN. USB Support: 1x USB 3.0. USB 3.0 is the 5 Gbps USB data rate.

Ethernet portsiRJ45 ports of all roles, WAN and LAN.

5=CalculatedFrom Ports

5=CalculatedFrom Ports

Multi-gig portsiWired network ports of 2.5 Gbps or faster, RJ45 or fiber.

1=CalculatedFrom Ports

2=CalculatedFrom Ports

Fastest WAN portiThe fastest port that can take the internet connection.

2.5Gbps=CalculatedFrom Ports

2.5Gbps=CalculatedFrom Ports

Fastest LAN portiThe fastest port for wired devices. A port that can be WAN or LAN counts here too.

1Gbps=CalculatedFrom Ports

2.5Gbps=CalculatedFrom Ports

USB ports

0=CalculatedFrom Ports

1=CalculatedFrom Ports

SFP+ portiA slot for a 10 Gbps fiber or DAC module.

No=CalculatedFrom Ports

No=CalculatedFrom Ports

Built-in modemiModems inside the router. A port for an external modem does not count. A fiber slot counts only when the fiber module is in the box.

Not available

Not available

Modem standardsiStandards of the built-in modem as published, e.g. DOCSIS 3.1, VDSL2 35b, GPON or 5G NR.

Not available

Not available

Mesh

1 of 7 differ

Mesh technologiesiMesh systems the unit can join, by the maker's name, e.g. AiMesh, EasyMesh or TP-Link OneMesh.

Not available

EasyMesh1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-be230Read 14 October 2026EasyMesh: Compatible with EasyMesh.

Units per packiUnits in the box. The base lists every pack size sold. Each pack variant holds its own. A standalone router is 1.

11Maker product pagenetgear.com/home/wifi/routers/rs100Read 14 October 2026Sold as a single router. The page has no pack sizes.

11Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-be230Read 14 October 2026One router is sold.

Coverage of the pack (claimed)iThe maker's claimed area for a whole pack. Each pack variant holds its own claim. The claims of single units are never added up.

Not available

Not available

Identical unitsiEvery unit in a pack is the same model, so any unit can be the router. Not true for systems with a separate satellite model, such as NETGEAR Orbi.

Not available

Not available

Satellite modeliModel number of the satellite when it differs from the router unit.

Not available

Not available

Satellite portsiData ports on one satellite. Only when the satellite differs from the router unit.

Not available

Not available

Ethernet backhauliMesh units can link to each other over an Ethernet cable.

Not available

Not available

Software

4 of 7 differ

ManagementiWays to set up and manage the router. A web interface is a full settings page in a browser on the local network. A status page alone does not count.

Mobile app, Web interface4Owner's manualdownloads.netgear.com/files/GDC/RS90/RS100-90-70_UM_EN.pdfRead 14 October 2026Chapter 3 logs in to the router web interface at routerlogin.net and also covers the Nighthawk app on page 24.

Mobile app, Web interface1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-be230Read 14 October 2026Management Features: Tether App and Webpage.

Online account requirediSetup and management need an online account with the maker, with no local way around it.

No4Owner's manualdownloads.netgear.com/files/GDC/RS90/RS100-90-70_UM_EN.pdfRead 14 October 2026The router can be set up with the Nighthawk app or with the web interface at routerlogin.net, so no online account is required. The app uses a free NETGEAR account.6Reviewdongknows.com/netgear-nighthawk-rs100-reviewRead 14 October 2026Vendor login account: optional for the Nighthawk app. The web interface works without it.

No3Owner's manualtp-link.com/us/document/46774Read 14 October 2026Quick setup in the web interface says that to use more of TP-Link's cloud service you can log in with a TP-Link ID or click Skip to proceed.

Operating modesiModes the maker lists. Media bridge connects wired devices to another router over Wi-Fi. Extender, range extender and WDS modes count as repeater.

Router, Access point4Owner's manualdownloads.netgear.com/files/GDC/RS90/RS100-90-70_UM_EN.pdfRead 14 October 2026Page 110 sets the router up as a WiFi access point and page 111 returns it to router mode.

Router, Access point1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-be230Read 14 October 2026Wireless Mode: Router Mode and Access Point Mode.3Owner's manualtp-link.com/us/document/46774Read 14 October 2026Section 4.4 Set Up the Router as an Access Point.

Network featuresiFeatures the maker lists that work without a paid subscription. An IoT network is a separate network for smart home devices. Dual WAN uses a second internet connection as a backup or to share the load. Only features the maker clearly says are free. Parental controls counts when a free feature pauses or schedules internet access per person or device, such as eero Profiles, even when content filters need a subscription. When the maker's pages contradict each other, leave the feature out.

Guest network, IoT network, IPTV, Dynamic DNS1Maker product pagenetgear.com/home/wifi/routers/rs100Read 14 October 2026Separate WiFi networks: main, IoT and guest (page and datasheet). IPTV and Dynamic DNS are in the manual. Parental controls are not stored, because they are part of the paid Armor service.2Maker spec sheet (PDF)downloads.netgear.com/files/GDC/RS100/RS100_TS.pdfRead 14 October 2026Create separate WiFi networks: Main, IoT and Guest.4Owner's manualdownloads.netgear.com/files/GDC/RS90/RS100-90-70_UM_EN.pdfRead 14 October 2026Guest WiFi network on page 66 (one per band). IPTV port or bridge on page 81. Dynamic DNS with a free NETGEAR or No-IP account on page 116. VLAN tag bridging is part of the IPTV settings and is not stored, because a reviewer says the router could not set a VLAN tag on the WAN port for a UK fibre line. Smart parental controls are not stored.

Guest network, IoT network, IPTV, QoS, Parental controls, Dynamic DNS1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-be230Read 14 October 2026Guest Network: 5 GHz and 2.4 GHz. Advanced Features lists an IoT Network. IPTV lists IGMP Proxy, IGMP Snooping, Bridge and Tag VLAN, so VLAN is not stored. QoS by Device and DDNS (TP-Link, NO-IP, DynDNS) are listed. HomeShield Parental Controls are listed and the basic tier is free (see the HomeShield page).3Owner's manualtp-link.com/us/document/46774Read 14 October 2026Chapters on Guest Network, IoT Network, IPTV (section 16.4) and Dynamic DNS (section 16.6).8Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/homeshieldRead 14 October 2026Basic parental controls (create profile, preset age template, pause the internet) and QoS are listed as free.

VPN serveriProtocols the router can serve, to reach the home network from outside. A paid VPN service is not a VPN server.

Not available

OpenVPN, PPTP, L2TP, WireGuard1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-be230Read 14 October 2026VPN Server: OpenVPN, PPTP, L2TP and WireGuard. The user guide names the L2TP server L2TP/IPSec.

VPN clientiProtocols the router can use to connect to an outside VPN server.

Not available

OpenVPN, PPTP, L2TP, WireGuard1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-be230Read 14 October 2026VPN Client: OpenVPN, PPTP, L2TP and WireGuard.

USB applicationsiWhat the USB port can be used for. Cellular modem is a USB 4G or 5G modem used as an internet connection or backup.

Not available

File server, Media server, Time Machine1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-be230Read 14 October 2026Supported functions: FTP Server, Media Server, Samba Server.3Owner's manualtp-link.com/us/document/46774Read 14 October 2026Chapter 10 covers USB storage access (Samba, FTP), media sharing and Time Machine in its chapter overview. The body of the chapter has no Time Machine section. Tom's Guide describes a Time Machine backup setting in the web interface.10Reviewtomsguide.com/computing/routers/tp-link-archer-be3600-reviewRead 14 October 2026The web interface has a place to set the USB drive up for Time Machine backups.

Security

4 of 5 differ

Wi-Fi securityiEnhanced Open encrypts an open network without a password.

WPA2-Personal, WPA3-Personal1Maker product pagenetgear.com/home/wifi/routers/rs100Read 14 October 2026Page: WPA3 encryption. The manual lists the exact options.4Owner's manualdownloads.netgear.com/files/GDC/RS90/RS100-90-70_UM_EN.pdfRead 14 October 2026Chapter 6, page 63: the router comes with preset WPA3 security. Options are WPA2-PSK [AES], WPA-PSK [TKIP] + WPA2-PSK [AES], WPA3-PSK and WPA2-PSK + WPA3-PSK. The older WPA TKIP option is not stored.

WPA2-Personal, WPA3-Personal, WPA2-Enterprise1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-be230Read 14 October 2026WiFi Encryption: WPA, WPA2, WPA3 and WPA/WPA2-Enterprise (802.1x).

Security serviceiThe maker's built-in security service by name, e.g. AiProtection Pro, HomeShield, NETGEAR Armor or eero Plus.

NETGEAR Armor1Maker product pagenetgear.com/home/wifi/routers/rs100Read 14 October 2026NETGEAR Armor, powered by Bitdefender. A trial is included.2Maker spec sheet (PDF)downloads.netgear.com/files/GDC/RS100/RS100_TS.pdfRead 14 October 2026NETGEAR Armor powered by Bitdefender is optional, with a subscription.

HomeShield1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-be230Read 14 October 2026Service Kit: HomeShield.

Security service costiWhat the service costs after any free trial. Basic free means the basic features are free and the full set needs a subscription. When the free and paid tiers share one name, such as HomeShield, it is basic free. NETGEAR Armor has no free tier after its trial, so it is paid. When the paid tier is a separate add-on, such as eero Plus, it is paid.

Paid7Reviewtechradar.com/computing/wi-fi-broadband/netgear-nighthawk-rs100-reviewRead 14 October 2026Armor comes with a one-month trial and then costs $99.99 a year. The review also says some features need an extra subscription. The maker's page calls the Armor trial included and its datasheet calls the service optional with a subscription.

Basic free, full paid8Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/homeshieldRead 14 October 2026Basic network security (router and wireless security scan, IoT device identification) is free. IoT protection, web protection and intrusion prevention need Security+, with a 30-day free trial. The datasheet says HomeShield includes basic and advanced features and advanced features need a paid subscription.

Automatic firmware updatesiThe router can install firmware updates by itself.

Yes1Maker product pagenetgear.com/home/wifi/routers/rs100Read 14 October 2026Supports automatic firmware updates to help improve security and performance.2Maker spec sheet (PDF)downloads.netgear.com/files/GDC/RS100/RS100_TS.pdfRead 14 October 2026Supports automatic firmware updates.4Owner's manualdownloads.netgear.com/files/GDC/RS90/RS100-90-70_UM_EN.pdfRead 14 October 2026Page 91: the router can update automatically to future firmware versions.

Yes1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-be230Read 14 October 2026Cloud Service: Auto Firmware Upgrade.

Security updates untiliPublished end date of security updates for this model. It is not calculated from a number of years. A published minimum date, such as "at least through" or "or later", counts as the stated date. The source note says it is a minimum and names the region.

Not available

3 August 20296Maker spec sheet (PDF)static.tp-link.com/upload/manual/2026/202609/20260907/Statements%20of%20PSTI%20Compliance_TP-Link.pdfRead 14 October 2026UK PSTI statement, Home Networking, Routers: Archer BE230 V1 has a defined support period of 3/8/2029 (3 August 2029). The statement says the period ends 3 years after the end-of-life date and may be refreshed to extend it, so the date is a minimum. The same list gives Archer BE3600 V1 as 14/2/2030. The statement is for the UK, and the US end-of-sale date is later than the EU one, so the US date may be later.

Smart home

1 of 5 differ

Thread border router

Not available

Not available

Matter controlleriCan add and control Matter devices. Being a Matter device alone does not count.

Not available

Not available

Zigbee hubiA built-in Zigbee radio that controls Zigbee smart home devices.

Not available

Not available

BluetoothiVersion of the Bluetooth radio in the router, often used for setup.

Not available

Not available

Smart home platformsiSmart home and voice platforms the router works with, e.g. Amazon Alexa or Google Home.

Not available

Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-be230Read 14 October 2026Advanced Features: Works with Alexa and Google Assistant.

Hardware

3 of 6 differ

System on chipiMain chip or platform as published, e.g. Broadcom BCM4916 or Qualcomm Networking Pro 620. A chip maker name alone, such as Broadcom, is not stored.

Not available

Broadcom BCM676410Reviewtomsguide.com/computing/routers/tp-link-archer-be3600-reviewRead 14 October 2026Spec table: Wi-Fi chip Broadcom BCM6764. The text says the router is powered by Broadcom's BCM6764 Wi-Fi chip with a quad-core 2.0 GHz processor. The maker publishes no chip and Dong Knows Tech lists the processor as undisclosed.

CPU cores

41Maker product pagenetgear.com/home/wifi/routers/rs100Read 14 October 2026Powerful quad-core 2.0 GHz processor.2Maker spec sheet (PDF)downloads.netgear.com/files/GDC/RS100/RS100_TS.pdfRead 14 October 2026

410Reviewtomsguide.com/computing/routers/tp-link-archer-be3600-reviewRead 14 October 2026Spec table: processor/memory/storage quad-core 2.0 / 512MB / 128MB.

CPU clockiHighest published processor clock.

2GHz1Maker product pagenetgear.com/home/wifi/routers/rs100Read 14 October 2026Powerful quad-core 2.0 GHz processor.2Maker spec sheet (PDF)downloads.netgear.com/files/GDC/RS100/RS100_TS.pdfRead 14 October 2026

2GHz10Reviewtomsguide.com/computing/routers/tp-link-archer-be3600-reviewRead 14 October 2026Spec table: quad-core 2.0.

RAMiRouter RAM in GB. When any trusted source prints a GB figure, use it, e.g. 1 GB rather than 1024 MB converted. Convert MB with 1000 MB per GB only when MB is the only figure, e.g. 512 MB is 0.512, and keep the original figure in the source note. Same rule as streaming devices.

1GB6Reviewdongknows.com/netgear-nighthawk-rs100-reviewRead 14 October 2026Hardware table: 2.0 GHz quad-core CPU, 512 MB flash, 1 GB DDR4 RAM. TechRadar also prints 1 GB RAM.7Reviewtechradar.com/computing/wi-fi-broadband/netgear-nighthawk-rs100-reviewRead 14 October 2026Specification table: Memory 1GB RAM. Review published 16 July 2025.

512MB10Reviewtomsguide.com/computing/routers/tp-link-archer-be3600-reviewRead 14 October 2026512MB, the only figure printed. Stored as 0.512 GB.

Flash storageiBuilt-in flash memory for the firmware in GB. Convert MB with 1000 MB per GB, as for RAM. A memory card or USB drive does not count.

512MB6Reviewdongknows.com/netgear-nighthawk-rs100-reviewRead 14 October 2026Hardware table: 512 MB flash. Stored as 0.512 GB with 1000 MB per GB. TechRadar also prints 512 MB NAND flash.7Reviewtechradar.com/computing/wi-fi-broadband/netgear-nighthawk-rs100-reviewRead 14 October 2026Specification table: Storage 512MB NAND Flash.

128MB10Reviewtomsguide.com/computing/routers/tp-link-archer-be3600-reviewRead 14 October 2026128MB. Stored as 0.128 GB.

Cooling faniA fan inside the unit. Passive cooling does not count.

No6Reviewdongknows.com/netgear-nighthawk-rs100-reviewRead 14 October 2026The text says the RS100 has no internal fan and is completely silent.

No10Reviewtomsguide.com/computing/routers/tp-link-archer-be3600-reviewRead 14 October 2026Passive cooling through square holes in the top.11Reviewdongknows.com/tp-link-archer-be230-reviewRead 14 October 2026The router has no fan and ran silently.

Power

2 of 5 differ

Power supplyiHow the main unit gets power. USB is a USB-C power adapter. PoE is power over an Ethernet cable.

External DC adapter1Maker product pagenetgear.com/home/wifi/routers/rs100Read 14 October 2026The router takes a DC power connector from the included adapter.

External DC adapter1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-be230Read 14 October 2026The datasheet lists a power adapter in the box, and the user guide describes a power port for the provided adapter.

Rated power inputiDevice input rating as published, in volts and amps.

12 V, 1.5 A1Maker product pagenetgear.com/home/wifi/routers/rs100Read 14 October 2026The router has a DC power connector and the box holds a 12V/1.5A power adapter. The label's input rating is not published, so the adapter output is stored.

12 V, 2 A1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-be230Read 14 October 2026Power: 12 V, 2 A (US) and 12 V, 1.5 A (EU). The US figure is stored.

Included adapter outputiRated output of the power adapter in the box. This is not power use.

18W1Maker product pagenetgear.com/home/wifi/routers/rs100Read 14 October 2026What's included lists a 12V/1.5A power adapter. 12 V times 1.5 A is 18 W.2Maker spec sheet (PDF)downloads.netgear.com/files/GDC/RS100/RS100_TS.pdfRead 14 October 2026Package contents: (1) 12V/1.5A power adapter.

24W1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-be230Read 14 October 202612 V times 2 A is 24 W (US adapter). The EU adapter is 12 V, 1.5 A.

Power use (typical, claimed)iThe maker's typical or average power use of one unit. A published range, such as 14 to 16 W, is left out.

Not available

Not available

Power use (max, claimed)iThe maker's maximum power use of one unit. Power given out over PoE is not included. A published range, such as 14 to 16 W, is left out. A figure measured with the power adapter counts.

Not available

Not available

Measured

6 of 6 differ

Wi-Fi throughput (measured)iTom's Guide throughput, one row per test position. Tool, client, direction and walls are in the source note. Other reviewers' results go in source notes only.

ANETGEAR Nighthawk RS100

Not available

BTP-Link Archer BE230

Distance (m)	Connected to	Throughput (Mbps)
4.572	Main unit	1,138
15.24	Main unit	702.3
22.86	Main unit	205.2
27.432	Main unit	15.5

Source9Measurementtomsguide.com/computing/routers/tp-link-archer-be3600-reviewRead 14 October 2026Review of the identical Archer BE3600 (sold as Archer BE230 on Amazon). Keysight IxChariot simulating 10 users, Acer Swift Edge 16 Wi-Fi 7 notebook, 3,500 sq ft home. Rows are 15 ft (4.572 m) 1.138 Gbps, 50 ft (15.24 m) 702.3 Mbps, 75 ft (22.86 m) 205.2 Mbps and 90 ft (27.432 m) 15.5 Mbps. The band is not named and the firmware is not stated. The review also gives 1.234 Gbps with the router and the notebook side by side and 1.103 Gbps over a 15 ft wired link, which are not stored.

Fastest Wi-Fi throughput (measured)iHighest measured row with the client connected to the main unit. Compare only results from the same reviewer.

Not available

1,138Mbps=CalculatedFrom Wi-Fi throughput (measured)

Wi-Fi throughput through a wall (measured)iTom's Guide throughput at 25 ft through one wall, with the client on the main unit.

Not available

1,114Mbps9Measurementtomsguide.com/computing/routers/tp-link-archer-be3600-reviewRead 14 October 2026Notebook in an adjacent room 25 ft from the router. The text prints 1.114 Mbps next to a 990.1 Mbps result for the MSI Roamii BE Lite, so the unit is a typo for Gbps. Stored as 1114 Mbps. Band not named.

Range (measured)iDistance at which the reviewer's client lost its connection to the main unit.

Not available

28.956m9Measurementtomsguide.com/computing/routers/tp-link-archer-be3600-reviewRead 14 October 2026Spec table and text: maximum range 95 feet (28.956 m).

Power use under load (measured)iWall power of the main unit during the reviewer's throughput or saturation test.

Not available

7.7W9Measurementtomsguide.com/computing/routers/tp-link-archer-be3600-reviewRead 14 October 2026During the saturation test with data flowing, the router in Normal power mode used 7.7 watts. The review lists Power-Saving and Ultra Power Saving modes too.

Energy use per day (measured)iEnergy the router used over 24 hours of the reviewer's test use. This is not the power at one moment.

105Wh6Reviewdongknows.com/netgear-nighthawk-rs100-reviewRead 14 October 2026Hardware table row Power Consumption (per 24 hours): about 105 Wh for the RS100 (BE230 195 Wh, RS200 160 Wh). Firmware at review V1.0.1.78. The review does not describe the load. The table layout is garbled in places, so the column was read from the order BE230, RS100, RS200.

195Wh12Measurementdongknows.com/tp-link-archer-be230-reviewRead 14 October 2026Spec table: power consumption per 24 hours about 195 Wh as tested. Firmware 1.0.3 Build 20240612 rel.13057(5553).

Dimensions and weight

3 of 4 differ

DimensionsiOne unit in its normal position, with antennas folded flat or removed. Height is bottom to top. For a round unit, width and depth are both the diameter. A size the maker prints with antennas up goes in Dimensions with antennas.

Width66Height184Depth122mm(2.6 × 7.2 × 4.8 in)1Maker product pagenetgear.com/home/wifi/routers/rs100Read 14 October 2026Height 7.2 in (184 mm), width 2.6 in (66 mm), depth 4.8 in (122 mm). The photo shows an upright tower.2Maker spec sheet (PDF)downloads.netgear.com/files/GDC/RS100/RS100_TS.pdfRead 14 October 2026Physical Specifications: 7.2 x 2.6 x 4.8 in (184 x 66 x 122 mm). The page labels them height, width and depth.

Width272.7Height41.7Depth147mm(10.7 × 1.6 × 5.8 in)2Maker spec sheet (PDF)tp-link.com/us/document/17286Read 14 October 2026Published as 10.7 x 5.8 x 1.6 in (272.7 x 147 x 41.7 mm). Stored as width, depth and height. Tom's Guide gives the same inches with the antennas folded flat and adds 5.0 in for the antennas. Dong Knows Tech prints 13.52 x 9.25 x 3.90 in, which does not fit the datasheet and is not used.

Dimensions with antennasiOne unit with its external antennas up, as the maker prints it.

Not available

Not available

WeightiOne unit without power adapter and cables.

380g(13.4 oz)1Maker product pagenetgear.com/home/wifi/routers/rs100Read 14 October 20260.4 lb (380 g). The page does not say whether the adapter is included.2Maker spec sheet (PDF)downloads.netgear.com/files/GDC/RS100/RS100_TS.pdfRead 14 October 2026Weight: 0.4 lb (380 g).

Not available

Wall mountableiThe maker says the unit can be mounted on a wall.

Not available

Yes3Owner's manualtp-link.com/us/document/46774Read 14 October 2026Section 2.1 shows the router mounted on the wall with two screws 157 mm apart. No bracket is named.10Reviewtomsguide.com/computing/routers/tp-link-archer-be3600-reviewRead 14 October 2026Cutouts let the router be wall-mounted without a bracket.

Certifications

1 of 1 differ

Wi-Fi Alliance certification IDiCertificate ID in the Wi-Fi Alliance product finder.

Not available

Not available

FCC IDiFCC ID of the main unit.

Not available

Not available

Other certifications

Not available

FCC, CE, RoHS1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-be230Read 14 October 2026Certifications: CE, FCC. The datasheet adds RoHS.2Maker spec sheet (PDF)tp-link.com/us/document/17286Read 14 October 2026Certifications: FCC, CE, RoHS.

In the box

1 of 1 differ

In the boxiItems as the maker lists them for the exact pack.

WiFi 7 Dual-Band Router (RS100), Ethernet cable, 12V/1.5A power adapter, Quick Start Guide1Maker product pagenetgear.com/home/wifi/routers/rs100Read 14 October 2026What's included: WiFi 7 Dual-Band Router (RS100), Ethernet cable, 12V/1.5A power adapter, Quick Start Guide.2Maker spec sheet (PDF)downloads.netgear.com/files/GDC/RS100/RS100_TS.pdfRead 14 October 2026

Wi-Fi 7 Router Archer BE230, Power Adapter, RJ45 Ethernet Cable, Quick Installation Guide2Maker spec sheet (PDF)tp-link.com/us/document/17286Read 14 October 2026Package Contents: Wi-Fi 7 Router Archer BE230, Power Adapter, RJ45 Ethernet Cable, Quick Installation Guide.

Links

Not compared

Product page

www.netgear.com/home/wifi/routers/rs1001Maker product pagenetgear.com/home/wifi/routers/rs100Read 14 October 2026

www.tp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-be2301Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-be230Read 14 October 2026

Spec sheet

www.downloads.netgear.com/files/GDC/RS100/RS100_TS.pdf1Maker product pagenetgear.com/home/wifi/routers/rs100Read 14 October 2026

www.tp-link.com/us/document/172862Maker spec sheet (PDF)tp-link.com/us/document/17286Read 14 October 2026

Manual

www.downloads.netgear.com/files/GDC/RS90/RS100-90-70_UM_EN.pdf1Maker product pagenetgear.com/home/wifi/routers/rs100Read 14 October 2026

www.tp-link.com/us/document/467743Owner's manualtp-link.com/us/document/46774Read 14 October 2026Archer BE230(US)_V1_User Guide.

EPREL registration numberiId in the EU energy label database. Each size or model of a series has its own id, so it is per variant.

Not available

Not available

Warranty

1 of 1 differ

Manufacturer warranty (source market)iThe maker's warranty period for the exact SKU or configuration and market named in the source note. It applies only to that stated market, not every regional variant. Statutory consumer rights are excluded. The base term is stored. An extension that needs registration goes in the source note.

Not available

2years7Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/support/replacement-warrantyRead 14 October 2026US warranty page: Wi-Fi routers bought on or after 2023-09-01 have a 2 year warranty. Tom's Guide and Staples give 2 years for the Archer BE3600 too.10Reviewtomsguide.com/computing/routers/tp-link-archer-be3600-reviewRead 14 October 2026The two-year warranty includes lifetime support. US market. Staples lists a 2 year warranty for the Archer BE3600 too.

Both are also in the API. Back to all routers.