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NETGEAR Nighthawk RS300 vs TP-Link Archer BE550

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Product A: NETGEAR

Nighthawk RS300

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B

Product B: TP-Link

Archer BE550

57 of 90 known

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All 90 fields

Every value links to where we found it.

Only differences

ANETGEAR Nighthawk RS300

BTP-Link Archer BE550

General

3 of 9 differ

Series

Nighthawk1Maker product pagenetgear.com/home/wifi/routers/rs300Read 14 October 2026The product name is Nighthawk WiFi 7 Router RS300.

Archer1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-be550Read 14 October 2026

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

RS300, RS300-100NAS1Maker product pagenetgear.com/home/wifi/routers/rs300Read 14 October 2026The page data lists mpn RS300 and sku RS300-100NAS for the US page. The EU declaration of conformity names the same hardware Nighthawk BE9300 WiFi 7 Router, model RS300.6Maker spec sheet (PDF)downloads.netgear.com/files/DoC/204-11986-04_CE_RS300_EN-GR-FR-IT-SP-EP_29Jul25.pdfRead 14 October 2026EU declaration of conformity dated 22 Jul 2025: Product Name NIGHTHAWK BE9300 WiFi 7 Router, Model RS300. Dong Knows Tech calls the BE9300 an identical variant. The BE9300 name is kept as an alias.

Archer BE5501Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-be550Read 14 October 2026The page shows the V1 specs (9214 Mbps). TP-Link also sells hardware version V2 under the same name. V2 lists the 2.4 GHz radio as Wi-Fi 7 at 688 Mbps and 9328 Mbps in total. Only V1 is stored. The separate Archer BE9300 and Archer BE550 Pro are other products.

GTIN / EAN

6064491695911Maker product pagenetgear.com/home/wifi/routers/rs300Read 14 October 2026The page data lists the UPC 606449169591 for RS300-100NAS.

Not available

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

Not available

October 20234Maker product pagecommunity.tp-link.com/us/home/forum/topic/632834Read 14 October 2026TP-Link community post titled New Arrival, dated 2023-10-16, introduces the Archer BE550 BE9300 Tri-Band Wi-Fi 7 router.

Status

Available1Maker product pagenetgear.com/home/wifi/routers/rs300Read 14 October 2026The page offers the router in stock at 299.99 USD.

Available1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-be550Read 14 October 2026The product page, the downloads for V1 and V2 and the US router lists are live in October 2026. The UK PSTI statement of 2026-09 gives V1 a fixed support end date and V2 an open one, which may mean V1 has reached end of life while V2 is sold.

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.

$329.997Reviewdongknows.com/netgear-nighthawk-rs300-wi-fi-7-router-reviewRead 14 October 2026Hardware table: US Price (at launch) $329.99. TechRadar prints $329.99/£299.99/AU$649 for the same router. The US maker page now shows 299.99 USD, which is not stored. No euro launch price was found.9Reviewtechradar.com/computing/servers-network-devices/netgear-nighthawk-rs300-review-high-speed-wi-fi-7-at-a-competitive-priceRead 14 October 2026Price (as reviewed) $329.99/£299.99/AU$649, available now in the US, UK and Australia.

$299.999Reviewdongknows.com/tp-link-archer-be550-be9300-wi-fi-7-router-reviewRead 14 October 2026Hardware table: US launch price 299.99 USD. A US launch price is stated without sales tax.

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.

US7Reviewdongknows.com/netgear-nighthawk-rs300-wi-fi-7-router-reviewRead 14 October 2026The launch price is a US price.

US9Reviewdongknows.com/tp-link-archer-be550-be9300-wi-fi-7-router-reviewRead 14 October 2026The launch price is the US price.

ColoursiThe maker's own colour names

Black9Reviewtechradar.com/computing/servers-network-devices/netgear-nighthawk-rs300-review-high-speed-wi-fi-7-at-a-competitive-priceRead 14 October 2026The review describes a tall obelisk shape finished in matte black. The maker pages give no colour name, so it is stored as Black.

Black1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-be550Read 14 October 2026The product photos on the page show a black unit. The page gives no colour name.

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/rs300Read 14 October 2026Standalone WiFi 7 router. Dong Knows Tech says it is not mesh-ready.

Router1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-be550Read 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/rs300Read 14 October 2026Sold in the Nighthawk home router line, with no gaming range name.

Home1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-be550Read 14 October 2026Listed under the maker's WiFi 7 home routers.

Wi-Fi

6 of 14 differ

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

Wi-Fi 72Maker spec sheet (PDF)downloads.netgear.com/files/GDC/RS300/RS300_TS.pdfRead 14 October 2026WiFi 7 BE9300 Router, tri-band, with the 6 GHz band.

Wi-Fi 71Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-be550Read 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.

BE93002Maker spec sheet (PDF)downloads.netgear.com/files/GDC/RS300/RS300_TS.pdfRead 14 October 2026Technical Specifications: WiFi 7 BE9300 Router Tri-band WiFi.

BE93001Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-be550Read 14 October 2026

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 RS300

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
6 GHz	Wi-Fi 7	2	320	5,764	No

Source2Maker spec sheet (PDF)downloads.netgear.com/files/GDC/RS300/RS300_TS.pdfRead 14 October 2026Technical Specifications: 2.4 GHz (2x2), 5 GHz (2x2) and 6 GHz (2x2), with 320 MHz channels. Widths and rates are in the manual.3Owner's manualdownloads.netgear.com/files/GDC/RS300/RS300_RS280_UM_EN.pdfRead 14 October 2026Introduction: models RS300 and BE9300 have a 2.4 GHz radio with 4096-QAM and 20/40 MHz up to 0.7 Gbps, a 5 GHz radio with 20/40/80/160 MHz up to 2.9 Gbps and a 6 GHz radio with 20/40/80/160/320 MHz up to 5.8 Gbps, as 802.11 n/ac/ax/be and ax/be radios. The maker prints the rates only rounded to 0.1 Gbps. Dong Knows Tech prints 688, 2880 and 5760 Mbps. The stored rates are the 802.11be rates for 2 streams and 4096-QAM at 40, 160 and 320 MHz, which round to every printed figure and add up to the 9.3 Gbps of the BE9300 class. The RS280 in the same manual has a slower 2.4 GHz radio and is not this model.10Reviewexpertreviews.co.uk/technology/wifi-home-networking/netgear-nighthawk-rs300-wi-fi-7-router-reviewRead 14 October 2026The review says each band uses a 2x2 antenna array, with theoretical peak speeds of 700Mbits/sec, 2.9Gbits/sec and 5.8Gbits/sec across the three radios.

BTP-Link Archer BE550

Band	Wi-Fi	Streams	Max channel width (MHz)	Max link rate (Mbps)	Dedicated backhaul
2.4 GHz	Wi-Fi 6	2	40	574	No
5 GHz	Wi-Fi 7	2	160	2,880	No
6 GHz	Wi-Fi 7	2	320	5,760	No

Source1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-be550Read 14 October 2026Page lists 6 GHz 5760 Mbps (802.11be), 5 GHz 2880 Mbps (802.11be) and 2.4 GHz 574 Mbps (802.11ax) and 6 streams in total. 5760 + 2880 + 574 is the printed 9214 Mbps. The datasheet's reception sensitivity table gives the widest channel per band: 320 MHz (EHT320) on 6 GHz, 160 MHz (EHT160) on 5 GHz and 40 MHz (HE40) on 2.4 GHz. The page says 320 MHz is only on 6 GHz. Streams per band follow from the rates and the page's 2x2 MU-MIMO: 574 Mbps at 40 MHz is two streams of 287 Mbps, 2880 Mbps at 160 MHz and 5760 Mbps at 320 MHz are two streams each, and the sum of 6 matches the maker's 6 streams. The printed rates are stored (the 802.11be rates are 2882 and 5764 Mbps).2Maker spec sheet (PDF)tp-link.com/us/document/15630Read 14 October 2026Wi-Fi speeds: 5760 Mbps (6 GHz) + 2880 Mbps (5 GHz) + 574 Mbps (2.4 GHz). Standards: 802.11be/ax on 6 GHz, 802.11be/ax/ac/n/a on 5 GHz and 802.11ax/n/g/b on 2.4 GHz. The sensitivity table lists EHT320 on 6 GHz, EHT160 on 5 GHz and HE40 as the widest 2.4 GHz channel. The datasheet says 320 MHz is only on the 6 GHz band.

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.

3=CalculatedFrom Wi-Fi radios

3=CalculatedFrom Wi-Fi radios

6 GHz band

Yes=CalculatedFrom Wi-Fi radios

Yes=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.

9,334Mbps=CalculatedFrom Wi-Fi radios

9,214Mbps=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.

6=CalculatedFrom Wi-Fi radios

6=CalculatedFrom Wi-Fi radios

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

320MHz=CalculatedFrom Wi-Fi radios

320MHz=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 steering2Maker spec sheet (PDF)downloads.netgear.com/files/GDC/RS300/RS300_TS.pdfRead 14 October 2026MU-MIMO capable for simultaneous data streaming and uplink and downlink OFDMA. The manual adds 4096-QAM and Smart Connect.3Owner's manualdownloads.netgear.com/files/GDC/RS300/RS300_RS280_UM_EN.pdfRead 14 October 2026Introduction names 4096-QAM. Chapter 6 covers Smart Connect, which puts the 2.4, 5 and 6 GHz radios under one name and picks the fastest band, and a setting for MU-MIMO. MLO is not stored since NETGEAR's pages do not name it, see the Dong Knows Tech note.

Multi-Link Operation (MLO), Multi-RU, 4K-QAM, OFDMA, MU-MIMO, Beamforming, Target Wake Time, Band steering1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-be550Read 14 October 2026Page lists MLO, 320 MHz channel, 4K-QAM, Multi-RUs, 2x2 MU-MIMO, OFDMA, Beamforming and Airtime Fairness. Smart Connect in the datasheet assigns each device to the best Wi-Fi band and is stored as band_steering. The maker names no preamble puncturing.2Maker spec sheet (PDF)tp-link.com/us/document/15630Read 14 October 2026Wi-Fi 7 features: Multi-Link Operation, 320 MHz bandwidth, 4K-QAM and Multi-RUs. Smart Connect intelligently assigns each device to the best Wi-Fi band.3Owner's manualstatic.tp-link.com/upload/manual/2023/202307/20230721/1910013423_Archer%20BE550_UG_REV1.0.0.pdfRead 14 October 2026Wireless settings: enable or disable TWT (Target Wake Time), OFDMA and MU-MIMO, Smart Connect that combines 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz, and an MLO network.

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

01Maker product pagenetgear.com/home/wifi/routers/rs300Read 14 October 2026All four antennas are internal, so no external antenna.

01Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-be550Read 14 October 2026All six antennas are internal, so there are no external antennas.

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

41Maker product pagenetgear.com/home/wifi/routers/rs300Read 14 October 2026Technical details: (4) high-performance internal antennas and high-power amplifiers. KitGuru writes about 2 internal antennas for each band, six in total, which conflicts. The maker figure is used.2Maker spec sheet (PDF)downloads.netgear.com/files/GDC/RS300/RS300_TS.pdfRead 14 October 2026Antennas: (4) high-performance internal antennas and high-power amplifiers.

61Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-be550Read 14 October 20266x Internal Antennas.

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/rs300Read 14 October 2026The antennas are internal, so none can be detached.

No1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-be550Read 14 October 2026Internal antennas only, so none can be removed.

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.

232m²1Maker product pagenetgear.com/home/wifi/routers/rs300Read 14 October 2026Covers up to 2,500 sq. ft. Converted to 232 m2 (232.3). The UK declaration and Expert Reviews quote 2,000 sq. ft. or 185 m2 for other regions, and the US figure is used.

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.

1001Maker product pagenetgear.com/home/wifi/routers/rs300Read 14 October 2026Supports up to 100 connected devices.2Maker spec sheet (PDF)downloads.netgear.com/files/GDC/RS300/RS300_TS.pdfRead 14 October 2026320 MHz high-capacity channels for up to 100 devices.

Not available

Ports and modem

2 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 RS300

Port	Count	Role	Max speed (Gbps)	Version
RJ45	1	WAN	2.5	Not available
RJ45	2	LAN	2.5	Not available
RJ45	2	LAN	1	Not available
USB-A	1	Not available	5	USB 3.0

Source2Maker spec sheet (PDF)downloads.netgear.com/files/GDC/RS300/RS300_TS.pdfRead 14 October 2026Ports: (1) 2.5 Gbps internet port, (2) 2.5 Gbps Ethernet LAN ports, (2) 10/100/1000 Mbps Gigabit Ethernet LAN ports and (1) USB 3.0 port. USB 3.0 is stored at 5 Gbps, the standard rate that Expert Reviews also prints.10Reviewexpertreviews.co.uk/technology/wifi-home-networking/netgear-nighthawk-rs300-wi-fi-7-router-reviewRead 14 October 2026The review lists two 2.5GbE LAN connectors, two standard gigabit Ethernet ports and a single 5Gbits/sec USB connector.

BTP-Link Archer BE550

Port	Count	Role	Max speed (Gbps)	Version
RJ45	1	WAN	2.5	Not available
RJ45	4	LAN	2.5	Not available
USB-A	1	Not available	5	USB 3.0

Source1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-be550Read 14 October 20261x 2.5 Gbps WAN, 4x 2.5 Gbps LAN (5 Gbps aggregation speed) and 1x USB 3.0. The page names no port that can switch between WAN and LAN.

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.

3=CalculatedFrom Ports

5=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.

2.5Gbps=CalculatedFrom Ports

2.5Gbps=CalculatedFrom Ports

USB ports

1=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

2 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-be550Read 14 October 2026Compatible with EasyMesh routers and range extenders.

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/rs300Read 14 October 2026One router is sold. What's included lists one router.

11Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-be550Read 14 October 2026

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

Yes10Reviewblacktubi.com/review/archer-be550Read 14 October 2026The review of hardware version 1 says the Archer BE550 comes with Ethernet backhaul support for the mesh. TP-Link's pages do not say so. The same review gives a Qualcomm Network Pro 620 SoC at 2.2 GHz with 1 GB RAM for V1, while BroadbandNow lists 512 MB RAM, so the chip, clock and RAM are not stored.

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 interface3Owner's manualdownloads.netgear.com/files/GDC/RS300/RS300_RS280_UM_EN.pdfRead 14 October 2026Chapter 3 covers both the router web interface at routerlogin.net and the Nighthawk app.4Owner's manualdownloads.netgear.com/files/GDC/RS300/RS300_RS280_QSG_EN.pdfRead 14 October 2026The quick start guide sets up the router with the Nighthawk app and says to use the router web interface at routerlogin.net if the app install fails.

Mobile app, Web interface1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-be550Read 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.

No3Owner's manualdownloads.netgear.com/files/GDC/RS300/RS300_RS280_UM_EN.pdfRead 14 October 2026Chapter 3: the installation assistant runs in any web browser, with a link for people without a compatible smartphone. A free NETGEAR account is only needed to register the router, manage it remotely and manage subscriptions. Footnote 4 of the datasheet says the app needs a free account.7Reviewdongknows.com/netgear-nighthawk-rs300-wi-fi-7-router-reviewRead 14 October 2026The review says the app is attached to a NETGEAR login account and is required for add-on premium features, while the router has a full web user interface.

No3Owner's manualstatic.tp-link.com/upload/manual/2023/202307/20230721/1910013423_Archer%20BE550_UG_REV1.0.0.pdfRead 14 October 2026Chapter 4 says that a user who does not want to register a TP-Link ID now may click Skip. Logging in to the web page works with the password set for the router.

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 point3Owner's manualdownloads.netgear.com/files/GDC/RS300/RS300_RS280_UM_EN.pdfRead 14 October 2026Chapter 9: Set up the router as a WiFi access point, and Return the router to router mode.7Reviewdongknows.com/netgear-nighthawk-rs300-wi-fi-7-router-reviewRead 14 October 2026Hardware table: Router (default) or Access Point.

Router, Access point1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-be550Read 14 October 2026Working modes: Router Mode and Access Point Mode.3Owner's manualstatic.tp-link.com/upload/manual/2023/202307/20230721/1910013423_Archer%20BE550_UG_REV1.0.0.pdfRead 14 October 2026Chapter 4.4 sets 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, VLAN, IPTV, WAN aggregation, LAN aggregation, Dynamic DNS1Maker product pagenetgear.com/home/wifi/routers/rs300Read 14 October 2026Separate WiFi Networks: Main Network, IoT Network and Guest Network. VLAN, IPTV, aggregation and Dynamic DNS come from the manual.2Maker spec sheet (PDF)downloads.netgear.com/files/GDC/RS300/RS300_TS.pdfRead 14 October 2026Create separate WiFi Networks: Main, IoT and Guest.3Owner's manualdownloads.netgear.com/files/GDC/RS300/RS300_RS280_UM_EN.pdfRead 14 October 2026Chapter 6 guest WiFi network, chapter 7 IPTV port or VLAN tag bridge, LAN port aggregation (LAN ports 1 and 2) and Internet port aggregation (the 2.5G Internet port with LAN port 4), chapter 11 Dynamic DNS. Smart parental controls are left out, since NETGEAR sells them as a subscription. Access control and keyword blocking are not named parental controls and are left out.

Guest network, IoT network, IPTV, LAN aggregation, QoS, Parental controls, Dynamic DNS1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-be550Read 14 October 2026Page lists IoT Network, guest networks on 6, 5 and 2.4 GHz, IPTV (IGMP Proxy, IGMP Snooping, Bridge, Tag VLAN), QoS by Device, HomeShield Parental Controls, DDNS (TP-Link, NO-IP, DynDNS) and 4x 2.5 Gbps LAN ports with 5 Gbps aggregation speed. Tag VLAN is part of the IPTV settings, so VLAN is not stored. The manual's link aggregation section confirms lan_aggregation.3Owner's manualstatic.tp-link.com/upload/manual/2023/202307/20230721/1910013423_Archer%20BE550_UG_REV1.0.0.pdfRead 14 October 2026Chapter 9 IoT Network, chapter 8 guest network, chapter 16.3 link aggregation (static LAG or LACP), 16.5 IPTV, 16.7 dynamic DNS and chapter 11 HomeShield with QoS and parental controls. Link aggregation and IPTV or VLAN cannot be enabled at the same time.7Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/homeshieldRead 14 October 2026Parental controls and QoS are in the free HomeShield tier.

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

OpenVPN2Maker spec sheet (PDF)downloads.netgear.com/files/GDC/RS300/RS300_TS.pdfRead 14 October 2026Supports VPN to remotely access the home network. The manual names OpenVPN only.3Owner's manualdownloads.netgear.com/files/GDC/RS300/RS300_RS280_UM_EN.pdfRead 14 October 2026Chapter 12: Use OpenVPN to Access Your Network. No other VPN server protocol is listed.

OpenVPN, PPTP, L2TP, WireGuard1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-be550Read 14 October 2026VPN Server: OpenVPN, PPTP, L2TP. The datasheet and the manual add WireGuard.2Maker spec sheet (PDF)tp-link.com/us/document/15630Read 14 October 2026VPN Server: OpenVPN, PPTP, L2TP VPN Server, WireGuard VPN.3Owner's manualstatic.tp-link.com/upload/manual/2023/202307/20230721/1910013423_Archer%20BE550_UG_REV1.0.0.pdfRead 14 October 2026Chapter 15 covers OpenVPN, PPTP, L2TP/IPSec and WireGuard servers. L2TP is stored without IPSec to match the datasheet.

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-be550Read 14 October 2026VPN Client: OpenVPN, PPTP, L2TP. The datasheet and the manual add WireGuard.2Maker spec sheet (PDF)tp-link.com/us/document/15630Read 14 October 2026VPN Client: OpenVPN, PPTP, L2TP VPN Client, WireGuard VPN.3Owner's manualstatic.tp-link.com/upload/manual/2023/202307/20230721/1910013423_Archer%20BE550_UG_REV1.0.0.pdfRead 14 October 2026Section 15.5 VPN Client to access a remote VPN server, with WireGuard configuration import.

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.

File server, Media server3Owner's manualdownloads.netgear.com/files/GDC/RS300/RS300_RS280_UM_EN.pdfRead 14 October 2026Chapter 10: share a USB storage device on the network, FTP access and a media server. KitGuru says the USB port is for storage, not printers or modems.

File server, Media server, Time Machine1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-be550Read 14 October 20261x USB 3.0. Supported functions: FTP Server, Media Server, Samba Server. The manual adds Time Machine.3Owner's manualstatic.tp-link.com/upload/manual/2023/202307/20230721/1910013423_Archer%20BE550_UG_REV1.0.0.pdfRead 14 October 2026Chapter 10: access the USB storage device locally and remotely, media sharing and Time Machine.

Security

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

WPA2-Personal, WPA3-Personal2Maker spec sheet (PDF)downloads.netgear.com/files/GDC/RS300/RS300_TS.pdfRead 14 October 2026Engineered with WPA3 encryption technology. The manual lists WPA2-Personal and WPA3-Personal, plus mixed modes.3Owner's manualdownloads.netgear.com/files/GDC/RS300/RS300_RS280_UM_EN.pdfRead 14 October 2026Chapter 6: WPA2-Personal, WPA3-Personal and mixed WPA2 plus WPA3 settings. The 6 GHz network is fixed to WPA3-Personal.

WPA2-Personal, WPA3-Personal, WPA2-Enterprise, Enhanced Open (OWE)1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-be550Read 14 October 2026Lists WPA, WPA2, WPA3 and WPA/WPA2-Enterprise (802.1x).2Maker spec sheet (PDF)tp-link.com/us/document/15630Read 14 October 2026Wi-Fi encryption: WPA, WPA2, WPA3, WPA/WPA2-Enterprise (802.1x).8Certification listprf.cert.wi-fi.org/products/downloadRead 14 October 2026The listing marks WPA3-Personal, WPA2-Personal and Wi-Fi Enhanced Open as supported. Enhanced Open is stored as enhanced_open. The maker names it nowhere else.

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/rs300Read 14 October 2026Compatible services: an optional NETGEAR Armor subscription powered by Bitdefender.

HomeShield1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-be550Read 14 October 2026HomeShield. The page footnote says HomeShield includes the Free Basic Plan and fees apply for the Pro Plan.2Maker spec sheet (PDF)tp-link.com/us/document/15630Read 14 October 2026HomeShield security service. The footnote says it includes the Free Basic Plan and fees apply for the Pro Plan.

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.

Paid1Maker product pagenetgear.com/home/wifi/routers/rs300Read 14 October 2026The page calls Armor optional and a subscription, with a trial included. No free tier is listed. The field note names Armor as basic_free for shared names, but NETGEAR sells only paid plans, so paid is stored like for the RS150.

Basic free, full paid1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-be550Read 14 October 2026The page footnote says HomeShield includes the Free Basic Plan and fees apply for the Pro Plan. Free and paid tiers share one name.7Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/homeshieldRead 14 October 2026HomeShield is free with eligible Archer routers for network security, parental controls, QoS and reports. Advanced parental controls and the Security+ and Total Security plans are paid add-ons.

Automatic firmware updatesiThe router can install firmware updates by itself.

Yes2Maker spec sheet (PDF)downloads.netgear.com/files/GDC/RS300/RS300_TS.pdfRead 14 October 2026Supports automatic firmware updates.

Yes1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-be550Read 14 October 2026Page: OTA updates with an auto schedule. Cloud service lists Auto Firmware Upgrade.3Owner's manualstatic.tp-link.com/upload/manual/2023/202307/20230721/1910013423_Archer%20BE550_UG_REV1.0.0.pdfRead 14 October 2026Section 17.1.1 Auto Update.

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.

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3 August 20295Regulatory filingstatic.tp-link.com/upload/manual/2026/202609/20260907/Statements%20of%20PSTI%20Compliance_TP-Link.pdfRead 14 October 2026UK PSTI statement of TP-Link Systems, version of September 2026, Home Networking, Wi-Fi 7 Router: Archer BE550 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. It lists Archer BE550 V2 as 31/12/2029 or later. UK statement.

Smart home

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Thread border router

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

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

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

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

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Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-be550Read 14 October 2026Works with Alexa and Google Assistant.

Hardware

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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.

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CPU cores

42Maker spec sheet (PDF)downloads.netgear.com/files/GDC/RS300/RS300_TS.pdfRead 14 October 2026Powerful quad-core 2.0 GHz processor.

41Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-be550Read 14 October 2026The datasheet highlights a Quad-Core CPU. The page names only a high-performance CPU. The chip is not stored because reviewers disagree on it.2Maker spec sheet (PDF)tp-link.com/us/document/15630Read 14 October 2026Highlights: Quad-Core CPU.

CPU clockiHighest published processor clock.

2GHz2Maker spec sheet (PDF)downloads.netgear.com/files/GDC/RS300/RS300_TS.pdfRead 14 October 2026Powerful quad-core 2.0 GHz processor.

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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.

2GB7Reviewdongknows.com/netgear-nighthawk-rs300-wi-fi-7-router-reviewRead 14 October 2026Hardware table: Quad-Core 2.0GHz CPU, 512MB NAND flash and 2GB RAM. TechRadar prints the same memory. NETGEAR does not publish it.9Reviewtechradar.com/computing/servers-network-devices/netgear-nighthawk-rs300-review-high-speed-wi-fi-7-at-a-competitive-priceRead 14 October 2026Specs table: Memory 2GB RAM.

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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.

512MB7Reviewdongknows.com/netgear-nighthawk-rs300-wi-fi-7-router-reviewRead 14 October 2026512 MB NAND flash, stored as 0.512 GB with 1000 MB per GB.9Reviewtechradar.com/computing/servers-network-devices/netgear-nighthawk-rs300-review-high-speed-wi-fi-7-at-a-competitive-priceRead 14 October 2026Specs table: Storage 512MB NAND Flash.

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

No7Reviewdongknows.com/netgear-nighthawk-rs300-wi-fi-7-router-reviewRead 14 October 2026The review says the RS300 ran cool and was silent, and its table lists no internal fan.

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Power

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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/rs300Read 14 October 2026The router takes a DC connector from the 12V/3.5A power adapter in the box.

External DC adapter1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-be550Read 14 October 2026The manual says the router connects to a power socket via the provided power adapter.

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

12 V, 3.5 A1Maker product pagenetgear.com/home/wifi/routers/rs300Read 14 October 2026Published as the bundled 12V/3.5A power adapter. Stored as the DC input rating.

12 V, 3.3 A1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-be550Read 14 October 2026Power: 12 V, 3.3 A. The FCC statement in the V2 user guide names the power supply model NBS30D120250VU, which looks like a 12 V 2.5 A adapter. The adapter output is not stored since the V1 documents do not name it.

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

42W1Maker product pagenetgear.com/home/wifi/routers/rs300Read 14 October 202612 V times 3.5 A is 42 W.

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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.

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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.

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Measured

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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.

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

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

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

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

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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.

250Wh8Measurementdongknows.com/netgear-nighthawk-rs300-wi-fi-7-router-reviewRead 14 October 2026Hardware table: power consumption per 24 hours, about 250 as tested, on firmware V1.0.0.38. The cell prints no unit. The same row prints Wh for the TP-Link Archer BE550 and the number fits an average of about 10 W, so Wh is used. The review does not describe the load.

310Wh9Reviewdongknows.com/tp-link-archer-be550-be9300-wi-fi-7-router-reviewRead 14 October 2026About 310 Wh per 24 hours as tested. The review does not describe the load and the firmware is not stated.

Dimensions and weight

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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.

Width150Height249Depth101.6mm(5.9 × 9.8 × 4 in)1Maker product pagenetgear.com/home/wifi/routers/rs300Read 14 October 2026Technical details: height 249 mm, width 150 mm, depth 101.6 mm. The router stands upright and the antennas are internal.

Width76Height203Depth231.7mm(3 × 8 × 9.1 in)1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-be550Read 14 October 2026Dimensions (W x D x H): 3.0 x 9.1 x 8.0 in (76 x 231.7 x 203 mm). The unit stands on its narrow side and Expert Reviews says it stands 203 mm tall with a 76 x 231 mm footprint.2Maker spec sheet (PDF)tp-link.com/us/document/15630Read 14 October 2026Dimensions: 3.0 x 9.1 x 8.0 in (76 x 231.7 x 203 mm), in the same order as the product page.9Reviewdongknows.com/tp-link-archer-be550-be9300-wi-fi-7-router-reviewRead 14 October 2026Hardware table: 9.12 x 7.99 x 2.99 in (231.6 x 202.9 x 75.9 mm), the same box as the maker's figures.11Reviewexpertreviews.co.uk/technology/wifi-home-networking/tp-link-archer-be550-reviewRead 14 October 2026The review says the unit stands 203 mm tall with a footprint of 76 x 231 mm, which fixes the order of the maker's three figures.

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

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WeightiOne unit without power adapter and cables.

950g(2.1 lb)1Maker product pagenetgear.com/home/wifi/routers/rs300Read 14 October 2026Weight 2.09 lb (.95 kg), stored as 950 g.

1,110g(2.4 lb)9Reviewdongknows.com/tp-link-archer-be550-be9300-wi-fi-7-router-reviewRead 14 October 2026Hardware table: 2.45 lbs (1.11 kg). The review does not say whether the adapter is included. The maker publishes no weight. The 1.11 kg figure is stored.

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

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Certifications

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

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WFA1308608Certification listprf.cert.wi-fi.org/products/downloadRead 14 October 2026Wi-Fi Alliance CSV: certificate WFA130860, TP-Link Systems Inc., BE9300 Tri-Band Wi-Fi 7 Router, model number Archer BE550, Wi-Fi CERTIFIED 7 on 2.4, 5 and 6 GHz, last certified 2024-07-12. The listing names no hardware version.

FCC IDiFCC ID of the main unit.

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Other certifications

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FCC, CE, RoHS1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-be550Read 14 October 2026Certifications: CE, FCC. The datasheet adds RoHS.2Maker spec sheet (PDF)tp-link.com/us/document/15630Read 14 October 2026Certifications: FCC, CE, RoHS.

In the box

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

WiFi 7 Tri-Band Router (RS300), Ethernet cable, 12V/3.5A power adapter, Quick Start Guide1Maker product pagenetgear.com/home/wifi/routers/rs300Read 14 October 2026What's included: WiFi 7 Tri-Band Router (RS300), Ethernet cable, 12V/3.5A power adapter and Quick Start Guide.2Maker spec sheet (PDF)downloads.netgear.com/files/GDC/RS300/RS300_TS.pdfRead 14 October 2026Package Contents: WiFi 7 Tri-Band Router (RS300), Ethernet cable, 12V/3.5A power adapter, quick start guide.

Wi-Fi Router Archer BE550, Power Adapter, RJ45 Ethernet Cable, Quick Installation Guide1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-be550Read 14 October 2026Package content: Wi-Fi 7 Router Archer BE550, power adapter, RJ45 Ethernet cable, quick installation guide.2Maker spec sheet (PDF)tp-link.com/us/document/15630Read 14 October 2026Package contents as listed.

Links

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Product page

www.netgear.com/home/wifi/routers/rs3001Maker product pagenetgear.com/home/wifi/routers/rs300Read 14 October 2026

www.tp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-be5501Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-be550Read 14 October 2026

Spec sheet

www.downloads.netgear.com/files/GDC/RS300/RS300_TS.pdf2Maker spec sheet (PDF)downloads.netgear.com/files/GDC/RS300/RS300_TS.pdfRead 14 October 2026

www.tp-link.com/us/document/156302Maker spec sheet (PDF)tp-link.com/us/document/15630Read 14 October 2026Archer BE550 V1 datasheet, copyright 2023. V2 has its own datasheet at https://www.tp-link.com/us/document/14509/.

Manual

www.downloads.netgear.com/files/GDC/RS300/RS300_RS280_UM_EN.pdf3Owner's manualdownloads.netgear.com/files/GDC/RS300/RS300_RS280_UM_EN.pdfRead 14 October 2026

static.tp-link.com/upload/manual/2023/202307/20230721/1910013423_Archer%20BE550_UG_REV1.0.0.pdf3Owner's manualstatic.tp-link.com/upload/manual/2023/202307/20230721/1910013423_Archer%20BE550_UG_REV1.0.0.pdfRead 14 October 2026User Guide for the Archer BE550 V1 (REV1.0.0, 2023). The V2 guide is a separate file.

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.

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Warranty

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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.

1year5Maker product pagenetgear.com/about/consumer-warrantyRead 14 October 2026The duration table gives 1 year for purchases in the United States and Canada. The table of models with different coverage lists RS300 only for China, South Korea and all other countries (3 years). The tables are images on the page. US and Canada.

2years6Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/support/replacement-warrantyRead 14 October 2026US warranty page: warranty periods for products purchased on or after 9/1/2023 list 2 years for Wi-Fi routers.

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