The X8 optimizes WiFi performance across your network by using Smart Connect to strategically assign every device to the fastest WiFi possible. What this means is that the X8 not only doubles the available 5GHz bandwidth, but it also allows for two bands to easily separate slower and faster WiFi devices combined with Netgears Quad Stream support (ie.
The X8 is capable of (combined) wireless speeds up to 5.4Gbps over three WiFi bands: 2.4GHz (1000 Mbps/1024 QAM) 5GHz-1 (2166 Mbps/1024 QAM) and 5GHz-2 (2166 Mbps/1024 QAM). First of all, the Nighthawk X8 router features Tri-Band technology that is designed to move massive amounts of data over wireless connections. The list is long as to what the X8 brings to the table. It is going to take a lot to unseat the X6 as our Router King, but on paper, the Nighthawk X8 seems to have what it takes. The Tri-Band Nighthawk X6 is currently one of our favorites and has been the centerpiece of our tests for the past year. In the past, the Netgear Nighthawk WiFi routers have been among the leaders in every battery of tests that we have performed here.
This price certainly reflects the standing of the Nighthawk X8 as the leader in the Netgear series of routers but our expectations of what this router brings to the table are high as this is one of the most expensive home networking devices we have looked at. This router has hit shelves just in time for the holiday gift buying season and is priced at around $343 shipped from most major retailers. Today, we take our first look at Netgears flagship router, the Nighthawk X8 R8500 AC5300 WiFi Router.