US router guide · September 2026
WiFi7RouterManufacturer spec comparison · We have not tested either router
On ports these are near-twins: 2.5G WAN plus one 2.5G LAN and three gigabit each. Choose the Archer BE3600 for EasyMesh expansion and HomeShield's free tier; choose the Nighthawk RS200 for NETGEAR's interface and Armor trial. Exclude both if 6 GHz is the reason for upgrading.
On ports these are near-twins: 2.5G WAN plus one 2.5G LAN and three gigabit each. Choose the Archer BE3600 for EasyMesh expansion and HomeShield's free tier; choose the Nighthawk RS200 for NETGEAR's interface and Armor trial. Exclude both if 6 GHz is the reason for upgrading.
Based on manufacturer specs. We did not measure either system.Values come from manufacturer documentation. They do not predict performance in your home.
| Specification | TP-Link Archer BE3600 | NETGEAR Nighthawk RS200 |
|---|---|---|
| Wi-Fi class | BE3600Aggregate theoretical rate, not single-device speed. | BE6500 |
| Advertised aggregate rate | 3,600 MbpsHigher is more theoretical capacity, not more coverage. | 6,500 Mbps ▲ spec edge |
| Band configuration | Dual-band | Dual-band |
| 6 GHz radio | Not included | Not included |
| Fastest Ethernet | 2.5 GbE | 2.5 GbE |
| Port layout | 1× 2.5G WAN + 1× 2.5G LAN + 3× 1G LANCount WAN and LAN separately; layouts vary by revision. | 1× 2.5G WAN + 1× 2.5G LAN + 3× 1G LAN |
| Subscription | TP-Link HomeShield (basic free, Pro paid)Paid terms for security or parental features. | NETGEAR Armor (optional; trial included) |
| Mesh system | EasyMeshEcosystems are not interchangeable across brands. | Not listed |
| Multi-Link Operation | Listed ▲ spec edge | Not listed |
Sources: TP-Link documentation · NETGEAR documentation
Both are dual-band BE-class routers without 6 GHz, both carry one USB 3.0 port, and both top out at 2.5GbE. The hardware does not separate them — the software and ecosystem do.
The BE3600 can join an EasyMesh network for later expansion; the RS200 lists no mesh system, so plan it as a standalone box for the whole ownership period.
Anyone buying Wi-Fi 7 for 6 GHz should skip this tier entirely and compare tri-band models like the Archer BE550 or Nighthawk RS300 instead. Dual-band savings only count when 6 GHz would sit unused.
Confirm the exact kit size, regional version, and return terms at checkout for either system.
Check TP-Link Archer BE3600 details · Check NETGEAR Nighthawk RS200 details