What’s the difference between the Netgear WAX610 and WAX620?

Netgear recently released the WAX620 Dual Band PoE Multi-Gig Insight Managed Wi-Fi 6 Access Point. So, how does the new product compare to the older WAX610 model?

You can find out in this comparison guide between these two networking products.

Quick Summary

When compared to the AX1800 Dual Band PoE Multi-Gig Insight Managed Wi-Fi 6 Access Point (WAX610), AX3600 Dual Band PoE Multi-Gig Insight Managed Wi-Fi 6 Access Point (WAX620) offers double the maximum theoretical throughput at 2.4 GHz and 5.0 GHz. In total, you can expect 3.6 Gbps as opposed to 1.8 Gbps.

The newer WAX620 model also supports slightly more client devices per access point.

On the other hand, the WAX610 is lighter in weight, smaller in size and consume less power. The older model also costs less.

The two access points are identical when it comes to general and security features. Both devices also have the same operating temperature ranges, technical support and warranty coverage.

If you are looking for the best speeds and support for multiple connected devices, then we recommend getting the WAX620. If you don’t mind lower performance, then the WAX610 is the more affordable option.

WAX610 vs. WAX620 Comparison Chart

You can take a look at Seeking Tech’s comparison table for the Dual Band PoE Multi-Gig Insight Managed Wi-Fi 6 Access Point below.

What’s in the Box

In addition to the access point, both products come with a mounting kit and installation guide.

You can find a breakdown of the content included inside each box below:

WAX610:

• WAX610 Insight Managed Wireless Access Point
• Wall/ceiling mount kit
• Installation guide

WAX620:

• WAX620 Insight Managed Wireless Access Point
• Wall/ceiling mount kit
• Installation guide

Weight

The newer WAX620 is nearly twice as heavy as the WAX610.

You can check out the weight specifications for both below:

• WAX610: 412 grams (or 0.90 lb.)
• WAX620: 783 grams (or 1.72 lb.)

Dimensions

The WAX620 is also bigger in terms of physical size when compared to the WAX610.

You can find the exact measurements below:

• WAX610: 160.9 mm x 160.9 mm x 33.25 mm (or 6.33 in x 6.33 in x 1.30 in)
• WAX620: 205.7 mm x 205.7 mm x 34.3 mm (or 8.09 in x 8.09 in x 1.35 in)

Wi-Fi Standards

The two wireless access points support the following Wi-Fi standards:

• 2.4 GHz: 802.11b/g/n/ax
• 5.0 GHz: 802.11a/n/ac/ax

Transmit x Receive Wireless Mode

You can take a look at the Transmit x Receive Wireless Modes below:

WAX610:

• 2×2 in 2.4 GHz
• 2×2 in 5.0 GHz

WAX620:

• 4×4 in 2.4 GHz
• 4×4 in 5.0 GHz

Maximum Theoretical Throughput

The WAX620 has double the maximum theoretical throughput when compared to the WAX610:

• WAX610: AX1800 1.8 Gbps
• WAX620: AX3600 3.6 Gbps

Maximum Theoretical Throughput per Band

The WAX620 also has double maximum theoretical throughput at the 2.4 GHz and 5.0 GHz bands:

WAX610:

• 2.4 GHz: 600 Mbps
• 5.0 GHz: 1200 Mbps

WAX620:

• 2.4GHz: 1200 Mbps
• 5.0 GHz: 2400 Mbps

Antenna Gain

You can find the antenna gain specs for the two devices below:

• WAX610: Internal 3.8 dBi /4.5 dBi (2.4 GHz/5.0 GHz)
• WAX620: Internal 3.1 dBi /4.3 dBi (2.4 GHz/5.0 GHz)

Number of Client Devices

In terms of the number of supported client devices, the WAX620 can support more connected devices for every access point.

• WAX610: Up to 250 per access point
• WAX620: Up to 256 per access point

Compatible Mesh Wi-Fi Network Devices

You can take a look at the compatible mesh Wi-Fi network devices for the two products in this comparison guide below:

WAX610:

• WAC540
• WAC564

WAX620:

• WAC540
• WAX610
• WAX610Y

Port

Both products come with a 100/1000/2.5GBASE-T RJ-45 Gigabit Ethernet port with Auto Uplink (Auto MDI-X).

LED Indicators

The LED indicators are the same for the two access points as you will see the following:

• 2.4 GHz status
• 5.0 GHz status
• LAN speed
• Power and Cloud connection

General Features

These two Netgear devices support the following general features:

• Adjustable Transmit Power Control (TPC)
• Bidir and MU-MIMO
• Bridge Point-to-Point/Multi-Point
• BSS Coloring
• Device Detection
• Identify Type of Wireless Clients in the Network
• Insight App Centralized Management
• OFDM and OFDMA
• Repeater
• Secure Socket Layer (SSL)
• Simultaneous Bridge and Wireless Client Association
• Target Wake Time (TWT)
• Wireless Backhaul to Form Mesh Network

Security Features

For security, the following features are compatible with the WAX610 and WAX620:

• 802.11i Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA/WPA2/WPA3)
• 802.1x RADIUS support with EAP TLS, TTLS, PEAP
• Bandsteering
• Bandwidth Management
• Block SSID Broadcast
• Guest Network/Captive Portal
• Link Layer Discovery Protocol
• MAC Address Filtering with Access Control
• Neighbor AP Detection
• VLAN Support

Power over Ethernet (PoE)

The following Power over Ethernet standards are supported by both products:

• 802.3af
• 802.3at

PoE Power Consumption

The WAX620 does require more power to operate when stacked up against the WAX610.

You can find the power specs below:

• WAX610: 15.3 W
• WAX620: 25.5 W

Optional Power Adapter

Both devices also support an optional 12V DC, 2.5A power adapter if you don’t have PoE.

Operating Temperature Range

The operating temperature ranges for the wireless access points are identical as both need to be operated from 0°C to 40°C (or 32°F to 104°F).

Technical Support

Netgear will provide for 90 days if you purchase either of the products from an authorized Netgear reseller.

Warranty

The Netgear AX1800 Dual Band PoE Multi-Gig Insight Managed Wi-Fi 6 Access Point (WAX610) and Netgear AX3600 Dual Band PoE Multi-Gig Insight Managed Wi-Fi 6 Access Point (WAX620) each comes with a 5-year warranty.

Resources:

• https://www.netgear.com/media/WAX610_tcm148-90787.pdf
• https://www.downloads.netgear.com/files/GDC/WAX620/WAX620_DS.pdf