Both high-performance wireless routers look identical, but their packaging and price are slightly different. They seem to have the same features, but one can be had for much less than the other. Since there is no direct comparison between the two, this can lead to confusion and frustration.

The purpose of this article is to clear up your confusion and help you find the best deal on the Ultimate Networking Machine.

Which is better?

So what is the difference? Is the new WNDR37A superior in any way? Are you missing out on any important performance features by opting for the “older” WNDR3700? Fortunately, the answer to both of these questions is “No!”

In terms of features, both routers are identical. Both feature the same sleek design, Gigabit wired switch, simultaneous dual N-bands, eight internal antennas, and a blazing-fast 680 MHz processor. The newer WNDR37AV package features a new “video mode” that optimizes HD data transmission while the WNDR3700 does not. So what exactly does the WNDR37AV have that the WNDR3700 doesn’t? Not a thing!

And the winner is…

You are! The newer WNDR37AV is actually the same hardware as the WNDR3700. If you look closely at the specifications of both models on the Netgear website, you will see that they both have the same latest firmware revision (1.0.1.98). This is not something that happens “by coincidence” with different models of hardware. The reason they have the same firmware revision is that they are both the same piece of hardware!

Consumers even report buying boxes that say WNDR3700 on the outside only to find a WNDR37A on the inside and vice versa. So what gives? It’s all marketing magic! Netgear simply redid their naming convention similar to how Linksys did with their new “E” series. The newer AV bundle is simply part of a marketing push to appeal to the gaming crowd.

For several months there was much consternation among Netgear customers that Netgear had dropped the 3700 hardware in favor of the 37AV. This would mean that after only a year they were “stuck” with a piece of hardware that could never be improved with firmware updates. Happily this is not the case!

The confusion in the market has caused WNDR3700 prices to drop and WNDR37As to become scarce even though they are identical. As of this writing, the only real difference between the two is the case!