Different Routers We Have Examined
I’ve examined another routers and have a number of extra within the queue. These aren’t as nice because the picks above, however are value contemplating.
{Photograph}: Simon Hill
AVM FRITZ!Field 5690 Professional for £374: Whereas AVM has dominated the German router marketplace for years and nonetheless has round a 50 p.c market share, it is now increasing throughout Europe and the UK, so I examined the FRITZ!Field 5690 Professional. AVM’s vary is distinctive in white and pink plastic, however there is a deal with performance. This tri-band Wi-Fi 7 router boasts a 2.5-Gbps WAN/LAN, 4 gigabit LAN, and a USB 3.1 port. It’s quick, scoring mid- to high-table leads to my exams, and it proved dependable. It additionally has DSL or fiber-optic modems, an built-in DECT base station for cordless telephones, built-in storage (NAS), and help for Zigbee to attach good dwelling units. You don’t want an account to set it up or configure it. There’s a firewall and visitor community possibility within the easy internet interface (you need to use the cellular app should you desire). AVM’s routers are developed and manufactured in Europe, making them an attention-grabbing, privacy-focused different to routers from China or the US. The corporate additionally has a powerful observe file of supporting its merchandise for years after launch. Of us within the UK and Europe seeking to improve to Wi-Fi 7 ought to take into account this router. My fingers are crossed that AVM expands into the US subsequent.
TP-Hyperlink Archer BE3600 for $99: That is the bottom value I’ve seen for a Wi-Fi 7 router. The essential design sports activities 4 antennas, a 2.5-Gbps WAN, a 2.5-Gbps LAN, and three Gigabit LAN ports. It’s dual-band (2.4-GHz and 5-GHz), so there’s no 6-GHz possibility, and it’s solely 2 x 2 MIMO, so the utmost bandwidth is 688 Mbps and a couple of,882 Mbps, respectively. Sadly, I discovered the vary on the 5-GHz band to be restricted, and the band steering was disappointing, usually dropping my telephone onto the a lot slower 2.4-GHz band. Throughput was so-so, and file transfers have been mid-table in my outcomes. The BE3600 completed beneath our high decide in each take a look at. It could possibly be excellent for a small residence, because it was impressively speedy at shut vary on each bands, however dropped off rapidly with distance, making it robust to advocate for bigger properties. The subscription required for enhanced safety and parental controls can be a tough promote on a router this low-cost.
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Netgear Nighthawk M6 Professional for $800: Whereas I’m eager so as to add a 5G router and cellular sizzling spot to this information, and the Nighthawk M6 Professional is a wonderful performer, it is just too costly to advocate for most folk. (I plan to check cheaper fashions within the coming weeks.) That mentioned, the M6 Professional is straightforward to make use of and would possibly go well with enterprise people with an expense account. Pop a 5G SIM in there and you’ve got a tri-band Wi-Fi 6E router (2.4-, 5-, and 6-GHz) with a sturdy design, a helpful 2.8-inch touchscreen, a 2.5-gigabit Ethernet port, and a battery that’s good for as much as 13 hours of use. You’ll be able to join as much as 32 units by way of Wi-Fi and count on a variety of round 1,000 sq. ft. You may as well use the Ethernet port as a WAN connection or make use of the M6 Professional as a safe Wi-Fi repeater. It’s versatile, however configuration could be a chore, speeds are restricted if you wish to prolong battery life, and it’s too costly.
Asus RT-BE86U for $260: The brand new Wi-Fi 7 model of the Asus RT-AX86U listed above, this dual-band (2.4- and 5-GHz) router is much like the Asus RT-BE88U beneath. It lacks the 6-GHz band however brings all the opposite enhancements that Wi-Fi 7 provides, from MLO to raised safety. The RT-BE86U proved dependable in my exams and carried out extraordinarily effectively on the 5-GHz band, matching the marginally costlier RT-BE88U. It’s barely smaller however nonetheless has one 10-Gbps and 4 2.5-Gbps Ethernet ports, alongside a USB 2.0 and a USB 3.0 port. It additionally provides all the standard advantages of an Asus router, together with onboard safety, parental controls, AiMesh and VPN help, and a number of configuration choices. It’s maybe somewhat expensive in the mean time, however when this router begins to drop, it will likely be a strong selection for a lot of houses and should effectively declare a spot above.
TP-Hyperlink Archer GE800 for $350: This gorgeous tri-band Wi-Fi 7 gaming router got here very near a spot above. The angled design with customizable RGB lighting screams Vader’s fortress but additionally supplies room for antennas to make sure extraordinarily quick efficiency throughout the board. You additionally get a 10-Gbps port to your incoming web connection, an extra two 10-Gbps and 4 2.5-Gbps Ethernet LAN ports, and a USB 3.0 port. The Tether app is strong, with some gaming-specific choices, however separate subscriptions are required for further safety and parental controls. Regardless of the blazing quick outcomes, the GE800 couldn’t fairly match our high Wi-Fi 7 gaming decide above on the 6-GHz band, and it produced numerous warmth and audible fan noise, although it’s considerably cheaper.
Firewalla Gold SE for $479: This quirky transportable gadget is ideal for individuals who fear about safety and privateness. It provides complete instruments for monitoring all visitors out and in of your home, strong and detailed parental controls, ad-blocking, and enhanced safety with a built-in firewall and VPN possibility. It serves as a router, however it would be best to pair one other router in entry level mode for Wi-Fi in your house. It’s costly and should show intimidating for inexperienced people, nevertheless it provides deep perception into your community and a formidable depth of safety features with out a further subscription. The Gold SE has two 2.5-Gbps ports and two gigabit ports and is appropriate for people with as much as 2-gigabit connections. In case your web is just one gigabit, attempt the extra inexpensive however barely much less succesful, Firewalla Purple ($369) (8/10, WIRED recommends).
Asus RT-BE88U for $330: This dual-band Wi-Fi 7 router is an odd prospect as a result of it doesn’t provide the 6-GHz band in any respect, simply 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. However you’ll be able to nonetheless mix these bands with MLO and revel in options like 4K QAM, and this router might be quick sufficient for the typical dwelling. It has ports galore (two 10 Gbps, 4 2.5 Gbps, 4 Gigabit, and one USB 3.0). It outperformed a number of costlier routers on the 5-GHz band, and that’s possible what most of your units are utilizing more often than not proper now. Asus additionally provides free safety software program and parental controls with its routers, so there’s no want for subscriptions. However after I take into account which you can snag the Netgear Nighthawk RS300 listed above for much less, I discover it robust to advocate this router to people within the US. If the 6-GHz band is unavailable or nerfed in your nation, the RT-BE88U is for you.
TP-Hyperlink Journey Router AX1500 for $60: If you happen to don’t wish to spend a lot on a journey router, it is a good different to our decide above and fewer than half the value. The catch is which you can count on round half the efficiency. If you happen to simply have to cowl a lodge room, it’s fantastic, however the USB 2.0 port limits the effectiveness of utilizing your telephone’s mobile connection, and the two.4-GHz band is just Wi-Fi 4. It does have two Gigabit ports, some helpful modes, and VPN help. I additionally love that it’s powered by way of USB-C, because it affords some versatility (you may even use a quick transportable charger).
Netgear Nighthawk RS700 for $550: Though I had setup points that required a manufacturing facility reset, there’s no hiding the top-notch efficiency of this router. It’s a Wi-Fi 7 tri-band router with two 10-Gbps Ethernet ports, 4 gigabit ports, and a USB 3.2. The tower design is new for the Nighthawk line, and it seems nice. This router will mix in much better than our cumbersome Wi-Fi 7 decide above from Asus, and it was barely sooner on the 6-GHz band, although not the 5-GHz or 2.4-GHz bands. It primarily misses out on a suggestion as a result of it’s costlier. We’re already seeing reductions on the RT-BE96U, and Asus provides free safety software program and parental controls. If you happen to get the Nighthawk RS700S, the “S” on the finish denotes a free 12 months of Netgear Armor, which prices $100 a 12 months thereafter. If you happen to want parental controls, that’s one other $70 a 12 months.
TP-Hyperlink Archer GX90 AX6600 for $250: Picks above too costly? The marginally extra inexpensive TP-Hyperlink Archer GX90 (8/10, WIRED Recommends) would possibly tempt you. It seems like a Sith spider, however this gaming-focused behemoth is feature-packed. It is simple to arrange and configure, and it boasts a recreation accelerator characteristic and prioritization, making it simple to order bandwidth for gaming. I had no points with a number of simultaneous gaming periods. It has a 2.5-Gbps WAN/LAN port, a gigabit WAN/LAN port, three gigabit LAN ports, and two USB ports (3.0 and a couple of.0). Sadly, full parental controls and enhanced safety require subscriptions, and it’s a Wi-Fi 6 router.
Aircove ExpressVPN Router for $190: This router has a built-in VPN service, permitting you to protect your community visitors from prying eyes. You do have to purchase a subscription to ExpressVPN individually (it’s $13 per thirty days, or simply over $8 should you pay yearly). However setup is easy, and having a VPN on the router stage is way simpler than having to put in it on every gadget (although a number of of our picks above can do that too). It’s value noting that ExpressVPN doesn’t make our Finest VPNs information as a result of it was bought to a mother or father firm with a less-than-sterling fame; which may matter to you should you’re the type of one that needs a VPN. I additionally bumped into just a few points with web sites and streaming companies that aren’t eager on VPNs.
Vodafone Professional II from £37 a month: Of us within the UK searching for a brand new web service supplier (ISP) ought to take a look at Vodafone’s Professional II (8/10, WIRED Overview). Whereas ISPs have historically offered shoddy routers to their prospects, that appears to be altering. The Vodafone Professional II is a tri-band router that helps Wi-Fi 6E, and it delivered lightning-fast speeds in my exams, on par with lots of my picks above. The vary is restricted, particularly on the 6-GHz band, however this service comes with a variety extender that seems as a part of the identical community. You may as well get a 4G backup that connects to Vodafone’s cellular community to maintain you on-line ought to your common web connection fail. It’s solely accessible with a two-year Vodafone service contract, ranging from £37 a month.
TP-Hyperlink Archer BE800 for $400: With a contemporary design that’s extra desktop PC than router, the BE800 (8/10, WIRED Overview) tri-band beast got here out on high or near it in my exams on the two.4-GHz, 5-GHz, and 6-GHz bands, proving impressively swift for file transfers and downloads. It additionally boasts speedy ports galore, a cool however type of pointless customizable dot-matrix LED display, and the Tether app provides a visitor community, IoT community, VPN server or consumer, EasyMesh, QoS for gadget prioritization, and distant administration. This was our Wi-Fi 7 decide, however the Asus RT-BE96U beat it in my exams and doesn’t require a subscription. TP-Hyperlink’s Safety+ ($5/month, $36/12 months) and Superior Parental Controls ($3/month, $18/12 months) carry full-featured parental controls and community safety.
Reyee RG-E6 for $119: This inexpensive gaming router from Reyee is an honest price range gaming decide that recorded some spectacular take a look at outcomes. It is just a dual-band router, however with help for 160-MHz channels, the speeds on the 5-GHz band have been excellent. It has a 2.5-Gbps WAN/LAN and three gigabit LANs, however no USB ports. Reyee’s app provides prioritization for units, ports, and gaming visitors, separate visitor and IoT networks, and primary parental controls. What it lacks is any safety, and the app is poorly translated. But when that doesn’t hassle you, that is possible the very best gaming router you will get for the cash.
TP-Hyperlink Archer AXE75 for $130: Whereas this tri-band router makes Wi-Fi 6E inexpensive, its efficiency was combined. The 6-GHz band provides quick speeds at shut vary however drops off sharply with distance. I discovered the 5-GHz band considerably inconsistent, recording zippy efficiency in most of my exams however comparatively gradual outcomes on just a few events. You additionally want subscriptions if you need full-featured parental controls and community safety, and all 4 Ethernet ports are restricted to 1 Gbps.
Synology WRX560 for $230: If you have already got the Synology RT6600ax listed above, the WRX560 is an honest extra gadget for organising a mesh community. I had some points with setup that required a manufacturing facility reset, however as soon as up and working, the WRX560 provides a powerful and secure sign on the two.4-GHz and 5-GHz bands. Nonetheless, a dual-band Wi-Fi 6 router is a tricky promote at this value, so should you simply want one, it’s value spending the additional $80 for the RT6600ax.
Linksys Hydra Professional 6E for $158: One of many first Wi-Fi 6E tri-band routers (2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz) to hit the market, the value has dropped considerably since launch. It proved simple to arrange and has a really easy app, although it was usually gradual to load. It has a 5-Gbps WAN port and 4 gigabit LAN ports. The efficiency proved dependable, and it’s potential to get lightning-fast speeds at shut vary when you have a tool that helps Wi-Fi 6E. Protection and speeds at mid and lengthy vary have been common. There are free primary parental controls that allow you to dam websites and schedule downtime, however solely on a per-device foundation (no profile creation or age restriction filters). You’ll be able to cut up bands if you wish to and prioritize three units. There’s additionally a visitor community possibility and straightforward Wi-Fi sharing. One other optimistic is that this router works with another Linksys Clever Mesh router (together with the Velop mesh vary).
Linksys Hydra 6 for $95: Specs-wise, this compact router is much like our high decide (TP-Hyperlink Archer AX55). It’s a dual-band Wi-Fi 6 router with a gigabit WAN and 4 gigabit LAN ports. The setup was simple, and it makes use of the identical Linksys app because the Professional 6E above, so that you get free parental controls, visitor community, prioritization, and band splitting. It proved speedy at shut vary and never dangerous at mid-range, but when your private home is bigger than 1,600 sq. ft, it could wrestle. Nonetheless, as an Clever Mesh router, it may well combine and match with different Linksys routers or its Velop mesh system. Linksys suggests a restrict of 25 linked units. Though it managed greater than 40 with out points in my testing, busy households will possible need one thing extra highly effective.
Routers We Don’t Suggest
These are the Wi-Fi routers we had points with or cannot advocate for one purpose or one other.
Netgear Nighthawk RS200 for $206: The RS200 is Netgear’s dual-band (2.4- and 5-GHz) Wi-Fi 7 router and the most cost effective in its Wi-Fi 7 lineup. After the tri-band RS300 gained a suggestion, I anticipated this router to carry out decently, however I encountered a number of points, together with random drops and poor vary. After turning the router on and off once more, many units, together with my Pixel and iPhone, struggled to reconnect. Maybe I’ve too many units in my dwelling for it, although Netgear suggests it may well deal with as much as 80. It has two 2.5 Gbps, three gigabit Ethernet, and a USB 3.0 port. Check outcomes have been OK, however considerably slower than the RT-BE86U. The costly subscriptions for Netgear Armor ($100/12 months) and Premium Good Parental Controls ($8/month or $70/12 months) appear particularly expensive with a less expensive router like this.
TP-Hyperlink Archer AX5400 Professional for $200: This dual-band Wi-Fi 6 router is sort of an identical to the Archer AX73, apart from the two.5-Gbps WAN port. It delivers comparatively quick speeds on the two.4-GHz and 5-GHz bands and boasts a 160-MHz channel width on 5 GHz. The vary is sweet, simply protecting my dwelling and backyard, however the efficiency was inconsistent. It was additionally comparatively gradual at shifting information domestically. There’s help for TP-Hyperlink OneMesh, VPN, and QoS, however you solely get primary parental controls and community safety except you subscribe.
MSi RadiX AXE6600 for $123: This Wi-Fi 6E tri-band gaming router has that acquainted pink and black Sith spider look, although you’ll be able to customise the lighting. It proved very quick in most of my exams, coming near the highest of the desk at quick vary on the 6-GHz band and providing common efficiency on the 5-GHz and a couple of.4-GHz bands. However the cellular app had restricted choices, a complicated structure, and was buggy (it crashed on me greater than as soon as). The online interface was higher, with extra choices, together with open VPN, easy parental controls, visitor community, and QoS optimization for gaming. Sadly, efficiency was inconsistent, and I suffered random drops twice in every week of testing.
