We were able to realize multi-gigabit wireless speeds at home with wide 160MHz channels thanks to the best wi-fi 6 routers As our data consumption grows, wi-fi 6 can keep up with more devices at once. Powerful software, including parental controls, makes your life easier. If you're going to invest in a new wireless device, it makes sense to have a device that can make the most of it.

Thanks to its fast speeds, great extra software, and easy expansion options, the RT-AX82U is a good choice for most families. There is plenty of speed to take care of a family's streaming needs as well as the option to maximize traffic for gaming. AiProtection Pro gives you free security for the life of the routers.

If you're after something that's a good fit for a small family in a small home, the ASUS RT-AX1800S is a great choice. While it doesn't include any more advanced features, it does allow you to easily set up profiles for each member of the family, with specific restrictions for each of their needs.

TP-Link is a great choice for a family that likes to play video games. There is plenty of capacity left over for streamers and social media users with a dedicated 5 GHz band. Home care security and advanced parental controls have been included in TP-Link.

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The Asus RT82U is a compact and powerful Wi-Fi 6 router

(Image credit: Samuel Contreras / Android Central)
  • Top speeds: AX5400 Wi-Fi 6, 4804Mbps @ 5Ghz and 574Mbps @2.4GHz
  • Top features: Dual-band, 4x gigabit Ethernet ports, 1x gigabit WAN Ethernet port, 1x USB 3.2 ports, AiMesh support, AiProtection Pro security

There's a lot of speed for a family with the AX5400 connection of the ASUS RT-AX82U. The speed is broken down to 4804Mbps on the 5 GHz band and 574Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band. Even your fastest wireless devices can connect at full speed with the support of the 5 GHz band.

There are four gigabit Ethernet ports around the back that are prioritized for gaming. You can easily access a drive from your network with theusb 3.2 port If you want to mount it, there are four antennas on the back that can be adjusted.

There is an app that can be used to control the lighting coming out of the vent. If it isn't to your liking, you can completely shut it down. There is a gaming PC next to this routers. It's not just for people who look like they're playing a video game. It is possible to keep your ping times low in a gaming mode with enough speed left over for the rest of the family.

It has been knocked out of the park by software by the company. For the life of the product, AiProtection Pro is free. The settings are available in the app for both phones and computers. Advanced parental controls will allow you to stay in control of your family's internet use. It is possible to expand your coverage with other AiMesh-compatible routers without giving up the control you expect from a stand alone routers.

TP-Link Archer GX90 gaming router

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  • Top speeds: 4804Mbps + 1201 @ 5Ghz, 574Mbps @ 2.4Ghz
  • Top features: Tri-band, vast coverage with eight anetnnas, 2.5G WAN/LAN port, dual USB ports, Gaming QoS feature

TP-Link's Archer GX90 is a simple and easy to use tri-band router that is great for a home that puts gaming first. One of the 5 GHz bands can be used for gaming, as well as serving the rest of the 5 GHz devices. On the 5 GHz band, the top speed is 4804Mbps, followed by 1201Mbps on the remaining 5 GHz band, and 574Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band.

The software is the reason why this is great for gaming. When a game is running, a Game Accelerator QoS setting is used to make sure packets get through first. The setting can be used to set aside bandwidth for your computer. There is a button in the TP-Link app that can be used to disabled this setting. A blazing fast internet connection can be made possible by the 2.5Gbps port.

With an affordable price for its speed, easy-to-use parental controls, and HomeCare security software included for free, the Archer GX90 is a good choice for parents. When it's time for homework and when it's time for lag-free gaming can be decided by parents with HomeCare.

Asus RT-AX1800S in space

(Image credit: Asus)
  • Top speeds: 1201Mbps @ 5Ghz, 574Mbps @ 2.4Ghz
  • Top features: Dual-band, 4x Ethernet ports, AiProtection Classic is free, Parental controls with time scheduling are free

The software included for free is one of the things that distinguishes the offerings from one another. You get AiProtection Classic security software and parental controls with support for scheduling in the case of the ASUSRT-AX1800S. The features are free for the life of the product, and don't require a monthly or yearly subscription.

The more expensiveRT-AX55 has many of the same specifications as the more affordable one. They both have AX1800 dual-band wireless that can be used on the 5 GHz and 2.4 GHz bands. The AiMesh feature that allows multiple ASUS routers to form a mesh is not included in the AX1800S, so you can't use it. This shouldn't be a problem for people in small houses or apartments.

You can keep using your wired devices if you have four gigabit ethernet ports on the back. Many people don't bother to set up network storage because they don't have access to a computer. This is a good choice if you're looking for a basic routers with good parental control and enough speed for most people to use the internet.

ROG GT-AX6000 dual-band gaming router

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  • Top speeds: 4804Mbps @ 5Ghz, 1148Mbps @ 2.4Ghz
  • Top features: Dual-band with 160MHz support, 2x 2.5Gbps Ethernet ports, AiMesh and AiProtection included, RGB lighting controls

The ROG Rapture GT-AX6000 seems to be a bit disappointing. As we discovered in our review, this is one of the best-performing routers on the market, even though it has an eight-stream dual-band connection. There are some of the best 5 GHz speeds we've seen on 80 MHz devices, and this holds up to scrutiny. It's possible for you to use this extra speed to its fullest, with a 2.5Gbps WAN Ethernet port for incoming connections, and a 2.5Gbps LAN port for a device like a high-end gaming PC or even a dedicatedNAS.

It's almost tailor-made for streamers, whether they're competitive, speed runners, or Vtubers. streamers can keep their quality setting locked at max while saving their videos for later, thanks to the 2.5 Gbps Ethernet ports. Streamers are often entertainers first, and that's why ASUS has built the tech they need to confidently build the high-capacity network. It's easy for video or photo editors to work on big projects.

To protect your network from online attacks, AiProtection was included in the software, as was AiMesh to ensure strong wi-fi across your entire home. It's helpful to keep consoles or gaming PCs connected with the lowest possible ping.

Ubiquiti AmpliFi Alien Wi-Fi 6 router with display and green lighting

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  • Top speeds: Tri-band, 4800Mbps + 1700Mbps @ 5Ghz, 1150Mbps @ 2.4Ghz
  • Top features: 4x LAN Ethernet ports, AmpliFi Teleport, Mesh expansion, modern design with display

It's easy to get bogged down with spec sheets and product comparison tools, but when it comes down to it, the user experience is more important than anything. A user interface and features that make it easy to stay in control of your home network were found in the Ampli Fi Alien review. Ubiquiti is a networking company that has quickly risen to prominence, with its home solutions that remind us of its high-end experience with the Unifi Dream Machine Pro.

One of the drawbacks of this routers is that it only works in the 5 GHz band. 1150Mbps can be delivered at 2.4 GHz, 1700Mbps at 5 GHz, and 4800Mbps on the other side of the spectrum. If you're looking for the most speed possible in a routers, you'll want to go with the next pick on this list.

The Alien's appearance is one of its most striking features. The design of the display absorbs incoming light and makes it bright. If you're a bit of a nerd, you'll love this feature on the display. Is injecting a bit of fun into the mundane a bad idea?

Netgear Nighthawk Wi-Fi 6 router

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  • Top speeds: 2402Mbps @ 5Ghz, 574Mbps @ 2.4Ghz
  • Top features: Dual-band, 4x Ethernet ports, USB 3.0, Nighthawk app

Many higher-end devices, including some phones, are shipping with 160MHz support, which is more than the average connection speed on the internet. 160MHz support even at 5 GHz is what these phones come with. The RAX40 is one of the cheapest routers with support for 160Mhz. It's a huge benefit to use high-end wi-fi on a gaming PC.

The 5 GHz band supports up to 2,603Mbps and the 2.4 GHz band supports up to 574Mbps on the RAX40's AX3000 connection. This option doesn't skimp on other details like some of the other cheaper mid-range routers. In areas with a lot of people, full 1024 QAM allows the router to keep speeds up.

If you want, setup and configuration can be done in a browser. You can check to make sure you're on the latest version of the software. The app can also be used to access Netgear Smart Parental controls. If you want to check it out, you can start with a 30-day trial without paying anything.

If you want to get your devices connected with as much speed as possible, this is a great choice that doesn't waste a penny on features most people won't be able to use.

Asus ZenWiFi mesh router review

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  • Top speeds: 1200Mbps + 4800Mbps @ 5Ghz, 600Mbps @ 2.4Ghz
  • Top features: Tri-band, 5,500 sq ft. coverage, 3x LAN Ethernet ports per node, AiMesh expansion, AiProtection inlcuded

Making it easy to build the perfect mesh for your home is what the ZenWiFi series is all about. If you need more coverage, you can use the other AiMesh compatible from ASUS. You can use one of the gaming routers in one room, without giving up the rest of the house's internet access.

There are three gigabit ports for devices on the nodes. High internet speeds can be supported all over the house with a fast 5 GHz backhaul. The AiProtection software is included in the kit for free. These features are nice, but don't play nice with some devices. It's nice to have them if they work out for you.

The compact nodes are available in either black or white, so they don't interfere with your décor.

TP-Link Deco X20/X60

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  • Top speeds: 1201Mbps @ 5Ghz, 574Mbps @ 2.4Ghz
  • Top features: 2x Ethernet ports per node, compact size, TP-Link HomeCare software

The Deco X20 can be purchased as a two-pack or three-pack with coverage for up to 4,000 and 5,800 square feet. Two is enough for most people. The Deco X20 has dual band hardware. When connected at 5 GHz, the speeds fall to 574Mbps. You won't be able to use these speeds as the X20 nodes will need to share the 5 GHz band between devices. Speeds greater than 500Mbps should be possible.

Two ports are on the back of the Deco X20. The Deco needs to be connected to your modem by one of these. The other can be used to connect the two Decos to the internet. TP-Link makes a Deco X60 with speeds greater than 3000. The TP-Link Deco mesh can be expanded using the Deco X20 nodes.

TP-Link Home Care is one of the nicer things to come with the Deco series. The software package has both parental controls and anti-viruses in it. Profiles can be set up for each member of the family with filters. Incoming connections are scanned for bad content and blocked if needed.

TP-Link Archer AX73

Source: Samuel Contreras / Android Central (Image credit: Samuel Contreras / Android Central)
  • Top speeds: 4804Mbps @ 5Ghz, 574Mbps @ 2.4Ghz
  • Top features: Dual-band, 4x Ethernet ports, 1x USB 3.0 port, OneMesh expandable

The TP-Link archer is a fast routers. 4804Mbps is achieved at 5 GHz and 574Mbps at 2.4 GHz. It focuses on 5 GHz and reduces the allocation of resources to the older 2.4 GHz bands. A price that works for most people, without giving up much speed for most connected devices is achieved by this. This isn't the best fit for a home with a lot of 2.4 GHz smart home devices.

There are four networking ports around the back and one on the side. There is a lot of air on the top of this routers, which allows for passive cooling. The removal of a fan from the equation is less likely to fail. Link Aggregation can be done between two ports.

TP-Link has a software called Home Shield. HomeShield has many of the same features as HomeCare, but it's simpler to use a subscription model. You might not need the subscription at all. Content filters are free in parental controls. Home Shield costs $599.99 per year.

Eero 6 on a PC

(Image credit: Eero)
  • Top speeds: 1201Mbps @ 5Ghz, 574Mbps @ 2.4Ghz
  • Top features: Dual-band, 2,000 sq ft. coverage, 2x Ethernet ports, easy setup, Zigbee smart home hub

When deployed in a mesh, Eero 6's dual-band wi-fi 6 connection should be able to keep up with a gigabit connection on its own, or over 500Mbps. On the 5 GHz band, the speeds break down to 1201Mbps. It is possible to get 574Mbps at 2.4 GHz. You can simplify your home network setup with the built in smart home hub.

The eero 6 is small. It will fit in with most homes, and should be easy to hide out of the way. If you have a lot of wired devices, you may need to consider a switch. This will not be an issue if you've switched to all wireless devices.

Eero 6 is designed to be part of a mesh setup. If you want to expand your mesh with an older model or add more capacity in the future, you can because all eeros are compatible. If you increase the number of eeros, you should put the fastest routers at the network's core. The eero 6+ doubles the 5 GHz speed, the eero Pro 6 adds another band, and the eero Pro 6e has wi-fi support. If you mix eero 6+ and eero Pro 6e with older eero, your maximum throughput will be affected.

The eero app is one of the things that makes it stand out. The eero app is the most polished and streamlined of all the apps that can be used to set up a routers. The app has all the settings a normal user would need. There is no web interface so that's about as deep as it can get. If you want it, Eero has a subscription service called eero Secure that gives you more security features.

Netgear Orbi RBK752

(Image credit: Netgear)
  • Top speeds: 1200Mbps @ 5Ghz, 600Mbps @ 2.4Ghz
  • Top features: Tri-band, 5,000 sq ft. coverage, 3x + 2x Ethernet ports, dedicated 5Ghz backhaul, easy setup

The Orbi line was a great introduction to mesh for many people. TheRBK752 comes with a satellite and a routers. Orbi has a dedicated 2400Mbps 5 GHz wi-fi band, which is a little different than some of the others. There is a duo of 5 GHz and 2.4 GHz that can be used for devices.

The mesh system will allow access to up to 60 devices at one time without slowing down. The satellite has two ports that are available to devices. Adding a satellite can be a great way to get wired devices online at incredible speeds.

The housing is 7.2 inches wide and 9.1 inches tall. It is small and easy to tuck on the back of a desk or shelf.

The Orbi app allows for easy setup. You can add additional satellites in a matter of minutes. The software can be used to control internet access and traffic usage. BitDefender can be added to an optional Netgear Armor subscription.

Even though many people want to get as much speed as possible, prices have finally come down and mesh systems are possible. Many of the best wireless routers have a newer version of the technology. Thanks to its improved handling of multiple connections, mesh with wi-fi 6 makes a lot of sense for people who want stability and coverage. There are already upgrade options for laptops and desktops when it comes to the new version of wi-fi.

There is still room for more speed if you need it, even though the new 6 GHz band is not as fast as the previous one. If you're willing to spend a bit more, some systems use 6 GHz for faster speeds.

The speeds for multi-gigabit connections are adequate for most people. If you have an internet connection of 1Gbps or less, it's a good idea to go with wi-fi 6. It's a great fit for most homes because it has great coverage and speeds. The practical software features of AiProtection Pro, AiMesh, and parental controls are included for free.

Should you buy a mesh Wi-Fi 6 solution?

It's a great way to increase coverage, but it's not the only way to do it. A strong network can be built even in challenging conditions, such as a home with a concrete wall or a heating, ventilating, and air conditioning system. A mesh with wi-fi 6 can have a better connection than one without wi-fi.

Some people don't need a mesh system at all. A great wi-fi 6 mesh system will be more capable than a single wi-fi 5 system if you find that a single routers just doesn't cut it. You can expand down the road if you start with a mesh- capable routers.

TP-Link Deco XE75 review

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Is it worth paying a premium for Wi-Fi 6 right now?

For most people today and the next couple of years, there won't be a huge improvement in the user experience when you get a wi-fi 6. If you want to ensure it will work with your new devices over the next few years, you need to get a new routers.

There isn't much reason to ditch a fast wi-fi 5 Router if you have one that isn't slowing you down. If you need a new device today, a compatible device will keep speeds high and interference low for a long time to come.

Should you care about Wi-Fi 6E?

The traditional 5 and 2.4 GHz bands are used in the 6 GHz band. There are seven simultaneous 160 MHz wide channels in this new band. The single wide channel available at 5 GHz can be interfered with, but this allows the routers to use 160MHz to a much more significant effect.

Only a few devices currently support wi-fi 6e Most people don't have a reason to upgrade just yet, even if they have a new routers. If you want to be ready for the future, some of the most reliable wi-fi 6e routers are already available.