Best WiFi 6 and WiFi 6E Routers (801.11ax)

As we continue to see the rise of remote work, there is also a significant rise in internet usage. The default router that comes with your internet plan is no longer enough. We may buy a better internet plan, but without a good router to accompany it, it’s all going to go to waste. Buying a new router not only gives you better speed and stability but also makes your connection more secure.

Wi-Fi 6 vs Wi-Fi 6e Routers

Router technology has been greatly evolving with time. A new generation of Wi-Fi can be expected every 3-4 years. In 2021, Wi-Fi 6E was launched as an extension on top of Wi-Fi 6, which opens up the 6GHz band open to be used by the Wi-Fi. With the 6GHz band at work, you can simultaneously stream a video in FHD, play an online game, browse the internet on multiple devices simultaneously without putting a lot of stress on your router. In a test done by TP-link, the speed of the latest 6e router can reach up to 9.6Gbps, and with about 4 times more devices. Having more than 4 times the data Subcarriers, 6e is definitely the technology you should look for while buying a Router.

Best Wi-Fi 6 Routers – Our Pick

1. ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AXE 16000 – Best Gaming Wi-Fi Router

Check Price on Amazon

The Asus ROG Rapture GT-AXE 16000 offers best In class specification to power your daily needs with ease. It is the world’s first quad-band Wi-Fi, the bands being 1 x 2.4GHz band, 2 x 5GHz bands and 1 x 6GHz band. It has speeds reaching up to 4804 Mbps on the 5GHz band and up to 1148Mbps on the 2.4GHz band, both of which are the best speeds you can get for each band. Rapture also has support for 6GHz bands, and also promises even higher speeds on it.

The GT-AXE 16000 is powered by 2.0 GHz Quad-Core 64-bit CPU and chipset, which can handle the toughest online gaming lobbies without breaking a sweat. When combined with the triple-level game acceleration, technique ROG routers use to reduce lag and ping, the gaming experience is absolutely phenomenal on this beast.

Furthermore, there are tons of security features Asus offers, such as the Ai Protection Pro, built by Asus, to provide safer internet. Rapture users also enjoy the Asus Instant Guard, an App which create a secure data tunnel to your Router from any public Wi-Fi.

On the physical part, AXE16000 comes with 4 internal and 8 external antennas, really making sure no corners are cut to provide you with the absolute internet connection.

The best-in-class speed when paired with Asus assured security and a quad-core 2.0GHz processor, make Asus Rapture GT-AXE 16000 easily a top pick for a Wi-Fi Router.

2. Linksys Hydra Pro 6e (MR7500) – Best Mesh Router

Check Price on Amazon

The LinkSys MR7500 provides the Wi-Fi 6e experience with a Mesh. A Mesh Router is one that joins two or more Wi-Fi access points into a single point. There are numerous benefits to Mesh Routers, such as greater area of coverage, faster speeds and a more reliable connection. However, paying for a Mesh Router would be a waste if you only have a single access point, which is very normal in most homes.

Hydra provides a 2700 square ft coverage with 55+ devices connectible, all while maintaining the speed of 6.6 Gbps (Combination of 4804 on 6MHz, 1201 on 5MHz and 600 on 2.4 MHz). The 1.8 GHz processor is powered by Qualcomm, utilizes Qualcomm’s immersive home 216 platform for beyond-fast performance.

When it comes to security, Hydra Pro 6e does lack. It has no additional security layer, and does not come with any VPN or DdoS protection, hence you will have to buy them separately.

If you have more than 1 access point, Hydra Pro 6e is definitely something you should consider buying.

3. TP-Link Archer AXE75

Check Price on Amazon

The Archer AXE75 provides great value for money. It has great speeds, reaching 2404 Mbps on 6GHz as well as 5 GHz connection, and 574 Mbps on 2.4 GHz connection. It provides great speeds with a 1.7 GHz Quad Core CPU and 512 MB of RAM. In terms of connectivity, AXE75 has a capacity of 200+ devices, with advanced technology to prevent noise and clutter. AXE75 is supported with 6 high performance antennas to boost signals.

AXE75 comes with TP-Link HomeShield, which some provides advanced security for your network. One of the features it provides is the Home Network Scanner, which scans for malfunctioning devices connected to your Wi-Fi. Furthermore, you also get 1 month trial of HomeShield Pro, which is a premium security services providing features like DdoS attack prevention, IoT device protection, etc.

AXE75 also comes with TP-Link OneMesh, which means with additional Range Extenders, you can ensure a stable and fast connection throughout your home

TP-Link Archer AXE75 is a solid buy for larger house complexes, as it provides great support for Range Extenders.

4. NETGEAR Nighthawk R6700AXS – Bang for the Buck

Check Price on Amazon

The R6700AXS in the Nighthawk series by NETGEAR provides great speeds at about one-tenth the price of the Rapture. The Speeds reach 1200 Mbps on the 5GHz connection and 600 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz connection, providing a smooth 4k60fps UHD experience on multiple devices simultaneously. Netgear also uses a technique for Multi-Channel Acceleration, with which you can use the 5GHz and the 2.4 GHz band simultaneously, thus giving a ~1800Mbps output.

R6700AXS is powered by a 1.5GHz Quad-Core processor, which can easily support the high internet speeds. This means you can stream high quality videos on multiple devices without having to worry about the lag. You can simultaneously power 20+ devices from this processor.

Much like Asus, Netgear also offers some security features paired with the Nighthawk. The Netgear “ARMOR” is the shield of protection the Nighthawk provides, which is made in partnership with Bitdefender, a well-known giant in the cybersecurity industry. Although most services of ARMOR can be separately bought for any Router on a subscription model, the Nighthawk comes with a lifetime ARMOR, so you do not need to worry about any subscription charges.

R6700 comes with 3 physical undetachable antennas, which is pretty low at this price range.

Nighthawk provides you with very fast and stable internet connectivity, and is definitely worth giving a try.

5. IOGiant AX1800 – Ideal for public Wi-Fi

Check Price on Amazon

The IOGiant AX1800 is another wise choice for Wi-Fi 6E routers. Though IOGiant is not a company that is dominating the industry, it is none to be overlooked on. The AX1800 can provide 1200 Mbps on the 5GHz band, and 600 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band, and it also comes with the dual channel acceleration with which you can simultaneously use both the band to get 1800 Mbps.

The main selling point of the AX1800 is that it claims to let up to 64 devices connect simultaneously. It uses OFDMA and MU-MIMO technology that makes this happen. It also has promising range because of the 4 high-gain antennas as well as 2 power amplifiers. House parties are no longer an issue with this.

Furthermore, the processor on the AX1800 is a 1.5GHz Quad-Core processor, built by Broadcom. This provides better routing for devices even at the peripheral range. It also uses BSS Color technology to minimize signal interference from other networks, which can be a major dealmaker if you live in an apartment.

Though it does not have an integrated security solution, AX1800 does provide advanced WPA3 wireless encryption and some other features as a part of it’s Mobile App. This should be enough to prevent hackers from hacking your Wi-Fi, but may not be enough to provide a truly private internet experience.

If all you’re worried about is the range and number of connections, AX1800 does the job at a reasonable rate, but it does lack in some security areas.

6. GL.iNet GL-AX1800 (Flint) – Ideal for Offices

Check Price on Amazon

I hear you wanted even more devices connected, and didn’t want to slack out on security? Well, here’s the answer for you. The GL.iNet GL-AX1800 claims it can let up to 120 devices connect! This is made possible by the MU-MIMO technology.

Flint does not compromise on speed. It provides the same 1200 Mbps on 5 GHz, 600 Mbps on 2.4 GHz and a combined dual band acceleration of 1800 Mbps. This ensures there’s no lag while gaming or streaming 4k videos.

Another major selling point of Flint is the security. Flint supports 30+ VPN services, such as Open VPN and WireGuard. Flint is so secure; it can easily be used to host a VPN server with it’s new and stunning Web UI. Flint also comes with AdGuard Home to block all ads for client devices, and also block some age-restricted content as a parental security feature with its family browsing mode. You can also customize the DNS filters. Flint supports Cloudflare DNS, which is another step to keeping its users’ online actions secure and private.

Flint comes with firmware based on Qualcomm SDK with Linux Kernel 4.4.60. this means for advanced users, you can customize the entire SDK, since root access is granted for users. Flint can be modified in any way you like to best suit your user’s needs.

Flint is powered by a 1.2 GHz Quad-Core Arm processor, which certainly could be improved upon. It also comes with 4 external antennas to make sure the transmission is done fast and securely.

Flint is one such Router that provides a lot of services you didn’t know you wanted with a Router. The fully customizable kernel, along with lots of other great security features make Flint easily a top pick for offices and homes.

7. ASUS AX5400 – Best Midrange Gaming Router.

Check Price on Amazon

The Asus AX5400 is definitely a Router you don’t want to overlook. For a mid-range budget, this router provides speeds of up to 4804 MHz on 5GHz band and 574MHz on 2.4GHz band. Along with these, it also supports 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n and 802.11ac . You can play the most data consuming games, and look cool while doing it. AX5400 comes in 3 different skins, the default, the Gundam edition based to look more robotic, and the ROG Strix for premium gamer looks. Asus also gives settings to change RGB lights on the router.

The Asus AX5400 is powered by a 1.5GHz tri-core processor to power through everyday needs. Specifically for Mobile Gamers, it has a Mobile Game Mode on the Asus Router App which in one click can minimize latency and lag.

In terms of Security, Asus provides its lifetime subscription of the Asus AiProtection Pro with every AX5400 Router. There is also a feature for prioritizing your network traffic towards applications. It also has a sleek-looking mobile app for managing your Router.

If your primary use of the Router is going to be for gaming, Asus provides a pretty affordable standout option for you.

8. TP-Link Archer AX10 – Cheap Wifi 6 Router

Check Price on Amazon

The TP-Link Archer AX10 is our choice for the cheapest Wi-Fi 6E Router. It provides speeds up to 1201 Mbps on the 5 GHz band and up to 300 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band. It uses the OFDMA technology to support up to 30 simultaneous connected devices.

Archer has 4 high-gain antennas that combine to generate a strong and reliable network throughout your home, on all your devices. It also has ability to prioritize some devices over others.

For privacy and security, archer has a SPI Firewall, as well as an Access Control Gateway. It can also be used as a VPN Server by OpenVPN and PPTP. Parental Controls are also provided.

TP-Link Archer AX10 is the best Wi-Fi Router in the low range market, as it provides great speeds, and also a good range.

Best Wi-Fi 6 Router – Our Buying Guide

Here are some vital considerations to keep in mind when buying a Wi-Fi 6 Router.

Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 6e

While Wi-Fi 6e does provide greater speeds, stability and reliability, it is essential to know whether your primary devices support it or not. If you have a device built before 2022, there are almost 0 chances it supports Wi-Fi 6e, so you don’t want to be paying extra for nothing.

Network Speeds

The main reason you’re buying a Wi-Fi 6 Router is probably the speed, so you should definitely check for the speeds first. Low range and mid-range Routers should provide speed of at least 1000 Mbps. If you’re going for a high range Router, the speeds should definitely be around 4000 Mbps or more.

Security

In this day and age, having your internet access secured is a must. Whilst there are other solutions, it is always better to have your Wi-Fi be secured via inbuilt methods.

Processor

The processor of a Router is a very key component. Without a good processor, having high speed internet connections would be impossible. A processor in a router does the job of calculating the shortest route for the data packets to travel to reach the destination from your Router. If the process of routing isn’t done efficiently, the data packets will take longer, resulting in a slower connection.

For low range routers, it is recommended to have at least 3 cores and at least 1.0 GHz processor. For medium range, it can vary between 3 to 4 cores and 1.0 to 2.0 GHz processor. A high range Router must have at least 4 cores and at least 2 GHz processor.

Antennas

Antennas do the entire process of transmitting and receiving the data packets. 3-4 antennas on low and medium range Routers and 4-8 antennas on high range Routers is a spec to look out for.

Area

The number of antennas and the bandwidth directly influence the area the Router covers. It is better to have an approximate area of your house as a rough measure, and choose the Wi-Fi that covers the entire house about 1.25x, since you won’t place it at the dead centre.

Number of Connected Devices

This is another spec to look out for in the Router. You need to make sure it covers all your devices simultaneously.

Best Wi-fi 6 Routers – Frequently Asked Questions

Do routers make internet faster?

Routers do affect the speed of your internet, but only if you have fast internet to begin with. If you are paying for a faster internet plan and you don’t average close to that speed on a speed test, the reason might be a slow router.

Is it better to connect to 5GHz or 2.4GHz?

It is better to connect to 5GHz. By a lot. It provides speeds much faster than the 2.4GHz, up to 10 times as such. But, if your 5GHz band has a lot of devices connected to it, it may be better to connect to the 2.4GHz.