What to Look For in a Wi-Fi 6E Router in 2022
Wi-Fi 6E is a comparatively new know-how, so there aren’t as many obtainable Wi-Fi 6E routers as there are Wi-Fi 6 routers. However even with this comparatively small pool of gadgets, there are some massive variations to be seen. For instance, there’s a broad variation within the high velocity obtainable from these routers, with the quickest offering connection speeds as excessive as 4.8Gbps in optimum situations.
If you’re at the moment utilizing a Wi-Fi 5 or earlier router, an improve to a 6E router gives you a noticeable bump in community velocity. For anybody already utilizing Wi-Fi 6, the advantages of upgrading to Wi-Fi 6E are extra refined. You’ll be able to count on a extra dependable connection, higher latency, and fewer interference from different community customers, however provided that the gadgets you might be utilizing to attach are able to accessing the 6GHz band.
The checklist of 6E-compatible gadgets is at the moment quick, however it’s prone to get for much longer over the following 12 months. A number of flagship telephones from Google and Samsung already help Wi-Fi 6E, and it’s rumored the next iPhone will also be Wi-Fi 6E compatible. There are a number of Wi-Fi adapters obtainable that may add 6E capabilities to your PC, however it could be some time earlier than something apart from the costliest laptops can connect with it.
The 6GHz band that Wi-Fi 6E makes use of has a really broad spectrum for bandwidth. Meaning extra “house” for indicators from different gadgets and fewer likelihood of interference, due to this fact offering you with a extra steady connection. On high of that, there are at the moment far fewer gadgets utilizing the 6GHz frequency, so there may be additionally much less competing site visitors.
It’s price remembering that the 6GHz band is de facto a further function, and any Wi-Fi 6E router may even work completely nicely with gadgets that use Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 5.
Protection can also be an vital aspect to have a look at. The 6GHz band makes use of a shorter wavelength than 5GHz, simply as 5GHz is shorter than 2.4GHz. This implies the sign doesn’t penetrate partitions and ceilings and has much less vary normally.
The precise protection vary will range, primarily based on the supplies your own home is constructed from, amongst different issues. The upper the protection promised, the extra possible you can be to have an excellent connection in all areas of the home.
The capability of the Wide Area Network (WAN) port on the router also can make a giant distinction in the way it performs. The WAN port is the way you join the router to your Web supply, and the routers in our checklist have WAN ports that vary from 1Gbps to 10Gbps. If in case you have multi-gigabyte Web, ensuring you select a router that may make full use of that by the WAN port means you gained’t have a velocity bottleneck.
As talked about above, Wi-Fi 6E has not but been closely adopted by system producers, so any positive factors you get from a 6E router could also be restricted for now. However if you wish to improve from an older router to one thing that’s going to be future-proof, a Wi-Fi 6E router goes to serve you nicely.
Finest Wi-Fi 6E Router General: ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AXE11000
Execs
- ✓ Extremely quick community speeds
- ✓ Further gaming-focused options
- ✓ Good protection vary
- ✓ Community safety instruments included
Cons
- ✗ Massive and will not be to everybody’s style
For many individuals, the factor that makes one router higher than one other might be a quicker wi-fi community velocity. All Wi-Fi 6E routers gives you the added stability and fewer interference the 6GHz band permits for, however not all of them can switch information on the similar velocity.
The ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AXE11000 not solely excels when contemplating the velocity at 6GHz but additionally supplies spectacular speeds on the two.Four and 5GHz bands. It’s a router constructed to deal with your entire trendy community necessities reminiscent of streaming TV and films, a number of connections, on-line gaming, and dealing remotely.
As you may count on from a router that features the Republic of Gamers branding, the GT-AXE11000 is not any shrinking violet on the subject of seems. It has a pretty big footprint and makes its presence felt with the eight exterior antennas that stand proud round its edges. Add on the LED lighting, and it’s clear that it is a router with a gaming aesthetic that was designed to be seen.
This router’s gaming credentials are additional enhanced by a number of options particular to taking part in on-line. These embrace system prioritization, and the flexibility to prioritize gaming site visitors when taking part in. These are good additions in case you are shopping for the router as a gamer, however non-gamers can merely ignore them and benefit from the excessive Wi-Fi speeds.
Whereas the gamer-focused design and options may not be for everybody, the speeds which it could actually obtain are. The 11000 within the router’s title refers to its potential velocity throughout the three bands of 11000Mbps, or 11Gbps to place it one other method. It’s secure to say that will probably be capable of deal with most residence web necessities.
The two.4GHz band can attain a most velocity of 1148Mbps, and each the 5GHz and the 6GHz band have a most velocity of 4804Mbps. That signifies that even your older Wi-Fi 5 and 6 gadgets can get nice outcomes from their connection to the router, though they gained’t have the steadiness good thing about the 6GHz band.
Protection is sweet, though you shouldn’t count on to see these information switch speeds everywhere in the home. The eight antennas assist to push the sign by partitions and ceilings, however if you’d like extra full protection your only option is a mesh router.
There’s loads of connectivity at your disposal, with 4 gigabyte LAN ports, a 2.5Gbps WAN/LAN port, and an additional 1Gbps WAN. There are additionally two USB 3.2 ports for connecting community gadgets reminiscent of a network-attached storage (NAS) system.
The ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AXE11000 isn’t going to be for everybody, particularly those that need their router to mix in with the room relatively than stand out. However these unimaginable speeds are laborious to disregard, as are the gaming enhancements.
Asus ROG Rapture GT-AXE11000
Excessive speeds, good protection, and sensible stability make this a compelling alternative for a Wi-Fi 6E router.
$531.99 
Finest Price range Wi-Fi 6E Router: Linksys MR7500 Hydra Pro 6E
Execs
- ✓ Good worth for cash
- ✓ Spectacular velocity at 6GHz
- ✓ Very simple to arrange and use
- ✓ 5Gbps WAN port is healthier than others
Cons
- ✗ 2.4GHz and 5GHz speeds should not nice
For those who aren’t certain that you’re able to spend 5 hundred {dollars} to dip your toe into the world of Wi-Fi 6E however nonetheless wish to expertise the brand new know-how, the Linksys Hydra Pro 6E may very well be the reply. This succesful, low-key, and easy-to-use 6GHz router will be picked up for round half the value of most different Wi-Fi 6E routers, making it fairly laborious to disregard.
The Hydra Professional 6E guarantees protection of as much as 2700 sq. toes, which isn’t the very best obtainable, however nonetheless lots for the average-sized residence. For those who want extra protection, the router is suitable with the Linksys Velop mesh system and will be related to a number of extender gadgets. These must be bought individually, however it’s good to have the choice.
The broader 6GHz band permits for a lot of extra gadgets to be related at one time with out experiencing interference, and the Hydra Professional can deal with greater than 50 gadgets simply. Though there are different routers on our checklist which may deal with extra concurrent connections, that’s fairly good for a router at this worth.
The utmost speeds at 2.4GHz and 5GHz are good at 600Mbps and 1200Mbps respectively. These speeds gained’t be breaking any data, however they’re in keeping with different mid-range Wi-Fi 6E routers, and must be greater than sufficient for common family use.
The utmost achievable velocity at 6GHz is a powerful 4800Mbps. That’s really akin to our top pick, the GT-AXE11000, not like the two.Four and 5GHz speeds, the place our high choose blows the MR7500 out of the water. It’s unlikely that you’ll expertise these most speeds except you might be sitting immediately subsequent to the router, however that’s the case with any 6E router.
Setup is straightforward by the Linksys app, which is offered for iPhone and Android. You might be led by the method and the router will be up and working in a couple of minutes. It’s also possible to select to arrange the router in a related browser, however that is extra sophisticated and may take a while to determine in case you are not skilled with establishing networks.
For those who’re frightened about seems, the Hydra Professional 6E may be very understated in comparison with other routers, making it simple to cover away in a nook. By way of connectivity, on the again are 4 Gigabit LAN ports and a really welcome 5Gbps WAN port. There’s additionally a single USB 3.zero port for connecting a NAS or different community system.
The Linksys MR7500 Hydra Professional 6E isn’t going to win any awards for uncooked velocity, product design, or protection vary. However for anybody who desires to expertise Wi-Fi 6E with out breaking the financial institution, this router is an excellent alternative.
Linksys MR7500 Hydra Pro 6E
An excellent Wi-Fi 6E router that can allow you to expertise the 6GHz band with out breaking the financial institution.
$299.99 $349.99 Save 14%
Finest Wi-Fi 6E Router for Gaming: Netgear Nighthawk RAXE500
Execs
- ✓ Distinctive design seems nice
- ✓ Very quick speeds on all frequency bands
- ✓ Nice protection vary
- ✓ Very steady sign is nice for gaming
Cons
- ✗ WAN port capability may very well be larger
The Netgear Nighthawk RAXE500 not solely seems distinctive—it additionally brings high-speed connections throughout all three frequency bands and some additional options that make it sensible for players.
The Wi-Fi 6 version of the Nighthawk has proved to be a best choice for anybody desirous to sport on-line with out drops in velocity and connectivity. The RAXE500 mannequin solely improves on its predecessor with the addition of the 6GHz band and even larger web stability.
The Nighthawk seems like no different router that’s obtainable proper now, with two wing-like panels on the perimeters. These do serve a function as they include a complete of eight inside antennas, every positioned in such a method as to supply robust and dependable connections in any path. On the again panel are 5 ethernet ports, together with a 2.5Gbps WAN/LAN port. You’ll be able to hyperlink two of the gigabyte ports collectively to provide a 2Gbps connection to a single system.
The RAXE500 is an AXE11000 router, which means it has a mixed whole capability throughout all three bands of 10.8Gbps. That is damaged down as 1.2Gbps on the two.4GHz band, and 4.8Gbps on each the 5GHz and 6GHz bands. With 12-stream connectivity, you’ll be able to count on some really quick and steady connections. That is excellent for gaming the place stability can imply the distinction between a win and a loss.
Protection of as much as 3500 sq. toes is one other nice function of this router. That is greater than sufficient for even giant homes, with the optimized antennae serving to to make sure you may get an excellent connection wherever you might be.
The Netgear Nighthawk RAXE500 is way more than only a fairly face. In order for you each velocity and stability in your on-line gaming periods, the Nighthawk is the best way to go.
Netgear Nighthawk RAXE500
A uniquely-designed Wi-Fi 6E router that may present spectacular connection speeds for gaming and anything it’s essential do on-line.
$599.99
Finest Mesh Wi-Fi 6E Router: Netgear Orbi RBKE963
Execs
- ✓ Extremely excessive potential speeds
- ✓ Protection for even very giant homes
- ✓ Devoted 5GHz connection between nodes
- ✓ Properly and refined design
Cons
- ✗ Costly even for a mesh system
If you wish to guarantee nice Wi-Fi speeds everywhere in the home, significantly if that home is giant and constructed of brick or stone, a mesh wi-fi system is the best way to go. That is much more true if you wish to expertise Wi-Fi 6E everywhere in the home, as the broader 6GHz bandwidth can battle to go by partitions and ceilings. On the subject of Wi-Fi 6E mesh methods, the Netgear Orbi RBKE963 is main the best way.
This quad-band mesh system contains a hub and two satellites, which if appropriately positioned can provide an enormous protection space of 9000sq.ft. You’ll be able to even add a third satellite, for roughly the value of a stand-alone router, that can lengthen that protection to 12,000sq.ft.
Few residence customers will ever want this, however it’s spectacular nonetheless. The Orbi mesh could also be extra suited to a business setting, contemplating you can additionally join as much as 200 gadgets concurrently.
Not like most Wi-Fi 6E routers, that are tri-band, the Orbi is billed as a quad-band router. The additional band refers back to the devoted 5GHz Wi-Fi connection between the hub and satellites. This leaves the two.4, 5, and 6GHz bands utterly free to be used by your gadgets, dropping not one of the bandwidth to the spine connection.
The primary hub of the Orbi options an unimaginable 10 Gigabit WAN port, in addition to a 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet port and three additional gigabit ports. Each satellites have the identical, simply with out the 10Gbps WAN port.
Surprisingly, there isn’t any USB port on both the hub or the satellites. Whereas it’s in all probability not a deal-breaker, it does imply that if you wish to join a NAS, you’ll have to burn up one of many LAN ports.
The parts all have the identical modern, trendy design with no exterior antenna. The Orbi mesh is offered in white and silver or black, with each variations that includes a discreet LED gentle on the entrance that modifications colour to point out connection standing.
The one actual draw back for many residence customers is the excessive worth. At $1500, that is by far the costliest Wi-Fi 6E choice on our checklist. No three-node mesh that provides 6GHz connectivity might be low cost, and also you do get an enormous protection vary and blistering information switch speeds. Even so, this might be a big funding for most individuals.
However should you can swallow the value, that is the very best Wi-Fi 6E mesh system at the moment obtainable.
Netgear Orbi RBKE963
A high-spec, quad-band mesh router that packs in some spectacular options to go together with its pretty giant price ticket.
$1499.99
Finest Price range Mesh Wi-Fi 6E Router: ASUS ZenWiFi ET8
Execs
- ✓ Cheaper than many stand-alone 6E routers
- ✓ Nice community safety features included
- ✓ Excessive speeds obtainable on the 6GHz band
- ✓ Good protection from simply two nodes
Cons
- ✗ 2.4GHz and 5GHz speeds aren’t nice
Whereas mesh wi-fi methods can hardly be described as “finances”, should you’re in search of a community that doesn’t drain your checking account, the ASUS ZenWiFi ET8 is a good buy.
It combines the wonderful speeds and low latency of Wi-Fi 6E, with as much as 5500 sq. toes of protection, sufficient for even giant properties. It manages to do this with only a hub and a single node. These are utterly interchangeable, so every element can act because the hub or the node as wanted.
Setup is straightforward, with settings being mechanically synced to all nodes on the community. You may have full management over the naming of your community, and you may even assign separate SSIDs to every frequency band.
You’ll be able to handle every little thing from the ZenWiFi AX app, together with the free AiProtection Pro community safety software program. AiProtection Professional options an Intrusion Prevention System, a URL blocker, and contaminated system detection.
There are additionally some very helpful parental controls do you have to want them. These embrace an Web exercise monitor, the flexibility to dam community entry to particular gadgets at scheduled instances, and an easy-to-use content material filter for blocking apps or web sites by class.
The tri-band ET8 manages most speeds of 574Mbps at 2.4GHz, 1,201Mbps at 5GHz, and a powerful 4,804Mbps on the 6GHz band. So even when not your entire gadgets can entry the 6GHz band, something suitable with Wi-Fi 5 or Wi-Fi 6 will have the ability to attain switch speeds of as much as 1201Mbps. The backhaul makes use of the 6GHz band, so the connection between the 2 hubs is lightning quick.
Every hub has a quick 2.5Gbps WAN port, together with three additional gigabit ports for connecting gadgets immediately. There’s additionally a USB 3.1 port so you’ll be able to join a NAS or different community system. The 6 antennae in every node are all inside, which helps make the styling much less obtrusive than different Wi-Fi 6E routers. Within the ET8, the 2 nodes are utterly interchangeable and nearly equivalent in look.
If you’re getting your property Wi-Fi prepared for when extra gadgets develop into obtainable that use the 6GHz band, or simply need a steady and quick community backhaul, the ASUS ZenWiFi ET8 mesh is a good alternative. It offers you nice velocity and protection, and ideal compatibility with Wi-Fi 6E and with earlier wi-fi gadgets. And it does all that at a price lower than some stand-alone Wi-Fi 6E routers.
ASUS ZenWiFi ET8
A strong, dependable and nicely-designed Wi-Fi 6E mesh router that gives you nice wi-fi protection for a worth that will not make you are feeling faint.
$529.99
The Best Wi-Fi Routers of 2022 
Asus ROG Rapture GT-AXE11000
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