We now have examined another routers we like and have a number of extra within the queue. These aren’t as nice because the picks above however may very well be value contemplating for some people.
TP-Link Archer AX5400 Pro for $200: This dual-band Wi-Fi 6 router is nearly equivalent to the Archer AX73, aside from the two.5 Gbps WAN port. It delivered comparatively quick speeds on the two.4-GHz and 5-GHz bands, and boasts 160-MHz channel width on 5-GHz. The vary is nice, simply protecting my house and backyard, however efficiency was inconsistent. It was additionally comparatively sluggish shifting information domestically. There’s help for TP-Hyperlink OneMesh, VPN, and QoS, however you solely get fundamental parental controls and community safety except you subscribe to HomeShield Professional.
MSi RadiX AXE6600 for $287: 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 format, and was buggy (it crashed on me greater than as soon as). The net 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.
Linksys Hydra Pro 6E for $280: 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 sluggish to load. It has a 5-Gbps WAN port and 4 gigabit LAN ports. Efficiency proved dependable, and it’s potential to get lightning quick speeds at shut vary in case you have a tool that helps Wi-Fi 6E. Protection and speeds at mid and lengthy vary have been common. There are free fundamental parental controls enabling you to dam websites and schedule downtime, however solely on a per gadget foundation (no profile creation or age restrictions filters). You may cut up bands if you wish to, and prioritize three gadgets. There’s additionally a visitor community choice and simple Wi-Fi share. One other constructive is that this router works with some other Linksys Clever Mesh router (together with the Velop mesh vary).
Linksys Hydra 6 for $125: Specs-wise, this compact router is just like our prime decide (TP-Hyperlink Archer AX55). It’s a dual-band Wi-Fi 6 router with a gigabit WAN and 4 gigabit LAN ports. 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 unhealthy at mid-range, but when your house is bigger than 1,600 sq. ft, it could battle. Nevertheless, as an Clever Mesh router, it could combine and match with different Linksys routers or its Velop mesh system. Linksys suggests a restrict of 25 related gadgets. Though it managed greater than 40 with out points in my testing, busy households will probably need one thing extra highly effective.
Firewalla Purple for $329: This quirky moveable gadget (8/10, WIRED recommends) is ideal for individuals who fear about safety and privateness. It provides complete instruments for monitoring all site visitors out and in of your own home, sturdy and detailed parental controls, ad-blocking, and enhanced safety with a built-in firewall and VPN choice. It serves as a router, however you’ll want to pair one other router in entry level mode for Wi-Fi in your house. It’s costly and will show intimidating for inexperienced people, but it surely provides deep perception into your community and a powerful depth of safety features with out an extra subscription.
Reyee RG-E5 for $150: Based mostly purely on efficiency, this dual-band, Wi-Fi 6 router impressed me. It provided nice protection, very quick speeds on the 5-GHz band, and stable stability. It could actually additionally type a mesh with different Reyee routers, and the app boasts free parental controls. On the draw back, safety is missing (no WPA3, no 2FA, no anti-malware), it’s a must to create a Ruijie Cloud account (Ruijie is the Chinese language dad or mum firm), and the poorly translated app is barely complicated.
