Now we 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 might be price contemplating for some people.
TP-Link Archer AX5400 Pro for $200: This dual-band Wi-Fi 6 router is sort of equivalent to the Archer AX73, apart 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 masking my residence and backyard, however efficiency was inconsistent. It was additionally comparatively sluggish transferring recordsdata regionally. There’s assist for TP-Hyperlink OneMesh, VPN, and QoS, however you solely get primary parental controls and community safety until you subscribe to HomeShield Professional.
MSi RadiX AXE6600 for $287: This Wi-Fi 6E tri-band gaming router has that acquainted crimson and black Sith spider look, although you may customise the lighting. It proved very quick in most of my assessments, 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 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 per 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 worth has dropped considerably since launch. It proved simple to arrange, and has a really simple app, although it was typically sluggish to load. It has a 5-Gbps WAN port and 4 gigabit LAN ports. Efficiency proved dependable, and it’s attainable to get lightning quick speeds at shut vary you probably 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 enabling you to dam websites and schedule downtime, however solely on a per gadget foundation (no profile creation or age restrictions filters). You possibly can cut up bands if you wish to, and prioritize three gadgets. There’s additionally a visitor community choice and straightforward Wi-Fi share. One other optimistic is that this router works with another Linksys Clever Mesh router (together with the Velop mesh vary).
Linksys Hydra 6 for $125: Specs-wise, this compact router is just 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. 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 house is bigger than 1,600 sq. ft, it might battle. Nevertheless, as an Clever Mesh router, it may possibly 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 possible need one thing extra highly effective.
Firewalla Purple for $329: This quirky transportable gadget (8/10, WIRED recommends) is ideal for individuals who fear about safety and privateness. It affords 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 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, however it affords deep perception into your community and a formidable 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 strong stability. It may possibly additionally kind 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), you must create a Ruijie Cloud account (Ruijie is the Chinese language guardian firm), and the poorly translated app is barely complicated.
