Best Wi-Fi 6 Routers

(Image credit: Tp-link)

Wi-Fi 6 (or standard 802.11ax) is the newest version of what we commonly call Wi-Fi. It will reshape the way routers handle the growing number of internet-connected devices (part of the IoT (Internet of Things) wave). Wi-Fi 6 will provide increased bandwidth at 10Gbps, and greater coverage area, by combining the conventional 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands to offer a more seamless experience.

A Wi-Fi 6 router will not only deliver the extra coverage you need, but it will also prepare you for new internet-connected devices over the next few years. Think about refrigerators, wearables, water meters, and much more. We have looked at the market for Wi-Fi 6 routers and created the following shortlist for you to consider.

(Image credit: Netgear)

NETGEAR Nighthawk Mesh Wi-Fi 6 System (MK62)

Reasons to buy

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Staff Pick

Say goodbye to any dead zones. The Netgear Nighthawk Mesh Wi-Fi System (MK62) is compatible with any internet provider to replace your existing Wi-Fi router. More importantly, it comes in a compact 4.8-by-4.8 inch footprint to conveniently fit anywhere, and with two Ethernet Gigabit ports to connect your current wired devices. A single network name provides seamless room-to-room roaming, and a guest Wi-Fi network offers internet access to friends and family without sharing your network password.

(Image credit: Arris)

ARRIS SURFboard mAX Pro Mesh Router

Reasons to buy

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Improved mesh

Each ARRIS SURFboard mAX Pro Mesh Router covers 3,000 square feet of space and is capable of speeds up to 11Gbps (when used with a satellite). It's compatible with Alexa and allows guest Wi-Fi setup. The intelligent self-optimizing feature actively selects the optimal Wi-Fi stream for your devices.

(Image credit: Asus)

ASUS Gaming Router Tri-band for VR & 4K streaming

Reasons to buy

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For gamers

No, it's not some kind of robotic spider! The Tri-band Asus Gaming Router includes MU-MIMO (Multiple User-Multi Input Multi Output) technologies for maximum throughput (5,300Mbps) and coverage (5,000 square feet). You can boost your gaming speed by using VPN Fusion to run a VPN and internet connection simultaneously. The router comes with eight Gigabyte LAN ports and security protection, by Trend Power, from external threats. 

(Image credit: Tp-link)

Reasons to buy

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Best for budget

Instead of the usual Wi-Fi range extenders, which require unique network names and passwords, the TP-Link Deco Whole Home Mesh Wi-Fi System can easily cover up to 5,500 square feet to eliminate any dead space. The Deco system is capable of connecting up to 100 devices and provides robust parental controls to limit inappropriate web access for each family member. It's compatible with Alexa, so you can use voice commands or the app to control guest access. Deco is an excellent choice if you are on a budget.

(Image credit: Netgear)

NETGEAR Orbi Whole Home Tri-Band Mesh

Reasons to buy

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Premium

No more dead zones guaranteed. Covering up to 5,000 square feet and over 60 devices, the NETGEAR Orbi Whole Home Tri-Band Mesh helps you stay connected as you roam about the house. A dedicated band between the Orbi router and the satellite frees up the other two bands for maximum speed to your devices. Plug in your game consoles and computers to the five Gigabit ports on the router and another four in the satellite. The Orbi System supports WPA2 wireless security protocols, which include guest Wi-Fi, DoS firewall, VPN, and more.

Ensure faster internet speeds for all with Wi-Fi 6 routers

The kinds of bandwidth now available used to be requirements for gamers only. Now, Wi-Fi 6 enabled routers have made it accessible to everyone and at a reasonable price point. You can upgrade by picking the NETGEAR Nighthawk Mesh Wi-Fi 6 System that provides 1.8Gbps speeds to over 25 devices at a very reasonable cost.

Try a single router and expand to a mesh if you still experience dead space anywhere around the house. Very soon, the Wi-Fi 5 routers will start becoming too slow for the new devices on the horizon.