Best WiFi 6 Routers in 2023
Our selection of the best WiFi 6 routers currently on the market. You can expect to find products that are capable of incredibly rapid internet speeds, great WiFi coverage, and impressive user interfaces.
You can expect to see routers capable of mesh system technology as well as other top-of-the-range Wifi 6 technologies. These include MUMIMO, beamforming and OFDMA.
Since many products on this list are simply top of the range, expect high-performing, but quite pricey options here. We’d recommend looking at some of the best budget routers if you’re looking for something that performs well at a less weighty price tag.
And of course, for those of you specifically interested in WiFi 6E, check out our selection of the best WiFi 6E routers right here for the latest and greatest!
Products at a Glance
How we picked the best WiFi 6 routers
When writing this shortlist, we focused on WiFi speed, coverage, and the routers’ integration with WiFi 6 features. Extensive security systems and user-friendly interfaces were features we looked out for when deciding our list of best WiFi 6 routers. After taking this into consideration, here’s what we came up with.
Best WiFi 6 Routers in 2023
- Netgear Armor
- Sleek Design
- Expensive
The Netgear Nighthawk RAXE500 is our top pick on our list of the best WiFi 6 routers. With WiFi 6E technology, the RAXE500 is capable of incredibly fast wireless speeds. This router is steps ahead of the game with support for 2.5 Gigabit/sec ethernet speeds. It’s fair to predict that 2.5 Gigabit/sec ethernet support will be a common feature we’ll see popping up on new routers in the future.
Whilst the Netgear Nighthawk RAXE500 is a very advanced bit of gear, its interface is user-friendly nonetheless, and setup is fairly straightforward. You can set up the RAXE500 through your mobile device by using the Nighthawk app. Furthermore, advanced network settings can then be tweaked on the web interface. The RAXE500 does not offer any form of parental control, however, it does feature a robust security system – Netgear Armor. Netgear Armor automatically blocks suspicious connections, scans devices for vulnerabilities, and provides excellent malware protection. The Netgear Nighthawk RAXE500 is incredibly high performing and tops our list of the best routers for WiFi 6.
- Impressive mesh system
- Great coverage
- Subtle design
- Expensive
The Linksys Atlas Max 6E uses its WiFi 6E capabilities to its fullest. With the capacity to handle 12 separate streams of data, the Linksys Atlas Max 6E has the latest compatible technology. This includes the 4×4 MUMIMO technology as well as beam-forming capabilities. As a three-piece mesh system, the Atlas Max 6E can reach far and wide. However, the added bit of hardware does unfortunately make this router much more expensive than its competitors. Regardless, the Linksys Atlas Max 6E features incredible WiFi speeds and a sleek and inoffensive design – making it a perfect router for home and office use.
The Linksys Atlas Max 6E also provides solid configuration features with a straightforward and easy to use interface on the Linksys app. For more detailed configuration, users can head over to the Linksys web interface and fine-tune their preferences. Unfortunately, the Linksys Atlas Max 6E lacks a robust security system that can compare to the likes of the RAXE500. Regardless, this is an incredibly powerful router and sits comfortably on our list of the best WiFi 6 routers.
- Great gaming functionality
- AiProtection
- Unnecessary for regular Wifi use
The ASUS AX5700 is a WiFi 6 router designed specifically for gaming. It can however be a very good option for home users looking for high-speed connections. As a dual-band router, the ASUS AX5700 can reach speeds of up to 4,804 Mbps on the 5GHz band. It is also capable of the latest WiFi 6 features. Namely, OFDMA (Orthogonal Frequency-Division Multiple Access), MUMIMO, beam forming, and WPA3 encryption.
The ASUS AX5700 can be controlled over the ASUS Router mobile app which provides us with a user-friendly interface, for quick set up and configuration. For users seeking slightly more control over their WiFi preferences, the ASUS AX5700 can be optimized on the ASUS web console. In regard to security, the ASUS AX5700 protects your connection through the Trend Micro AiProtection software that prevents virus attacks and blocks malicious sited from being entered. It also gives users access to parental controls which can further block adult content and prevent minors from accessing social media and certain streaming platforms. This is one of the best routers for gaming but for a more comprehensive list, we’ve compiled our picks of the best gaming routers that will take your online gaming to the next level.
- Gaming optimised
- Great coverage
- No parental controls
The Netgear Nighthawk XR1000 is a router in their range specifically designed for gaming, providing users with high-speed, dual-band WiFi 6 capabilities. With a maximum speed of 5.4 Gbps per second, the Netgear Nighthawk XR1000 is packed with features designed to provide gamers with high-speed, lag-free connections. Furthermore, its 4 antennas are designed to provide great, far-reaching coverage. This, combined with the QoS (Quality of Service) feature, allows users to prioritize specific services – such as gaming or streaming.
In terms of setup and configuration, the Netgear Nighthawk XR1000 uses an app that can guide you through the setup process. Further configuration can then be carried out on the router’s browser interface. Since the XR1000 is specifically a gaming router, and all of its features, therefore, focus on gaming – there are a few blindspots that may be frustrating for some users. The main issue is that the Netgear Nighthawk XR1000 lacks robust content filter features and parental controls.
Things to consider when looking to buy the best WiFi 6 router
Bandwidth
Bandwidth is the volume of data that is transmitted over an internet connection in a given amount of time. This is calculated in Mbps, which stands for megabits per second.
Compatibility
Owning compatible devices for WiFi 6 technology is essential if you’re looking to reap all the benefits of WiFi 6. However, its important to bear in mind that WiFi 6 is of course backward compatible with WiFi 5 and older devices.
Speed
Network speed is important as it dictates the rate at which data is transferred from a source to its destination. In other words the faster the WiFi 6 router is, the faster you can download/upload data.
Coverage
Good internet coverage will mean that your devices will receive good reception throughout your home/office. The further a device is from the source of WiFi, the lesser the signal. However, good coverage can ensure that the signal remains strong even when you’re far from the source.
Security
Good routers often come with robust security systems. This can protect from malware, as well as provide customers with security options such as parental control and internet time limits.
Is Wifi 6 worth it?
If you’re looking for a router that’s up to date with all the latest WiFi trends, then WiFi 6 is definitely worth it. Wifi 6 is the current fastest iteration of WiFi.
How well does Wi-Fi 6 go through walls?
All Wi-Fi can have a challenge with getting through thick walls or floors. We’d suggest either placing your router in an optimal position or looking at some of the best mesh routers for thick walls to get around this issue.
Does a WiFi 6 router make a difference?
WiFi 6 does indeed make a difference. However, this all depends on what your uses for it may be. If you’re an online gamer who requires the highest possible internet speeds – then investing in WiFi 6 might be the right choice. However, if your WiFi needs are fairly limited – WiFi 5 is more than enough. In some cases having the right modem to pair with your router can be the game-changer you are looking for.
Our Verdict
The Netgear Nighthawk RAXE500 takes first place as our best Wifi 6 router. It’s capable of incredibly fast Wifi speeds, has Wifi 6E technology, and an incredibly effective security system – Netgear Armor. The Netgear Nighthawk RAXE500 is simply a great Wifi6 router.