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You’ll find in this post the lists of “the best” Wi-Fi 6 routers.
This standard’s first router became available in early 2019, and since then, I’ve reviewed dozens of them, but only those I’d use for myself make it here.
That said, any routers you find here will likely work out well — it’s a matter of degrees depending on your situation. But do bookmark this post — I’ll update it as I review more. You might find that perfect one the next time around.
If you live in a big home and need a multi-hardware-unit solution, check out the best Wi-Fi 6 mesh systems in the box below instead. Looking to upgrade to the all-new Wi-Fi 6E? Those are on the Wi-Fi 6E best list.
Dong’s note: I last updated this frequently revised post on May 1, 2022.
Before we get to the lists, let’s cut to the chase and jump right to why you’re here: The very best Wi-Fi 6 routers, all things considered. Yes, routers, as in plural.
The very best Wi-Fi 6 routers: The shortlist
We have a few on this list because it’s tough to call one router, or anything for that matter, the best. It’s impossible to find a router that gives us everything.
Even those in this shortlist don’t have everything collectively. But selectively, they are the best in their speed grade — I use the broadband connection as the main criterium.
But to qualify as (one of) the best, all of them share the following excellent highlights in common:
- Fast, reliable Wi-Fi with extensive coverage.
- A comprehensive set of networking features.
- Local management via a robust web user interface.
- A well-designed and helpful mobile app.
Again, it’s important to note that none of these are perfect routers. But, if you’re in a hurry and want a “safe” purchase, you won’t go wrong with any of them.
These distinctive routers are equally excellent — this list is in review order with the latest on top.
Ubiquiti UniFi Dream Router: The best router for a sub-Gigabit environment
The Ubiquiti UDR is probably the most exciting home router because it’s an advanced enterprise-grade controller in a home-friendly design that can handle multiple hardware segments, with Wi-Fi and networking being one.
Unfortunately, it has no Multi-Gig port — all of its four network ports are Gigabit. Consequently, it’s only applicable to homes with sub-Gigabit sustained speeds.
Pros
Compact design with built-in support for all of Ubiquiti’s business hardware segments (Network, Protect, Talk, and Access)
Reliable Wi-Fi performance, excellent range, mesh-ready
Tons of useful networking features, comprehensive web user interface, and mobile app
Beautiful design, two PoE ports
Cons
No Multi-Gig, Dual-WAN, or Link Aggregation; middling Wi-Fi specs and modest processing power
Security feature reduces Wi-Fi 6 speed, Power over Ethernet doesn’t support PoE+ or PoE++
Requires an account with UniFi, not wall-mountable
Asus GT-AX6000: The best router for Gigabit or entry-level Multi-Gig broadband — up to 2.5Gbps
Like all Asus routers, the GT-AX6000 comes with robust firmware and useful features. It’s also an official gaming router supporting all high-end game-related features Asus has to offer.
Most importantly, it has two 2.5Gbps Multi-Gig and four Gigabit flexible network ports, allowing it to handle up to 2.5Gbps of connection speeds on both the WAN (Internet) and LAN sides.
On top of that, when using multiple units, you’ll get yourself an AiMesh system with a Multi-Gig wired backhaul.
Pros
Fast, reliable Wi-Fi with excellent coverage
Dual Multi-Gig ports with Dual-WAN, Link Aggregations, and more
Tons of helpful networking features and settings, including AiMesh 2.0 and gaming-related applications
Robust web UI, well-designed mobile app, no login account required
Multi-Gig, WAN/LAN Link Aggregation support
Excellent NAS performance when hosting a portable drive
Bold-looking design, no fan, runs cool
Cons
Lowest Multi-Gig grade (2.5Gbps), there could be more ports considering the router’s massive physical size
Impractical antenna design, bulky, not practically wall-mountable
Asus RT-AX89X: The best router for top-tier Multi-Gig broadband — up to 10Gbps
The Asus RT-AX89X has the X (and not U) at the end of its name — I explained that in this post on Asus routers — for a good reason.
It’s the first on the market that features two 10Gbps network ports — one Multi-Gig and one SPF+. It also has eight Gigabit LAN ports and one Gigabit WAN port.
While sharing the common feature set as the GT-AX6000 adobe, the RT-AX89X doesn’t supersede its young cousin since it has fewer gaming features.
Most importantly, the SFP+ ports mean it’s a bit less standard and might require a supported switch, such as the Zyxel XS1930-12HP, before you can have a full Multi-Gig experience.
Nonetheless, it’s one of a few, if not the only, router that can give you 10Gbps connections on both the WAN and LAN side — it’s a must, for now, for those with 10Gbps broadband.
Pros
Excellent Wi-Fi performance
Uniquely cool design with two 10Gbps network ports
Eight Gigabit network ports with Dual-WAN and Link Aggregation
Super-fast network-attached storage speed when coupled with an external drive
Tons of useful features, including free-for-life real-time online protection and AiMesh
Cons
A bit buggy at launch, relatively expensive
Bulky physical size with an internal fan — potential heat issue in hot environments
Not wall-mountable, no universal backup restoration
Have more time? Check out the following lists. Chances are you’ll find something that fits your station even better.
Other best Wi-Fi 6 routers of 2022: The lists
Similarly, these lists are in reviewed order, the latest on top. Consequently, the number in front of each product’s name is numerical and not the ranking.
There are a few lists for different home sizes, including small, medium, and large, determined by the number of users and not necessarily space — again, you need a mesh for a large home.
Looking to see the routers mentioned here stacked up against one another in real-world speeds? Scroll to the bottom for the performance section. Or check out these Wi-Fi 6 matchups to see how they pan out as direct rivals.
Best budget entry-level (AX1500) and mid-range (AX3000) Wi-Fi 6 routers for a small home
This list includes dual-band 2×2 routers that range from affordable to semi-affordable. They all have a bandwidth cap of 2.4 Gbps or lower when used with 2×2 Wi-Fi 6 clients — there are currently no faster devices.
These generally are routers for the budget-minded or those living in a small or medium home.
5. Asus GS-AX3000: An excellent entry-level gaming router
In case you didn’t read the intro: This is the latest member on this list — the number is only numerical, not the ranking.
The GS-AX3000 is somewhat of a gaming version of the RT-AX3000 below, and as such, it’s an excellent option. This new router, part of Asus’s ROG STRIX series, has many gaming and non-gaming features for a small household.
In many ways, the GS-AX3000 replaces the Asus RT-AX3000, which used to be on this list.
Pros
Feature-laden, including those for gamers
Robust web UI, well-designed mobile app
Cons
No support for WTFast Gamer VPN
No Multi-Gig network port
Network storage performance, when hosting a portable drive, could be better
4. Netgear WAX204: A valuable router that thinks it’s an access point
The Netgear WAX204 sure is different. Netgear calls it an Access Point, but in reality, it is a Wi-Fi 6 router — which encompasses an access point. And it’s a catch!
Indeed, with a sub-$100 price tag and solid performance, the WAX204 is an excellent buy for a small home with a sub-Gigabit broadband connection.
Pros
Strong and reliable Wi-Fi coverage
Can work as a router or access point
Straightforward local web user interface
Compact design, wall-mountable
Cons
Limited Wi-Fi settings and features
No remote web-based management
3. Asus RT-AX68U: An entry-level mesh-ready router
The Asus RT-AX68U is a bit odd. It’s the only 3×3 Wi-Fi 6 router I’ve tested. But it proved an excellent choice as a standalone router or a member of an AiMesh system.
Pros
Fast performance, excellent range, reliable
Tons of helpful networking features and settings, including AiMesh 2.0
Robust web UI, well-designed mobile app
Excellent NAS performance and features when hosting a storage device
Cons
No Multi-Gig ports or 160MHz channel width support (at launch)
The TP-Link Archer AX50 ( not to be confused with the similarly specced Archer AX3000) is a dual-stream (2×2) mid-range Wi-Fi 6 router.
But since there are only 2×2 clients on the market, this router can still deliver the top Wi-Fi 6 speeds, especially considering it supports the 160 MHz channel width.
On top of that, the affordable pricing, plus an excellent set of features, make it a great deal.
Pros
160 MHz channel support with fast and reliable performance for mid-tier router
Tons of helpful networking and Wi-Fi settings
Useful features, including free real-time online protection
Compact design, wall-mountable
Cons
No multi-gig network port or Dual-WAN
HomeCare requires a mobile app and login account with TP-Link to work
Slow NAS performance when hosting a portable drive
1. Netgear RAX40: A safe Wi-Fi 6 choice for the semi budget-minded
In case you didn’t read the intro: This is the oldest member on this list — the number is only numerical, not the ranking.
If you live in a small home, the Netgear RAX40 is an excellent choice. It’s a muted version of the more expensive RAX120 that can fully deliver 2×2 Wi-Fi 6 (2.4Gbps). That said, for now, it’s as fast as any Wi-Fi 6 router can be, considering there are only 2×2 clients.
Among budget Wi-Fi 6 routers, the Netgear RAX40 is slightly faster (and more expensive) than the TP-Link AX50 above.
Pros
Affordable pricing, reliable performance
160 MHz channel width support
Good set of network features and settings
Responsive web user interface, useful mobile app
Cons
Wi-Fi range could be better
No multi-gig port, Dual-WAN, or Link Aggregation
Mobile app requires a login account with the vendor
Best just-right (AX5400 – AX5700) Wi-Fi 6 routers for a medium home with sub-Gigabit Internet
These are dual-band routers with a mix of high-end (4×4) 5 GHz bands and a subdued 2×2 2.4 GHz band. They also have no Multi-Gig network port and relatively modest processing power.
However, considering we tend to care more about the 5 GHz band and most homes only have Internet of 500 Mbps, or slower, these are great deals since they deliver where it matters.
5. Asus TUF AX5400: And an easy recommendation for gamers
In case you didn’t read the intro: This is the latest member on this list — the number is only numerical, not the ranking.
The TUF-AX5400 is a different shape from the GS-AX5400 below. It has the same hardware on the inside but is part of the more affordable TUF product that’s more popular in Asia and the EU than in the US.
If you need a budget-friendly yet well-performing (gaming) router, this is it.
Pros
Excellent overall performance, comparatively affordable
AiMesh 2.0 support, including system-wide Guest network
Excellent web interface, well-designed mobile app, no login account required
Lots of useful features, including those for gamers
Cons
Performance as a NAS server could be better
Not wall-mountable, small Aura RBG lighting
4. Asus GS-AX5400: An excellent gaming router
The GS-AX5400 is a better version of the GS-AX3000 above and an excellent alternative to the RT-AX82U below.
It’s the latest gaming router from Asus, and it proved to be a solid performer for any small or medium home. And like all Aus Wi-Fi 6 routers, it can also work as part of an AiMesh system.
Pros
Excellent overall performance
Complete AiMesh 2.0 support, including system-wide Guest network
Robust web interface, well-designed mobile app, no login account required
Lots of useful features, including those for gamers
Cool-looking front-facing AURA Game light
Cons
No Multi-Gig port or Gamer VPN (WTFast)
Performance as a NAS server could be better
The ROG logo doesn’t light up, a bit boring
3. Netgear Nighthawk XR1000: A different type of (gaming) experience
The XR1000 is Netgear’s latest entry into the realm of gaming routers, and it proved to be quite different from the rest.
Running a game-centric operating system called DumaOS version 3.0, the new router has some unique features for gamers and a ton of helpful features for regular users.
In return, it’s a bit too pricey for its hardware specs, which are identical to the Asus RT-AX82U below. Also, it can be a bit esoteric for general users.
Still, this is an excellent buy for those playing a particular set of online gaming.
Pros
Sophisticated game-centric firmware
Fast Wi-Fi speeds and reliable performance
Robust web UI, beautiful hardware design
Useful mobile app, wall-mountable
Cons
Expensive but underpowered – items of the web interface can take a long time to fully load
Mobile app can’t manage any gaming features
No multi-gig port, Dual-WAN or Link Aggregation
Online protection and VPN require subscriptions
Buggy — firmware needs some serious updates; no mesh option
2. Asus RT-AX82U: Possibly the coolest gaming router to date
The Asus RT-AX82U is almost the same as the RT-AX86U above in performance and features. “Almost” because it’s a lesser option with less processing power and no multi-gig network port.
In return, it’s the only router so far that comes with awesome-looking programmable front lighting — much cooler than that of the GS-AX5400 and GS-AX3000 above. On top of that, chances are you’ll love the combo of the excellent performance and a relatively friendly price tag.
Pros
Beautiful design with tons of helpful networking, game-related features, and settings
Robust web UI, well-designed mobile app
Cons
No support for WTFast Gamer VPN
No multi-gig network port
Network storage performance (when hosting a portable drive) could use some improvement
1. Netgear Nighthawk RAX50: The just-right Wi-Fi 6 router
In case you didn’t read the intro: This is the oldest member on this list — the number is only numerical, not the ranking.
I called the RAX50 a just-right router because it can offer the same 5 GHz performance as the higher-end, like the RAX120, yet much more affordable.
Among other things, it does so by giving you lesser specs in the 2.4 GHz band, of which the higher-tier generally doesn’t necessarily give you faster speeds anyway.
Pros
Fast, reliable Wi-Fi performance
160 MHz channel width support
Excellent NAS performance when hosting a storage device
Responsive web user interface, useful mobile app with built-in online protection
A good set of network features and settings
Cons
No multi-gig port, Dual-WAN, or Link Aggregation
Mobile app requires a login account with the vendor
Best high-end (AX5700 – AX6000) dual-band Wi-Fi 6 routers for a medium home with Gigabit-class broadband
This list includes 4×4 routers with a cap Wi-Fi bandwidth of 4.8 Gbps when used with Wi-Fi 6 clients. These Wi-Fi 6 routers are great for a medium or possibly large home with an average number of devices and a fast Internet connection.
Most of these routers come with a multi-gig network port, and they also tend to have lots of features and can all work as a viable mini NAS server when coupled with an external portable drive.
4. Asus RT-AX86U: That former best dual-band Wi-Fi 6 router
In case you didn’t read the intro: This is the latest member on this list — the number is only numerical, not the ranking.
I considered the RT-AX86U the “best dual-band Wi-Fi 6 router” for more than a year.
And the router is still excellent despite being “deposed” by the GT-AX6000 above. In fact, for the cost, it’s still an easy recommendation.
Pros
Fast performance, excellent range, reliable
Tons of helpful networking features and settings
Useful settings for online gaming
Robust web UI, well-designed mobile app
Multi-Gig, WAN/LAN Link Aggregation support
Excellent NAS performance and features when hosting a storage device
Cons
Single, low-speed (2.5Gbps) Multi-Gig port
Gaming features turn Adaptive QoS off
No support for WTFast Gamer VPN
3. TP-Link Archer AX6000: A well-rounded Wi-Fi 6 router
The TP-Link AX6000 is anything but round. However, it does have a lot to offer, from reliable performance to a good feature set. Its main rival is the Asus RT-AX88U below, and the two are comparable in more ways than one.
If you live in a medium home and have a super-fast broadband connection, the TP-Link AX6000 can be an excellent fit.
Pros
Fast and reliable Wi-Fi performance
2.5 Gbps WAN port with eight Gigabit LAN ports
160 MHz channel bandwidth support
Excellent QoS and Parental Control features
Robust full web user interface, helpful mobile app
USB-C ready, wall-mountable
Cons
Certain functions of the interface could use some improvement
Mobile app requires a login account
2. Asus RT-AX88U: The much better clone of the Wi-Fi 5 version
In many ways, the RT-AX88U is the Wi-Fi 6 version of the RT-AC88U, which is an excellent router. The two look almost identical and share many similar features, including the eight Gigabit LAN ports and the lack of a multi-gig port.
Pros
Eight network ports with Dual-WAN and Link Aggregation
Universal setting backup and restoration
Fast network-attached storage speed when coupled with an external drive.
Cons
No multi-gig network port
Buggy firmware (at review)
1. Netgear RAX120: The best looking Wi-Fi 6 router with awesome NAS performance
In case you didn’t read the intro: This is the oldest member on this list — the number is only numerical, not the ranking.
Slightly cheaper than the RAX200, the RAX120 is a dual-band Wi-Fi 6 router with a 5Gbps multi-gig port. So, apart from fast Wi-Fi speeds, it also delivers top network-attached storage performance when hosting an external drive. And like its cousin above, it, too, has a futuristic design.
Pros
Powerful hardware, fast performance
Multi-Gig network port (5Gbps)
Well organized web user interface
Ultra-fast network storage performance
Cons
No online protection, gaming, or mesh features
Best high-end tri-band (AX11000) Wi-Fi 6 routers for a large home
These are currently the non-compromising Wi-Fi 6 routers on the market. They collectively have everything you’d want from a single router. While they have similar Wi-Fi coverage as the 4×4 dual-band routers above, they feature a double Wi-Fi bandwidth thanks to the additional 5 GHz band. If you have lots of devices or Gigabit Internet, one of these is a must.
4. TP-Link Archer GX90: A pseudo gaming router that looks the part
In case you didn’t read the intro: This is the latest member on this list — the number is only numerical, not the ranking.
The TP-Link Archer GX90 replaces the Archer AX11000 on this list. And similar to its predecessor, it is not what TP-Link wants you to believe. It’s not a true gaming router.
But you can play games just fine with it, and most importantly, it delivers in the realm of Wi-Fi performance! And the fact it’s a cool-looking piece of hardware never hurts.
Pros
Fast and reliable Wi-Fi performance
Excellent feature set and network settings
Robust full web user interface
Nice design and comparatively affordable
Cons
Single Multi-Gig port; no Dual-WAN or Link Aggregation
USB-based storage performance could be better
3. Asus RT-AX92U: It’s so nice, I reviewed it twice
The Asus RT-AX92U didn’t make it to this list when I first reviewed it in early 2020. Now, with the latest firmware, it proved to be one of the best on the market. In fact, it’s a mini version of the much more expensive GT-AX11000 below.
If you live in a small home, it will make an excellent tri-band gaming router. Those in a large property can scale up the Wi-Fi coverage via AiMesh 2.0 by getting additional units.
Pros
Compact design, tri-band specs
Good performance, large coverage
Excellent set of features, including online protection, WTFast VPN for gamers, and system-wide Guest network when working as a mesh
Link Aggregation and Dual-WAN support, wall-mountable
Cons
Wi-Fi 6 available only on one of the 5GHz bands
2. Ubiquiti AmpliFi Alien: The one-of-a-kind Wi-Fi 6 router
The AmpliFi Alien is a bit weird. It’s the first tri-band router with two different 5GHz bands. As a result, its mesh capability is somewhat handicapped due to signal loss. Also, it has no multi-gig port.
But this router has some fantastic features, a functional mobile app, and excellent performance.
Pros
Reliable and fast Wi-Fi with excellent coverage
Sleek design, sufficient web interface, and well-designed mobile app
Convenient and free Teleport VPN
Built-in ad-blocking feature
Cons
Limited in conventional settings and features
Unconventional tri-band setup with no dedicated backhaul when used in a mesh setup
VPN requires an app or an Android emulator to work on regular computers
No Multi-Gig port, not wall-mountable
1. Asus GT-AX11000: The first real Wi-Fi 6 gaming router
In case you didn’t read the intro: This is the oldest member on this list — the number is only numerical, not the ranking.
The GT-AX11000 is the first Wi-Fi 6 router for gamers, and it delivers. LIke the case of most Asus routers, this tri-band machine has so many features and settings, and you can spend hours figuring things out and probably having fun doing that.
Pros
Fast and reliable Wi-Fi performance with an excellent range
Lots of useful features for home users
Unique and effective settings for online gaming
Multi-Gig network port, Dual-WAN, Link Aggregation
Cons
Bulky design, loose antennas, non-wall-mountable
Fewer LAN ports than the previous model
Long boot-up time, buggy (at launch), fluctuating Wi-Fi throughputs
Best Wi-Fi 6 routers of 2022: The performance
When it comes to wireless performance, it’s always the 5GHz band that matters. That’s true for both Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 5 routers.
Wi-Fi 6 routers: Performance with Wi-Fi 6 clients
I test Wi-Fi 6 routers using 2×2 Wi-Fi 6 clients, which are currently the fastest in the market. In best-case scenarios, they have ceiling speeds of 2.4Gbps.
(When faster 4×4 clients are available, if they ever will, you’ll see significantly faster performances in Wi-Fi 6 routers.)
Wi-Fi 6 routers: performance with Wi-Fi 5 clients
I use two types of Wi-Fi 5 clients when testing routers. One is a 4×4 client (1733 Mbps) that works in the close-range test. For the long-range test, I use a 3×3 (1300 Mbps) client.
Wi-Fi 6 routers: Performance on the 2.4 GHz frequency band
Due to the ubiquitous usage, the 2.4GHz frequency band’s throughput tends to be slow and fluctuates greatly. For that reason, nowadays, this band is mostly for backup and backward compatibility purposes.
That said, I use 2×2 Wi-Fi 6 clients to test Wi-Fi 6 routers on this band.
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