The Wi-Fi 6E iteration of Wi-Fi opens the 6GHz band to offer high speed and uninterrupted wireless connectivity. Not only does Wi-Fi 6E add more channels, but you also get broader channels which enable more data to go back and forth between the client and host device.
Wi-Fi 5 and Wi-Fi 6 use the 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands which are already congested with competing devices ranging from your microwave to cordless phones, causing interference. Devices that operate on these frequencies also have a considerable range, making them susceptible to interference from similar devices your neighbors are using.
Wi-Fi 6E easily circumvents these problems by offering more channels that include seven 160Hz channels on the 6GHz band, exclusive to Wi-Fi 6E. So, your wireless communication becomes faster, and you get greater reliability even in a dense radio environment.
Now that you know how Wi-Fi 6E is better than the previous Wi-Fi version, you must know what you need to avail of this technology.
Essentially, you require three things. Your Internet Service Provider must offer a high-speed internet plan that offers up to 10Gbps speed (the maximum limit of Wi-Fi 6E). You’ll also need a Wi-Fi 6E router and a Wi-Fi 6E-enabled computer.
While it’s easy to buy a computer that offers Wi-Fi 6E capabilities, there are several considerations to make when you want to buy a Wi-Fi 6E router. For this, our buying guide and frequently asked questions sections will immensely help you in identifying the best router.
Further, we have rounded up the Best Wi-Fi 6E Router, and we’ll review each one and list their pros and cons, helping you to select the best one.
Table of Contents
- Comparison of the Best Wi-Fi 6E Routers
- Best Wi-Fi 6E Routers – Our Pick
- 1. ASUS ROG Rapture Wi-Fi 6E Gaming Router (GT-AXE11000) – Best Wi-Fi 6E Gaming Router
- 2. NETGEAR Nighthawk 12-Stream Wi-Fi 6E Router (RAXE500) – Wi-Fi 6E Router for First Time Users
- 3. Linksys Hydra Pro Wi-Fi 6E Router MR7500 – Best Wi-Fi 6E Router for Home Use
- 4. TP-Link AXE16000 Quad-Band Wi-Fi 6E Router (Archer AXE300) – Best Wi-Fi 6E Quad-Band Router
- 5. ASUS ZenWi-Fi ET8 – Best Wi-Fi 6E Mesh Router
- 6. NETGEAR Orbi Wi-Fi 6E Mesh System (RBKE963) – Wi-Fi 6E Mesh for Large Area of 9000Sq. Ft.
- 7. TP-Link AXE5400 Tri-Band Wi-Fi 6E Router (Archer AXE75) – Budget Wi-Fi 6E Router
- 8. TP-Link Deco AXE5400 Tri-Band Wi-Fi 6E Mesh System (Deco XE75) – Budget Wi-Fi 6E Mesh System
- Best Wi-Fi 6E Routers – Our Buying Guide
- Best Wi-Fi 6E Routers – Frequently Asked Questions
Comparison of the Best Wi-Fi 6E Routers
| Image | Product | Details | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 | ASUS ROG Rapture Wi-Fi 6E Gaming Router (GT-AXE11000) | Speed: AXE11000 (up to 11Gbps) Coverage: N.A. Devices: 64 Control Interface: Mobile App Ports: 4 x 1 Gigabit Ethernet LAN 1 x 1 Gigabit Ethernet WAN 1 x 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet WAN 2 x USB-C 3.2 Processor: 1.8GHz Quad-Core Processor Memory: 1GB DDR3 | Buy on Amazon |
 | NETGEAR Nighthawk 12-Stream Wi-Fi 6E Router (RAXE500) | Speed: AXE11000 (up to 10.8Gbps) Coverage: 3500 Sq. Ft. Devices: 60 Control Interface: Nighthawk Mobile App Ports: 4 x 1 Gigabit Ethernet LAN 1 x 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet WAN 2 x USB-C 3.0 Processor: 1.8GHz Quad-Core Processor Memory: 1GB DDR3 RAM | Buy on Amazon |
 | Linksys Hydra Pro Wi-Fi 6E Router MR7500 | Speed: AX6600 (up to 6.6Gbps) Coverage: 3700 Sq. Ft. Devices: 100 Control Interface: Mobile App Ports: 4 x 1 Gigabit Ethernet LAN 1 x 5 Gigabit Ethernet WAN 1 x USB-C 3.0 Processor: 1.8GHz Quad-Core Processor Memory: 512MB DDR3 | Buy on Amazon |
 | TP-Link AXE16000 Quad-Band Wi-Fi 6E Router (Archer AXE300) | Speed: AXE16000 (up to 15.6Gbps) Coverage: 3700 Sq. Ft. Devices: 200+ Control Interface: Mobile App Ports: 4 x 1 Gigabit Ethernet LAN 1 x 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet WAN 2 x 10 Gigabit Ethernet WAN 1 x USB-C 3.0 Processor: 2.0GHz Quad-Core Processor Memory: 1GB RAM | Buy on Amazon |
 | ASUS ZenWi-Fi ET8 | Speed: AXE6600 (up to 6.6Gbps) Coverage: 5500 Sq. Ft. Devices: 100 Control Interface: Mobile App Ports: 3 x 1 Gigabit Ethernet LAN 1 x 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet WAN 1 x USB-C 3.1 Gen 1 Processor: 1.5GHz Quad-Core Processor Memory: 512MB RAM | Buy on Amazon |
 | NETGEAR Orbi Wi-Fi 6E Mesh System (RBKE963) | Speed: AXE11000 (up to 10.8Gbps) Coverage: 9000 Sq. Ft. Devices: 200 Control Interface: Mobile App Ports: 3 x 1 Gigabit Ethernet LAN 1 x 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet LAN 1 x 10 Gigabit Ethernet WAN (Router) Processor: 2.2GHz Quad-Core Processor Memory: 1GB RAM | Buy on Amazon |
 | TP-Link AXE5400 Tri-Band Wi-Fi 6E Router (Archer AXE75) | Speed: AXE5400 (up to 5Gbps) Coverage: 2700 Sq. Ft. (approx.) Devices: 200 Control Interface: Mobile App Ports: 3 x 1 Gigabit Ethernet LAN 1 x 1 Gigabit Ethernet LAN 1 x USB 3.0 Processor: 1.7GHz Quad-Core Processor Memory: 512MB RAM | Buy on Amazon |
 | TP-Link Deco AXE5400 Tri-Band Wi-Fi 6E Mesh System (Deco XE75) | Speed: AXE5400 (up to 5.4Gbps) Coverage: 5500 Sq. Ft. (approx.) Devices: 200 Control Interface: Mobile App Ports: 3 x 1 Gigabit Ethernet LAN 1 x 1 Gigabit Ethernet LAN 1 x USB 3.0 Processor: 1.7GHz Quad-Core Processor Memory: N.A. | Buy on Amazon |
Best Wi-Fi 6E Routers – Our Pick
1. ASUS ROG Rapture Wi-Fi 6E Gaming Router (GT-AXE11000) – Best Wi-Fi 6E Gaming Router
In addition to faster network speed, gaming aesthetics, and priority support, the Asus ROG Rapture GT-AXE11000 offers gaming acceleration. A technology that prioritizes the ROG Device, and gaming packets and also allocates the shortest path gaming servers, making it the perfect router for high-performance online gaming.
Consequently, you get lower latency and faster network speeds that result in higher frames-per-second (fps) which gives you the winning edge over your opponents.
The router uses a Quad Core 1.8GHz processor with 256MB NAND Flash and 1GB DDR3 RAM to handle the incoming data steam. The triband frequencies support a data rate of 1148Mbps with the 2.4GHz frequency and 4804Mbps each with 5GHz and 6GHz frequencies.
Asus also includes a host of features for network efficiency, security, and convenience. For network efficiency, Asus offers QoS technologies that prioritize data packets for efficient transmissions. Security features include parental controls, malicious site blocking, and Infected Device blocking with Asus’s AiProtection feature that come at no extra cost.
The GT-AXE11000 offers four 1GbE LAN ports, a 2.5GbE WAN/LAN, a WAN, and two USB 3.2 ports for fast wired connectivity. Further, Link Aggregation allows you to combine bandwidths of more than one link to offer greater bandwidth when you need it.
Our Take
The Asus ROG Rapture GT-AXE11000 was designed for high-performance gaming. However, it is a fast and powerful router making it a versatile device for varied applications, including setting up a Wi-Fi 6E mesh.
- The RGB lighting gives gaming aesthetics to the router.
- AiProtection, QoS, and Parental Control offer security and efficiency.
- The mobile app allows you to remotely manage the router.
- The Game Accelerators ensure superior high-performance gaming.
- The 2.5GbE port allows for faster network connections.
- Price
- The bulky design makes it difficult to manage physically.
2. NETGEAR Nighthawk 12-Stream Wi-Fi 6E Router (RAXE500) – Wi-Fi 6E Router for First Time Users
The Netgear Nighthawk RAXE500 is an excellent Wi-Fi 6E router, but it has quirks that limit certain aspects of its performance.
Like all Wi-Fi 6E devices it offers tri-band support by opening the 6GHz band. The RAXE500 supports link aggregation and offers a theoretical speed of 10.8Gbps. While the 2.4GHz frequency offers up to 1.2Gbps, the 5GHz and 6GHz frequency bands offer 4.8Gbps. Of course, the Quad Core 1.8GHz processor, 512MB NAND Flash, and 1GB DDR3 RAM do an impressive job of sorting out data packets to ensure you get these speeds.
But remember these are “theoretical” speeds, and your actual speed will almost certainly vary. This is usually dependent on factors like how far your-Fi 6E device is from the router, the congestion on your Wi-Fi network, physical obstructions like walls, and whatnot.
The design of the router incorporates eight antennas in foldable wing-shaped flaps on either side of the router. You’ll find the four 1GbE and one 2.5GbE port on the rear panel to give a wired connection to your laptop. There are two USB 3.0 ports to allow you to connect Network Attached Storage (NAS) devices.
Netgear offers two convenient means to set up the router. These include a web browser interface and a convenient mobile app, making it easy to remotely manage the router’s functionality. You’ll also get a 30-day trial of Netgear Armour, their security software that keeps you safe from numerous malicious attacks. Unfortunately, the extraordinarily high price of the RAXE500 doesn’t include its use beyond 30 days and Netgear will charge you an annual fee of $99.99.
Our Take
The RAXE500 offers all the essential functionalities of a Wi-Fi 6E router, making it the perfect choice if the idea is to just upgrade to Wi-Fi 6E. However, it is expensive and has problems managing a congested network due to its lack of QoS technologies, making it suitable for a large home with few users.
- It supports Link Aggregation to offer greater bandwidth.
- The USB ports allow you to connect NAS devices.
- The 2.5GbE port allows for faster network connections.
- The mobile app makes it convenient to remotely manage the router.
- Expensive
- Poor network management due to a lack of QoS technologies.
3. Linksys Hydra Pro Wi-Fi 6E Router MR7500 – Best Wi-Fi 6E Router for Home Use
The Linksys Hydra Pro is a pocket-friendly Wi-Fi 6E router perfect for anyone who wants a quick upgrade to Wi-Fi 6E on a budget. Unfortunately, the low price also means that you get low performance, which is most evident with the data transfer speeds you get with this router.
The Hydra Pro uses a Quad-Core 1.8GHz processor with 512MB Flash and 512MB RAM for internal functioning. So, you get a speed of up to 600Mbps on 2.4GHz, 1200Mbps on 5GHz, and 4800Mbps on the 6GHz frequency, a sharp contrast from the Asus Rapture and Netgear RAXE500. Don’t forget these are theoretical speeds, mostly attained in controlled laboratories, and you will get far less in real-life applications.
Unlike the Asus Rapture and RAXE500, the Hydra Pro has a far more conventional router design with four antennas on each corner of the router. The rear panel has four 1GbE LAN ports, one WAN, and a USB 3.0 port. The router doesn’t support link aggregation so you shouldn’t expect higher network speeds.
Surprisingly, Linksys does offer a select set of features for network efficiency and security. While there are limited options for parental control, the Hydra Pro offers QoS technologies to prioritize data packets. Further, with the support for WPA3, your data packets will remain safe from the prying eyes of hackers.
Our Take
The Hydra Pro is perfect for home users on a budget, you’ll get excellent video call quality, 8K videos, and VR gaming without burning a hole in your pocket. Further, you can use the Linksys Hydra Pro Router to set up a mesh network at home and get the best coverage.
- Price
- The mobile app makes it convenient to remotely manage the router.
- QoS support allows you to prioritize router availability.
- Compatible with a mesh network setup.
- It doesn’t offer the fastest network speeds.
- Limited security features and parental control.
4. TP-Link AXE16000 Quad-Band Wi-Fi 6E Router (Archer AXE300) – Best Wi-Fi 6E Quad-Band Router
The Archer AXE300 is a high-performance Wi-Fi 6E router that offers a combined bandwidth of 15.6Gbps. It is one of the few Quad-Band Wi-Fi 6E routers on the market, and it’s perfect for use in offices or conference rooms, typical of multi-user environments.
The quad-band support requires the router to be equipped to handle enhanced data throughput. So, instead of a 1.8GHz processor, TP-Link includes a 2.0GHz Quad-Core processor to handle the additional load of data packets. As a result, it supports data speeds of 1140Mbps on the 2.4GHz channel and 4808Mbps each on two 5GHz channels and one 6GHz channel.
TP-Link pays special attention to security by offering a host of features including DDoS protection, parental control, IoT protection, and more with TP-Link HomeShield Pro. Like Netgear Armour, HomeShield is free for the first month but will cost you an additional $54.99 for an annual subscription. Additionally, you get a fully-functional VPN and QoS by device for added security and prioritizing network allocation.
The Archer AXE300 has two 10GbE LAN/WAN ports, four 1GbE LAN ports, and one 2.5GbE LAN/WAN port. While one 10GbE port is a conventional copper-based Ethernet port, the other is suitable for Ethernet and Fiber connections, so that you can easily connect the latest fiber-based networks.
Our Take
The TP-Link is a Quad-Band Wi-Fi 6E router that offers a speed of up to 15.6Gbps on four frequencies that include a 6GHz band. While overkill for typical home use, the Archer AXE300 is perfect for offices and conference rooms that require vast bandwidths for multiple users.
- It quad-band router offers a combined bandwidth of 15.8Gbps.
- It includes VPN Servers and Clients to help secure your network.
- The 2.0GHz quad-core processor handles network traffic well.
- The dual 10GbE ports offer high-speed connectivity.
- Ideal for offices as it can handle 200+ devices simultaneously.
- Price
5. ASUS ZenWi-Fi ET8 – Best Wi-Fi 6E Mesh Router
If you have a large house, especially one on multiple floors, a Wi-Fi 6E router may not be the best option with its limited range. For such a setup, you’ll need a device like the Asus ZenWi-Fi ET8 mesh system with its satellite receiver that allows you to cover a large area.
The ET8 has a 1.5GHz processor, 256MB Flash, and 512MB RAM. It offers a combined bandwidth of 6.6Gbps with 564Mbps for 2.4GHz, 1201 for 5GHz, and 4804 for the 6GHz frequencies. Asus pairs these Wi-Fi speeds with a host of security features which we’ll get to in a minute. This setup allows for a faster network that has a farther reach.
It has six internal antennas, which give the router (and the satellite unit) its minimalist design. While the satellite has only three 1GbE ports on the rear and one USB 3.2 Gen 1 port, the router also offers a 2.5GbE WAN port.
For security, Asus offers its AiProtection, which includes two-way intrusion prevention and infected device blocking, among other things. You also get Parental Control and adaptive QoS that allow you to easily customize your network. Interestingly, you get a VPN Client (L2TP, OVPN, and PPTP) and VPS Server (IPSec, OVPN, and PPTP) for added network security.
Our Take
The Asus ET8 should be your go-to choice when setting up a Wi-Fi 6E mesh at home. It is affordable and offers many security features that’ll keep you, your home, and your network safe from digital threats.
- Plenty of security features to keep you safe.
- The mesh setup offers wider coverage, ideal for larger homes.
- Parental Control and QoS features allow you to customize the network.
- The mobile app makes it convenient to remotely manage the router.
- Only three LAN ports restrict connectivity.
- Underpowered for a mesh network.
6. NETGEAR Orbi Wi-Fi 6E Mesh System (RBKE963) – Wi-Fi 6E Mesh for Large Area of 9000Sq. Ft.
The RBKE963 Wi-Fi 6E mesh system is a quad-band Wi-Fi 6E system that comes with two satellite units. It provides a network coverage area of 9000Sq. Ft. and offers excellent wired and wireless connectivity using these satellite units.
The quad-band configuration offers a combined bandwidth of 10.8Gbps with the 2.4GHz at 1200Mbps, each of the two 5GHz channels at 2400Mbps, and the 6GHz channel at 4800Mbps. To handle the data packets efficiently, Netgear includes a quad-core 2.2GHz processor and 1GB RAM.
For your security, you get Netgear’s Armour and Smart Parent Control software which ensures that you stay safe from various digital threats. Further, the mobile app allows you the convenience of remotely managing the router and the mesh system to customize several key aspects.
The RBKE963 is a premium product it’s apparent from the beautiful design of the router and the two satellite units. The units are bulky and you’ll need plenty of space at your workstation. In terms, of connectivity, the router offers a 10 GbE WAN in addition to the 2.5GbE and the three 1GbE LAN ports on the satellite units.
Our Take
The Netgear Orbi RBKE963 offers coverage of 9000sq. ft. using two satellite units. It is a quad-band system with a combined bandwidth of 10.8Gbps and connectivity for up to 200 devices. Thus, is perfect for a large home that uses many smart home devices. But it is super expensive, making it unaffordable for most users.
- It provides a network coverage of 9000Sq. Ft.
- The satellite units offer 2.5GbE ports for wired connectivity.
- Provides a highly customizable network.
- The mobile app makes it convenient to remotely manage the router.
- It supports connections with up to 200 devices.
- The bulky design crowds the workstation.
- Expensive
- Despite the hefty price Smart Parent Control and Netgear Armour need annual subscriptions.
7. TP-Link AXE5400 Tri-Band Wi-Fi 6E Router (Archer AXE75) – Budget Wi-Fi 6E Router
The TP-Link Archer AXE75 is a budget router that offers all the essential functionalities of Wi-Fi 6E. So, even though the device has a pocket-friendly price you can rest assured that TP-Link doesn’t cut many corners.
The only noteworthy feature that the Archer AXE75 lacks is high combined bandwidth. While many Wi-Fi 6E routers offer 10.8Gbps, the AXE75 offers 5.4Gbps. Bandwidth is distributed over the tri-band frequencies with 2.4GHz getting 574Mbps. The remaining bandwidth is equally distributed between the 5GHz and 6GHz frequencies, each getting 2404Mbps.
The lower combined bandwidth also means the router has to sort of half the amount of the data packets compared to routers with 10.8Gbps bandwidth. So, it offers a Quad-Core 1.7GHz processor and 512MB RAM, enough to handle the reduced workload.
TP-Link includes a one-month subscription to HomeShield Pro, its security software that protects IoT devices, prevents intrusions, mitigates DDoS attacks, and more. But you’ll have to pay $54.99 annually to continue using it. TP-Link also includes VPN Client, VPN Server, Parental Control, and QoS (by device) to allow you to conveniently control it using a mobile app.
Our Take
The TP-Link Archer AXE5400 is perfect if you are on a tight budget but want the complete benefit of a Wi-Fi 6E network. It offers all the essential functionality, and while you don’t get the fastest Wi-Fi 6E network, you do get one at a significantly cheaper price.
- Affordable price
- HomeShield Pro security software prevents several digital threats.
- The mobile app makes it convenient to remotely manage the router.
- QoS support allows you to prioritize router availability.
- No link aggregation
- The security software comes at an additional price.
8. TP-Link Deco AXE5400 Tri-Band Wi-Fi 6E Mesh System (Deco XE75) – Budget Wi-Fi 6E Mesh System
The Deco XE75 is a pocket-friendly Wi-Fi 6E mesh system with one base and one satellite unit. It offers 574Mbps of the 2.4GHz band and 2404Mbps each on the 5GHz and 6GHz bands, giving you a combined bandwidth of 5.5Gbps. To sort the data packets, it uses a quad-core 1.7GHz processor on the base unit and a quad-core 1.0GHz processor on the satellite unit.
It provides a network coverage of up to 5500Sq.Ft. and connection for up to 200 devices. So, you can easily connect all your IoT devices and run your smart home without a hitch.
TP-Link includes its HomeShield Parental Control, HomeShield QoS, and HomeShield Security to allow you to customize the network’s settings. To keep things simple, TP-Link provides an AI-driven Mesh, allowing you to unify your network under one name and password allowing you to switch seamlessly while you more about room-to-room.
Our Take
The Deco XE75 allows you to set up a wide Wi-Fi 6E mesh network at a pocket-friendly price. TP-Link sweetens the deal further by including security and network management software that you can conveniently configure from a mobile app.
- The mesh network covers 5500Sq. Ft.
- It allows you to connect 200 devices, perfect for a smart home setup.
- HomeShield Parental Control and security software keep you safe from malicious attacks.
- Price
- Too few ports on the router and satellite units.
- It doesn’t offer the fastest Wi-Fi 6E network.
Best Wi-Fi 6E Routers – Our Buying Guide
Coverage area
A Wi-Fi 6E router is a transceiver, meaning it can transmit and receive radio signals. So, like any transceiver, there is only a certain range (measured in square-foot) with which it is effective. Thus, choose a router that has enough range to cover your home or office, wherever you want to install the device.
Number of Devices
A router can’t handle an infinite number of devices connected to it. Thus, it is important to select a router that allows you to connect all your devices. It is advisable to count the number of devices you want to connect to the router before you buy one.
Devices such as smartphones and laptops are hard to miss but remember to count all your smart home devices. Once done, it would be best to account for a few more devices for future additions or guests who come to visit.
Combined Bandwidth
Wi-Fi 6E routers come in tri-band and quad-band variants. Each band has a certain bandwidth that limits the band’s speed. Wi-Fi 6E has a theoretical bandwidth capacity of 10.8Gbps. But for reasons best known to them, certain router manufacturers may not support this bandwidth. Since you are upgrading to Wi-Fi 6E, it would be best to ensure that you get full advantage of the technology.
Router or Mesh
When buying a Wi-Fi 6E router, a key consideration is whether you should buy just a router or a Wi-Fi mesh.
A router is perfect for a limited area that has minimal or no obstruction to interfere with Wi-Fi signals. Areas with minimal concrete walls and up to 3000Sq. Ft. can be served well by a single router.
However, if you want to cover an unusually larger area or an area that has plenty of physical obstruction (mainly walls) a mesh system provides a better Wi-Fi solution.
Security and Parent Control Software
Wi-Fi 6E routers allow you to secure your Wi-Fi network from external as well as internal digital threats and malicious attacks. They do this by incorporating security features and allowing you to customize the network setting to the level of security you desire. While most manufacturers charge you a reasonably high annual fee, there are a few router manufacturers who these features for free.
Best Wi-Fi 6E Routers – Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I need a Wi-Fi 6E Router?
Wi-Fi 6E offers you greater network speeds that allow you to stream 8K videos, play AR/VR games, video conference, and more. To avail of these services, you need to have a Wi-Fi 6E router and Wi-Fi 6E-ready device or computer.
What is QoS?
Quality of Service (QoS) are technologies that allow you to control and customize network traffic so that key applications get priority. For instance, you would like the router to prioritize data packets meant for your work computer over data packets meant for your smart speaker. QoS by Device technologies help you achieve this.
What is Link Aggregation?
Link aggregation is a networking feature that allows you to combine the bandwidth of two network links into one link that offer higher bandwidth.
What is a Wi-Fi Mesh System?
A Wi-Fi mesh system employs a router and one or more satellite units. The satellite units act like cellphone towers allowing you to seamlessly switch between units as you move around within the coverage area. The satellite units are in turn connected to the internet via the router.
The advantage of this system is that you can set up a Wi-Fi mesh to cover your large house or office. So, you can move about without worrying about going out of range of the router and the wider coverage ensure that your house doesn’t have Wi-Fi dead zone.
