Best Wi-Fi 6 Routers of 2022: Get One Now!

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.