Upgrading to a WiFi 6 router wasn’t as important back then since internet speeds in those years couldn’t maximize its benefits anyway. WiFi 6 used to be expensive and uncommon, and it usually is reserved for specific applications like gaming setups. However, the tech is now widely available, and according to Richard Fisco of Consumer reports, buying a WiFi 6 router is essential now.
Only one expensive variant was available a year ago, but Consumer Reports has already tested 13 models for this year alone. They aren’t particularly cheap with a price ceiling of $400, but there are options that go as low as $200. It’s also the perfect time to buy one since it’s a holiday weekend that’s followed by Black Friday sales.
Why Upgrading to WiFi 6 Matters Now
WiFi 6 or more technically known as 802.11x, is the latest wireless network standard recognized all over the world. The term WiFi 6 was coined in by the wireless industry since the 802.11 name is quite tedious to pronounce. The older standards 802.11n and 802.11ac standards are now known as WiFi 4 and WiFi 5 respectively to make mentioning them easier.
The main advantage of WiFi 6 routers is that they are obviously faster with up to 10 gigabits per second of data transfer. It’s highly unlikely that we will get internet speeds at that level, but the massive bandwidth means the router will be able to send more data to multiple devices at a given time. This capacity comes in handy today since many home devices now have wireless connectivity.
You don’t have to worry about older devices without WiFi 6 since all the 802.11 standards are designed to communicate with each other flawlessly. WiFi 6 routers are also more efficient, so older gadgets can still enjoy a slight boost in performance especially if you continuously upgrade to more WiFi 6 devices as you go along. The reason behind this is because WiFi 6 certified devices can get off the air faster when it’s not in use, so your WiFi 4 and WiFi 5 can enjoy more airtime.
Consumer Reports’ Highly Recommended WiFi 6 Routers
Synology RT2600ac (90) – $235
- Data Security: 4/5
- Data Privacy: 4/5
- Throughput Near: 5/5
- Throughput Mid-Range: 5/5
The Synology RT2600ac features powerful security and parental features to keep your data and family safe from predators.
TP-Link Archer C3150 V2 (89) – $220
- Data Security: 4/5
- Data Privacy: 3/5
- Throughput Near: 5/5
- Throughput Mid-Range: 5/5
The TP-Link Archer C3150 V2 is your best pick for streaming 4K content and it also protects every device under it from emerging threats.
Asus AC2900 RT-AC86U (88) $190
- Data Security: 4/5
- Data Privacy: 3/5
- Throughput Near: 5/5
- Throughput Mid-Range: 5/5
The Asus AC2900 is an affordable WiFi 6 router that has excellent features that are powered by a dual-core processor and supported by Trend Micro for protection.
Netgear Nighthawk X10 AD7200 (86) – $220
- Data Security:3/5
- Data Privacy: 2/5
- Throughput Near: 5/5
- Throughput Mid-Range: 5/5
If you want a powerful quad-core powered WiFi 6 router with Plex Media server capabilities and Amazon Alexa, the Netgear Nighthawk X10 AD7200 is your guy.
TP-Link Archer AC5400 (81) – $220
- Data Security: 4/5
- Data Privacy: 3/5
- Throughput Near: 5/5
- Throughput Mid-Range: 5/5
The TP-Link Archer AC5400 is one of the best solutions for gaming with its Game First Priority feature and Airtime Fairness Management.
Netgear Nighthawk AC1900 R7000 (79) – $155
- Data Security: 4/5
- Data Privacy: 2/5
- Throughput Near: 5/5
- Throughput Mid-Range: 5/5
The Netgear Nighthawk AC1900 R7000 is the best budget WiFi 6 router that doesn’t get left out when it comes to features and performance
Consumer Reports’ Highly Recommended WiFi 6 Mesh Routers
Netgear Orbi AC3000 3-Pack (84) – $370
- Data Security: 4/5
- Data Privacy: 2/5
- Throughput Near: 5/5
- Throughput Mid-Range: 5/5
The Netgear Orbi covers up to 6000 sq. ft. of space with its tri-band network and excellent security features
Netgear Nighthawk AX1800 3-Pack – $150
- Data Security: 4/5
- Data Privacy: 2/5
- Throughput Near: 5/5
- Throughput Mid-Range: 5/5
The Netgear Nighthawk AX1800 is a reasonably-priced mesh WiFi 6 pack that covers up to 3000 sq. ft of space and supports more than 25 devices.
TP-Link Deco Whole Home 3-Pack (76) – $170
- Data Security: 4/5
- Data Privacy: 3/5
- Throughput Near: 5/5
- Throughput Mid-Range: 5/5
The TP-Link Deco Whole Home Mesh WiFi is the cheapest option that covers up to 5500 sq. ft. with strong security and parental controls.
eero Pro Tri-band Mesh Network – $200
- Data Security: 4/5
- Data Privacy: 3/5
- Throughput Near: 5/5
- Throughput Mid-Range: 5/5
The eero Pro Tri-band mesh router offers 1-gigabit coverage over a wide area of your home while supporting 75 or more devices.
Netgear Orbi AC2200 Tri-Band (3-Pack) – $350
- Data Security: 4/5
- Data Privacy: 2/5
- Throughput Near: 5/5
- Throughput Mid-Range: 5/5
The Netgear Orbi delivers twice the speed of a regular router over a vast area, making it a great pick for detached homes with upper floors.
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