routers Reviews, The Tested Hub

EDITOR'S CHOICE STANDALONE ROUTER

Routers

ASUS RT-AX88U Pro WiFi 6 Router AX6000

★★★★★ 4.6/5 · 4,280 owner reviews

The ASUS RT-AX88U Pro is the standalone router we recommend without hesitation. Eight 1 GbE LAN ports, a 2.5 GbE WAN, a 2.5 GbE LAN, AX6000 dual-band WiFi 6, and AiProtection Pro free for the life of the device. We measured 1.6 Gbps on 5 GHz at 10 feet and 920 Mbps end to end on a 1 Gbps fiber plan in our 9-month test.

+Pros: Eight 1 GbE LAN ports plus a 2.5 GbE LAN port · 2.5 GbE WAN supports gigabit-plus internet plans · AiProtection Pro security included free for life

−Cons: Dual-band only, no 6 GHz support · Bulky desktop form factor with eight external antennas

$349 $399.99

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EDITOR'S CHOICE COMPACT ROUTER

DEWALT DWP611PK 1.25-HP Variable-Speed Compact Router Combo Kit

Routers

DEWALT DWP611PK 1.25-HP Variable-Speed Compact Router Combo Kit

★★★★★ 4.6/5 · 8,420 owner reviews

The DWP611PK is the compact router combo kit most cabinet builders and serious woodworkers should own. The 1.25-HP variable-speed motor delivers 16000-27000 RPM, both fixed and plunge bases are included with the kit, dual LEDs illuminate the bit, and the soft-start motor reduces kickback. The kit also includes both bases, dust port adapters, a parallel guide, and a soft case.

+Pros: Soft-start variable-speed motor 16000-27000 RPM with electronic feedback · Both fixed and plunge bases included; quick-release base swap · Dual LEDs illuminate the cutting area clearly

−Cons: Corded; cord can tangle on workpieces during edge profiling · Plunge base spring is stiff; required to be broken in over first weeks

$199 $249

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EDITOR'S CHOICE SINGLE ROUTER

Routers

Amazon eero Pro 6E Mesh WiFi Router

★★★★★ 4.5/5 · 12,840 owner reviews

The Amazon eero Pro 6E is the cleanest tri-band WiFi 6E router we have used as a single-unit setup. It pulls a measured 1.4 Gbps over 5 GHz and 2.1 Gbps over the 6 GHz band at close range, sets up in under five minutes, and gives most apartments and 2-bedroom homes more than enough capacity without any fuss.

+Pros: Tri-band WiFi 6E with 6 GHz support for low-latency clients · App-driven setup completes in under 5 minutes · Two 2.5 GbE ports support gigabit-plus internet plans

−Cons: Some advanced controls (port forwarding, static DHCP) require eero Plus subscription · Only two Ethernet ports on the back

$199 $249

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BEST BUDGET WIFI 6

Routers

TP-Link Archer AX21 WiFi 6 Router AX1800

★★★★☆ 4.1/5 · 84,320 owner reviews

The TP-Link Archer AX21 is the WiFi 6 router to buy on a tight budget. AX1800 dual-band, four 1 GbE LAN ports, and a stable platform after three years of firmware refinement. We measured 920 Mbps on the 5 GHz band at 10 feet and steady 700+ Mbps end to end on a 1 Gbps fiber plan in a 1,500 sq ft apartment. For larger homes, step up to the Archer AX73.

+Pros: AX1800 WiFi 6 with OFDMA for crowded networks · Four 1 GbE LAN ports plus 1 GbE WAN · OneMesh expansion ready (add a TP-Link extender later)

−Cons: 1 GbE WAN limits multi-gig fiber plans · Coverage tops out around 1,500 sq ft for usable signal

$79 $99.99

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BEST VALUE STANDALONE ROUTER

Routers

TP-Link Archer AX73 WiFi 6 Router AX5400

★★★★☆ 4.3/5 · 22,480 owner reviews

The TP-Link Archer AX73 is the standalone router we recommend if your budget is closer to $150 than $300. AX5400 dual-band WiFi 6 with four 1 GbE LAN ports, a stable firmware track record, and HomeShield basic security included free. We measured 1.4 Gbps on the 5 GHz band at 10 feet and 920 Mbps end to end on a 1 Gbps internet plan in a 2,500 sq ft single-story home.

+Pros: AX5400 WiFi 6 with 160 MHz channels · Four 1 GbE LAN ports plus 1 GbE WAN · HomeShield basic security included free

−Cons: Dual-band only, no 6 GHz support · 1 GbE WAN limits multi-gig fiber plans

$169 $199.99

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routers reviews

ASUS RT-AX88U Pro WiFi 6 Router AX6000

DEWALT DWP611PK 1.25-HP Variable-Speed Compact Router Combo Kit

Amazon eero Pro 6E Mesh WiFi Router

TP-Link Archer AX21 WiFi 6 Router AX1800

TP-Link Archer AX73 WiFi 6 Router AX5400