Best Wi-Fi 6 routers of 2023

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What is Wi-Fi 6? 

Wi-Fi 6 is the most recent generation of Wi-Fi that is becoming the standard for most devices. Wi-Fi 6 supports faster speeds and has many upgrades over its predecessor Wi-Fi 5. We’ve chosen the best Wi-Fi 6 routers that take advantage of these upgraded Wi-Fi features.  

Do you need a Wi-Fi 6 router? 

You should consider a Wi-Fi 6 router if your internet plan speeds are higher than what a Wi-Fi 5 router can support. If you have a plan with high speeds and a router that can’t support them, you won’t be reaching the speeds you’re paying for. 

Wi-Fi 6 routers are also ideal for households with many simultaneously connected devices or those who need high speeds for gaming, working from home, streaming or large file transfers. 

Our picks for the best Wi-Fi 6 routers 

• Best budget: TP-Link Archer AX21
• Fastest speeds: ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AX11000
• Best home coverage: Netgear Orbi RBK852
• Best for gaming: ASUS RT-AX86U

Best budget Wi-Fi 6 router: TP-Link Archer AX21 

The TP-Link Archer AX21 is our pick for best budget Wi-Fi 6 router because of its affordable price and reliability. If you live in a small to medium size home and don’t want to spend a lot on a router, the AX21 is a great choice. It has a 4.5-star rating on Amazon and offers reliable speeds, steady performance and a simple setup process making it an ideal pick for those looking for simplicity and affordability. 

Fastest speeds: ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AX11000

We picked the ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AX11000 for the Wi-Fi 6 router with the fastest speeds for just that reason — its speeds are incredibly fast. A router like this is not necessary for the average internet user, but it is a great option for heavy users such as gamers, coders and general power users who simply want the best speeds. Keep in mind that the GT-AX11000 is expensive and relatively bulky with its eight antennas and overall large size. 

Best home coverage: Netgear Orbi RBK852

The Netgear Orbi RBK852 is one of the best mesh systems on the market, and for good reason. It offers top Wi-Fi 6 performance and a strong signal that can penetrate walls and ceilings. It also covers up to 5,000 sq.ft. with two units, but also comes in three and four-packs with coverage up to 10,000 sq.ft. — if you need more, you can always add on an extra unit. 

Best for gaming: ASUS RT-AX86U

The ASUS RT-AX86U is our pick for best Wi-Fi 6 router for gaming not only for its fast speeds but also for its unique gaming features. You can use the ASUS app to customize your settings for your desired gaming experience and you also have the option to use its Mobile Game Mode if you want to game on your mobile device. While these features make this router a great choice for gamers, its speeds and range also make it a great option for anyone looking for a fast Wi-Fi 6 router to support a digital household. Its 4.7 out of 5-star rating on Amazon reflects its popularity amongst gamers and regular users alike. 

The bottom line

With Wi-Fi 6 as the new standard for Wi-Fi, you can expect more and more devices to support Wi-Fi 6. Although Wi-Fi 6 is backward-compatible, meaning devices supporting the older Wi-Fi generations will still work with Wi-Fi 6 routers, it’s worth it to consider upgrading as these technologies continue to advance.