WiFi 6 Router Buying Guide: Models for Home and On the Go

A stable and fast internet connection is the foundation for seamless remote work, uninterrupted streaming, and a connected smart home. If video conferences stutter, downloads are slow, or the Wi-Fi signal doesn't reach every corner, an outdated router is often the cause. The current WiFi 6 standard (also known as 802.11ax) offers significant improvements in speed, efficiency, and capacity, especially when many devices are online simultaneously.

This article serves as a guide. It explains the key differences between various router types and presents a selection of models for specific use cases to help you decide on the right WiFi 6 router.

What to Look for When Choosing a Router

The choice of the right device depends on your internet connection and individual needs. The following points will help you identify the right category.

1. Connection Type: DSL, LTE, or Wi-Fi Only?

The most important question is how you connect to the internet.

• DSL Router with Modem: For a standard DSL connection, a router with an integrated modem is required. Models like the FRITZ!Box 7590 AX support modern standards such as VDSL Supervectoring and combine internet, telephony, and networking in one device.
• LTE Router with SIM Card: If a landline connection isn't available or you're looking for a flexible solution for internet without a landline, a 4G router or 5G router is the right choice. They establish a connection via the mobile network and only require a data SIM card.
• Router without Modem: These devices are intended for use with an existing modem (e.g., for cable or fibre optic connections) or for extending an existing network. A travel router also falls into this category, as it uses existing internet sources (hotel LAN, public Wi-Fi, smartphone tethering).

2. Use Case: At Home, On the Go, or Both?

Your usage habits determine the features you'll need.

• For the Home Network: A stationary router with high transmission power, multiple LAN ports, and Mesh Router capability is ideal for ensuring seamless coverage in larger apartments or houses.
• For Travel and Mobile Work: A compact, lightweight mobile Wi-Fi router is essential for frequent travellers and digital nomads. It creates a private and secure Wi-Fi on the go. Models with USB-C power and various operating modes offer maximum flexibility.

3. Additional Features: VPN, Smart Home, and Security

Modern routers are more than just internet distributors.

• Router with VPN: An integrated VPN function allows for secure access to your home network from anywhere or connects your entire network to an external VPN service. This enhances security and privacy, especially on public Wi-Fi networks.
• Smart Home Hub: Some routers, particularly from AVM, act as a control centre for smart home components like radiator thermostats, smart plugs, or lights.

Our WiFi 6 Router Selection

Based on different requirement profiles, we have selected three models from our range that solve specific connectivity issues.

ASUS RT-AX57 GO: The Flexible Travel Router

What makes this model stand out The ASUS RT-AX57 GO is extremely versatile thanks to its tri-mode connectivity. It can be operated via 4G/5G smartphone tethering, a public Wi-Fi network (WISP mode), or as a traditional router. Its compact design and comprehensive security features make it a reliable companion.

Advantages:

• WiFi 6 Speed: According to ASUS, it offers data rates of up to 3000 Mbps and can support up to 70 devices.
• Comprehensive VPN Features: Supports multiple protocols and allows for easy setup as a VPN client or server.
• Compact and Lightweight: Weighing just 210g and including a carrying pouch, it's ideal for travel.
• AiMesh-Compatible: Can be seamlessly integrated into an existing ASUS AiMesh network or used as its foundation.

Who is this model for? This device is aimed at frequent travellers, digital nomads, and anyone who needs a secure and high-performance mobile internet solution. It is ideal for setting up your own secure Wi-Fi in a hotel, café, or holiday apartment.

View details for the ASUS RT-AX57 GO

FRITZ!Box 7590 AX: The Hub for Your Home Network

What makes this model stand out The FRITZ!Box 7590 AX is an all-in-one solution for DSL connections. It combines a high-performance VDSL Supervectoring modem with fast WiFi 6, a full-featured telephone system (DECT and VoIP), and smart home functions.

Advantages:

• Integrated DSL Connection: Supports all common DSL connections up to 300 Mbps.
• Powerful Mesh Wi-Fi: Serves as a Mesh Router hub for seamless Wi-Fi coverage throughout the house in combination with FRITZ!Repeaters.
• Telephone System and Smart Home: Integrated DECT base station for up to six cordless phones and control of FRITZ!DECT smart home devices.
• Versatile Ports: Four Gigabit LAN ports and two USB 3.0 ports for network-attached storage (NAS) or printers.

Who is this model for? Ideal for demanding home users and families with a DSL connection who are looking for a powerful and reliable hub for internet, telephony, networking, and smart home.

View details for the FRITZ!Box 7590 AX

ASUS 4G-AX56: Internet via Mobile Network

What makes this model stand out The ASUS 4G-AX56 is a high-performance LTE router with a SIM card that provides fast internet where no landline connection is available. It combines LTE Cat 6 technology for mobile data rates of up to 300 Mbps with the advantages of WiFi 6.

Advantages:

• High 4G Speed: According to ASUS, LTE Category 6 technology enables speeds up to 7 times faster than 3G mobile broadband.
• Stable WiFi 6: Efficiently and quickly supplies devices with Wi-Fi.
• Flexible Connectivity: Can be used as the primary internet source or as a fail-safe backup solution for an existing landline connection.
• Network Security: Includes the free AiProtection security package from Trend Micro to protect against internet threats.

Who is this model for? This device is the solution for users in rural areas without fast DSL expansion, for holiday homes, or for business customers who need a reliable backup internet connection.

View details for the ASUS 4G-AX56

Discover More Options

The models presented cover common, but not all, conceivable scenarios. If your requirements are more specific or you wish to compare other devices, you can find additional options in our main category.

Explore our entire range of routers and modems to find the right solution for your network.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the main advantages of a WiFi 6 router?

A WiFi 6 router offers several advantages over older standards:

1. Higher Speed: It enables higher theoretical data rates.
2. Greater Capacity: Technologies like OFDMA and MU-MIMO improve performance in networks with many simultaneously active devices (smartphones, laptops, smart home devices).
3. Lower Latency: Response times are reduced, which is beneficial for online gaming and video conferencing.
4. Better Energy Efficiency: The "Target Wake Time" (TWT) feature allows devices to coordinate their transmission and reception times, which can extend the battery life of mobile devices.

Do I need a separate modem for a WiFi 6 router?

That depends on the router type. A DSL router with a modem, like the FRITZ!Box 7590 AX, connects directly to the telephone socket and requires no additional device. An LTE router with a SIM card establishes the connection independently via the mobile network. In contrast, pure Wi-Fi routers without an integrated modem (like many travel routers) must be connected to an existing modem (cable, fibre optic) or another internet source.

How do I set up a router with VPN?

Setting up a VPN connection is often simplified on modern routers. Typically, configuration is done through a web interface in a browser or a manufacturer's app. You can configure the router as a VPN client to connect your entire home network to an external VPN service, or as a VPN server to securely access your local devices while on the go. Models like the ASUS RT-AX57 GO often offer one-click activation for this and support common protocols like OpenVPN or WireGuard. The exact steps are described in the respective manufacturer's manual.