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Wifi Bible - Routers

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First thing's first. Don't bottleneck yourself. I love setting my WiFi name something funny like, "Pretty Fly For A WiFi", or, “Drop It Like It’s Hotspot” - Not sure where to start? Tap here to read more As a WiFi user, more and more of your devices ... 
So, WiFi 5, WiFi 6, WiFi 6E and WiFi 7 - As of April 2024, these are the available technologies to choose from.

The WiFi you probably know more than any of the rest is actually WiFi 5. It had the longest reign out of the lot, and the jump to WiFi 6 was only very recent for most people.
ISP's have only just started sending out WiFi 6 routers by default. From personal experience I have also made WiFi 6 our minimum standard for recommending routers.
Most will associate the jump from WiFi '5' to '6' as when routers went from beaming out just one 2.4Ghz signal, to then outputting a 2.4Ghz AND 5Ghz signal you could connect to either one. Nowadays, routers are so smart they can output just one signa...

When WiFi 6 came out, it really at least in my experience, completely flattened out all bugs and issues I've ever experienced with WiFi. Like dropouts, and range issues, this just doesn't happen now, and It is almost unbelievable that WiFi 7 is alrea...

Before I begin recommending things, Ill conclude by saying that yes WiFi 7 is technically the latest available technology, but the seriously recent jump from 5 to 6 and then to 6E is such a phenomenal leap in user friendliness and technological advan...

SO! Time to actually review something! For home broadband you will see I really like ASUS at the moment! Having been with various ISP's since 2015 such as Telstra, TPG, Exetel, Superloop, Leaptel, Optus & more, I have always preferred to bring my...
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WiFi 6 & 6E

Two really crucial features for WiFi freedom are MESH capabilities and which version of WiFi technology it utilizes.
Routers I recommend are all MESH capable and WiFi 6 or above.
The latest tech is WiFi 7 but you should totally read the blurb at the top where I cover all of this - Simply put, WiFi 7 IS available on the market, but 6 and 6E are your affordable and sensible options, because in my opinion the cost and the time t...

 
Elev8 🇦🇺 by Jaylan profile picture
The #1 6E router - This advanced and ultra reliable WiFi 6E router also utilizes Tri-band AI Mesh technology, perfect for adding to any existing Asus ecosystem or not. As a single 6E unit, it comes out at a lower price than the 2-pk ZenWifi options w...
This is a very good purchase, and just imagine having two of these in a mesh! If you can truly believe one strong router point will suffice for your environment, this is hands down the one to choose.
ASUS AXE7800 Tri-band WiFi 6E 802.11ax Router [RT-AXE7800]
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Elev8 🇦🇺 by Jaylan profile picture
This is the top recommendation for WiFi 6 📶
ASUS dominates the list with unbeatable range, coverage and features like AI Mesh technology, so you can keep adding more if needed - but with these baddies, you might not ever need more - This might be overkill.
Want VPN for all connected to the router? It can do it. 
My absolute best recommendation for WiFi 6 due to it's speed.

You might find a 6E router could provide the benefit of handling a few more devices plus a bit extra range, but as explained already, WiFi 6 is more than capable of doing that, if you are a really advanced WiFi user and the type of person who upgrade...
ASUS ZenWiFi Pro XT12 (2-PK) AX11000 WiFi 6 Mesh Tri-Band Routers 11000Mbps
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Elev8 🇦🇺 by Jaylan profile picture
Two colour options! I love my Tri-Band! Please welcome to the stage, the optimally valued, beautifully styled and seriously powerful for it's size - XT8!
You know 2.4ghz and 5ghz right? Well because it is Tri-band, this router outputs a hidden third signal that powers the mesh system! Connecting multiple routers into a mesh, unlike the old ‘repeater’ technology.
Thanks to regular updates released by ASUS, automate powering your connection with a 4G/5G mobile phone in the case of an outage!
I love the feature where you can enable a VPN directly from the router, of course this feature is also available on the more expensive XT12 model above.
I am really satisfied with the 5G Backup solution it works seamlessly with the mesh. It will detect when the main connection is back online too, and go back to it, which I found amazing. 

ASUS truly makes extending your range simple with the use of its AI Mesh Feature. This is the same model I use, and I couldn't be happier with it knowing it's good for years to come.
ASUS ZenWiFi AX Tri-Band Mesh WiFi 6 System
 
Elev8 🇦🇺 by Jaylan profile picture
Placed this one third up from the bottom, it's still our beloved WiFi 6 core difference from the lower models is it's a little faster and the Aura RGB truly is beautiful. It sacrifices nothing from its predecessor's and is faster than the cheapest on...
ASUS AX5400 Dual Band WiFi 6 xDSL Modem Router
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Elev8 🇦🇺 by Jaylan profile picture
At this price range, this is the one just above the cheapest I would recommend. Check it out actually! It has all the right features for the current landscape of technology. This is a good buy if $200 sounds about the max you can afford to spend on a...
ASUS RT-AX58U V2 WiFi 6 AX3000 Dual-Band Router
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Elev8 🇦🇺 by Jaylan profile picture
Behold, the cheapest WiFi router I would currently recommend (It is now under $100!) but it is an ASUS Wifi 6 ready and MESH capable router. There may be cheaper routers that do the job fine which we haven't tested yet. The ASUS range can be trusted....
ASUS RT-AX1800S Dual Band WiFi 6 Router
 
Elev8 🇦🇺 by Jaylan profile picture
Not sold on Asus? Look no further, Google is offering WiFi 6E at an AMAZING price here! If you are going with the Nest WiFi, make sure you choose the PRO model which offers WiFi 6E. We do not recommend choosing the previous generation (the non Pro) m...
Google Nest Wi-Fi Pro Home Mesh Wi-Fi 6E System (3 Pack)
 
Elev8 🇦🇺 by Jaylan profile picture
Now, you've seen the Google Nest WiFi routers and you're thinking OoOo, what the Fi are these? Let me explain that these routers provide extra functionality than ordinary ones like being a virtual assistant, to having speakers for music, and having m...
Google have already launched their Nest WiFi PRO model, which at even the current price point is going to be worth anyone choosing them over these in my opinion. Why? Because they are WiFi 6E! Read our summary on this section for why this is importan...
Google Nest Wi-Fi Router & Point Set (3-Pack)
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WiFi 7

Not many devices are able to utilize the full capabilities of WiFi 7 yet, or even WiFi 6E. The jump from 5 to 6 was astonishingly impressive as it was, and it was actually not that long ago we started seeing laptops, PC's and smartphones with WiFi 6 ...

 
Elev8 🇦🇺 by Jaylan profile picture
Imagine converting your money to The HOLY GRAIL of WiFi.
I've got no words for how beautiful this unit is with these specs leaving me speechless
WIFI 7
TRI BAND
MESH
TP-LINK
RGB
AMAZON!

NO WORDS!!!!
TP-Link Archer BE19000 Tri-Band Wi-Fi 7 Router
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Elev8 🇦🇺 by Jaylan profile picture
The manufacturer TP-Link knows WiFi! This company has manufactured routers, chips, adapters, cards - If you need any kind of WiFi receiver or transmitter, they have it.

What I will say about this router is that it is amazing.
A - It is Tri-band
B - It is WiFi 7 - Future proofed for many generations of tech products
C - We have found it with a great Aussie retailer for a great price.
Click See website for more.
TP-Link BE9300 Tri-Band Wi-Fi 7 Router, 9214 Mbps
 
Elev8 🇦🇺 by Jaylan profile picture
WOW! Under $400!! Mercusys is not as well known as TP-Link, which is probably why their Tri-Band WiFi 7 router is roughly $150 cheaper! BUT BOTH routers boast incredibly similar specs, such as offering Mesh capability.

I can not believe the price on this one, it is hard to not recommend it over every single other router on this list but the only thing holding me back is a lack of reviews - It does have 5 stars that are based off of just three reviews, all happy cus...
Mercusys BE9300 Tri-Band Wi-Fi 7
 
Elev8 🇦🇺 by Jaylan profile picture
Let me introduce this device to you today it is called the Xiaomi WiFi 7 Router. For under $250 - Yes you read that right. You get WiFi 7 in a Dual band router that is MESH CAPABLE!

The reason for the massive drop in price is simply the max speeds it can offer. The other two in the WiFi 7 category boast the same speed, this one may be slower in comparison but we are already talking a peak way above speeds that most people are ca...

Now while I am genuine in my excitement over this router, it does let us down slightly by being Dual Band - This is OK though! Remember the third band is primarily used for MESH operations, and running a dual band mesh can be unnoticeable from a tri ...

If you haven't heard of Xiaomi that is probably why you are not as excited as me right now - They are a massive innovator in mobile and futuristic technology. Xiaomi make their own smartphones, robot vacuum cleaners and more. I would expect no issues...
When trying to look cheaper for WiFi 7, no reputable brands or retailers could be found. This may be the cheapest we can recommend AND we like it.
Xiaomi WIFI 7 Router (2.5G Version)WiFi 7 Dual-Band Router

4G/5G & Mobile

All mobile wifi modems here are unlocked and can be used with any carrier (With the exception of the Vodafone PocketWifi). As of early 2024, 5G is becoming more and more desirable but what you will find is a 4G unit will not break your budget because...

 
Elev8 🇦🇺 by Jaylan profile picture
Roaming? This is a portable wifi modem that will send out a wifi signal using your 4G Sim Card. Perfect for sharing!
TP-Link 4G LTE Mobile Wi-Fi (M7350) AU Version
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Elev8 🇦🇺 by Jaylan profile picture
Distributed by your local Betta Group
[ZTE] MF937 4G Mobile Wi-Fi Router
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Elev8 🇦🇺 by Jaylan profile picture
A very specialized 5G solution for an avid WiFi enthusiast on the move. Probably the best on the market for a permanent AND portable solution
RV Wi-Fi+5G Portable Caravan WIFI Internet
 
Elev8 🇦🇺 by Jaylan profile picture
You are looking at the all famous Vodafone Pocket WiFi 4 (4G) which will only set you back $69 from Big W. The cheapest in this category. What's the catch? You are locked in to a Vodafone data plan. If you are already planning to use the Vodafone net...
Vodafone Pocket Wifi 4 4G