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Multi-Gig is a new wired network standard that can handle faster-than-Gigabit connections. It has gotten more and more relevant in the past few years as 5G, Wi-Fi 6, and Wi-Fi 6E become more commonplace. That’s not to mention the upcoming Wi-Fi 7.
Still, in most cases, you generally don’t need this type of throughput at home. But we all want it. Multi-Gig is the only way to enjoy actual Gigabit Internet or faster broadband, among other things.
You’ll find here a few dozen multi-Gigabit-capable consumer-grade Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 6E routers I’ve reviewed. That means this post includes all (*) Multi-Gig hardware available in the US.
(*) Except for the eero Pro 6E and the TP-Link Deco XE75. I decided not to test the former because of online privacy risks, and the latter is basically the XE75 plus a 2.5Gbps WAN port.
Most of these can deliver at least one Multi-Gig wired connection when you have another similarly capable party, such as your super-fast broadband connection or a NAS server with a Multi-Gig port. Others have two of such ports or even more, giving you even more options.
While they all are Wi-Fi broadcasters, it’s wired networking we’re talking about, so run network cables in your home first. Check out the related posts below if you’re unfamiliar with the Multi-Gig concept.
Dong’s note: I first published this post on December 13, 2020, and last updated it on December 19, 2022, to include more qualified broadcasters.
Table of Contents
Wi-Fi 6/6E routers with Multi-Gigabit capability: The lists
There are three lists.
The first is of routers with more than one Multi-Gig port; the second includes those with a single but flexible Multi-Gig port, and the last consists only of those with a single WAN-only Multi-Gig port.
I put these lists in the reviewed order with the latest on top. The number in front of a product’s name is just numerical and doesn’t mean the ranking.
You need to check each’s full review to see how they are as a Wi-Fi router. This list only takes the Multi-Gig notion into account. In other words, having the multi-Gigabit capability is not the end-all-be-all of a router.
Generally, a router with a USB and a Multi-Gig LAN port is excellent for NAS applications when hosting a storage device. However, that’s not always the case — more in this list of best mini NAS routers.
A. Wi-Fi 6/6E routers with TWO or more Multi-Gigabit ports
This list includes routers with two or more Multi-Gig ports. Most have two, but there are a few with three ports.
With any of these, you can use one Multi-Gig port as a WAN and the other as a LAN. Out of the box, these routers can host at least two Multi-Gig connections. Add a Multi-Gig switch if you need more.
They are the router to get if you want to build a complete Multi-Gig network.
Extra: 10Gbps Ethernet on home routers
To deliver (close to) true 10Gbps, a router needs more than just a couple of 10Gbps Ethernet network ports. Among other things, it also needs high processing power (and good firmware) to handle this type of traffic.
Generally, home routers, including top-tier ones, do not meet all the requirements for true 10Gbps (10,000Mbps) throughputs. After “overhead,” they sustain at around 6,500Mbps, give or take, on a good day. (A similar thing can be said about most 10Gbps switches though they tend to have better-sustained rates than routers.)
That’s partially why more home Wi-Fi routers support the lowest tier of Multi-Gig, which is with 2.5Gbps, than those with 10Gbps ports. In this case, you can expect them to deliver close to 2,500Mbps in real-world speeds.
10. Asus GT-AX11000 Pro: Two Multi-Gig ports (10Gbps + 2.5Gbps)
(If you didn’t read the intro, this is the latest member on this list — the number is only numerical, not the ranking.)
The GT-AX11000 Pro is the upgrade version of the GT-AX11000 below. One of the improvements is the 10Gbps port that the older version doesn’t have.
Asus ROG Rapture GT-AX11000 Pro's Rating
Pros
Excellent Wi-F performance; UNII-4 support
Lots of free and useful networking features and settings, including all gaming features collectively found in Asus routers
Two Multi-Gig ports with excelling port configuration; supports LAN/WAN port, Dual-WAN, and LAN/WAN Link Aggregations
No vendor required login account; improved design
Cons
UNII-4 clients are nonexistent; no 6GHz band
Only one 10Gbps port
Bulky design, not wall-mountable
9. TP-Link Archer AXE300: Two WAN/LAN 10Gbps Multi-Gig ports (with SFP+ option) and one 2.5Gbps Multi-Gig LAN/WAN port
The TP-Link Archer AXE300 is the second home router with three Multi-Gig ports, besides its main competitor, the Asus GT-AXE1600 below.
Uniquely, though, one of its 10GbE Multi-Gig ports can also work as an SFP+ port. And all of its faster-than-Gigabit ports can work as a WAN or LAN.
TP-Link Archer AXE300's Rating
Pros
Top-tier hardware with excellent performance; three flexible Multi-Gig ports and LAN Link Aggregation support
Robust web user interface; lots of network and Wi-Fi settings and a handful of valuable features for home users
Comparatively cheaper than competitors
Wall-mountable; useful optional mobile app; OneMesh-ready
Cons
No option for Gigabit WAN, Dual-WAN, or fast mesh with wired backhauling
HomeShield Pro requires a subscription, mobile app, and login account
Bulky design, the USB port's performance could be better
8. Asus ZenWiFi Pro XT12: Two WAN/LAN 2.5Gbps Multi-Gig ports
The ZenWiFi Pro XT12 is the Tri-band version of the Wi-Fi 6E XT12 below.
It comes with two 2.5Gbps ports. One is a permanent WAN port, and the other can work either as a LAN or a second WAN.
The hardware is available as a standalone router or a 2-pack mesh system and works well in either case. In the latter case, it supports Multi-Gig wired backhauling — you can daisy-chain the units via a network cable.
Asus ZenWiFi Pro XT12's Rating
Pros
Excellent Wi-Fi performance and coverage, UNII-4 support
Dual Multi-Gig pots with Multi-Gig wired backhaul, flexible port configurations
Tons of useful features and settings, flexible Wi-Fi customization
AiMesh 2.0 full support, helpful mobile app, no login account required
Cool design with pretty lighting
Cons
No 5Gbps or 10Gbps Multi-Gig, bulky, no USB, only four network ports
Buggy Dual-WAN, not wall-mountable
7. Asus GT-AXE16000: One 2.5Gbps WAN/LAN and two 10Gbps LAN/WAN ports
The Asus GT-AXE16000 is the only home Wi-Fi router with three Multi-Gig ports, including two 10Gbps and one 2.5Gbps. You can use any of them as WAN or LAN based on your need.
Asus ROG Rapture GT-AXE16000's Rating
Pros
Powerful hardware, Quad-band with Wi-Fi 6E support, three Multi-Gig ports (one 2.5Gbps and two 10Gbps)
Stellar performance throughout
Excellent set of game-related, online protection and monitoring features, full AiMesh 2.0 support
Unmatched port flexibility, including interchangeable WAN, Dual-WAN, and LAN/WAN Link Aggregations
Beautiful ROG Aura lighting
Cons
Expensive, 10Gbps ports' sustained rates and NAS performance (when hosting a storage device) could be better
Awkward backhaul band design in a wireless AiMesh setup, no UNII4 (5.9GHz) support, no SFP+
Bulky design, not wall-mountable
6. Asus ZenWiFi Pro ET12: Two WAN/LAN 2.5Gbps Multi-Gig ports
The ZenWiFi Pro ET12 is the second Wi-Fi 6E mesh system from Asus, besides the ET8 below. It comes in a 2-pack of two identical routers. You can use any as a standalone device.
The most remarkable thing about the ET12 is its two flexible 2.5Gbps ports. Consequently, you can use it out of the box with Multi-Gig wired backhauling. You can even daisy-chain multiple satellites that way without a switch.
Asus ZenWiFi Pro ET12's Rating
Pros
Wi-Fi 6E-ready, extensive Wi-Fi coverage with top performance in specific setups with possible fas Wi-Fi performance in certain setups
Dual Multi-Gig pots with Multi-Gig wired backhaul, flexible port configurations
Excellent performance and coverage as a standalone router
Tons of useful features and settings, flexible Wi-Fi customization
AiMesh 2.0 full support, helpful mobile app, no login account required
Cool design
Cons
Bulky, no USB, only four network ports
Fluctuating performance as a fully wireless mesh due to the lack of a dedicated backhaul band
Short 6GHz range
Expensive, not wall-mountable
5. Asus ROG Rapture GT-AX6000: Two WAN/LAN 2.5Gbps Multi-Gig ports
The Asus GT-AX6000 is another gaming router from Asus, replacing the RT-AX86U below.
The new router has everything to be the best Dual-band Wi-Fi 6 router. The included two flexible Multi-Gig 2.5Gbps ports — one WAN and one LAN by default — are just part of its appeal.
Asus ROG Rapture GT-AX6000's Rating
Pros
Fast, reliable Wi-Fi with excellent coverage
Dual Multi-Gig ports with Dual-WAN, Link Aggregations, and more
Tons of helpful networking features and settings, including AiMesh 2.0 and gaming-related applications
Robust web UI, well-designed mobile app, no login account required
Multi-Gig, WAN/LAN Link Aggregation support
Excellent NAS performance when hosting a portable drive
Bold-looking design, no fan, runs cool
Cons
Lowest Multi-Gig grade (2.5Gbps), there could be more ports considering the router's massive physical size
A bit pricey
Impractical antenna design, bulky, not practically wall-mountable
4. Netgear Orbi RBKE960 Series: 10Gbps Multi-Gig WAN + 2.5Gbps Multi-Gig LAN
Available as a 3-pack — RBKE963 (white) or RBKE963B (black) — this insanely expensive mesh system comes with Multi-Gig on its router and satellite.
The former has a 10Gbps WAN port and a 2.5Gbps LAN port. The latter has one 2.5Gbps LAN.
Consequently, you can use the hardware in a Multi-Gig wired backhaul for one satellite right out of the box. You’d need a Multi-Gig switch to use more satellites via this super-fast wired backhaul.
Netgear Orbi RBKE960 Series' Rating
Pros
Powerful hardware with Quad-band Wi-Fi and Multi-Gig wired backhaul support
Excellent Wi-Fi coverage, fast performance
Multiple Multi-Gig ports
More Wi-Fi networks than previous Orbis, including two additional virtual SSIDs
Easy to use
Cons
Expensive
No web-based Remote Management, few free features; mobile app (with a login account and even subscriptions) is required to be useful
Rigid Multi-Gig ports' roles, few Multi-Gig ports
The 2nd 5GHz band is unavailable to clients even with wired backhaul; no 160MHz channel width on 5GHz
Limited Wi-Fi customization, bulky design
3. QNAP QHora-301W: Two 10Gbps Multi-Gig ports
The QNAP QHora-301W is one of a few Wi-Fi 6 routers on the market with two 10Gbps ports, and both are BASE-T (RJ45). On top of that, it’s the only one that supports SD-WAN.
The router also comes with two USB 3.0 ports. Unfortunately, it has dismal support for external storage devices.
QNAP QHora-301W's Rating
Pros
Reliable Wi-Fi performance
SD-WAN and other enterprise-class features
Responsive web interface
Two 10Gbps network ports
Cons
Expensive for the modest Wi-Fi coverage
Some common settings are missing
No real Dynamic DNS, QoS, and Parental Controls
Useless USB-related features
2. Zyxel Armor G5: 1x 2.5Gbps Multi-Gig WAN + 1x 10Gbps Multi-Gig LAN ports
The Zyxel Armor G5 comes with two Multi-Gig ports with rigid designations. One is a 2.5Gbps WAN port, and the other is a 10Gbps LAN.
The Armor G5 also has terrible support for external storage devices, making its Multi-Gig LAN port a bit less useful.
Zyxel Armor G5's Rating
Pros
Fast Wi-Fi speeds
Two Multi-Gig network ports
Nice design
Cons
Overall buggy, especially the USB-related features
Severely lacking in features: Not mesh-ready, no Dual-WAN, no Link Aggregation, no QoS
Parental Control is a joke
Runs hot
1. Asus RT-AX89X: Two LAN/WAN 10Gbps (Multi-Gig and SFP+) ports
(In case you didn’t read the intro: This is the first member on this list — the number is only numerical, not necessarily the ranking.)
The Asus RT-AX89X is quite a particular router. It’s the only one on this list with two different 10Gbps ports. One is a traditional BASE-T (RJ45), and the other is an SFP+ port. And like all Asus routers, you can use them flexibly in the WAN or LAN role.
Asus RT-AX89X's Rating
Pros
Excellent Wi-Fi performance
Uniquely cool design with two 10Gbps network ports
Eight Gigabit network ports with Dual-WAN and Link Aggregation
Super-fast network-attached storage speed when coupled with an external drive
Tons of useful features, including free-for-life real-time online protection and AiMesh
Cons
A bit buggy at launch, relatively expensive
Bulky physical size with an internal fan — potential heat issue in hot environments
Web interface needs work
Not wall-mountable, no universal backup restoration
B. Wi-Fi 6/6E routers with ONE Multi-Gigabit port
These are routers with just one Muti-Gig port. Chances are these port is the WAN port as default, but with some, you can also use it as a LAN if you have a Gigabit or slower broadband connection. Below are the two sub-lists of each.
Wi-Fi 6/6E routers with a single FLEXIBLE WAN/LAN Multi-Gig port
These are routers with a single Multi-Gig port that can work either as a WAN or a LAN. They are more flexible than those above since they are suitable for both homes with an ultra-fast broadband connection and a sub-Gigabit one.
In the latter case, you can add a Multi-Gig switch to expand your Multi-Gig wired network.
14. Asus AXE7800: Singe 2.5Gbps WAN/LAN port
(In case you didn’t read the intro: This is the latest member on this list — the number is only numerical, not necessarily the ranking.)
The Asus RT-AXE7800 is the lesser version of the GT-AXE11000 (below), but it’s the same as its older cousin on the Multi-Gig front.
Asus RT-AXE7800's Rating
Pros
Excellent performance with tons of network settings with an excellent feature set, free online protection, and Parental Controls
AiMesh 2.0 support with Mult-Gig wired backhauling as a satellite
Super-flexible network ports for Dual-WAN and LAN/WAN Link Aggregations
Compact and practical design; relatively affordable
Cons
Only one Multi-Gig port
Middling 6GHz band
13. TP-Link Deco XE200: Single 10Gbps Multi-Gig auto-sensing port
The Deco XE200 is a Wi-Fi 6E canned mesh from TP-Link that includes two identical hardware units — similar to the case of the Deco AX5700 below. Each can work as a standalone router and has a single 10GbE auto-sensing port.
TP-Link Deco XE200's Rating
Pros
10Gbps port, 6GHz support, top-tier Wi-Fi, reliable Wi-Fi performance with extensive coverage
Easy to use; comparatively affordable
Good-looking
Cons
Single Multi-Gig port, spartan Wi-Fi, and network customization
Fluctuating Wi-Fi speeds, Mobile app, and login account required; HomeShield Pro costs money
No USB port, impractical design
12. Netgear Nighthawk RAXE300: Single 2.5 LAN/WAN port
The Netgear RAXE300 Nighthawk is the second Wi-Fi 6E router from Netgear and supposedly the lesser version of the RAXE500 (below). Thanks to the excellent Wi-Fi performance and significantly lower cost, it proves to be a much better deal in real-world testing.
Netgear Nighthawk RAXE300's Rating
Pros
Wi-Fi 6E-ready with excellent performance
Flexible 2.5Gbps LAN/WAN port, USB-C
Robust web interface, helpful (optional) mobile app
Cool fanless, wall-mountable design
Cons
Middling 6GHz specs, no standard Remote Management via Dynamic DNS
No 10Gbps port, only one 2.5Gbps port; not-well-thought-out Wi-Fi on/off button
Limited Wi-Fi settings and online protection/Parental Controls require a mobile app and subscription
Mediocre NAS performance when hosting a portable SSD; 100-120V power adapter
11. Synology RT6600ax: Single 2.5Gbps LAN/WAN port
The RT6600ax is the first Wi-Fi 6 router from Synology, and it’s one of the best among its peers. In terms of Multi-Gig, though, it has just one 2.5Gbps port (LAN1).
While this port can work as a WAN port, that’s only the case in a Dual-WAN setup. Consequently, when you use this router with a Multi-Gig WAN connection, its original Gigabit WAN port is redundant — it can’t work as a LAN port.
In the case of all routers below, the default WAN port functions as another LAN when the Multi-Gig port is working as a WAN.
Synology RT6600ax's Rating
Pros
Fast and reliable Wi-Fi with support for 5.9GHz UNII-4 spectrum, mesh-ready
Robust, comprehensive yet user-friendly SRM 1.3 firmware with excellent web interface and DS Router app
Lots of useful built-in settings and networking features, helpful add-on packages with accompanying mobile apps
Can work as a full-featured NAS server
Practical design, wall-mountable
Cons
Only one 2.5Gbps port
No Link Aggregation, awkward Multi-Gig WAN, rigid default WAN port
Only client-based QoS, 5.9GHz clients are scarce
10. TP-Link Archer GX90: Single 2.5Gbps Multi-Gig LAN/WAN port
The Archer GX90 is another “gaming” router from TP-Link. It replaces the Archer AX11000 above.
The router comes with a 2.5Gbps WAN/LAN port and another Gbps LAN/WAN port. By default, the former works as the WAN and the latter as a LAN, but you can reverse the order if you want to host a Multi-Gig local client.
TP-Link Archer GX90's Rating
Pros
Fast and reliable Wi-Fi performance
2.5 Gbps WAN/LAN
Excellent feature set and network settings
Robust full web user interface
Nice design and comparatively affordable
Cons
Thin on gaming
Single Multi-Gig port; no Dual-WAN or Link Aggregation
USB-based storage performance could be better
9. Netgear RAXE500: Single 2.5Gbps Multi-Gig LAN/WAN port
The Netgear RAXE500 is the rival of the Asus GT-AXE11000 below. And similarly, it’s the Wi-Fi 6E variant of the RAX200.
It comes with a single 2.5Gbps LAN/WAN port.
Netgear Nighthawk RAXE500's Rating
Pros
Wi-Fi 6E-ready
Collectively excellent Wi-Fi speeds and range
2.5Gbps LAN/WAN port, Dual-WAN, and LAN/WAN Link Aggregations
Robust web interface, helpful (optional) mobile app
Beautiful design
Fast network-attached storage when hosting a storage device
Cons
Expensive
Wi-Fi 6E is still in the early stage
No 10Gbps port, only one 2.5Gbps port
Limited Wi-Fi settings, no built-in QoS or Parental Controls
Online protection requires a subscription
Internal fan, a bit buggy (at launch)
8: TP-Link Archer AX90: Single 2.5Gbps Multi-Gig WAN/LAN port
The TP-Link Archer AX90 is the souped-up version of the Archer AX3200 below, but it’s the same port-wise. It comes with a 2.5Gbps WAN/LAN port, a 1Gbps WAN/LAN port, and three Gigabit LAN ports.
TP-Link Archer AX90's Rating
Pros
Reliable and fast Wi-Fi performance, excellent range
Tri-band, 160MHz, and a 2.5Gbps Multi-Gig port
Comparatively affordable
Standard web interface with optional mobile app
Wall-mountable
Cons
Slow 5GHz-1 band
Mobile app, login account, and a monthly subscription are required for advanced features
Relatively slow NAS performance when hosting a portable drive
7: Asus GT-AXE11000: Single 2.5Gbps Multi-Gig LAN/WAN port
The Asus GT-AXE11000 is the very first Wi-Fi 6E router on the market. In many ways, especially port-wise, it’s a variant of the GT-AX11000 below.
It includes one 2.5Gbps port that can work either as a WAN or a LAN.
Asus ROG Rapture GT-AXE11000's Rating
Pros
Tri-band with Wi-Fi 6E support
Excellent 5GHz and 2.4GHz performance
Excellent set of game-related, online protection and monitoring features, full AiMesh 2.0 support
2.5Gbps LAN/WAN port, Dual-WAN, and LAN/WAN Link Aggregations
Cons
Expensive
Wi-Fi 6E is not fully available
Only one 2.5Gbps port, no 10Gbps port
Bulky design, not wall-mountable, buggy firmware (at launch)
6. TP-Link Deco X5700: Single 2.5Gbps Multi-Gig WAN/LAN port
The Deco X5700 is the sensible version of the Deco X90. It’s a mesh router that includes two autosensing network ports, one of which is a 2.5Gbps port.
TP-Link Deco X5700's Rating
Pros
Excellent Wi-Fi performance and coverage
Tri-band with multi-gig port and 160MHz channel width support
User-friendly, comparatively affordable
Good-looking
Cons
Spartan Wi-Fi customization, network settings, and features
Only one Multi-Gig port per hardware unit
App and login account required — privacy risks
HomeShield Pro requires a monthly subscription, limited web interface, impractical design
No USB or additional Gigabit network ports
5. Asus RT-AX86U: Single 2.5Gbps Multi-Gig LAN/WAN port
The RT-AX86U has just one 2.5Gbps port that can work either as a LAN (default) or a WAN port.
Before the GT-AX6000 above, the RT-AX86U was considered the best Dual-band Wi-Fi 6 router. It still is among the best today.
If you have the RT-AX89X or the GT-AX6000 above, the RT-AX86U makes an excellent satellite node in a Multi-Gig wired backhaul AiMesh setup.
Asus RT-AX86U's Rating
Pros
Fast performance, excellent range, reliable
Tons of helpful networking features and settings
Useful settings for online gaming
Robust web UI, well-designed mobile app
Multi-Gig, WAN/LAN Link Aggregation support
Excellent NAS performance and features when hosting a storage device
Comparatively affordable
Cons
Single, low-speed (2.5Gbps) Multi-Gig port
Not wall-mountable
Gaming features turn Adaptive QoS off
No support for WTFast Gamer VPN
4. TP-Link Archer AX3200: Single 2.5Gbps Multi-Gig WAN/LAN port
The Archer AX3200’s 2.5Gbps port can work as a WAN (default) or LAN port. It also has a USB 3.0 port (on its side). This port didn’t perform well in my testing when hosting a storage device, so the multi-gig port didn’t improve anything on the NAS front.
3. Netgear RAX120: Single 5Gbps Multi-Gig LAN/WAN port
The RAX120 comes with a single 5Gbps port that works as a LAN out of the box. However, you can use the web interface to change its function into that of a WAN port.
Netgear Nighthawk RAX120's Rating
Pros
Powerful hardware, fast performance
Beautiful design
Multi-Gig network port (5Gbps)
Well-organized web user interface
Ultra-fast network storage performance
Cons
Expensive
No online protection, gaming, or mesh features
A bit bulky
2. Netgear RAX200: Single 2.5Gbps Multi-Gig LAN/WAN port
Despite being a higher-end (and more expensive) than the RAX120 above, the Netgear RAX200 comes with a 2.5Gbps port and not a 5Gbps.
This port works either as a LAN (default) or a WAN.
Netgear Nighthawk RAX200's Rating
Pros
Reliable and fast performance
Eye-catching design
Helpful mobile app, robust web UI
Multi-Gig support (2.5Gbps)
Cons
Comparatively super-expensive with nothing extra
Shallow Wi-Fi customization, spartan feature set
Comparatively low CPU clock speed
No 5Gbps or 10Gbps LAN port, not wall-mountable
1. Asus GT-AX11000: Single 2.5Gbps Multi-Gig LAN/WAN port
(In case you didn’t read the intro: This is the first member on this list — the number is only numerical, not necessarily the ranking.)
The Asus GT-AX11000 is the first Wi-Fi 6 router on the market with a 2.5Gbps Multi-Gig port. Asus routers are pretty flexible in port use, and you can use this port as a LAN (default) or WAN.
Asus GT-AX11000's Rating
Pros
Fast and reliable Wi-Fi performance with an excellent range
Lots of useful features for home users
Unique and effective settings for online gaming
Multi-Gig network port, Dual-WAN, Link Aggregation
Mesh ready
Cons
Expensive
Bulky design, loose antennas, non-wall-mountable
Fewer LAN ports than the previous model
Long boot-up time, buggy (at launch), fluctuating Wi-Fi throughputs
Wi-Fi 6 routers with a RIGID WAN-only Multi-Gig port
A router with a WAN-only Multi-Gig is suitable for those with a Gig+ or faster broadband connection. This port is only as good as a regular 1Gbps WAN port if you have a Gigabit or slower Internet.
8. Netgear Orbi RBK860 Series: Single 10Gbps WAN port
(In case you didn’t read the intro: This is the latest member on this list — the number is only numerical, not necessarily the ranking.)
The Orbi RBK860 Series is the latest Wi-Fi 6 mesh system from Netgear. Of which only the router unit has a 10Gbps WAN port.
Netgear Orbi 860 Series (RBK863S)'s Rating
Pros
Reliable Wi-Fi with extensive coverage; 10GbE WAN port on the router
Responsive local web interface with several standard network settings
A year of online protection included (mobile app required)
Cons
High cost; single WAN-only 10GbE port, no Multi-Gig port on satellites; useless WAN Link Aggregation
No 160MHz channel support, 2nd 5GHz band is never available to the client; limited Wi-Fi customization; neutered web user interface
Mobile app (and login account) required for remote management; many features require paid subscriptions
No Wi-Fi 6E, bulky design
7. Asus ZenWiFi ET8: Single 2.5Gbps Multi-Gig WAN port
The ZenWiFi ET8 is the Wi-Fi 6E version of the ZenWiFi XT8 below. It comes in a 2-pack of identical routers; each has a 2.5Gbps WAN port.
In a mesh setup, though, the WAN port of the satellite can work as a LAN port unless you want to use it for the wired backhaul.
Asus ZenWiFi ET8's Rating
Pros
Reliable and extensive coverage with possible fast Wi-Fi performance in specific setups
Wi-Fi 6E ready, Multi-Gig WAN, and Dual-WAN support
Excellent as a standalone router
Tons of useful features and settings, flexible Wi-Fi customization
AiMesh 2.0 support
Competitive pricing
Cons
Comparatively slow performance in most use cases
Modest 5GHz band specs
Short 6GHz range
No Link Aggregation or Multi-Gig LAN port
Only four network ports on each hardware unit
6. Linksys MX8500 AXE8400 Atlas Max 6E: Single 5Gbps Multi-Gig WAN port (and more as a mesh)
The MX8500 is an interesting case. It’s part of the Linksys AXE8400 Wi-Fi 6E mesh system — the very first on the market.
For this reason, if you get a single unit, it has just the single 5Gbps WAN port. However, in a mesh setup, the satellite unit’s WAN port now works as a LAN — a 3-pack system will give you two 5Gbps LAN ports.
Linksys AXE8400 Atlas Max's Rating
Pros
Wi-Fi 6E-ready
Reliable performance, extensive coverage
5Gbps WAN port
Excellent NAS performance when hosting external storage device(s)
Separate SSID for each band
Cons
Expensive
Comparatively slow mesh Wi-Fi speeds in homes with walls
Limited Wi-Fi settings and features, mobile app coercion
No Multi-Gig LAN port (main router), Dual-WAN, or Link Aggregation
No setting backup and restore
5. Linksys MR7500: Single 5Gbps Multi-Gig WAN port
The Linksys MR7500 is the third Wi-Fi 6E router on the market, joining the ranks of the Asus GT-AXE11000 and Netgear RAXE500 below.
It’s pretty different from the other two, though, and among other things, its 5Gbps port can only work as its WAN.
Linksys MR7500 AXE6600 Hydra Pro's Rating
Pros
Wi-Fi 6E-ready
Simple design with 5Gbps WAN port
Robust web interface, helpful (optional) mobile app
Wall-mountable
Cons
Hugely overpriced
6GHz band requires Gig+ or faster Internet to be useful
Slow 5GHz and 2.4GHz bands
Limited Wi-Fi settings, mobile app coercion
No Multi-Gig LAN port, Dual-WAN or Link Aggregation
Buggy and slow NAS performance when hosting a storage device
4. TP-Link Archer AX6000: Single 2.5Gbps WAN port
The TP-Link AX6000 has one 2.5Gbps port that works as the WAN port. As a result, you won’t get faster than 1Gbps on the LAN side in a network hosted by this router.
TP-Link Archer AX6000's Rating
Pros
Fast and reliable Wi-Fi performance
2.5 Gbps WAN port with eight Gigabit LAN ports
160 MHz channel bandwidth support
Excellent QoS and Parental Control features
Robust web user interface, helpful mobile app
USB-C ready, wall-mountable
Cons
No multi-gig LAN port
Bulky design
Not mesh-ready
Certain functions of the interface could use some improvement
Mobile app requires a login account
3. Asus ZenWiFi XT8: Single 2.5Gbps Multi-Gig WAN (and kind of LAN) port
The ZenWiFi AX (XT8) has a single WAN-only 2.5Gbps port. However, in a wireless mesh configuration (when you buy a 2-pack), this port on the satellite unit can function as a LAN port.
Asus ZenWiFi XT8's Rating
