Wi-Fi 6E Routers: 2022’s Cutting Edge List

Since the beginning of 2021, half a dozen routers and mesh systems have included the latest 6GHz band.

There will be more as time goes by. Eventually, this post will consist of the best Wi-Fi 6E routers and Wi-Fi systems, but for right now, you’ll find all of them here.

That said, if you can’t wait to bask yourself in the clean signals of the all-new 6GHz frequency band, you’re at the spot to figure out that right purchase.

That is if getting a Wi-Fi 6E router today can be the right purchase. But who is to say it’s not?

Before continuing, do check out my explainer post on Wi-Fi 6E and upgrade at least one of your computers to the new Wi-Fi standard using an Intel AX210 Wi-Fi adapter.

Without 6Ghz clients, these expensive Wi-Fi broadcasters will be only as good as affordable dual-band Wi-Fi 6 counterparts. In any case, make sure you read their in-depth reviews for more.

If you’re looking for the best Wi-Fi 6 mesh systems, check out this post instead.

Dong’s note: I first published this post on May 17, 2021, and last updated on March 1, 2022.

Wi-Fi 6E routers and mesh systems in 2022: The list

This list includes standalone routers and mesh systems and is sorted in the review order. The numbers are just numerical and not meant to be the ranking.

I’ll update it as I review more — so bookmark it. Scroll down to the bottom of the page for their performance numbers.

7. Asus ZenWiFi Pro ET12

(If you didn’t read the intro, this is the latest member on this list — the number is only numerical, not the ranking.)

The ZenWiFi Pro ET12 is the latest Wi-Fi 6E mesh system from Asus.

Like the ET8 that came out almost half a year ago, this new mesh doesn’t have an additional band to work as backhaul.

As a result, it works best in a wired backhaul setup. And in this case, thanks to the top-tier Wi-Fi specs and the two Multi-Gig ports, it might be one of the best mesh Wi-Fi systems with Multi-Gig wired backhaul you can get.

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6. Netgear Orbi RBKE960 Series

Available as a 3-pack — RBKE963 (white) or RBKE963B (black) — the new Orbi Wi-Fi 6E system is insanely expensive costing $1500 — and you have the option to pay even more over add-on subscriptions.

On top of that, it has fewer included features and settings compared with previous Orbi sets.

In return, you’ll get substantial hardware that’s the most powerful on the market. The most exciting part is it’s, for now, the first canned system that can do Multi-Gig wired backhaul, though you’d need a switch if you want to use both satellite units that way.

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5. Asus ZenWiFi ET8: Exellent for a wired home

The ZenWiFi ET8 is basically Asus’s Wi-Fi 6E alternative to the ZenWiFi XT8, a same-design purpose-built Wi-Fi 6 mesh system for a fully wireless setup.

In that sense, the ET8 is not an upgrade to the older cousin — it’s terrible in a wireless configuration. Instead, it’s an option for a home that’s either already wired or has a lot of open space.

The ZenWiFi ET8, for now, is available as a 2-pack, but you can use each hardware unit as a standalone router for a small home. And it works very well in that case.

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4. Linksys AXE8400 Atlas Max 6E: First Wi-Fi 6E mesh system

Linksys seemed determined to lead the charge in Wi-Fi 6E. Apart from the MR7500 below, this AXE8400 Atlas Max 6E is the company’s 2nd 6E broadcaster and the first mesh system of the new Wi-Fi standard.

The new mesh consists of three identical tri-band 6E broadcasters, model MX8500. Each can work as a standalone router, but you can combine them into a system to deliver coverage of all three bands (2.4GHz, 5GHz, and 6GHz) in a large property.

That’s if you think you have enough reasons right now to invest $1200 in it. Hint: It’s not worth it. Make sure you have wired your home and wait until the price drops.

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3. Linksys MR7500: A nice third though not necessarily the charm

The Linksys MR7500 is the third Wi-Fi 6E router on the market, and the third time is not necessarily the charm in this case.

The new router looks a bit subdued in design — it’s sort of mundane looking. Its hardware specs are also relatively modest compared with the first two. It’s a router that bets a bit too big on Wi-Fi 6E, making it a tad too ahead of its time.

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2. Netgear RAXE500: A formidable contender

The Netgear RAXE500 is the second Wi-Fi 6E router on the market, and it’s the natural rival of the GT-AXE1000 below.

But within Netgear’s ecosystem, this one is quite familiar — it’s the 6E version of the tri-band RAX200. Among other things, you’ll love the design. As such, it’s one of the most awesome-looking Wi-Fi broadcasters on the market. That’s if you can stomach the $600 price tag.

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1. Asus GT-AXE11000: The very first Wi-Fi 6E router

(In case you didn’t read the intro: This is the first member on this list — the number is only numerical, not the ranking.)

Initially announced in mid-2020, the Asus GT-AXE11000 didn’t materialize until January 2021. Yet, it still made it the very first on the market that sported the all-new Wi-Fi 6E standard.

For the most part, this new router is a variant of the GT-AX11000. The two share the same design, ports, and processing power. The GT-AXE11000, however, uses a 6GHz band in place of the 5GHz-2 band.

And that makes all the difference. Oh, it’s also the most expensive router from Asus, costing $550 apiece. That’s if you’re lucky to find one right now at that price.

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Wi-Fi 6E Routers and Mesh Systems in 2022: The performance

I tested Wi-Fi 6E routers the way I do all routers. For the 6GHz band testing, I use a couple of devices running the Intel AX210 Wi-Fi chip using an official but pre-release driver.

Other than Wi-Fi, when applicable, I also tested their USB-related storage performance when hosting a portable drive.

However you look at it, Wi-Fi 6E is still in an early stage right now. Other than the Intel chip mentioned above, just a few phones support this standard, including the Samsung S21 Ultra and Google Pixel 6/Pro.

Considering the fast speed but short range of the new 6GHz band, Wi-Fi 6E is an exciting addition to the existing 2.4GHz and 5GHz band — it’s not a replacement of either.