The best Wi-Fi router for NBN in Australia: mesh, Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 7

The router your internet provider sent you probably works. But if your Wi-Fi drops out at the back of the house, slows down in the evening or can't keep up with a faster NBN plan, a better router is one of the most noticeable upgrades you can make for a couple of hundred dollars.

Step 1: what NBN connection do you have?

This decides whether you need a modem router or just a router:

Your NBN provider can tell you which you have, and many show it on your account page. If you're not sure, a VDSL modem router that also has an Ethernet WAN port (most do) will work on every type.

Step 2: one router or mesh?

• One router: fine for apartments and small single-storey homes.
• Mesh (two or three units): for bigger or double-storey homes, brick walls and long houses. The units talk to each other and give you one network everywhere.

If you can run an Ethernet cable between mesh units ("wired backhaul"), mesh performance improves a lot.

Step 3: Wi-Fi 6, 6E or 7?

• Wi-Fi 6 is enough for NBN plans up to about 250Mbps and is the value choice.
• Wi-Fi 7 is worth it for 500Mbps to 1Gbps plans, lots of devices, or if you're buying a system to keep for years. Your devices need Wi-Fi 7 too to get its full speed; older devices still connect.

The best Wi-Fi 7 mesh systems

The best value Wi-Fi 6 routers and mesh

Modem routers for FTTN and FTTB

Tips

• Put the router up high and central, not in a cupboard or behind the TV.
• Use the same brand for mesh units; mixing brands rarely works.
• Keep your provider's settings handy: some connections need a username, password or VLAN ID entered in a new router.
• Check for a 4G or 5G backup option if your connection drops a lot and you work from home.

Where to buy

Networking gear is cheapest most often at the PC stores. See where to buy PC parts, and every router is on the Wi-Fi and networking page.