Multi-Gig is a new wired network connection standard that can deliver faster-than-Gigabit throughputs. This standard has become more relevant in the past few years as 5G, Wi-Fi 6, and Wi-Fi 6E have become more commonplace. That’s not to mention the upcoming Wi-Fi 7.
Still, in most cases, there’s no real need for this type of speed at home. But we all want it. Multi-Gig is the only way to enjoy true 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 — almost all (*) Multi-Gig hardware available in the US. It’s a great place in case you need to grab one quickly.
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 or a NAS server with a Multi-Gig port. Others have two or even more, allowing you to build a true Multi-Gig network (with the help of a switch.)
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 April 6, 2023, to include more qualified broadcasters.
Wi-Fi 6/6E routers with Multi-Gigabit capability: The lists
There are three lists with many devices — the numbers can be overwhelming, but the Table of Contents will help.
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 before 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.
TRUE Multi-Gig: Wi-Fi 6/6E routers with TWO or more 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. These routers can host at least two Multi-Gig connections out of the box. Add a Multi-Gig switch if you need more.
They are the routers 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, 2.5Gbps, than those with 10Gbps ports. In this case, you can expect them to deliver close to 2,500Mbps in real-world speeds.
11. Asus RT-AX88U Pro: Two 2.5Gbps ports
(If you didn’t read the intro, this is the latest member on this list — the number is only numerical, not the ranking.)
The RT-AX88U Pro is one of a few “Pro” versions of Asus’s standard routers. It’s the high-end replacement to the Gigabit RT-AX88U, the company’s first Wi-Fi 6 router.
Among other improvements, the new router has two 2.5Gbps Multi-Gig ports, making it an excellent Wi-Fi machine for a home or small office with Gigabit or faster broadband.
Pros
Excellent Wi-Fi wired, and network storage performance
Tons of useful features, including AiMesh 2.0 and Pro-only Guest Network Pro and VLAN
Two 2.5GbE Multi-Gig ports with Dual-WAN and Link Aggregation support
Universal setting backup and restoration
Cons
Pro-enabled features are still in the Beta
Only 6 networks port (instead of 9 in the previous variant)
No Wi-Fi 6E, not wall-mount-ready
10. Asus GT-AX11000 Pro: One 10Gbps and one 2.5Gbps ports
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.
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
Bulky design, not wall-mountable
9. TP-Link Archer AXE300: Two 10Gbps and one 2.5Gbps ports
The TP-Link Archer AXE300 is the second home router with three Multi-Gig ports, besides its main competitor, the Asus GT-AXE16000 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.
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 2.5Gbps ports
The ZenWiFi Pro XT12 is the Wi-Fi 6 variant of the Wi-Fi 6E ZenWifi Pro ET12 below.
It comes with two 2.5Gbps ports. One is a permanent WAN port, and the other can work 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.
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: Two 10Gbps and one 2.5Gbps 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.
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 2.5Gbps ports
The ZenWiFi Pro ET12 is the second Wi-Fi 6E purpose-built 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.
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
Cons
Bulky, no USB, only four network ports
Fluctuating performance as a fully wireless mesh due to the lack of a dedicated backhaul band
Expensive, not wall-mountable
5. Asus ROG Rapture GT-AX6000: Two 2.5Gbps ports
The Asus GT-AX6000 is another Multi-Gig 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 — WAN and LAN by default — are part of its appeal.
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
Impractical antenna design, bulky, not practically wall-mountable
4. Netgear Orbi RBKE960: One 10Gbps and one 2.5Gbps ports
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.
Pros
Powerful hardware with Quad-band Wi-Fi and Multi-Gig wired backhaul support
Excellent Wi-Fi coverage, fast performance
More Wi-Fi networks than previous Orbis, including two additional virtual SSIDs
Cons
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 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.
Pros
Reliable Wi-Fi performance
SD-WAN and other enterprise-class features
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: One 10Gbps and one 2.5Gbps 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 less useful.
Pros
Two Multi-Gig network ports
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
1. Asus RT-AX89X: Two 10Gbps ports (one is SPF+)
(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.
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
Not wall-mountable, no universal backup restoration
PSEUDO Multi-Gig: Wi-Fi 6/6E routers with ONE port
These lists include routers with just one Muti-Gig port.
In most cases, it’s their WAN port by default. In some, you can convert this port into a LAN by turning a Gigabit as the WAN.
And that’s the reason we have two lists in this section.
Wi-Fi 6/6E routers with a single FLEXIBLE WAN/LAN Multi-Gig port
These routers have a single Multi-Gig port that can work 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.
15: MSI RadiX AXE6600 (and RadiX AX6600): One 2.5Gbps 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 RadiX AXE6600 and AX6600 are the two first Wi-Fi routers from MSI. They are practically the same, especially in terms of network ports. Both have a 2.5Gbps Mulit-Gig port that can work as a WAN or a LAN.
Pros
Top Wi-Fi 6E specs; cool Mystic Light; Reliable Wi-Fi performance
Full, lightweight web user interface, helpful mobile app
Supports all standard home network settings, deep Wi-Fi customization
Nice design, low power consumption
Cons
Only one 2.5Gbps port; mediocre 5GHz specs
Thin on gaming and network protection features; no Dynamic DNS, Link Aggregation, or Dual-WAN
Mystic Light requires a PC app; Network storage requires SMBv1 with lackluster performance
14. Asus AXE7800: One 2.5Gbps port
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.
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
13. TP-Link Deco XE200: One 10Gbps 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 with a single 10GbE auto-sensing port.
Pros
10Gbps port, 6GHz support, top-tier Wi-Fi, reliable Wi-Fi performance with extensive coverage
Easy to use; comparatively affordable
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: One 2.5Gbps port
The Netgear RAXE300 Nighthawk is the second Wi-Fi 6E router from Netgear and supposedly the lesser version of the RAXE500 (below). The excellent Wi-Fi performance and significantly lower cost make it a much better deal in real-world testing.
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: One 2.5Gbps 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.
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
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: One 2.5Gbps 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.
Pros
Fast and reliable Wi-Fi performance
Excellent feature set and network settings
Robust full web user interface
Nice design and comparatively affordable
Cons
Single Multi-Gig port; no Dual-WAN or Link Aggregation
USB-based storage performance could be better
9. Netgear RAXE500: One 2.5Gbps 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.
Pros
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
Fast network-attached storage when hosting a storage device
Cons
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: One 2.5Gbps 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.
Pros
Reliable and fast Wi-Fi performance, excellent range
Tri-band, 160MHz, and a 2.5Gbps Multi-Gig port
Standard web interface with optional mobile app
Cons
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: One 2.5Gbps 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 as a WAN or a LAN.
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
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: One 2.5Gbps 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.
Pros
Excellent Wi-Fi performance and coverage
Tri-band with multi-gig port and 160MHz channel width support
User-friendly, comparatively affordable
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: One 2.5Gbps 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.
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
Cons
Single, low-speed (2.5Gbps) Multi-Gig port
Gaming features turn Adaptive QoS off
No support for WTFast Gamer VPN
4. TP-Link Archer AX3200: One 2.5Gbps 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: One 5Gbps 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.
Pros
Powerful hardware, fast performance
Multi-Gig network port (5Gbps)
Well-organized web user interface
Ultra-fast network storage performance
Cons
No online protection, gaming, or mesh features
2. Netgear RAX200: One 2.5Gbps port
Despite being a higher-end (and more expensive) than the RAX120 above, the Netgear RAX200 comes with a 2.5Gbps port, not a 5Gbps.
This port works either as a LAN (default) or a WAN.
Pros
Reliable and fast performance
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: One 2.5Gbps 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.
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
Cons
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: One 10Gbps 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.
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: One 2.5Gbps 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.
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
Cons
Comparatively slow performance in most use cases
No Link Aggregation or Multi-Gig LAN port
Only four network ports on each hardware unit
6. Linksys MX8500 AXE8400 Atlas Max 6E: One 5Gbps port
The MX8500 is an interesting case. It’s part of the Linksys AXE8400 Wi-Fi 6E mesh system — the very first Wi-Fi 6E mesh 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.
Pros
Reliable performance, extensive coverage
Excellent NAS performance when hosting external storage device(s)
Separate SSID for each band
Cons
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: One 5Gbps 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.
Pros
Simple design with 5Gbps WAN port
Robust web interface, helpful (optional) mobile app
Cons
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: One 2.5Gbps 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.
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
Certain functions of the interface could use some improvement
Mobile app requires a login account
3. Asus ZenWiFi XT8: One 2.5Gbps 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.
Pros
Fast Wi-Fi performance and large coverage at a comparatively affordable cost
Improved and flexible AiMesh
Lots of network settings and useful features, including free real-time online protection for life
Full 4×4 dedicated backhaul band with optional wired backhaul support
Multi-Gig WAN port with Dual-WAN and WAN link aggregation
Cons
No 160MHz 4×4 support for Wi-Fi 6 clients in a dedicated wireless backhaul setup
No Multi-Gig LAN port or LAN link aggregation
Only four network ports on each hardware unit
Firmware can be buggy, especially via wired backhaul
Storage performance (when hosting an external drive) could be better
2. Netgear Orbi RBR850: One 2.5Gbps port
The Orbi RBR850, the router unit of an Orbi RBK852 mesh system, comes with a 2.5Gbps WAN port. As a result, it can host a Multi-Gig broadband connection.
Pros
Fast, reliable Wi-Fi with extensive coverage
Full web interface with all common settings and features
Useful, well-designed mobile app
2.5Gbps Multi-gig WAN ports
Support WAN 2Gbps Link Aggregation
Cons
No 160MHz channel support, limited Wi-Fi customization
Not compatible with Wi-Fi Orbi hardware
No multi-gig LAN port, intermittent lags
1. TP-Link Archer AX11000: One 2.5Gbps 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.)
Like many routers above, the TP-Link Archer AX11000 also comes with a 2.5Gbps WAN port to host a super-fast broadband connection.
Pros
Fast and reliable Wi-Fi performance
2.5 Gbps WAN port with eight Gigabit LAN ports
160 MHz channel bandwidth support
Excellent, Antivirus, QoS, and Parental Control features
Robust full web user interface, helpful mobile app
Eye-catching and convenient hardware design
USB-C ready, wall-mountable
Cons
Misleading gaming veneer, no actual gaming-specific features
No multi-gig LAN port, bulky design
Not mesh-ready (at launch)
Artificial” “Game” items make the interface unnecessarily confusing
Mobile app requires a login account
The takeaway
Generally, you only need to consider these when you have a Gigabit or a faster broadband connection.
Note that some routers can still deliver 2Gbps speed without having a Multi-Gig port by combining two 1Gbps ports in a Link Aggregation setup.
Multi-Gig vs Link Aggregation
Link Aggregation, also known as bonding, is where multiple network ports of a router aggregate into a single fast combined connection.
Typically, two Gigabit ports work in tandem to provide a 2 Gbps connection. In this case, Link Aggregation is a “cheat” way to get Multi-Gig out of two non-Multi-Gig ports. However, you can also bond two 10Gbps ports into a 20Gbps connection.
That said, Multi-Gig is a new standard that gives you a fast connection out of a single port, and Link Aggregation is a technique to artificially increase the bandwidth when you have a lot of ports to spare.
While Link Aggregation works, it’s an awkward method to get Multi-Gig since you will have multiple cables for a single connection.
And even if you don’t need Multi-Gig, these routers’ fast wired speeds never hurt and serve as the preview of the upcoming future when 10Gbps is the new norm, just like Gigabit today.
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