All Specs
If you’re ready to test the Wi-Fi 6 waters, but don’t want to spend a fortune, the $79.99 TP-Link Archer AX10 ($79.99) is the most affordable way to give it a shot. This dual-band router delivered solid 5GHz performance and showed decent signal range in our tests, but its 2.4GHz results could be better. As is usually the case with budget-class routers, you don’t get features such as multi-gig and USB ports, and it doesn’t support 160MHz channel width or WPA3 encryption. But for less than $100, you might be willing to overlook those features.
Small and Sleek
All Specs
Zyxel’s first Wi-Fi 6 router, the Armor G5 ($449), is a 12-stream dual-band model equipped with high-end hardware including 10GbE LAN and 2.5GbE WAN ports. It looks sleek, supports all of the latest 802.11ax technologies, comes with parental controls, and is easy to install. It also performed relatively well on our throughput tests, but there are faster, more feature-rich routers available for less money, including our Editors’ Choice winner, the $399.99 TP-Link Archer AX11000.
Armor G5 Design and Features
With its matte black finish, low-profile cabinet, and lack of external antennas, the Armor G5 is a stylish router that can be placed out in the open or mounted on a wall without looking out of place. It measures 2.6 by 9.8 by 7.2 inches (HWD) and has rounded corners and a red X badge on the front.