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Retire your hired and tired home router to benefit from the enhanced functionality of market-leading access points

Many households have a love-hate relationship with Wi-Fi. Until recently, problems with speed, coverage and network security, and capacity have made the quality of Wi-Fi networks extremely variable. However, the Wi-Fi Alliance, the industry body behind Wi-Fi has gone back to the drawing board and has come up with a range of improvements that have really enhanced Wi-Fi performance. 

The best Wi-Fi 6E Access points take advantage of the latest advancements in Wi-Fi including 

  • Access to the 6GHz frequency band.
  • The WPA3 updated security protocol.
  • Improved encryption.
  • Enhanced network name and password security.
  • Simplified onboarding and recognition of network devices.

So if you want to take advantage of Wi-Fi 6E for your home or business network, the best Wi-Fi 6E access points deliver superb performance in a range of everyday use cases. We’ve trawled the market and reviewed dozens of the latest access points that provide Wi-Fi 6E connectivity. Here are our top picks: 

Solid Access Point
Ubiquiti UniFi U6 Enterprise Access Point | US Model | PoE Adapter not Included (U6-Enterprise-US)
$299.99
  • WiFi 4/WiFi 5/WiFi 6/WiFi 6E (2.4/5/6 GHz bands)
  • 10.2 Gbps aggregate throughput rate
  • (1) 2.5GbE RJ45 port (PoE In)
  • Powered with PoE+ (PoE adapter optional)
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
03/13/2023 08:00 pm GMT

Quick specs

BrandUbiquiti
Wireless networking standardsWi-Fi 6E (802.11ax)
Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n)
Wi-Fi 3 (802.11g)
Wi-Fi 2 (802.11a)
Wi-Fi 1 (802.11b)
Frequency bands used 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, 6 GHz (Tri-band)
Speed 1 Gbps
ConnectivityEthernet
Security ProtocolsWPA
WPA2
WPA3
(personal and enterprise protocols)
Ports 1 x Ethernet 
Number of client devices supported 200+
Dimensions‎8.66 in x 8.66 in x 1.89 in (21.9 cm x 21.9 cm x 4.8 cm)
Weight2.4 pound  (1.08 kilograms)
UNI
UniFi

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This is an extremely versatile access point for building scalable home and business networks with indoor and outdoor coverage. Ubiquiti’s access points deliver excellent coverage bandwidth and performance for both household and commercial applications. As part of the UniFi range of wireless networking equipment, you can benefit from additional coordinating products like range extenders and outdoor, weather-resistant versions of this competitively priced access point. 

UNI

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Owners of the Ubiquiti UniFi U6 Enterprise Access Point appreciate the quick and simple app-based setup you can even complete on your phone. This makes it remarkably easy to build and scale the network as your needs change. Ubiquiti also provides regular firmware updates and outstanding support that safeguards the longevity of your purchase.

Check out Ubiquiti UniFi U6 Enterprise Access Point on Amazon.

ASUS ROG Rapture WiFi 6E Gaming Router (GT-AXE11000) - Tri-Band 10 Gigabit Wireless Router, World's First 6Ghz Band for Wider Channels & Higher Capacity, 1.8GHz Quad-Core CPU, 2.5G Port, AURA...
$389.00
  • Next-gen WiFi standard – World's first Wi-Fi 6E tri-band router boosts speeds up to 11000 Mbps.
  • 6GHz spectrum available – Wider channels and higher capacity to deliver higher performance, lower latency, and less interference.
  • 2.5G LAN/WAN Port – All traffic through 2.5G port is given the top priority, and 2.5G port unlocks the full potential of WiFi 6.
  • Performance through engineering – Quad-core CPU processor, cooling system and optimized antenna design that brings its computational capability to the next level.
  • Triple-level Game Acceleration – Accelerate game traffic every step of the way — from device to game server.
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
06/03/2023 02:52 pm GMT

Quick specs

BrandASUS
Wireless networking standardsWi-Fi 6E (802.11ax)
Frequency bands used 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, 6 Ghz
Speed 11 Gbps
ConnectivityEthernet / Wi-Fi
Security ProtocolsWPA3-PSK
WPA2
WPA
Ports 6 x Ethernet 
Number of client devices supported 64
Dimensions12.91 in x 12.91 in x 7.05 in (32.7 cm x 32.7 cm x 18 cm)
Weight3.93 pounds (1.78 kilograms)

Serious gamers need the exceptional bandwidth and capacity only a Wi-F- 6E access point can deliver. And the ASUS ROG Rapture WiFi 6E Gaming Router does not disappoint.

Wi-Fi 6E is ideal for gaming and with speeds of 11 Gbps+, you’ll always have the advantage in the most advanced gaming environments. The massive channels that Wi-Fi 6E delivers are perfect for supporting low-latency, interference-free gaming. This router prioritizes high-throughput applications with a dedicated 2.5G port for routing data. ASUS’ proprietary triple-level acceleration speeds up game traffic between your device and the game server for a more responsive experience for you and your competitors.

This access point also features the most advanced Wi-Fi security standard WPA3- Enterprise and the gaming-focused AiProtection Pro by Trend Micro™ that automatically generated novel security signatures and handshakes to protect you from cloud-based threats. Strong parental controls and site blocking also keep children safe online. 

Check out ASUS ROG Rapture WiFi 6E Gaming Router (GT-AXE11000) on Amazon.

Quick specs

BrandTP-Link
Wireless networking standardsWi-Fi 6E (802.11ax)
Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
Wi-Fi 3 (802.11g)
Wi-Fi 2 (802.11a)
Wi-Fi 1 (802.11b)
Frequency bands used 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, 6 GHz
Speed 5.4 Gbps
ConnectivityEthernet / Wi-Fi
Security ProtocolsWPA3-PSK
Ports 5x Ethernet 1x USB
Number of client devices supported 40
Dimensions10.28 x 5.3 x 1.61 in (27 cm x 13.4 cm x 4.06 cm)
Weight1.5 pounds (700 grams)

If you’re still working from home, investing in networking hardware that provides you with the best connection speeds and performance will help you keep in touch with the outside world. A regular home router might not be up to ‌supporting heavy Zoom use alongside regular household use, so an upgraded access point is a shrewd investment. 

This access point features tri-band Wi-Fi 6E technology, the most advanced available. The 3×3 multi-user MIMO antennas provide multi-gigahertz speed connectivity, making this an access point that you can rely on for advanced WFH networking applications like:

  • Telecommuting 
  • Running remote desktops and VPNs
  • Essential Virtualization applications 
  • Cloud computing 

The TP-Link AX1800 Wi-Fi 6 router also has the bandwidth to cover your home office use while supporting regular household usage. Its intelligent networking features like the Wi-Fi Dead-Zone Killer, and Smart Roaming keep coverage consistent around your property. 

Check out TP-Link AXE5400 Tri-Band WiFi 6E Router on Amazon.

Best For Large Home: Ubiquiti UniFi U6 Enterprise Access Point  

Solid Access Point
Ubiquiti UniFi U6 Enterprise Access Point | US Model | PoE Adapter not Included (U6-Enterprise-US)
$299.99
  • WiFi 4/WiFi 5/WiFi 6/WiFi 6E (2.4/5/6 GHz bands)
  • 10.2 Gbps aggregate throughput rate
  • (1) 2.5GbE RJ45 port (PoE In)
  • Powered with PoE+ (PoE adapter optional)
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
03/13/2023 08:00 pm GMT

Quick specs

BrandUbiquiti
Wireless networking standardsWi-Fi 6E (802.11ax)
Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n)
Wi-Fi 3 (802.11g)
Wi-Fi 2 (802.11a)
Wi-Fi 1 (802.11b)
Frequency bands used 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, 6 GHz (Tri-band)
Speed 1 Gbps
ConnectivityEthernet
Security ProtocolsWPAWPA2WPA3(personal and enterprise protocols)
Ports 1 x Ethernet 
Number of client devices supported 200+
Dimensions‎8.66 in x 8.66 in x 1.89 in (21.9 cm x 21.9 cm x 4.8 cm)
Weight2.4 pounds (1.08 kilograms)

Achieving consistent Wi-Fi coverage can be a challenge in large properties. A single router does not have the transmitting power to maintain consistent performance across multiple rooms or over several floors. This means that the Wi-Fi signal is often very weak in certain parts of the property, even if the Wi-Fi network speeds are high. 

Wi-Fi Mesh networking is the best solution for providing high-speed coverage all over your big house. Ubiquiti has designed the Ubiquiti UniFi U6 Enterprise Access Point  for just this application. With UniFi, you can install individual discrete, wall-mounted access points in each room or area of your property. The individual access points link to create a single network with excellent coverage wherever you are in the building as you’ll only be a few meters from an access point. 

We think that this premium Wi-Fi 6 access point is a great buy for guesthouses and vacation rentals too. 

Check out Ubiquiti UniFi U6 Enterprise Access Point  on Amazon.

NETGEAR Orbi Quad-Band WiFi 6E Mesh System (RBKE963), Router with 2 Satellite Extenders, Coverage up to 9,000 sq. ft, 200 Devices, 10 Gig Internet Port, AXE11000 802.11 Axe (Up to 10.8Gbps)
$1,499.00
  • Our most powerful whole-home WiFi system with speeds up to 10.8Gbps and coverage up to 9,000 sq. ft., including front & back yards
  • Exclusive Quad-band technology & Dedicated Backhaul WiFi ensures max speeds for up to 200 connected devices
  • WiFi 6E opens up a new 6GHz band, delivering dedicated top speeds to the latest WiFi 6E-ready laptops, phones, & tablets
  • 10 Gig internet port unleashes the fastest download speeds of today and tomorrow. Connect to the latest cable or fiber internet service up to 10Gbps
  • Patented antenna design boosts WiFi coverage & delivers high-performance WiFi across your entire home
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
03/03/2023 09:15 am GMT

Quick specs

BrandNETGEAR
Wireless networking standardsWi-Fi 6E (802.11ax)
Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
Frequency bands used 1 x 2.4 GHz, 2x 5 GHz,  6 GHz (Quad-band)
Speed Up to 10 Gbps
ConnectivityEthernet
Security ProtocolsWPA-PSK [TKIP]
WPA2-PSK [AES]
WPA2-PSK [AES]
WPA3-Personal [SAE] 
Ports 1 x Internet port3 x Ethernet ports
Number of client devices supported 250+
Dimensions11 in x 7.5 in x 2.8 in. (27.9 cm x 19.05 cm x 7.1 cm)
Weight3 pounds (1.3 kilograms)

Speed and coverage are essential for the connectivity required to run a smart home network. If you rely on smart home solutions like automated locks, lighting, and thermostats, the NETGEAR Orbi Quad-Band WiFi 6E Mesh System delivers lighting-fast speeds and bandwidth throughout your property that can support as many smart devices as you need. 

But what sets this access point apart from competitors are its exemplary security features, which are essential for smart home applications. You can be confident that your Wi-Fi network is secure and hacker-proof with features like: 

  • Harmonized mesh network names and passwords
  • WPA2 and WPA 3 network security, the latest Wi-Fi security standards from the Wi-Fi Alliance
  • AES encryption 
  • Email notifications if there is a security event
  • Firewall security

Depending on the size of your home, you can use a single Orbi access point or opt to connect multiple Orbis throughout your home in a mesh network. 

Check out NETGEAR Orbi Quad-Band WiFi 6E Mesh System (RBKE963) on Amazon.

Linksys Mesh Wifi 6 Router, Dual-Band, 2,700 Sq. ft Coverage, 55+ Devices,High-Speed ax Router for Streaming & Gaming, Speeds up to (AX6600) 6.6Gbps - MR7500
$299.99
  • 6 GHz band found on Wi-Fi 6E routers offers interference-free signal and ultra-fast speeds
  • has up to 4x the channels of older Wi-Fi router systems
  • Compatible with all Internet service providers and is 100% backward compatible with Wi-Fi 5 and older devices
  • Coverage up to 2,700 sq. ft., 55+ devices, and speeds up to 6.6 Gbps
  • Velop Intelligent Mesh technology combined with Wi-Fi 6E is designed to deliver gigabit Wi-Fi speeds to every corner of home or business
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
03/03/2023 07:59 am GMT

Quick specs

BrandLinksys
Wireless networking standardsWiFi 6E (802.11ax)WiFi 5 (802.11ac)WiFi 4 (802.11n)WiFi 3 (802.11g)WiFi 2 (802.11a)WiFi 1 (802.11b)
Frequency bands used 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, 6 GHz
Speed Up to 6.6 Gbps
ConnectivityEthernet
Security ProtocolsWPA2 / WPA3 
Ports 5 x Ethernet port (POE)USB 3.0
Number of client devices supported 100+
Dimensions13.54 in x 19.09 in x 10.75 in (34.3 cm x 48.04 cm x 27.3 cm)
Weight3.75 pounds (1.69 kilograms)

If you run an office or commercial environment, you’ll know that robust, high-speed connectivity is essential to keep staff productive. Linksys has designed the Linksys MR7500 MESH WIFI 6E to provide multi-gigabit wireless connectivity speeds in high-density environments such as offices, stores, and coffee shops. 

This access point can be discretely wall or ceiling-mounted and provides omnidirectional broadband Wi-Fi connectivity over the 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz frequency bands. Multiple MR7500 MESH Wi-Fi 6E access points can create a mesh network with centralized cloud management and an intuitive, browser-based dashboard. Linksys also prioritizes security with enterprise-level WPA3 network security. 

Check out Linksys MR7500 MESH WIFI 6E on Amazon.

How To Pick The Best Wi-Fi 6E Access Points: Key Considerations

A Wi-Fi 6E access point is your opportunity to take advantage of the most advanced type of Wi-Fi networking, first released in early 2021. This high-speed, high-bandwidth technology is the perfect partner for a fiber gigabit broadband internet connection. The right access point is key to enjoying enhanced performance for this wireless networking tech. Here are five key considerations for selecting the best Wi-Fi 6E access point for your needs:

  • Frequency bands
  • Antennas
  • Mesh networking 
  • Network Security
  • Price 

Let’s review each one in more detail.

Frequency bands and channels 

Wi-Fi 6E differs from the 2019 release of Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) because it can use the 6 GHz frequency band for high-speed, high-throughput data exchange. This is a very new thing as the FCC only allowed unlicensed use of this frequency band in 2020. 

Wi-Fi 6E access points now have up to four distinct frequency bands to use:

  1. The 2.4 GHz frequency band ranges between 2.401 GHz and 2.473 GHz. In the US the 2.4 GHz frequency band has 11 20 MHz-wide channels but in other regions 14 channels are available. 
  2. The 5GHz frequency band spans 5.170 GHz to 5.835 GHz and is often divided into upper and lower frequency bands. It has up to 25 20 MHz-wide non-overlapping channels for data exchange. 
  3. The 6 GHz frequency band, also known as the Unlicensed National Information Infrastructure (U-NII) band, spans 5.925 GHz to 7.125 GHz. This frequency band is the largest and can provide up to 59 20 MHz-wide channels. 

If a manufacturer markets the 5 GHz frequency band as a single frequency band the Wi-Fi 6E access point will be called a tri-band access point. If the access point divides the 5 GHz frequency band into upper and lower bands, the access point is a quad-band access point.

Antennas

Wi-Fi 6E access points rely on the latest antenna technology to achieve super-fast connectivity. The key antenna technology for Wi-Fi 6E is Multi-user Multiple Input Multiple Output (MU-MIMO) which improves the performance of the Wi-Fi signal by sending and receiving it via multiple antennas. A legitimate 6E access should have at least 4 antennas to achieve its connectivity (2×2 MIMO). 

Mesh networking 

Mesh networking technology involves the creation of a network that comprises multiple, interconnected access points, known as nodes. This is the ideal solution for providing great Wi-Fi coverage through large buildings or over multiple floors. Each node receives and transmits data within a localized area. Data moves in and out of the mesh network via a controller with a wired backhaul to the internet.

Network security 

Wi-Fi 6E benefits from the most up-to-date Wi-Fi security standard WPA3. This newly released security standard provides industry-leading encryption, authentication, and device onboarding technologies, with robust protection against common forms of network attack. 

Price

By purchasing a Wi-Fi 6E access point, you are buying the latest Wi-Fi technology and futureproofing your wireless network. These next-generation access points, understandably, have a significantly higher price point than even Wi-Fi 6 ones. For enterprise or mesh networking access points, you can expect to pay upwards of $400, but prices should come down as the adoption of Wi-Fi 6E increases. 

What To Know Before Buying The Best Wi-Fi 6E Access Points

Wi-Fi 6 E has some great features, but it may not be the most appropriate wireless networking technology for every use case. Here are three things you need to know before you buy that Wi-Fi 6E access point:

1. Only Wi-Fi 6E-certified devices can use the 6 GHz frequency band

This is extremely important because if you buy a Wi-Fi 6E router and no devices can use the 6 GHz frequency band, you are essentially paying extra for Wi-Fi 6 networking. Only certified devices can take advantage of the massive amount of bandwidth available at 6 GHz, so if you are buying a new smart TV, phone, or laptop, ensure that it is Wi-Fi 6E compatible.

2. Wi-Fi 6 also delivers significant improvements to network performance

If you’re keen to use Wi-Fi 6E because of the improvements in performance, you may benefit from using Wi-Fi 6. Wi-Fi 6 is essentially Wi-Fi 6E without the 6 GHz frequency band. The Wi-Fi Alliance has added a variety of enhancements to Wi-Fi 6 that have improved its speed, capacity, and resilience against interference. You can confidently use Wi-Fi 6 for demanding applications like videoconferencing, gaming, and IoT.

3. Wi-Fi 6E coverage is limited at 6 GHz

Adding the 6 GHz frequency band is a game-changer because it massively increases the number of channels you have available to use. However, it’s important to note that the 6 GHz signal is a lot weaker than the 2.4 and 5 GHz signals, and walls and other obstructions will absorb the 6 GHz signal. This means that the 6 GHz signal has less coverage than the other frequencies, often limited to a single room. Intelligent access points play to the strength of the different frequency bands and divert traffic to each one to make the network fast and efficient. 

Using The Best Wi-Fi 6E Access Points: What it’s Like? 

Wi-Fi 6E is engineered to deliver an efficient and intuitive user experience. The 802.11ax protocol address common problems like interference, congestion, and difficulties in onboarding new or unusual devices on a network. Users of Wi-Fi 6E can benefit from multi-gigabyte connectivity, but the overall speed of the network will be determined by the internet connection to the property. If a Wi-Fi 6E access point is connected to 100 Mbps DSL internet, the DSL speed determines the speed of the entire network!

Final thoughts 

Wi-Fi 6E represents the future of Wi-Fi and the speed and capacity of these networks realize the true capabilities of this popular wireless networking technology. As you can see, leading manufacturers have been quick to respond to Wi-Fi 6E with a varied range of access points that Easily satisfy common use cases. However, end-user devices are still lagging behind Wi-Fi 6E, and with so few devices compatible with the 6 GHz frequency band, a 6E access point may take time to deliver a return on investment. 

The Best WiFi 6E Access Points For Every Use Case (2022) – Reviewed and Ranked FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) 

Is Wi-Fi 6E data encrypted?

Wi-Fi 6E uses the Wi-Fi Protected Access standard, version 3 (WPA3) which has increased cryptographic strength compared to previous WPA versions. Wi-Fi 6E data is routinely encrypted, irrespective of the device that is connected to the network. WPA3 encryption uses the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) with a 192-bit key. AES is the same encryption standard used by the US Government. You can learn more about Wi-Fi encryption in the article WPA 2 vs WPA3.

Can devices that aren’t WiFi 6E certified use these access points?

Yes! Wi-Fi 6E access points are all backward compatible with previous versions of Wi-Fi. However, only Wi-Fi 6E-certified devices can use the 6 GHz frequency band. All other devices will use the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequency bands by default.

Is Wi-Fi 6E worth it?

Wi-Fi 6E offers a significantly enhanced user experience, but if network devices cannot use the 6 GHz frequency band to transmit and receive data, the network connectivity will be the same as using Wi-Fi 6. Unless you have devices that can use the 6 GHz frequency band, Wi-Fi 6E is not yet delivering ROI.

What is MIMO?

Multiple Input Multiple Output is an antenna technology that multiplies the capacity of wireless links for increased speed and performance. The Wi-Fi signal is sent between multiple paired transmitting and receiving antennas. This practice boost signal quality and strengths. Access points that used MIMO usually have at least two pairs of antennas (2×2).

What is a non-overlapping channel?

Wi-Fi networking protocols divide each frequency band into multiple 20 MHz-wide channels. Wi-Fi networks exchange their data between devices and access points using individual channels. The width of these channels may mean that two or more channels overlap. This has the potential to cause interference on both channels. Non-overlapping channels are distinct and unaffected by interference. This makes them preferable for network use.

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