Best Cheap Wi-Fi 6 Routers 2022: Top 3 IEEE 802.11ax Wireless Standard
If you upgrade your existing router to one of the best cheap Wi-Fi 6 routers, you’re likely to have these significant benefits:
- The first, remarkable Wi-Fi speeds.
- Network reliability.
- Increased bandwidth.
- Tons of traffic management features.
- And, excellent coverage.
This is what I got after upgrading to Wi-Fi 6 router. However, it was one of the expensive Wi-Fi 6 routers called Netgear Nighthawk 12-Stream AX12. But, you’re lucky as you don’t have to spend that much.
Here is my list of three best Cheap Wi-Fi 6 routers for 2022
IEEE 802.11ax (WiFi 6) | Best For | Rating |
---|---|---|
ASUS RT-AX56U AX1800 | Overall Best | 4.8 |
Linksys Mesh Wi-Fi MR7350 | Mesh Network | 4.8 |
Tp-Link Archer AX10 | Cheapest Wi-Fi 6 Router | 4.7 |
Review: Top 3 Cheap Wi-Fi 6 Routers In 2022
1. ASUS RT-AX56U AX1800 – Overall Best
Key Highlights:
- IEEE 802.11ax Wi-Fi 6 Wireless Standard
- MU-MIMO OFDMA
- ASUS AiMesh Wi-Fi
- AiProtection Security
- Maximum speed 1.8Gbps
Overview:
The ASUS RT-AX56U AX1800 is one of the top-rated Wi-Fi 6 routers that offers a balance of features. It is supporting the latest Wi-Fi standards and 80MHz of bandwidth – for better network efficiency and capacity. Additionally, it also supports MU-MIMO OFDMA; meaning, you won’t have any network issues while connecting multiple devices simultaneously.
The SUS RT-AX56U delivers ultra-fast Wi-Fi speeds. For example, its 2.4GHz band offers 574Mbps, and the 5GHz band offers up to 1201Mbps. You also get enhanced security with the router called AiProtection — a software powered by Trend Micro. And the good thing is that you won’t have to pay extra for this as it is lifetime free software for you.
Pros & Cons:
What I like:
- The ASUS RT-AX56U AX1800 is compatible with the AiMesh Wi-Fi System feature.
- MU-MIMO, with OFDMA technology, handles multiple devices without any issues.
- A lifetime commercial-grade security by Trend Micro.
- Excellent Wi-Fi performance, especially on the 2.4GHz band.
- Beautiful design and super fast setup.
What I don’t:
- It doesn’t support the WPA3 security protocol.
Verdict:
The router ASUS RT-AX56U is not a cheap Wi-Fi 6 router. It is because of tons of features and advanced technologies. After testing for a couple of days, I found the router best for home uses and small offices.
2. Linksys Mesh Wi-Fi MR7350 – Best for Mesh Network
Key Highlights:
- Wi-Fi Coverage up to 1700 sq. Ft.
- Wireless standard IEEE 802.11ax.
- Velop Mesh supported
- Alexa Supported
Overview:
The second best Wi-Fi 6 router is from Linksys called Max-stream MR7350. It is worth the money and works great when it comes to connecting multiple devices simultaneously. It handles up to +20 devices with the coverage of up to 1700 sq. Ft. For more coverage, you can expand it by creating a Wi-Fi mesh network.
Linksys App is excellent when it comes to network management and customizing. With the App, you can create up to 50 separate guest networks. Additionally, you get other essential features, including parental controls, device prioritization, and speed tests.
Pros & Cons:
What I like:
- Velop expansion support and the latest security protocol WPA3.
- Excellent Wi-Fi speeds of up to 1.5Gbps, making 4k streaming and gaming very smooth.
- Coverage of up to 1700 sq.ft.—With up to 20+ simultaneous devices.
- Network management and setup become more straightforward with its Linksys App.
- Linksys 24/7 customer support.
What I don’t:
- It is an expensive Wi-Fi 6 router.
Verdict:
The Linksys Max-stream MR7350 can be an excellent choice for large homes. It covers up to 1700 sq. Ft with more than 20 devices at once. Moreover, it lets you expand it by its intelligent Mesh technology. So, you can take it as a future-proof router.
3. Tp-Link Archer AX10 – Best Cheapest Wi-Fi 6 Router
Key Highlights:
- Beamforming, MU-MIMO (OFDMA)
- 4x Gigabit Ethernet LAN ports
- The latest wireless standard IEEE 802.11ax
- Triple-core CPU
- Alexa-enabled
Overview:
The cheapest router on the list is from Tp-Link, called Archer AX10. Tp-Link claims that the archer AX10 is up to 40% faster than the previous generation Wi-Fi 5. Moreover, it offers maximum wireless throughput up to 1.5Gbps using both bands – the 2.4GHz band and the 5GHz band simultaneously.
With the latest wireless technology OFDMA 1024-QAM, the router lets you connect multiple devices with ease. In my testing, I didn’t have any issues while 4K streaming and gaming simultaneously. To achieve such a performance, the archer AX10 uses a powerful 1.5GHz Triple-core CPU.
Pros & Cons:
What I like:
- A reliable and stable coverage wireless throughput without any interference.
- It is equipped with a robust tri-core 1.5GHz processor.
- MU-MIMO, OFDMA 1024-QAM, Target Wake Time, and Beamforming.
- Four Gigabit Ethernet LAN ports for multiple wired connections simultaneously.
- Its Tp-Link Tether App for setting the router up and management.
What I don’t:
- It doesn’t have any USB port.
Verdict:
The Tp-Link Archer AX10 is an excellent and best cheapest Wi-Fi 6 router for you. It will be a perfect choice for light-duty tasks, such as 4K streaming, gaming, multiple wireless connections, and more reliable coverage throughout your home.
FAQs: Most commonly asked questions about Cheap wi-Fi 6 routers
1. Should I buy a Wi-Fi 6 router in 2022? Should I upgrade to Wi-Fi 6?
Yes and no. It depends. If you’re using Wi-Fi 6 or devices that support the latest wireless standard IEEE 802.11ax, you should go for any of the best Wi-Fi 6 routers listed in this article.
However, the older IEEE 802.11ac standard still can be a good option for most people unless they’re using devices that support 802.11ax. Or, don’t buy Wi-Fi 6 router if you already have owned a fast Wi-Fi 5 router.
2. What speed should be enough for my Internet use and devices?
There is no doubt that Wi-Fi 6 routers are great when it comes to high-speed connections. However, you’ll see any benefits from these routers only when there is Gigabit internet speed plans.
On the other hand, it also depends on Wi-Fi 6-enabled devices. However, the good thing about this latest Wi-Fi 6 standard is that it offers backward compatibility too. We can’t avoid the fact that most functionality of this standard will only work with Wi-Fi 6-enabled clients such as improved battery life and many other similar features.
3. What coverage do I require for my home? Should I upgrade to Wi-Fi 6 for good coverage throughput?
It entirely depends on the area you’re living in. Most modern router, a normal one, can easily give a good range of up to 2000 sq. Ft. For large homes, you can buy a router that can offer you more than 3,000 sq. Ft. check out my list of best long-range routers.
Or you can upgrade your existing router to Wi-Fi 6, the first router ASUS RT-AX56U on the list can be an example for this question. It can provide you coverage of up to 18,000 sq.ft. If you need more, you can expand its coverage by creating a mesh Wi-Fi network as it supports the AiMesh feature.
Conclusion: Decide On your own about cheap WiFi 6 routers
In 2022, I’d suggest upgrading to Wi-Fi 6 routers if you want a high speed from a router. However, I never recommend buying unless you have any fast Wi-Fi 5 routers.
All three Wi-Fi 6 routers listed above are significant in terms of performance and features. You can pick any one of them that suits you the most. adobe