The best Wi-Fi 6 home networking tech to upgrade your setup

Image Credits: AmpliFi / Netgear

Wi-Fi 6 is here — making its way to more and more devices, with a noteworthy inclusion on last year’s flagship iPhone 11 lineup. This next-generation Wi-Fi technology provides faster speeds for transferring data between devices, but more importantly, it also means your system will be better equipped to handle multiple Wi-Fi devices connected at one time, without slowdowns or interruptions — and it can even reduce battery drain in mobile devices.

The two-pack can cover a house up to 5,000 square feet, Netgear asserts, and it may support up to 2.5G net connections via an Ethernet-connected modem.

The Orbi AX6000 comprises Netgear's X technologies, which may optimize media and streaming connections for optimum performance.

I analyzed a two-device setup, with a single base unit and a single satellite, and actually saw the benefits of its scope. In my testing, I managed to enjoy a constant and powerful Wi-Fi relation to the AX6000 up to approximately 500 feet or more outdoors -- helpful in the scenario where I had it set up at a lake home for reaching all of the way down to a pier.

Orbi AX6000 Mesh Wi-Fi System (starting at $699.99)

Image Credits: Netgear

Netgear’s Orbi lineup is a popular mesh option, and its latest AX6000 series offers Wi-Fi 6 networking in either a two- or three-pack configuration. Even the two-pack is able to cover a home of up to 5,000 square feet, Netgear claims, and it can support up to 2.5G internet connections from an Ethernet-connected modem.

The Orbi AX6000 includes Netgear’s X technology, which can optimize streaming and media connections for optimal performance. Both the base unit and the satellite include 4 Gigabit Ethernet LAN ports for hardwired connections, which means you’re less likely to need an Ethernet switch to connect all your gear.

In real-world testing, the AX6000 proved a remarkably reliable and far-reaching mesh system. I tested a two-device configuration, with one base unit and one satellite, and really saw the advantages of its range. In my testing, I was able to enjoy a consistent and strong Wi-Fi connection with the AX6000 as far as around 500 feet or more outside — useful in the situation where I had it installed in a lake house for reaching all the way down to a dock.

Orbi's system could be handled from a cell program, which offers a synopsis of apparatus attached, with comprehensive information available for every. You can pause and restart accessibility for every connected device from the program, and enable features such as a dedicated guest community.

Netgear also provides a service named Armor, which offers real-time hazard detection and security on your system. It is a subscription service, using a restricted free trial included if you set your Orbi system. In training, it did appear to efficiently detect and block malware and malware links, and it is discretionary as a continuing paid add-on.

The actual strength of this Orbi system for me personally was that once I used it with a cellular-based network link in a comparatively distant setting, it radically improved functionality. This was true when I used it with my own house fibre link, and it can be a 1.5Gbps system, but it enhanced the less dependable 50Mbps mobile link so it moved from comparatively unreliable to completely dependable.

Netgear's offering also provides a degree of simplicity concerning the program and community management which has benefits and drawbacks, but that's most likely better suited to non or casual customers. I discovered it lacked some innovative options I was searching for, such as the capability to different 2.4Ghz and 5Ghz networks under different network SSIDs to easily connect some wise home devices, but that is likely not a feature many consumers want or desire.

AmpliFi Alien Wi-Fi 6 Router (starting at $379)

Image Credits: AmpliFi

Unlike the Orbi alternative, AmpliFi's hardware does not have committed base channel and satellite components, meaning that they may be phased out as required to install distinct networks if you do not require the mesh capacities.

In longterm testing, their visibility was impeccable concerning community uptime, also AmpliFi has always and reliably pushed upgrades to increase their performance too.

That is more computing power than you will find in certain mid-range Android smart phones, all dedicated to the job of constantly optimizing your system and device connections for optimum performance.

All that onboard intellect does not automatically translate to sophistication, nevertheless -- AmpliFi is intended to function as Ubiquiti's more reachable customer manufacturer, and it remains true to this with its easy, app-based installation and control. The AmpliFi program is quite user-friendly and nicely designed, and contains all the features you'd expect from a net networking system, such as individual apparatus controls and views, in addition to rule creation and complete stats reporting. You might even install guest websites, and configure more innovative features like different SSIDs for distinct frequency networks.

Both menus as well as the in-app ones may find just a small information dense in comparison to other choices such as the Orbi, yet, which explains the reason why I believe that it's a far better choice for a person more comfortable with technology generally, and media tech specifically.

The grid offers excellent expandability and versatility (albeit using a price tag, as it's $379) and wonderful custom controller attributes. It is undoubtedly the media solution to overcome when it comes to innovative at-home Wi-Fi networking.

However, Wi-Fi 6 has to be an investment which should supply you with several years of media benefits, with more advantages accruing over time, therefore it is probably worth investing in a top-tier system which will supply future-proof functionality.

The Netgear Orbi system as well as also the AmpliFi Alien offer excellent performance, simple installation and a multitude of excellent features. Orbi's AX6000 is probably better for people who would rather set-it-and-forget-it, and that may appreciate the choice of preparing hazard detection on a continuous basis. The Alien is best for power users and anyone who would like the capability to modify their setup over time -- such as possibly dividing their networking components to use in numerous places.