Best NBN Routers in Australia 2025: Top Wi-Fi 6 & 7 Models for Speed, Value & Gaming
CompareMates Editorial Team 
Choosing the best NBN routers can make or break your internet experience in Australia. While your NBN connection provides the speed foundation, your router determines how effectively that speed reaches every device in your home. With NBN plans now reaching speeds up to 1000 Mbps and beyond, pairing your connection with a capable router is essential for maximising performance, reducing dead zones, and ensuring smooth streaming, gaming, and smart home operations.
In this comprehensive review, we’ll examine five standout routers that excel across different categories: overall performance, mesh coverage, value for money, advanced features, and gaming optimisation. Whether you’re on NBN 50, 100, or the premium 1000 plans, these routers are compatible with all Australian NBN connection types including FTTP, FTTN, HFC, and wireless services.
Our selection covers both cutting-edge Wi-Fi 7 models and reliable Wi-Fi 6 options that deliver exceptional performance without breaking the budget. Each router has been evaluated based on real-world Australian usage scenarios, from busy family households to dedicated gaming setups.
Table of Contents
Comparison Best NBN Routers: Specs at a Glance
| Model | Wi-Fi Standard | Max Theoretical Speed | Bands | Best Use Case | Estimated AU Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Netgear RS600 Nighthawk | Wi-Fi 7 | BE19000 | Tri-band | Best Overall | $600-$799 |
| Amazon eero Max 7 | Wi-Fi 7 | BE11000 | Tri-band | Best Wi-Fi 7 Mesh | $1,000-$1,099 |
| TP-Link Archer AX72 Pro | Wi-Fi 6 | AX5400 | Dual-band | Best Value | $249-$269 |
| Synology RT6600ax | Wi-Fi 6 | AX6600 | Tri-band | Advanced Features | $539-$599 |
| Asus RT-AX86U Pro | Wi-Fi 6 | AX5700 | Dual-band | Best for Gaming | $300-$315 |
Individual Router Reviews
Best Overall – Netgear RS600 Nighthawk Tri-Band Wi-Fi 7 Router
The Netgear RS600 Nighthawk stands as our top pick for the best NBN router overall, delivering exceptional Wi-Fi 7 performance that future-proofs your network investment. With its tri-band configuration and BE19000 speeds, this router effortlessly handles NBN 1000 plans while maintaining consistent performance across multiple devices.
Key features include 320MHz channel support on the 6GHz band, which dramatically reduces congestion in busy Australian suburbs. The router’s eight high-performance antennas ensure excellent coverage for most Australian homes, while advanced QoS features automatically prioritise critical traffic like gaming and video calls.
Setup is straightforward through the Netgear app, and the router includes comprehensive parental controls and network security features. For households with 20+ connected devices, smart TVs, gaming consoles, and multiple streaming services running simultaneously, the RS600 delivers the raw processing power needed to keep everything running smoothly.
NETGEAR Nighthawk Tri-Band WiFi 7 Router (RS600) – Security Features, BE18000 Wireless Speed (up to 18 Gbps), 10 Gig Internet Port, Covers up to 250 sq. m.,…
- Unrivaled WiFi 7 speeds up to 18 Gbps for real-time gaming, 4K/8K streaming, UHD video conferencing, and AR/VR entertainment
- WiFi 7 delivers 2.4x faster speeds than WiFi 6 to maximize performance across all devices
- NETGEAR routers come with security measures built in, including automatic firmware updates. Our Advanced Router Protection enables enhanced safety features and updates designed to help protect you and your family
- Sleek new body offers smaller footprint and high-performance antennas for up to 250 sq. m. of 360-degree WiFi coverage
- Compatible with any internet service provider. 10 Gig internet port unleashes the fastest download speeds of today & tomorrow. 1 x 10 Gig and 3 x 1 Gig LAN ports for ultra-fast wired connections
- NETGEAR Armor provides a powerful suite of tools to help keep you safe online, including enhanced protection against hackers, malware and identity theft, at home or on the go. Includes 30-day trial
- Easily set up and manage your WiFi using the Nighthawk app
Best Wi-Fi 7 Mesh – Amazon eero Max 7 Mesh Wi-Fi 7 Router
The eero Max 7 excels in providing seamless mesh coverage throughout larger Australian homes. This Wi-Fi 7 system automatically manages device connections and optimises performance across multiple access points, making it ideal for two-storey homes or properties with challenging layouts.
What sets the eero Max 7 apart is its intelligent network management. The system automatically updates firmware, manages channel selection, and balances device loads without user intervention. For less tech-savvy users who want premium performance without complex configuration, this represents the pinnacle of user-friendly mesh networking.
The tri-band design ensures dedicated backhaul communication between mesh points, preventing the speed degradation common in traditional mesh systems. With support for Thread and Matter protocols, it’s perfectly positioned for Australia’s growing smart home ecosystem.
Amazon eero Max 7 mesh Wi-Fi router | 10 Gbps Ethernet | Coverage up to 230 m² | Connect 250+ devices | Ideal for gaming | 1-pack | Latest gen
- THE SPEED OF EERO MAX 7: with two 10 Gigabit Ethernet ports, you can enjoy wired speeds of up to 9.4 Gbps, wireless speeds of up to 4.3 Gbps and multi-gigabit backhaul speeds, making your network seriously fast.
- THE POWER OF WI-FI 7 TECHNOLOGY: provides more than twice the speed of Wi-Fi 6, so you can enjoy greater capacity, less latency and more efficiency on your network.
- TRUEMESH RELIABILITY: our patented TrueMesh network intelligence dynamically finds the ideal path for data transfer, limiting interference and helping ensure fast, reliable internet.
- LEVEL UP YOUR GAME: eero Max 7 helps deliver high-performance gaming experiences, ideal for AR, VR and cloud applications that require high throughput and low latency.
- ADVANCED DIGITAL SECURITY: an optional subscription to eero Plus protects your data, helping to keep your family’s personal information, connected devices and network protected from online threats.
- EXTEND YOUR WI-FI COVERAGE: say goodbye to dead zones and buffering with eero Built-in on a compatible eero network and Echo device.
- BUILT FOR SMART HOMES: eero Max 7 works as a smart home hub so you can connect Thread devices, as well as Matter and Zigbee devices (as controllers only).
- MORE COVERAGE, MORE DEVICES: provides up to 230 m² of mesh Wi-Fi coverage and connects 250+ devices.
- SET UP IN MINUTES: the eero app guides you through setup and allows you to manage your network from anywhere. Extend your Wi-Fi coverage: Say goodbye to dead zones and buffering with eero Built-in on a compatible eero network and Echo device.
Best Value Wi-Fi 6 – TP-Link Archer AX72 Pro (AX5400)
The TP-Link Archer AX72 Pro delivers outstanding value for Australian households seeking reliable Wi-Fi 6 performance without premium pricing. Despite its affordable positioning, this router comfortably supports NBN 500 and NBN 1000 plans while providing excellent coverage for typical Australian home sizes.
The dual-band configuration includes a robust 5GHz band capable of 4804 Mbps theoretical speeds, more than sufficient for 4K streaming, video conferencing, and casual gaming. OFDMA technology ensures efficient bandwidth allocation across multiple devices, preventing network slowdowns during peak usage periods.
Build quality exceeds expectations at this price point, with solid construction and reliable long-term performance. The TP-Link Tether app provides easy management, including guest network setup, parental controls, and basic QoS configuration. For budget-conscious users upgrading from older routers, the AX72 Pro offers dramatic performance improvements without stretching finances.
TP-Link AX5400 Multi-Gigabit WiFi 6 Router, 8K Streaming, USB 3.0, 2.5G WAN/LAN Port, 160MHz Bandwidth (Archer AX72 Pro)
- Gigabit WiFi for 8K Streaming – 5400 Mbps WiFi for faster browsing, streamings, and downloading, all at the same time.
- Fully Featured Wi-Fi 6 – Equips with the top structure of 4T4R and HE160 on the 5 GHz bands to enable a 4.8 Gbps ultra-fast connection.
- Connect 100+ Devices§ – Supports MU-MIMO and OFDMA to reduce congestion and quadruple the average throughput.**
- Extensive Coverage – 6× antennas and Beamforming ensure broad coverage.
- HomeShield – TP-Link’s premium security services keep your home network safe with cutting-edge features for network and IoT protection.*
- More Vents, Less Heat – Improved vents area unleashes the full power of the whole machine.
- USB Sharing – 1× USB 3.0 port enables easy media sharing and private cloud building.
- Easy Setup – Set up the router in minutes with the Tether app.
- TP-Link – World’s No. 1 Provider of WLAN Products within last 12 years. Leading support – Industry leading 3-year warranty and 24/7 technical support
Advanced Customisation – Synology RT6600ax Tri-Band Wi-Fi 6 Router
The Synology RT6600ax caters to tech-savvy Australians who demand granular control over their network configuration. Built on Synology’s renowned Router Manager (SRM) platform, this router offers enterprise-grade features in a consumer-friendly package.
Standout capabilities include comprehensive firewall management, advanced VPN server functionality, and detailed traffic analysis. The tri-band design includes a dedicated 5GHz backhaul band, making it excellent for wireless mesh expansion or high-bandwidth applications like home offices or content creation setups.
The SRM interface rivals professional networking equipment, offering packet inspection, intrusion detection, and sophisticated QoS policies. For users managing home businesses, remote work setups, or complex smart home installations, the RT6600ax provides the control and reliability needed for mission-critical applications.
Regular security updates and active community support ensure long-term viability, making this router an excellent investment for power users who plan to keep their equipment for many years.
Synology RT6600ax Tri-Band Wi-Fi 6 Router – Quad-Core 1.8 GHz, 1 GB DDR3, Synology SSL VPN
- Quad-Core 1.8 GHz processor
- 2T2R + 4T4R omnidirectional high-gain dipole (2.4 GHz/5 GHz)
- Smart Connect for seamless transition between maximum speed or range
- Hardware accelerated Layer 7 traffic control and monitoring
- Dual WAN capable for load balancing and failover suppor
Best for Gaming – Asus RT-AX86U Pro (AX5700) Dual-Band Wi-Fi 6 Gaming Router
The Asus RT-AX86U Pro specifically targets Australian gamers seeking competitive advantages through optimised network performance. Adaptive QoS automatically prioritises gaming traffic, while gaming accelerator features reduce latency for popular titles and consoles.
The router’s powerful quad-core processor handles intensive gaming sessions without performance degradation. Dedicated gaming ports provide wired connections for consoles and gaming PCs, while the 5GHz band delivers exceptional wireless performance for mobile gaming and VR applications.
ASUS AiMesh compatibility allows expansion into a mesh system using compatible ASUS routers, providing flexibility as gaming setups evolve. The router integrates with popular gaming VPN services and includes built-in support for gaming-specific features like port forwarding presets for major consoles.
For households where gaming performance is paramount, the RT-AX86U Pro delivers the specialised features and consistent low-latency performance that serious gamers demand.
ASUS RT-AX86U Pro – AX5700 Wi-Fi 6 Gaming Router, Dual Band, Mobile Gaming Mode, AiProtection Pro Lifetime Free, AiMesh, 2.5G Port, Gaming Port, QoQ Adaptive…
- High Efficiency WiFi 6 – Ultra-fast dual-band WiFi 6 router increases speed up to 5700Mbps, with 160MHz channels for better efficiency and speed.
- EXTENDED COVERAGE – Exclusive ASUS RangeBoost Plus feature improves signal range and overall coverage.
- Mobile Game Mode – Reduce lag and latency for mobile gaming with a simple tap of the ASUS Router app.
- Safer browsing experience – Block unwanted content with ASUS Safe Browsing, and protect your kids online by filtering explicit content from search results.
- Enhanced security anywhere – Protect your home network with a free lifetime subscription to AiProtection Pro, powered by Trend Micro. And when you’re away from home, ASUS Instant Guard gives you a secure VPN that can be shared with one click.
FAQs
Does the NBN provider supply a good enough router?
Most NBN providers supply basic modem-routers that meet minimum connection requirements but often lack the performance, range, and features needed for modern Australian households. While these units work adequately for basic internet browsing, they typically struggle with multiple high-bandwidth devices, gaming, or comprehensive home coverage. Upgrading to a dedicated router significantly improves network performance, reliability, and feature availability.
Is Wi-Fi 7 worth it if you’re on NBN 100?
Wi-Fi 7 provides benefits beyond raw speed, including improved efficiency with multiple devices, reduced latency, and better performance in congested areas. Even on NBN 100 plans, Wi-Fi 7 routers handle device management more effectively, provide better coverage, and offer future-proofing for plan upgrades. However, Wi-Fi 6 routers still provide excellent performance for NBN 100 connections at more affordable prices.
How to choose between dual-band, tri-band, and mesh systems?
Dual-band routers suit smaller homes with moderate device counts and NBN plans up to 250 Mbps. Tri-band systems excel in busy households with many devices or when using wireless backhaul for mesh expansion. Mesh systems are essential for larger homes, multi-storey properties, or areas with significant Wi-Fi dead zones. Consider your home size, device count, and coverage requirements when choosing between these configurations.
Conclusion
Selecting among the best NBN routers depends on your specific household needs and technical requirements. For overall excellence and future-proofing, the Netgear RS600 Nighthawk delivers premium Wi-Fi 7 performance across all use cases. Budget-conscious users will find exceptional value in the TP-Link Archer AX72 Pro, while gamers should prioritise the ASUS RT-AX86U Pro’s specialised optimisations.
Families requiring comprehensive coverage throughout larger homes will benefit from the eero Max 7’s intelligent mesh capabilities, while power users seeking advanced configuration options should consider the Synology RT6600ax’s professional-grade features.
Consider your current NBN plan, household size, device count, and specific performance requirements when making your decision. Each router in our selection provides excellent compatibility with Australian NBN services and represents a significant upgrade over standard provider-supplied equipment.
Ready to transform your NBN experience? Choose the router that best matches your needs and enjoy the improved performance, coverage, and reliability that comes with professional-grade networking equipment.
