Best Wi-Fi 6 AX Routers with Beamforming

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The best 6 AX bundled Wi-Fi routers provide the most robust and reliable Wi-Fi coverage for your home or business. If you’re looking for a new Wi-Fi 6 router, consider one with beamforming capabilities.

Beam shaping improves the speed, reliability and range of WIFI connections. And with the evolution of Wi-Fi 6, these routers are suitable for large homes, businesses and busy networks with many connected wireless devices.

What is bimforming?

Think of a spinning top with beam formation as a lantern and a spinning top without beam formation as a lantern. A flashlight can direct the light to a specific object, while a torch spreads the light in all directions. Bimforming works the same way. This allows the router to route or focus the Wi-Fi signal to connected client devices, increasing the range and strength of the connection.

Without beamforming, the router transmits the signal in all directions, which can weaken the Wi-Fi signal.

Aligning the Wi-Fi signal with the receiving device results in a stronger signal, which in practice means a higher data transfer rate. And just like a flashlight, beamforming increases coverage and range, which is ideal if you want your Wi-Fi signal to reach every corner of your home or office.

Beam shaping was introduced in the 802.11n (Wi-Fi 4) specification, but has never been implemented. It became standard with the 802.11ac (Wi-Fi 5) specification and is now included in the latest Wi-Fi 6 specification. To take advantage of beamforming, you need both a beamforming-compatible router and a client device. However, not all Wi-Fi devices (including routers) support bundle scanning, which brings us to this overview of the best Wi-Fi 6 routers with bundle scanning.

Explicit versus implicit bundling

Explicit beamforming is literally everything discussed above. When a router communicates with a beamforming-compatible client device, it is explicitly called beamforming (or universal beamforming for some brands).

However, not all client devices support beamforming, including some of the latest Wi-Fi 5 and Wi-Fi 6 devices. Not all devices that support 802.11n or older automatically support beamforming. However, the router may still attempt to use beamforming techniques on these devices to improve Wi-Fi performance, a process called implicit beamforming.

Therefore, a router that supports implicit beamforming automatically supports explicit beamforming. Implicit beamforming does not have the same performance improvement as explicit beamforming, but it is better than no beamforming.

Best 6 AX Wi-Fi router with beamforming at the moment

Product	parts	Control price
	Netgear Nighthawk AX8 (RAX80)	The speeds: 1.2 Gbps (2.4 GHz), 4.8 Gbps (5 GHz) Processor : quad-core 1.8 GHz processor antennas: 4 internal Ethernet ports: 1x Gigabit WAN, 5x Gigabit LAN USB ports: 2x USB 3.0 Internal beamforming : Yes	View Amazon
	TP-Link Archer AX10	The speeds: 300 Mbps (2.4 GHz), 1201 Mbps (5 GHz) Processor : 1.5 GHz tri-core processor antennas: 4 external Ethernet ports: 1x Gigabit WAN, 4x Gigabit LAN USB ports : None Intrinsic beamforming : Yes	View Amazon
	Netgear Orbi RBK852 Mesh WiFi System	The speeds: 1200 Mbps (2.4 GHz), 2400 Mbps (5 GHz), 1200 Mbps (5 GHz) Processor : Quad-core processor 2.2GHz antenna : 8 internal Ethernet ports : 1x 2.5GbE WAN, 4x Gigabit LAN (per device) USB ports : None Intrinsic beamforming : Yes	View Amazon
	TP-Link Deco Wi-Fi 6 Mesh Wi-Fi System (Deco X20)	The speeds: 574 Mbps (2.4 GHz), 1201 Mbps (5 GHz) Processor : Antennas with 1 GHz quad-core processor : 2 Internal Ethernet ports : 2 Gigabit WAN/LAN ports (each) USB : No. Intrinsic Radiation Formation : Yes	View Amazon
	ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AX11000	The speeds: 1148 Mbps (2.4 GHz), 4804 Mbps (5 GHz) Processor : quad-core 1.8 GHz processor antennas: 8 external Ethernet ports: 1x Gigabit WAN, 4x Gigabit LAN, 1x 2.5GbE LAN USB ports: 2x USB 3.1 Gen1 Intrinsic beamforming : Yes	View Amazon
	Asus RT-AX86U	The speeds: 861 Mbps (2.4 GHz), 4804 Mbps (5 GHz) Processor : Quad-core processor 1.8 GHz Antennas: 3x external, 1x internal Ethernet ports: 1x Gigabit WAN, 4x Gigabit LAN, 1x 2.5GbE WAN/LAN USB ports: 2x USB 3.2 Gen1 Internal beamforming : Yes	View Amazon

Wi-Fi 6 routers have become very popular, and many options on the market support beamforming. The Netgear Nighthawk AX8 (RAX80) is our best recommendation for most people. It’s not the best you can get, but it’s the best combination of speed, power and price – exactly what most smart homes, organizations and offices need.

The Netgear Nighthawk AX8 (RAX80) supports 1.2 Gbps in the 2.4 GHz band and 4.8 Gbps in the wider 160 MHz band (via Wi-Fi 6) 5 GHz. With 4X4 MU-MIMO, the router can handle multiple simultaneous client connections, making it a great option for larger homes with multiple Wi-Fi devices. It also supports Beamforming+, which dramatically improves performance even on older 802.11a/b/g/n client devices.

The router has a unique design. It has the shape of a spaceship with two wings, each carrying two powerful antennas. It has one WAN port and five LAN ports, which is ideal for demanding workflows and gaming. Port Aggregation allows you to combine two LAN ports for an even faster wired connection, making gaming and data transfers easier. There are also two USB 3.0 ports for sharing drives and other devices such as printers.

The AX8 (RAX80) also lacks functionality. First of all, the installation process via the Nighthawk application is quite simple. You can manage connected devices, set parental controls, perform speed tests, configure guest networking and security, and manage Netgear subscriptions. Once your network is up and running, you can easily manage it with Alexa or Google Assistant.

Now the Netgear Nighthawk AX8 (RAX80) should be suitable for most homes and businesses. But if you’re installing it in large organizations, or if you really have a lot of devices connected to your network, we recommend the 12-stream Nighthawk AX12 (RAX120) [Amazon Link]. This system uses the 8X8 MU-MIMO, which allows simultaneous transmission to an even greater number of devices and greatly improves the network performance of each device.

OUR OBJECTIVE

The Netgear Nighthawk AX8 (RAX80) is the only router you need to improve your network performance and eliminate dead spots at home, in the office or at work. It is inexpensive, but offers high data transfer speeds between multiple devices using Wi-Fi 6. Designed for use in large homes, the AX8 is packed with features that give you total control over your network.

PROS

• Exceptional speeds of 6 Gbit/s
• Simple configuration
• Ethernet port aggregation
• Encryption and guest networking for security

REDUCED

• No protection against malware

2. TP-Link Archer AX10 is a low-cost Wi-Fi 6 router withbeamforming.

If you want to enjoy the benefits of beamforming and Wi-Fi 6 without breaking the bank, we recommend the cheapest Wi-Fi 6 router, the TP-Link Archer AX10. This is TP-Link’s entry-level AX Wi-Fi router. It offers the best value for money by combining the benefits of AX Wi-Fi and beamforming for better coverage and simultaneous broadcast to multiple devices.

The Archer AX10 promises speeds of 1500 Mbps with 1201 Mbps on the 5 GHz band and 300 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band. It’s not a huge performance leap over the latest generation AC routers, but you do get the benefits of Wi-Fi 6, including OFDMA, MU-MIMO and higher bandwidth. If you have a large home with many wireless devices, we recommend the Archer AX10 Wi-Fi 5 routers. It can support multiple client devices and increase the performance of each device.

The router is equipped with four high gain external antennas that provide broad and reliable Wi-Fi coverage throughout the home or office. It can beam the signal to the client’s device to achieve an even stronger signal and higher speeds. You also have four LAN ports on board so your wired devices can enjoy uninterrupted sessions, but it does not support Ethernet port aggregation.

You can use the Archer AX10 as a router or an access point. The Tether application is the most convenient way to manage your network, although you can also use the web interface. From parental controls to managing connected devices to guest networks, you get a wide range of features to help you manage your network.

The Archer AX10 also supports advanced features such as WPA3 encryption, a built-in firewall and a VPS service that protects your files from network predators. Players will especially appreciate the Quality of Service feature that prioritizes games and other demanding applications to avoid delays and interruptions when streaming and eliminating enemies on the battlefield. Like most modern routers, the Archer AX10 is fully compatible with Alexa for hands-free management.

OUR OBJECTIVE

The TP-Link Archer AX10 is an excellent bundle-forming router to buy if you want Wi-Fi 6 without breaking the bank. It won’t result in huge data rate jumps like the Nighthawk AX8 (RAX80), but it will improve network coverage and bandwidth to support more devices at once. It is the best router for most homes and small businesses.

PROS

• Cheap and affordable
• WPA3 Security
• Child lock is activated
• Simple configuration
• Compatible with Amazon Alexa

REDUCED

• Slow speeds compared to other Wi-Fi 6 routers
• Not suitable for large houses and organizations

Eliminate dead Wi-Fi zones in your home and office with Netgear’s tri-band 6 mesh Wi-Fi system. Maybe you have the fastest router in your house and still struggle to get a strong signal in places like the bedroom, basement or garden. Using a mesh system, you can broadcast the Wi-Fi signal to any corner of the house, so you can work, play or make video calls from almost anywhere.

The Orbi Mesh WiFi 6 system combines mesh technology, beamforming and Wi-Fi 6 to deliver the ultimate WiFi experience. This two-component system (a router and a satellite extender) can cover up to 5,000 square feet and provides fast and reliable Wi-Fi performance for more than 1,000 client devices. Both the router and satellite have eight powerful internal antennas that support both implicit and explicit beam for better coverage and signal strength.

The Orbi Mesh WiFi 6 system is suitable for 1200 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band and 2400 Mbps on the 5 GHz band. An additional 5 GHz (1200 Mbps) band is dedicated to data transmission between the Orbi router and the Orbi satellite to enable high data speeds throughout the home. There are also a total of eight (4) Gigabit Ethernet LAN ports on board to connect wired devices. There are no USB ports available.

This mesh system easily transforms your home or business into a high-speed wireless LAN, eliminating the blind spots that previously existed. MU-MIMO and OFDMA allow you to connect multiple client devices to your network without sacrificing Wi-Fi performance. You can configure the Orbi and the satellite with the Orbi application, which includes parental controls, security settings, guest networks, voice control, and traffic monitoring. Your network stays secure with NETGEAR Armor (subscription required) and WiFi security standards like 802.11i.

OUR OBJECTIVE

The Netgear Orbi RBK852 continues to be a popular 6 mesh Wi-Fi system for large homes, businesses and busy environments. It has an incredible speed of 6Gbps and can support multiple devices, among other benefits of Wi-Fi 6. It’s very expensive, but if you can completely eliminate the dead spots on wifi and maintain high speeds on multiple devices, it’s worth it.

PROS

• High performance at speeds up to 6 Gbps.
• Simple configuration
• Compact dimensions, small footprint
• Eight Ethernet LAN ports
• Multifunctional, including the safety of children
• Supports Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.

REDUCED

• No WPA3 security
• No USB ports
• Does not support Ethernet port aggregation

If you don’t have the money to buy the Netgear Orbi RBK852, the 3 Deco X20 package is the best budget alternative. The TP-Link Deco X20 (with a router and two satellites) covers a larger area, 5,800 square feet, than the Orbi RBK852, while costing half as much. This solution is ideal for people who want to improve the Wi-Fi signal coverage in their home without spending too much money.

In terms of performance, the Deco X20, like most Wi-Fi 6 routers, is designed for larger households. It can work with up to 150 client devices without performance degradation. However, the transmission speed is lower than that of the Orbi RBK852. The Deco X20 offers 1201 Mbps in the 5 GHz band and 574 Mbps in the 2.4 GHz band, meeting the speed requirements of the AX1800 Wi-Fi standard.

The main advantages of the Deco X20 are the significantly improved WLAN range (thanks to beamforming and meshing) and the support of multiple WLAN devices without the need for drag-and-drop.

The router and satellites have two internal antennas to boost the signal throughout the house. The satellites are wirelessly connected to the router so they can be strategically placed to eliminate blind spots. You get two Gigabit LAN ports per device for connecting wired devices.

Setting up the Deco X20 is easy with the Deco App. As with most TP-Link routers, you get a lifetime subscription to the TP-Link HomeCare combination. It is a software package that provides advanced network management features including parental controls, integrated virus protection, and application and software QoS support. The Deco X20 also supports WPA3 encryption, so your network is always secure. Add the Deco X20 to your smartphone list and easily control it with your voice via Amazon Alexa.

OUR OBJECTIVE

If you don’t need the extra speed that Wi-Fi 6 offers, the TP-Link Deco X20 is exactly what you need for your home or business, no matter how big or small. You get a longer range and stronger signals without breaking the bank. Speed is not a problem either: You can stream 4K videos and play online games without buffering. Add advanced management features and you get value for your money.

PROS

• Of great importance
• Broader coverage
• Simple configuration
• WPA3 Security
• Small and compact devices
• quality of service

REDUCED

• Slow speeds for Wi-Fi 6
• No USB ports

The ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AX11000 is a massive router with all the features gamers need. You know it’s a game router the first time you see it. The rugged construction, RGB lighting, and sharp edges scream it. It gets better. You can sync RGB colors with other Asus Aura-compatible devices to add a touch of style and personality to your gaming console.

There are many reasons to buy the Rapture GT-AX11000 for your game console. Apart from the gaming feature, which we’ll see in a moment, the Rapture GT-AX11000 is very fast. It is the only router in our area that can achieve speeds in excess of 10 gigabits. It has two Wi-Fi 6 channels of 5 GHz (including a channel for games) at 4804 Mbps and one channel of 2.4 GHz up to 1148 Mbps.

The ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AX11000 is designed for large households with many wireless devices. It has eight huge antennas that transmit reliable and powerful Wi-Fi signals to every corner of your home. In case of coverage issues or dead zones (which is unlikely), you can easily solve them by adding a second Asus router as a mesh node based on Asus AiMesh.

For gaming, the router has a 2.5G port that is specifically designed for gaming devices. Using this port and a dedicated 5GHz bandwidth, the router can prioritize gaming devices, game servers and game packets to maximize gaming traffic for a smooth, unbuffered gaming experience. There are also great features on board, such as. B. Port forwarding, a Game Center interface designed by the ROG, and VPN Fusion, which allows you to avoid the extra latency and ping time caused by VPN services.

Elsewhere, you have four additional Gigabit ports with channel aggregation and two USB 3.1 Gen1 ports. Your network stays protected with AiProtection Pro, which protects your network and devices from malware and intruders. You can also set up guest networks, parental controls and VPN. The only downside is the lack of WPA3 security, but that’s okay because your network is secure.

OUR OBJECTIVE

If you really want to play, you should buy this router. It has everything from incredibly fast data speeds to gaming features and security. Sure, it’s expensive, but there’s no better gaming router in this price range unless you make a few compromises. Three-step game acceleration, dedicated game port and bandwidth, and port forwarding provide an immersive gaming experience that other Wi-Fi 6 routers don’t offer.

PROS

• An incredibly fast gaming router
• Built-in game functions
• Dedicated 2.5G port and 5GHz band for gaming
• Reliable security and free VPN
• RGB lighting for players
• Supports LAN connection aggregation

REDUCED

• No WPA3 encryption
• Large and massive

6. The Asus RT-AX86U is the best 6 AX Wi-Fi router for gaming at a great price.

The Asus RT-AX86U is one of the latest Asus Wi-Fi 6 routers. This is a good option if you need a Wi-Fi 6 game router with beamforming without breaking the budget. It may not have the speed of the Rapture GT-AX11000, but it has some tricks up its sleeve that will make your gaming experience incredible.

The RT-AX86U offers super-fast Wi-Fi speeds of up to 5700 Mbps, ideal for online gaming and 4K video streaming. This is another Wi-Fi 6 router designed for large homes and busy networks. It can manage multiple devices (more than 35, according to Asus) without compromising drag and drop functionality. The RT-AX86U is also compatible with AiMesh technology if you want to extend Wi-Fi coverage.

With QoS and a dedicated game port, your gaming devices maintain high throughput regardless of the number of devices connected to the network.

The Asus RT-AX86U uses three powerful external antennas and one internal antenna, so expect zero coverage unless you’re in a high-rise building. On board are a 2.5 Gbit WAN/LAN port, a 1 Gigabit WAN port and four 1 Gigabit LAN ports (one of which is dedicated to gaming) that support link aggregation. The router automatically prioritizes any device connected to the game port. You also get two USB 3.2 Gen1 ports.

So you should get an Asus RT-AX86U to play with?

Despite its low price compared to the GT-AX11000, the RT-AX86U has excellent built-in gaming features. There are three ways to prioritize playground equipment. You can prioritize via a port or gaming application, or connect to the less congested 5 GHz band for high speeds. With Adaptive QoS, you can prioritize network traffic for applications such as gaming, streaming, or file transfers. The Asus RT-AX86U is also recommended for the NVIDIA GeForce NOW if you’re into cloud gaming.

If you’re like me and play PUBG or other games on the go, the ASUS routing app has a unique feature called Mobile Game Mode that helps reduce latency and lag for smooth mobile gaming.

Elsewhere, you’ll benefit from convenient network management features like parental controls, built-in VPNs, guest networking, and Alexa for hands-free management. Traffic analyzer and network diagnostics are also available through the application. Your network is protected with AiProtection and WPA3 encryption for added security.

OUR OBJECTIVE

The RT-AX86U from Asus is a great router with excellent gaming features and Wi-Fi performance, perfect for gamers on a limited budget. This router is specifically designed to provide an incredible gaming experience. Features range from a dedicated gaming port to multiple options for prioritizing your gaming device. There are also advanced features that allow the router to work without the cost of a high-end product.

PROS

• A great performance for the money
• Built-in game functions
• NVIDIA GeForce NOW – Recommended
• Robust security with AiProtection and WPA3 encryption.
• The quality of service is maintained
• Support for Ethernet aggregation

REDUCED

• Another big, massive router
• No improvement / acceleration of the game

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is a tie cutter?

A beamforming router can focus the Wi-Fi signal on the receiving client devices instead of sending it in all directions, increasing speed, range and reliability.

Is the beam shape the same as MU MIMO?

No. Bimforming is very important for the implementation of MU-MIMO, but it is not the same. MU-MIMO (Multiple User Multiple Input Multiple Output) allows simultaneous transmission from multiple devices.

Should I activate beamforming?

Yes. Beam shaping is recommended when you want to extend the range of your Wi-Fi signal and increase speed and reliability.

Is the beam shape the same as the color of the BSS?

No. BSS Color is a feature introduced in Wi-Fi 6 that reduces signal interference from neighboring wireless networks by marking (coloring) the frames so that your router can ignore those that are not intended for it.

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