What Are The Best Modems and Routers For NBN?
Today I’m sharing some knowledge about the types of modems/routers that are best suited for your NBN services. I have over 30 years of experience in the telecommunications industry and work daily to solve internet issues for home and business owners. The ISP-supplied modems/routers can be fine for most people. But, if you’re like me and want the best performance from your NBN internet service, then upgrading from your cheap ISP’s modem/router to something with more grunt then this is the post for you.
As an Internet Technician, I’ve installed a wide variety of modem routers from different brands, and I’ve found that performance can vary. To help you choose the best one for your needs, I’ve curated a list of modem routers suitable for various budgets. I’ve also categorised them based on their compatibility with different NBN technologies. If you’re unsure about which technology your setup uses, click here and enter your address to find out.
To make your decision easier, I’ve located the best online prices and provided links for each modem router. Our team of ACMA-certified technicians is here to assist you every step of the way.
While getting a modem router from your ISP isn’t always a bad choice, the connection performance may range from adequate to very good. However, it’s worth noting that additional features are often lacking in ISP-provided equipment. So, keep that in mind when making your selection.
| Technology | Full Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| FTTN | Fibre to the Node | Utilises existing copper lines to connect from a nearby fibre node. It's suitable for areas with existing copper. |
| FTTC | Fibre to the Curb | Fibre is extended close to the home or business, with the final part using copper to connect to the premises. |
| FTTB | Fibre to the Building | Commonly used for apartment blocks and multi-dwelling units. Fibre is taken to the building's communications room. |
| FTTP | Fibre to the Premises | Provides a fibre connection directly to the home or business. It offers the highest potential speeds. |
| HFC | Hybrid Fibre Coaxial | Utilises the existing 'pay TV' or cable network. It combines fibre and coaxial cable to deliver services. |
Wi-Fi performance on ISP-provided modems is generally subpar. I spoke to an ISP rep who said their in-home Wi-Fi is bad, so a separate router is highly recommended. For the best results, have your modem and router as separate devices, giving you more control. If a problem arises, you won’t need to swap out a combo unit; just replace one. With this in mind, I’ve compiled a few recommendations to cover most situations. Let’s start with the entry-level options.
TP-Link 300Mbps Wireless N VDSL/ADSL Modem Router
Experience versatile and reliable connectivity with the TP-Link 300Mbps Wireless N VDSL/ADSL Modem Router. NBN-ready and equipped with DSL and LAN/WAN ports, it’s compatible with a range of standards including VDSL2, ADSL2+, and ADSL2, and even works with fibre and cable access. Enjoy superfast VDSL broadband speeds of up to 100 Mbps, alongside 300 Mbps Wi-Fi speeds for seamless streaming and browsing. The multi-functional USB port makes it easy to share files and media within your network. Its powerful external antennas ensure maximum wireless coverage, providing a strong and consistent signal in every direction. Backed by TP-Link’s industry-leading 3-year warranty and 24/7 technical support, it’s a reliable choice for your connectivity needs.
NBN Technologies
The router will work on FTTN and FTTB
- Versatile Connectivity –With DSL and LAN/WAN ports, TD-W9970 is fully compatible with the VDSL2/ADSL2+/ADSL2/ADSL standards and also works with fiber/cable access.
- Boosted Speeds –Superfast VDSL broadband speeds of up to 100Mbps together with 300Mbps Wi-Fi.
- Easy Sharing –Share files, media with your friends or family using the multi-functional USB port
- Maximized Range –Powerful external antennas provide far-reaching wireless coverage in every direction.
- TP-Link - World's No. 1 Provider of WLAN Products within last 11 years. Leading support - Industry leading 3-year warranty and 24/7 technical support
Price Range $
Technician Review
We recently installed the TP-Link TD-W9970 for a client seeking a budget-friendly modem router. The setup was straightforward, revealing the router as a low-cost solution with robust Wifi performance, ideal for smaller living spaces. Its compatibility with 802.11B/G/N networks and low power consumption under 5 Watts enhances its cost-efficiency.
The two external 4dBi high-gain antennas ensured strong signal strength, appreciated by our client for stable Wi-Fi connectivity. Technically, it supports the latest ITU-T G.993.2 VDSL2 standard, providing up to 100Mbps speed downstream and upstream, versatile for ADSL, NBN FTTB or FTTN services. Some users noted range and speed issues in larger premises. Customer feedback highlighted its build quality, value for money, and Wi-Fi range with positive ratings. Our client was satisfied with its performance, finding it a cost-effective solution for stable connectivity in smaller homes or apartments.
TP-Link WiFi 6 AX1500 Smart WiFi Router (Archer AX10)
Experience seamless connectivity with the Archer AX1500 Wi-Fi 6 Router. Engineered with the latest Wi-Fi 6 technology, this router offers speeds of up to 1.5 Gbps—delivering 1201 Mbps on the 5 GHz band and 300 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band. Its triple-core 1.5 GHz processor ensures smooth, lag-free communication between all connected devices. Revolutionary OFDMA and MU-MIMO technologies allow for more data transmission to multiple devices, while Beamforming technology and four antennas provide reliable coverage. The router also supports TP-Link OneMesh™ for whole-home coverage and is backward compatible with previous Wi-Fi standards.
NBN Technologies
The router will work on FTTC. FTTP, HFC, Fixed Wireless
Price Range $
- OneMesh Compatible Router - Form a seamless WiFi when work with TP-Link OneMesh WiFi Extenders
- Wi-Fi 6 Router: Archer AX10 comes equipped with latest wireless technology WiFi6 featuring OFDMA 1024-QAM, drastically increasing the speed and efficiency of the entire network.
- Next-gen Dual Band router - 300 Mbps on 2. 4 GHz (802. 11n) plus 1201 Mbps on 5 GHz (802. 11ax)
- Connect more devices than ever before - Wi-Fi 6 technology simultaneously communicates more data to more devices using OFDMA and MU-MIMO while reducing lag dramatically
- Triple-core processing - the 1. 5 GHz tri-core processor ensures communications between your router and all connected devices are smooth and Buffer-Free
Technician Review
In our continuous endeavour to offer robust internet connectivity solutions to our clientele, we recently introduced the TP-Link Archer AX1500 router to our suite of products, installing it for customer-facing routine connectivity issues. The Archer AX1500, a budget-friendly router embracing the latest Wi-Fi 6 technology, promised a leap towards faster speeds, higher capacity, and reduced latency for home networks.
Setting up the Archer AX1500 was a smooth venture, thanks to its user-friendly interface. Once operational, the Wi-Fi 6 technology immediately showcased its potential by significantly enhancing the network’s capability to handle multiple connections simultaneously, courtesy of features like OFDMA and MU-MIMO. The router managed to provide a solid performance, especially on the 5 GHz band, making real-time activities like gaming and streaming feel more seamless
The dual-band speeds of up to 1.5 Gbps further added to the router’s appeal, ensuring a buffer-free 4K/HD streaming and gaming experience for our client. This was particularly evident on the 5 GHz band with speeds reaching up to 1201 Mbps, a stark contrast to the previous network’s constant buffering issues
However, it’s essential to note some of the Archer AX1500’s limitations as well. The performance on the 2.4 GHz band could use some improvement, especially when operating on the Wi-Fi 4 standard. Additionally, the absence of a USB port and the router’s inability to fully utilise 1 Gbps internet connections were minor drawbacks that were observed. Nonetheless, these shortcomings were not deal-breakers for our client, considering the significant improvement in the overall network performance and the budget-friendly price point of the Archer AX1500.
In summation, the TP-Link Archer AX1500 router emerged as a prudent choice for customers seeking to upgrade their network infrastructure without a hefty investment. Its Wi-Fi 6 capability, along with the robust performance on the 5 GHz band, adequately addressed the common network challenges, rendering a noticeable enhancement in connectivity for our client.
ASUS RT-AX53U (AX1800) Dual Band WiFi 6
Transform your home network with the ASUS RT-AX53U Dual Band WiFi 6 Router. Built for modern connectivity, it supports the new-gen WiFi 6 (802.11ax) standard, featuring MU-MIMO and OFDMA technologies for improved efficiency and throughput. Offering blazing-fast speeds of up to 1800 Mbps—574 Mbps on the 2.4GHz band and 1201 Mbps on the 5GHz band—it’s perfect for gaming, streaming, and smart home applications. With 4 Gigabit ports, it’s 10X faster than traditional Ethernet. Plus, enjoy subscription-free network security with AiProtection, powered by Trend Micro, and seamless whole-home coverage with ASUS AiMesh compatibility.
NBN Technologies
The router will work on FTTC. FTTP, HFC, Fixed Wireless
Price Range $$
- New-Gen WiFi Standard – WiFi 6(802.11ax) standard supporting MU-MIMO and OFDMA technology for better efficiency and throughput
- Connect in your way – You can share the internet from 3G/4G dongle to the router by plug the dongle in a USB port
- Ultra-fast WiFi Speed – RT-AX53U supports 1024-QAM for dramatically faster wireless connections; With a total networking speed of about 1800Mbps — 574 Mbps on the 2.4GHz band and 1201 Mbps on the 5GHz band
- Increase Capacity and Efficiency – Supporting not only MU-MIMO but also OFDMA technique to efficiently allocate channels, communicate with multiple devices simultaneously
- 4 Gigabit ports – One Gigabit WAN port and three Gigabit LAN ports, 10X faster than 100–Base T Ethernet
Technician Review
Our team at Secure A Com recently had the privilege of installing the ASUS RT-AX53U router for a client. The compact router, boasting the latest Wi-Fi 6 technology, promised a leap in speed and reduced latency. The setup process was straightforward, making it operational in no time. Once up and running, the router’s dual-band capabilities were evident, offering speeds up to 1800Mbps which significantly improved the client’s network performance. The RT-AX53U efficiently handled multiple device connections courtesy of its OFDMA and MU-MIMO technology, ensuring a smooth online experience.
A standout feature was the AiProtection, powered by Trend Micro™, providing a robust security layer to the network, a critical aspect in today’s cyber threat landscape. This security feature ensured a safer browsing environment for all connected devices, a selling point our client greatly appreciated. The router also showcased its versatility by allowing internet sharing from a 3G/4G dongle via a USB port, adding a touch of flexibility to the network setup.
Despite its compact footprint, the router’s performance was on par with larger, more expensive models, making it a cost-effective solution for our client’s needs. Moreover, its capability to provide reliable coverage throughout the premises, thanks to the Wi-Fi 6 technology, was a significant upgrade from the client’s previous setup. The added feature of ASUS AiMesh compatibility, enabling the creation of a whole-home Wi-Fi system, provided a pathway for potential network expansion in the future.
Overall, the ASUS RT-AX53U router proved to be a worthy investment for enhancing network connectivity, offering a blend of speed, security, and reliability. Its budget-friendly price point coupled with its robust performance made it a commendable solution for small to medium-sized setups looking to upgrade their network infrastructure. Our client was extremely satisfied with the upgrade, marking another successful installation by our team at Secure A Com.
ASUS RT-AX92U AX6100 WiFi 6 Gaming Mesh Router
Experience next-level connectivity with the ASUS RT-AX92U AX6100 WiFi 6 Gaming Mesh Router. This tri-band marvel comes equipped with OFDMA and MU-MIMO technology for efficient, stable, and accelerated data transmission across multiple devices. Featuring compatibility with 802.11n, ac, and ax bands, it caters to both legacy and cutting-edge devices. The router also supports ASUS AiMesh, a versatile whole-home mesh system, and includes AiProtection Pro for robust network security. Advanced parental controls and a Double Boost feature optimise your low-ping gaming sessions.
NBN Technologies
The router will work on FTTC. FTTP, HFC, Fixed Wireless
Price Range $$$
- With OFDMA and MU-MIMO, RT-AX92U enables more efficient, stable, and faster transmission even when multiple devices are transmitting data at the same time
- RT-AX92U comes with 802.11n, ac and ax bands, which provides channels for all kinds of devices, including legacy or cutting-edge devices
- RT-AX92U supports ASUS AiMesh-a powerful, flexible whole-home mesh system technology
- AiProtection Pro protects all the connected devices on your home network and advanced parental controls allow you to manage the family's internet usage
- Double Boost Built for Low-ping Gaming
Technician Review
We recently installed the ASUS AiMesh AX6100 WiFi System (RT-AX92U 2 Pack) for a customer, and the transformation was instant. The setup was smooth, and the whole-home coverage lived up to the promise, banishing dead spots across a sprawling area. The WiFi 6 technology ensured a robust, ultra-fast connection, delivering a seamless online experience whether for streaming or gaming. The added Ethernet backhaul provided a sturdy, wired backbone, ensuring even greater stability. The AiProtection Pro is a commendable feature, ensuring a safe browsing environment. Our client was thrilled with the upgrade, showcasing how tech can significantly enhance connectivity and online security.
TP-Link AX6000 Next-Gen Wi-Fi Router
Experience blazing dual-band Wi-Fi speeds up to 5952 Mbps with the TP-Link AX6000 Next-Gen Router. With a 2.5 Gbps WAN port, eight Gigabit LAN ports, and two USB 3.0 ports, it offers versatile connectivity options. OFDMA technology and MU-MIMO support maximise efficiency in high-density environments. Powered by a 1.8 GHz Quad-Core CPU, this router ensures stable, low-latency performance. It comes with an industry-leading 3-year warranty.
NBN Technologies
The router will work on FTTC. FTTP, HFC, Fixed Wireless
Price Range $$$$
- Blazing Speed - AX6000 Dual-Band Wi-Fi speed boosted by 1024QAM deliver astonishing wireless speed up to 5952 Mbps: 4804 Mbps (5 GHz) and 1148 Mbps (2.4 GHz)
- Ultra Connective - 1 × 2.5 Gbps WAN port, 8 × Gigabit LAN ports, and 2 × USB 3.0 in Type A and Type C
- Highly Efficient - OFDMA increases average throughput by 4× in high-density scenarios, compared with an 802.11ac standard router. Downlink and uplink MU-MIMO are both supported.
- Powerful Processing - 1.8 GHz Quad-Core CPU and 2 coprocessors eradicate latency and deliver stable performance
- TP-Link - World's No. 1 Provider of WLAN Products within last 11 years. Leading support - Industry leading 3-year warranty and 24/7 technical support
Technician Review
We recently integrated the TP-Link Archer AX6000 for a client, aiming to boost their gaming and streaming experiences with its Wi-Fi 6, 802.11ax standard. The router’s robust hardware, including a Broadcom BCM4908 quad-core processor and 4×4 MU-MIMO capability, hinted at improved wireless transfers. Its dual-band Wi-Fi speed, reaching up to 5952 Mbps, and 12 Ultra Connectivity options with various ports, provided a versatile setup for wired connections.
Our client, with a 1Gbps internet connection, appreciated the router’s speed, range, and additional features like parental controls and a VPN server. The feedback was positive, praising the stable, high-speed internet connectivity. The TP-Link Archer AX6000 proved to be a cost-effective upgrade for reliable, high-speed internet, making it a worthy investment for individuals or small businesses.
ASUS RT-AX53U (AX1800) Dual Band WiFi 6
Step into the future of connectivity with the ASUS DSL-AX82U AX5400 Dual Band WiFi 6 xDSL Modem Router. Offering ultrafast speeds of up to 5400 Mbps on the latest WiFi 6 (802.11ax) with 160MHz channels, it sets a new standard for wireless performance. Versatile connectivity options include a DSL port, Ethernet ports, and a USB port for mobile broadband, ensuring you’re always online. ASUS Aura RGB lighting lets you customise your network’s look to match your mood or activity. With AiMesh support, build a flexible, seamless whole-home mesh network effortlessly. Plus, enjoy peace of mind with lifetime free ASUS AiProtection Pro, featuring commercial-grade security, WPA3, and advanced parental controls.
NBN Technologies
The router will work on FTTN, FTTB, FTTC. FTTP, HFC, Fixed Wireless
Price Range $$
- New-generation WiFi 6 – Enjoy ultrafast speeds up to 5400 Mbps with the latest WiFi 6 (802.11ax) and 160MHz channels.
- DSL, Ethernet and Mobile Internet – DSL-AX82U has multiple ways to connect to the internet with a DSL port, Ethernet port, or even an USB port for mobile broadband connection.
- Choose your lighting vibe – Feature ASUS Aura RGB lighting effects that you can choose from a variety of lighting effects and customize lighting to align with specific modes.
- ASUS AiMesh support – Create a flexible, seamless whole-home mesh network with AiMesh-compatible routers.
- Commercial-grade home network security – Lifetime free ASUS AiProtection Pro, powered by Trend Micro, with WPA3 and advanced Parental Controls to protect your home.
Technician Review
Recently, we took on a project to upgrade a client’s network infrastructure with the ASUS DSL-AX82U, a blend of DSL modem and Wi-Fi 6 router. Right from unboxing, its sleek design signified a modern networking solution. The setup was straightforward, and soon the network was up, running with enhanced speed and stability, thanks to Wi-Fi 6 technology. Our client, an avid gamer, was thrilled with the gaming-centric features, which drastically reduced latency, making gaming sessions much more enjoyable. The ASUS Router app facilitated seamless management of the network settings, making it a user-friendly experience. Additionally, the reduction of equipment clutter was a welcome change, consolidating the modem and router into one robust unit. The DSL-AX82U not only streamlined the online gaming experience but also significantly enhanced the overall internet connectivity, making it a worthy upgrade. Our client was overjoyed with the transformation, showcasing how a singula
