Unlike hi-fi, which is short for 'high fidelity', WiFi isn't short for anything (despite the misconception it extrapolates to 'wireless fidelity'). But from a practical sense, WiFi is the main way to get online wirelessly. Most modern networking equipment prioritises wireless connectivity over wired – just look at the number of Ethernet ports on your router vs. how many devices can connect wirelessly – and while WiFi 6 isn't the latest and greatest version of this technology, it's still worth considering for your home's wireless internet needs.
If you're in the market for home internet today, here are some popular NBN plans from our database.
|
#1
|
Dodo
FTTP, HFC
Editor's Pick
nbn500 Unlimited Plan
$62.99/mth
Min. cost $62.99
|
|
#2
|
Tangerine Telecom
FTTP, HFC
Speedy Max NBN 500/50
$59.90/mth
Min. cost $59.90
|
|
#3
|
Superloop
FTTP, HFC
Family Max nbn500/50
$74/mth
Min. cost $74
|
|
#4
|
amaysim
FTTP, HFC
NBN500
$50/mth
Min. cost $50
|
|
#5
|
TPG
FTTP, HFC
nbn Home Fast Unlimited Plan
$74.99/mth
Min. cost $74.99
Link not supplied
|
|
#6
|
iiNet
FTTP, HFC
nbn500 Liimitless
$69.99/mth
+ $10 Upfront
Min. cost $79.99
Link not supplied
|
What is WiFi 6 and how fast is it?
WiFi 6 is the sixth generation of wireless connectivity for routers, first released in 2019. While commonly referred to as WiFi 6, you might also see it called by its WiFi standard: 802.11ax. Those letters (ax) are more important than the digits, and they help to differentiate different WiFi generations. WiFi 5, for instance, is also called 802.11ac.
When considering the maximum speeds of different WiFi standards, it's important to note that a lot of the traffic between devices in your home never uses the internet. This "local" traffic is restricted to your home network and travels via the router or WiFi mesh nodes. As such, WiFi standards have far higher throughput speeds than your internet is capable of because you want all your devices to be able to transfer data between each other as quickly and lag-free as possible.
While WiFi 6 itself isn't the latest version (that's reserved for WiFi 7), it remains a decent choice if you're in the market for an affordable router. But plenty of homes are still operating on WiFi 5, which is potentially worth upgrading from if your home network is struggling. For starters, while WiFi 5 was capable of max 6.9Gbps wireless speeds, WiFi 6 can reach up to 9.6Gbps. Note that those are combined theoretical speeds: a mix of the slower, farther-reaching 2.4GHz wireless band and the faster, shorter-range 5GHz wireless band.
WiFi 6 also introduced other improvements over WiFi 5, like improvements to battery life, WiFi Protected Access (WPA) 3 security, double the spatial streams (more bandwidth, less congestion), four times the Quadrature Amplitude Modulation (QAM) capacity (more data per transmission), and double the Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO) for better data throughput.
Practically speaking, WiFi 5 and WiFi 6 are both technically fit for purpose for all NBN plans. The catch is newer WiFi technologies tend to have better range and improved reliability, not to mention a higher chance of actually hitting faster wireless speeds. Technically, 2.4GHz speeds can get up to around 600Mbps, but 100Mbps is a more practical best-case expectation. That leaves the shorter 5GHz band to do the heavy lifting for any internet connection beyond NBN 100.
WiFi 6 and its predecessor WiFi 5 operate over two radio fequencies: 2.4GHz and 5GHz. The higher the frequency, the faster it can transfer data. But higher frequencies are also shorter range and more easily blocked by obstacles. Ideally, your WiFi devices operate over both (most that need it do) and will work with your router to automatically select which is best at any given time.
Frequencies are further split into channels – kind of like lanes on a highway. If your router is smart enough, it will automatically switch lanes if it detects too much traffic on that channel. Some other routers let you set channels manually, and others still are fixed in place. Channel interference is generally only a problem in high-density environments, such as apartment buildings. But if that describes your living situation, it's worth looking for a router that allows for channel switching.
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What else does WiFi 6 do?
For the best shot at the fastest WiFi speeds, you want wireless devices within 5GHz coverage. Given its comparatively shorter range, you can expect the fastest wireless speeds from WiFi 6 devices (or newer) in closer proximity to a WiFi 6 router, modem-router, or mesh WiFi system. Note that a WiFi 6 modem-router is compatible with all technologies, while WiFi 6 routers and WiFi 6 mesh WiFi systems are more readily compatible with most NBN technologies (but not FTTB and FTTN). Those need a WiFi 6 modem-router.
If you're in an FTTN or FTTN home, you may be eligible for an FTTP upgrade, which means you won't need a modem-router anymore. Alternatively, speak to your NBN provider or networking gear manufacturer about putting your modem-router into 'bridge' mode. This disables the router functionality, converting modem-router to a standalone modem, which you can then connect to a WiFi 6 router or mesh WiFi system.
Here are some WiFi 6 routers and modems that are worth checking out.
TP-Link Archer AX55 (router)
For under $200, you can get a WiFi 6 router that'll work with Fibre to the Premises (FTTP), Hybrid Fibre Coaxial (HFC), Fibre to the Curb (FTTC), NBN Fixed Wireless, and Sky Muster satellite NBN technologies. The TP-Link Archer AX55 offers combined WiFi 6 speeds up to 3,000Mbps, which is plenty to spare for plans up to NBN 1000. For wired devices, there are four local area network (LAN) Ethernet ports, plus there's a single USB 3.0 port for network file sharing.
TP-Link VX420-G2v (modem-router)
If you're in an FTTN or FTTB home – or may move to one – you'll want a modem-router for the most straightforward networking. The TP-Link VX420 costs $150–$200, depending on where you buy it and which version you go for. Most homes can happily make do with the VX420-G2v, which has combined 5,400Mbps WiFi 6 speeds, plus four LAN ports.
You can grab a TP-Link VX420-G2h from TPG.
|
TPG
FTTP, HFC
nbn Home Fast Unlimited Plan
$74.99/mth
Min. cost $74.99
Link not supplied
|
Amazon eero 6+ (mesh WiFi system)
Buying a mesh WiFi system offers most of the perks of a router, albeit with much easier network expansion. Take the Amazon eero 6+, for instance. You can buy one and use it as a router. But you're better off buying two (from an eligible provider) or a three-pack (from a retailer) for whole-home WiFi 6 coverage.
Each eero 6+ unit has up to 3,000Mbps of shared WiFi 6 speeds, plus eero units are compatible with older and newer models, so you can keep expanding your home. The more eero 6+ units you have, the better chance of having faster-speed 5GHz connectivity throughout your home.
If you want to pair an Amazon eero 6+ with an NBN plan, consider one of these popular plans from our database from providers that offer the mesh WiFi system.
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#1
|
Tangerine Telecom
FTTP, HFC
Speedy Max NBN 500/50
$59.90/mth
Min. cost $59.90
|
|
#2
|
Superloop
FTTP, HFC
Family Max nbn500/50
$74/mth
Min. cost $74
|
|
#3
|
Origin Broadband
FTTN, FTTB, FTTC
Enthusiast nbn® 100
$84/mth
Min. cost $84
Link not supplied
|
|
#4
|
More
All Fixed Line nbn®
Value Plus NBN
$100/mth
Min. cost $100
Link not supplied
|
Providers that offer WiFi 6 modems
Most NBN technologies are compatible with WiFi 6 routers, modem-routers, and mesh WiFi systems that come from a previous provider. Meanwhile, certain NBN providers bundle a WiFi 6 modem-router, router, or mesh WiFi system with an NBN plan, either with a $0 upfront fee, paid off over time, or via an upfront hardware fee. Here's a list of NBN providers from our database and the WiFi 6 devices (or better) they offer.
| Provider | Device | Type | WiFi |
|---|---|---|---|
| Activ8me | TP-Link VX230v | Mesh modem-router | 6 |
| Activ8me | TP-Link VX230v + TP-Link HX510 extender | Mesh modem-router | 6 |
| AGL | Amazon Eero 6+ | Mesh router | 6 |
| AGL | TP-Link VX230v | Mesh modem-router | 6E |
| Aussie Broadband | Amazon Eero Pro 6E | Mesh router | 6E |
| Aussie Broadband | Amazon Eero Pro 6Exx | Mesh router | 6 |
| Belong | Belong (Technicolor) DWA4135 | Modem-router | 6 |
| Buddy Telco | Amazon Eero 6+ | Mesh router | 6 |
| Dodo | Dodo Essential Modem (TP-Link VX220) | Modem-router | 6 |
| Dodo | Dodo Family Modem (TP-Link VX420) | Modem-router | 6 |
| Flip | D-Link DSL-X1852E | Modem-router | 6 |
| iPrimus | Kaon DG2144 | Modem-router | 6 |
| iiNet | Wi-Fi Max – High-speed nbn® modem | Mesh modem-router | 7 |
| Kogan Internet | Kogan Internet Modem (TP-Link Archer VR500v) | Modem-router | 6 |
| Mate | TP-Link VX230v | Mesh modem-router | 6 |
| Moose NBN | TP-Link VX230v | Mesh modem-router | 6 |
| More | Amazon Eero 6+ | Mesh router | 6 |
| More | NetComm CF40MESH | Mesh router | 6 |
| More | NetComm NF20MESH | Mesh modem-router | 6 |
| Optus | Optus Ultra Wi-Fi Modem Gen 2 | Modem-router | 6 |
| Origin Broadband | Amazon Eero 6+ | Mesh modem-router | 6 |
| Origin Broadband | TP-Link VX230v | Modem-router | 6 |
| SkyMesh | TP-Link VX230v | Mesh modem-router | 6 |
| Southern Phone | Amazon Eero 6+ | Mesh router | 6 |
| SpinTel | TP-Link VX230v | Mesh modem-router | 6 |
| SpinTel | TP-Link VX230v + TP-Link HX510 extender | Mesh modem-router | 6 |
| SpinTel | TP-Link VX230v + TP-Link HX716 Pro | Mesh modem-router | 6E |
| Amazon Eero 6+ | devicenamexx | Mesh router | 6 |
| Superloop | ZTE H1600 | Mesh modem-router | 6 |
| Swoop | TP-Link VX230v | Mesh modem-router | 6 |
| Tangerine Telecom | Amazon Eero 6+ | Mesh router | 6 |
| Tangerine Telecom | NetComm CF40MESH | Mesh router | 6 |
| Tangerine Telecom | NetComm NF20MESH | Mesh modem-router | 6 |
| Telstra | Telstra Smart Modem 4 | Modem-router | 7 |
| TPG | TP-Link VX420-G2h | Modem-router | 6 |
| Vodafone | Super Wi-Fi Modem with Wi-Fi Mesh | Mesh modem-router | 7 |
|
#1
|
Dodo
FTTP, HFC
Editor's Pick
nbn500 Unlimited Plan
$62.99/mth
Min. cost $62.99
|
|
#2
|
Tangerine Telecom
FTTP, HFC
Speedy Max NBN 500/50
$59.90/mth
Min. cost $59.90
|
|
#3
|
Superloop
FTTP, HFC
Family Max nbn500/50
$74/mth
Min. cost $74
|
|
#4
|
TPG
FTTP, HFC
nbn Home Fast Unlimited Plan
$74.99/mth
Min. cost $74.99
Link not supplied
|
|
#5
|
iiNet
FTTP, HFC
nbn500 Liimitless
$69.99/mth
+ $10 Upfront
Min. cost $79.99
Link not supplied
|
|
#6
|
SpinTel
FTTP, HFC
Home Turbofast 750/50
$69/mth
Min. cost $69
|
|
#7
|
Belong
FTTP, HFC
NBN Fast – Unlimited
$59/mth
Min. cost $59
|
|
#8
|
Aussie Broadband
FTTP, HFC
Fast Fibre - Unlimited
$79/mth
Min. cost $79
Link not supplied
|
|
#9
|
Kogan Internet
FTTP, HFC
Gold Plus Unlimited
$69.90/mth
Min. cost $69.90
|
|
#10
|
Flip
FTTP, HFC
Unlimited Fast Speed nbn500
$69/mth
Min. cost $69
|
What is the difference between WiFi 6 and WiFi 6e?
You may have noticed that some of the networking devices in the table above are listed as WiFi 6E, rather than WiFi 6. WiFi 6E is an "extended" version of WiFi 6. In addition to supporting 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands, it also supports 6GHz.
The 6GHz band has been approved for use in Australia since early 2022, enabling the sale of WiFi 6E routers Down Under. While the higher frequency means faster speeds, it also reduces the range of the wireless signal. The 6GHz band is also more impacted by physical barriers such as walls and floors.
WiFi 6E routers, modem-routers, and mesh WiFi systems may be backwards compatible with older WiFi generations that use 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands. But the newer, faster 6GHz WiFi band is only compatible with devices that use WiFi 6E or WiFi 7.
WiFi 6 vs. WiFi 7
WiFi 6 may be fit for purpose for most homes, but it's also been around since 2019. The extended WiFi 6E launched in 2021, and WiFi 7 devices started releasing from 2024. Like WiFi 6E, WiFi 7 uses three main wireless bands: 2.4GHz, 5GHz, and 6GHz. The max potential wireless speeds are noticeably better on WiFi 7, which are up to 46Gbps compared to the 9.6Gbps cap on WiFi 6 and WiFi 6E networking gear.
These faster speeds are achieved because WiFi 7 has double the frequency limit of WiFi 6 and WiFi 6E (320MHz vs 160MHz). WiFi 7 offers lower latency, too, which should be of particular interest to online gamers with WiFi 7 devices. WiFi 7 also introduces a new multi-link operation (MLO) technology that automatically uses two wireless bands on WiFi 7 devices for better performance. Speaking of wireless bands, WiFi 7 networking gear does a better job of shifting between WiFi bands for compatible devices.
Practically speaking, WiFi 7 networking gear is still comparatively expensive. If you're eyeing off NBN 2000 plans, you should consider upgrading your networking gear and relevant devices to WiFi 7. If not, WiFi 6 is still absolutely fit for purpose for most homes, up to and including NBN 1000 plans.
Should I upgrade to WiFi 6 now?
If you're still using a WiFi 5 router, modem-router, or mesh WiFi system, it's worth upgrading your home network to WiFi 6. Anyone who's bought a new smartphone, tablet, laptop, gaming console, or other wireless device since 2019 is likely using a WiFi 6 or WiFi 6E device. You can't get the best wireless performance out of WiFi 6 devices, though, if you don't have a WiFi 6 router, modem-router, or mesh WiFi system.
With WiFi 7 already comfortably out in the wild, buying a WiFi 6 router or modem-router today is less about futureproofing and more about getting extra speed out of the WiFi 6 devices already on your home network. We advise upgrading networking gear every five years, and you may be able to speak to your NBN provider to see what hardware they have to offer for your NBN plan.
For the most part, WiFi is built to be backwards compatible, meaning your older wireless devices should work with newer WiFi networking equipment (and vice versa). If you're on slower internet plans – NBN 50 and below – you may not notice much of a difference. But if you're on a faster plan or are used to putting up with WiFi dead spots in your home, a WiFi 6 upgrade should offer a noticeable speed and penetration boost.
With a WiFi 6 router, modem-router, or mesh WiFi system, you can consider internet plans up to NBN 1000. Check out popular NBN 1000 plans from our database below:
|
#1
|
TPG
FTTP, HFC
nbn Home Ultrafast Unlimited Plan
$84.99/mth
Min. cost $84.99
Link not supplied
|
|
#2
|
Superloop
FTTP, HFC
Lightspeed nbn1000/100
$89/mth
Min. cost $89
|
|
#3
|
SpinTel
FTTP, HFC
Home Ultrafast 1000/100
$76/mth
Min. cost $76
|
|
#4
|
Dodo
FTTP, HFC
nbn Home Ultrafast Plan
$79.99/mth
Min. cost $79.99
|
|
#5
|
iiNet
FTTP, HFC
nbn Home Ultrafast Liimitless
$84.99/mth
+ $10 Upfront
Min. cost $94.99
Link not supplied
|
|
#6
|
Belong
FTTP, HFC
NBN Ultrafast – Unlimited
$75/mth
Min. cost $75
|
|
#7
|
Tangerine Telecom
FTTP, HFC
Ultraspeedy NBN 1000/100
$89.90/mth
Min. cost $89.90
|
|
#8
|
Flip
FTTP, HFC
Unlimited Ultra Speed nbn1000
$109.90/mth
Min. cost $89
|
|
#9
|
Kogan Internet
FTTP, HFC
nbn1000 Diamond Unlimited
$94.90/mth
Min. cost $94.90
|
|
#10
|
Origin Broadband
FTTP, HFC
Ultra Fast nbn® 1000
$114/mth
Min. cost $114
Link not supplied
|
WiFi 6 FAQs
Yes, WiFi 6 is much better than WiFi 5 because it can deliver faster connections with less congestion. WiFi 6 has been around since 2019, so it's worth considering an upgrade, particularly if you're on an NBN 100 plan (or faster). But WiFi 7 is the latest standard, so if you want the best option that's also the most future-proofed, it's worth considering.
Can WiFi 6 work with any router?
While WiFi 6 devices can technically work with older (or newer) WiFi generations, the best results come from pairing them with a WiFi 6 router. If you want to get the best speeds out of WiFi 6E devices, though, you'll need a WiFi 6E router or a WiFi 7 router.
Is WiFi 6 available in Australia?
Yes, WiFi 6 devices have been available in Australia since 2019 and WiFi 6E since 2021. You can buy them from retailers or from internet service providers.
What devices support WiFi 6?
Most new devices sold in Australia support WiFi 6 at this stage – certainly all phones and other products with high internet needs. But some smart home appliances are still extremely basic and are limited to the 2.4GHz band, which can lead to problems for a handful of routers that don't play nice with single-band gadgets like this. This problem is rare, and you can generally find if it will be a problem with a quick search to see if anyone is experiencing that issue with any router you're thinking of grabbing.
Nathan Lawrence
Freelance Contributor
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![[Hand-Picked] Best internet providers in Australia](https://r3.whistleout.com.au/public/images/articles/2026/07/man-and-woman-with-laptop-on-green-couch.jpg?w=280&h=280&usm=20&usmrad=0.8&fit=crop "[Hand-Picked] Best internet providers in Australia")
