Australian buying guide · Networking

Best routers for FTTP NBN in Australia

FTTP already has an nbn connection box, so most homes need a router - not another VDSL modem. The useful differences are Ethernet speed, Wi-Fi coverage, software and how easily the system can expand.

Editorial update
Latest listed product update
Reading time
6 minutes
Author
Patryk Lazarz (TechManPat)

Quick recommendations

The shortlist.

Ranked from the catalogue using this guide's rules. Product details can change independently of the editorial update above; check each profile's source and verification dates before purchase.

Best overall
TP-Link Archer AX72 Pro

TP-Link

Archer AX72 Pro

97/100 guide match

Provides a multi-gig Ethernet path for faster FTTP plans

Watch: Confirm Australian stock, exact hardware revision and pack size before buying.

View product →
Best budget
TP-Link Archer AX80

TP-Link

Archer AX80

97/100 guide match

Provides a multi-gig Ethernet path for faster FTTP plans

Watch: Confirm Australian stock, exact hardware revision and pack size before buying.

View product →
Best premium
TP-Link Archer AXE300

TP-Link

Archer AXE300

97/100 guide match

Provides a multi-gig Ethernet path for faster FTTP plans

Watch: Confirm Australian stock, exact hardware revision and pack size before buying.

View product →

Things to consider

What to check before buying.

01Do not pay for a modem you do not need

FTTP hands the internet connection to your router over Ethernet. A modem-router can work in router mode, but its DSL hardware adds little value unless you expect to reuse it on FTTN or FTTB.

02One multi-gig port is not a complete multi-gig network

A single 2.5GbE port is useful for an FTTP service above 1Gbps, but your wired devices may still be limited to gigabit if there is no second multi-gig LAN path.

03Coverage beats headline speed

Brick walls, long floorplans and two-storey homes often benefit more from wired mesh access points than from a single premium router turned up to maximum optimism.

Product comparison

Compare the guide-qualified products.

The match score measures fit against this guide's published rules. It is not a universal product rating.

ProductPriceWarrantyKey specificationsGuide matchActions
TP-LinkArcher AX72 Pro$0Confirm the Australian retailer or RSP warranty
  • Planning price: $0
  • Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi 6 · AX5400 dual-band
97/100View productCompare
TP-LinkArcher AX80$0Confirm the Australian retailer or RSP warranty
  • Planning price: $0
  • Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi 6 · AX6000 dual-band
97/100View productCompare
TP-LinkArcher AXE300$0Confirm the Australian retailer or RSP warranty
  • Planning price: $0
  • Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi 6E · AXE16000 quad-band
97/100View productCompare
TP-LinkArcher AXE75$0Confirm the Australian retailer or RSP warranty
  • Planning price: $0
  • Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi 6E · AXE5400 tri-band
97/100View productCompare
TP-LinkArcher BE3600$0Confirm the Australian retailer or RSP warranty
  • Planning price: $0
  • Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi 7 · BE3600 dual-band
97/100View productCompare
TP-LinkArcher BE400$0Confirm the Australian retailer or RSP warranty
  • Planning price: $0
  • Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi 7 · BE6500 dual-band
97/100View productCompare
TP-LinkArcher BE450$0Confirm the Australian retailer or RSP warranty
  • Planning price: $0
  • Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi 7 · BE7200 dual-band
97/100View productCompare
TP-LinkArcher BE550 Pro$0Confirm the Australian retailer or RSP warranty
  • Planning price: $0
  • Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi 7 · BE9700 tri-band
97/100View productCompare

Frequently asked questions

Quick answers before you compare.

Does FTTP need a modem?

No separate retail modem is normally required. The nbn connection box presents an Ethernet connection to your router.

Do I need Wi-Fi 7 for FTTP?

Usually not. Wi-Fi 7 helps compatible devices and fast local transfers, but Wi-Fi 6 remains enough for many NBN households when coverage and placement are good.

Can I replace my provider router?

Often yes, but ISP voice services, VLAN settings and provider support conditions can complicate BYO equipment. Confirm your provider's requirements first.

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