TechManPatCOMPAREGUIDES

Australian NBN equipment

The right router.
Without the fluff.

Match your NBN connection, home size, devices and budget.

Help me choose ↓Compare products →

Router finder · about 2 minutes

Tell us about the home.

We rank compatibility, coverage, ports and budget.

01What nbn connection reaches the home?

This decides whether you need an actual modem or only a router.

Do not guess: Use an RSP address checker or nbn's address information, then confirm the technology before replacing hardware.
02What is the fastest plan you expect to use?

This is the download speed. Upload speed varies by provider and plan.

A good gigabit router is enough for this internet speed. Coverage will matter more than Wi-Fi 7.
03How busy is the Wi-Fi?

Total devices matter less than how many are busy at the same time.

Count simultaneous 4K streams, video calls, gaming and big downloads - not dormant smart bulbs.
04How hard is the home to cover?

Walls and placement beat the Wi-Fi number on the box.

Planning result: start with about 1 well-placed router or access point. A site survey can still change this.
05What must be wired?

A cheap Ethernet switch is often smarter than choosing a router only for more ports.

06What support matters?

BYO hardware can affect ISP phone support and troubleshooting.

Also confirm whether your ISP uses DHCP/IPoE or PPPoE, whether VLAN tagging is required, and who supports faults with BYO equipment.

Your result

Select the NBN connection first

Compatibility is the first hard gate, so the finder will not guess or force a recommendation until this is selected.

Not sure100 Mbps plan3 wired20 Wi-Fi

What you actually need

  • Confirmation of the NBN connection technology before choosing hardware.
  • 1 well-placed wireless point.
  • Gigabit Ethernet; add a basic switch if you need more sockets.
  • Automatic security updates, WPA3, a guest/IoT network and an interface you will actually maintain.

Do not pay extra for

  • AX or BE totals presented as if one device receives that speed.
  • Gaming branding that promises to beat line, ISP or server latency.
  • Wi-Fi 7 when your plan, clients and local network cannot use it.
  • Wi-Fi 8 promises today. It is not a current Australian household buying requirement.
Maximum device budget$500
$150Re-ranks recommendations instantly$1,500

Compatibility required

Choose the connection type above.

Compatibility is a gate. Coverage, ports, setup and budget then change the order. ISP-supplied gateways remain in the catalogue but are not presented as independently purchasable recommendations.

No products ranked yet.

Select the actual NBN technology in question 1. This prevents an FTTP router being recommended to an FTTN home, or an unnecessary modem being bought for FTTP, FTTC or HFC.

Planning tool, not a coverage guarantee. Wi-Fi performance changes with layout, wall density, interference, client radios and placement. Confirm exact ISP login, VLAN, voice and BYO-support requirements before buying. Product allowances are indicative and exclude cabling, switches and professional installation.

Setup score

What does the score mean?

Open guide +
9–10

Guided

Clear app or wizard, minimal jargon and easy updates. ISP credentials can still be required.

7–8

Straightforward

A good wizard plus deeper controls. Some provider or network knowledge helps.

5–6

Hands-on

Manual settings, topology choices or controller concepts make setup less casual.

3–4

Enthusiast

Powerful, but assumes the buyer is comfortable managing a network.

No score guarantees ISP support. Always confirm BYO modem/router, VLAN and home-phone requirements with the provider.

Primary research

Connection rules follow nbn technology guidance. Overseas-only imports are excluded.

NBN technology overview ↗JB Hi-Fi local range ↗Suggest a correction →

Buying guides

Common buying questions

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