If your connection isn't up to snuff, you mightn't need to switch NBN plans. Your NBN modem and/or router can make a big difference to your internet performance in terms of speed, reliability and WiFi coverage, but just what you need depends on the type of NBN technology you have.
It also comes down to the difference between a 'modem' and a 'router', plus the common 'modem router' amalgamation of the two.
Our picks
| Product | Price from | Buy | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Modem routers | |||
| Best overall | Telstra Smart Modem 3 | $288 (standalone) | View Telstra plans |
| Best value | TP-Link VX420-G2H | $180 (standalone) | View NBN plans |
Routers |
|||
| Best overall | Netgear RS600 | $799 (standalone) | View on Amazon |
| Best value | Asus RT-BE58U | $309 (standalone) | View on ASUS |
Mesh WiFi |
|||
| Best overall | Amazon eero Max 7 | $1,099.99 (1 pack) | View on Amazon |
| Best value | D-Link M60 | $649.95 (3 pack) | View on Amazon |
Modems vs. routers
A modem is a device that connects directly to the internet, and it needs to be "NBN ready" to work with the NBN. Just about every modem sold in Australia is NBN ready, but some quick research before buying something from overseas.
While crucial for getting online, modems do have one big flaw: they can only connect to one other device at a time, which is why you also need a router.
A router connects multiple devices to each other by creating its own "local network", then acting as a central hub for everyone on that network. So, if your router is the one device plugged into your modem, voilà – all your devices can access the modem (and thus internet) via the router. There's no need for routers to be NBN-ready because they connect to the modem and your other devices, not to the NBN directly.
Much of the time, you'll get a modem and a router housed in the same product, called a modem router – alternatively a "modem/router", "modem-router", or even "WiFi modem", among other things. These are handy for saving space, but don't always have the best performance when it acting as a router.
The good news is, while modem routers can do both tasks, they don't have to. You can disable either feature and use the unit exclusively as the other – i.e. disable its modem and only use it as a router, or vice versa. This means you don't need to worry about doubling up on anything when shopping for a new modem or router, and it makes them more versatile for future upgrades because you're likely to want to upgrade your router before your modem needs replacing.
Modems and routers on the NBN
Some NBN technologies don't need a modem at all because it's built into your NBN connection. These include Fibre to the Premises (FTTP), Hybrid Fibre Coaxial (HFC), and Sky Muster Satellite. But you still need to supply the router.
Other technologies do require you to bring your own modem. These include Fibre-to-the-Node (FTTN), Fibre-to-the-Building (FTTB), Fibre to the Curb (FTTC) and Fixed Wireless (FW).
Best NBN modem routers
We considered all the NBN-compatible modem routers we’ve reviewed in recent times, but none of these impressed us, often due to their needing to be power cycled on a regular basis to maintain proper speeds. Because of this, we chose the best NBN routers and modem routers based on specs, price, and research into user reviews. The best value modem router shortlist included products that were around $200 (or cheaper).
Best overall: Telstra Smart Modem 3
RRP from $288 (standalone)
A third-generation modem router that works with every NBN technology and has some great features to boot, including 4G backup.
- Wireless: Dual-band WiFi 6
- Max WiFi speed: 4,800Mbps
- Max Ethernet speed: 1Gbps (WAN and LAN)
- Ports: 4x LAN, 1x USB 2.0, 1x DSL, 2x VoIP
If you don’t want to worry about networking device compatibility, consider a Telstra NBN plan. These plans come with a Telstra Smart Modem 3 which, at most, costs $288. But prices get cheaper the longer you stick with Telstra, plus the modem router arrives preconfigured for simplified setup and ongoing tech support. This Telstra-branded modem router is compatible with all NBN technologies and Opticomm fibre, fit for purpose for all NBN plans, including NBN 1000.
Online research suggests the Telstra Smart Modem 3 will also work with other NBN providers, as long as you update the ‘PPP Credential Setting’ details via the web portal.
While not as futureproofed as some of its router peers below, the Telstra Smart Modem 3 has speedy dual-band WiFi 6, four gigabit Ethernet local area network (LAN) ports, plus USB and home phone ports. It also has 4G backup via the Telstra network if there’s an NBN outage.
You can get the Telstra Smart Modem 3 with any of these Telstra NBN plans:
|
#1
|
Telstra
Upfront Internet Plan Essential (Fixed Wireless)
$105/mth
Min. cost $105
Link not supplied
|
|
#2
|
Telstra
Upfront Internet Plan Essential
$105/mth
Min. cost $105
Link not supplied
|
|
#3
|
Telstra
Upfront Internet Plan Premium
$110/mth
Min. cost $110
Link not supplied
|
|
#4
|
Telstra
Upfront Internet Plan Ultimate
$130/mth
Min. cost $130
Link not supplied
|
|
#5
|
Telstra
Upfront Internet Plan Ultrafast
$150/mth
Min. cost $150
Link not supplied
|
Special mention
The Ultra WiFi Modem Gen 2 from Optus would have taken out the top spot if it had integrated Quality of Service (QoS), which is an important and useful feature for controlling device traffic within your home. The modem itself offers NBN with 4G backup, while also supporting a good arrangement of ports and features. You can get it for "no extra cost" via an Optus plan, but you need to stick around for 36 months or pay $8.50 per month remaining when you leave.
Best value: TP-Link VX420-G2H
RRP from $180 (standalone)
An affordable modem router that’s officially supported by multiple NBN providers and compatible with all technology types.
- Wireless: Dual-band WiFi 6
- Max WiFi speed: 5,400Mbps
- Max Ethernet speed: 1Gbps (WAN and LAN)
- Ports: 4x LAN, 1x USB 2.0, 1x DSL, 1x VoIP
The TP-Link VX420-G2H is the best WiFi modem router for any home that likes to shift NBN plans regularly (a great way to save money), as it’s offered as an optional add-on by Vodafone, Dodo, iiNet and TPG. It also supports NBN with 4G backup via the Vodafone mobile network, but check if your provider can make use of this feature before signing on if it's important to you.
The VX420-G2H is fit for purpose for all NBN plans up to and including NBN 1000, with support for USB storage and a home phone service, plus solid combined dual-band WiFi 6 speeds.
Check out the list below for plans plans from NBN providers in our database that include the TP-Link VX420-G2H or offer it as an optional plan add-on, ranked by popularity with our readers.
|
#1
|
Dodo
Editor's Pick
nbn Home Superfast Plan
$83.90/mth
Min. cost $83.90
|
|
#2
|
TPG
nbn50 Unlimited Plan
$69.99/mth
Min. cost $69.99
|
|
#3
|
iiNet
nbn50 Liimitless
$69.99/mth
Min. cost $69.99
|
|
#4
|
Vodafone
Essential+ nbn®
$74/mth
Min. cost $74
Link not supplied
|
Best NBN routers
NBN routers can be great standalone purchases for homes that already have a functional modem, either as part of their NBN connection or simply lying around. We considered speeds, hands-on performance, features (including Quality of Service) and futureproofed versatility when choosing the best router for our two categories. The best value routers shortlist had products around $300 (or cheaper).
Note: If you already own a modem router and need a router upgrade, you can disable the "router" functions of your old modem router and simply use it as a modem, into which you plug in your shiny new router.
Best overall: Netgear Nighthawk RS600
RRP from $799 (standalone)
A single-device router solution for speed-loving homes seeking a futureproofed WiFi 7 networking solution with plenty of performance.
- Wireless: Tri-band WiFi 7
- Max WiFi speed: 18,000Mbps
- Max Ethernet speed: 10Gbps (WAN and LAN)
- Ports: 4x LAN, 1x USB 3.0
WiFi 6 and WiFi 6E routers are the most commonly supported standard for today’s WiFi devices. But WiFi 7 is already here, and the Netgear RS600 is a comparatively affordable way to get the all-important networking backbone of your home network futureproofed, making it the best router for NBN. And don't worry – WiFi standards are backwards compatible, so your current devices will still work, even if they don't support WiFi 7.
The RS600 is all about speed. For wired connections, your internet is prepped for NBN 2000 and beyond thanks to a 10Gbps wide area network (WAN) port. There’s also a 10Gbps LAN port, plus up to 18Gbps of shared WiFi speeds. That includes the speedy 6GHz wireless band for devices that support WiFi 6E and above, equating to super-fast local file transfers and low latency.
If you have a bigger router budget, consider the TP-Link Archer GE800 ($1,199 RRP) for better speeds in a gamer-centric device. And if you’re after an NBN plan to pair either router with a speedy plan, consider one of these popular NBN 1000 picks from our database:
|
#1
|
SpinTel
NBN Unlimited 1000
$90/mth
Min. cost $90
|
|
#2
|
Flip
Unlimited Ultra Speed nbn1000
$104.90/mth
Min. cost $94
|
|
#3
|
iiNet
nbn Home Ultrafast Liimitless
$94.99/mth
Min. cost $94.99
|
|
#4
|
TPG
nbn Home Ultrafast Unlimited Plan
$94.99/mth
Min. cost $94.99
|
|
#5
|
Buddy Telco
Zoomy nbn - Unlimited
$99/mth
Min. cost $99
|
|
#6
|
Superloop
Lightspeed nbn1000/50
$99/mth
Min. cost $99
|
Best value: Asus RT-BE58U
RRP from $309 (standalone)
A comparatively affordable router with futureproofed tech, including WiFi 7, that’s fast enough for your ’net needs today and tomorrow.
- Wireless: Dual-band WiFi 7
- Max WiFi speed: 3,570Mbps
- Max Ethernet speed: 2.5Gbps (WAN)
- Ports: 4x LAN, 1x USB 3.2
WiFi 7 routers are typically $400+, and you can expect to pay more for faster, feature-rich alternatives. But there are cheaper picks, which are well worth considering for a good mix of value and features. Take the Asus RT-BE58U, for instance, which is the best NBN router for its price.
Sure, the 3.6Gbps combined dual-band WiFi 7 speeds aren’t as impressive as the Netgear RS600's. But it's more than fast enough for all NBN plans today, plus the incoming NBN 2000 (thanks to a 2.5Gbps WAN port). There are also four one-gigabit LAN ports for priority wired devices. But what impressed me most during testing was the ease of use: from adaptive QoS to a user-friendly web portal and a multipurpose USB port. All of these features add to the overall value of the RT-BE58U.
For a cheaper alternative, consider the D-Link Eagle Pro AI R15 (RRP $200).
If you're after a new plan, you can pair either of these routers with any NBN plan, such as one of the popular NBN 250 plans from our comparison engine.
|
#1
|
Dodo
Editor's Pick
nbn Home Superfast Plan
$83.90/mth
Min. cost $83.90
|
|
#2
|
SpinTel
NBN Unlimited 250
$80/mth
Min. cost $80
|
|
#3
|
TPG
nbn Home Superfast Unlimited Plan
$84.99/mth
Min. cost $84.99
|
|
#4
|
Exetel
Superfast nbn250
$80.99/mth
Min. cost $80.99
|
|
#5
|
Superloop
Superfast nbn250/25
$85/mth
Min. cost $85
|
|
#6
|
iiNet
nbn Home Superfast Liimitless
$84.99/mth
Min. cost $84.99
|
Best NBN routers with mesh WiFi
Mesh can refer to a standalone router (or modem router) with mesh-expansion capabilities or a full-blown mesh WiFi system with two or three units in a single package. For our picks, we favoured mesh WiFi systems that were easy to set up, easy to use (including Quality of Service features), performative, had discrete designs and eliminated typical wireless dead spots, offering whole-home WiFi. The best value mesh WiFi shortlist comprised products that were $650 (or cheaper) for three units.
Best overall: Amazon eero Max 7
RRP from $1,099.99 (1 pack)
Best for existing eero homes, the Amazon eero Max 7’s premium price offers plenty of premium features and futureproofed connectivity.
- Wireless: Tri-band WiFi 7
- Max WiFi speed: 4,300Mbps
- Max Ethernet speed: 10Gbps (WAN and LAN)
- Ports: 4x LAN/WAN (per unit)
There are plenty of Amazon eero products to choose from that are a good starting point for a home mesh WiFi network. But the eero Max 7 is our pick for the best standalone mesh WiFi router for homes in Australia.
Assuming you don’t mind spending $1,000 and up on a single unit, the eero Max 7 has great features, starting with tri-band WiFi 7 and admirable combined wireless speeds up to 4.3Gbps. On the back, you’ll find four auto-sensing Ethernet ports – two 2.5GBps and two 10Gbps – for today and tomorrow’s internet needs, plus plenty of speed for priority wired devices. Some features are, unfortunately, paywalled. But the straightforward setup, easy monitoring and tweaks, plus expansion via old, new or identical eero products makes the eero Max 7 a feature-rich foundation for an Amazon-favouring mesh network.
The eero Max 7 is also compatible with all other Amazon eero mesh WiFi products, so you can can use it as the heavy-lifter in the main area of your home, and buy a cheaper (less hefty) model for harder-to-reach places that don't need the same high-level connectivity.
Special mentions
Alternatively, consider the slightly pricier TP-Link Archer GE800 ($1,199 RRP) or the cheaper Synology RT6600ax ($559 RRP) as router foundations for a mesh network.
All of these routers work with any NBN speed tier, but here’s a list of popular NBN 100 plans from our database if you're in the market for a new one:
|
#1
|
SpinTel
Editor's Pick
NBN Unlimited Premium 100
$65/mth
Min. cost $65
|
|
#2
|
Tangerine Telecom
Speedy NBN
$65.90/mth
Min. cost $65.90
|
|
#3
|
Dodo
nbn100 Unlimited Plan
$73.90/mth
Min. cost $73.90
|
|
#4
|
Exetel
Family nbn100/20
$65.99/mth
Min. cost $65.99
|
|
#5
|
TPG
nbn Home Fast Unlimited Plan
$79.99/mth
Min. cost $79.99
|
|
#6
|
Kogan Internet
Gold Unlimited
$65.90/mth
Min. cost $65.90
|
Best value: D-Link M60
RRP from $649.95 (3 pack)
A middle point between router and mesh, the D-Link M60 has straightforward mesh with all of the four-port LAN perks of a traditional router.
- Wireless: Dual-band WiFi 6
- Max WiFi speed: 6,000Mbps
- Max Ethernet speed: 2.5Gbps (WAN)
- Ports: 4x LAN (per unit)
If you want a standalone router with mesh potential, grab a single-unit D-Link M60 Aquila Pro AI AX6000 for around $200. But if your larger or interference-prone home could benefit from mesh WiFi, we recommend buying a D-Link M60 three-pack for $650. You’ll get a manta-inspired mesh WiFi system that’s easy to configure and just works for everyday tasks.
There’s straightforward monitoring via a companion app or more in-depth tinkering by way of the M60’s web portal (a welcome rarity for mesh WiFi systems). The dual-band WiFi 6 speeds reach up to 6Gbps, while the 2.5Gbps WAN port means the M60 is prepped for every NBN plan, including NBN 2000. With four LAN ports per M60 unit, there’s plenty of love for priority wired devices. Alternatively, use Ethernet backhaul between M60 units for super-reliable whole-home connectivity.
Special mention
For cheap mesh WiFi alternatives, consider the slightly pricier Google Nest WiFi Pro or buy two or three individual units of the noticeably cheaper TP-Link HX510 AX3000.
If you’re looking to pair any of these mesh WiFi systems with an NBN plan, here are some popular NBN 50 picks from our database:
|
#1
|
Exetel
Extra-value nbn50
$60.99/mth
Min. cost $60.99
|
|
#2
|
Tangerine Telecom
Value Plus NBN
$59.90/mth
Min. cost $59.90
|
|
#3
|
Buddy Telco
Editor's Pick
Value nbn - Unlimited
$63/mth
Min. cost $63
|
|
#4
|
TPG
nbn50 Unlimited Plan
$69.99/mth
Min. cost $69.99
|
|
#5
|
Kogan Internet
Silver Unlimited
$59.90/mth
Min. cost $59.90
|
|
#6
|
iiNet
nbn50 Liimitless
$69.99/mth
Min. cost $69.99
|
What to look for in an NBN modem or router
There are a number of important factors to look for when buying a new NBN modem or router, including:
- Is it NBN-ready?
- How much does it cost?
- How fast is it?
- Is it dual-band?
- Does the firmware automatically update?
Two less-crucial considerations are:
- Is it mesh-compatible?
- Does it have 4G backup?
NBN modem router and router troubleshooting
Let's look at three main problems NBN Co has identified people experience with their networking tech: out-of-date firmware, channel interference, and location and placement of your NBN modem router or router.
Out-of-date firmware
One of the main factors that affect speed and connection stability is when modem or router firmware is out of date – and it's very possibly the case for yours. You don't need to worry about the "modems" that are built into the FTTP, HFC, and Sky Muster Satellite connection technologies because they update automatically. But these technologies still require external routers, supplied by you, that can get out of date.
To update your NBN modem or router firmware, there are a couple of common methods, both of which will temporarily cut off your connection while the update does its thing.
The first step is to log in to your modem router or router (instructions for this are usually on the bottom of the device or done via an app). Once you've done this, look for a notification about out-of-date firmware. If that's not present, look for update options in the settings menu and see if anything is pending. Either of these should have an easy-to-select option to download and install.
Another method requires you to find the router's IP address, which is usually found on a sticker on the back or underside of the device. If yours doesn't have a sticker, do a quick web search on how to find it, including the brand and model.
Once you have the IP address, type it into the search bar of your PC or Mac's web browser and hit Enter. You’ll be taken to a login page, the details for which should also be located on your device (side note: change these details while you're here. It's a security risk to leave the defaults as they are).
Once logged in, find the Firmware or Update section and download the latest update. Follow any prompts to install this and then wait for the installation to complete.
Solution: Automatic Updates
Some modems are smarter than others and will automatically download firmware updates, so that’s one less thing you need to think about. Opting for a modem with automatic updates means you will be one step closer to setting up and forgetting about your internet, which is the real goal.
Channel interference
WiFi networks operate over certain frequencies, which are in turn split into 'channels'. Too much traffic on your WiFi channel will create interference and negatively affect your WiFi performance. In these instances, all you might need to do is change the channel (if you can).
Some routers are restricted to certain channels, so there's not much you can do. Others with a spread of channel support, but you can manually change which one your router operates over via its settings. The best routers automatically jump between channels, based on interference.
People living in apartment buildings are the most likely to experience channel interference. According to NBN Co, buildings where a high concentration of dwellings use the same Internet Service Provider (ISP) experience this issue more because a large proportion of these people will have picked up their router from their provider. As such, their hardware might all run on the same channels.
Most modems that come with an NBN plan only have a couple of channels at maximum. If you’re using a provider-supplied modem, you might be stuck in the slow lane.
An option to test if channel interference is an issue is to test your speeds during off-peak times. If you see a significant shift in your speeds, channel interference might be your issue. Unfortunately, this could also be a result of your internet provider not supplying enough bandwidth for peak usage, insufficient NBN capacity in your area, or the wiring in your building not handling the heavier load.
You can get a better idea by connecting a device to your router via Etherhet. If your speeds are still trash when the cable is connected, channel interference isn't the problem.
Solution: Multi-channel routers
Switching from a congested channel to an open one can have a significant impact on your internet performance. While most bundled modems will only have a few channels at best, many mid or high-end modems let you switch channels manually, or can do so automatically.
Location and placement of NBN modem router or modem
Your favourite WiFi router position might be great for you, but that doesn’t mean it provides good signal coverage. High interference spaces such as those bundled with other electronics, or positioning your modem too far from your connected devices are more likely to cause connection issues. And, please, don't shut your WiFi router away in a cupboard or drawer.
Solution: relocate your router or get a mesh WiFi system
While you often can't choose where your modem plugs into your wall, you have more choice about router placement – just connect your router to your modem via an Ethernet cable. If your modem has a router built in, that's a bit trickier. You can always buy a new router and use your original modem router only as a modem, but this has the downside of costing you extra.
Try moving your router away from major appliances and more centrally in your home. For best results, look for a spot at least 1.5m from the ground with good fields of view. And, please, don't hide it in a cupboard, drawer or behind furniture.
If your home is multi-level, has internal brick walls, or is too big to be services by a single WiFi router, consider switching to a Mesh WiFi system. Mesh works the same as normal WiFi, except it involves multiple mesh points around your home all talking to each other. They pass the signal between them, spreading coverage much further and around corners.
Not all Mesh WiFi systems incorporate a modem router into their mix, so be aware of this if your home's internet technology doesn't have a modem built into it. (Just make sure whatever you buy has the word 'modem' somewhere on the box or in its product description.)
The downside is cost. Because you're buying multiple pieces of more-complex hardware, the price for Mesh WiFi can be much higher than a single modem router.
How much does an NBN modem cost?
There's no fixed cost for an NBN modem or modem router. In some cases, they might not even set you back a cent if you get one from a telco. On the other hand, high-end mesh setups can cost over $1,000. If you're looking to buy one outright from a retailer like JB Hi-Fi or Harvey Norman, expect to spend between $200 to $400 for a decent standalone modem router, but you can fork out a lot more for premium models.
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