The best NBN modem and router picks for a good internet connection

Getting online isn't as simple as signing up for an NBN plan. Once connected, you'll need the right networking gear to share the internet around your home. If you live in a home connected to the NBN via Fibre-to-the-Node (FTTN) or Fibre-to-the-Building (FTTB) technologies, you'll want a modem-router for the most straightforward setup. Modem-routers have the advantage of working with every NBN technology.

For any other NBN technology, you can get by with a router or a mesh WiFi system. WiFi routers have been around for decades, while mesh WiFi systems are comparatively newer, offering an easier way to expand wireless networks in larger homes or those prone to WiFi interference. Whether you want a modem-router, router or mesh WiFi system, we've got you covered with our top picks below, all of which we've personally tested (except for the new FTTP modem).

And if you're in the market for a new NBN plan today, here's a look at the most popular picks from our comparison engine.

The TP-Link VX420-G2v is a modem-router that can travel with you to new providers and addresses. While it lacks the 4G backup of its G2h sibling, the G2v is an otherwise reliable modem-router that's built to travel with you to different NBN providers. With the VX420-G2v, you'll get a WiFi 6 modem-router with shared 5.4Gbps max wireless speeds. The TP-Link modem-router has four local area network (LAN) ports for wired devices, plus support for a phone line and a USB port for file sharing. The VX420-G2v also supports NBN plans up to NBN 1000, so it's a good starting point for most Aussie homes, even if there are better options if you want a dedicated router or mesh WiFi system.

We haven't had a great run testing modem-routers outside of the D-Link X3052E. While popular, the TP-Link VX230v, NetComm NF20MESH and ZTE H1600 modem-routers all had reliability concerns in one way or another. Despite their provider branding, the Telstra Smart Modem 3 and Optus Ultra Wi-Fi Gen 2 scored the same as the TP-Link VX420-G2v. The Telstra Smart Modem 3 is easier to use between providers, while the Optus Ultra Wi-Fi Gen 2 only supports zero-credentials NBN providers . Note that Telstra is now offering the Telstra Smart Modem 4 to new customers (but we've yet to test it).

You don't have to look too far to find exorbitantly priced WiFi 7 routers. They are, after all, the new tech on the block. But instead of paying $500+, you can nab the Asus RT-BE58U for under $300. That's a great price to pay for a WiFi 7 router that punches above its RRP, ready for NBN 2000 plans thanks to its 2.5Gbps internet port. While the LAN ports are relegated to 1Gbps speeds, the shared 3.6Gbps wireless speeds are plenty for wireless devices to get the most out of high-speed NBN plans. The RT-BE58U has plenty of versatility, too, either via user-friendly web portal tweaks or by expanding the speedier 5GHz wireless band with compatible mesh gear.

For other WiFi 7 routers, consider the Netgear Nighthawk RS600 or the TP-Link GE800. Both are noticeably more expensive than the Asus RT-BE58U – $799 and $1,199 RRP, respectively – but they're also faster, have the newest 6GHz wireless band, and have better features. For WiFi 6 alternatives, check out the D-Link R15 Eagle Pro AI or the Synology RT6600ax.

If you already use Amazon Eero mesh WiFi units, it's worth sticking to with that ecosystem. Why? Because they're compatible with each other. Effectively, you could feasibly save money with a single-unit Amazon Eero Pro 7 as your main router, then mesh it with older or same-gen Eero products for speedy whole-home WiFi. Otherwise, it's worth investing in the Eero Pro 7 three-pack for great 5GHz (and even 6GHz) wireless coverage. The Eero Pro 7 has 5Gbps Ethernet ports, which means it's up for NBN 2000 and whatever comes after. They're auto-sensing ports, too, making the app-guided setup even easier for getting online as you can't connect to the 'wrong' Ethernet port. When you're ready to expand, the Eero Pro 7 is just a few guided taps in the companion app to connect other Eero products for an even better wireless experience throughout your home.

We're fans of the straightforward synergy between Eero products. That's why it's worth considering the Amazon Eero 6 Plus for WiFi 6 connectivity, Eero Pro 6E for WiFi 6E or, if your budget allows it, the fully featured, very futureproofed Eero Max 7. You can grab the latter for less than half price as an NBN plan add-on with AGL. Alternatively, consider the Google Nest WiFi Pro as a worthy substitute, the DD-Link Aquila Pro AI M60 for a router-like experience (with lots of Ethernet ports), or the TP-Link HX510 for a very affordable mesh WiFi system that performs well above its RRP.

Treat this as more of an explainer than a specific product recommendation. Even if you live in an FTTP home, you won't be able to get an NBN 2000 plan without the new FTTP connection box. While the older FTTP connection boxes have multiple 1Gbps 'UNI-D' ports, the new FTTP connection box has a single 2.5Gbps port. That makes connecting the box and router/mesh products a lot simpler, plus it allows for NBN plans beyond NBN 1000. Even if you're not living in an FTTP home, you may be able to upgrade. Eligible FTTN and Fibre-to-the-Curb (FTTC) homes can apply for a free upgrade via a participating provider.

Anyone living in a home connected to the NBN via Hybrid Fibre Coaxial (HFC) is also eligible for NBN 2000 plans. You'll need the new HFC connection box, though, which has a 2.5Gbps Ethernet port. If you live in an FTTC or FTTN house, the chances are good you're eligible for a free upgrade to FTTP, which makes them viable (temporary) NBN connection boxes. Note that I used "house" instead of "home"; if you, like me, live in a strata-controlled building, the FTTP upgrade needs strata approval, plus it'll likely have a per-apartment cost.