Best modems & routers

Telstra Pre-Paid Wi-Fi 4G

April 8th, 2013 - Telstra's Pre-Paid Wi-Fi 4G hotspot looks cheap, and it is cheap, although the accompanying data isn't. But the combination does make for excellent value. 1

Netgear R6300

August 31st, 2012 - The R6300 is quite a beast of a router, and it certainly gives a promise of things to come. While we score it highly, we'd hold off on purchasing anything 802.11ac until client chips are more widespread — by then, there'll likely be something even better around. 1

• Where to buy? $225 to $347 at 2 stores

Linksys EA6500

May 7th, 2013 - There is no denying how expensive the Linksys EA6500 is, but with performance like this, it's a price tag that is easy to justify.

Optus E589 Mini WiFi Modem

April 5th, 2013 - If you're within Optus' 4G coverage zones, it's possible to achieve some blinding speeds at quite reasonable prices, although the coverage maps aren't as extensive as we'd like. 1

Telstra Mobile Wi-Fi 4G

April 4th, 2013 - The business-centric, post-paid Telstra Wi-Fi 4G hotspot offers speed across a wide range of areas in Australia, but it's not the best value around.

Asus RT-N66U

September 25th, 2012 - While the RT-N66U may not have had the fastest 2.4GHz signal at close quarters, it certainly has the best range of any 802.11n router we've tested. Add to this the easy-to-use interface, leagues of options and the fact that it simply works — we can't help but recommend this.

• Where to buy? $238 to $301 at 3 stores

WD My Net N750

May 6th, 2013 - With a wealth of features, an excellent user experience and very respectable performance, the low price is a pleasant surprise.

Telstra Pre-Paid 3G USB + Wi-Fi

April 5th, 2013 - The clever Telstra Pre-Paid 3G USB+Wi-Fi offers Wi-Fi sharing from a single USB modem. We're just left fervently wishing it was a 4G device.

Asus RT-AC66U 802.11ac wireless router

April 17th, 2013 - The Asus RT-AC66U is an excellent router and is currently one of the best options among those that support the latest 802.11ac Wi-Fi standard.

Optus E5331 Mini WiFi Modem

April 5th, 2013 - Optus' budget Wi-Fi modem won't give you exceptional speeds or indeed any kind of exceptional experience, but it equally won't burn a hole in your wallet.