WLAN Router In The Test: The Test Winners Of The Stiftung Warentest For DSL And Cable Connections

Anyone who has booked their Internet access via a DSL tariff needs a DSL router. It is plugged into the corresponding connection on the telephone socket in the household. A less frequently used alternative is the cable connection, which runs over the TV socket. In addition, there are (almost) not used in private households - routers for fiber optic connections. The products are usually only designed for one connection type.

contents

• Router test winner at Stiftung Warentest: AVM FritzBox 7590
• Price tip: AVM FritzBox 7530
• Router for cable connection: AVM FritzBox 6591 Cable
• Buying a WiFi router: what you should know

The best WiFi routers 2020: All test winners at a glance

placement	product	price	offer
Test winner at Stiftung Warentest	AVM FritzBox 7590	about 200 euros	To Amazon
Price tip	AVM FritzBox 7530	approx. 120 euros	To Amazon
Recommendation for cable connection	AVM FritzBox 6591 Cable	approx. 250 euros	To Cyberport

Test winner at Stiftung Warentest: AVM FritzBox 7590

In the test of the Stiftung Warentest (see issue 3/2020), the FritzBox 7590 from AVM took first place with an overall grade of 1.5. Whether data transmission, security functions, telephoning, handling or versatility - the DSL router achieves a "very good" everywhere. The only exception: the electricity consumption. Here it is only enough for grade 2.3. GIGA has measured: In operation, the router requires around 11 watts from us. There are only few energy saving options, for example by reducing the DECT or WLAN performance (only useful in small rooms). It is best to unplug the router when you are away from home for a few days.

The equipment of the top router from AVM is extensive, we can expect regular software updates with functional extensions from the Berlin manufacturer. Thanks to WLAN AC + N and multi-user MIMO, speeds of up to 1733 Mbit / s (5 GHz) and 800 Mbit / s (2.4 GHz) can be achieved via the wireless network. A DECT base for the direct connection of DECT radio telephones is integrated.

AVM FritzBox 7590

Now from € 180.00 at Amazon Similar offer at Mediamarkt Price can now be higher. Price from 2020-26-07 11:45 p.m.

Advantages:

• Fast data transfer
• Many and very good functions

Disadvantage:

Somewhat high power consumption

The price tip: AVM FritzBox 7530

Our price tip is the FritzBox 7530. It should be enough for smaller households. Compared to the top model, the maximum transfer rates of the WLAN are lower with 866 Mbit / s or 400 Mbit / s, and you also get fewer connections. Otherwise, the router also offers a wide range of functions, including an integrated DECT base.

The test by the Stiftung Warentest also proves that AVM has made a good compromise: The FritzBox 7530, as one of the cheapest products, scores with lower power consumption and takes second place with an overall rating of 1.6. For comparison: competing products from other manufacturers achieve a grade of 2.1 or worse.

AVM FritzBox 7530

Now from € 115.90 at Amazon Similar offer at Otto price can now be higher. Price from 2020-27-07 1:13 a.m.

Advantages:

• Very good value for money
• Many and very good functions

Disadvantage:

Few connections

Cable router at Stiftung Warentest: AVM FritzBox 6591 Cable

The Stiftung Warentest 03/2020 only tested the AVM FritzBox 6591 Cable for cable connections. The slightly higher power consumption than the DSL models causes devaluation, the FritzBox 6591 Cable therefore received an overall grade of 2.0 despite top grades in the other areas.

AVM Fritz! Box 6591 Cable

Now from € 252.00 at Cyberport Similar offer at Amazon price can now be higher. Price from 27.07.2020 00:08 a.m.

Advantages:

• Fast data transfer
• Many and very good functions

Disadvantage:

High power consumption

Buying a router: what you should know

What functions should you pay attention to when buying a FritzBox?

Even after taking a look at the Stiftung Warentest magazine - or at the two DSL routers above - some may still be wondering which model to take. For multiple devices and people in the household, for a lavish data transfer within the network or streaming with a powerful tariff, a high speed makes sense so that there is no loss of performance. Then the FritzBox 7590 is the first choice. You should also pay attention to the connections. Only the top model provides ISDN support and offers two instead of one USB port. Here you can connect a printer and a hard drive, for example.

Both AVM routers offer a DECT base and integrated telephone system functions. The devices are also the same in terms of further equipment. Our tips for the FritzBox show what you can use the devices for:

Start photo gallery (23 photos)

Telekom, o2, Vodafone - which WLAN router makes sense for the DSL tariffs?

At least the major providers of DSL tariffs often provide customers with their own routers. If you are satisfied with the respective product, you save further expenditure on the hardware. However, these models are usually less powerful and feature-rich than the routers mentioned above. For example, the Telekom Speedport Smart 3 only scored “satisfactorily” in the Stiftung Warentest test.

FritzBox and devices from other manufacturers can be used, regardless of which provider you have booked the DSL tariff with. The DSL FritzBoxes mentioned above also support supervectoring 35b (VDSL).

Can you set up the router yourself?

Starting up a good router yourself is not rocket science. The easiest way is to use a Windows PC or Mac that is connected to the router via a network cable. The setup page can be called up in the browser. Important: You need the access data for your tariff.

Do you need a WiFi repeater?

A WLAN repeater extends the radio network of the WLAN router. You only need it if the network cannot be reached wherever you need it and the router cannot be positioned more cheaply.

View AVM WiFi Repeater on Amazon

Practical: Some FritzBox models can be used as repeaters. So you can still use a disused router for WLAN expansion.

What accessories do you need for the FritzBox?

The absolutely necessary accessories are included - such as the connection cable. A network cable is used to connect a computer to the router with a cable.

For telephony, a DECT telephone is coupled to the FritzBox. The models from the same manufacturer are best matched to the functions, as our test of the FritzFon C6 showed.

AVM FRITZ! Fon C6 DECT comfort telephone

Now from 64.00 € at Amazon Similar offer at Mediamarkt Similar offer at Cyberport Price can now be higher. Price from 27.07.2020 02:10 a.m.

Not absolutely necessary, but interesting for some: AVM offers smart home devices that can be controlled via the FritzBox. There are also free apps for iOS and Android that help with the configuration and operation of the connected devices.