An Australian guide to NBN modems and routers in 2026. The modem vs router distinction, what you actually need for your connection type, recommended Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 7 routers for gigabit plans, and what your provider hands over.
$120BYO
Entry Wi-Fi 6 router
Wi-Fi 72024
Latest standard
$0supplied
Many provider plans
The short answer
On FTTP, HFC, FTTC, Fixed Wireless, and Sky Muster, NBN Co supplies a Network Termination Device (NTD) that handles the modem function, so you only need a router. On FTTN and FTTB, you need a combined modem-router with VDSL2 support. For NBN 500 and above, you need a gigabit WAN port and Wi-Fi 6 or better to genuinely receive the higher speeds. BYO routers usually save money and give better wifi performance than provider-supplied units. Entry Wi-Fi 6 routers start at around $120; Wi-Fi 7 flagships hit $900.
The key distinction most people get wrong
Modem vs router: they do different jobs
Most Australians use "modem" and "router" interchangeably, but they're two different devices with different jobs. Understanding the distinction matters because it determines what equipment you actually need to buy.
Modem
Translates the NBN signal into data your devices can use. Connects to your NBN line via ethernet or copper. Most modems can only connect one device at a time, which is why you also need a router for multi-device homes.
Shares the internet connection with multiple devices via wifi and ethernet cables. Provides the wifi signal in your home. Router quality directly determines your wifi speed, range, and reliability. This is usually what affects your daily experience.
EXAMPLES: Asus, TP-Link, Netgear, Eero routers
In practice, most consumer devices are combined modem-routers that do both jobs. When your NBN provider gives you a "modem", it's almost always a modem-router combo. When you buy a "router" online for FTTP or HFC, you only need the router function because NBN's NTD handles the modem job.
What you need by connection type
NBN modem requirements by connection
Your NBN connection type determines what equipment you need. This is the table to check before buying any router or modem-router.
Connection
What you actually buy
NTD supplied
You need
FTTP
Router only. NBN's NTD handles the modem function. Gigabit WAN port required for NBN 500+. Wi-Fi 6 or better for NBN 1000.
YES
Router
HFC
Router only. NBN supplies the small NCD (Network Connection Device) that handles the modem function. Same router requirements as FTTP.
YES
Router
FTTC
Router only. NBN supplies the NCD. Connects via your phone line wall socket. Wi-Fi 6 sufficient because FTTC caps at 100 Mbps.
YES
Router
FTTN
Modem-router combo required. Must support VDSL2. No NTD installed. Wi-Fi 6 sufficient (100 Mbps cap). Connects via phone socket.
NO
Modem-router
FTTB
Modem-router combo required. Must support VDSL2. No NTD installed. Wi-Fi 6 sufficient. Connects via phone socket.
NO
Modem-router
Fixed Wireless
Router only. NBN supplies the NTD. Connects via ethernet. Mesh wifi recommended for larger rural homes.
YES
Router
Sky Muster
Router only. NBN supplies the satellite NTD. Connects via ethernet. Any modern Wi-Fi 6 router is plenty for Sky Muster speeds.
YES
Router
Wi-Fi standards explained
Wi-Fi 5 vs 6 vs 6E vs 7
Each new Wi-Fi standard delivers faster speeds and better device handling. For NBN, the standard determines what speeds you can actually receive on wifi. A Wi-Fi 5 router will bottleneck a gigabit NBN connection no matter what plan you buy.
2013
Wi-Fi 5
~800Mbps
802.11ac. Sufficient for NBN 25/50/100 but bottlenecks NBN 250+. Replace if you have NBN 500 or above.
2019
Wi-Fi 6
~1.5Gbps
802.11ax. The practical minimum for NBN 500+. Most modern routers and provider-supplied modems are Wi-Fi 6.
2021
Wi-Fi 6E
~1.5Gbps
Wi-Fi 6 plus a third 6 GHz band. Less congestion in dense buildings. Recommended for apartments with many wifi networks nearby.
2024
Wi-Fi 7
~2-3Gbps
Tri-band, latest standard. Real-world speeds of 2-3 Gbps and significantly lower latency. Future-proof for NBN 1000+ and beyond.
BYO router recommendations
Best NBN routers in Australia 2026
A curated list of BYO routers for different needs and budgets, all currently available in Australia. For FTTN and FTTB customers, look for the "modem-router" combos with VDSL2 support specifically.
Model
Why pick this
Standard
Price
Asus RT-BE96U
The flagship. Wi-Fi 7 tri-band, 10 Gbps WAN port, 2-3 Gbps real-world wifi, 8 adjustable antennas. Future-proof for many years.
Wi-Fi 7
~$900
TP-Link Archer BE800
Wi-Fi 7 mid-tier. 10 Gbps WAN, tri-band, excellent value for serious gigabit users who don't need top-tier flagship features.
Wi-Fi 7
~$650
Asus RT-BE92U
Wi-Fi 7 budget pick. Tri-band with competitive price. Limited to 2 bands (2.4 + 5 GHz) but supports Wi-Fi 7 protocols.
Wi-Fi 7
~$450
TP-Link Archer AX73
Wi-Fi 6 mid-range. Strong all-rounder for NBN 500 to 1000 plans. Good value if you don't need Wi-Fi 7's extra features.
Wi-Fi 6
~$200
TP-Link Archer AX1800
Entry pick. Wi-Fi 6 budget router, gigabit WAN. Sufficient for NBN 100 to 500 plans. Great for budget-conscious shoppers.
Wi-Fi 6
~$120
Google Nest WiFi Pro
Wi-Fi 6E mesh system. Best for large homes needing wifi coverage across multiple rooms. Add nodes for whole-home coverage.
Wi-Fi 6E
~$250
Pricing approximate as of May 2026 from major Australian retailers. Wi-Fi 7 router prices have come down significantly in the past year. Mesh systems are highly recommended for homes over 150 sqm or multi-storey properties.
What your provider gives you
Provider-supplied modems and routers
If you don't want to BYO, most Australian NBN providers supply branded modems with most plans, often free or discounted. Quality varies significantly; some are excellent (Telstra Smart Modem 3) while others are basic (older TP-Link units).
Provider modem index
What each major provider supplies in 2026
Most provider modems are good enough for the speed tier you bought, but BYO usually gives better wifi performance per dollar. If you have a 3+ bedroom home or wifi dead spots, a BYO mesh system will outperform any single provider modem.
TELSTRA
Smart Modem 3. Wi-Fi 6 dual-band, 4 gigabit LAN, 4G mobile backup during outages. Strong choice.
OPTUS
Ultra WiFi Modem Gen 2. Wi-Fi 6 with 4G backup. Excellent ports, web portal UX let down.
BELONG
Technicolor DWA4135. Wi-Fi 6, dual-band, 950 Mbps, 4 gigabit LAN. Around $150 with plans.
TPG / iiNet
TP-Link VX230v. Most popular provider modem. Wi-Fi 6 dual-band, 1.8 Gbps shared.
AUSSIE BB
TP-Link VX230v. Same as TPG/iiNet. Around $99 upfront or built into plans.
SUPERLOOP
Optional BYO friendly. Doesn't push a specific modem; ships TP-Link or BYO at your choice.
Practical rules for NBN equipment
Six rules for buying NBN modems and routers
Match your modem to your connection type first, plan tier second.A gigabit-capable Wi-Fi 7 router is useless if you're on FTTN (capped at 100 Mbps). Buy the right tool for your situation: VDSL2 modem-router for FTTN/FTTB, gigabit router for FTTP/HFC/FTTC. Then match the Wi-Fi standard to your plan speed.
For NBN 500 or above, Wi-Fi 6 is the practical minimum.Wi-Fi 5 routers max out at around 800 Mbps real-world, so they bottleneck NBN 500+ regardless of how much you pay for the plan. If your router is more than 5 years old and you've upgraded to high-speed NBN, replace the router before you replace the plan again.
BYO usually beats provider-supplied on performance per dollar.A $250 mesh wifi system delivers better real-world performance than any provider-supplied single-unit modem. Provider modems are designed to meet minimum specs at scale, not to maximise wifi performance. BYO if you care about wifi quality across your home.
Hardwire devices that matter for full speed.Wifi rarely delivers full gigabit speeds even on Wi-Fi 7. For your main desktop, gaming PC, or streaming device, use ethernet cable from router to device. You'll see consistent 950 Mbps+ vs the 400-700 Mbps wifi typically delivers in real homes.
Consider mesh wifi for homes over 150 square metres.A single router (provider or BYO) struggles to cover larger homes, multi-storey properties, or homes with concrete walls. Mesh systems like Google Nest Wifi, Eero, or TP-Link Deco use multiple nodes to maintain strong signal everywhere. Worth the extra $100-$200 vs a single high-end router.
4G backup is genuinely useful, especially for work-from-home.Modems like Telstra Smart Modem 3 and Optus Ultra WiFi Gen 2 include 4G mobile backup that kicks in automatically when NBN goes down. Worth the slight premium over BYO if you depend on internet for work. Speeds during 4G fallback are limited, but enough for video calls and email.
FAQ
Common questions about NBN modems
Do I need a modem for NBN in Australia?
It depends on your connection type. For FTTP, HFC, FTTC, and Fixed Wireless, NBN Co installs a Network Termination Device (NTD) at your home that handles the modem function. You only need a router to connect to the NTD and provide wifi to your devices. For FTTN and FTTB connections, there is no NTD; you need a modem-router combo device that includes a VDSL2 modem to connect to the NBN's copper line. For Sky Muster Satellite, NBN supplies the modem and you need a separate router. The simplest way to check what you need is to look at your provider's recommended equipment list when signing up to a plan.
What's the difference between an NBN modem and a router?
A modem connects your home to the internet by translating the NBN signal into something your devices can use. A router takes that internet connection and shares it with multiple devices via wifi or ethernet cables. They are different functions, though most consumer 'modems' sold today are actually combined modem-routers that do both jobs in one box. On NBN FTTP, HFC, FTTC, Fixed Wireless, and Sky Muster, the NBN-supplied NTD acts as the modem, so you only need a standalone router. On NBN FTTN and FTTB, you need a combined modem-router that supports VDSL2. The router function is what provides wifi coverage in your home, so router quality directly affects your wifi speed and reliability.
Can I bring my own modem to my NBN plan?
Yes, you can bring your own (BYO) modem or router to most Australian NBN plans. The router or modem-router must be NBN-ready and compatible with your connection type: gigabit WAN port for FTTP/HFC/FTTC, VDSL2 support for FTTN/FTTB. Major Australian providers including Aussie Broadband, Superloop, Tangerine, Spintel, MATE, and most others fully support BYO. Telstra and Optus tend to prefer you use their branded modem (often included free or discounted), but BYO is usually still possible. BYO saves money long-term ($0-$50/month vs $5-$15/month modem rental) and gives you better wifi performance with premium routers.
What modem do I need for NBN 1000 in Australia?
For NBN 1000, you need a router with a gigabit-capable WAN port (most modems sold post-2022 qualify) and Wi-Fi 6 or better to genuinely receive the full speeds. Wi-Fi 5 routers max out at around 800 Mbps real-world, so they bottleneck a gigabit connection. The Asus RT-BE96U (Wi-Fi 7) is the current flagship at around $900, with the more affordable Asus RT-BE92U Wi-Fi 7 option around $450. The TP-Link Archer BE800 (Wi-Fi 7) is around $650. For budget-conscious gigabit users, the TP-Link Archer AX73 (Wi-Fi 6, ~$200) is the entry-level recommendation. Note: for NBN 1000 you should hardwire your main computer via ethernet for best speeds; wifi rarely delivers full gigabit even on Wi-Fi 7.
What is Wi-Fi 6 and do I need it?
Wi-Fi 6 (also called 802.11ax) is the wireless networking standard released in 2019, succeeded by Wi-Fi 6E (2021) and Wi-Fi 7 (2024). Wi-Fi 6 delivers real-world speeds of up to around 1.5 Gbps, sufficient for NBN 1000 plans. Wi-Fi 5 (released 2013) is limited to around 800 Mbps real-world and bottlenecks gigabit NBN connections. You need Wi-Fi 6 or better if your plan is NBN 500 Mbps or higher; Wi-Fi 5 is fine for NBN 25/50/100. Wi-Fi 6E adds the less-congested 6 GHz band for better performance in dense apartment buildings. Wi-Fi 7 is the latest standard with significantly higher speeds and tri-band performance; recommended for NBN 1000+ users who want future-proof performance.
What modems do Australian NBN providers supply?
Major Australian NBN providers supply branded modems with most plans, often free or heavily discounted. Telstra supplies the Smart Modem 3 (TP-Link based with Wi-Fi 6 and 4G mobile backup). Optus supplies the Ultra WiFi Modem Gen 2 (Wi-Fi 6 with 4G backup). Belong supplies the Technicolor DWA4135 (Wi-Fi 6, around $150). TPG, iiNet, Aussie Broadband, and many smaller providers commonly supply the TP-Link VX230v (Wi-Fi 6, the most popular provider-supplied unit). Provider-supplied modems are convenient and pre-configured, but BYO routers are usually higher quality and give better wifi performance for the same money. Provider modems typically cost $0 to $200 upfront depending on plan.
Can I use my old NBN modem with a new provider?
Usually yes, with some configuration. Most NBN-ready modems are not locked to a specific provider. When switching providers, you'll need to update the modem's PPPoE username, password, and VLAN settings to match your new provider's requirements (your new provider will email these details). The exception is Telstra Smart Modems, which have historically been locked to Telstra services and don't work with other providers. Optus and Belong modems are typically unlockable but require contacting support. For maximum portability, BYO routers are always usable across any provider. If your modem is more than 4-5 years old, consider replacing it regardless: older modems lack Wi-Fi 6 and can't handle modern NBN speeds above 100 Mbps.
What's the difference between Wi-Fi 6, 6E, and 7?
All three are wireless networking standards, with each newer version offering faster speeds and better device handling. Wi-Fi 6 (2019) operates on 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands, delivering up to around 1.5 Gbps real-world. It's a substantial upgrade over Wi-Fi 5 and sufficient for NBN 1000 plans. Wi-Fi 6E (2021) adds a third 6 GHz band, providing more bandwidth and less congestion in busy environments like apartment buildings. Wi-Fi 7 (2024) is the latest standard, offering tri-band operation (2.4, 5, and 6 GHz) with peak real-world speeds of 2 to 3 Gbps and significantly lower latency. For NBN users today, Wi-Fi 6 is the practical minimum for any plan above NBN 100. Wi-Fi 7 is recommended for future-proofing if you're shopping for a router with the next 5+ years in mind.
Ready to find the right NBN plan?
Compare Australian NBN plans across speeds, providers, and modem inclusions. Match your plan to your existing modem or pick one that includes the right router for your needs.
