ARRIS SURFboard mAX W21: AX6600 Tri-Band WiFi 6 Router

Category: Home Networking

Tri-Band WiFi 6 (2.4GHz/5GHz/5GHz High)
AX6600 Speeds up to 6.6 Gbps
Coverage of 2,750 sq ft
Mesh Compatible with W121 or W21 devices
Parental Controls and Rewards-Based Activities
QoS (Quality of Service) for Prioritizing Traffic
Guest Network
Alexa Support
SURFboard Central App for Management

Overview and First Impressions

The ARRIS Surfboard mAX W21 Tri-Band Mesh Ready WiFi 6 Router is a powerful and feature-rich router designed to meet the demands of modern homes. Out of the box, it presents itself as a well-constructed device with a sleek white design that blends into most home environments.

Design and Build Quality

The W21 boasts a compact size and a sturdy build quality. Its matte white finish gives it a modern look, and the antenna placement is designed to optimize signal distribution. It feels solid and well-made, suggesting it can withstand regular use.

Setup and Usability

Setting up the W21 router is straightforward thanks to the user-friendly SURFboard Central app. The app provides step-by-step instructions and clearly explains each configuration option. The intuitive interface makes managing network settings, parental controls, and guest networks a breeze.

Performance Analysis

With its Tri-Band WiFi 6 technology (2.4GHz/5GHz/5GHz High) and AX6600 speeds, the W21 delivers exceptional performance. Real-world testing showed consistent high speeds across all connected devices, even during demanding tasks like online gaming and 4K video streaming. Latency was minimal, ensuring smooth gameplay and lag-free experiences.

Features and Functionality

The W21 is packed with features that cater to diverse needs. Its parental controls allow for rewards-based activities, while QoS prioritizes traffic based on applications, ensuring optimal performance for critical tasks. The guest network feature provides secure access for visitors, keeping your main network protected.

Device Handling

The router efficiently handles a large number of connected devices without compromising speed or stability. It supports simultaneous connections from multiple smartphones, laptops, smart TVs, gaming consoles, and IoT devices. The Tri-Band system helps manage traffic effectively, preventing congestion and ensuring smooth operation.

Security

The W21 incorporates essential security features like WPA3 encryption to protect your network from unauthorized access. The SURFboard Central app allows you to monitor connected devices and set up alerts for suspicious activity. While it doesn't include a built-in firewall, the strong encryption provides a good baseline of protection.

Noise and Heat

The router operates quietly, even under heavy load. It generates minimal heat, so there's no need to worry about overheating issues. Its compact design also helps with airflow, further reducing noise and heat generation.

Pros and Cons Summary

Pros: Powerful performance, Tri-Band WiFi 6, easy setup, comprehensive features, parental controls, mesh compatibility
Cons: Lacks a built-in firewall, reliance on the SURFboard Central app for some features

Final Verdict and Recommendation

The ARRIS Surfboard mAX W21 Tri-Band Mesh Ready WiFi 6 Router is an excellent choice for homes demanding high performance, reliable connectivity, and advanced features. Its impressive speed, wide coverage, and user-friendly app make it a standout option. While the lack of a built-in firewall might be a minor drawback for some, the overall value and performance make the W21 a highly recommended router.

Overall Rating

4.5 out of 5 stars