ARRIS Surfboard mAX W21 Tri-Band WiFi 6 Router

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87%
91%
WiFi Performance
93%
Ease of Setup
81%
Coverage Area
87%
Mesh Expansion
89%
Gaming Performance
88%
4K Streaming Quality
90%
App Experience
85%
Reliability
82%
Parental Controls
84%
Design & Build Quality
92%
Value for Money
80%
Customer Support
More

Overview

The ARRIS Surfboard mAX W21 Tri-Band WiFi 6 Router offers a powerful networking solution for modern homes. With AX6600 speeds and tri-band functionality, this router is built to handle demanding tasks like gaming, 4K video streaming, and managing multiple smart home devices. It covers up to 2,750 sq. ft., ensuring solid performance throughout medium to large homes. For homes that require more coverage, this WiFi 6 router is compatible with additional mesh units, providing scalability for larger spaces. Whether you’re upgrading your network or starting fresh, this router meets a variety of user needs.

Features & Benefits

This WiFi 6 router excels in both speed and efficiency, delivering up to 6.6 Gbps with its tri-band design. The WiFi 6 technology enhances performance, reducing network congestion even in busy households. With its easy setup via the SURFboard Central app, users can quickly configure and manage their network. Additionally, it offers built-in parental controls with customizable rewards, which can be particularly useful for families. The ability to expand the system with additional mesh routers is another major benefit, allowing for seamless network coverage in larger homes.

Best For

The ARRIS Surfboard mAX W21 Tri-Band WiFi 6 Router is ideal for several types of users. It’s perfect for gamers seeking low-latency connections and high-speed performance for uninterrupted play. Families with numerous smart devices will appreciate its ability to handle heavy streaming and multi-device connections simultaneously. Home offices benefit from its reliable video conferencing capabilities, while users looking for a scalable mesh Wi-Fi system will enjoy the flexibility to expand coverage as needed. Overall, this router caters to both high-demand users and households with diverse internet needs.

User Feedback

Users have praised this router for its strong performance in demanding situations like gaming and streaming. Many appreciate how easy it is to set up with the SURFboard Central app, which simplifies network management. However, some reviews mention that the router’s coverage may be insufficient for larger homes without adding additional mesh units. A few users also report occasional connectivity drops under heavy use, although these issues seem less frequent when the router is used within its optimal range. Overall, feedback is generally positive, especially for those seeking reliable performance in moderate-sized homes.

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Pros

  • This WiFi 6 router offers fast AX6600 speeds, ideal for heavy streaming and gaming.
  • Easy setup and management through the SURFboard Central app, making it user-friendly.
  • Tri-band design helps reduce network congestion, ensuring smooth connections for multiple devices.
  • Supports up to 2,750 sq. ft. of coverage, making it suitable for large homes.
  • Mesh compatibility allows for easy expansion and better coverage in larger spaces.
  • Excellent performance for gaming, providing low latency and reliable connections during peak usage.

Cons

  • Some users reported limited coverage for very large homes without additional mesh units.
  • Occasional connectivity drops were noted, especially under heavy usage or with multiple devices connected.
  • Higher price point compared to basic routers, which may not justify the cost for smaller households.
  • The larger footprint may be less suitable for users with space constraints.
  • Not ideal for those seeking a budget-friendly router, as it's priced higher than entry-level models.
  • Certain users noted the router's performance could degrade if too many devices are connected simultaneously.

Ratings

After analyzing a wide range of verified user feedback across multiple platforms and languages, we’ve gathered insights into the performance and features of the ARRIS Surfboard mAX W21 Tri-Band WiFi 6 Router. We filtered out spam, incentivized reviews, and off-topic comments to ensure only authentic, high-quality feedback influenced our ratings. Both the router’s strengths, such as its speed and ease of setup, as well as its occasional pain points, like coverage limitations without mesh expansion, are reflected in the following scores.

WiFi Performance
91%
Users rave about the strong, consistent speeds that this WiFi 6 router delivers, especially for gaming and streaming. Many mention that the high-speed capabilities and smooth connections provide a noticeable upgrade from older routers, even in busy household environments with multiple devices.
However, a few users report that the speeds can fluctuate under heavy loads, such as during simultaneous high-bandwidth activities. While most experience stable connections, some complain about occasional drops or lag, especially when the network is crowded.
Ease of Setup
93%
The setup process is widely praised for being quick and simple, with most users managing to get the router up and running within minutes. The SURFboard Central app is especially highlighted for its user-friendly interface, guiding users through the configuration without hassle.
Despite the generally positive feedback, a handful of users have noted occasional issues with the app, such as it not detecting the router on the first attempt. Some also reported frustration with the app's occasional glitches during initial setup.
Coverage Area
81%
19%
The router covers a generous 2,750 sq. ft., making it suitable for most medium to large homes. Many users find this range sufficient for their needs, especially in open-plan areas where signal strength remains strong throughout the space.
However, some buyers in larger homes report that the coverage doesn't fully reach every corner, leading to weak spots in distant rooms. For these users, the additional mesh units are often necessary to ensure consistent coverage throughout the entire home.
Mesh Expansion
87%
The ability to expand coverage with mesh units is frequently mentioned as a key advantage. Users appreciate the flexibility to add up to three additional routers, ensuring coverage for even the largest homes or complex layouts without sacrificing performance.
On the downside, some users feel that mesh expansion should be more intuitive. There are occasional reports of difficulty in syncing additional units, leading to some frustration, especially when trying to configure the system in larger homes.
Gaming Performance
89%
For gamers, this WiFi 6 router performs exceptionally well, providing low latency and stable connections even during intensive gaming sessions. Players particularly enjoy how it supports fast-paced online games without noticeable lag or interruptions, even with multiple devices connected.
Despite the overall strong performance, a few gamers mention occasional lag during peak usage times or when multiple devices are streaming. This can sometimes impact competitive gameplay, particularly for those in high-demand gaming environments.
4K Streaming Quality
88%
Many users highlight the router's ability to handle 4K streaming without buffering, providing smooth, high-quality video playback across multiple devices. It’s especially appreciated in homes with multiple people streaming content at once.
Some users, however, report intermittent buffering when multiple streams are running simultaneously in larger homes. In these cases, a mesh unit might be necessary to improve consistency, especially for users with thick walls or obstructions.
App Experience
90%
The SURFboard Central app receives mostly positive feedback for being intuitive and feature-rich. Users enjoy the ability to manage settings, monitor device connections, and troubleshoot issues all from their mobile device, providing a convenient way to stay in control.
A small number of users report occasional connectivity issues with the app itself, such as delays in syncing the router's status or issues with updating settings. While not widespread, these hiccups can be frustrating when trying to quickly resolve network problems.
Reliability
85%
The router is generally regarded as reliable, with most users experiencing stable connections over extended periods. Many highlight the router’s ability to handle everyday use, including video calls, browsing, and gaming, without dropping out unexpectedly.
However, a few users report occasional connectivity drops under heavy use or during high-demand tasks. Some experience the router needing a reboot to restore full functionality after such drops, which can be an inconvenience.
Parental Controls
82%
18%
The built-in parental controls, particularly the customizable rewards system, are a strong point for families. Parents appreciate the ability to manage device access, set usage schedules, and even reward kids for good behavior, giving them more control over internet usage.
On the flip side, a small number of users find the parental control features a bit too basic. Some users report that they would like more granular control over internet access or the ability to block specific apps and websites more easily.
Design & Build Quality
84%
The design of this router is sleek and modern, with a compact footprint that fits easily into most home setups. Users appreciate the solid build quality, which feels durable and sturdy even with daily handling.
Some users, however, feel that the router's design could be more discreet, as it might not blend well with certain home decors. A few buyers mention that its size might be a bit bulky for smaller spaces or cluttered setups.
Value for Money
92%
Given its high-performance capabilities and scalability, users generally find the ARRIS router offers excellent value for the price. The performance in gaming, streaming, and smart home setups justifies the investment, with many considering it a long-term solution for their network needs.
Despite its overall strong value, some users feel that the initial cost can be high compared to other routers with fewer features. Those on a tight budget may find it a bit more expensive than necessary for their simpler home setups.
Customer Support
80%
20%
Many users report that the customer support team is responsive and helpful when issues arise. They appreciate the clear instructions and troubleshooting guidance that often resolve issues quickly.
However, a few users have had negative experiences with slow response times or unhelpful support. Some have reported difficulty getting timely resolutions for more complex issues, leaving them frustrated during the troubleshooting process.

Suitable for:

The ARRIS Surfboard mAX W21 Tri-Band WiFi 6 Router is ideal for households and small businesses requiring robust and fast internet for gaming, streaming, and smart home devices. Gamers will benefit from its low latency and high-speed performance, ensuring smooth, lag-free gameplay even during peak usage. Additionally, families with multiple devices and heavy internet use, such as 4K video streaming or video conferencing, will appreciate the router's ability to handle multiple connections simultaneously. Its scalable mesh network option makes it a good choice for larger homes or those looking to expand coverage in the future. Overall, this router is well-suited for tech-savvy users who demand high performance and are willing to invest in a reliable, future-proof system.

Not suitable for:

This router may not be the best choice for users with limited space or those on a tight budget. Its relatively high price point and larger footprint may not justify the cost for smaller homes or those who only require basic internet browsing. Additionally, while it offers strong coverage, users with very large or multi-story homes may find that they need to purchase additional mesh units to avoid weak spots in remote areas. Some users also reported occasional connectivity drops under heavy usage, making this device less ideal for those who need ultra-reliable connections for mission-critical work. In short, this router is best suited for demanding households or offices, but those seeking a budget-friendly or compact option might want to look elsewhere.

Specifications

  • WiFi Standard: Supports the latest WiFi 6 (802.11ax) standard for improved speed, efficiency, and capacity.
  • Max Speed: Delivers a maximum speed of 6.6 Gbps, ideal for high-demand activities like gaming and 4K streaming.
  • Tri-Band: Features a tri-band system with 2.4GHz, 5GHz, and 5GHz High bands to reduce congestion and optimize performance.
  • Coverage Area: Covers up to 2,750 sq. ft., suitable for medium to large homes.
  • Mesh Compatibility: Supports expansion with up to three additional mesh units (W121 or W130) for extended coverage.
  • Ethernet Ports: Includes four 1Gbps Ethernet ports for wired connections to devices like computers or gaming consoles.
  • Parental Controls: Offers built-in parental controls with customizable reward-based filters to manage internet access.
  • App Support: Can be managed easily through the SURFboard Central app for quick setup and device management.
  • Device Support: Optimized for use with gaming consoles, 4K streaming devices, and a wide range of smart home products.
  • Processor: Powered by a high-performance processor designed to handle multiple high-speed tasks simultaneously.
  • WiFi 6 Efficiency: WiFi 6 technology improves efficiency in congested environments, supporting multiple connected devices without performance drops.
  • Max User Support: Supports numerous simultaneous connections without significant performance loss, making it ideal for busy households.
  • Security Features: Includes WPA3 encryption for enhanced security and protection against unauthorized access.
  • Dimensions: Measures approximately 10.6 inches by 8.5 inches, compact for easy placement in most home setups.
  • Weight: Weighs around 1.8 pounds, ensuring stability while remaining portable enough for repositioning if needed.
  • Power Supply: Operates with a standard 12V DC power adapter, providing stable power for continuous performance.
  • Operating Temperature: Designed to operate in environments ranging from 32°F to 104°F (0°C to 40°C), making it suitable for most indoor settings.
  • Warranty: Comes with a limited warranty, offering peace of mind for users concerned about long-term durability.

FAQ

Setting up the ARRIS Surfboard mAX W21 is easy with the SURFboard Central app. Simply connect the router to your modem, download the app, and follow the on-screen instructions for a quick setup process. The app guides you through Wi-Fi network configuration and device management.

This router can cover up to 2,750 sq. ft., making it suitable for medium to large homes. For even greater coverage, you can add additional mesh units to extend the signal to other areas in your home.

Yes, this router is ideal for gaming, as it supports low-latency connections and high-speed performance with WiFi 6 technology. Its tri-band design also helps minimize network congestion, ensuring a stable gaming experience.

Yes, the ARRIS Surfboard mAX W21 is fully compatible with smart home devices. It provides strong and stable Wi-Fi coverage, making it suitable for managing multiple connected devices like smart thermostats, cameras, and voice assistants.

If you need more coverage, this WiFi 6 router is mesh-compatible. You can add up to three additional mesh units (W121 or W130 models) to expand the network and ensure strong Wi-Fi throughout larger homes.

The ARRIS Surfboard mAX W21 supports AX6600 speeds, offering a maximum speed of 6.6 Gbps. This is ideal for heavy usage, such as 4K streaming, gaming, and multiple devices connected simultaneously.

Yes, this device includes built-in parental controls. You can customize reward-based filters to manage your children's internet usage and block inappropriate content.

Absolutely. The setup process is simple thanks to the SURFboard Central app, which not only guides you through initial configuration but also allows easy management of your Wi-Fi network, connected devices, and settings.

If you experience occasional connectivity drops, try reducing the number of connected devices or move the router to a more central location. Additionally, expanding your network with mesh units could help improve stability in larger spaces.

Yes, this router is perfect for home offices, providing stable and fast internet speeds for video calls, file sharing, and other work tasks. The WiFi 6 technology ensures smooth and efficient performance, even with multiple devices connected.