Soaring or Just Plain Boring? The D-Link Aquila Pro AI AX6000 Router Takes Flight
Dive into our review of the D-Link Aquila Pro AI AX6000, an eagle-inspired router that promises sky-high performance with a dash of style.
First Glance: Design and Setup
Imagine a router that doesn't scream "tech clutter" but whispers "futuristic charm." Meet the D-Link Aquila Pro AI AX6000 M60, a device that might make you think of a majestic manta ray with its matte white and light blue curved fins. Spanning 3.1 by 8.9 by 6.4 inches, the M60's eagle-inspired look will likely be the first to earn a nod of approval from your interior designer friend or your tech-savvy cousin alike.
D-Link AX6000 WiFi 6 Mesh Router
Contemporary Design | High-Performance | Feature Rich | AI Enabled | Parental Controls | Covers up to 3000+ sq. ft | Expandable Mesh
Setting up the M60 is a breeze—whether you opt for the intuitive mobile app or the traditional web console. Just scan, tap, and connect. Before you can say "Wi-Fi," your digital domain is ready, with a friendly LED indicator keeping you informed of the network status.
Under the Hood: Features and Performance
This router comes packed with Wi-Fi 6 capabilities, featuring a 2GHz quad-core CPU and ample memory to handle all your streaming and gaming needs. Its eight internal antennas are designed to cover up to 3,000 square feet, ensuring your digital reach extends from attic to basement.
Performance-wise, the M60 posts decent numbers. In our tests, it achieved 180Mbps at close range on the 2.4GHz band, although it wasn't the fastest swimmer in the longer-distance category, slipping behind some competitors. On the brighter side, the 5GHz band performed robustly, ensuring high-definition movie nights and smooth video calls.
Mesh Networking and Extras
Looking to blanket your home with Wi-Fi? The M60's mesh capabilities mean you can connect multiple units to form a seamless network empire. However, if you're looking for bells and whistles like USB ports or multi-gig LAN connectivity, you might feel slightly short-changed, as these are notably absent. Management is straightforward via the Aquila Pro AI app, where tweaking settings from parental controls to guest networking just takes a few taps.
But remember, some advanced features still require the old-school web login, so keep your laptop handy for those deep dives into network management.
Comparing the Competition
It's always good to scout out the landscape before settling. Priced at $179.99, the M60 sits comfortably in the budget-friendly range for Wi-Fi 6 routers. However, for about $40 more, the Synology WRX560 offers enhanced features like multi-gig WAN/LAN and better performance on the 5GHz band—features that might sway performance enthusiasts.
Pros and Cons
On the plus side, the D-Link M60 scores high on design and ease of use, with sufficient performance for the average household. On the downside, the absence of USB ports and limited LAN speed may deter those with higher connectivity needs.
Concluding Thoughts: Is the M60 Right for You?
The D-Link Aquila Pro AI AX6000 M60 makes a solid case for anyone looking to upgrade to Wi-Fi 6 without breaking the bank. Its style will dazzle, and its mesh capabilities are a future-proofing bonus. However, tech aficionados might find the performance less thrilling compared to higher-priced rivals.
Looking ahead, it's clear that routers like the M60 are just the beginning. As technology advances, expect even more powerful features becoming standard, making today's innovations tomorrow's expectations.
