Which router Xiaomi to choose in 2022: a full review of models and recommendations

Choosing a router in 2022 is not an easy task, especially when it comes to the Xiaomi brand, which offers a wide range of devices for the home and office: 4K-Streaming, online games, smart home and many connected gadgets require stable and powerful Wi-Fi coverage. But how not to get lost in the variety of models and choose the router that is ideal for your tasks?

In this article, we will analyze the current models of Xiaomi routers for 2022, compare them by key parameters: speed, coverage area, support for Mesh networks and additional features. You will learn which devices are optimal for a small apartment and which will cope with the coverage of a large house.

It's important to understand that even within a single brand, the difference between models can be huge, like a dual-band router with Wi-Fi 6 for gamers, and a budget model with Wi-Fi 5 for basic tasks. Let's get this straight!

Why Choose a Xiaomi Router in 2022?

Xiaomi has long since ceased to be associated only with budget smartphones. Today, it is one of the leaders in the network equipment market, offering a balanced balance of price, quality and functionality. Here are some reasons why Xiaomi routers deserve attention:

• 💰 Optimal price: even flagship models are cheaper than counterparts from the ASUS TP-Link with comparable characteristics.
• 📶 Stable coverage: Beamforming technologies and MU-MIMO Provide a strong signal even in multi-room apartments.
• 🔄 Mesh support: the ability to combine multiple routers into a single network for seamless roaming.
• 📱 Convenient management: the proprietary Mi Wi-Fi application allows you to configure the network from a smartphone without getting into the web interface.

Xiaomi is also actively updating its devices’ firmware, adding new features and fixing vulnerabilities, for example, in 2022, many models received Wi-Fi support. 6E (6 GHz extended band, which is relevant for future connectivity standards.

⚠️ Note: Not all Xiaomi routers are officially sold in Russia.Some models (e.g. Xiaomi Router) AX6000) You may need to manually change the region in the settings to work correctly with local providers.

Key parameters when choosing a Xiaomi router

Before we go into specific models, we will figure out what to look for when buying.

1. Wi-Fi Standard: Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) It is suitable for basic tasks, Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) — for loaded networks with multiple devices.
2. Number of bands: Single or dual-band routers are cheaper, but three-band (with 6GHz support) futureproof.
3. Port speed: Gigabit LAN/WAN Ports are mandatory for wired connection of modern PCs and consoles.
4. Coverage area: for the apartment will be enough 2-3 antennas for the house - 4 or more (or Mesh-system).
5. Additional functions: VPN, Parental control, support for IoT devices.

Pay special attention to the processor and RAM, for example, routers with a Qualcomm chipset. IPQ6000 or MT7981 They are better at handling the load than budget decisions. MT7621. This is critical if you have a smart TV, a gaming console and several smartphones at the same time.

TOP-5 Xiaomi routers in 2022 Year: Comparison and recommendations

Now, to the specific models, we selected the 5 most relevant Xiaomi routers for 2022, taking into account their technical characteristics, user reviews and price-performance ratio (WPA3) And they have a branded firmware MiWiFi.

Important nuance: Xiaomi routers with an index"AX" The name supports Wi-Fi 6, which guarantees better performance on networks with more than 20 devices at a time.If you have a small apartment and 5-10 gadgets, a model on Wi-Fi 5, for example, Xiaomi Router, is enough. 4A Gigabit.

Best Xiaomi router for an apartment: budget vs premium

For a typical apartment with an area of up to 70 m2, both budget and premium models will suit, the main thing is to correctly assess your needs.

Budget option: Xiaomi Router AX1800

This is the best choice for those who want to get Wi-Fi 6 at the lowest price.

• 📡 4 external antennas for stable signal.
• 🔌 Gigabit ports (although they are) WAN-port limited to 1 Gbps).
• 🛡️ Built-in protection against DDoS attacks.

Cons: Weak processor (MT7621), It can slow down while you download torrents and play online, but it's enough to watch videos, work and surf.

Premium option: Xiaomi Router AX6000

Flagship model with support for 160 MHz in the 5 GHz band and port 2.5G WAN — Ideal for gamers and users with a tariff of more than 500 Mbps:

• 🚀 Speed up to 6000 Mbps (in laboratory conditions).
• 🧠 Qualcomm's powerful processor IPQ6000 (4 cores, 1 GHz).
• 🔗 Link Aggregation (Port Connection).

The disadvantages are high price and large size, and to fully realize the potential, you need an Internet tariff at a speed of 1 Gbps.

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If you have a tariff of up to 300 Mbps, overpay for AX6000 It doesn't make sense, you don't notice the difference in speed. AX3600 or AX1800.

Xiaomi Mesh Systems: When Do You Need a Multiple Router Package?

If your apartment or house has a complex layout (many walls, floors) or an area of more than 100 m2, a conventional router may not cope with the coverage. In such cases, Mesh systems come to the rescue - sets of 2-3 devices that create a single network without losing speed when switching between nodes.

In 2022, Xiaomi will offer two current Mesh systems:

1. Xiaomi Mesh System AX3000 — dual-band system with Wi-Fi 6 support and speeds up to 3000 Mbps. Ideal for homes up to 200 m².
2. Xiaomi Mesh System AC2100 (outdated model) - budget option on Wi-Fi 5, suitable for apartments up to 150 m².

Benefits of Mesh from Xiaomi:

• 🔄 Automatic roaming between nodes (devices switch unnoticed).
• 📱 A single name for the network (SSID) housewise.
• 🔧 Easy setup via Mi Wi-Fi app.

⚠️ Note: When buying a Mesh system, make sure all nodes support the same Wi-Fi standard. Mixing Wi-Fi 5 and Wi-Fi 6 on the same network is not recommended - this will lead to a speed drawdown.

Which Xiaomi router to choose for gaming and streaming?

For online games and video broadcasting in 4K Two parameters are critical: low ping and stable speed. Xiaomi routers with Wi-Fi 6 support and technology OFDMA They are best at handling these tasks, as they reduce delays with a large number of connected devices.

The best models for gamers:

1. Xiaomi Router AX6000 — port 2.5G WAN The processor provides minimal delays.
2. Xiaomi Router AX3600 — A more budget-friendly alternative with good performance.

Settings to optimize the game:

Enable Game Acceleration mode in settings

Disable QoS (if not in use)

Set traffic priority for the gaming console/PC

Use a wired connection (if possible)

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It is also recommended to disable Band Steering (automatic switching between ranges), since in manual mode you can fix the device at a less loaded frequency of 5 GHz.

Set up a Xiaomi router after purchase: step-by-step instructions

Once you have purchased a router, you need to set it up correctly.

1. Connection: Connect the router to the provider modem via WAN-port (usually marked in blue).
2. Power: Turn the device into the socket and wait for the load (the indicators should burn stably).
3. Customization via app: Download Mi Wi-Fi from the App Store or Google Play. Create a Xiaomi account (if not). Follow the instructions of the customization wizard.
4. Firmware Update: Go to Settings → Update the software and install the latest version.

For advanced users, a web interface is available at the address 192.168.31.1 (default login: admin/admin Or see the sticker on the device. You can set it up there:

• 🔒 VPN-server.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Parental control and restriction of access.
• 📊 Monitoring traffic by device.

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Always change the standard router administrator password! Use a complex combination of letters, numbers and symbols to protect the network from hacking.

Frequent problems with Xiaomi routers and their solutions

Even the most reliable devices can fail, and the following are the problems and ways to fix them:

If the router does not turn on at all, check the power supply (should be) 12V/1A or 12V/2A Also try resetting with the Reset button (hold on). 10 seconds).

⚠️ Note: When you reset your settings, all data (including guest network and parental controls) will be lost. → Backup.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions about Xiaomi routers