The AmpliFi Alien router brings next-generation Wi-Fi 6 technology to your home network setup, offering impressive speed and coverage all wrapped up in a sleek, futuristic design. However, despite its cutting-edge features, certain aspects of this mesh router could mean that it won’t stand the test of time. Read on for a detailed review of the AmpliFi Alien.

Design & Features

The AmpliFi Alien stands out from the crowd with its tall cylindrical shape, LED-lit base, and matte black finish. The front touch screen provides an intuitive way to interact with the router’s settings and view real-time network statistics.

Inside the device, you’ll find a tri-band Wi-Fi 6 system that promises higher speeds and improved energy efficiency over older generation routers. The AmpliFi Alien supports both the 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands for communication with Wi-Fi 5 devices and an additional multi-gigabit Wi-Fi 6 band designed specifically for compatible devices.

One significant advantage of this mesh router is its ease of setup through the iOS or Android app. Users can also create a mesh network in their homes by combining multiple AmpliFi Alien routers to extend coverage further.

Performance

In terms of speed capabilities, the AmpliFi Alien does not disappoint. It delivers on its promise of fast Wi-Fi 6 speeds, quickly transferring data between devices and streaming 4K videos without any issues.

The mesh capabilities also ensure that your home’s dead zones are eliminated as long as your AmpliFi Alien units are strategically placed throughout the house to maximize coverage. On average, users can expect strong Wi-Fi signals throughout their entire home when using this mesh system.

Shortcomings: Why It Isn’t Future-Proof

Despite all these positive points, there’s still room for improvement with the AmpliFi Alien. The lack of support for WPA3, the latest Wi-Fi security standard, is a significant drawback. While this might not bother casual users, others might feel uneasy knowing their network isn’t secured using the latest encryption technology.

Additionally, many of the device’s smart features are locked behind a monthly subscription plan called AmpliFi Teleport. To access features such as VPN support and ad-blocking, users have to pay a monthly fee that adds up over time and might limit the desirability of this router for some potential buyers.

Conclusion

The AmpliFi Alien Wi-Fi 6 mesh router has plenty to offer in terms of design and performance. Its sleek aesthetics and top-of-the-line speeds make it an appealing choice for those looking to upgrade their home Wi-Fi system. However, potential buyers should weigh the drawbacks – such as the lack of WPA3 support and the need for a subscription plan to access certain features – against its positive attributes before committing to this future-inspired yet not entirely future-proof bedroom.