AmpliFi Alien Mesh WiFi 6 Router Review - Performance and Features

[@wallingtonfilming]

AmpliFi Support (AmpliFi) Oct 24, 2021, 13:19 PDT Hi Mark, Thanks for getting in touch with us! Amplifi will give the same wifi speed which your isp is providing. However, i can cover a large area giving good results. For example, if you have 200 speeds from the ISP, then the Amplifi router should give the same speed on wireless and wired on the client devices. It will not boost the speed above 200 as the ISP is only providing that much speed on your connection.

[@Th3GoatMan]

What was your down/up speeds before and after? Nobody talks about this in their videos

[@augustogalindo8687]

For an accurate comparison he would have to test a wifi 6 compatible device as well, and there are not too many of them.

[@knifeyonline]

@@augustogalindo8687 there are multiple brands of wifi 6 pci cards which are backwards compatible with AC so........ seems very easy to test to me

[@mtik9996]

Augusto Galindo new iPhones and Samsungs

[@coffeejunkie33]

Check out unbox therapy his review actually shows up/down

[@Th3GoatMan]

coffeejunkie33 I watched his first. It only shows the after. Not before when it didn’t have this connected

[@CodyMetal]

4:10 Every router has a cpu bro. You didn't even say the core count which is 4 cores. No actual cpu name or ram specs as far as I can see, but the CPU is "64-bit".

[@aidanparris5009]

Calm down buddy

[@CodyMetal]

@@aidanparris5009 Not trying to be rude, but people who do reviews about products they don't understand just spread more confusion.

[@aidanparris5009]

@@CodyMetal his point was that the router can give an equal connection across multiple devices. How is that confusing?

[@CodyMetal]

@@aidanparris5009 what?

[@aidanparris5009]

@@CodyMetal your saying he's spreading confusion but he's not.

[@AdventuresInTheSky]

Would love to see a real world comparison of this and the Wi-Fi 6 orbi

[@fromthesidelines1453]

will older non wifi 6 devices take advantage of this router an will this give a better coverage compared to a wireless N band router?

[@metagamers]

Currently I have the AmpliFi Gamers Edition connected via Ethernet Backhaul to another AmpliFi HD router. About 30 - 40 devices connected at a time but only 1 WiFi 6 device in the house. Future proofing aside will I see any real performance increase to warrant the cost of upgrade? If so where would I see this increase? Speed, distance or other? Currently I have 1gig up and down

[@metagamers]

TechReview thanks for the reply. So to clarify I’ll still see these improvements even though my devices are not WiFi 6?

[@KingZero69]

can you add these to an existing Amplifi HD network to be able to utilize both... or do you have to just start over and throw your old ones out?

[@CescoCDN]

Correct me if I’m wrong: for Wi-Fi 5 compatibility, only the 5GHz is available. Many of us have IOT devices like thermostats, switches and sockets which connect to 2.4 only thus one would be up a creek with this router, no? If so, it’s be important to point this out. Also, can it do band steering ie. 1 SSID for both 2.4 and 5 and if so can the SSID be split into 2; 1 for 2.4 and the other for 5 GHz.

[@CescoCDN]

@@jeffreybowens Thank!. So I'm basically unclear regarding "backwards compatibility" if iOT devices can connect on wifi6's 2.4 Ghz. Does backward compatibility only regard the 5Ghz band?.

[@joshkeller1533]

Can you use the Amplifi HD mesh points with it, and use the alien as a main replacement? I understand you cannot use with existing HD but can you at least utilize the mesh points. I have 3 additional mesh points and was just wondering if I will have to toss or give away those as well as the HD brain.

[@hybr1d694]

Why would you compare a Linksys AC1900 against this or an HD? Should of paired it against something more relevant (provided you had it laying around) like an RT-AX88U which is similarly priced.

[@shaunkong62]

In a mesh system you have at least 2 units. Just want to know if you are trying to create a mesh system with two "towers", are they, or must they be connected to the other tower, with wires or via cat6 cables? Or is this "backbone" connected wirelessly without actual wire connection.. Thanks for answering. I assume the best low interference connection between the "towers" must be a wired connection...

[@Quietprofessional1]

Will this router work with older 2.4ghz wireless devices? Thanks

[@ryand6380]

If i buy this do i also need the other whit square product to use teleport from anywhere?

[@kousoulides]

So how many SSID do you get when you have so many protocols supported? do you get different SSIDs for 2.4ghz AC and 6 protocol?? or is it a single SSID for all devices? old and new?

[@MykWazowski]

What sort of throughput will I get using this via home data transfer or a Home NAS and using plex. Would I be able to stream locally to say a Nvida Shield via wireless and playback bluray or 4k videos? Or would I need to have it wired back to the Alien? I ask because my new home I'm unable to run ethernet cables to all my streaming devices and computers.

[@SamHetchler]

Check out a MOCA adapter. I use it for gigabit over coax between my Shield and my router/nas/tuner out in the garage.

[@suppermanzzzz291]

nice video， i have lots of old devices which doesnt support wifi6 like iphone xr， ipad pro2018， ns， does this router works for old devices？ some of them also only supoort wifi5 2.4G

[@suppermanzzzz291]

TechReview that’s sounds great, just got 1000 speed , so I am looking for a nice WiFi Router : ) thanks

[@henille]

Can you buy meshpoint and ad it later. If yes how many can you ad?

[@UttRConcrete]

No u have to buy a second alien router to use as a mesh point. The alien mesh points are not sold separately.

[@ticoworld7195]

Can you set up guest wifi with this device?

[@ticoworld7195]

@@jeffreybowens is it modem and router in one?

[@SuperAgent47]

I got no WiFi 6 devices but Would you buy it over the nest WiFi ?

[@Noah.marasigan29]

If your wifi/internet isn’t the best to begin with does this still boost it? Please lmk bc I’m interested in getting!

[@Trusty335is]

Hi will this pair well with the Netgear nighthawk cable modem cm1200 using xfinity 1gb internet service?

[@Ghost-hs6qq]

So it basically gives your current internet a boost right???? So like if the speed is 2 Mbps it will boost to let's say 20 Mbps or 200 Mbps right??????

[@Ghost-hs6qq]

@Chriz can you explain that

[@JJFlores197]

@@Ghost-hs6qq Nope. That's not how this works at all. It is impossible for any router to get you faster speed than what you pay for. So in your example, you have a 2 Mbps connection from your ISP. This router will only get you up to 2 Mbps because that is the connection between your router and your ISP. You're only as fast as the slowest link in the network, which is typically the internet provider. So if you want faster speeds, you will need to upgrade to a faster internet package.

[@Ghost-hs6qq]

@@JJFlores197 ok so what does it do.

[@JJFlores197]

@@Ghost-hs6qq This is a wireless router. It allows you to get wired and wireless network connectivity in your home.

[@Ghost-hs6qq]

@@JJFlores197 ok thanks for your help mate stay safe.

[@Thawheelman]

Can you use the existing mesh points or do you just not need them?

[@cdphotography2]

Did you buy this mesh system after review ? How are real world test and has anyone purchased this item and used it for this past year ?

[@VladimirKnobel]

How is the coverage and range compared the Amplifi Mesh HD? Does one Amplifi Alien replaces 1 to 1 an Amplifi Mesh HD with 2 Mesh Points?

[@VladimirKnobel]

@@jeffreybowens but you still need one mesh point the only the base device wouldn't replace the HD with 2 mesh points, right?

[@tonyg9174]

@@VladimirKnobel Good question, I also have the Amplifi HD with the two mesh points and would like to know if the Alien by itself will provide the same or better coverage. My home is 2700 SF

[@billligon4005]

I want to get Wifi in my Tesla which sits about 20 yards away outside my condo patio, but does not even see my home network router. Will this work for that purpose?

[@iokepaxxxx]

when you refer to Teleport, is done all via software through the app? or is the AmpliFi Teleport hardware required?

[@RifatErdemSahin]

This mesh is better due to ui or is there other benefits ?

[@laflamejaime4135]

I still have a question , so if i purchase this , do i keep my same internet plan ? For instance i’m with Frontier , will i need to cancel or do any of that or just plug this in and that’s it ? i’ll be paying the same a month ? or does it change ?

[@christianjamel6987]

so it's basically in other explanation.. you have a existing wifi for example a PLDT Fibr and you only connect it to the existing router so that it can be faster even if it only has 30mbps?

[@davem45]

You're coming up on close to a year of using this device. any update on this review?

[@davem45]

@@jeffreybowens awesome!!! looking forward to it!

[@SNWxGaming]

So in theory I'd run ether net cable from Comcast Gateway XB6 Router/Modem to this Alien Router. Would that already being creating a mesh system setup?

[@rodolfoalva422]

3 years ago?!?!? should i wait to buy or worth it still? $600+ for a expensive router.. what should i do?

[@samanthapowell5882]

Can you have multiple internet sources? Does it have the zigbe band?

[@Mike-hq7mn]

Can you use your old Amplifi HD to connect to this new Alien Mesh to create a mesh network? At $380 each buying 2 of hem to create mesh network seems very expensive.

[@averymullins1582]

With Asus anything with AiMesh will work. Not this system.

[@cyberreefguru]

Not so much a review as an overview. Without some sort of speed comparisons and range tests, it can hardly be considered a review. It was a nice overview nevertheless.

[@roncosta5197]

So you can change IP to what you want on the lane, does it have any antivirus or malware on this device and can you program it for wifi cameras that need ports open?

[@Benz-rz7bo]

So does this help boost the network? I understand the coverage hit the down and up time I’m seeing is crazy. I only get 50ish down currently and like 12 up

[@kvelez1986]

So I just got my Amplifi Alien Router last week and I was curious about a couple of settings. When in the wireless settings I see there are multiple options for different wireless bands. Should I turn on all the bands or just use the Standard "Amplifi Alien" option?

[@coleklughart6017]

Unless you have a 5ghz wireless headset and it starts to “lag” you should be good

[@Kayden1911]

Does this connect to an existing WiFi source or does it give off its own WiFi?

[@brianmahemba2948]

I dont have wifi 6 supported devices yet, should I still get this for future proofing?

[@GaelanBayley]

@@wiziek Hey dumb dumb, WiFi 6 was certified of September 6th. Safe to say it's finalized.

[@edward_jxckson7452]

Soo. Do I need a Fibre connection to my house and to my router for this to work with 1gbps?

[@edward_jxckson7452]

@@jeffreybowens Ok perfect thanks so much!

[@hiflite2925]

And you can connect the router directly to the fiber jack on the wall. No need for a modem. Assuming you have google fiber.

[@edward_jxckson7452]

@@hiflite2925 Cool cool, cheers

[@rodddwaze5086]

I live in an area where I can only get 3mbps down MAX and like 1-2up. As I'm typing this it's literally 0.11 Mbps download and 0.25 Mbps upload. Will this device help at all, because I won't mind getting it?

[@rodddwaze5086]

@@jeffreybowens ohh gotcha!

[@ecgodsmack86]

Will this be compatible or work with spectrum internet sorry for dumb question not a tech guy by no means

[@UttRConcrete]

Yes

[@AxisImagery]

Does the Alien support 2GB fiber optic speed?

[@richardwilkinson8022]

I’m a little confused to what this is.. can I use it with sky broadband or is does it it have a monthly subscription of its own?

[@LrgPicture]

Are you still using the AMPLIFI alien? How do you like it? Why not Orbi ac6000

[@LrgPicture]

TechReview I was considering the orbi ax6000.... what are your thoughts on that router compared to the alien?

[@erikamuller7053]

What are the costs? Do you have to pay something per month

[@brianmateo8041]

its not wifi. just a router

[@RandomSliceofMusic]

I currently have an AMPLIFI HD router with 2 mesh points and I would love to upgrade to this at some point. Unfortunately, it seems like they don’t offer any mesh points for this router? Even when this goes on sale inevitably, it seems really steep to ask someone to buy two fully priced routers for a mesh network. I have 3 levels in my house with the router at the top and a mesh point on the main level and one in the basement. Hopefully mesh points will be added later!

[@RandomSliceofMusic]

TechReview Thank you for the reply. And that’s great, but not everyone can spend near $800 for Wi-Fi. They should make some cheaper mesh points even if it’s not 100%. I feel that was a huge plus for their HD to routers.

[@tonyg9174]

They now sell a package that includes a mesh point that looks like the alien, sans the display screen for $699 US

[@averymullins1582]

@@tonyg9174 at that price you might as well buy two routers.

[@superjeans100]

I am not tech savy, so I have a silly question, do i still need to purchase wifi from a service provider? like At&t? I dont get how this device works. I just want the internet for school and Netflix and came across this mega wifi router :o

[@JJFlores197]

This product is a wireless router. By itself, it can't give you Internet access since you still need an internet provider like AT&T or whatever is in your area. Most providers will sell/rent/give you a gateway box which includes a modem, router, and Wi-Fi all in one unit. For most average users, it works 'good enough'. So unless you need more advanced features like VLANs (virtual LANs), custom routing, etc this specific product won't really be of much use for you.

[@smh.brian_1000]

can u use it as mobile or do u need to pay every month\

[@brianmateo8041]

Its just a router. it doesnt give you wifi. You need to have your own wifi, and connect this to your wifis modem

[@ejvegajr]

is this faster then Netgears AX12 RAX200????

[@bonelessafro6852]

So I have a crappy 4 year old WiFi router. I have like 1.6 up and 4 down. If I were to upgrade to this, are my upload and download speeds going to get significantly faster? Also is it compatible with all internet providers (kinda a noob to this stuff :)

[@isaacmartinez7820]

TechReview Is this device it’s own internet or do you need another internet to use this? Once you buy the product is there any amount you have to pay after per month or year or is it yours to keep?

[@rizikidavid7689]

Do you have to pay each month or not??

[@davidburmeister9179]

Can you hook up a WiFi range extender?

[@briantoponak]

On the Parental control side - can I limit the sites a particular group can access?

[@ertonyrn]

Brian Toponak you can literally do that on any router

[@stephengray3401]

Excellent and very helpful review. I am in the process of evaluating routers to replace my Apple Airport Extreme unit. I also utilize and Airport express to connect with a Slingbox on a TV in a room different from where my router is located. From your comments, to mesh this router, I would actually have to purchase two of them? Or, perhaps, is there a different alternative to creating a mesh than purchasing two of these routers? One other question, is it imperative that the modem be DOCIS 3.1 or would 3.0 be adequate? Thank you in advance for your support.

[@gcpins]

I’m not tech savvy, but a separate review on this router revealed a very fast internet connection quite far away from the router (outside the gentlemen’s home in his driveway). He had 200-300 mpbs out in his driveway, and around the 400-500 mark while in his home. If you buy one router, considering your home isn’t massive (I believe the range is around 3000 sq ft?), you shouldn’t need a 2nd router. Having the router relatively close to the TV (even if it’s outside of the room) would help. Of course, adding a MeshPoint (sold with the router on Amplifi’s website) would extend the 3k range to 6000 sq ft. I’ve heard the connection from the MeshPoint is practically as fast as the connection from the main router (the MeshPoint can be connected wireless or via Ethernet to the main router).

[@nelgm]

Will this work with the old amplifi HD system by putting HD router in bridge mode?

[@tanupgupta4063]

Can we use this router as a range extender

[@annalynlazo1258]

do we have to pay subscription fee?

[@jboy1757]

why did you not compare AX to AX connection? Of course AX will drastically outperform AC

[@elias38]

Is there an option to change the color of LED ring?

[@jerryherold4391]

Does Alien need to mesh with another Alien or can it mesh with amplifi instant

[@jerryherold4391]

@@jeffreybowens Boooo Okay...:-) Just need a little more range then the one unit can push out. +5000sq ft

[@jaeem1542]

So is this an extender or...?

[@LeoThaLion23]

Soooo, why is this out of stock on amplifys website? Or when I click the link buy on "......." it redirects me to the amplify HD?

[@larock0wns]

So are you using a 2nd router for your mesh or is your 2nd device one of their MeshPoint ?

[@anthonyfusco9768]

would have liked to see actual usage...speed tests etc... would have liked you to elaborate on things like area of coverage (is it made for a condo, an entire house, a floor in the house etc..).

[@dannybrownne7141]

did you notice any performance increase from amplifi HD and the alien such as download/upload speeds, latency, packet loss? I pay for 70mb download and i receive average 5mbs-20mbs so hoping this may strenghten and make my connections more consistent. Help would be appreciated

[@kurramhussain8663]

Does it have a modem built in

[@UttRConcrete]

No

[@dermotjones]

will this work with existing switches and routers? my house is huge and have many hardwired devices that will need to stay wired.

[@Fechual]

Are there any outdoor products that Ubiquiti makes that will work with this system as well?

[@Bobby_00pium]

Do you have to pay the internet once you get it?

[@brianmateo8041]

Need your own wifi

[@Random-gq7gg]

Does it have a WiFi radio on / off feature?

[@jackwilson9913]

How do you think this will compare to eero?

[@jameskelly4494]

Looks like you have the only review of this now. Have a couple of questions? Seriously considering this to replace my Eero Pro setup. Have you had any issues with sustained connections ie large downloads or gaming? The Eero replaced a Netgear Orbi RBK 50 setup that was terrible at sustaining connections, measured it in the Kilobyte during downloads. Have a 5000 square foot house so I would need two.

[@alonzosmith6189]

Would there be a comparison between this Alien router and Unifi controller and FlexHD access points

[@Tom-188]

Hi, i have an Amplifi HD router and it consumes about 6W-7W. What is the power consumption of the Amplifi Alien Router during normal operation?

[@Tom-188]

could you measure it?

[@CraigNZA]

Tom that would require a technical review. This review is only a marketing rehash.

[@jasonsm123]

Does anyone know how does this router compare to the new Verizon Fios home router? Verizon is claiming their new router is the fastest.

[@DontStealMyFish]

I doubt Verizon would ever claim the stuff they use is not the best...so I would be skeptical to think their claims are true in real-world scenarios.

[@tazchapman692]

So what is the speed up next to it and like 60 to 80 feet away? Looks like you have a fiber link of 1Gbps, i'm just curious what speeds you are getting over the wifi. Looking to replace an old router. Comment would be super appreciated thanks! @TechReview

[@blakejones9392]

Hey man I was wondering if something like this would be good to use if you have terrible WiFi of 1.5 mbps like would it make it better or is it pointless to try? Thanks and great video!

[@ezra6717]

There's more to getting better speeds than just getting better routers. You need to figure out what speeds you're paying for from your ISP, then run a speed test from a device that can be hardlined to your modem/gateway. If your speeds are what you're paying for then test from your router. If it's not close to or equal to the speeds from your modem then it may be time for a new router.

[@mydixiewrecked5478]

Can it only go as fast as my isp?

[@gcpins]

This router will only provide what you receive from your ISP (and modem).

[@moogle2crooks]

Does this or will this work with Apple HomeKit?

[@moogle2crooks]

TechReview Apple has implemented HomeKit API for routers, some like Linksys have added that into their routers. I’m wondering if AmpliFi has or will be doing the same.

[@DRacer90]

Is it still worth it to buy even if you don't have any compatible wifi 6 devices?

[@DRacer90]

The only thing that disappoints me is that I'l have to buy another Alien just to create a mesh network. I wished the Instant is wifi 6 and more ports or else I would buy that instead.

[@garyblier3449]

Does this do Bridge mode like the HD? Currently have the Amplifi HD in a 3000sf house hooked up to a FortiGate Firewall. I'm going to start off with one unit at one end of my house to see how it works. But for Plex to work, the router needs to be in Bridge mode. Thanks for the review!

[@garyblier3449]

@@jeffreybowens Thanks.

[@11josiahf]

Can i use this on different country?

[@11josiahf]

TechReview amazing. Thats mind blown

[@GabrielGomez-qn3tj]

This guy big gay

[@evlnte]

I bought into the AmpliFi HD because of the Teleport product. I needed a hardware VPN to my home from anywhere in the world. Do you know if that device will continue to function with this router?

[@ChaseRoossin]

TechReview Do you need to purchase the extra hardware for teleport functionality or does the Alien come with built-in hardware support for Teleport?

[@evlnte]

Chase Roossin The hardware VPN seems to now be optional. You can instead download Amplifi Teleport as an app now and enjoy the same features.

[@ChaseRoossin]

SteveV have you been able to find the router anywhere online? I can’t seem to find it available

[@evlnte]

Chase Roossin I only saw it on Ubiquiti’s own store. amplifi.com/alien

[@iokepaxxxx]

@@evlnte regarding the Teleport hardware, is it possible to connect multiple devices (laptops/phones/etc) to just one Teleport?

[@jnicev3797]

What kind of iPhone holder is the one you were using?

[@xA.K007x]

What router do you need

[@xA.K007x]

How would you get the internet?

[@acejokerz]

Cable/fiber -> modem -> this device

[@xA.K007x]

Oh ok

[@PartyxPete]

Can you use this with AT&T Fiber?

[@stijncouck8635]

Where to buy in europe? On the website of ubiquiti it only ships to us

[@Timberjagi]

ik woon en werk in de usa, ik zou het naar je kunnen versturen ;)

[@p3rrypm]

Wait so you wanted to cover the differences and only showed the common features in the interface? Why is that?

[@henrybarney3202]

Where to buy in USA? Can’t find it

[@henrybarney3202]

TechReview its sold out there

[@ChaseRoossin]

I am also not able to find it online currently. I reached out to support to see if they had an ETA of restocking fee but no response yet. Were you able to find one?

[@relax2565]

dam why so dark,do u own any lights

[@JPTheTechGeek]

Does it support WPA3 security?

[@miles5600]

When wil there be a unifi wifi 6 ap?

[@karlukmax]

Does it handle 1 gigabit connection's. My HD system never has.

[@BasilMinhas]

Karl Turner I heard this can do mult-gigabit speeds

[@andrewlusby9365]

Does it come with its own WiFi?

[@kennythealpha5437]

TechReview what does that mean tho? Cause I’m tryna buy one to play online or school work

[@MikaTheAboveAverageDog]

Not a huge fan of throwing affiliate links into the description and having a good segment of why you *need* this router as opposed to why one would *consider* this router. But I get it, dont hate the player, hate the game.

[@Gioobewildin]

How much is it monthly?

[@brianmateo8041]

Its just a router, it doesnt give you internet

[@overthrownSE]

Really looking forward to it, but couldn't find any release dates for europe yet...