A modem that looks good on the shelf can still leave a household with patchy Wi-Fi in the back bedroom or an office with dropouts during an important video call. A useful NBN modem review needs to look beyond headline speeds and ask a more practical question: will this equipment suit the connection, premises and people relying on it every day?
For Australian homes and small businesses, the right answer is rarely the most expensive unit. It is the modem or router that matches your NBN technology, covers the space properly, supports the devices you use, and comes with help when something goes wrong.
NBN modem review: modem, router or both?
The word “modem” is often used to describe the box that provides Wi-Fi, but the equipment required can differ considerably by NBN connection type. Getting this point right avoids paying for features you cannot use or, worse, buying a device that will not connect at all.
On Fibre to the Node (FTTN) and Fibre to the Building (FTTB) services, you generally need a VDSL2-compatible modem router. It connects to the existing phone socket and translates the NBN signal for your network.
On Fibre to the Premises (FTTP), Hybrid Fibre Coaxial (HFC) and many Fibre to the Curb (FTTC) services, NBN equipment at the premises handles the modem function. What you need is usually a router with an Ethernet WAN port. The router creates your Wi-Fi network and connects wired devices, while the NBN connection box or network termination device handles the line itself.
Fixed Wireless and Sky Muster services also use provider-installed NBN equipment, with a router connected by Ethernet. The exact setup can vary, so check the NBN technology at your address and the requirements of your provider before purchasing anything.
This is the first trade-off to consider. An all-in-one modem router is convenient for FTTN or FTTB, but a separate router and modem can be easier to upgrade or troubleshoot. For most homes, convenience is sensible. For a growing business, separate equipment may offer more flexibility over time.
What separates a good modem from a frustrating one
A quality NBN device should be assessed on four everyday measures: compatibility, Wi-Fi coverage, wired connections and support. Marketing terms matter less than how the unit performs in your actual premises.
Wi-Fi coverage matters more than peak speed
A fast NBN plan does not guarantee fast Wi-Fi in every room. Thick internal walls, double brick construction, long hallways, metal roofing, neighbouring networks and the location of the router can all weaken the signal. A modem placed inside a cupboard beside the NBN connection box will rarely deliver its best result.
For a smaller flat or compact office, a capable Wi-Fi 5 or Wi-Fi 6 router placed in an open, central position may be enough. Wi-Fi 6 is generally the better long-term choice where there are many mobiles, smart TVs, cameras, tablets and laptops competing for capacity. It handles busy networks more efficiently, although it will not magically increase the speed coming into the property.
Larger homes, multi-storey buildings and offices with separated work areas often benefit more from a mesh Wi-Fi system than from one high-powered router. Mesh units use two or more access points to extend coverage across the premises. They cost more and need sensible placement, but they can solve dead spots that a single modem cannot.
Where possible, use Ethernet cabling for fixed devices that need reliability. A desktop computer, smart TV, EFTPOS terminal, security recorder or office printer is often better connected by cable. This reduces pressure on Wi-Fi and provides a steadier connection for the devices that matter most.
Check the ports before you buy
Port selection is easy to overlook until equipment arrives. Most households need at least several Gigabit Ethernet LAN ports for wired devices, plus an Ethernet WAN port where relevant. If you have a faster NBN plan, make sure the WAN port supports the speed you are paying for. A device with only a 1 Gbps WAN port will not make the most of plans above 1 Gbps, even where those plans and local infrastructure can deliver them.
Small businesses may need more. Consider the number of desks, phones, access points, printers and servers that need a wired connection. You may also need a network switch rather than relying only on the ports on the router. For hosted voice services, stable local networking and sensible traffic management are often more valuable than a long list of consumer features.
Some devices include USB ports for shared storage or mobile broadband backup. These can be useful, but only if you genuinely intend to use them. It is better to choose reliable core networking features than pay extra for functions that will sit unused.
Security and updates are part of the value
A modem is not a set-and-forget purchase. It sits at the edge of your network, so firmware updates and basic security settings are essential. Choose a reputable device that receives ongoing updates, then change the default administrator password and Wi-Fi password during setup.
Guest Wi-Fi is worthwhile for many households and businesses. It gives visitors internet access without placing their devices on the same network as work computers, storage or connected equipment. For an office, separate staff, guest and business-device networks may be appropriate, particularly where payment systems, phones or cloud applications are in use.
Do not assume a device with extensive security language on its packaging removes the need for good practices. Updates, strong passwords and prompt support when an issue appears are what make the difference.
When the provider-supplied modem is the better choice
Buying your own equipment can give you more choice, but a provider-supplied modem can be the lower-risk option. It is usually preconfigured for the service, known to be compatible, and easier for the support team to diagnose remotely. If a connection fault occurs, there is less chance of two companies pointing at each other and blaming the equipment.
That simplicity is particularly valuable for households that do not want to manage network settings or for small businesses without an internal IT team. A provider should be able to explain what equipment is included, whether it is locked to the service, what happens if it fails, and how support works after installation.
At HM Telecom, the aim is to make that conversation straightforward: one point of contact that can consider the NBN service, Wi-Fi needs and any connected business phone requirements together. That can be far more useful than choosing a router solely from a specification sheet.
There are still good reasons to bring your own device. You may already own a high-quality mesh system, need advanced settings such as virtual private network access, or want to retain more control over a larger network. Before changing equipment, keep the original modem or router available until the replacement is confirmed as working.
Matching the modem to your NBN plan
For entry-level and standard-speed plans, almost any current compatible router should handle the internet connection itself. The larger consideration is Wi-Fi coverage and the number of connected devices. A family streaming television, working from home and using smart home equipment may need better Wi-Fi management even if their NBN plan is not especially fast.
On faster plans, the equipment becomes more significant. Check the router’s WAN and LAN port speeds, processor capability and Wi-Fi standard. Older devices can become a bottleneck, especially when several people are transferring files, gaming or holding video meetings at once.
For businesses, assess usage rather than just download speed. Cloud backups, hosted phone calls, video conferencing, remote access and large uploads all compete for bandwidth. Upload performance, traffic prioritisation and a backup connection may be just as important as the advertised download figure. A low-cost home modem can be adequate for a micro-business, but it may not be the right fit for an office that depends on voice and cloud applications throughout the day.
The practical checks before making a decision
Before ordering, confirm your NBN technology and plan speed, then measure the premises rather than guessing. Think about where the connection box is located, whether Ethernet cabling is available, how many devices connect at busy times, and which rooms cannot tolerate weak Wi-Fi.
Also ask what support looks like when the connection drops. Is there a direct contact who can help distinguish a Wi-Fi issue from an NBN fault? Can they assist with configuration? Are replacement options clear? Price matters, but time spent chasing support through a large call centre has a cost too.
The best NBN equipment is the kind you stop thinking about because it quietly supports work, entertainment and everyday communication. Choose for your connection type and premises first, then make sure there is a real person ready to help if the technology needs attention.