I tested MSI’s first gaming router — and the RadiX AXE6600 is blazing fast

A picture of the MSI RadiX AXE6600 next to a Pixel 6a running a speed test
(Image credit: Tom's Guide)

For too long now, Asus, Netgear and TP-Link have dominated the market for the best gaming routers. But that all changed at CES 2023 when MSI revealed it would also throw its hat in the ring with several new devices.

A newcomer to the market, MSI announced that it would release three gaming routers with each one targeting a different Wi-Fi spec. While the RadiX AX6600 supports Wi-Fi 6 and the RadiX AXE6600 supports Wi-Fi 6E, the company also has a Wi-Fi 7 gaming router in the works called RadiX BE22000, which is expected to be released next year.

I recently had the chance to test out MSI’s RadiX AXE6600. And even though it's one of MSI’s first gaming routers, the AXE6600 really packs a punch with excellent speeds, intuitive software and some unique features. It's also currently $100 off at Newegg when you use the promo code "LUCKYHUNDRED" at checkout.

Reaching speeds over a gigabit on Wi-Fi 

Since the RadiX AXE6600 features Wi-Fi 6E, this gaming router is incredibly fast. However, you’ll want to pair it with one of the best gaming PCs, as next-gen consoles such as the PS5 and Xbox Series X don’t actually support Wi-Fi 6E. Instead, the Xbox Series X uses the aging Wi-Fi 5 standard while the PS5 ships with Wi-Fi 6.

The rear ports of the MSI RadiX AXE6600

(Image credit: Future)

At the back of the RadiX AXE6600, you’ll find two WAN ports to connect the router to one of the best cable modems. While the first Ethernet port tops out at 1 gigabit per second (Gbps), the second one is a 2.5 Gbps port indicating this is a multi-gig router. However, there’s also a USB port if you want to be able to access files on a USB flash drive or even a portable hard drive from any computer on your network.

Although I currently use one of the best mesh Wi-Fi systems with Wi-Fi 6E support at home, my TP-Link Deco XE75 is using the 6GHz band for wireless backhaul to connect its satellites to my router. So testing MSI’s RadiX AXE6600 allowed me to take full advantage of Wi-Fi 6E’s new 6Ghz band.

After setting up the router and configuring it using MSI’s mobile app, I then ran some speed tests using the Google Pixel 6a. Since I pay extra for Comcast’s Gigabit Extra plan, I actually get 1.2 Gbps instead of just gigabit internet. I ran one speed test after another and I was able to get 1,300 megabits per second or 1.3 Gbps download speeds each time.

If you’re thinking about getting a gaming router or even one of the best Wi-Fi routers with Wi-Fi 6E to get better speeds while gaming, just keep in mind that while the latest wireless standard is incredibly fast, it lacks the range of either the 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz bands on your router. This means that you’ll want to be in the same room as the RadiX AXE6600 to utilize the device to its full potential.

There’s more to that MSI logo than meets the eye

An overhead view of the MSI RadiX AXE6600

(Image credit: Future)

MSI’s RadiX AXE6600 has a similar design to both the Asus GT-AXE11000 and the Asus ROG Rapture GT-AX11000 with multiple antennas jutting out at its sides. However, the antennas on the RadiX AXE6600 actually light up, and the color changes based on what you’re using the router for.

This is because MSI has come up with a number of Quality of Service or QoS modes that allow you to prioritize your internet bandwidth for specific uses. There are QoS modes in total which include: AI Auto, Gaming, Streaming, WFH and Traditional QoS.

A screenshot of MSI's dashboard for the RadiX AXE6600 and its other gaming routers

(Image credit: MSI)

Depending on your current workload, you can use MSI’s online portal to adjust which mode you’re using so that it best matches the task at hand. For example, Gaming will prioritize games and give them more bandwidth, while WFH (working from home) will give your video calls more bandwidth to work with. While you can make these adjustments using the online portal from your computer’s browser or the MSI Router app, there’s an even easier way to change them on the fly.

The QoS button on the MSI RadiX AXE6600

(Image credit: Future)

Besides letting you know that this is indeed an MSI product, the Dragon Shield logo on the top of the RadiX AXE6600 is also a button with a satisfying click. Pressing it takes you through the different QoS modes so you don’t have to open a new browser window or pull out your phone. It’s a really cool feature and will likely be quite useful for gamers in busy households fighting for bandwidth with other family members streaming content online.

MSI’s next gaming router has me even more excited

During my testing, the RadiX AXE6600 delivered excellent download and upload speeds over its 6 GHz band. With speeds over 1 gigabit thanks to Wi-Fi 6E support, you’ll be able to download new games faster than ever before and the device’s QoS modes will help ensure you always have the right amount of bandwidth for the task at hand.

While I’ve certainly walked away impressed after testing out the RadiX AXE6600, I’m even more excited about MSI’s next gaming router. Besides adding Wi-Fi 7 support, the RadiX BE22000 also has a neat trick up its sleeve to give you better wireless coverage. Even though this new router will have fewer antennas than the RadiX AXE6600, its four antennas can actually change their position to follow the location of your laptop or smartphone as you move throughout your house.

Let’s say you're gaming or working at your desk and then decide to go plop down on the couch in your living room, the RadiX BE22000 will change the angle of its antennas to ensure your connection remains consistent from one place to the next.

By adding Wi-Fi routers to its lineup, MSI now has all the bases covered when it comes to gaming. Now if only the company would release a mesh Wi-Fi system aimed at games — that would be a first.

Anthony Spadafora
Managing Editor Security and Home Office

Anthony Spadafora is the managing editor for security and home office furniture at Tom’s Guide where he covers everything from data breaches to password managers and the best way to cover your whole home or business with Wi-Fi. He also reviews standing desks, office chairs and other home office accessories with a penchant for building desk setups. Before joining the team, Anthony wrote for ITProPortal while living in Korea and later for TechRadar Pro after moving back to the US. Based in Houston, Texas, when he’s not writing Anthony can be found tinkering with PCs and game consoles, managing cables and upgrading his smart home. 

Read more
TP-Link Archer GE800 on desk in living room
Best gaming routers of 2025
MSI Roamii BE Lite placed on table
MSI Roamii BE Lite review: Wi-Fi 7-powered mesh networking without the 6 GHz band
TP-Link Deco XE75 on desk
The best Wi-Fi 6 routers of 2025
Best Wi-Fi 7 routers
Best Wi-Fi 7 routers of 2025: The future of Wi-Fi is here
TP- Link Archer AX55 sitting on desk
Best Wi-Fi routers for 2025: Tested and rated
Netgear Orbi 873 on desk
Netgear Orbi 870 review: A great Wi-Fi 7 mesh kit for long range performance
Latest in Routers
The eero Pro 7 next to the eero Max 7 on a desk
Eero Pro 7 vs Eero Max 7: Which Wi-Fi 7-powered eero mesh system should you buy?
Eero Pro 7 sitting on counter
Eero Pro 7 review: Fast Wi-Fi 7 mesh speeds simplified
Netgear Orbi 873 on desk
Netgear Orbi 870 review: A great Wi-Fi 7 mesh kit for long range performance
TP-Link's Deco BE65-Outdoor Wi-Fi 7 mesh node mounted to a pole at CES 2025
TP-Link’s new outdoor mesh extender will give you true Wi-Fi 7 speeds right in your backyard
The MSI Roammii BE Lite dual-band mesh Wi-Fi 7 router on a table
Upgrading to Wi-Fi 7 is about to get more complicated — and these new routers are to blame
TP- Link Archer AX55 sitting on desk
This Chinese router company with 65% market share in the US could be banned — what you need to know
Latest in Opinion
A Samsung DU7200 LED TV on a side table
I'm a TV reviewer — here's the one type of TV I wouldn't buy
A distraction-free desk setup built around the Oakywood Standing Desk Pro
I built the ultimate work-from-home setup with this vertical monitor — and it’s a game changer for my productivity
Nintendo Switch 2
Nintendo Switch 2 — these are the 5 launch games that would make me buy on day one
(L-R) Carey Mulligan as Cassandra and Bo Burnham as Ryan in "Promising Young Woman"
I haven’t stopped thinking about this thriller for 5 years — and it’s steaming for free on Prime Video right now
Man and woman side by side lifting dumbbells in a plank position during a weights workout
I tried Gemini's new 'Gems' feature to create my own custom AI fitness coach — here's what happened
Pictures of a PC post-fire
My PC caught on fire recently twice — 5 tips to protect your rig from a similar fate