What's right/wrong with FritzBox

I made a comment somewhere about the FritzBox being a good router and a reply contradicted me.

It works for me and has a lot of features you simply can't find in another single box solution. VoIP, WireGuard and DECT basestation with answer phone for example.

What am I missing? Why isn't this a good router? Which other single box can replicate a FritzBox?

In reply to a post by Woolwich:

Which other single box can replicate a FritzBox?

At one time I did consider Fritz!box. For you, it is fine. But I did not want wireless in the router. A router belongs in the best place for a router, wireless belongs in the best place for wireless and they are not necessarily the same place. So that is why I rejected it.

It is a bit like the debate over integrated hifi vs separates.

My router has an Intel processor and runs OPNsense. I use separate hardware for Wifi and my VOIP uses Gigaset equipment. I have a Wireguard VPN which connects to to another location and also enables remote access. Useful for accessing my bank account when abroad.

Edited by Michael_Chare (Wed 05-Aug-26 12:55:39)

In reply to a post by Michael_Chare:

My router has an Intel processor and runs OPNsense. I use separate hardware for Wifi and my VOIP uses Gigaset equipment. I have a Wireguard VPN which connects to to another location and also enables remote access. Useful for accessing my bank account when abroad.

I like the FritzBox because it does all of that in a single box. I don't know why I'd want an Intel processor or OPNsense though. I see why some people might want an WiFi in a better location for coverage. Mine is OK and I have another FB which can act as a relay for the days the signal doesn't reach the end of the garden.

I've used a FritzBox and found them to be a decent enough router although I'm still on FTTC. Full fibre is available round here via Virgin, but I'm not sufficiently masochistic to go down that route. Unless you're running your own servers I can't really see why you'd need an Intel processor or OPNsense, but whatever works for the individual. For a domestic situation the FB works fine for me and the availability of WireGuard is icing on the cake.

The only downside with the VOIP is that UK versions of the Fritz handsets are not easily available, although I have been told that some of the newer Gigaset handsets offer pretty much full compatibility though I've not tried them.

You can pick up decent ex-Zen FritzBoxes on eBay pretty cheaply and occasionally see the Repeaters which can be used either as wireless mesh or as an access point via a Cat5/6 connection.

Solidly built and reliable in my experience backed by regularly updated firmware pushed to the device. YMMV of course.....

IMO: Nothing is wrong. Everything is right.

In reply to a post by Woolwich:

I made a comment somewhere about the FritzBox being a good router and a reply contradicted me.

It works for me and has a lot of features you simply can't find in another single box solution. VoIP, WireGuard and DECT basestation with answer phone for example.

What am I missing? Why isn't this a good router? Which other single box can replicate a FritzBox?

I doubt there is anything wrong with them, some people get a bit, snobby when it comes to routers. Not sure if snobby is the right word, but it will do.

I have a cheapish TP-link, it does what I want it to do.

Not exactly what was being asked but I believe that after sales service is important. Product support from AVM/Fritz! is first class. I bought a 7530 a few years ago and it failed after about 14 months. I thought I'd see whether I could get a replacement at reduced cost and got an immediate response to my query to say the guarantee was 5 years and not as I thought 12 months. I got a free replacement without any hassle whatsoever.

In reply to a post by longedge:

. I bought a 7530 a few years ago and it failed after about 14 months.

Out of interest, where did you buy it from. I've only ever seen used Zen boxes for sale these days. (Although I do still have a couple of really FB routers from ADSL days in the attic. Probably cost £300 each!)

Just to add to the debate, my 7530 was bought in April 2021 and is still going strong. It is now acting as a router on PlusNet full fibre 300 using the LAN1 port instead of the ADSL WAN port. It also acts as a DECT base station for two Fritzfon C6s via A&A VOIP.

I'd say it has stood the test of time in terms of keeping up with the technology and given excellent value for money.

Looking just now, the 7530 is still available new on Amazon (UK) for £168, with the AX (WIFI 6) model at £250.

I think the fact that Zen chose it as their standard router says something about the quality. They obviously thought it was (is) reliable.

On the few occasions I have experienced issues, it was my own fault, and AVM support were quick to sort it out for me.