Synology WRX560 Review: A Powerful Wi-Fi 6 Router with Impressive Features and Value

Synology WRX560 Review Summary:

Editor’s rating: 3.6/5

Earlier this year, Synology made its mark in the Indian market with the introduction of two routers, the RT6600ax, and the WRX560. The RT6600ax, a Wi-Fi 6 router, proved to be an impressive device with an exciting software feature set that sets it apart from its competitors.

Recently, Synology shared with us the WRX560 router, and just like its sibling, it has a lot to offer. With fast Wi-Fi 6 coverage featuring 160MHz channels and a versatile 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet LAN port that can switch to a WAN connection if needed, the WRX560 ensures reliable connectivity for all your devices. Additionally, it boasts the same class-leading parental controls and software features found in the RT6600ax.

Beyond performance, the WRX560 also received a much-needed design refresh, now sporting hidden antennae that give the router a cleaner and sleeker look. At its price point of Rs 22,352, the WRX560 presents great value for the feature-set and connectivity options it offers.

As you consider your options, one question may arise: does the WRX560 support a mesh network? To find out if this router is the right fit for you and whether it meets your needs, let’s dive deeper into the review:

Synology WRX560 Review: Design

Breaking away from the traditional appearance of desktop routers, the WRX560 exudes a unique aura with its sleek, black enclosure measuring 9.1-by-7.6-by-2.5 inches (HWD). The vertical orientation, complemented by beveled edges and stylish grillwork, imparts a futuristic and minimalist charm to the device. Thankfully doesn’t have the glitzy RGB-decorated LEDS which can be seen in some of its rivals. 

The Synology WRX560 employs six internal antennas for seamless communication across the 2.4GHz and 5GHz radio bands. Positioned on the front, three discreet LED indicators convey essential information regarding system status, Wi-Fi activity, and WAN activity.

Efficiently organized on the rear panel, the majority of ports are readily accessible. Notably, it features a 2.5Gbps WAN/LAN port, a 1Gbps WAN port, and three 1Gbps LAN ports. Accompanying these are a power port, power button, and reset button, conveniently placed for easy handling. On the left side, a USB 3.2 Gen 1 port, WPS button, and Wi-Fi on/off button complete the well-designed layout.

How Do I Setup Synology Router?

The initial setup process of the Synology WRX560 or another Synology is remarkably straightforward and user-friendly. You have the option to setup the router via the SRM web interface on a PC or through the DS Router mobile app, compatible with both iOS and Android platforms. Both methods deliver identical results, enabling you to choose the one that suits your preferences and convenience.

The DS Router mobile app and web interface provide comprehensive insights into the devices connected to your network and their resource utilization. You can access wide array of advanced features, including the setup of smart Wi-Fi and mesh networks, network traffic monitoring, VLAN configuration, and the establishment of multiple SSIDs. Its operating system provides a comprehensive suite of functionalities while maintaining a user-friendly interface, making navigation seamless and enabling users to access the required settings effortlessly.

Synology WRX560 Review: Software

The beauty of Synology Routers lies in its SRM (Synology Router Manager). With an array of features at your disposal, you have the freedom to select and tailor the functionalities that suit your specific needs. Whether it’s customizing network settings, managing connected devices, or optimizing security measures, SRM empowers you to personalize your router experience, making it truly exceptional and user-friendly. From robust parental controls to individual device management and prioritization, firewalls, VPNs, virtual networks, multiple profiles, and groups, it offers a comprehensive set of functionalities to enhance your network experience.

A standout feature is the exceptional parental/access control functionality accessible via the Safe Access tab, setting new industry standards. Notably, these controls come completely free of charge, making them highly accessible to all users. The Safe Access feature revolves around user profiles, offering impressive configurability and an intuitively designed user experience. Users can create distinct profiles for children, adults, or the entire local network, customizing settings to meet their specific requirements.

Whenever a new device connects to any of the networks, I receive a prompt on my phone through the DS Router app. With just a few taps, I can swiftly block, rename, or adjust the priority of the connected device. Now, all my devices have distinctive names, and I can prioritize them effortlessly over others. Additionally, this feature allows me to quickly identify any potential intruders and maintain network security.

Thanks to SRM you can connect a thumb drive or external hard disk to a USB-A port to create a makeshift NAS drive with remote file access, a media server, and a download station. Although I already own a standalone Synology NAS, this option provides a convenient solution for those who may not want to invest in one. The versatility of the device ensures that it caters to a wide range of users, making it a truly versatile and user-friendly choice. Since we are talking about Software one thing must be popping up in your mind:

Do Synology routers have a VPN function?

Yes, Synology routers offer a VPN function. Users can download the VPN Plus package on their router, enabling them to set up web-based remote desktop clients or site-to-site VPN connections. This feature enhances security and enables users to access their network resources securely from remote locations.

Synology WRX560 Review: Performance

The WRX560 router boasts impressive hardware specifications, powered by a robust quad-core processor running at 1.4GHz, complemented by 512MB of DDR3 RAM, and ample flash memory for application storage. In our extensive testing, covering a 1600+ Sq Feet flat, the router performed exceptionally well. Positioned next to the ISP modem in the living room, we conducted tests using a Wi-Fi 6 Asus ROG Steax Scar 18 laptop and a Samsung Galaxy Fold 4 in various locations to evaluate coverage range and measure bandwidth at different distances, both indoors and outdoors.

The Synology WRX560 demonstrated its prowess as a top performer in the 5GHz band, consistently delivering impressive speeds across multiple devices. Our readings recorded a remarkable 800+Mbps for downloads and 800+Mbps for upload speeds in the living room, while outside the home in the lift lobby, we measured speeds of 310Mbps for downloads and 259Mbps for upload speeds.

Beyond its outstanding speed performance, the WRX560 exhibited excellent range, maintaining stability and reliability throughout prolonged usage. Over the past month of continuous testing, the firmware remained entirely stable, with no downtime or glitches encountered.

How many connected devices can a Synology router handle?

The number of connected devices that a Synology router can handle varies depending on the model and its specifications. In general, Synology routers are designed to handle a significant number of connected devices. For instance, some models can support more than 100 connected devices. As an example, the Synology WRX560 is capable of handling up to 150 connected devices, making it a suitable choice for environments with numerous devices that need to be connected to the network simultaneously.

The WRX560 emerges as one of the best Wi-Fi 6 routers available in the current market, excelling in both speed and overall performance, making it an ideal choice for users seeking a top-tier networking solution.

Do Synology WRX560 support Mesh Network?

Yes, you can use Synology WRX560 to create a mesh network. You can use WRX560 as part of RT6600ax or WRX560 mesh network.

Reviww verdict: Should you buy Synology WRX560 router?

The WRX560 offers exceptional value with a remarkable combination of features and performance, surpassing its competitors in this price range. However, slight price fluctuations in specific markets prevent us from awarding it a perfect score in this aspect.

One of the standout aspects of the WRX560 is its router operating system, which elevates it to one of the most feature-rich routers available. Synology’s OS is impressively well-designed and user-friendly, accommodating users with varying levels of expertise, whether they seek simple adjustments to basic settings or more advanced configurations.

Despite operating on a dual-band system, the WRX560’s Wi-Fi 6 performance in our tests was outstanding, surpassing even some tri-band competitors. Its ability to deliver such exceptional performance further enhances its appeal in the market.