FritzBox and HomeBox O2 router in the test

The best WiFi routers

O2 router: test of all current models

The Telefónica brand O2 is known above all for its favourable tariffs. This also applies to the provider’s DSL division: Here, the basic price is below that of Telekom and Vodafone. However, what you should not forget with the cost calculation: Who needs a suitable router from the provider, additionally pays the monthly rent of the device. In addition to the affordable O2 Homebox 2, the AVM Fritzbox 7490 and Fritzbox 7590 are available at O2. But which device is worth its money and is suitable for whom? The test creates clarity.

The best Wi-Fi routers

Which routers are suitable for O2?

If you book a DSL connection with O2, you can use almost any IP-capable router with a DSL modem. Excluded are models that have a provider binding and cannot be set up for any provider - such as the 1&1 home server. When buying in free trade, make sure that the router’s modem is suitable for the speed of the connection. Not every device has a modem for VDSL vectoring (up to 100 megabits per second (Mbps), let alone for supervectoring 35b (up to 250 Mbps).

O2 router in test: Homebox 2

The O2 Homebox 2 offers just the bare essentials. It has hardly any functions, a child lock is missing as well as a Wi-Fi guest network and remote access for connected hard drives. The Homebox has only a few connections: 2x Gigabit LAN, 2x USB 2.0 and 2x analog phone. In addition, there is an integrated DECT base for up to five cordless phones. Big surprise in the practical test: In the WLAN-ac standard, the Homebox just rushed past AVM’s top DSL model Fritzbox 7590! However, the router was pretty lame via Wi-Fi. Thus, the Homebox 2 is only suitable for users with a small apartment, who want to connect few devices to the Internet and need the router especially for Wi-Fi. The Homebox 2 does not support supervectoring 35b.

O2 router tested: AVM Fritzbox 7490

The Fritzbox 7490 has been around for a few years and was at that time AVM’s top model for DSL connections. Accordingly, a modem for supervectoring is missing. However, the manufacturer has done a lot to bring the oldie with firmware updates to the present: Thanks to the operating system version Fritzos 7, the 7490 masters all important functions of the newer Fritzboxen. These include, among other things, mesh functions that optimize data traffic in the home network and thus provide end devices with data faster.

Which router at O2 did well in the test

The 7490 has numerous connections, including four LAN ports, two USB 3.0 ports and one S0 socket for old ISDN devices. A DECT base for up to six phones is also available. The WLAN speed in the ac standard is lower than in the 7590 and the Homebox 2, but neat, the speed via WLAN-n is slow from today’s point of view. Compared to the Homebox 2, the 7490 offers a significant increase in functions and connections and is more suitable for all users who do not simply want to bring their devices to the Internet via Wi-Fi. Test score: 2.5.

O2 router tested: AVM Fritzbox 7590

If you want to have not only the best router at O2, but also the best DSL router on the market at home, go to Fritzbox 7590. The test winner has an easy operation, many connections and numerous great functions. Compared to the 7490, it showed a higher WLAN performance in the test. The Homebox 2 was minimally faster than the 7590 via WLAN-ac, but had a smaller range. The Fritzbox 7590 is therefore best suited for all O2 customers with larger apartments and houses of all three routers on offer.

How much does a router cost at O2?

Routers are available at O2 exclusively for rent and not for sale. The Homebox 2 is not offered in free trade, but the two Fritzboxen are. Below you will find O2 and free trade prices (as of May 22, 2020).

O2 Homebox 2

• Rental price O2: 2,99 Euro/month
• Purchase price free trade: not available

AVM Fritzbox 7490

• Rental price O2: 4,99 Euro/month
• Purchase price free trade: from 174 Euro

AVM Fritzbox 7590

• Rental price O2: 5,99 Euro/month
• Purchase price free trade: from 199 euros