The Aruba AP22 isn't among the most affordable WiFi 6 routers, but it still won't empty your wallet, and I think pricing is fair for its feature set, especially as the software is great. It also has a small footprint, which means it can be installed anywhere without a hassle, and offers decent speeds. Its control and monitoring software is cloud-based, so there is no local management option, but it is free, easy to use, and offers lots of options for which you usually have to pay. Although I had the much more expensive Engenius AP in my lab, I replaced it with the AP22, which says it all. Kudos to Aruba's programmers for delivering a user-friendly, yet powerful UI with their Instant On management software. This access point is suitable for enthusiast users and small business environments alike. You can always upgrade your network by installing more Aruba products, which are then controlled over the cloud.

The Instant On ecosystem looks terrific, and while I was not too fond of the lack of a local management option at first, I quickly forgot about it once I started using the application on my PC and phone. The only downside is that you need to connect the AP22 over Ethernet for internet access for initial setup. This can be a hassle for some users. On the other hand, if you don't mind the internet access requirements, initial setup is among the easiest I have ever come across for a wireless router. At $165, it costs more than other WiFi 6 routers with better specifications on papers, and on top of that, the AP22 doesn't set new speed records. That said, it will be fast enough for the average usage scenario. If you need a faster WiFi 6 (E) router with cloud management software and other goodies, you will have to pay more, so it is up to your wallet and needs. Another advantage of the AP22 is that you can create a mesh network using more affordable Aruba APs, like the AP12. That said, an external storage option through a USB 3.0 port for limited NAS functionality would be nice.