The FritzBox 7690 in Review: Better than the 7590AX?

The Fritz!Box 7690: The Best DSL Router?

The Fritz!Box 7690 is AVM's current top model for DSL connections, primarily aimed at private households, demanding home office users, tech enthusiasts, and small offices that value high Wi-Fi performance, versatile features, and smart home integration. The package includes some innovations that improve performance compared to the 7590 AX, but concessions must also be made. We examined the FritzBox regarding its performance, connections, software, and power consumption and report our findings below.

Overview, Target Audience, Test Goals and Evaluation

The FRITZ!Box 7690 impresses with its proven, functional design and modern features that clearly focus on performance and stable connections. The DSL router scores with strong wireless standards and a future-proof smart home base. Ideally, Matter will be added via an update in a few months – the preparation is already there.

In terms of DSL, the 7690 is equipped for high data rates with a maximum of 300 MBit/s download and is therefore sufficient for most DSL contracts.

In the Wi-Fi performance test, the FRITZ!Box 7690 shows what it can do: Thanks to Wi-Fi 7 and 4×4 MU-MIMO antennas, it achieves high transmission rates on 2.4 and 5 GHz frequencies. Unfortunately, the full potential of advanced Wi-Fi 7 technologies like Multi-Link Operation is not fully utilized due to the lack of a 6 GHz band. Nevertheless, the 7690 presents itself as a future-proof model for modern home networks. If you currently seek maximum performance, the FRITZ!Box 5690 Pro, which is also equipped for direct fiber optic connection, is a better choice, but it costs a bit more.

If you connect via LAN, you benefit from two 2.5 Gbit/s ports. The connection to fiber optics in combination with a fiber modem also makes the box future-proof. It's all the more surprising that there is only one USB port left – and this only supports the USB 2.0 standard. FRITZ!NAS enthusiasts quickly reach their limits here (myself included), justifying the switch to the older 7590AX. But beware, many devices do not fully utilize the maximum data rate when writing and reading on a USB 3.1 storage anyway.

The operating system is user-friendly, although with many functions – especially if you don't use them regularly – you can quickly lose track.

The interface offers many familiar features such as VPN setup, parental controls, guest access, various telephony settings, and numerous security functions. There is little to criticize here – the system offers a wide range of possibilities. Particularly noteworthy is the mix of control (for advanced users) and automation (for those who like it simple). Various apps also offer the possibility to access almost all functions on the go.

Finally, you should keep in mind the large FRITZ!Box community, which can quickly assist with problems or extensions. In addition, numerous step-by-step instructions can be found online. The regular updates and long support cycles for main models like the 7690 are another plus. The high distribution and associated information density is a reason why AVM is so established in Germany.

All in all, the FRITZ!Box 7690 is a successful further development of the 7590 AX. The limitations on the 6 GHz frequency band and USB port are only noticeably impactful in certain scenarios, so the majority of users can do without them. Ultimately, you are rewarded with a fast, flexible, and above all, stable DSL router.

Design and Features of the FRITZ!Box 7690

Visually, AVM sticks to its line with the FRITZ!Box 7690: The device presents itself in the classic red-white look, but is functionally well thought out and cleanly processed. With dimensions of 254 x 63 x 191 mm, the box is neither too large nor too inconspicuous – perfect for placing on sideboards, shelves, or on the wall.

Thanks to the rear mounting slots, the 7690 is also suitable for wall installation. Alternatively, rubberized feet ensure it stands stably on smooth surfaces. Convenient: The passive ventilation of the housing is designed so that there is no risk of overheating even in tight spaces – e.g., in a cabinet.

On the top are several buttons for quick access to important functions such as Wi-Fi, WPS, or DECT. The subtle LED display is dimmable and provides information about operating states or malfunctions. An additional info button can be customized, e.g., for guest network or voice messages.

Package Contents

The FritzBox package includes, in addition to the plug, a

• Power supply
• 4 m DSL connection cable
• 1.5 m LAN cable
• TAE/RJ11 adapter
• Installation guide

Overview of Connections

In terms of connections, the FRITZ!Box 7690 has become clear, but mostly sufficient for modern home networks where much runs wirelessly. Available connections are:

• 1x DSL
• 1x 2.5-Gbit/s WAN/LAN port (possibly for fiber modem)
• 1x 2.5-Gbit/s LAN port
• 2x 1-Gbit/s LAN ports
• 2x analog phone connections (TAE & RJ11)
• 1x USB 2.0 port (side)
• Power connection

This equipment allows flexible network configurations – from gigabit home network to telephone system.

Limited USB Comfort

The decision to include only a single USB-2.0 port is less convincing. While earlier models like the 7590 AX offered two ports, including USB 3.0, AVM relies on a simpler standard with the 7690.

The available port limits the theoretical data rate to about 40 MB/s – sufficient for smaller file shares or print servers, but not a highlight for NAS fans or UHD media streaming. At least: In practical tests, the FRITZ!Box 7690 reached the maximum values of the standard, both when reading and writing data. Additionally, an internal 1.5 Gb memory already integrates a small NAS server.

For comparison: Routers like the FRITZ!Box 5690 Pro with USB 3.1 achieve up to 59 MB/s when reading and 46 MB/s when writing in tests (source: computerbild.de). The speed difference is there – but not dramatic. For many users, the difference will hardly matter in everyday life.

Whether the missing second USB port really bothers depends on the usage. Those who want to connect an external smart home bridge (e.g., tado°) or two storage media will quickly hit the limits here. However, for storing large amounts of data, a separate NAS server is generally the better choice.

Supported Wireless Standards: DECT, Zigbee, and Matter

The FRITZ!Box 7690 is not only a powerful router but also a fully-fledged smart home center. It supports a variety of wireless standards that allow seamless integration of various devices:

• DECT ULE for cordless phones and smart home components
• Zigbee 3.0 for lights, sensors, and actuators
• Matter via FRITZ!Smart Gateway

With these standards, up to six DECT phones can be connected wirelessly and numerous Zigbee devices can be integrated into the home network. While the use of the Matter standard requires the AVM FRITZ!Smart Gateway, the FRITZ!Box 7690 thus offers a future-proof basis for numerous smart home applications. It is also already prepared for Matter, but not yet capable of Matter alone. This is to be introduced via software update in the future.

Antenna System: 4×4 MU-MIMO for More Range

The integrated 4×4 MU-MIMO antennas of the FRITZ!Box 7690 ensure strong and stable Wi-Fi coverage – especially in households with multiple active devices at the same time. This technology enables targeted data transmission to different devices and reduces waiting times in the wireless network.

The antennas cannot be manually adjusted, but this is usually not necessary. In average-sized apartments and houses, the performance of the FRITZ!Box 7690 is easily sufficient. However, for difficult corners, the use of an AVM repeater is recommended.

Performance and Consumption

Maximum Internet Speed on DSL Connection

The FRITZ!Box 7690 supports ADSL2+ and VDSL2 with Supervectoring 35b – meaning:

• Up to 300 MBit/s in download

• Up to 50 MBit/s in upload
  (depending on provider and line quality)

This makes the 7690 optimally equipped for current DSL tariffs – especially with Telekom or 1&1 connections that provide Supervectoring. It is not directly suitable for fiber connections – it requires an external fiber modem connected via the WAN port. Those looking for an integrated fiber modem should consider the models [url="https://www.siio.de/quack/4582/fritzbox-5530-vs-5590-im-vergleich—lohnt-das-upgrade/",name="5530 or 5590",title="5530 or 5590"] or the high-end model [url="https://www.siio.de/quack/4783/fritzbox-7690-vs-5690-pro-im-vergleich—lohnt-sich-die-mehrausgabe/",name="5690 Pro",title=""].

FRITZ!Box 7690: What Does Wi-Fi 7 Bring Without 6 GHz Band?

The FRITZ!Box 7690 already supports the new Wi-Fi standard Wi-Fi 7 (IEEE 802.11be) – but only on the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequencies. The additional 6 GHz band, which plays a central role in Wi-Fi 7, is absent in this model. This means that some of the theoretical advantages of Wi-Fi 7 are not fully usable in practice.

Nevertheless, the 7690 offers improvements compared to older standards even without 6 GHz:

• A real innovation is Multi-Link Operation (MLO): It theoretically allows multiple frequency bands to be used simultaneously for a connection – reducing latencies and increasing reliability. However, since the FRITZ!Box 7690 only supports 2.4 and 5 GHz, MLO does not yet unleash its full potential here. In the overview, two frequency bands appear for dual-band Wi-Fi 7 (be) compatible devices in Wi-Fi overview.

• Parallel data transmission on multiple devices is possible through the integrated 4×4 MU-MIMO antenna system – a proven method that was also used in Wi-Fi 6.

• The efficient channel allocation through OFDMA ensures that the Wi-Fi remains stable even in crowded environments. This technology was also introduced with Wi-Fi 6 but works a bit more precisely under Wi-Fi 7. In particular, the router can also choose higher channels, which was rare in older models.

• Higher data rates are possible through improved modulation techniques (e.g., 4096-QAM). How noticeable these advantages are depends heavily on the end device, distance to the router, and Wi-Fi environment.

Wi-Fi Performance

The FRITZ!Box 7690 communicates seamlessly with a wide range of Wi-Fi devices. It supports not only Wi-Fi 7 but also older standards like Wi-Fi 6, WLAN-ac, -n, -g, and -b. Devices not yet Wi-Fi 7-capable are automatically connected with the appropriate standard. Whether a switch to the 7690 is worthwhile depends significantly on your existing hardware. Those who already have Wi-Fi 6-capable devices or plan to acquire new technology soon clearly benefit from the future-proof equipment.

According to the manufacturer, the FRITZ!Box 7690 achieves speeds of up to 5,760 MBit/s in the 5 GHz band and 1,440 MBit/s in the 2.4 GHz band – but only under optimal conditions and with corresponding devices. In reality, the values measured in the test with Wi-Fi 7 were:

• ~1,600 MBit/s at short distance and line of sight (5 GHz)
• ~950 MBit/s with one room distance
• ~160 MBit/s over two floors with obstacles

In the 2.4 GHz band, an average of ~450 MBit/s was achieved – a solid value, albeit not record-breaking. The switch from the 5 GHz to 2.4 GHz band occurred in the test from a floor difference (about 10 meters with a reinforced concrete ceiling in between). Overall, the connection to the 5 GHz frequency band remained comparatively long. Therefore, data transmission was very stable even over longer distances.

Even compared to devices without Wi-Fi 7, there is an advantage, albeit not a quantum leap. Consistency is crucial here: even under unfavorable conditions, the connection remained stable and fast enough for 4K video streams, video conferences, or parallel work in the home office. Overall, the FRITZ!Box 7690 is well-equipped for everyday use.

Power Consumption

In everyday operation, the FRITZ!Box 7690 proves to be relatively energy-efficient. The power consumption in standby mode is about 10 to 12 watts. At high load – for example, through parallel data transmissions in Wi-Fi on multiple devices – the energy consumption can temporarily rise to up to 20 watts. The average with Wi-Fi transmissions is around 15 watts. This puts the 7690 below the consumption level of the 7590 AX, indicating improvements in hardware architecture.

Those who want to further reduce power consumption can do so through various options in the user interface:

• Set lighting to "weak"
• Deactivate DECT function if no cordless phones or smart home components are used.
• Use Wi-Fi timer to save energy at night or when absent.
• Manually throttle LAN ports to 100 Mbit/s if connected devices do not require gigabit speed.
• Activate USB power-saving features so connected storage media are turned off when inactive.
• Limit the USB port to 2.0 if no USB 3.0 device is connected.

Some of these energy-saving options can be collectively controlled via the energy-saving mode, which can be activated in the menu under Energy Mode. With the right configuration, noticeable savings can be achieved without having to sacrifice comfort or connectivity.

Security of the FRITZ!Box 7690

In an increasingly connected world, a high level of security in the home network is indispensable. The FRITZ!Box 7690 sets high standards here: With a variety of modern protection mechanisms and a reliable update strategy, it ensures that the network is well-prepared against current threats.

Integrated Security Features

The integrated firewall of the FRITZ!Box 7690 forms the heart of the security architecture. It reliably protects against unauthorized access from the Internet. Particularly practical: Through detailed access profiles, users can precisely determine which devices can access the network when and how – for example, for a separate guest network or when using parental controls.

For wireless networks, the current WPA3 encryption standard is used, which impresses with additional security features such as forward secrecy or protection against brute-force attacks. An optional combination of WPA2 and WPA3 is also possible to continue supporting older devices.

In addition to these basic functions, the 7690 offers a range of other protection mechanisms:

• automatic port release only when needed
• Hiding the Wi-Fi
• Support for VPN connections with secure protocols (IPSec, WireGuard)
• Protection against DNS rebinding attacks
• Access via HTTPS and SSL certificate
• Individually customizable filter lists for websites and services
• Notifications for security-related events (e.g., new devices or login attempts)

Regular Updates and Automatic Patches

What must not be missing from a modern router is consistent update support – and this is where AVM traditionally excels. The FRITZ!Box 7690 regularly receives FRITZ!OS updates, which not only close security gaps but also often bring new features or performance improvements.

The updates run fully automatically in the background, increasing both comfort and security. Users do not need to intervene – the system remains up-to-date at all times.

The Software of the FRITZ!Box 7690 in Review

The FRITZ!Box 7690 relies on the proven FRITZ!OS, the operating system from AVM, which is considered one of the most user-friendly on the market. As with other top models from the manufacturer, updates run automatically and securely in the background. With this model, AVM's clear orientation is also evident: Maximum functionality with simultaneous intuitive operation.

The initial setup process is as simple as it is user-friendly. After connecting the box via DSL or WAN (e.g., to a fiber modem), simply call up fritz.box in a browser. Enter the device password found on the underside of the device, and the setup assistant starts. After the first DSL initialization, you select the connection type and your provider, and the box takes care of the rest. For telephony, Wi-Fi, guest network, etc., the system also offers sensibly structured step-by-step instructions.

As a user of an older FritzBox model, the settings of the old FritzBox can be easily transferred to the new one via export/import of a backup.

Customizable to the Last Detail

Those who want to dive deeper will be rewarded with numerous configuration options. In addition to the functions mentioned above regarding energy consumption and security, the web interface offers the following options:

• Use the info LED for events (e.g., voice messages, Wi-Fi guest access)
• Set up guest Wi-Fi with separate access control
• Fine-tune DNS and port releases
• Integrate USB devices as print servers or media sources
• Activate VPN connections and parental controls
• Prioritize individual devices in Wi-Fi (QoS)
• Integrate smart home devices
• Create and manage a NAS storage

NAS: The 7690 as a Smart Network Storage

Even though the USB port of the 7690 with USB 2.0 is no longer quite up-to-date, a simple home NAS can still be set up. A connected hard drive or SSD can be shared in the home network and even accessed from afar via the MyFRITZ!App.

In the test, this worked surprisingly reliably: After a restart following the setup, a USB-connected SSD hard drive could be accessed smoothly. Images and documents opened quickly. However, when accessing via the app, there is a slight loading delay of 1-2 seconds. Playing images from storage remotely is therefore a time-intensive affair.

In our case, a [url="https://www.amazon.de/dp/B087DFFJRD?tag=produck-21",name="Samsung PSSD T7 2TB",title=""] is used as storage, which integrated seamlessly into the system – although the full speed cannot be utilized over USB 2.0, of course.

Overall, the operating system of the 7690 impresses with a successful mix of simplicity, stability, and depth. From beginners to demanding network users, everyone gets their money's worth here – whether for quick setup or detailed fine-tuning.

The FRITZ!Apps: More Control via Smartphone

To control the FRITZ!Box 7690, AVM provides various free apps for Android and iOS, covering different application areas:

• FRITZ!App WLAN: Shows signal strength, channels, and connection quality – ideal for optimizing Wi-Fi coverage or placing repeaters.
• FRITZ!App Smart Home: Controls connected devices, e.g., radiator thermostats, sockets, or lamps (via DECT or Zigbee).
• FRITZ!App Fon: Turns the smartphone into a landline phone – comfortably via Wi-Fi.
• FRITZ!App TV / FRITZ!App Media: Access to media content in the home network or DVB-C channels (on supported models).
• MyFRITZ!App: Central management center for everything – notifications, call lists, NAS access, guest access, remote access, and more.

Another cool feature is the ability to stream internet radio stations or podcasts from the FritzBox to a FRITZ!Fon or other UPnP-enabled playback devices.

Those who spend more time with the FritzBox 7690 will find many exciting features. However, it is clear that the average user typically only uses a small portion of the possibilities.

Support

Reliable Support & Large Community

An often underestimated advantage of the FRITZ!Box 7690 becomes apparent in terms of support and assistance: AVM offers a wide range of easy-to-understand step-by-step instructions on its official website, covering everything from initial setup to special configuration options to troubleshooting.

Especially helpful are the illustrated tutorials and interactive guides, which allow almost every function to be discovered and customized independently. This offering is complemented by an exceptionally active community: In forums, social media groups, or comment sections, experienced users are on hand to help with questions about the FritzBox almost always quickly.

The diagnostic function integrated into Fritz!OS is also helpful.

Ultimately, AVM offers numerous [url="https://fritz.com/service/support/",name="contact options",title=""] that are exemplary in their variety:

The result is: Those who choose a FRITZ!Box get not just a device but also a whole network of support – from the manufacturer itself and from many other users.

Comparison to Competitors

The most important alternatives within the Fritz!Box universe are currently the FRITZ!Box 5690 Pro and FRITZ!Box 7590 AX. Both offer some advantages, but also disadvantages. The following table shows the differences between the routers:

Since I currently lack Wi-Fi-6-capable devices and both USB ports of my 7590 AX are in use, I will stick with this model for now. The speed offered is currently completely sufficient – even for more demanding network tasks. In the meantime, I hope that AVM will follow up with another model (perhaps the 7682?) that specifically addresses the small weaknesses of the 7690.

Conclusion on the FRITZ!Box 7690 Review

The FRITZ!Box 7690 presents itself as a powerful DSL router that impresses with its functional design and modern features. The support of Wi-Fi 7 and 4×4 MU-MIMO antennas ensures high transmission rates, even though the full potential is not exploited due to the lack of a 6 GHz band. The omission of USB 3.0 and only one USB port are further limitations, but do not affect every user, so the advantages may outweigh. Overall, the box offers a future-proof basis for modern home networks, particularly thanks to smart home integration and preparation for Matter.

The user-friendly interface and comprehensive features such as VPN setup, parental controls, and security features make the FRITZ!Box 7690 a versatile choice. The support from the large community, extensive support, and regular updates are further plus points.

Overall, the FRITZ!Box 7690 is a good, though not perfect, advancement of the 7590 AX. It is aimed at users who value high performance and flexibility. Those who want to maximize should also take a look at the [url="https://www.siio.de/quack/4783/fritzbox-7690-vs-5690-pro-im-vergleich—lohnt-sich-die-mehrausgabe/",name="Fritz!Box 5690 Pro",title=""].

Our Overall Rating: 8/10 >> recommended for heavy surfers, technically demanding users, and smart home enthusiasts. This is also confirmed by the customers – on Amazon, the FritzBox 7690 receives an overall rating of 4.5 stars from over 700 reviews. Buyers are therefore predominantly very satisfied with their new AVM router.

You can buy the Fritz!Box here on Amazon:

Frequently Asked Question

• help

  Does the FRITZ!Box 7690 support true Wi-Fi 7?

  Yes, the FRITZ!Box 7690 supports the Wi-Fi standard Wi-Fi 7 – but only in the 2.4 and 5 GHz frequency bands. The 6 GHz band, which fully exploits many advantages of Wi-Fi 7 like Multi-Link Operation, is not supported. The 7690 still offers noticeable performance improvements compared to Wi-Fi 6.

• help

  Can I use the FRITZ!Box 7690 with a fiber connection?

  Yes, but only in combination with an external fiber modem. The FRITZ!Box 7690 does not have an integrated fiber connection (GPON/AON), but it can be connected to a suitable modem via the 2.5-Gbit WAN port.

• help

  How many devices can be connected simultaneously?

  Technically, over 100 devices can be connected simultaneously via Wi-Fi and LAN. Thanks to 4×4 MU-MIMO and OFDMA in the Wi-Fi 7 standard, the 7690 is particularly well-suited for many simultaneous Wi-Fi connections in the household – for streaming, smart home, home office, or gaming.

• help

  Which smart home technologies are supported?

  The 7690 supports DECT ULE (e.g., for FRITZ!DECT radiator controllers) and Zigbee 3.0. It is also prepared for Matter, allowing for update-based expansion for future smart home devices. Control is via the FRITZ!App Smart Home or the web interface.

• help

  Are there limitations with the USB port?

  Yes. The FRITZ!Box 7690 only has a single USB 2.0 port, which is a limitation compared to earlier models like the 7590 AX (with two USB 3.0 ports) – especially for users who regularly transfer large amounts of data via FRITZ!NAS or connected hard drives.