There comes a time when you ask yourself whether your router is still up to date. For many, this is precisely when the number of Wi-Fi devices in the household continues to increase and the network slowly but surely reaches its limits with multiple simultaneous streams. The FRITZ!Box 5690 Pro aims to be the answer to this problem. The current top model from FRITZ! promises Wi-Fi 7, an integrated fiber optic and DSL modem as well as Zigbee support for the smart home – all in one device. Find out in my test whether it delivers what it promises in everyday use.
Technical data of the FRITZ!Box 5690 Pro
| Model | FRITZ!Box 5690 Pro |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 7 / Wi-Fi 6E / Wi-Fi 6, tri-band (2.4 GHz + 5 GHz + 6 GHz) |
| Max. WLAN speed | up to 11,530 Mbps (6 GHz) |
| LAN | 1x 2.5 Gigabit, 4x 1 Gigabit |
| Modem | DSL (Supervectoring up to 300 Mbit/s) + fiber optic (GPON/AON up to 2.5 Gbit/s) |
| USB PORT | 1x USB 3.1 |
| Smart Home | Zigbee + DECT ULE |
| Telephony | DECT base for up to 6 cordless phones, 1x analog connection |
| price | € 304.99 * |
Design and workmanship: Familiar, but different
Anyone who knows a FRITZ!Box will immediately recognize the 5690 Pro. The typical white color with the distinctive red stripe can of course also be seen here. However, one significant difference to older models from the manufacturer is the orientation. This is fundamentally different here. Unlike older and cheaper models such as the FRITZ!Box 5690 (Review | € 259.99 *), the 5690 Pro does not lie flat on the desk, sideboard or wherever you place it. Instead, you place it upright, making it look like a mini PC. It is not without reason that FRITZ! has opted for a vertical design.
This design not only provides the router with better passive cooling. It also means that the device takes up significantly less space. The build quality is at a very high level. The plastic housing looks solid and of high quality. However, there is a small drawback for all those who like to screw their router to the wall: the 5690 Pro is not designed for classic wall mounting. Anyone who prefers this must keep this in mind and be inventive if necessary. Looking at the front, we see a total of 5 different LED lights (Connect, Info, Fon, WLAN and Power/Internet). The WLAN and Connect buttons can be operated haptically in the eye-catching red strip.
The really good pressure point is noticeable. We then find the connections on the back. And here you can see that we are in the premium class. The FRITZ!Box not only has an SFP port for a fiber optic connection. There is also a DSL connection right next to it. There are also 2x Fon connections, 1x 2.5 Gigabit WAN/LAN, 4x Gigabit LAN, 1x USB 3.1 port and the connection for the mains plug. Anyone hoping for more USB ports or a second telephone connection will be disappointed – FRITZ! could have been a little more generous here with a Pro model.
Technical features: What’s inside
The FRITZ!Box 5690 Pro is the manufacturer’s current flagship for a reason. This is not only evident in the revised design and the admittedly really high price. A look at the technical features is also sure to make the ears of many a discerning network hobbyist prick up. The centerpiece is WiFi 7 support, and FRITZ! doesn’t offer a half-baked solution, but instead relies on full tri-band power. This means that it operates simultaneously on 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz and 6 GHz. The latter in particular ensures record values – but more on that later.
The big advantage of using three frequency bands is the increased stability of WiFi connections. Why? Network devices often get in each other’s way, especially in apartment buildings, where it is not uncommon for a large number of different routers to transmit. The reason for this is that they are transmitting on the same frequency band. Most data traffic takes place on 2.4 GHz, which is why older routers in particular have a problem with speed and stability. This improved with the use of 5 GHz. With WiFi 7, 6 GHz was added, which is a real game changer.
If you use devices with WiFi 7, you can usually transmit without interference thanks to 6 GHz, which noticeably improves latency and data throughput. There is also an integrated fiber optic and DSL modem, making the box a real all-round solution. So there’s no need to worry about making the wrong purchase if you’re currently still using DSL, but might want to switch to fiber optics in the future. On the other hand, if you are sure that you will not be switching to fiber optics or if you already use a fiber optic connection, you can certainly save a lot of money by opting for pure DSL or fiber solutions.
Setup: Proven convenience with minor pitfalls
If you already have a FRITZ!Box, it’s particularly easy: FRITZ! offers a practical relocation wizard that allows you to transfer the complete configuration of the old box to the new one using a backup file. Fixed IP addresses, WLAN settings and telephony profile – everything is transferred in just a few minutes without having to rework anything manually. In my case, however, the 5690 Pro came into the house as the successor to a Telekom router – and here, too, I can reassure you: The changeover is easy to make, even without prior FRITZ! knowledge.
After unpacking, the first step is to unplug the existing DSL cable from the old router and connect it to the corresponding port on the 5690 Pro. If you don’t yet have a separate splitter, simply place it in between – the box does everything else itself. When starting for the first time, simply open a browser, type fritz.box in the address bar and the setup wizard will take over. It guides you step by step through the most important settings: Internet connection, WLAN name and password.
The whole thing is so clearly structured that you can be online within ten to fifteen minutes, even without any prior technical knowledge. However, there is no automatic data import when switching from a third-party device. Wi-Fi passwords, smart home links and individual settings must therefore be created manually. This sounds more complicated than it is: The FRITZ! interface is well structured and explains the individual points clearly. However, if you have several Smart Home devices or more complex network settings, you should allow some time.
WLAN performance
The crucial question after every router upgrade is: Do you really notice a difference in everyday life? With the 5690 Pro, the answer is a resounding yes – although it really depends on your own setup. In the test, I placed the box in exactly the same position as my previous DSL router in order to keep the direct comparison fair. The result: In direct proximity to the box, the speeds are impressive. In the 6 GHz band, I achieved speeds that I could only dream of with my old router. Pages load almost instantly and large file transfers are noticeably faster.
However, anyone hoping that Wi-Fi 7 will penetrate thick concrete walls will be disappointed. Even the flagship-router from FRITZ! cannot override physics. The 6 GHz signal naturally has a shorter range than the lower frequency bands, which I particularly noticed in my office in the basement. Here, the 6 GHz frequencies were only occasionally received. An upgrade using the FRITZ!Repeater 3000AX (€ 157.99 *) is advisable here. In adjacent rooms, however, it ensures an almost interference-free connection – ideal for streaming or other data-intensive applications.
Smart home and telephony: one device for everything
I was particularly impressed by the Zigbee integration. Anyone who uses smart home devices such as smart lamps or radiator thermostats will be familiar with the annoying problem of different hubs that all need their own power. The 5690 Pro acts directly as a Zigbee hub, replacing several separate devices.
The DECT base station is also back on board and supports up to six cordless phones. If you still use analog telephones or need a fax connection, there is a corresponding socket on the back. Five internal answering machines round off the telephony package.
Conclusion: Future-proof, but not a must for everyone
The FRITZ!Box 5690 Pro is without doubt the most powerful model that FRITZ! has ever built. Wi-Fi 7 with 6 GHz band, integrated dual modem for DSL and fiber optics, Zigbee for the smart home and the usual FRITZ! convenience – this is an impressive overall package that leaves little to be desired. The 5690 Pro is an excellent choice for anyone who operates many devices in their home network, is waiting for fibre optics or wants to centralize their smart home without additional hubs. Only the price tag of over 300 euros and minor details such as the lack of a second USB port spoil the picture slightly. If you want the best – and are prepared to pay for it – you should definitely take a look at the 5690 Pro.
PROS
- Wi-Fi 7 tri-band with 6 GHz support
- Built-in fiber and DSL modem
- Integrated Zigbee smart home support
- Vertical design saves desk space
- 2.5 Gigabit WAN/LAN port included
- Easy setup
CONS
- Only 1x USB port
- High price
Conclusion
The FRITZ!Box 5690 Pro is a premium Wi-Fi 7 router that meets the highest standards. If you're looking for future-proofing and top performance, you'll get an excellent all-in-one package—at a hefty price.
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