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Product review
November 2024

WiFi routers and mesh networks

Boost your internet performance by choosing a new router using our comprehensive test results and buying guide.

Spark Smart Modem 3
Spark Smart Modem 3
Spark Smart Modem 3
Spark Smart Modem 3
November 2024

Spark

Smart Modem 3

Price
$150
Score
69

Why is this free?

This report is free thanks to support from the Commerce Commission.

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This router was tested with an optional Spark Smart Mesh 2 satellite unit ($159). It can only be bought directly from Spark, on contract.

Test results

  • 77
    WiFi performance
  • 51
    Setup and ease of use
  • 65
    Security

Good points

  • Easy to set up.
  • Excellent wired performance.
  • Good long-distance performance.
  • Supplied by Spark/Skinny.
  • Supports DSL internet.
  • Wall mountable.

Bad points

  • Very difficult to customise.
  • Doesn't support WPA3 encryption.

Model

  • Provided by internet company
    Spark/Skinny
  • Cost when provided by internet company
    $150
  • Mesh system
  • Number of units in pack
    1
  • Compatible with fibre
  • Compatible with ADSL/VDSL
  • Compatible with 4G/5G

More performance scores

  • Multi-device performance
    61
  • Obstructed performance
    60
  • Long-range performance
    81
  • Wired performance
    97

Specifications

  • Highest WiFi version
    WiFi 6
  • Weight of main unit
    520g
  • Ethernet LAN ports
    3
  • USB port
    Yes
  • Physical power button
  • Other buttons/switches
    WPS, Reset
  • Aerials
    Internal only
  • Wall mountable
  • Quick start guide included
  • Ethernet cables included
    2

Features

  • Can create guest networks
    Yes
  • WPS available
  • Supports WPA3 encryption
  • Firewall
  • Quality of service (QoS)
    No
  • Parental controls
    No
  • USB drive sharing
    Yes

Member reviews

4 Member reviews

Spark modem
Pros

Reasonable coverage

Cons

They don’t last. First one I had was replaced as faulty. Second one only lasted about two years. At $199 (July 2025) that is not good value.
I would like to see a consumer review on quality & expected life of modems

Recommend it?

Maybe, it depends on what you're after.

Anna S.

Used 6 months or more

Good modem, badge engineered
Pros

Good performance, easy enough to configure, good features.
It's fine if this is what your ISP offers.

Cons

These seem only to be sold badged and firmware flashed via ISPs, If you move to a different ISP it will work, but you won't get any firmware updates and you won't be able to set the time on it, and the ISP will growl whenever you contact support.

Recommend it?

Maybe, it depends on what you're after.

Hugh F.

Used 6 months or more

Easy
Pros

Easy to use. Easy to make alterations to - puzzled by the poor ease of use score. by Consumer.

Cons

None

Recommend it?

Yes, I recommend this product.

Graeme H.

Used 6 months or more

Spark Smart Modem 3
Pros

easy to use and set up

Cons

none

Recommend it?

Maybe, it depends on what you're after.

Robert F.

Used 6 months or more

Have you used this product? Share your opinion with Consumer members

See all 4 member reviews

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