FRITZ!Box 7590 in 2026: Why I am not replacing my router in a hurry

IT in practice20 Oct 20265 min read

Bright editorial illustration of a router, laptop and shield for continued use of a FRITZ!Box 7590. — Editorial illustration with stylised devices, not an original product photograph. German image lettering. TN, 20 October 2026.

Why I still use my 7590

I use a FRITZ!Box 7590 myself and am very happy with it. AVM is my personal favourite for home use. That preference alone would not make me recommend just any FRITZ!Box to someone else.

Even within the same product family, connections, features and prices differ considerably. A newer model can make sense, but it should solve a problem or provide something you genuinely need.

For my existing 7590, the first question is therefore not what has just reached the market. It is what, if anything, my present setup is missing.

What the original 7590 still offers

The FRITZ!Box 7590 has four Gigabit LAN ports, a separate Gigabit WAN port, a DECT base and analogue telephone connections. It also provides an internal ISDN S₀ connection. Its newer wireless standard is Wi-Fi 5, not Wi-Fi 6 or 7. The 7590 and 7590 AX are different models and should not be confused when comparing offers. [1]

Before replacing it, I would look at everyday work. Do video calls work properly? Are the rooms I need adequately covered? Do devices connect reliably? Is there a particular missing feature?

If the answers are satisfactory, a new router would initially be another expense, not a demonstrated improvement.

Older does not automatically mean unsupported

The official German download directory provides FRITZ!OS 8.25 dated 26 March 2026 for the 7590. The manufacturer also lists the model in its FRITZ! Lab overview. Those preview releases must be distinguished from approved regular updates. [2]

That is a useful counterpoint to claims that the original 7590 is inherently unusable simply because of its age. It is not a promise of future security support for any particular period.

I would keep checking the update situation while using it. Keeping router firmware current and protecting access credentials remain part of looking after a familiar device. The BSI security guidance is included in the further reading. [3]

Fibre does not necessarily mean an immediate router replacement

The 7590 does not contain an optical fibre modem. Its Gigabit WAN port can, however, connect to a suitable external fibre modem. Configuration must match the service and the provider's requirements. The wired connection to that modem is limited to Gigabit Ethernet. [1]

I would first establish the performance I actually need. Having a fibre connection is not, by itself, a reason to discard working equipment.

If more than Gigabit is required over one individual wired link, there is a real interface limit. Faster connections on a different router could then offer a tangible advantage.

What does a 7590 cost now?

During the price check, Geizhals listed the original FRITZ!Box 7590, article number 20002784, from an Amazon Marketplace seller at €197.99 including delivery. Another listed offer was €199 including delivery. These are advertised prices, not my own verification of the item's condition or seller quality. [4]

I would not treat those prices as an automatic recommendation. MediaMarkt offered the 7690 at €249 including delivery, just €51.01 above the lower listed 7590 offer. [5]

Two decisions need separating here: continuing to use a suitable 7590 you already own may be sensible; buying another one at today's advertised price is a different calculation.

For a new purchase, I would compare current alternatives. A used unit would need a sufficient discount to account for its age, condition and any limitations.

When I would consider changing

I would consider replacing the router if it caused a specific bottleneck, lacked a connection I needed, or could no longer be used safely.

With a wireless problem, I would first establish where it occurs. One poorly covered room is not the same problem as an inadequate router throughout the home. I would compare performance near the router and at the affected desk.

Telephony belongs on the checklist too. Anyone using the 7590's S₀ connection for ISDN equipment must plan a replacement for that connection. A higher model number does not guarantee every existing socket. [1]

My conclusion: Satisfaction is a good reason to look carefully

My 7590 continues to do its job well. I therefore see no reason to replace it in a hurry just for a newer wireless generation.

I would not keep it out of habit if my requirements changed, either.

The sensible decision is neither always keeping old equipment nor always buying new. It is checking the actual requirement and choosing equipment that meets it reliably.

About this assessment

The personal experience refers to TN's own 7590. Technical information and prices were researched, not measured in an independent comparison laboratory. Prices can change; check the seller, item condition and included accessories for marketplace offers. Prices refer to the German market, including VAT; delivery terms apply to the specified German offers.

Sources and further reading

Research date: 20 October 2026. Manufacturer documentation and advertised prices are not independent performance tests. Prices and delivery terms refer to the specified German offers and may change.

[1] FRITZ!: 7590 manual and connections
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[2] FRITZ!: firmware directory and Lab overview
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[3] BSI: setting up a smart home securely
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[4] Geizhals: original 7590, article number 20002784
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[5] MediaMarkt: 7690 comparison price
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