Ever stumbled upon a router that seems like the Swiss army knife of networking gear? The AVM FRITZ!Box 7490 might just be that beast. When I first swapped out my aging router for this refurbished gem, it felt like unleashing a tech upgrade without the sticker shock. Let's unpack why this device keeps winning hearts across Europe and how it could be your next trusty network centerpiece.
A Closer Look at the FRITZ!Box 7490’s Dual-Band Wireless AC Power
When you choose the FRITZ!Box 7490, you’re investing in a dual band router that delivers reliable, high-speed Wi-Fi across your home or office. As an AC1750 router, it leverages the latest Wireless AC standards to provide impressive performance, even in demanding environments. Let’s break down what makes the FRITZ!Box 7490’s wireless capabilities stand out.
Dual-Band Wireless AC: Fast, Flexible, and Future-Proof
The FRITZ!Box 7490 operates on both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequency bands, allowing you to connect more devices with less interference. Here’s what you get:
- 5 GHz Band: Enjoy speeds up to 1,300 Mbit/s, perfect for 4K streaming, online gaming, and large file transfers.
- 2.4 GHz Band: Achieve up to 450 Mbit/s, ideal for web browsing, smart home devices, and everyday use.
Combined, these speeds reach the AC1750 class, which means you’re getting a router that can handle multiple high-bandwidth activities at once. The dual-band setup also helps reduce congestion, so your network stays fast even when everyone’s online.
3x3 MIMO Technology: Enhanced Speed and Range
One of the standout features of the FRITZ!Box 7490 is its 3x3 MIMO (Multiple Input, Multiple Output) technology. This means the router uses three antennas to send and receive data, boosting both speed and coverage. MIMO is especially helpful in homes or offices with thick walls or multiple floors, as it helps maintain strong connections throughout the space.
“The FRITZ!Box 7490’s Wireless AC functionality, combined with 3x3 MIMO, ensures top-notch speeds suitable for demanding streaming and gaming.” – TechRadar
With 3T3R MIMO, you can expect stable, high-speed connections for all your devices, whether you’re working, streaming, or gaming.
Qualcomm Chipsets: Optimized Performance on Every Band
At the heart of the FRITZ!Box 7490 is a set of Qualcomm Wi-Fi chipsets designed to maximize wireless performance. These chipsets intelligently manage traffic across both bands, ensuring that each device gets the best possible speed and reliability. Whether you’re connecting a laptop, smartphone, or smart TV, the router automatically selects the optimal band and channel for each connection.
Dependable Wireless AC Router for Modern Needs
As a Wireless AC router, the FRITZ!Box 7490 is built to support today’s most demanding applications. Its dual-band operation, combined with advanced MIMO and Qualcomm technology, means you can count on:
- Consistent high-speed Wi-Fi throughout your home or office
- Seamless streaming, gaming, and video calls—even with multiple users
- Strong performance in challenging environments with obstacles like thick walls
These features, backed by positive user reviews and AVM’s regular firmware updates, make the FRITZ!Box 7490 a top choice if you’re seeking a dependable, high-performance dual band router at an affordable price.
Beyond Wi-Fi: Versatile Hardware and Smart Features for Your Network
While the AVM FRITZ!Box 7490 is often praised for its dual-band wireless performance, its true strength lies in the extensive hardware and smart features that go far beyond basic Wi-Fi. Whether you’re setting up a home office, managing a busy household, or looking for a reliable mesh networking router, the FRITZ!Box 7490 delivers a flexible, all-in-one solution.
Wired Performance: Four Gigabit Ethernet Ports and Two USB 3.0 Ports
The FRITZ!Box 7490 is equipped with four Gigabit Ethernet ports, allowing you to connect PCs, smart TVs, gaming consoles, or NAS devices directly for ultra-fast, stable data transfer. This is ideal for streaming, online gaming, or any situation where you need low-latency, high-speed connectivity. In addition, two USB 3.0 ports transform your router into a powerful USB 3.0 ports router, letting you share printers or external storage across your network. This makes it easy to access files, photos, or media from any device in your home.
Telephony Hub: Integrated DECT Base Station, ISDN, and Analog Support
One of the standout features is the built-in DECT base station, which supports up to six cordless handsets. This means you can manage your home or small office telephony without extra hardware. The FRITZ!Box 7490 also includes two RJ-11 analog phone ports and an ISDN S0 interface, making it a true hybrid solution for both modern and legacy phone systems. Whether you use VoIP, analog, or ISDN, this router adapts to your needs.
- Supports up to 6 cordless DECT phones
- 2 analog FXS ports for traditional phones or fax machines
- ISDN S0 interface for digital telephony
Advanced Security and Reliable Updates
Security is a top priority with the FRITZ!Box 7490. It features a Stateful Packet Inspection Firewall, robust VPN support for secure remote access, and WPA2 encryption to protect your wireless network. Frequent firmware updates from AVM ensure your device stays protected against new threats and benefits from the latest features. Many users highlight the router’s stability and the peace of mind that comes from regular updates.
Smart Software: Fritz!OS and Mesh Networking
AVM’s Fritz!OS software is at the heart of the FRITZ!Box 7490’s user experience. Its intuitive web interface makes setup and management straightforward, even for beginners. With Fritz!OS, you can:
- Set up mesh networking for seamless whole-home coverage
- Create a secure guest Wi-Fi network in seconds
- Configure the integrated media server to stream music, videos, or photos
- Monitor network activity and manage parental controls
“AVM’s Fritz!OS ecosystem provides an intuitive interface that’s a breath of fresh air compared to many competitors.” – MBReviews
These smart features, combined with hardware versatility, make the FRITZ!Box 7490 a standout mesh networking router and a central hub for both connectivity and communication.

Refurbished, Reliable, and Ready to Roll: User Experiences and Buying Tips
If you’re searching for a home office router or a dependable VDSL modem router, the FRITZ!Box 7490 stands out—especially when purchased as a refurbished router on Amazon. Certified refurbished units are available for just €39.99, including free delivery and a warranty valid until January 15, 2026. This represents a remarkable 73% discount from the original new price of €149.90, making it a smart and budget-friendly upgrade for your network.
Real-World Satisfaction: What Users Say
With over 3,000 customer reviews and 67% awarding a full five stars, the FRITZ!Box 7490 has earned a reputation for reliability and value. Users across Germany, Italy, and Belgium consistently praise its stable performance, even after years of daily use. Many buyers highlight the router’s easy installation process, frequent firmware updates, and seamless integration into both home and office environments.
“I swapped my old router for a refurbished FRITZ!Box 7490 and couldn’t be happier with the performance and price.” – Jannis
“The refurbished unit arrived just like new—stable and fast even behind thick walls.” – Treborius
Customers also appreciate that refurbished devices from Amazon Renewed often arrive in near-new condition, complete with all essential accessories, such as phone and network cables, adaptors, and a clear installation guide. The included warranty and generous return policy provide extra peace of mind, especially for those new to buying refurbished routers on Amazon.
Key Buying Tips for the FRITZ!Box 7490
- Check for Original Accessories: For the best performance, ensure your unit comes with the genuine AVM Netzteil (power supply). Some users have reported instability when using non-original adapters, but this is easily resolved by switching to the authentic AVM power supply.
- Locale and Language Settings: Since most refurbished FRITZ!Box 7490 units are the German version, you may need to adjust language and regional settings during setup. Make sure you have the correct DSL cable for your country, and be prepared to configure the interface for your preferred language.
- Warranty and Returns: Take advantage of the extended warranty and return policy when purchasing through Amazon Renewed. This ensures you’re protected against any unexpected issues and can return the device if it doesn’t meet your needs.
How It Compares: Value in a Crowded Market
At €39.99, the refurbished FRITZ!Box 7490 offers exceptional value compared to rivals like NETGEAR, Tenda, Zyxel, and Amazon Basics. While newer Wi-Fi 6 and mesh systems (such as the Tenda Nova ME3 Pro or NETGEAR Orbi 970 Series) are available, they often come at a much higher price point. For most home and office users, the 7490’s robust feature set—including dual-band Wi-Fi, VDSL/ADSL support, DECT base, media server, and advanced security—remains more than sufficient.
With high customer satisfaction, a proven track record, and a price that’s hard to beat, the refurbished FRITZ!Box 7490 is a top contender for anyone seeking a reliable, affordable, and feature-rich networking solution.
Wild Card: The Networking Time Capsule — What Would the 7490 Say If It Could Talk?
If the AVM FRITZ!Box 7490 could speak, it would have quite the story to tell. Imagine a device that has quietly powered homes and offices for nearly a decade, faithfully connecting everything from chunky desktop PCs and ISDN phones to today’s smart TVs, tablets, and mesh Wi-Fi satellites. The 7490 has been more than just a router—it’s been a silent witness to the evolution of how we live, work, and play online.
“Remember when streaming meant buffering?” the 7490 might chuckle. “I’ve seen families gather around for movie nights, gamers chase victory in online arenas, and remote workers dial into video calls that span continents. I’ve juggled smartphones, tablets, and laptops all at once—sometimes dozens of them, all hungry for bandwidth. Through thick walls and busy evenings, I kept the signal strong.”
The 7490 would likely be proud of its role as a bridge between generations of technology. In its early days, it connected ISDN phones and fax machines, while today it supports smart home hubs and mesh Wi-Fi systems. “I’ve watched as you upgraded your gadgets,” it might say, “but you never had to upgrade me—just a firmware update here and there, and I was ready for whatever came next. Whether you were setting up your first home office or expanding your network for a growing family, I adapted.”
Through the eyes of the 7490, the world of home networking is a place of constant change. New standards like Wi-Fi 6 and mesh networking have arrived, but the 7490 has remained relevant, often serving as a reliable mesh repeater or a backup router when newer models falter. It would probably boast about its versatility: “I’ve worked with VDSL and ADSL, managed DECT cordless phones, and even run as a media server for your music and movies. My ports have seen everything from gaming consoles to network printers.”
But perhaps the 7490’s greatest achievement is its quiet reliability. While flashy new routers come and go, the 7490 has earned the trust of thousands of users across Europe. “You might not notice me most days,” it would say, “but I’m always here, making sure your connections are fast, secure, and stable. And when you picked me up refurbished, you gave me a second life—proof that good technology doesn’t have to be brand new to be valuable.”
As you consider your next networking upgrade, take a moment to appreciate the unsung heroes like the FRITZ!Box 7490. Behind every seamless video call, every lag-free game, and every late-night movie marathon, there’s a device working tirelessly in the background. The 7490 reminds us that the best networking gear isn’t just about the latest features—it’s about reliability, adaptability, and a proven track record. In the end, if the 7490 could talk, it would simply say: “Thanks for trusting me to keep you connected, year after year.”



