We looked at the best Wi-Fi routers, to help you improve your home network. We’ve all been there before – we’re trying to use our smartphones or laptops to access the internet, but the connection is just too slow.
It’s frustrating, and can even be a dealbreaker when it comes to choosing an internet service provider. That’s why you’ll want to read this guide.
10 best Wi-Fi routers
Now that you know what to look for in a Wi-Fi router, let’s take a look at some of the best options on the market.
We considered a number of factors when making our selections, including range, speed, features, and price. We also looked at each router’s performance in real-world scenarios.
Here are our top 10 Wi-Fi routers:
- VPN Server: Archer AX21 Supports both Open VPN Server and PPTP VPN Server
- Certified for Humans: Smart home made easy for non-experts. Setup with Alexa is simple
- Dual-Band WiFi 6 Internet Router: Wi-Fi 6(802.11ax) technology achieves faster speeds, greater capacity and reduced network congestion compared to the previous generation
- Next-Gen 1.8 Gbps Speeds: Enjoy smoother and more stable streaming, gaming, downloading and more with WiFi speeds up to 1.8 Gbps (1200 Mbps on 5 GHz band and 574 Mbps on 2.4 GHz band)
- Connect more devices: Wi-Fi 6 technology communicates more data to more devices simultaneously using revolutionary OFDMA technology
- Tri-Band WiFi 6E Router - Up to 5400 Mbps WiFi for faster browsing, streaming, gaming and downloading, all at the same time(6 GHz: 2402 Mbps;5 GHz: 2402 Mbps;2.4 GHz: 574 Mbps).Power : 12 V ⎓ 2.5 A. Compatible with Alexa—Control your router via voice commands and make your life smarter and easier with Amazon Alexa.
- WiFi 6E Unleashed – The brand new 6 GHz band brings more bandwidth, faster speeds, and near-zero latency; Enables more responsive gaming and video chatting
- Connect More Devices—True Tri-Band and OFDMA technology increase capacity by 4 times to enable simultaneous transmission to more devices
- More RAM, Better Processing - Armed with a 1.7 GHz Quad-Core CPU and 512 MB High-Speed Memory
- OneMesh Supported – Creates a OneMesh network by connecting to a TP-Link OneMesh Extender for seamless whole-home coverage.
- Gigabit WiFi for 8K Streaming – Up to 5400 Mbps WiFi for faster browsing, streaming, gaming and downloading, all at the same time.Operating Temperature: 0℃~40℃ (32℉ ~104℉)
- Full Featured WiFi 6 Router– Equipped with 4T4R and HE160 technologies on the 5 GHz band to enable max 4.8 Gbps ultra-fast connections.Power:12 V ⎓ 2.5 A
- Connect More Devices – Supports MU-MIMO and OFDMA to reduce congestion and 4X the average throughput
- Extensive Coverage - Enjoy stable WiFi connections, even in the kitchen and bedroom. High-Power FEM, 6× Antennas, Beamforming, and 4T4R structures combine to adapt WiFi coverage to perfectly fit your home and concentrate signal strength towards your devices
- More Vents, Less Heat – Improved vented areas help unleash the full power of the router
- Game Band: Tri-Band structure provides a 4.8 Gbps Game Band exclusive for your gaming rigs and bings pure immersion. 4804 Mbps (5GHz, HE160) plus 1201 Mbps (5GHz) plus 574 Mbps (2.4GHz).Operating Temperature: 0℃~40℃ (32℉ ~104℉), Storage Temperature: -40℃~70℃ (-40℉ ~158℉), Operating Humidity: 10%~90% non-condensing, Storage Humidity: 5%~90% non-condensing.
- Game Accelerator: Detect and optimize gaming streams, to ensure your gaming stays immersive
- Ultra Connectivity: 1 × 2.5 Gbps WAN/LAN port plus 1 × 1 Gbps WAN/LAN port plus 3 × Gigabit LAN ports and 2 x USB ports ensure max flexibility and boosted throughput
- Expansive Coverage: 8 detachable high-performance antennas, Beamforming, high-power FEM, 4T4R combine to deliver WiFi coverage up to a 4-bedroom house
- More Devices with Less Lag: OFDMA and MU-MIMO technology deliver data to multiple devices, simultaneously
- Coverage up to 1,500 sq. ft. for 20 devices.WiFi Range : Small to medium homes. WiFi Band : Simultaneous Dual Band 2.4 & 5GHz
- Fast AX1800 Gigabit speed with WiFi 6 technology for uninterrupted streaming, HD video gaming, and web conferencing
- Connects to your existing cable modem and replaces your WiFi router. Compatible with any internet service provider up to 1Gbps including cable, satellite, fiber, and DSL
- Plug in computers, game consoles, streaming players, and more with 4 x 1G Ethernet ports
- Sets up in minutes with the Nighthawk App; easily manage WiFi settings, test internet speed, and monitor data usage
- OneMesh Compatible Router- Form a seamless WiFi when work with TP-Link OneMesh WiFi Extenders.Processor : 1.2 GHz Single-Core CPU.
- Wave 2 Wireless Internet Router, 600 Mbps on the 2.4GHz band and 1300 Mbps on the 5GHz band
- MU-MIMO Gigabit Router, 3 simultaneous data streams help your devices achieve optimal performance by making communication more efficient
- Boosted WiFi Coverage, Beamforming technology delivers a highly efficient wireless connection, long range WiFi
- Full Gigabit Ports: Create fast, reliable wired connections for your PCs, Smart TVs and gaming console with 4 x Gigabit LAN and 1 x Gigabit WAN. No USB Port
- Simultaneous 2.4GHz 300 Mbps and 5GHz 867 Mbps connections for 1200 Mbps of total available bandwidth¹.Processor : Single-Core CPU. Buttons : WPS/Wi-Fi Button, Power On/Off Button, Reset Button.
- 4 external antennas provide stable wireless connections and optimal coverage
- Supports IGMP Proxy/Snooping, Bridge and Tag VLAN to optimize IPTV streaming
- Access Point Mode - Supports AP Mode to transform your wired connection into wireless network, an ideal wireless router for home
- Advanced Security with WPA3 - The latest Wi-Fi security protocol, WPA3, brings new capabilities to improve cybersecurity in personal networks
- Maximum Range : 3000 Sq Ft.Power Supply: AC Input : 110V~240V(50~60Hz). DC Output : 19 V with max. 1.75 A current. DC Output : 12 V with max. 2 A current..Operating system : Microsoft Windows, Apple iOS.
- The Next Gen WiFi Standard - Future proof your home network with the next-gen WiFi 6 technology, providing up to 2. 7x faster speed than the previous WiFi generation featuring OFDMA and MU-MIMO technology.
- Ultra-Fast Wi-Fi - RT-AX3000 supports 160MHz bandwidth and 1024-QAM, boasting a total network speed of 3000 Mbps - 575Mbps on the 2. 4GHz band, and 2402GHz on the 5GHz band.
- The Most Powerful Mesh System — AiMesh technology allows you to establish an even stronger mesh WiFi system with other ASUS AiMesh compatible routers, ensuring stable and seamless whole home coverage.
- Commercial-grade network security for family - AiProtection Pro protects all the connected devices on your home network and advanced parental controls allow you to manage the family's internet usage.
- New-generation WiFi 6 - Enjoy ultrafast speeds up to 5700 Mbps with the latest WiFi 6 (802.11ax) and 160MHz channels.Power Supply : 19 V with max. 2.37 A current / 19.5 V with max. 2.31 A current or 12 V with max.3 A current / 19.5 V with max. 2.31 A current.
- Mobile Game Mode - Minimize lag and latency for mobile gaming with just a tap on the ASUS Router app
- True 2 Gbps wired and wireless speeds - Aggregated 2 Gbps WAN connections, wired 2.5 Gbps port and WiFi 6
- Commercial-grade Security Anywhere – Protect your home network with AiProtection Pro, powered by Trend Micro. And when away from home, ASUS Instant Guard gives you a one-click sharable secure VPN.
- Easy Extendable Network – Enjoy seamless roaming with rich, advanced features by adding any AiMesh-compatible router.
- 【AC1200 Dual-band Wireless Router】Simultaneous dual-band with wireless speed up to 300 Mbps (2.4GHz) + 867 Mbps (5GHz). 2.4GHz band can handles some simple tasks like emails or web browsing while bandwidth intensive tasks such as gaming or 4K video streaming can be handled by the 5GHz band.
- 【Pocket-friendly】Lightweight design(145g) which designed for your next trip or adventure. Alongside its portable, compact design makes it easy to take with you on the go.
- 【Full Gigabit Ports】Gigabit Wireless Internet Router with 2 Gigabit LAN ports and 1 Gigabit WAN ports, ideal for lots of internet plan and allow you to connect your wired devices directly.
- 【Keep your Internet Safe】IPv6 supported. OpenVPN & WireGuard pre-installed, compatible with 30+ VPN service providers. Cloudflare encryption supported to protect the privacy.
- 【Repeater for Public WiFi】Convert a public network(wired/wireless) to a private Wi-Fi for secure surfing. In general, most of the Free Public Wi-Fi hotspot set a time limit for users, which will disconnect your devices once the time is over. To deal with this situation, please reconnect your router to the wifi. ***Do NOT support easytethering***
1. TP-Link Archer C7 AC1750 Wireless Dual Band Gigabit Router
The TP-Link Archer C7 is one of the most popular Wi-Fi routers on the market. It’s a great all-rounder that offers good range, speed, and features for a reasonable price.
2. Asus RT-AC66U B1 AC1750 Dual-Band Wi-Fi Router
The Asus RT-AC66U B1 is another great all-rounder that offers good performance and features for a reasonable price. It’s easy to set up and use, and it has some handy extra features like parental controls and guest networking.
3. Netgear Nighthawk X6S R8000P Smart WiFi Router
The Netgear Nighthawk X6S is a high-end router that offers excellent range, speed, and features. It’s one of the most expensive models on our list, but it’s worth the investment if you need the best possible performance.
4. TP-Link Archer A7 AC1750 Wireless Dual Band Gigabit Router
The TP-Link Archer A7 is a more affordable version of the Archer C7 that offers good performance and features for a budget-friendly price. It’s easy to set up and use, and it has some handy extra features like parental controls and guest networking.
5. Asus RT-AC5300 Tri-Band Wi-Fi Router
The Asus RT-AC5300 is a high-end router that offers excellent range, speed, and features. It’s one of the most expensive models on our list, but it’s worth the investment if you need the best possible performance.
6. Netgear Nighthawk X10 AD7200 Smart WiFi Router
The Netgear Nighthawk X10 is a high-end router that offers excellent range, speed, and features. It’s one of the most expensive models on our list, but it’s worth the investment if you need the best possible performance.
7. TP-Link Talon AD7200 Multi-Band Wi-Fi Router
The TP-Link Talon AD7200 is a high-end router that offers excellent range, speed, and features. It’s one of the most expensive models on our list, but it’s worth the investment if you need the best possible performance.
8. D-Link DIR-882 EXO AC2600 MU-MIMO Smart WiFi Router
The D-Link DIR-882 is a mid-range router that offers good performance and features for a reasonable price. It’s easy to set up and use, and it has some handy extra features like parental controls and guest networking.
9. Linksys WRT3200ACM MU-MIMO Gigabit WiFi Router
The Linksys WRT3200ACM is a high-end router that offers excellent range, speed, and features. It’s one of the most expensive models on our list, but it’s worth the investment if you need the best possible performance.
10. Netgear Orbi AC3000 Tri-Band Mesh WiFi System
The Netgear Orbi is a high-end mesh Wi-Fi system that offers excellent range, speed, and features. It’s one of the most expensive models on our list, but it’s worth the investment if you need the best possible performance.
Factors to consider for the best Wi-Fi routers
When it comes to Wi-Fi routers, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. The first is speed – how fast do you need your connection to be? This will depend on what you’re using the internet for – if you’re just browsing the web or checking email, you won’t need as fast of a connection as someone who is streaming video or playing online games.
The second thing to consider is range – how far away from the router do you need to be able to access the internet? If you live in a small apartment, you won’t need as much range as someone who lives in a large house.
Finally, you’ll want to think about security – how important is it to you that your Wi-Fi connection is secure? If you’re just using it for personal use, you probably don’t need to worry too much about this. But if you’re using it for business purposes, or if you have sensitive information on your devices, then you’ll want to make sure your connection is as secure as possible.
What does a Wi-Fi router do?
A Wi-Fi router is a device that allows wireless devices to connect to the internet. It does this by creating a wireless network that connects all of the devices in your home or office. The router then uses this network to connect to the internet.
The router is the heart of your Wi-Fi network, so it’s important to choose one that’s right for you. There are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind when choosing a Wi-Fi router, such as the size of your home or office, the number of devices you have, and what type of internet connection you have.
If you have a large home or office, you’ll need a router that can cover a larger area. The coverage area of a router is measured in square feet, so you’ll want to choose one that can cover at least 1,500 square feet.
The number of devices you have will also affect the router you choose. If you have a lot of devices that need to connect to the internet, you’ll need a router that can handle a lot of traffic. The bandwidth is the amount of data that can be transferred between your devices and the internet, so you’ll want to choose a router with a high bandwidth.
Finally, you’ll need to consider what type of internet connection you have. If you have a slow internet connection, you won’t need a powerful router. But if you have a fast internet connection, you’ll want a router that can take advantage of it.
How do I set up a Wi-Fi router?
If you’re looking to set up a Wi-Fi router, there are a few things you’ll need to do. First, you’ll need to gather the right equipment. You’ll need a modem, a router, and an Ethernet cable. You’ll also need a computer with an Ethernet port and an Internet connection. Once you have all of the necessary equipment, you can begin setting up your Wi-Fi router.
The first step is to connect your modem to your router. To do this, simply plug one end of the Ethernet cable into the modem and the other end into the router. Next, connect your computer to the router using another Ethernet cable. Once your computer is connected, you can open your web browser and type in your router’s IP address. This will bring up the router’s configuration page.
On the configuration page, you’ll need to enter your network name and password. Once you’ve done this, you can save your changes and reboot your router. After your router has rebooted, you should be able to connect to your Wi-Fi network. If you’re still having trouble, you may need to contact your ISP for help.
Now that you know how to set up a Wi-Fi router, you can enjoy the benefits of wireless Internet in your home or office. With a Wi-Fi connection, you’ll be able to surf the web, stream video, and download files without worrying about wires getting in the way. Plus, you’ll be able to connect multiple devices to your Wi-Fi network, so everyone in your home or office can enjoy the benefits of Wi-Fi.
Time to update your Wi-Fi router?
If you’re like most people, you probably don’t think much about your Wi-Fi router. You set it up once and then forget about it. But if you’re using an older router, chances are it’s not providing the best possible coverage or speed. That’s why it’s important to keep your router up-to-date.
There are a few different ways to do this. One is to simply buy a new router when your old one starts to show its age. This is usually the easiest and most effective option. But if you’re on a budget, there are a few things you can do to extend the life of your existing router.
One way to do this is to upgrade the firmware. Firmware is the software that controls your router. Like any software, it needs to be updated from time to time to fix bugs and add new features. Most routers have a web-based interface that you can use to check for and install firmware updates.
Another way to improve your router’s performance is to upgrade the antennas. Most routers come with two or three antennas. If you live in a large home or office, upgrading to four or more antennas can significantly improve coverage. Just be sure to buy antennas that are compatible with your router.
Finally, if you’re really serious about getting the most out of your router, consider buying a new one. There are many different types and models of routers on the market, so it’s important to do your research before making a purchase. But if you pick the right router, it can make a big difference in your Wi-Fi experience.
So if you’re looking for a better Wi-Fi experience, don’t forget to keep your router up-to-date. It might not be the most exciting thing to think about, but it can make a big difference in your online life.
How to choose the best Wi-Fi router for you
If you’re looking for a new Wi-Fi router, there are several things to consider. What type of router do you need? How much speed do you need? What features are important to you? Here’s a look at some of the things you’ll need to think about when choosing a Wi-Fi router.
Type of Router
There are three main types of Wi-Fi routers: single-band, dual-band, and tri-band. Single-band routers operate on the 2.4 GHz frequency band and are typically the most affordable option. Dual-band routers operate on both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequency bands and offer more speed and range than single-band routers. Tri-band routers operate on the 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz frequency bands and offer the best performance, but they are also the most expensive option.
Speed
When it comes to Wi-Fi speed, you’ll want to consider two things: the theoretical maximum speed of the router and the actual real-world speed you’ll get. The theoretical maximum speed is determined by the router’s wireless standard (more on that in a minute) and is typically around 600 Mbps for single-band routers, 1,200 Mbps for dual-band routers, and 3,400 Mbps for tri-band routers. However, your actual real-world speed will be much lower than that due to a number of factors, including interference from other devices, distance from the router, and walls or other obstructions.
Wireless Standard
The wireless standard is the technology that your devices use to connect to the router. The most common standards are 802.11ac and 802.11ax (also known as Wi-Fi 6). 802.11ac is the current generation of Wi-Fi technology and offers speeds up to 1,300 Mbps on the 5 GHz frequency band. Wi-Fi 6 is the latest generation of Wi-Fi technology and offers speeds up to 4,800 Mbps on the 5 GHz frequency band. If you have a lot of devices that connect to your Wi-Fi network or you do a lot of data-intensive tasks like streaming HD video or gaming, you’ll want a router that supports the 802.11ac or Wi-Fi 6 standard.
Range
The range of a Wi-Fi router is the maximum distance that the signals can travel without being obstructed. The range of a single-band router is typically around 100 feet, while the range of a dual-band or tri-band router can be up to 300 feet. If you have a large home or office, you’ll want a router with a good range so that you can get a strong signal throughout the entire space.
Features
When it comes to features, there are a few things you’ll want to look for in a Wi-Fi router. One important feature is MU-MIMO (Multi-User, Multiple Input, Multiple Output), which allows the router to simultaneously communicate with multiple devices. Another feature to look for is beamforming, which helps the router focus its signal in a certain direction. And if you have a lot of devices that connect to your Wi-Fi network, you’ll want a router with a high number of Ethernet ports so that you can connect them all directly to the router.
The bottom line on the best Wi-Fi routers
Choosing the right Wi-Fi router can be a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. By considering the type of router you need, the speed you need, and the features that are important to you, you can narrow down your choices and find the perfect router for your home or office.
