The 7 Best Wireless Routers to Enjoy Buffer-Free Streaming and Fast Web Browsing
We compared 50 routers to help you achieve the blazing-fast Wi-Fi speeds you deserve. 🌐⚡️🏃🏻💨💨
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Today's tech — from smartphones and tablets to streaming devices and smartwatches — all require a Wi-Fi connection. That makes the wireless router one of the most important home appliances that no one ever seems to talk about. Routers are pretty much your key to accessing the internet, and if yours frequently requires resetting, it might be time for you to make an upgrade.
It's worth a mention that routers are commonly confused with modems. A modem is a device that connects your home network to the Internet, and a router is a device that creates a private network that lets all your personal devices connect and communicate with one another. So make sure you're buying the right product!
Best Wireless Routers
What to Consider
Wi-Fi 5 Versus Wi-Fi 6
Here are the basics that you should know: When shopping for a router, make sure to at least get an 802.11ac model. This means that it supports some of the newest wireless standards, so you can achieve Gigabit speeds. There's even a newer standard, Wi-Fi 6, which is sometimes called 802.11ax. If you're still rocking an older WI-Fi 5 router, now's the time to upgrade! Wi-Fi 6 routers are faster, more reliable, and are futureproof (they'll connect to the latest smartphones, tablets, and laptops), but if you're on a budget, a Wi-Fi 5 router will work just fine for most users.
Have a Large Floor Plan? Get a Mesh Router!
For floor plans over 1,500 square feet, you should consider investing in a mesh router instead. This type of router comes with multiple wireless beacons to expand your overall coverage. We also don't recommend buying a router/modem combo (neither does CNET) because they're difficult to fix if something goes awry.
Understand the Different Frequencies
Most modern routers typically transmit data over two radio frequencies: 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. The 2.4 GHz band transmits data farther, while the 5 GHz band is less congested and travels a shorter distance. When setting up your router, you'll typically create two separate networks — one for each frequency. Be sure to change your router's administrator password when you set it up!
A handful of more expensive routers support three bands, meaning you get an additional 5 GHz (or a 6 GHz) frequency. This feature, however, is only necessary for power users. The same goes for MU-MIMO (Multiple User Multiple Input, Multiple Output), which is router technology that makes internet connections faster and more reliable.
Security Features
Lastly, the router you plan to buy should support WPA2 (that's the Wi-Fi Protected Access Protocol). This standard ensures your devices and network are secure. The other two standards (WPA and WEP) aren't as safe and can easily be compromised.
We know that was a lot to take in — but luckily for you, we've researched over 50 router models to find the top seven that should work for most home setups. If you're constantly unplugging and restarting your modem and router in hopes of getting faster internet speeds, this guide can help you find the best wireless router for your needs and budget.
Archer AX50 Wi-Fi 6 Router
Archer AX50 Wi-Fi 6 Router
Pros
- Excellent coverage
- Offers plenty of customizable settings for users
Cons
- Lacks multigig Ethernet port
Key Specs
- Dimensions: 10.2 x 5.3 x 1.5 inches
- Wi-Fi Technology: Dual-band Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) AX3000
- Maximum Theoretical Speed: 2,402 Mbps
- Coverage Area: 2,000 square feet
The Archer AX50 is among the best Wi-Fi 6 routers available on the market today. Its dual bands deliver 2,402 and 574 Mbps speeds, so it's an excellent option for users who stream lots of videos or play video games online.
John R. Delaney, a contributing editor at PC Mag, said that the Archer AX50 finds the sweet spot between high-end and budget-class routers but still delivers solid speeds and includes features like link aggregation and anti-malware software that are typically found primarily on more expensive models.
The router offers superb wireless coverage and has a total of five Ethernet jacks for those who prefer wired connections. There's even a USB port for sharing files over your wireless network. The router is backed by a 2-year warranty, its free downloadable app makes setup a breeze, and it even includes a lifetime subscription to TP-Link HomeCare which includes antivirus protection and robust parental controls. With other routers, these features oftentimes require a paid monthly fee.
We like that the router automatically designates slower and faster devices to the appropriate Wi-Fi band. As a bonus, it supports MU-MIMO (tech that helps it better handle simultaneous data streams).
All in all, the Archer AX50 is an extremely versatile and powerful router for homes of all shapes and sizes, making it one of the best wireless routers on the market today.
More: The Best Smart TVs for Accessing Your Favorite Content
Archer AX10 Wi-Fi 6 Router
Archer AX10 Wi-Fi 6 Router
Pros
- Extremely affordable
- Good-enough performance for many
Cons
- Lower than average RAM onboard
Key Specs
- Dimensions: 10.2 x 5.3 x 1.5 inches
- Wi-Fi Technology: Dual-band Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ax) AX1500
- Maximum Theoretical Speed: 1,200 Mbps
- Coverage Area: 2,500 square feet
The TP-Link Archer AX10 is a budget-friendly router that supports dual-band Wi-Fi 802.11ax, so it's a great option for achieving high speeds without breaking the bank.
Its antennas help ensure your devices reach peak network speeds of up to 574 Mbps over 2.4 GHz and 2,402 Mbps over 5 GHz. Four Ethernet ports on its backside make it easy to connect video game consoles, hard drives, or printers. But don't expect to be able to do any intensive gaming while using this router, either. Unfortunately, it only packs a limited 256MB of RAM (memory it uses to store cache entries and other data)
The router includes a free download link to an intuitive app, which you can use to set it up, manage your router, and adjust settings or passwords.
If you want a router on the cheap for streaming HD video or for achieving faster speeds on your smartphone, you can't go wrong with this TP-Link, but if you're looking for something even less expensive, consider the Archer A8, which lacks Wi-Fi 6 support but still delivers stellar speeds on the cheap.
Archer AX73 Wi-Fi 6 Router
Archer AX73 Wi-Fi 6 Router
Pros
- Can be wall-mounted
- Mobile app makes it easy to set up
Cons
- Lacks multigig Ethernet port
Key Specs
- Dimensions: 10.7 x 5.8 x 1.9 inches
- Wi-Fi Technology: Dual-band Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) AX5400
- Maximum Theoretical Speed: 5,400 Mbps
- Coverage Area: 3,000 square feet
This dual-band Wi-Fi 6 router from TP-Link will blanket your home with reliable Wi-Fi coverage. It's the ideal router for those who are lucky enough to have a fiberoptic internet connection. You can see what type of internet technology your area has by using this map from the FCC.
The Archer AX73 is a solid router that's definitely an upgrade over our best overall pick, the Archer AX50. It's equipped with two more antennas, a better USB 3.0 port, and it supports the 160MHz channel width. This just means it has double the bandwidth.
If your Internet Service Provider has Fiber infrastructure and you're subscribed to a gigabit internet plan, you'd have no issues streaming 8K video and achieving gigabit speeds wirelessly with this router. It has the ability to reach speeds up to 5,400 Mbps, so it's an ideal router for streamers, gamers, and business professionals who need the fastest, most reliable wireless network.
RT-AX82U AX5400 Wi-Fi 6 Router
RT-AX82U AX5400 Wi-Fi 6 Router
Pros
- Doesn't take up too much space
- Effectively walks that line between price and performance
Cons
- Antennas are not removable
Key Specs
- Dimensions: 10.8 x 7.2 x 2.5 inches
- Wi-Fi Technology: Dual-band Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) AX5400
- Maximum Theoretical Speed: 5,400 Mbps
- Coverage Area: 3,000 square feet
With its stingray-like design and customizable RGB lighting, it's quite obvious that the RT-AX82U from ASUS is a gaming router. Looks aren't everything, though, and this ASUS is a reliable upgrade to your home or office router, as well. In fact, you can disable its RGB lights entirely.
It's a mid-range router with a compact design that's reasonably priced and packs a 1.5 GHz tri-core processor, an impressive 512 MB of RAM, and 256 MB of flash storage. Besides that, you get plenty of ports, too. There's a single WAN port, four LAN ports, and a USB port for hosting printers, backing up data, or sharing files locally over your Internet.
Although it lacks a multigig port (which allows for even faster speeds at either 2.5Gbps or 5Gbps), the router still supports LAN or WAN Link aggregation (meaning you can combine two of its ports for an aggregated 2 GBps connection.)
For those who do intend to use the router for gaming, you'll be happy to know it has a dedicated LAN port on its backside for connecting an Ethernet cable directly to your game console of choice for prioritized top-speed Internet directly to your console.
Overall, the ASUS packs the power and performance of a gaming router in a compact design while still being priced similarly to a consumer-grade router. It conveniently offers users the choice of whether or not to have flashy RGB lighting, too.
RT-AX88U AX6000 Dual-Band Wi-Fi Router
RT-AX88U AX6000 Dual-Band Wi-Fi Router
Pros
- Super speedy Wi-Fi performance
- Equipped with eight network ports
Cons
- Less bandwidth than tri-band routers
Key Specs
- Dimensions: 11.8 x 7.4 x 2.4 inches
- Wi-Fi Technology: Dual-band Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) AX6000
- Maximum Theoretical Speed: 6,000 Mbps
- Coverage Area: 5,000 square feet
This wireless router was built with gamers in mind. Its four antennas promise combined wireless speeds of up to 6,000 Mbps across the 2.4 and 5 GHz bands, which is up from 2,600 Mbps from its predecessor. The RT-AX88U is a great pick for big families with lots of devices, users with large homes, 4K video streamers, and gamers who play online or livestream on Twitch.
Jorge Jimenez, a hardware writer at PC Gamer, said that for gaming in a congested environment, "this router outdistances the competition with the highest FPS seen to date, and a very low dropped frame rate when simultaneously streaming videos." We also like that it has a sleeker, less bulky design compared to the ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AX11000 gaming router
If ASUS' Wi-Fi 6 gaming router's price is too far out of reach, we also recommend the slightly older previous-generation ASUS RT-AC86U Wi-Fi 5 for gamers on a budget. The slightly cheaper RT-AX86U is also a solid router for heavy bandwidth users in smaller homes.
Deco XE75 AXE5400 Tri-Band Wi-Fi 6E Mesh Routers
Deco XE75 AXE5400 Tri-Band Wi-Fi 6E Mesh Routers
Pros
- Reliable speeds
- Wide coverage
Cons
- Each node only has three network ports
Key Specs
- Dimensions: 4.1 x 6.7 inches
- Wi-Fi Technology: Tri-band Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax) AXE5400
- Maximum Theoretical Speed: 5,400 Mbps
- Coverage Area: 5,500 square feet
If you’re tired of dead spots throughout your home, frequent disconnects, or just want a faster, more reliable network, I urge you to opt for a mesh system. The TP-Link Deco XE75 is one of the best you can buy. TP-Link’s tri-band mesh router system delivers consistent download speeds in homes of all shapes and sizes.
Case in point: I tested it in a 2,300-square-foot home and a smaller two-bedroom townhome and received impressive download speeds in both. I measured wireless speeds of 400 Mbps in both homes— whether I was on the third floor, the basement, or in the office. I had no issues logging on from my back patio, too.
TP-Link says the Deco XE75 — which comes with two wireless beacons — can cover up to 5,500 square feet. Not only that, it’s one of the most affordable Wi-Fi 6E mesh routers on the market and is $200 cheaper than the eero Pro 6E and over $600 cheaper than Linksys’ Wi-Fi 6E mesh router bundle. To be fair, the Linksys comes with three beacons, but $1,000 is a huge price to pay for wireless routers.
The Deco XE75 is incredibly simple to set up thanks to TP-Link’s approachable and completely foolproof app, which is available on both iOS and Android devices. Since the router supports the latest Wi-Fi 6E standard and can connect up to 200 different devices, it should last you years to come.
eero Mesh Wi-Fi System
eero Mesh Wi-Fi System
Pros
- One of the most affordable mesh kits available
- Excellent parental controls
Cons
- Not as speedy as other mesh routers
Key Specs
- Dimensions: 3.9 x 3.9 x 2.3 inches
- Wi-Fi Technology: Dual-band Wi-Fi 5 (802.11a/b/g/n/ac) AC2200
- Maximum Theoretical Speed: 550 Mbps
- Coverage Area: 5,000 square feet
The eero is the best-selling mesh router setup on Amazon, and for good reason. It offers a cool design, consistent performance, and an incredibly easy setup. The eero stretches your dollar and Wi-Fi signal further since it comes with three devices for blanketing your home with Wi-Fi — most other mesh setups only include two beacons.
Installing the eero beacons is as easy as plugging them in. Key hardware specs of the eero include simultaneous 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Wi-Fi bands, Alexa support for managing device access with your voice, as well as convenient control from a mobile app. Each unit has a duo of Gigabit Ethernet ports and supports speeds up to 350 Mbps for a total combined coverage of 5,000 square feet.
Compared to other mesh systems like Netgear's Orbi system or Google Nest Wi-Fi, you can expect slightly slower speeds but a much easier setup. And for those who want the fastest speeds possible and are willing to pay a price premium, consider eero's new Wi-Fi 6 system.
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