Best Wi-Fi Router
By Mick
| Updated 3 Days Ago
Wi-Fi routers are essential for keeping our homes and offices connected, impacting everything from internet speeds to coverage. A good router can enhance your online experience by providing faster speeds and more reliable connections, especially with the latest technology like Wi-Fi 6, which offers better performance and efficiency. Choosing the right router depends on factors like the size of your home, the number of devices, and your internet speed. Some routers come with advanced features like parental controls, guest networks, and built-in security, while others prioritize wide coverage for large homes or fast connections for gaming and streaming. When shopping for a router, consider its Wi-Fi standard, speed ratings, coverage area, antennas, and Ethernet ports. After testing several popular models, we’ve identified the best routers for a range of needs and budgets.
Eero Mesh Router
This easy-to-use mesh router is a great choice for most homes looking to improve their Wi-Fi coverage.
We found the Eero mesh router incredibly user-friendly. The app guided us through setup in just a few minutes. It was refreshing to have such a straightforward experience, especially compared to some other routers we’ve tested.
In our tests, the Eero covered about 1,500 square feet with strong Wi-Fi. This was enough for a small to medium-sized home. For larger spaces, we liked that we could easily add more Eero units to expand coverage. The system adapted well as we moved around, keeping us connected without noticeable drops.
We appreciated the Alexa integration, which let us manage Wi-Fi access with voice commands. This came in handy for limiting screen time or pausing internet access during family dinners. The two Ethernet ports were useful, but we wished there were more for directly connecting devices.
Eero Mesh Router- FAST STANDALONE ROUTER - The eero mesh WiFi router brings up to 1,500 sq. ft. of fast, reliable WiFi to your home.
Eero Mesh Router
We recommend this Eero mesh router for its easy setup and reliable performance in small to medium-sized homes.
We tested the Eero mesh router in a 1,200 square foot apartment and were impressed by its coverage. The setup took us less than 10 minutes using the smartphone app, which guided us through each step.
The router’s sleek design blended well with our home decor. We placed it on a shelf in the living room, and it provided strong WiFi signals throughout our space. We streamed 4K videos, played online games, and worked from home without any noticeable lag or buffering.
We liked how the Eero integrates with Alexa. We could ask our Echo device to pause the internet for specific devices or turn off WiFi for the night. This feature came in handy for managing screen time for our kids.
While the Eero worked great for our needs, we noticed it lacks some advanced features found in pricier routers. If you’re a power user or have a larger home, you might need to add more units or consider a different model.
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TP-Link Archer AXE75
We think the TP-Link Archer AXE75 is a solid choice for most homes seeking fast, reliable Wi-Fi 6E coverage.
The Archer AXE75 impressed us with its speedy performance. We saw downloads zip along at over 1 Gbps on compatible devices. The new 6 GHz band was a game-changer, giving us lag-free 4K streaming and responsive online gaming.
Setup took us less than 5 minutes using the Tether app. We liked how it walks you through each step. The app also made it easy to set up a guest network and parental controls.
We found the range solid for medium to large homes. It covered our 2-story, 2000 sq ft house with no dead spots. The antennas did a good job pushing signal to every corner. For bigger spaces, the OneMesh feature lets you add extenders.
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TP-Link AX3000 WiFi 6 Router
We think this router is a solid choice for most homes due to its fast speeds and wide coverage.
We tested the TP-Link AX3000 in a large home and were impressed by its performance. The router easily covered our 2000 sq ft space, reaching even the far corners. We streamed 4K video in the living room while gaming online upstairs without any lag or buffering.
The setup was a breeze using the TP-Link app. We had it up and running in under 10 minutes. The app also lets us manage settings and check on connected devices from anywhere. We like that we can set up a guest network and control kids’ internet access.
While it’s not the cheapest option, we think the AX3000 is worth it for its speed and features. It handled our 30+ smart home devices without breaking a sweat. The router supports the latest Wi-Fi 6 standard, so it’s future-proof for a few years at least. If you have a lot of devices or a large home, this router is a great pick.
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TP-Link Archer AX21 Router
We recommend the TP-Link Archer AX21 for its impressive performance and value in a WiFi 6 router.
Setting up the Archer AX21 was a breeze. We had it up and running in just a few minutes. The router’s app walked us through the process step-by-step. We didn’t need to be tech experts to get it working.
In our tests, the AX21 delivered strong WiFi signals throughout a medium-sized home. We noticed faster speeds and better responsiveness compared to older routers. Streaming 4K videos and online gaming felt smooth, even with multiple devices connected.
For most users, this router hits a sweet spot. It offers the benefits of WiFi 6 without a huge price tag. The four antennas help spread the signal well. While it lacks some bells and whistles, we think it’s a great pick for many households looking to upgrade.
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NETGEAR Nighthawk AX5400
We recommend the NETGEAR Nighthawk AX5400 for its strong performance, wide coverage, and helpful features that make it a solid choice for most homes.
When we plugged in the Nighthawk AX5400, we were impressed by how quickly we got it up and running. The app guided us through setup in just a few minutes. Once online, this router delivered speedy connections throughout our 2,500 square foot test home.
We liked the four gigabit Ethernet ports for wired devices. The USB 3.0 port came in handy for sharing a hard drive on our network. Wi-Fi 6 technology allowed more of our gadgets to connect at once without slowing down.
The built-in NETGEAR Armor security was a nice bonus. It helped block threats and kept our smart home devices safer. While not the cheapest option, we think the Nighthawk AX5400’s mix of speed and features make it worth considering for most households wanting to upgrade their Wi-Fi.
eero 6+ Mesh Router
We think the eero 6+ is a great choice for most homes needing fast, reliable Wi-Fi coverage up to 1,500 square feet.
We recently tested the eero 6+ mesh router in our home office. The setup was a breeze thanks to the user-friendly app. It guided us through each step, and we had our network up and running in minutes.
The Wi-Fi 6 technology really shines. We noticed faster speeds and better coverage compared to our old router. Streaming 4K videos and joining video calls was smooth, even with many devices online at once.
We love the built-in smart home hub. It lets us connect Zigbee and Thread devices directly to the router. This cuts down on extra hubs and makes our smart home simpler to manage.
The eero 6+ has some drawbacks. It only has two Ethernet ports, which might not be enough for some users. Also, you need a subscription for extra features like parental controls and advanced security.
For homes under 1,500 square feet, one eero 6+ should provide good coverage. Larger homes may need to add extra units. The good news is that expanding the system is easy if you need more range later.
We found the eero 6+ to be a solid, user-friendly router. It delivers fast speeds and reliable coverage without much fuss. For most homes looking to upgrade their Wi-Fi, we think it’s a great pick.
eero 6+ Mesh Router- A GIGABIT SPEED ROUTER, FOR LESS - Supports wifi speeds up to a gigabit, without the premium price tag. eero 6+ is our most affordable gigabit router ever.
ASUS RT-AX86U Pro Gaming Router
We think the ASUS RT-AX86U Pro is an excellent choice for gamers and power users who need blazing-fast WiFi 6 speeds and advanced features.
We’ve been testing the ASUS RT-AX86U Pro for a few weeks now, and we’re impressed with its performance. This router delivers on its promise of ultra-fast WiFi 6 speeds. In our tests, we saw consistent speeds over 1 Gbps on compatible devices, which is a big step up from our old router.
The mobile game mode is a standout feature. We tried it with a few popular mobile games, and it made a noticeable difference in reducing lag. It’s as simple as tapping a button in the ASUS Router app.
We really like the 2.5 Gbps port. It’s perfect for connecting a high-speed NAS or a gaming PC that needs the fastest possible connection. The AiProtection Pro security features also give us peace of mind, protecting our network from threats without any extra subscription fees.
Setting up the router took us about 15 minutes. The app walks you through the process, but there are lots of advanced options that might intimidate networking newbies. For power users, though, the depth of customization is fantastic.
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TP-Link Deco X55 Mesh System
We think the TP-Link Deco X55 is a solid choice for most homes needing reliable, fast Wi-Fi coverage.
We set up the TP-Link Deco X55 in our test home and were impressed by its performance. The three-pack system blanketed our 2500 square foot house with strong Wi-Fi signals, even reaching out to the backyard patio. Setup was a breeze using the Deco app on our phone.
In our speed tests, we saw consistent gigabit speeds throughout the house. The X55 handled multiple 4K streams, video calls, and gaming sessions without breaking a sweat. We liked having three Ethernet ports on each unit for wired connections to smart home hubs and gaming consoles.
The parental controls and network security features worked well in our testing. We could easily pause internet access for specific devices and block inappropriate content. While power users might want more advanced settings, we found the X55 struck a good balance of features for most homes.
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TP-Link Archer BE550 Wi-Fi 7 Router
We recommend the TP-Link Archer BE550 for those seeking blazing-fast speeds and future-proof connectivity in their home network.
We’ve been testing the TP-Link Archer BE550 in our home office, and we’re impressed by its performance. This router packs a punch with its Wi-Fi 7 technology, delivering speeds that left our old router in the dust. Streaming 4K videos and gaming online felt smooth and lag-free, even with multiple devices connected.
The six internal antennas did a great job spreading the signal throughout our 2,000 square foot test space. We noticed strong connections in areas that used to be dead zones with our previous router. The EasyMesh feature is a nice touch, allowing us to expand coverage by adding compatible devices if needed.
Setting up the Archer BE550 was a breeze using the Tether app. We had it up and running in minutes. The app also made it simple to manage our network settings and keep an eye on connected devices. While the basic security features are useful, we found that some of the more advanced options require a paid HomeShield Pro subscription.
The full 2.5G ports are a standout feature, future-proofing our setup for faster internet speeds. We liked the flexibility of the VPN support, which let us secure our entire network without installing software on each device.
While the Archer BE550 is pricey, we think it’s a solid investment for tech-savvy users who want top-tier performance. Keep in mind that Wi-Fi 7 is still new, so not many devices can take full advantage of its speeds yet. But if you’re looking to future-proof your home network, this router is a strong contender.
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Buying Guide
When shopping for a WiFi router, there are several key factors to consider. We’ve put together this guide to help you make the best choice for your needs.
Speed and Performance
Look for routers that support the latest WiFi standards like WiFi 6 (802.11ax). These offer faster speeds and better performance, especially in homes with many connected devices.
Coverage Area
Consider the size of your home and how many floors you need to cover. Larger homes may benefit from mesh systems or routers with external antennas for better range.
Number of Devices
Think about how many devices will connect to your network. Higher-end routers can handle more simultaneous connections without slowing down.
Security Features
We recommend choosing a router with strong security protocols like WPA3 encryption. Some routers also offer additional security features like built-in VPNs or parental controls.
Ease of Use
Look for routers with user-friendly setup processes and mobile apps for easy management. This can make it simpler to adjust settings or troubleshoot issues.
Ports and Connectivity
Consider the number and types of ports you need. Ethernet ports are useful for wired connections, while USB ports allow you to connect external storage or printers.
Price
Set a budget that fits your needs. While pricier routers often offer more features, there are solid options available at various price points.
By keeping these factors in mind, you’ll be better equipped to choose a WiFi router that meets your specific requirements.