Choosing the best home router can be a complex task, as the market is flooded with a vast array of options, each with its own unique set of features and specifications. To make the process less overwhelming, let’s explore some of the common challenges faced when selecting a Wi-Fi router. To help you make an informed decision, we’ve compiled a comprehensive guide to find the best WiFi router for home, carefully selected based on their performance, features, and value for money.
When it comes to choosing the best Wi-Fi router, there’s more to it than just picking the one with the most letters and numbers in the name. We take a comprehensive approach to selecting the best routers across various categories, considering these key factors:
Testing a Variety of Brands: We cast a wide net, evaluating routers from major manufacturers like Asus, TP-Link, Linksys, Netgear, and D-Link, while also exploring options from lesser-known brands that might offer hidden gems.
Real-World Testing: We ditch the sterile lab environment and simulate a busy home network within a 2,500-square-foot, two-story layout. This allows us to assess performance for tasks like 4K streaming, large file downloads, long-range connectivity, and low latency for minimal lag. See our “How We Tested” section for a deeper dive.
Prioritizing Key Features: Not all routers are created equal. We focus on features that make a real difference in everyday use, including:
Modern Technology: We recommend routers that support the latest Wi-Fi standards – Wi-Fi 5, Wi-Fi 6, and Wi-Fi 6E – ensuring compatibility with your existing devices and future-proofing your network.
Speed, Range & Latency: Our testing prioritizes routers that deliver blazing-fast speeds for seamless streaming and downloads, extensive range to eliminate dead zones, and low latency for responsive gaming and video conferencing.
Wired Connectivity: Multiple Gigabit Ethernet ports are crucial for connecting devices directly to your router for maximum performance and bypassing Wi-Fi limitations.
Processing Power: A fast processor and ample RAM ensure smooth operation, especially when managing multiple connected devices. Budget routers often skimp on these components, leading to sluggish performance.
Security & Extras: While top-notch Wi-Fi is essential, some routers offer additional features like built-in security suites, extra USB ports for network storage, and parental controls. We consider these extras when evaluating value.
Price vs. Performance: We understand budget is a major consideration. Our goal is to identify routers that offer the best balance of features and performance for the price. While some premium routers boast top-of-the-line specs, the marginal improvements may not justify the extra cost for most users. In the current market, a budget of around $110 can secure an excellent router with features that deliver real-world benefits.
Leveraging Expert Opinions: In addition to our own testing, we factor in user reviews alongside professional evaluations from trusted sources like CNET, Dong Knows Tech, PCMag, and SmallNetBuilder. This comprehensive approach ensures we’re recommending the best possible routers for a variety of user needs.
By following this multi-layered selection process, we aim to deliver unbiased and insightful recommendations to help you find the perfect router to optimize your home Wi-Fi experience.
Tailoring Your Wi-Fi Experience
When choosing the best home router, consider the Wi-Fi standard and speeds, home size and coverage, number of connected devices, advanced features, ease of use and user interface, future-proofing, and cost and value for money.
1. Understanding WiFi Standards and Speeds
Wi-Fi technology has evolved over time, introducing new standards that offer enhanced performance and throughput. Currently, the two most prevalent standards are WiFi 5 (802.11ac) and WiFi 6 (802.11ax). Read More: WiFi Standards Brief Explanations
WiFi 5 routers offer speeds of up to 3.5 Gbps, while WiFi 6 routers can reach speeds of up to 9.6 Gbps. However, actual speeds will depend on various factors, such as the distance from the router, interference from other devices, and the type of internet connection you have.
2. Home Size and Coverage
The size of your home and the number of devices you plan to connect will significantly impact your router choice. For smaller homes, a single-band router with dual-band capabilities may suffice. However, for larger homes with multiple floors or rooms, a tri-band or mesh Wi-Fi system is recommended. Tri-band routers divide the 5GHz frequency band into three separate channels, providing dedicated wireless backhauls between the router and satellite units for seamless communication. Mesh Wi-Fi systems utilize multiple access points that work together to create a seamless network across your home, eliminating dead zones and ensuring consistent coverage.
3. Number of Connected Devices
If you have a lot of devices that connect to your Wi-Fi network, such as smartphones, laptops, tablets, gaming consoles, and smart home devices, you’ll need a router that can handle the bandwidth demands. Routers with multiple bands, such as dual-band, tri-band, or mesh Wi-Fi systems, can better handle multiple concurrent connections and provide faster speeds for all devices.
4. Network Features and Security
Modern Wi-Fi routers offer a range of features that can enhance your Wi-Fi experience. Some of these features include:
Beamforming: This technology focuses the Wi-Fi signal towards the connected device, improving signal strength and reducing interference from other devices.
MU-MIMO: This technology allows the router to communicate with multiple devices simultaneously, reducing congestion and improving overall network performance.
Guest Wi-Fi: Creates a separate network for guests, allowing them to access the internet without compromising your personal network.
Parental Controls: Limits internet access for specific devices or times to manage online activities and protect children from inappropriate content.
QoS (Quality of Service): Prioritizes certain devices or applications to ensure uninterrupted performance for critical tasks.
Security Features: Protects your network from unauthorized access with strong WPA2/WPA3 encryption and advanced security protocols.
5. WAN Port Type
The WAN port is the connection point between your router and your internet service provider (ISP) modem. It determines the maximum internet speed you can achieve, measured in megabits per second (Mbps).
6. LAN Ports
Consider the number and speed of LAN ports to ensure that your connectivity needs are met. For homes with a moderate number of devices and standard internet speeds, four or five Gigabit Ethernet LAN ports should suffice. For larger households with numerous devices or demanding internet usage, consider routers with more LAN ports and Multi-Gig LAN ports. A minimum of eight LAN ports is recommended for these scenarios. These routers can handle the bandwidth demands of multiple high-speed devices, ensuring seamless connectivity for gaming, streaming, and other data-intensive applications.
Asus RT AX88U
Wireless Standard: WiFi 6
Overall Speed: 5700Mbps
Range: Large House
Concurrent Clients: 40
Features: AiMesh / AiRadar / AiProtection
Ports: 8 * 1Gbps LAN / 1 Dual Mode WAN up to 2Gbps / 2 * USB 3.1
Approx. Price ≈ 315$
Pros
Cons
Summary :
A router that has designed for all kind of online activities. It is one of the best home routers for every usage scenario, like : Streaming , Gaming and Long Range scenarios. Due to support the AiMesh , it can be used as a high performance mesh WiFi router. This Wi-Fi router has a lifetime Aiprotection subscription . However, in my opinion, having 8 LAN ports is the most valuable feature of this router. Because in large home networks, you don’t need to buy an extra switch. Read More about the best wifi 6 router : Asus RT AX88U Review.
TPLink Archer AX21
Wireless Standard: WiFi 6
Overall Speed: 1800Mbps
Range: Large House
Concurrent Clients: 30
Features: OneMesh
Ports: 4 * 1Gbps LAN / 1 * 1Gbps WAN / 1* USB 2
Approx. Price ≈ 70$
Pros
Cons
Summary :
An inexpensive WiFi 6 router with 2 separate bands. Equipped with high performance antennas connected to boost-array to maximize the output power. This wifi router supports beamforming and MU-MIMO technologies. Read More about best budget wifi 6 router: TPLink Archer AX21 (AX1800) Review.
Asus RT AX86U
Wireless Standard: WiFi 6
Overall Speed: 5700Mbps
Range: Large House
Concurrent Clients: 40
Features: AiProtection / AiMesh
Ports: 4 * 1Gbps LAN / 1 * 2.5Gbps + 1 * 1Gbps WAN / 2 * USB 3
Approx. Price ≈ 220$
Pros
Cons
Summary :
A router that has all its components designed for online gaming and supports all game consoles including PS5, PC gaming and even mobile gaming. In my opinion, the most valuable feature of this router is 2.5Gbps WAN port. Read More about best gaming wifi router: Asus RT AX86U Review.
Asus STRIX GS AX3000
Wireless Standard: WiFi 6
Overall Speed: 5700Mbps
Range: Large House
Concurrent Clients: 40
Features: AiProtection / AiMesh
Ports: 4 * 1Gbps LAN / 1 * 2.5Gbps + 1 * 1Gbps WAN / 2 * USB 3
Approx. Price ≈ 119$
Pros
Cons
Summary :
A beautiful router with eye-catching design which psychologically makes the player feel superior throughout the game. This router can act as a professional VPN server for all types of popular VPN solution. One of the best features of this router is the dedicated port for game consoles. Read More about best budget gaming wifi router: Asus GS AX3000 Review.
Asus ROG Rapture GT AXE11000
Wireless Standard: WiFi 6E
Overall Speed: 11000Mbps
Range: Very Large House
Concurrent Clients: 60
Features: AiProtection / AiMesh / AiRadar
Ports: 4 * 1Gbps + 1 * 2.5Gbps LAN / 1 * 1Gbps WAN / 2 * USB 3
Approx. Price ≈ 470$
Pros
Cons
Summary :
Most powerful router ever made. This Wi-Fi router supports 6Ghz frequency band and equipped with 8 high power omni antennas. All Asus proprietary technologies supported ( AiMesh / AiProtection / AiRadar). In my opinion, this router can be the best for all cases, due to high power processor and amount of RAM.Read More about best streaming router: Asus GT AXE11000 Review.
NETGEAR R6700AX (AX1800)
Wireless Standard: WiFi 6
Overall Speed: 1800Mbps
Range: Large House
Concurrent Clients: 20
Features: Armor Security System
Ports: 4 * 1Gbps LAN / 1 * 1Gbps WAN
Approx. Price ≈ 55$
Pros
Cons
Summary :
An economical WiFi 6 router equipped with a suitable processor for 4K streaming. This Wi-Fi router has an embedded security system for home network protection. The parental control system is also very useful. Read More about best budget streaming router: NETGEAR AX1800 (R6700AX) Review.
NETGEAR RAXE300 (AXE7800)
Wireless Standard: WiFi 6E
Overall Speed: 7200Mbps
Range: Very Large House
Concurrent Clients: 40
Features: Armor Security System
Ports: 4 * 1Gbps LAN / 1 * 2.5Gbps or 1 * 1Gbps WAN / 1 * USB C
Approx. Price ≈ 280$
Pros
Cons
Summary :
This router supports WiFi 6E standard and is able to serve users at a speed of 7200Mbps. This Wi-Fi router equipped with a Multi-Gig WAN port. Due to the use of very special antennas and the presence of beamforming technology, the coverage level is excellent. Read More about best wifi 6e router: Netgear RAXE300 WiFi 6E Review.
TPLink Archer AXE75
Wireless Standard: WiFi 6E
Overall Speed: 5400Mbps
Range: Large House
Concurrent Clients: 40
Features: Onemesh/HomeShield
Ports: 4 * 1Gbps LAN / 1 * 1Gbps WAN / 1 * USB 3
Approx. Price ≈170$
Pros
Cons
Summary :
This best budget Wi-Fi 6E router , equipped with high performance antennas and signal booster to have maximum coverage. Maximum home network security is also guaranteed with HomeShield security system. Read More about best wifi 6e router: TPLink Archer AXE75 Review.
TP Link Archer AX90 (AX6600)
Wireless Standard: WiFi 6
Overall Speed: 6600Mbps
Range: Very Large House
Concurrent Clients: 60
Features: Onemesh/HomeShield
Ports: 3 * 1Gbps LAN / 1 * 2.5Gbps + 1 * 1Gbps WAN / 1 * USB 3 / 1 * USB 2
Approx. Price ≈ 239$
Pros
Cons
Summary :
This Wi-Fi router is the best long range wireless router and can cover a 4-bedrooms house. The premium security service guarantees the best security level for your home network. One of the best feature is the IoT compatibility. The reporting system is very useful for managing whole network’s users and devices. Read More about best long range wifi router: TPLink AX90 (AX6600) Review.
TP Link Archer A7 (AC1750)
Wireless Standard: WiFi 5
Overall Speed: 1750Mbps
Range: Large House
Concurrent Clients: 30
Features: Onemesh
Ports: 4 * 1Gbps LAN / 1 * 1Gbps WAN / 1 * USB 2
Approx. Price ≈ 50$
Pros
Cons
Summary :
The best long range Wi-Fi router with lowest price. This wireless router equipped with 3 high performance antennas along with high power signal amplifier, to make a fantastic coverage. The reasonable price has made this router one of the most popular home routers. Read More about best budget long range wifi router: TPLink Archer A7 (AC1750) Review.
Eero Mesh
Wireless Standard: WiFi 6
Overall Speed: 1800Mbps
Range: Very Large House
Concurrent Clients: +100
Features: TrueMesh
Ports: 1 * 1Gbps LAN / 1 * 1Gbps WAN
Approx. Price ≈ 126$
Pros
Cons
Summary :
There are many routers built for mesh networks, but Eero beats them all. The routers of this company have the ability to service smart home equipment (ZigBee Protocol). This feature has made these routers the best option for home networks. Eero Company has introduced 4 main categories , Including Eero , Eeo 6 , Eero 6+ and Eero 6E. Each of these categories has special capabilities. Read More about best mesh router: Eero Mesh Router Review.
Google WiFi Router
Wireless Standard: WiFi 5
Overall Speed: 1200Mbps
Range: Very Large House
Concurrent Clients: +100
Features: Google Mesh
Ports: 1 * 1Gbps LAN / 1 * 1Gbps WAN
Approx. Price ≈ 168$
Pros
Cons
Summary :
This router has very special hardware and software capabilities that can create high-quality and seamless WiFi network . Due to use of Google Mesh technology , the quality of these routers’ mesh network is very high and it is very popular among users. Read More about best budget mesh router: Google Router Review.
TP Link Archer AX10000
Wireless Standard: WiFi 6
Overall Speed: 10000Mbps
Range: Very Large House
Concurrent Clients: 40
Features: TPLink HomeCare / OneMesh
Ports: 8 * 1Gbps LAN / 1 * 2.5Gbps WAN / 1 * USB3 / 1 * USB-C
Approx. Price ≈ 299$
Pros
Cons
Summary :
This is the best secure wifi router. Equipped with 8 high-performance antennas along with multi-gig WAN port. Another feature of this router is having 8 LAN ports, which eliminates the need to buy an additional switch. The HomeCare security technology guarantees the maximum level of security for your wired and wireless network. Read More best secure router: TP Link Archer AX10000 Review.
Asus RT AX58U (RT AX3000)
Wireless Standard: WiFi 6
Overall Speed: 3000Mbps
Range: Large House
Concurrent Clients: 30
Features: AiProtection / AiMesh
Ports: 4 * 1Gbps LAN / 1 * 1Gbps WAN / 1 * USB3
Approx. Price ≈ 144$
Pros
Cons
Summary :
This is the best budget secure wifi router. Equipped with 4 LAN ports and a 1Gbps WAN port. The greatest advantage of this router is having a commercial-grade security system. Unlike other routers at this level, 160Mhz channel width is supported. Read More about best budget secure router: Asus RT AX58U Review.
Asus RT AX55U (RT-AX1800)
Wireless Standard: WiFi 6
Overall Speed: 1800Mbps
Range: Small/Medium House
Concurrent Clients: 30
Features: AiProtection / AiMesh
Ports: 4 * 1Gbps LAN / 1 * 1Gbps WAN
Approx. Price ≈ 89$
Pros
Cons
Summary :
This is the best WiFi router for daily use and can covers all home needs. This router supports NitroQAM (1024QAM) technology and equipped with a internet security subscription. The AiMesh technology also allows you to expand your wireless network by adding another router if needed. Read More best daily use router: Asus RT AX55U Review.
TP Link Archer A54 (AC1200)
Wireless Standard: WiFi 5
Overall Speed: 1200Mbps
Range: Small/Medium House
Concurrent Clients: 15
Features: Multi-Role
Ports: 4 * 100Mbps LAN / 1 * 100Mbps WAN
Approx. Price ≈ 25$
Pros
Cons
Summary :
This is the best budget router and can operate in 3 roles. you can configure Router / Repeater and Access Point modes, based on your network’s structure. Having 4 powerful omni antennas provide coverage beyond expectations. Read More about best budget daily use router: TP Link Archer A54 ( AC1200) Review.