Fast internet is vital whether streaming Netflix or playing games with your family. A gigabit router can give you that speed. A gigabit router is essentially a router with a lightning-fast processing speed so it can stream HD videos smoothly or download large files without lag.
Today’s most advanced gigabit routers can simultaneously handle massive amounts of data from multiple devices. If you have an internet connection in the home that supports this high-speed bandwidth, a gigabit router could be precisely what you need to take advantage of it.
Gigabit routers are designed to offer high-speed internet connections and are perfect for homes and businesses alike. But with so many options on the market, it can be hard to decide which gigabit router to buy. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the six best gigabit routers to help you make the right decision for your home.
- Best Overall: Netgear Nighthawk RAXE500
- Best Budget Option: WAVLINK AC3200
- Best for Gaming: ASUS RT AC5300
- Best for a Large Home: ASUS ZenWiFi AX (XT8)
- Best for VPN Support: TP-Link Archer AX90
- Best for Multiple Devices: TP-Link Archer AX73
Best Overall: Netgear Nighthawk RAXE500
- 6GHz WiFi band dedicated to WiFi 6E devices including Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G. Enjoy 4K/8K video streaming, AR/VR gaming and HD videoconferencing.Beamforming : Improve range and performance for...
- Powerful 1.8GHz quad-core processor gives you exceptional 10.8Gbps WiFi speed, 9x faster than WiFi 5. Backward compatible for all WiFi devices on 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands
- Coverage up to 3,500 sq. ft. and 60 devices
- Replace your existing WiFi Router (separate modem or modem router required). Compatible with any Internet Service Provider up to 2Gbps including cable, satellite, fiber, DSL and more
- Sets up in minutes with the Nighthawk app – easily manage WiFi settings at the device and network level, test internet speed and monitor data usage
The Netgear Nighthawk RAXE500 is a top-of-the-line router with unparalleled speeds and features. It’s perfect for gamers and power users who demand the best performance from their network.
With the latest WiFi 6 standard support, the Nighthawk RAXE500 can deliver gigabit speeds even to the most demanding devices. The router offers speeds up to 11 Gbps. It is also equipped with a 1.8 GHz quad-core processor, allowing it to deliver impressive performances. The RAXE500 supports up to 60 devices and has an impressive coverage of 3,500 sq. ft.
It also includes some other features that make it one of the best routers on the market, including support for beamforming and advanced security features. With support for MU-MIMO and OFDMA, the Nighthawk RAXE500 can deliver blazing-fast speeds even when multiple devices are connected. Plus, with advanced security features like WPA3 and NETGEAR Armor, you can rest assured that your data is safe and secure.
Check out the Netgear Nighthawk RAXE500 on Amazon.
Best Budget Option: WAVLINK AC3200
- 【Super-Fast WIFI】 MU-MIMO communicates with several devices at once to reduce waiting time and speed up connections,Provides 1x10/100/1000Mbps Ethernet WAN port,3 x 10/100/1000Mbps Ethernet LAN...
- 【Ultimate Wi-Fi Performance】Complies with the leading 802.11ac WAVE2 standard, this router provides WiFi speeds up to 3167Mbps (2.4GHz 1000Mbps + 5GHz 2167Mbps), allowing more devices connected in...
- 【Reliable Safe WIFI】Support PPTP and L2TP. Simple to build up safe Internet connection. Built-in DHCP server with automatic dynamic IP address distribution. Built-in firewall features IP and MAC...
- 【A Router also an Artwork】 Designed by Jacob Jensen, iF Design Award Winner. The LCD on the top of the router shows the network status and local weather,WiFi connectivity and router status. Is a...
- 【What in the Box？】1 x AC3200 Wireless Router, 1 x RJ-45 Networking Cable, 1 x Power Adapter, 1 x Quick Installation. We provide 12 months warranty and life-long technical support for this...
A top-of-the-line wireless router, the offers blazing-fast speeds and plenty of features. This powerful router is perfect for homes with multiple devices and heavy usage.
With tri-band technology, the WAVLINK AC3200 provides up to 3200Mbps of total bandwidth, making it one of the fastest routers on the market. It also includes Gigabit ports, which connect multiple wired devices directly to the router.
Advanced features like MU-MIMO and beamforming help the router optimize performance and provide a stable connection even when multiple devices are connected. In addition, the WAVLINK AC3200 includes several security features, such as a firewall, WPA2 encryption, and VPN support, to keep your network safe from threats. It is also straightforward to set up, even if you do not have prior technical expertise.
If you’re looking for a great budget option for gigabit routers, the WAVLINK AC3200 is a great choice. It offers excellent speeds and features at a fraction of the cost of some of the other options on the market. It’s perfect for anyone who wants to take advantage of the latest technology without breaking the bank.
Check out the WAVLINK AC3200 on Amazon.
Best for Gaming: ASUS RT AC5300
- Tri-band (Dual 5GHz, single 2; 4GHz) with the latest 802 11AC 4x4 technology for maximum throughput (5334 Mbps) and coverage (up to 5,000 square feet)
- Mu Memo Technology enables multiple compatible clients to connect at each client’s respective maximum speed and supports every operating System, including Windows, macOS, and Linux
- Built-in ACCESS to gamers' private network (GPN) of route-optimized servers ensures low, stable ping times for gaming
- Printer Server with multifunctional printer support (Windows only)
- Protection powered by Trend Micro provides multi-stage protection from vulnerability detection to protecting sensitive data
- ASUS Smart Connect delivers consistent bandwidth by dynamically switching devices between 2, 4, and 5 GHz bands based on speed, load, and signal strength
- Output: 19 Volt with max; 3.42 A current
A tri-band router, the ASUS RT AC5300 has a unique design and powerful hardware that maximizes your network and devices for performance.
This router has a 1.4GHz dual-core processor, 256MB of RAM, four Gigabit Ethernet ports, two USB 3.0 ports, and eight antennas. It also supports MU-MIMO technology for handling traffic from multiple devices effectively. The router has a maximum data rate of 5334Mbps and is compatible with both 2.4GHz and 5GHz networks.
RT AC5300 includes everything you’d expect from a high-end router. It has built-in VPN support, parental controls, and adaptive QoS features to prioritize gaming traffic. Its AiMesh feature allows you to create a mesh network using multiple Asus routers.
The router also includes gaming-specific features, such as a built-in WTFast Game Accelerator and the WTFast Gamers Private Network (GPN) access. These features work together to provide an unbeatable gaming experience. If you’re looking for the best gigabit router for gaming, the ASUS RT AC5300 is a perfect choice.
Check out the ASUS RT AC5300 on Amazon.
Best for a Large Home: ASUS ZenWiFi AX (XT8)
- Connector Type: USB
- AC Input: 110V~240V(50~60Hz)
- DC Output: 19 V with max. 1.75 A current.
- DC Output: 12 V with max. 3 A current.
- The tri-band mesh Wi-Fi system with its unique antenna placement delivers strong Wi-Fi to every corner of your home, providing a total wireless speed of 6,600 Mbps.
- With OFDMA and MU-MIMO, ZenWiFi AX enables more efficient, stable, and faster transmission even when multiple devices are transmitting data at the same time
- 3 steps setup and easy management with ASUS Router App
- The lifetime free network security powered by Trend Micro makes sure your privacy on connected devices is protected
The ASUS ZenWiFi AX (XT8) is a high-performance mesh Wi-Fi system that delivers ultra-smooth 8K UHD streaming, gaming, and other bandwidth-intensive tasks.
The system has two identical units and six internal antennas, including a powerful quad-core processor. ZenWiFi AX offers a total bandwidth of up to 6600 Mbps.
Its MU-MIMO technology allows for simultaneous streaming to multiple devices, while OFDMA for efficient bandwidth utilization. The router also features AiProtection Pro with Trend Micro’s smart home network security.
The system includes two ZenWiFi AX routers and two ZenWiFi AX extenders, which can be placed around your home for optimal WiFi coverage. The mesh system features six internal antennas, three gigabit Ethernet ports, and a USB 3.1 Gen 1 port. It has other impressive features such as Adaptive QoS, traffic analyzer, guest network, beamforming, and parental controls.
Setting up the ZenWiFi AX is easy and can be done via the Asus Router App. ASUS ZenWiFi AX is compatible with Alexa, which makes it an ideal option for people with smart homes.
With a top speed of 6.6 Gbps and a coverage area of up to 5,500 square feet, it is perfect for homes with multiple devices and streaming UHD content. If you’re looking for the best gigabit router for a large home, ASUS ZenWiFi AX (XT8) is a clear choice.
Check out the ASUS ZenWiFi AX (XT8) on Amazon.
Best for VPN: TP-Link Archer AX90
- Faster AX6600 Tri-Band Wi-Fi - 4804 Mbps (5 GHz) plus 1201 Mbps (5 GHz) plus 574 Mbps (2.4 GHz)
- Ultra Connectivity - 1× 2.5 Gbps WAN/LAN port plus 1× 1 Gbps WAN/LAN port plus 3× Gigabit LAN ports and two USB ports ensure max flexibility and boosted throughput; The 2.5 Gbps WAN or LAN port and...
- Maximized Coverage - Eight high-gain antennas equipped with Beamforming ensure long range coverage Operating Temperature: 0℃-40℃ (32℉ -104℉)
- More Devices with Less Lag - OFDMA and MU-MIMO technology deliver data to multiple devices, simultaneously
- TP-Link HomeShield – TP-Link's premium security services keep your home network safe with cutting-edge features for network and IoT protection, including free features 1. Network Security Scan 2....
One of the best gigabit routers on the market, TP-Link Archer AX90 comes with some great specifications that make it a top choice for those in the market for a new router.
For starters, it is a tri-band router that offers speeds of up to 5.5 Gbps, which is impressive. It also has eight external antennas that provide excellent coverage and reliable connections.
Additionally, the Archer AX90 supports MU-MIMO technology, allowing it to handle multiple devices simultaneously without any slowdown. It comes with a USB 3.0 port and a USB 2.0 port for connecting external storage devices or printers. It has four-gigabit ports for connecting your devices directly to the router to enjoy blazing internet speeds.
This router offers WPA3 encryption which is the newest security standard. It also has an SPI firewall, access control, and an application layer gateway. The router has a DDoS Attack Prevention feature for extra protection. It supports two VPN protocols — Open VPN and PPTP.
The TP-Link Archer AX90 is an excellent choice for those looking for a high-performance router that can handle VPN traffic without breaking a sweat. It offers incredibly fast speeds and robust features, making it perfect for online gaming, streaming HD video, and more. Plus, its VPN support is top-notch, ensuring your data stays safe and secure while you’re online.
Check out the TP-Link Archer AX90 on Amazon.
Best for Multiple Devices: TP-Link Archer AX73
- Suitable for 8K streaming
- Features two bands of wireless coverage
- Supports Wi-Fi 6
- Great ventilation keeps the heat down
If you’re looking for a powerful and reliable gigabit router that can handle multiple devices, then the TP-Link Archer AX73 is the best option on the market.
The TP-Link Archer AX73 is a high-performance router that supports the latest 802.11ax standard. It offers speeds of up to 5400Mbps and is equipped with six external antennas for maximum range and coverage.
The router has a 1.5 GHz triple-core GPU and features MU-MIMO technology, which supports multiple devices simultaneously. It also has a USB 3.0 port for connecting external storage devices. The router has four-gigabit ethernet ports.
Additionally, the Archer AX73 comes with some great security features to keep your home network safe. It includes parental controls and guest networking, so you can restrict access to certain parts of your network or create a separate network for guests. Plus, the firewall protects against outside attacks and intrusion attempts.
Check out the TP-Link Archer AX73 on Amazon.
How to Pick the Best Gigabit Router
If you’re looking for a fast and reliable router to handle your internet traffic, you’ll want to consider a gigabit router. But with so many models on the market, how do you know which is right for you? Here are a few things to keep in mind when shopping for a gigabit router:
Speed
When choosing a Gigabit router, speed is definitely one of the most important factors to keep in mind. After all, what’s the point of investing in a high-speed router if it can’t deliver on its promise? Luckily, most Gigabit routers are more than capable of delivering fast speeds. However, before picking one, it’s important to research and ensure that the router you’re considering can meet your specific needs.
In theory, a Gigabit router should be able to deliver speeds up to 1000Mbps. However, in practice, most routers can only achieve around 450Mbps. This is still plenty fast for most people. Still, it’s important to remember that your actual speeds will vary depending on some factors, including your internet connection and the number of devices you use. You may consider investing in a router with multiple Gigabit Ethernet ports if you need faster speeds.
If you want to ensure that your router can deliver fast speeds, it’s important to choose one that has been tested and certified by an independent organization. The best way to do this is to check out online reviews from other users. In addition, you can also check out the website of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for information on certified routers.
Features
When you’re in the market for a new router, the feature set is one of the key things to keep in mind. In particular, if you’re looking for a gigabit router, there are a few features that you’ll want to make sure your chosen model has.
First, the router should have gigabit Ethernet ports to take advantage of faster speeds. Second, you’ll also want to ensure that your router has plenty of RAM and Flash memory. This will help ensure that it can handle all of the traffic passing through it without slowing down.
Also, the router should have Quality of Service (QoS) features to prioritize certain types of traffic, such as video or VoIP. Make sure that the router is compatible with your existing network infrastructure too.
Range
Another important factor to consider is range. If you have a large home or office, you’ll need a router that can cover a greater distance. There are a few things that you can do to ensure that you get a router with a good range.
Choose a router that supports both the 5GHz and 2.4 GHz frequencies. 2.4GHz offers a longer coverage than 5GHz. Make sure the router you choose has multiple antennas. The more antennas your router has, the better its range will be.
Third, make sure that you choose a router with beamforming technology. Beamforming helps to focus the signal in one direction, which can help to improve range. Finally, make sure that you choose a router with high-quality components. This will help to ensure that your signal is as strong as possible.
Security
The best gigabit routers will offer top-of-the-line security features to protect your home network from outside threats. Look for a router with robust firewall protection and advanced encryption methods like WPA3.
You should also consider a router with parental controls to help keep your family safe online. By taking the time to research the best security features for your needs, you can rest assured that your home network is well protected against any potential threats.
Number of Ports
Think about the number and type of ports you’d want in a router. Most gigabit routers will have at least four Ethernet ports, but some may have more. If you need to connect multiple devices to your router, you’ll want to ensure it has enough ports.
Another thing to consider is the quality of the ports. Some gigabit routers use lower-quality ports that can lead to slower speeds or even connection issues. If you’re looking for the best performance possible, you’ll want to ensure the router you choose has high-quality ports.
Finally, you’ll also want to consider any special features that might be important to you. Some gigabit routers have built-in USB ports, which can be handy if you connect a printer or external hard drive.
Price
Routine price is certainly one of the key factors to keep in mind. Many models and brands are available in the market, and they all come with different features and price tags.
You don’t necessarily need to break the bank to get a good gigabit router. There are plenty of options available that offer great performance at good prices. It’s also worth noting that some routers are designed specifically for gaming or other high-bandwidth activities, and these can also come with a higher price tag. So, if you’re looking for a router to handle those activities, keep that in mind.
At the end of the day, a good router should fit your needs and your budget. You don’t want to spend more than necessary, but at the same time, you also don’t want to skimp on quality either. Routers are available at different price points, so do your research and find the one that’s right for you.
Online Reviews
When shopping for a new gigabit router, look at existing online reviews. Just like any other product, routers can vary greatly in quality. A good router can make a big difference in your home networking experience, while a bad router can be a major headache. Take the time to read through multiple reviews to better understand the consensus about a specific router. Pay attention to the details of each review. Look for insights about specific features that are important to you.
Compatibility
When it comes to routers, compatibility is key. You want to ensure that your router is compatible with your devices and internet connection. Otherwise, you could end up with a router that doesn’t work with your devices or a router that doesn’t work with your internet connection. There are a few things to keep in mind when it comes to compatibility:
- Make sure that your router is compatible with your devices. Most routers will work with most devices, but there are always exceptions. If you have a specific device that you want to use with your router, check to make sure that the router is compatible with that device.
- Make sure that your router is compatible with your internet connection.
What to Know Before Buying a Gigabit Router
Not all routers are created equal. Various factors can affect a route’s performance, including the components’ quality and the overall design.
Second, prices can vary widely. When shopping, compare options before making your final decision. It helps to read reviews from other users before purchasing a router. This way, you get an unbiased opinion on performance and any potential problems you may encounter.
Finally, make sure you have a good understanding of your own needs before selecting a router. Consider how many devices you’ll be connecting and what type of activity you’ll be using it for. With these things in mind, you’ll be well on finding the perfect gigabit router for your home or office!
Using a Gigabit Router: What It’s Like?
Using a gigabit router is beneficial. Not only do you get increased network speed and capacity with this device, but you also get improved network performance and reduced latency. Gigabit routers also offer greater security and reliability than standard routers.
With a gigabit router, you’ll be able to download files much faster and stream video content easily. You’ll also notice that your web browsing is noticeably quicker. In general, using a gigabit router provides a much smoother and faster experience when surfing the web or using any internet-based service.
The image featured at the top of this post is ©Proxima Studio/Shutterstock.com.
Last update on 2023-09-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
