Routers are one of the most common devices for a home network. They connect all the electronic devices in your home to the internet, allowing you to share files, stream movies and music, and interact with people from around the world. But that’s only half of what routers do for you. Using a router can do much more than allow you to share an internet connection with multiple devices simultaneously.
Thanks to new and improved technology, routers can block online threats like malware and spyware, phishing schemes, and even identity theft attempts. As any good security expert will tell you, your router is the most important line of defense between your computer and the world wide web. To keep your personal data safe, you’ll need to invest in a secure router to keep even the most determined cyber attackers out of your life.
Our ranking for the best secure routers are:
- Best Overall: Asus RT-AX88U
- Best Design: Netgear Nighthawk RAX80
- Best Gaming: Asus GT-AX11000
- Best for Travel: GL.iNet GL-AR750S
- Best Mesh: Eero Pro
- Best Budget: TP-Link Archer AX50
Best Overall: Asus RT-AX88U
- Next-gen Wi-Fi standard 802.11Ax
- Setup with Alexa is simple
- 4 antennas plus 8 LAN ports
- AiProtection powered by Trend Micro
- Compatible with ASUS AiMesh Wi-Fi system
For routers that are designed for security, the Asus RT-AX88U is the best overall. This router has everything you need in a home network. It has a dual-band wireless system, so it can connect to devices at different speeds and reroute between them if necessary. It also has many features to keep your Internet traffic secure, including a firewall and malware detection software. It’s got a built-in VPN service that allows you to access websites from anywhere in the world without worrying about being hacked or losing control of your data.
The router’s speed is also impressive. It has eight Gigabit Ethernet ports, which means that you can connect up to eight devices at once to this router. The router also comes with two USB ports, so you can set up a printer or hard drive without needing an additional hub. This router also comes with its remote access software, which lets you manage your network from anywhere in the world with an internet connection.
The ASUS AiCloud app allows you to access, sync, share, and stream your data anywhere, on any internet connection. It also comes with parental controls that allow you to set specific time limits for different devices or certain websites.
Check out the Asus RT-AX88U on Amazon.
Best Design: Netgear Nighthawk RAX80
- WIFI 6 – STREAM EVERYTHING AT EPIC SPEED: Simultaneously stream uninterrupted movies, games, video calls or download/transfer files at 6Gbps WiFi speed; Works with existing and new WiFi 6 devices...
- WORKS WITH ALL INTERNET PROVIDERS: Replace your existing WiFi Router (separate modem or gateway required); Compatible with any Internet Service Provider up to 2Gbps including cable, satellite, fiber,...
- EASY TO SET-UP AND MANAGE: Connects to your existing cable modem and sets up and customizes in minutes with the Nighthawk app – easily manage your WiFi settings at the device and network level, test...
- USB CONNECTIONS: Share a storage drive with any connected device and create a personal cloud storage to access from anywhere using the 2 x 3.0 USB ports.
- NETGEAR ARMOR POWERED BY BITDEFENDER: The world’s leading cybersecurity protects all your home devices from virus, malware, and data theft with a 30-day free trial.
Netgear is a great option for consumers who want the best of both worlds in terms of design and security. The Netgear Nighthawk RAX80 has a sleek, modern-looking design that blends well with most décor styles. It also has four antennas and offers very fast speeds. Additionally, it includes parental controls to keep your children safe online. The Netgear Nighthawk RAX80 has a range of features that make it ideal for people who want to share their network with other devices. It can be used to connect multiple gaming consoles, smartphones, tablets, and computers at once. It also has an in-built VPN server that allows you to connect securely over your home network without having an external router.
The Nighthawk has a Wi-Fi range of up to 2500 feet. This means that even if there are walls or other obstructions between the router and your devices, they will still be able to connect to the Internet using this device. The wireless speeds on this device are up to 6-4.8 gigabits per second (Gbps). This means that even if you are connected through a cable connection instead of wireless access points, there will still be no trouble connecting them all.
Check out the Netgear Nighthawk RAX80 on Amazon.
Best Gaming: Asus GT-AX11000
- Tri-band 10 Gigabit
- 1.8 GHz quad-core CPU
- Compatible with ASUS AiMesh Wi-Fi
- 256MB flash memory and 1GB RAM
- Triple-level game acceleration facilitates game traffic
The Asus GT-AX11000 is an excellent router for gaming because of its powerful hardware and overall design. The router’s 1.8GHz dual-core processor makes it ideal for streaming video, and its 1GB of RAM ensures that you won’t have any problems with lag or buffering.
This router is ideal for gaming because it offers a lot of flexibility in its design. You can customize it to fit your needs or use the preconfigured settings that come with the router. You can also upgrade the firmware on this device if you want to do some customizing yourself. The router also has built-in MU-MIMO support, which means it can use multiple antennas at once to improve your overall Wi-Fi speed and range.
The Asus GT-AX11000 has a number of features that make it stand out from the crowd. First, it comes with an AiProtection system that will keep your network safe from threats like viruses and malware. It also has a built-in VPN client, allowing you to access the Internet securely without using third-party apps. The router is also equipped with an advanced network monitoring tool so you can keep an eye on what’s happening with your network at all times.
Check out the Asus GT-AX11000 on Amazon.
Best for Travel: GL.iNet GL-AR750S
- 【Newer Model of AR750S】 GL.iNet GL-A1300 (Slate Plus) Wireless VPN Encrypted Travel Router– Easy to Setup, Connect to Hotel WiFi & Captive Portal, Phone Tethering, Range Extender, Assess Point,...
- 【DUAL BAND AC WIRELESS ROUTER】 Simultaneous dual band with wireless speed 300Mbps(2.4G)+433Mbps(5G). Tethering Compatible.Convert public network(wired/wireless) to a private Wi-Fi for secure...
- 【OPEN SOURCE & PROGRAMMABLE】 OpenWrt/LEDE pre-installed, backed by software repository.
- 【VPN CLIENT & SERVER】 OpenVPN and WireGuard pre-installed, compatible with 30+ VPN service providers.
- 【LARGER STORAGE & EXTENSIBILITY】 128MB RAM, 16MB NOR Flash and 128MB NAND Flash, up to 128GB MicroSD slot, USB 2.0 port, three Gigabit Ethernet ports (1 WAN and 2 LAN).
(Please note that as of July 17th, 2023, the GL.iNet GL-AR750S-Ext (Slate) Gigabit Travel AC VPN Router, 300Mbps(2.4GHz)+433Mbps(5GHz) Wi-Fi, 128MB RAM, MicroSD Support, Repeater Bridge, OpenWrt/LEDE pre-Installed, Cloudflare DNS is currently unavailable on Amazon. Please check back later.)
The GL.iNet GL-AR750S VPN Router is perfect for travelers with its compact design and incredibly fast speeds. It is perfect for those on the go who need something more portable than we typically use at home. This router will not only keep you secure but also let you be mobile while staying connected. It has three ethernet cables and a USB port, so you can share files between devices without an external hard drive or flash drive.
This router boasts a dual-core processor that keeps up with your network traffic and provides speed and stability when you need it most. You can connect up to three devices at once, and its security features keep hackers out of your network by blocking any unauthorized access from outside sources. It is equipped with external antennas that allow it to easily pick up signals no matter where in your hotel or apartment you are staying. If security is a concern, this device has built-in firewall protection, which protects your data from hackers and other cybercriminals. You’ll also find Wi-Fi encryption and WPA2 support, which offer extra peace of mind while browsing online.
Check out the GL.iNet GL-AR750S on Amazon.
Best Mesh: Eero Pro
- Whole-home Wi-Fi system
- 3 eero Pros to replace the traditional Wi-Fi router, WiFi extender, and internet booster
- Covers a 5+ bedroom home with fast and reliable internet powered by a mesh network
- 2x as fast as the original eero Wi-Fi
- Backward compatible with 1st generation eero products
- Automatically updates once a month, always keeping your home Wi-Fi system on the cutting edge
- Powered by proprietary TrueMesh technology, leveraging multiple wireless access points to create an incredibly dependable internet experience, all on a single mesh Wi-Fi system
- Quick & easy setup in minutes
- Companion mobile app makes managing your home Wi-Fi simple and intuitive
(Please note that as of July 19th, 2023, the Amazon eero Pro mesh WiFi system – 3-Pack is currently unavailable on Amazon. Please check back later.)
Eero Pro is a mesh Wi-Fi system that can cover large spaces and provide reliable Wi-Fi coverage. It has dual-band Wi-Fi, which means you have a connection for both 2.4GHz and 5GHz. The router also looks sleek and modern, which will look good in your home.
The Eero Pro also features beamforming technology that focuses wireless signals to deliver the strongest connection possible. Plus, it has two ethernet ports that can connect wired devices. All this, combined with its easy setup, makes it one of the best routers on the market.
Moreover, the Eero Pro has been redesigned from the ground up with improved hardware and software to deliver even better performance than before. Now, with its cutting-edge TrueMesh technology, it’s even more powerful than ever before. You can rest assured that your devices are always connected—no matter where they are in your home. If one device happens to drop offline for any reason (which isn’t likely), all of them will still be able to stay connected thanks to the advanced routing algorithms built into these systems.
Check out the Eero Pro on Amazon.
Best Budget: TP-Link Archer AX50
- Wi-Fi 6 (802. 11ax) technology
- Communicates more data to more devices using OFDMA technology
- Increased battery life for devices
- Works with all internet service providers
If you’re looking for the best budget router, TP-Link Archer AX50 is a solid choice. It offers great speeds and features similar to more expensive models, but it does so at a price that won’t break the bank.
It’s powerful enough to handle most home network tasks and offers some of the best security features. The router has a built-in VPN that can secure your network and protect your data, plus it also has parental controls that allow you to track what your kids are doing online. It’s dual-band Wi-Fi and can connect up to 256 devices simultaneously, so it’s perfect for households with many people.
Through the free HomeCare suite from TP-Link, powered by Trend Micro, the AX50 also provides a comprehensive set of security and parental control capabilities. The parental control tools are significantly more comprehensive than Asus’ AiProtection’s antivirus and anti-malware features, allowing for blocking websites based on a wider range of age-based categories and the standard time-based scheduling features. Additionally, an OpenVPN server and easily customizable QoS are included in the security features to ensure that your streaming, gaming, and video conversations receive priority access to your network when you’re away from home.
Check out the TP-Link Archer AX50 on Amazon.
How to Pick the Best Router For Security: Step by Step
Security is a crucial part of your online presence, so you want to ensure that the router you choose for your home or business is the best one possible. It’s not enough to pick the first router you see in the store — you need to be smart about it. If you’re looking for the best security routers, you should keep a few things in mind.
- Connectivity Options
- Coverage Area
- Communication Band
- Ease of Use
- Speed
- Pricing
Now let’s look at each one in more detail.
Connectivity Options
The first thing you should look for is how many connectivity options your router has. You’ll want to ensure it has at least one gigabit Ethernet port, if not more. So that you can connect multiple devices simultaneously without lag time or buffering issues when streaming media or gaming online. If you have a lot of people in your home who use different types of devices (say, laptops and tablets), look for routers with integrated Wi-Fi antennas that allow those devices to connect through the same network without creating any interference with each other.
Coverage Area
Coverage area refers to how much area it covers within your home or business building — the bigger the coverage area, the better. Of course, the router must have enough bandwidth capacity (speed) to handle multiple devices without slowing down or crashing. You want to ensure that your wireless network has a wide enough range so it doesn’t have any dead spots. In addition, make sure that you have a high enough power output so that you can get a strong signal throughout your home or office.
Communication Band
When choosing a router, it’s important to consider which wireless communication band is best for your needs. The best routers have at least two communication bands, 2.4GHz and 5GHz. Multiple frequencies allow you to connect more devices simultaneously without slowing the network or dropping connections.
Ease of Use
The best security routers are easy to set up and use. They have simple interfaces, so you can easily configure them without getting lost in the menus. The router should be intuitive enough that even a novice user can easily navigate its settings, change settings and access the Internet without any problems.
Speed
Wireless routers come at different speeds, and each device needs something different. If your internet connection is slow, you need a faster router to provide better streaming and download speeds. The greater the number of users connected to the same network, the more bandwidth you will have to work with. You need a router that can handle your internet needs, whether for gaming, streaming, or downloading large files. The more efficient your router is, the more devices can be added without causing any problems or slowing down your connection.
Pricing
Some routers are more expensive than others, so it’s important that you find one that fits within your budget. Before making a purchase decision, you should also ensure that the router has all the features and is compatible with your current network devices and operating system.
What to Know Before Buying the Best Security Router
Security is a concern for many people, and it’s important to ensure you buy the best router to help protect your home. You should consider the following before you buy the best security router for your home. What is the size of your home? Do you want a dual-band or tri-band router? How many devices do you plan on connecting to your router?
Dual-band routers are often sufficient, but their range can limit them. Tri-bands have less frequency overlap and will provide more bandwidth to mobile devices. If you’re going to connect 20+ devices, make sure that your router has enough ports for that number of connected devices. If you don’t know how many connected devices you’ll need at this point, try to get one with a USB port so that it can accommodate future expansion if necessary.
Some people need an extra wireless access point to avoid signal interruptions from walls or floors in large homes or buildings. Others find that dual-band routers work better because they divide the frequencies between 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. Read reviews of routers before purchasing anything, whichever way you go, because not all Wi-Fi systems are created equal. One other thing worth noting is that mesh networks usually offer higher speed connections than standard Wi-Fi setups, greater wireless range, and better performance when there’s interference from other signals in the area.
Using the Best Router For Security: What it’s Like
A security router is a device that sits between your network and the Internet. Using a router for security makes you feel in control. There is no lag in your connection, and you don’t have to worry about being hacked because the security router can block viruses and malware before they get to your device. You’re also more likely to find a device that works with your wireless network, so there will be fewer frustrations when trying to connect.
The image featured at the top of this post is ©ANDRANIK HAKOBYAN/Shutterstock.com.
