In today’s digital age, having a reliable router at home is essential. A home router is a device that allows you to connect your home network to the internet. It enables multiple devices such as computers, tablets, and phones to communicate with each other and access the internet. The router serves as the gateway between the internal and external networks, allowing you to browse the web, stream and download videos, or play online games.
Having a good router is especially important if you want to keep your data secure. Most home routers provide security features such as firewall protection, encrypted passwords, and parental controls. If you have multiple users connected to your home network, these features will help keep their data safe from hackers and other cyber threats. In this article, we will look at some of the best home routers available on the market today. We’ll go over their features, performance, and cost so you can find the one that fits your needs and budget.
- Best Overall Home Router: TP-Link AX5400 WiFi 6 Router
- Best Security: ASUS RT-AX3000
- Best Mesh Router: ASUS ZenWiFi XT8 2PK
- Best for Speed: Netgear Nighthawk RAXE500
- Best Gaming: ASUS ROG Rapture WiFi 6 AX
- Best Easy to Use: Google Nest Wi-Fi
- Best Budget Option: TP-Link Archer AX10
Best Overall: TP-Link AX5400 WiFi 6 Router
- Suitable for 8K streaming
- Features two bands of wireless coverage
- Supports Wi-Fi 6
- Great ventilation keeps the heat down
When it comes to the best home routers, the TP-Link AX5400 WiFi 6 Router is one of the top contenders. This dual-band router offers great speeds and a wide range of features, including a 5 Gigabit Ethernet port, a USB 3.0 port, and MU-MIMO support. It provides an incredibly fast Wi-Fi 6 connection with speeds up to 4.8Gbps, making it an excellent choice for heavy-duty gaming and streaming. It also supports MU-MIMO and Beamforming technologies, which deliver a more reliable connection over a wider range of devices. Additionally, it’s compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, so you can control your network with voice commands. Finally, the Archer AX73 is easy to set up and configure, making it an ideal choice for novice users.
The Archer AX73 is powered by a powerful 1.5GHz quad-core processor, which allows for even more impressive performance. This router has plenty of features like a Guest Network for visitors and WPA3 security for easy setup and control. With all these features, the TP-Link Archer AX73 is the perfect router for anyone looking for the best home router experience.
Check out the TP-Link AX5400 WiFi 6 Router on Amazon.
Best Budget: TP-Link Archer AX10
- OneMesh Compatible Router - Form a seamless WiFi when work with TP-Link OneMesh WiFi Extenders.Power : 12 V ⎓ 1 A. Operating Temperature: 0℃~40℃ (32℉ ~104℉), Storage Temperature:...
- Wi-Fi 6 Router: Archer AX10 comes equipped with latest wireless technology WiFi6 featuring OFDMA 1024-QAM, drastically increasing the speed and efficiency of the entire network.
- Next-gen Dual Band router - 300 Mbps on 2. 4 GHz (802. 11n) plus 1201 Mbps on 5 GHz (802. 11ax)
- Connect more devices than ever before - Wi-Fi 6 technology simultaneously communicates more data to more devices using OFDMA and MU-MIMO while reducing lag dramatically
- Triple-core processing - the 1. 5 GHz tri-core processor ensures communications between your router and all connected devices are smooth and Buffer-Free
If you’re looking for an affordable home router, the TP-Link Archer AX10 is a great option. It offers next-generation Wi-Fi 6 technology for up to 651.97 Mbps speeds, perfect for streaming HD content or gaming without lag. This router is packed with powerful features, like dual-band Wi-Fi, which gives you simultaneous 2.4GHz and 5GHz networks for faster and more reliable speeds. It also has four Gigabit LAN ports and one Gigabit WAN port.
Setup is quick and easy thanks to the intuitive TP-Link Tether app, which allows you to manage your router’s settings from any compatible device. And with parental controls, you can ensure that your kids only access age-appropriate content while they’re online. It supports MU-MIMO and beamforming technology for improved coverage. With an affordable price tag and solid performance, the TP-Link Archer AX10 is the best budget home router on the market.
Check out the TP-Link Archer AX10 on Amazon.
Best Mesh Router: ASUS ZenWiFi XT8 2PK
- Maximum range: 5,500 sq ft.
- LED Indicator: Power x 1
- AC Input: 110-240V(50-60Hz)
- DC Output: 19V with max. 1.75 A current
- DC Output: 12V 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
If you’re looking for the best mesh router available, look no further than the ASUS ZenWiFi XT8 2PK. This powerful mesh router provides excellent performance and coverage throughout your home. With six antennas, 3 Gigabit LAN ports, and a 2.5G WAN port, this router will deliver top-notch speeds to all your devices.
The ASUS ZenWiFi AX is designed with the latest Wi-Fi 6 technology. This means you’ll be able to get faster speeds and more efficient connections. The router also comes equipped with a number of other features, such as parental control, intelligent QoS, AiMesh for network flexibility, Adaptive QoS for improved streaming experience, and much more.
You’ll also enjoy an easy setup with the ASUS Router App. All you need to do is download the app to your smartphone, tablet, or laptop and follow the on-screen instructions. In just a few minutes, you’ll be able to have your home network up and running.
For those looking for a reliable and powerful mesh router, the ASUS ZenWiFi AX AX6600 is an excellent choice. It offers great speeds, coverage, and features that make it ideal for any home network.
Check out the ASUS ZenWiFi XT8 2PK on Amazon.
Best for Speed: 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 the perfect router for maximum speed and reliability. It features a powerful 1.8 GHz quad-core processor and eight active antennas that work together to provide up to 10.8Gbps Wi-Fi speed and coverage throughout your home. With MU-MIMO and Beamforming+ technology, you get maximum performance even with multiple devices connected to the network simultaneously.
The Nighthawk also features 5 gigabit Ethernet ports and advanced security features like WPA3 and a built-in firewall to keep your data safe and secure. Whether you’re streaming movies, playing video games, or working from home, the Nighthawk RAXE500 has you covered. You can also create a secure guest network to keep unwanted visitors off your network. The range is impressive and can cover up to 3,500 sq ft of space.
For gamers, the advanced QoS feature allows for lag-free gaming experiences. And if you’re looking for convenience, this router supports Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant voice control. All in all, the Nighthawk RAXE500 is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a high-performance home router.
Check out the Netgear Nighthawk RAXE500 on Amazon.
Best Security: ASUS RT-AX3000
- Maximum range: 3,000 sq. ft.
- Next-gen Wi-Fi 6 technology
- 575 Mbps on the 2. 4GHz band, and 2402 GHz on the 5GHz band
- AiMesh technology lets you establish a stronger mesh Wi-Fi system
- AiProtection Pro protects all the connected devices on your home network
When it comes to home routers, the ASUS RT-AX3000 is one of the best options for security. It is a dual-band router that supports both 2.4GHz and 5GHz, allowing you to easily set up multiple devices with high speeds. The router also features advanced security features like WPA2 and AiProtection Pro. This ensures your home network is secure from cyber threats and gives you peace of mind knowing your data is safe. In addition, the router has MU-MIMO and OFDMA technologies that provide fast speeds for all connected devices, so everyone can enjoy streaming and gaming without lag.
It has four Gigabit LAN ports, making it great for connecting multiple devices in one room without any interference or lag time between them. You can also set up parental controls and track usage so that you know how much time your children spend on the internet. The router features a built-in VPN server, so you can access your devices through one secure connection. The router also has a built-in firewall to keep malware and other unwanted programs from getting in through your network.
Check out the ASUS RT-AX3000 on Amazon.
Best Gaming: ASUS ROG Rapture WiFi 6 AX
- Wi-Fi 6 dual-band
- Speeds up to 6000 Mbps
- 160 MHz channels
- Dual 2.5G Ports
- Quad-Core 2.0GHz CPU
- Triple-level game acceleration stabilizes connections to reduce lag
When it comes to gaming, you need a router that can handle the demands of your online gaming sessions. The ASUS ROG Rapture WiFi 6 AX is one of the best home routers for gaming. It offers reliable connection speeds of up to 6000Mbps, allowing you to enjoy lag-free gaming without hiccups. The router is also equipped with MU-MIMO technology and six Gigabit Ethernet ports that offer fast connection speeds for multiple devices. It also features advanced AiMesh technology that allows you to extend the coverage of your Wi-Fi network in your home.
The router supports Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), providing speeds up to 6000Mbps, making it ideal for gaming, streaming, and large file transfers. The built-in game boost and gamer private network features offer gamers a smoother gaming experience with lower latency and fewer dropped connections. The router also includes advanced security features, such as WPA3 encryption and AiProtection Pro, to ensure your data stays secure. If you’re looking for a reliable, feature-packed router for gaming, the ASUS ROG Rapture WiFi 6 AX is an excellent choice.
Check out the ASUS ROG Rapture WiFi 6 AX on Amazon.
Best Easy to Use: Google Nest Wi-Fi
- Additional 1,600 sq. ft. of fast, reliable Wi-Fi coverage for your home.
- Two wireless bands (2.4GHz and 5GHz) deliver combined speeds of up to 1,200 Mbps for faster wireless performance
- MU-MIMO (Multi-User Multiple-In Multiple-Out)
- Beamforming technology sends a targeted Wi-Fi signal to individual devices for stronger connection
Regarding user experience, the Google Nest Wi-Fi router is one of the best home routers on the market. With its sleek design and easy setup, this router is perfect for those who want a no-hassle installation and great performance.
Google Nest Wi-Fi has been designed for maximum performance and security. It’s built with mesh technology, which can easily create a mesh network throughout your home that provides coverage in every corner. Plus, the router utilizes advanced dual-band connectivity to ensure a strong and reliable connection.
The router also features simple setup instructions and a user-friendly app that makes it easy to customize settings and parental access controls. This includes setting up guest networks, managing devices, blocking websites, and more. If you need help, the router’s Google Home integration allows you to use voice commands to ask questions or find answers. Nest Wi-Fi is also one of the best home routers for convenience. Its unique design lets you place nodes around your home for extra coverage. This makes it great for larger homes and helps eliminate dead spots. Plus, it’s easy to set up and maintain. The Family Network feature allows you to set up guest networks or prioritize certain devices or activities.
For those looking for a router that offers great performance and an easy setup process, the Google Nest Wi-Fi is a great option. With its mesh network capabilities and advanced security features, this router will help keep your home network secure and running smoothly.
Check out the Google Nest Wi-Fi on Amazon.
How to Pick the Best Home Router: Step by Step
When it comes to buying a home router, there are many factors to consider. From budget and performance to features and security, your choice of a router can make all the difference to your home network. Here are some of the most important aspects of choosing the best home router.
Budget
Before making any decisions, you must consider how much you’re willing to spend. Routers come in various sizes, speeds, and prices, so you’ll need to determine your most important features before you start looking. Budget routers can cost as little as $50, while high-end models can run up to $500 or more.
The range of features available can vary dramatically depending on the router and price range, so it’s important to figure out your needs before committing to any particular model. Generally, higher-priced models offer better performance, a longer range, and more robust security options. You should also consider the number of devices that need to connect to the router and how much bandwidth they will require.
Coverage
Make sure your router covers all areas of your home so that it doesn’t have to go through any dead zones where it cannot connect properly with other devices in your home network. The range of your router will depend on its antenna strength and signal quality, so make sure you pick one with powerful antennas and a strong signal. Look for routers with multiple external antennas for optimal range coverage.
Features
Different routers offer different features, from parental controls to Wi-Fi extenders. The features of a router determine how well it can meet your needs. When looking at features, consider the speed (measured in Mbps) and the number of bands it supports. Other features, such as parental controls, guest networks, and QoS settings, may be important depending on your usage.
Security
Security should be a top priority when choosing a home router. Since criminals are always looking for vulnerable points where they can break into your system without much effort, it pays off to go for a wireless router with strong security measures built into it. Look for routers that support WPA3 encryption, which is the latest and strongest type of Wi-Fi security available. Also, consider routers that offer a guest network, which allows you to control who can access your main network.
Compatibility
It’s important to ensure that the router is compatible with all your devices and technology, from computers and smartphones to gaming consoles and streaming services. To ensure maximum compatibility, look for routers that support the 802.11ax Wi-Fi standard and a wide range of frequency bands (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz).
Ports
When choosing the best home router, one of the most important considerations is the number and type of ports available. This will help you determine the number of devices that can be connected at any time and how easily they can be connected.
Ethernet ports are the most common on a home router and allow you to connect wired devices like computers, game consoles, and streaming media players directly to your network. The more Ethernet ports available, the more devices you can connect at once. Some routers also offer USB ports that allow you to connect external storage or printers to your network.
It’s also important to consider the type of Ethernet ports available. Many routers support Gigabit Ethernet, which offers faster speeds than standard Ethernet connections.
Speed
Speed refers to the rate at which data is transferred between two points, usually expressed in megabits per second (Mbps). The higher the Mbps number, the faster the transfer rate will be.
Most routers nowadays offer 802.11ax technology, which can provide speeds of up 3.5Gbps. If you are looking for maximum speed, look for routers that support MU-MIMO (Multi-User Multiple Input Multiple Output) technologies, which can serve multiple devices simultaneously, allowing for faster speeds than traditional routers.
What to Know Before Buying the Best Home Router
When shopping for the best home router, it’s important to know what features to look for to get your home’s best performance and coverage. Routers are essential for anyone with a home internet connection, so investing in the right one can make all the difference.
First, consider the number of devices you need to connect to the router. Not all routers have enough ports to accommodate multiple devices, so look for one with at least four LAN ports. You should also check the coverage area to ensure the router is powerful enough to cover the entire area of your home or office.
Next, look for routers with advanced features such as dual-band support or beamforming technology. Dual-band routers provide both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequency bands, allowing you to switch between them based on better performance. Beamforming technology allows the router to send data in more precise directions and reach remote locations in your home or office.
Finally, consider the overall cost of the router. Many high-end routers come with a hefty price tag, but they may be worth it if you need maximum coverage or performance. For most home users, however, a mid-range router will likely provide adequate performance without breaking the bank. No matter which router you choose, always take the time to read customer reviews before making a purchase. This will give you a better idea of how well the router performs and any issues that may come up during installation or regular use. With these tips in mind, you should be able to find the best home router for your needs.
Using a Home Router: What it’s Like
Home routers are a powerful tool for connecting multiple devices and creating an efficient home network. They provide a secure connection, allowing your family to access the internet from anywhere in your home. Most routers also include a firewall that protects your network from hackers and viruses. When using a home router, you’ll need to consider how you want to manage your network. Many routers come with parental controls, allowing you to set limits on what websites can be accessed by family members. You can also customize settings to help protect yourself from cyber threats like malware and phishing attacks.
The image featured at the top of this post is ©ben bryant/Shutterstock.com.
