The 10 Best 4k Streaming Router, Tested And Researched
The Rundown
1. Best Overall: NETGEAR Nighthawk R7350 AC2400 Router
Video streaming without interruption with advanced QoS for applications such as YouTube, Netflix, and others. Implicit and explicit beamforming improves reception and range for all of your devices. With USB 3.0 for up to ten times faster access to your stored media than USB 2.0. Read Review
2. Runner Up: TP-Link AC4000 Tri-Band WiFi Router (Archer A20)
Airtime Fairness ensures that each device connected to your network has a fair share of the available bandwidth, while MU-MIMO allows you to enjoy an uninterrupted online experience and faster downloads by simultaneously transmitting multiple data streams to different devices. Read Review
3. Best Technology: D-Link WiFi Router, AC2600 MU-MIMO Dual Band Gigabit 4K Streaming
D-Link AC2600 MU-MIMO WiFi Router provides the latest Wi-Fi technology for a powerful, fast and fluid online experience. Equipped with 4x4 data streams and MU-MIMO technology, this dual-band gigabit router delivers up to four data streams in each direction at up to 2167 Mbps. Read Review
4. Best Quality: Speedefy AC2100 Smart WiFi Router - Dual Band Gigabit Wireless Router
With the AC2100, you’ll enjoy the ultimate in speed, range, and stability thanks to 802.11ac technology and next-generation 802.11ad WiFi. You can also get a great signal through walls and floors with AiRadar Beamforming+ Technology and a powerful set of antennas with Smart Signal Technology. Read Review
5. Best Connectivity: TP-Link AX5400 WiFi 6 Router (Archer AX73) Router for Streaming
Experience the latest in WiFi performance, with the Archer AX73 WiFi 6 Router. Powered by Qualcomm's QCA9984 Chip, this router delivers up to 3 times faster WiFi than Wireless-N (802.11n) and is designed to be cool, with an aluminium body that dissipates heat more efficiently than plastic. With Beamforming+, you'll always be connected to the best signal - even when devices are at their most distant points in the home. Read Review
Online video streaming has become increasingly popular in recent years. Whether it’s for work, school, or entertainment at home, many people are using their internet connections to stream high-resolution video files. Because streaming is so bandwidth intensive, it can be more challenging to find a router that works well with your 4K streaming setup. The best 4K streaming router should have the necessary features to optimize your connection and ensure you’re able to stream without any lag or buffering.
So if you’re looking for the best 4K streaming router for your home network, read on! These routers have been optimized to work specifically with online video streaming and other tasks that require fast connections and minimal latency. You might not need these advanced features if you aren’t working in an office or don’t frequently stream videos online. However, there are plenty of benefits of upgrading your old router if you’re currently using something less advanced than what we list below.
With NETGEAR Nighthawk R7350 AC2400 Router, you will have no difficulty finding anything to meet your needs! To help you find the best fit for your needs, we've put up a purchasing guide and also shown other great options for you to consider.
RELATED: We did the research for you. Read our in-depth guide for the most secure home router of 2024. Low prices, top models & expert support.
Our Top Picks
- Standards One (1) USB 3.0 port IEEE 802.11 b/g/n 2.4GHz + 256-QAM support IEEE 802.11 a/n/ac 5GHz Five (5) 10/100/1000Mbps—(1 WAN & 4 LAN) Gigabit Ethernet ports
- Key Features Extreme WiFi speed for gaming—Up to 2400Mbps MU-MIMO—Simultaneous streaming of data for multiple devices Advanced QoS for lag-free gaming & uninterrupted video streaming Extreme range with high-power amplifiers & external antennas for best connectivity Beamforming+ for improved WiFi range & performance across both 2.4 and 5GHz devices Powerful processor—Dual-core processor ensures smooth 4K UHD streaming & gaming
- Technical Specifications R7350 (600Mbps 2.4GHz + 1733Mbps 5GHz) Simultaneous dual band WiFi --Tx/Rx 3x3 (2.4GHz) + 4x4 (5GHz) Implicit & explicit Beamforming Powerful dual-core processor Memory: 128MB flash and 256MB RAM Downstream & Upstream QoS automatically recognize & prioritize applications ReadySHARE USB Access—Share & access your USB hard drive IPv6 Support (Internet Protocol Version 6) On/off LED lights option
- 4 Gigabit Ethernet LAN ports—Connect more wired devices for faster file transfer and uninterrupted connections Nighthawk App—Easily set up your router and get more out of your WiFi. Includes access from anywhere to manage your network away from home USB 3.0 for up to 10 times faster access to your stored media than USB 2.0 Free backup software for Windows based computers to automatically safeguard your files Airtime Fairness prevents network lag when slower devices connect
- Package Contents Nighthawk R7350 Smart WiFi Router (R7350) Three (3) detachable antennas Ethernet cable Quick start guide Power adapter
TOP Choice #2
![TP-Link AC4000 Tri-Band WiFi Router (Archer A20)]()
- Tri Band Wireless Internet Router for 4K video, streaming and gaming with incredible high speed, 1625 Mbps on both 5 GHz bands and 750 Mbps on 2. 4 GHz band
- Range boost technology enables far reaching Wi Fi for long range coverage throughout the Home. Supported Operating Systems: OS Independent Up to Windows 10, Mac OS 10. 12 and Linux
- Archer A20 V3 with Powerful 1. 8 GHz 64-bit CPU, three co-processors and 512 MB of RAM powers your home network. Works as a great gaming router.
- Works with all internet service providers, such as AT&T, Verizon, Xfinity, Spectrum, RCN, Cox, CenturyLink, Frontier, etc.( a modem is required for most internet service providers)
- Eliminate buffering with MU-MIMO technology letting you connect more devices simultaneously. Multiple requests and accelerate loading Times.
- Advanced security: Protect your network and connected devices with a free lifetime subscription to TP-Link HomeCare featuring next-level antivirus, robust parental controls, and QoS.
- Gigabit Wired Speeds-1 WAN and 4 LAN gigabit ports bring wired speeds to the maximum and Link Aggregation even doubles it to 2 Gbps.
- Multi user MIMO technology: Significantly improves simultaneous streaming on multiple devices
- Stream, game, and more: Enjoy 4K/HD video and online gaming simultaneously with 4 x 4 data streams and 4 high performance antennas
- AC2600 Dual band router: Wi-Fi speeds of up to 2600 Mbps (800 Mbps in 2.4 gigahertz plus 1733 Mbps in 5 gigahertz) to support more connected Wi-Fi devices to your high speed home network
- Advanced Smart Beam: Tracks your connected devices for enhanced Wi-Fi speed and range throughout your home
- Intuitive user interface: For easy setupfrom your mobile devices and network management from your desktop
- Connect securely: WPA/WPA2 encryption for home network security
- Dual Core Processor: The dual core processor gives you powerful wired and wireless internet network speeds
- 2 USB ports: Remotely deliver high speed data transmissions for storage devices (1 USB 3.0 and 1 USB 2.0)
- Intelligent quality of Service: Traffic optimization delivers seamless performance for your applications
- 【Excellent and Powerful Signal】 Cutting-edge 7*6dBi external Antennas, 4*4 MU-MIMO, delivers powerful signal, coverage every corner of the room.
- 【Simple Setup, Easy Management】 One-Stop installation is easily achieved in 5 mins. App or web interface management brings more convenience for preference setting.
- 【Various Advanced Features】 Parental control manages your kids' internet access; Accelerate WiFi helps to quickly optimize your internet; Guest network separates own information from others’.
- 【Outstanding Wireless Speed】 Speedefy K7 smart wireless router supports 2100M (1733Mbps/5GHz + 300Mbps/2.4GHz) dual band gigabit WiFi. Dual cores CPU reduces buffering and provides high speed web browsing, video streaming and gaming.
- 【Safeguard Security of Your Internet】Complete WPA2 protocols ensure internet security, detect and prevent risks from internet in real time, keep your WiFi stable and secure.
- TP-Link HomeShield – TP-Link's premium security services keep your home network safe with cutting-edge network and IoT protection. Free features: 1. Network Security Scan 2. Basic Parental Controls 3. QoS 4. Weekly/Monthly Reports 5. IoT Device Identification, HomeShield Pro paid service ads more robust protections and features for, 5.99/Month, 1-Month Free Trial
- Gigabit WiFi for 8K Streaming – Up to 5400 Mbps WiFi for faster browsing, streaming, gaming and downloading, all at the same time
- Connect More Devices – Supports MU-MIMO and OFDMA to reduce congestion and 4X the average throughput
- USB Sharing – 1× USB 3.0 port enables easy media sharing and private cloud storage
- Full Featured WiFi 6 Router– Equipped with 4T4R and HE160 technologies on the 5 GHz band to enable max 4.8 Gbps ultra-fast connections.Power:12 V ⎓ 2.5 A
- More Vents, Less Heat – Improved vented areas help unleash the full power of the router
- Extensive Coverage - Enjoy stable WiFi connections, even in the kitchen and bedroom. High-Power FEM, 6× Antennas, Beamforming, and 4T4R structures combine to adapt WiFi coverage to perfectly fit your home and concentrate signal strength towards your devices
- Works with all internet service providers, such as AT&T, Verizon, Xfinity, Spectrum, RCN, Cox, CenturyLink, Frontier, etc.( a modem is required for most internet service providers)
6
![WiFi 6 Router- AX1500 Dual Band AX WiFi Router, for 4K Streaming]()
- 【CONNECTING MORE DEVICES WITH MU-MIMO】With MU-MIMO, multiple users can access the router simultaneously without any decreases in bandwidth, boosts Wi-Fi data rates by 60%.AX1500 vastly reduces device disconnects in the home to experience smooth VR or enjoy lag-free online gaming, vivid 4K and even 8K streaming. Next-Gen WiFi 6 is compatible with IPHONE 11 and all new IPHONE in the future, you will enjoy blazing-fast speeds without any lag.
- 【STRONG WIFI COVERAGE AND MESH CAPABITLITY 】4 * 5dBi high-performance antennas extend strong and reliable WiFi signals over larger area. Aggregate 4 Gigabit LAN ports and 1 Gigabit WAN ports concurrently for the Multi-Gig experience. plus, Juplink WiFi 6 router router consititue mesh network with large coverage. support wireless networking cable networking，wireless and cable hybrid networking，Ideal for a multilevel home.
- 【BACKWARDS COMPATIBLE】The 802.11 AX router standard will serve as the speedier successor to the more versatile 802.11ac. It will also maintain backwards compatible with previous wireless standards (802.11a/b/g/n/ac), something 802.11ac won’t offer. Intelligently selects the fastest WiFi band for every device connection.
- 【EXPLOSIVELY FAST WiFi WITH THE LATEST WI-FI 6 TECHNOLOGY】The AX1500 ax wifi router uses the latest Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) standard to provide 4x increased data capacity to get ultra-fast wireless speeds, allow the router to provide industry-leading speeds of up to 300 Mbps on a 2.4GHz band and 1200 Mbps on a 5GHz band. An extremely powerful BROADCOM 1.5GHz Tri-core processor powers through multiple complex tasks and demanding applications with ease. Provides greater network capacity and efficiency.
- 【UlTRA-STABLE AND ULTRA-EFFICIENT WiFi PERFORMANCA】OFDMA technology enables efficient data scheduling so that more transmissions can be sent at the same time, this vast improvement in efficiency works for both uploads and downloads, reduced latency, and increased network efficiency. Comes with 4 Standalone RF FEM(Front End Module), extremely useful for latency sensitive applications such as virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR) and Internet of things (IoT) sensors.
7
![TRENDnet AC2600 MU-MIMO Wireless Gigabit Router]()
- 4 HIGH SPEED GIGABIT PORTS + 1 USB 3. 0 PORT: Four gigabit ports support high performance wired connections, and share content across the network with the USB 3. 0 share port.Input power : 100 – 240 V AC, 50 - 60 Hz
- HIGH PERFORMANCE AC2600 WiFi: Concurrent dual band, quad-stream get up to 1, 733Mbps WiFi AC + 800Mbps WiFi N bands. Concurrent quad-stream WiFi networks and gigabit ports seamlessly network connected devices and high bandwidth streams such as 4K video.
- PARENTAL CONTROLS: Limit access to specific websites and control connected device access to the network.
- TRENDnet PROTECTION: 3 Year TRENDnet Manufacturer’s
- ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY FEATURES: Beamforming increases real-time performance by directing stronger wireless signals to your specific location. Management controls to optimize BitTorrent sharing, iTunes server streams, and Samba (SMB) clients.
- BUILT FOR BUSY HOMES: MU-MIMO technology enables the router to processes multiple data streams simultaneously, increasing real-time WiFi performance when multiple devices access the network.
- EASY SETUP: Get up and running in just minutes with the intuitive guided setup.
- 4 EXTERNAL HIGH GAIN ANTENNAS: Increase wireless coverage with 2. 4 GHz: 4 x 3 dBi (max. ) detachable/external; 5 GHz: 4 x 5 dBi external high gain antennas that maximize wireless coverage.
- PRE-ENCRYPTED & SECURE: Limit access to specific websites and control connected device access to the network. For added convenience the WiFi is pre-encrypted with its own unique password. Create an isolated WiFi guest network for guest internet access only.
8
![D-Link WiFi Smart Router AC1900 Fast Gaming & 4K Streaming]()
- Connect securely: Supports WPA/WPA2 encryption for home network security
- Advanced quality of service: Bandwidth optimization through client prioritization
- Advanced Smart Beam: Tracks your connected devices for enhanced Wi-Fi speed and range throughout your home
- Stream, game, and more: Enjoy 4K/HD video and online gaming simultaneously with 3x3 data streams and 4 high performance antennas
- Multi user MIMO technology: Significantly improves simultaneous streaming on multiple devices
- Intuitive user interface: Easy setup from your mobile devices and network management from your desktop
- Dual Core Processor: The dual Core Processor gives you powerful wired and wireless network speeds
9
![Roku Streaming Stick+ HD/4K/HDR 4K Streaming Media Player]()
- 【Tons of power, tons of fun】Snappy and responsive, you’ll stream your favorites with ease—from movies and series on Apple TV, Prime Video, Netflix, to cable alternatives like Sling, enjoy the most talked-about TV across thousands of channels.
- 【Brilliant 4K, HDR, and HD streaming, Stick design】Experience the visual rush of 4K and vibrant HDR picture quality. Easily move it around your house or take it to a friend's. You can even hide it behind your TV.
- 【High-speed wireless connectivity】 Built-in 802.11ac Wi-Fi connects to the Internet through your wireless home network (wireless router is required and sold separately). Control your player, watch the Roku Channel, use private listening, and more.
- 【A huge selection of entertainment】Stream movies, music, and other content using a wide range of apps, including Apple TV+, Prime Video, Netflix, Disney+, The Roku Channe, HBO and Showtime to cable alternatives like Sling and Hulu with Live TV.
- 【Compatible with most TVs】Easily connects to HDTVs and 4K Ultra HD TVs. 4K requires compatible 4K TV and content. HDR requires compatible HDR TV and content. Such content is not available on all channels and may require payment. Check bandwidth requirements with a channel provider. Web-based services and content require high-speed Internet service. Some services may require a subscription.
10
![D-Link WiFi Router, AC2600 Dual Band Gigabit 4K Streaming]()
- AC SmartBeam Technology- Enhance wireless signal strenghth and range
- MU-MIMO- Simultaneous streaming on multiple devices
- High Performance Antenna- 4 high performance antennas deliver maximum range around your home
- AC2600 Dual Band- delivers faster Wi-Fi speeds of up to 2,533 Mbps (800 Mpbs on 2.4 GHz + 1733 Mbps on 5 GHz)
- Dual Core Processor- Boost network performance. Allow you to enjoy online gaming and HD streaming without buffering
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What to Look For in a best 4k streaming router?
Looking for the best 4k streaming router requires consideration of many criteria. Product learning varies in type, feature, and customer ranking. Overall, it comes with several difficulties in buying. So, we are available to support you occasionally.
It is beneficial for you to have a closer look at the things below to evaluate and then choose which one is suitable:
Coverage Range
Coverage area is the other aspect of wireless. The range of a basic router is typically 50-100 feet. This means that the device can cover most apartments as well as smaller houses. A mesh router is a better choice if you live in a larger house, with at least 3,000 sq. feet. It uses multiple devices to transmit strong Wi-Fi signals to large homes. They are particularly useful in multistory homes or where Wi-Fi signals drop out in dead spots.
Antennas
More antennas are better. A router that has only one antenna transmitting Wi-Fi will not be able to establish a reliable connection or provide faster speeds.
Dual-band routers generally have at least two antennas. Some are dedicated to the 5GHz band, while others go to 2.4GHz. Omnidirectional means they transmit signals in all directions, regardless of the position of their antennas. There are many configurations that look like droid heads in Star Wars movies, or flipped Tarantulas pointed at the sky.
The indoor range for the 2.4GHz band is 150ft, and the 50ft of the 5GHz band. Antennas focus more on signal quality and speed rather than invading neighbor's homes with Wi-Fi signals. If you have to send a Wi Fi signal to an area, you can purchase a high-gain antenna.
Dual-band routers generally have at least two antennas. Some are dedicated to the 5GHz band, while others go to 2.4GHz. Omnidirectional means they transmit signals in all directions, regardless of the position of their antennas. There are many configurations that look like droid heads in Star Wars movies, or flipped Tarantulas pointed at the sky.
The indoor range for the 2.4GHz band is 150ft, and the 50ft of the 5GHz band. Antennas focus more on signal quality and speed rather than invading neighbor's homes with Wi-Fi signals. If you have to send a Wi Fi signal to an area, you can purchase a high-gain antenna.
Ports
Wireless connectivity is what you need from your Wi-Fi router. However, wired connections are also important. Ethernet provides faster connectivity to devices such as smart TVs, game consoles, and smart TVs. USB ports allow you to connect older printers and storage directly to the network.
If you are in an area with Gigabit internet, input is another problem. An older router could slow down your home and cause problems with your Gigabit internet connection. Some routers are capable of aggregating two inputs to provide faster connectivity.
If you are in an area with Gigabit internet, input is another problem. An older router could slow down your home and cause problems with your Gigabit internet connection. Some routers are capable of aggregating two inputs to provide faster connectivity.
MU-MIMO
A router can simultaneously use multi-user, multiple input, multiple output (or MU–MIMO) to download data to several devices. The router's stream count is used to determine how fast the technology can be downloaded to multiple devices. For example, if there are two streams available on a band, the router will only download half the data to the two connected devices. They don't take turns. The router will only be able to download data to one device at a given time if it is connected by a third device.
You want a router capable of MU-MIMO. However, you also want to have as many streams available as possible for your wireless devices to communicate with it.
You want a router capable of MU-MIMO. However, you also want to have as many streams available as possible for your wireless devices to communicate with it.
Wi-Fi Bands
Modern routers can access Wi-Fi at both the 5GHz and 2.4GHz frequencies. However, you may prefer to use the former. The 5GHz band offers more bandwidth and congestion, but legacy devices as well as IoT devices will benefit from a faster connection at 2.4GHz.
Although they are more affordable than dual-band routers, we recommend getting two 5GHz Wi-Fi band routers. If you own four computers that can support Wi-Fi 6, the NETGEAR Nighthawk RAX200 is ideal. Some models include a second 6GHz connection that offers even higher Wi-Fi speeds.
Although they are more affordable than dual-band routers, we recommend getting two 5GHz Wi-Fi band routers. If you own four computers that can support Wi-Fi 6, the NETGEAR Nighthawk RAX200 is ideal. Some models include a second 6GHz connection that offers even higher Wi-Fi speeds.
Streams
Your router splits the single stream of data received from your modem into several streams that are then broadcast through antennas. Your wireless device receives the signals and then it combines them into one data stream.
Multistreams and antennas can send and receive data faster than one. Imagine two trucks driving down the same road. They can deliver packages quicker than two trucks travelling down the same route. Virtually all wireless devices support two outgoing and one incoming streams. To be able to connect multiple Wi-Fi networks, you need a router that supports more than two streams on each band.
A router that has two transmit streams (and two receive streams) may work well for a smaller home. An 8x8 configuration is recommended for busy homes with many wireless devices.
Multistreams and antennas can send and receive data faster than one. Imagine two trucks driving down the same road. They can deliver packages quicker than two trucks travelling down the same route. Virtually all wireless devices support two outgoing and one incoming streams. To be able to connect multiple Wi-Fi networks, you need a router that supports more than two streams on each band.
A router that has two transmit streams (and two receive streams) may work well for a smaller home. An 8x8 configuration is recommended for busy homes with many wireless devices.
Speeds And Standards
Your internet connection speed and the speed of your modem will determine the internet speed that you require for your router. A standard 802.11ac router can handle most plans except those that have Gigabit speeds. Most wireless AC routers can handle this job well, with average broadband speeds of around 100 Mb.
Wi-Fi 6 is the latest standard for routers. It's also known as 802.11ax. This is faster and better suited to households that have many smart home devices. While there are many WiFi 6 routers on the market today, Wi-Fi 6e is a newer standard that uses a portion of the radio frequency.
Wi-Fi 6 is the latest standard for routers. It's also known as 802.11ax. This is faster and better suited to households that have many smart home devices. While there are many WiFi 6 routers on the market today, Wi-Fi 6e is a newer standard that uses a portion of the radio frequency.
RELATED: Discover the most powerful internet router, designed for high-speed performance and reliable streaming. Get the best performance from your network with this top-of-the-line router.
FAQs
My Router Is Jammed- What Should I Do?
Because the router is electronic, such events can happen anytime. This doesn't mean you should panic. You can simply reboot or restart your router if you encounter such issues. Just behind the router is a reset button. Hold this button for at least 10 seconds to turn on all the LED lights.Your router will enter reset mode once it has done so. You must wait until all lights come on. You must also remember that any active settings changes will return to the default.
Standard Routers Vs. Mesh Routers: Which Is Better?
The standard router is one device you will typically put near your internet connection. Additional access points can be added wirelessly to mesh routers. These will again be located near your internet router.Multiple access points can be used to bypass obstacles that could cause Wi-Fi dead zones, such as large appliances or concrete brick walls. Mesh routers improve reliability. Mesh routers aren't expected to deliver higher performance. In my testing, they didn't perform well relative to the price.
How Do I Set Up A Wi-Fi Router?
To set up the router, you can plug it in using an Ethernet cable. Next, type the IP address of the router into your browser's URL bar. You can also use the app of your router to set up, and it usually takes between 5-10 minutes. You can access your router's settings and change your Wi Fi password using either method after setup.What Makes Wi-Fi 6 Better Than Before?
Wi-Fi 6 supports new Wi-Fi technologies that make data transfer faster and more efficient. Quadrature Amplitude Modulation (QAM) is one of the most important upgrades. This trick allows your router to transmit radio waves other devices can interpret as a series or ones and zeroes. It's the binary code behind everything you read, see and experience online. Your router can send 10 bits of binary code per transmission with 1024-QAM, as opposed to the eight bits of binary sent by Wi-Fi 5 routers using 256-QAM. Wi-Fi 6 boasts top speeds up to 30% higher than the previous version.OFDMA (or orthogonal frequency division multiple access) is another feature to be noted. This allows your router to transmit data to multiple clients through one channel, increasing network efficiency. To save fuel, think of it as a delivery man dropping multiple pizzas off to several customers at once. Target Wake Time allows the router to schedule devices that must check in periodically so they don't interfere with each other. It isn’t tied specifically to Wi-Fi 6 but most next-gen routers support WPA3, which is the latest Wi-Fi security standard.
What Does A Wi-Fi Router Do?
To send or receive web data, you must be connected to the modem. Your router allows this without requiring a wire. This is a fancy antenna that connects to your modem wirelessly over Wi-Fi. To connect to other devices, such as printers and remote storage servers at home via Wi-Fi networks within your area of residence, you can use the Wi-Fi network.Do I Need To Change The Router SSID And Password?
Your router's SSID (or Router Identification Number) is your unique identification number. Although every router has WPA2 security built in, you should always change the password and SSID of your router. Because every router may have the same default password, it could mean that you network is open to all.It is recommended that you change your SSID password and SSID to protect it. This will help you eliminate all types of malicious attempts.
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