The Most Powerful Home Router For 2024
The Rundown
1. Best Overall: TP-Link AC1750 Smart WiFi Router (Archer A7) -Dual Band Gigabit
The Archer A7 is a dual-band smart WiFi router that features four Gigabit Ethernet ports and an integrated USB port. It has a built-in media Server, ideal for sharing your USB drive content. The dual-band Wi-Fi and 1300Mbps speed provide superior performance for 4K streaming and lag-free online gaming. Read Review
2. Best Bang For The Buck: NETGEAR Nighthawk Smart Wi-Fi Router, R6700 - AC1750 Wireless
With 4 x 1 gigabit Ethernet ports to connect wired devices, the NETGEAR R6700 provides a new level of performance and convenience. You can set up the router in minutes with no CD and get wireless coverage for all your connected devices. Read Review
3. Best Versatile: Amazon eero mesh WiFi router
With eero you can easily manage wifi access for network profiles to take focus away from screens and back to what’s important. With eero plus an Amazon Echo, you can be wowed by voice activation, discover the smart home products that are available in your home, and control your connected devices with a single command. Read Review
4. Best Convenient: NETGEAR Nighthawk X6S Smart Wi-Fi Router (R8000P) - AC4000 Tri-band
NETGEAR's Nighthawk X6S Smart Wi-Fi Router delivers the latest in wireless speed and performance. The tri-band router is loaded with advanced technology to ensure it’s up to any task, including Beamforming, MU-MIMO, Smart Connect, Amazon Alexa Voice Controls and more. Read Review
Home networks are becoming increasingly important as technology advances and more services become available on a connected home network. When you purchase a brand new home, it makes sense to have it wired for cable service. You can enjoy high-speed internet access, digital cable, and even home phone service.
If you don’t have cable service in your new house or the wiring isn’t quite finished yet, you can still get most services through a wireless connection instead. However, investing in a good router is critical if you want to get all of your devices on the same network without any lag between them. A great router will not only provide fast internet access for each device on your network, but it will also make sure that everything stays secure from viruses and hackers. They’re some of the most powerful home routers today; here are our top picks for this year.
We think our TP-Link AC1750 Smart WiFi Router (Archer A7) -Dual Band Gigabit with 4 Gigabit LAN ports is the best among the top models. If dissatisfied with the preceding item, you could select the NETGEAR Nighthawk Smart Wi-Fi Router, R6700 - AC1750 Wireless as an alternative. You may relax knowing that its quality is also suitable for our research.
RELATED: Looking to buy correct most popular wifi router? We cover all use cases. Compare quality, prices, and customer reviews to find the best one for you.
Our Top Picks
TOP Choice #1
![TP-Link AC1750 Smart WiFi Router (Archer A7) -Dual Band Gigabit]()
- TP-Link tether app easily set up and remotely manage your home network
- OneMesh Compatible Router- Form a seamless WiFi when work with TP-Link OneMesh WiFi Extenders
- 3 external antennas for long range Wi-Fi. System Requirements-Internet Explorer 11, Firefox 12.0, Chrome 20.0, Safari 4.0, or other JavaScript-enabled browser. Cable or DSL Modem (if needed)
- Integrated USB port acts as a media Server, easily share your USB drive content
- Dual band router upgrades to 1750 Mbps high speed internet(450mbps for 2.4GHz, 1300Mbps for 5GHz), reducing buffering and ideal for 4K streaming
- Gigabit Router with 4 Gigabit LAN ports, fast access to multiple connected wired devices, Ideal as a gaming router
- Router for wireless internet, works with Alexa, compatible with all Wi-Fi devices, 802.11ac and older
- 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)
- NETGEAR Smart Parental Controls promotes healthy Internet habits, fosters responsibility and builds trust with your kids (30-day free trial included)
- Wired Ethernet ports: Plug in computers, game consoles, streaming players, and other nearby wired devices with 4 x 1 gigabit Ethernet ports
- Maximum Range : 1500 Sq Ft
- Loaded with advanced technology: Designed with a 1GHz dual core processor, 3 amplified antennas, Beamforming plus, Dynamic QoS, Smart Connect, and more
- USB connections: Share a storage drive or printer with any connected device or create a personal cloud storage to access from anywhere, using the 1 x 3.0 USB port
- Safe & secure: Supports WPA2 wireless security protocols. Includes Guest Wi-Fi access, DOS, Firewall, VPN, and more
- Recommended for up to 25 devices: Reliably stream videos, play games, surf the internet, and connect smart home devices
- Safe & secure: Supports WPA2 wireless security protocols. Includes Guest Wi-Fi access, DOS, Firewall, VPN, and more. System requirements: Microsoft Windows 7, 8, 10, Vista, XP, 2000, Mac OS, UNIX, or Linux. Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.0, Firefox 2.0, Safari 1.4, or Google Chrome 11.0 browsers or higher
- NETGEAR Armor protects your family's WiFi with an automatic shield of security across all your connected devices with a 30-day free trial
- WORKS WITH YOUR INTERENT SERVICE PROVIDER- eero replaces your wifi router and works with most major internet service providers.
- WORKS WITH ALEXA- With eero and an Alexa device (not included), you can easily manage wifi access for network profiles to take focus away from screens and back to what’s important.
- EXPERIENCE THE EERO TRUEMESH DIFFERENCE - eero’s patented TrueMesh technology intelligently routes traffic to reduce drop-offs and dead spots.
- FAST STANDALONE ROUTER - The eero mesh WiFi router brings up to 1,500 sq. ft. of fast, reliable WiFi to your home.
- SET UP IN MINUTES - The eero app guides you through setup and allows you to manage your network from anywhere.
- EASILY EXPAND YOUR SYSTEM - With cross-compatible hardware, you can add eero products as your needs change.
- DON'T LET WIFI SLOW YOU DOWN- Get the most from your WiFi by streaming, gaming, and working from anywhere across your home.
- GETS BETTER OVER TIME - Receive automatic updates to help keep your network safe and secure. Online security and additional network management features available via a separate subscription.
- Loaded with advanced technology: Designed with a dual core 1.8GHz processor, 6 amplified antennas, Beamforming, MU-MIMO, Smart Connect, Amazon Alexa Voice Controls, and more.
- Maximum Range : 3500 Sq Ft
- NETGEAR Smart Parental Controls promotes healthy Internet habits, fosters responsibility and builds trust with your kids (30-day free trial included).
- USB connections: Share a storage drive and printer with any connected device, and create a personal cloud storage to access from anywhere, using the 1x3.0 and 1x2.0 USB ports.
- Safe & secure: Supports WPA2 wireless security protocols. Includes Guest WiFi access, DoS, Firewall, VPN, and more.
- Fast Wi-Fi performance: Get up to 3500 square feet wireless coverage with AC4000 speed (Tri-band up to 750 + 1625 + 1625 Mbps).
- Recommended for up to 55 devices: Reliably stream videos, play games, surf the internet, and connect smart home devices.Double firewall protection (SPI and NAT)
- Wired Ethernet ports: Plug in computers, game consoles, streaming players, and other nearby wired devices with 4 x 1 Gigabit Ethernet ports.
- NETGEAR Armor protects your family's WiFi with an automatic shield of security across all your connected devices with a 30-day free trial.
5
![TP-Link AX1800 WiFi 6 Router (Archer AX21) – Dual Band Wireless]()
- Works with all internet service providers, such as Comcast, Charter, AT&T, Verizon, Xfinity, Spectrum, RCN, Cox, CenturyLink, Frontier, etc.( a modem is required for most internet service providers)
- Next-Gen 1.8 Gbps Speeds: Enjoy smoother and more stable streaming, gaming, downloading and more with WiFi speeds up to 1.8 Gbps (1200 Mbps on 5 GHz band and 574 Mbps on 2.4 GHz band)
- Dual-Band WiFi 6 Internet Router: Wi-Fi 6(802.11ax) technology achieves faster speeds, greater capacity and reduced network congestion compared to the previous generation
- Extensive Coverage: Achieve the strong, reliable WiFi coverage with Archer AX1800 as it focuses signal strength to your devices far away using Beamforming technology, 4 high-gain antennas and an advanced front-end module (FEM) chipset
- VPN Server and Client: Archer AX21 Supports both VPN Server and VPN Client (Open/PPTP/L2TP over Ipsec)
- Connect more devices: Wi-Fi 6 technology communicates more data to more devices simultaneously using revolutionary OFDMA technology
- Certified for Humans: Smart home made easy for non-experts. Setup with Alexa is simple
6
![Google Wifi - AC1200 - Mesh WiFi System - Wifi Router - 4500 Sq Ft]()
- Please refer to the product description section below for all applicable legal disclaimers denoted by the bracketed numbers in the preceding bullet points (e.g. [1], [2], etc.)
- Simple setup in a few steps; use the Google Home app to create your network and get online in minutes[3]
- Google Wifi gives you whole home coverage; 1 Pack covers up to 1500 square feet and 3 Pack covers up to 4500 square feet; points work together to create a mesh network for more coverage
- Intelligently works behind the scenes to make sure your Wifi remains fast so you can stream with speed[2]
- Google Wifi is a scalable flexible mesh Wifi system that blankets your home in reliable coverage and keeps buffering at bay; 1 Google Wifi point replaces your router and additional points expand your network to keep the connection fast in every room[1]
- Sustainably designed; 49% of the plastic part weight is made with recycled material (2020 model)
- Works with all Google Wifi points and can be added to any existing Nest Wifi system; just add more points if you need more coverage
- Parental controls let you manage screen time, restrict certain kinds of adult content, and pause Wifi to specific devices on your mesh network whenever you want
- Easy to control home Wifi system lets you prioritize devices check your network speeds, set up a guest network, and more
- Each Deco X20 has 2 Gigabit Ethernet ports(6 in total for a 3-pack) and supports Wired Ethernet Backhaul for better speeds. Any of them can work as a Wi-Fi Router
- Peace of Mind with Parental Controls - Manage limit and monitor internet use with profiles that let you customize Wi-Fi access for every person and device in your home
- Easy Setup and Management - The Deco app helps you set up your network in minutes with clear visual guidance and keeps you in control even when you are not home; Works with Alexa as well Turn on or off Guest Wi-Fi by simple voice commands
- Works with all internet service provider (ISP) such as AT&T, Verizon, Xfinity, Spectrum, RCN, Cox, CenturyLink, Frontier, etc.( a modem is required for most internet service providers). Ideal for any internet plan up to 1 Gbps
- Connect More Devices - With Mesh Wi-Fi 6 Deco X20 (3-pack) is strong enough to connect up to 150 devices with strong and reliable Wi-Fi. Smartphone/Tablet Requirements: iOS 9.0 or later; Android 4.4 or later
- Whole Home Wi-Fi Coverage - Cover up to 5800 square feet with seamless high-performance Wi-Fi 6 and eliminate dead zones and buffering Better than traditional Wi-Fi booster
- Wi-Fi 6 Mesh Wi-Fi - Next-gen Wi-Fi 6 AX1800 whole home mesh system to eliminate weak Wi-Fi for good
- 【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.
- 【Excellent and Powerful Signal】 Cutting-edge 7*6dBi external Antennas, 4*4 MU-MIMO, delivers powerful signal, coverage every corner of the room.
- 【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.
- 【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’.
9
![Synology RT2600ac – 4x4 dual-band Gigabit Wi-Fi router, MU-MIMO]()
- US version
- Create advanced VPNs with WebVPN, Synology SSL VPN, and SSTP VPN capability
- 1.7GHz Dual-core processor for fast, uncompromising performance
- Dual WAN capable for load balancing and failover support
- Hardware accelerated Layer 7 traffic control and monitoring
- Smart Connect for seamless transition between maximum speed or range
- Powerful 4x4 802.11ac wave 2 radios with MU-MIMO and up to 2.53Gbps breakthrough wireless speeds
10
![TP-Link AX6600 WiFi 6 Gaming Router (Archer GX90)- Tri Band Gigabit]()
- More Devices with Less Lag: OFDMA and MU-MIMO technology deliver data to multiple devices, simultaneously
- Expansive Coverage: 8 detachable high-performance antennas, Beamforming, high-power FEM, 4T4R combine to deliver WiFi coverage up to a 4-bedroom house
- Powerful Processing: 1.5 GHz Quad-Core CPU ensures your network performance always at peak run
- TP-Link OneMesh Supported: Flexibly Create Whole Home WiFi with Archer GX90 by adding a OneMesh supported Range Extender, like RE505X
- TP-Link HomeCare: Protect your network and connected devices with a free lifetime subscription to TP-Link HomeCare featuring next-level antivirus, robust parental controls, and QoS
- Game Band: Tri-Band structure provides a 4.8 Gbps Game Band exclusive for your gaming rigs and bings pure immersion. 4804 Mbps (5GHz, HE160) + 1201 Mbps (5GHz) + 574 Mbps (2.4GHz)
- Ultra Connectivity: 1 × 2.5 Gbps WAN/LAN port + 1 × 1 Gbps WAN/LAN port + 3 × Gigabit LAN ports and 2 x USB ports ensure max flexibility and boosted throughput
- Game Accelerator: Detect and optimize gaming streams, to ensure your gaming stays immersive
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What to Look For in a most powerful home router?
The most powerful home router is assessed based on many factors. most powerful home router research varies depending on the type, feature, and quality of this product. It is not too complex to cover, yet we will give you some buying guide and solutions to these problems.
Please take a closer look at most powerful home router characteristics below would be beneficial for you. Let’s look through and keep in mind:
Security
To secure your router, you should use the latest available encryption standard. This is likely WPA2 or WPA3, depending on the age of your router. You’ll need to enter the password just once into each wireless device you use; afterward, the device will remember it.
LAN Ports
Many internet-connected smart home devices, such as Philips Hue and Samsung SmartThings products, require a LAN port-connected hub to function. If you need more LAN ports than the router has, you can expand the number available by adding an Ethernet switch. This is sort of like a power strip that adds open Ethernet ports.
WiFi Standards
As of early 2021, the tech world is starting to transition away from the WiFi standard known as WiFi 5 and towards WiFi 6, which is faster and boasts better support for more devices connected at the same time. Older, WiFi 5-certified devices like smartphones and laptops can still be used with WiFi 6 routers, but you won’t receive the full benefits of WiFi 6 unless the device you are using is certified for the new standard. For more information on WiFi 6, be sure to read this article.
Booster Club
When it comes to wireless routers, most ISPs offer several tiers of service. If you’re ever in a situation where you need more speed for streaming or gaming, you can always upgrade your service. A connection speed of around 200 megabits per second should be able to handle a family’s worth of activities like this.
App-Based Management
Every new router comes with apps meant to simplify the task of setting up and making adjustments to your WiFi network. The apps make it easier than ever before to monitor which devices are connected to your network and adjust which devices get priority. These apps can also alert you when an update is available for your router.
USB Ports
USB ports on a router are used for connecting to a flash drive, an external hard drive, or a USB printer if the router has a built-in print server.
Quality Of Service
Wireless Routers offer a great way to optimize the performance of your computer. You can change the router's settings to work best for streaming videos, making Skype calls, playing games, or streaming music. This will give those applications more of the bandwidth—so, for example, your Netflix movie doesn't pause and rebuffer because someone in your house is downloading a large file.
FAQs
For Better Connectivity, Where Should I Put My Router?
Most people set up their routers in the corner of a room, but it is best advised to have the router placed centrally so that it covers the entire home. However, it is also advisable to place it in a place where you use the internet the most. Moreover, it is also a good practice to avoid keeping metal objects around your router as metal dissipates electromagnetic signals. Placing your router high up will also be bad for the signal strength.Are You Able To Stream Video And Play Games With A Router At 300 Mbps?
Again, the thing you need to focus on is your internet connection. A 300 Mbps internet connection would be very fast for streaming videos and playing games. A good video streaming needs a 5 Mbps connection while a good gaming experience requires about 20-25 Mbps connectivity. However, if you are on a slower internet connection, a 300 Mbps router won’t do anything to boost your internet speed. The key thing you need to consider is the speed that your ISP gives you and not the speed that the router supports.Do Wireless Routers Go Bad?
Yes, wireless routers can go bad. Given that they are plugged in almost all the time, any electric surge can cause the router to heat up or get damaged. However, this also depends on the kind of router that you buy.What Do Wireless Routers Serve?
A wireless router helps connect all the devices in your home to the internet. Most modems can only handle one device at a time, but users with multiple devices generally connect their modem to a router. All your devices then connect with the router and get proper internet access. Furthermore, some ISPs also provide a wireless modem - but the problem is that they have a limited range. Hence, connecting the modem with a router helps ensure that you get internet access all over your home even if you're on the third floor.Is The Router Affecting Internet Speed?
Yes and No. On one hand, your internet speed is completely reliant on the plan that you have from your Internet provider. However, on the other hand, if you have a faster internet speed – for example, a 2 Gbps connection, but your router supports speeds up to 450 Mbps only, then you would get slower speeds. This is how the router and internet speed are connected. A faster router does not automatically guarantee faster internet speeds but a slow-speed router can slow your internet down.Is A Router Possible To Work Without A Modem?
Yes, wireless routers can be used to connect to the internet. However, your router’s capacity will be limited. You would be able to use the router for tasks such as network sharing and using network printers. However, you will not be able to access the internet without also having a modem. This is because some routers come with a built-in modem, but routers usually do not feature a built-in wireless router.What Is The Difference Between A WiFi Router And A Modem?
A modem's basic task is to convert one network protocol into another. Most modems allow connecting only one device. A WiFi modem allows you to connect multiple devices, but the range is limited. A WiFi Router, on the other hand, is a device that helps connect multiple networks together. It allows you to handle multiple devices at the same time, as well as share your internet connection. A router also boosts the signal coming from your modem and helps spread it to a bigger range, ensuring your entire house gets internet access.READ NEXT: The Complete Guide For Best Smartphone Overall Of 2024
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