The 10 Most Powerful Router Of 2024, Researched By Us
The Rundown
1. Best Overall: NETGEAR Nighthawk X6S Smart Wi-Fi Router (R8000P)
With a powerful dual core 1.8GHz processor, 6 amplified antennas, MU-MIMO, Smart Connect and Amazon Alexa Voice controls, NETGEAR Nighthawk X6S is packed with advanced technology. The powerful dual core processor delivers the high performance you need for streaming and gaming. Beamforming antenna system optimizes the signal for maximum speed and range. Read Review
2. Runner Up: Google Wifi - AC1200 - Mesh WiFi System - Wifi Router - 4500 Sq Ft
Google Wifi is a complete mesh Wi-Fi system designed to deliver fast and reliable wireless coverage throughout your home. With three times the coverage area of a standard router and speeds up to 1,200 Mbps, Google Wifi creates a strong, secure Wi-Fi network that covers your entire home. Read Review
3. Best Connectivity: Speedefy AC2100 Smart WiFi Router - Dual Band Gigabit Wireless
Speedefy AC2100 Smart WiFi Router is a dual-band 802.11ac router that offers parental controls, a guest network and boosts WiFi speed. With its high power output, the Speedefy AC2100 Smart WiFi Router delivers a maximum wireless speed of up to 1200 Mbps on both bands.An Ethernet LAN port and 4 Gigabit LAN ports allow multiple devices to connect to this router simultaneously. Read Review
4. Best Connectivity: TP-Link Deco Mesh WiFi System (Deco S4) – Up to 5,500 Sq.ft. Router
TP-Link Deco Mesh WiFi System is an easy way to get fast wireless internet coverage in any room of your home or office. With advanced Deco Mesh Technology, units work together to form a unified network with a single network name. Devices automatically switch between Decos as you move through your home for the fastest possible speeds. Read Review
Are you looking for the most powerful router? Do you want to get the fastest Internet connection? Or maybe you want to stream videos at a faster rate? An excellent home router can help with all of these things. It is no surprise that more and more people are turning to routers as their go-to device for connecting everything in their home. After all, routers are responsible for connecting your wired devices such as gaming consoles, computers, TVs, cable boxes, and so much more.
If you have been wondering which routers are the most powerful available on the market today, then keep reading. In this article we will take a look at some of the most popular models on the market today and list out some of their pros and cons so that you can make an informed decision about which one is right for your needs.
You can count on our team of experts who have spent over 13 hours conducting surveys through 2,740 real customer reviews. Because of this, we came to the conclusion that the best-reviewed product is the NETGEAR Nighthawk X6S Smart Wi-Fi Router (R8000P) with six amplified antennas. And Google Wifi - AC1200 - Mesh WiFi System - Wifi Router - 4500 Sq Ft is another choice for you while keeping the product's quality and functionality.
RELATED: Our top professionals have tested, examined, and ranked the 10 best wifi router for long range of 2024 for you. See our top picks here.
Our Top Picks
TOP Choice #1
![NETGEAR Nighthawk X6S Smart Wi-Fi Router (R8000P)]()
- 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).
- 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.
- 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)
- 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).
- NETGEAR Armor protects your family's WiFi with an automatic shield of security across all your connected devices with a 30-day free trial.
- Wired Ethernet ports: Plug in computers, game consoles, streaming players, and other nearby wired devices with 4 x 1 Gigabit Ethernet ports.
TOP Choice #2
![Google Wifi - AC1200 - Mesh WiFi System - Wifi Router - 4500 Sq Ft]()
- 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
- 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
- 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
- Intelligently works behind the scenes to make sure your Wifi remains fast so you can stream with speed[2]
- Sustainably designed; 49% of the plastic part weight is made with recycled material (2020 model)
- 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]
- Simple setup in a few steps; use the Google Home app to create your network and get online in minutes[3]
- 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.)
- Easy to control home Wifi system lets you prioritize devices check your network speeds, set up a guest network, and more
TOP Choice #3
![Speedefy AC2100 Smart WiFi Router - Dual Band Gigabit Wireless]()
- 【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’.
- 【Simple Setup, Easy Management】 One-Stop installation is easily achieved in 5 mins. App or web interface management brings more convenience for preference setting.
- 【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.
- 【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.
- With advanced Deco Mesh Technology, units work together to form a unified network with a single network name. Devices automatically switch between Decos as you move through your home for the fastest possible speeds
- A New Way to WiFi: Deco Mesh technology gives you a better WiFi experience in all directions with faster WiFi speeds and strong WiFi signal to cover your whole home.
- Incredibly fast AC1200 speeds makes the deco capable of providing connectivity for up to 100 devices.
- Each Deco S4 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. 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)
- Robust Parental Controls: Limit online time and block inappropriate websites according to unique profiles created for each family member. Easy to keep your children safe while they’re online.
- Seamless and Stable WiFi Mesh: Rather than wifi range extender that need multiple network names and passwords, Deco S4 allows you to enjoy seamless roaming throughout the house, with a single network name and password.
- Setup is a breeze with the Deco app available on your Android or iOS device. Turn on or off guest WiFi with Alexa voice commands.
- Bettern Coverage than traditional WiFi routers: Deco S4 three units work seamlessly to create a WiFi mesh network that can cover homes up to 5, 500 square feet. No dead zone anymore.
- NEXT-GENERATION FIREWALL – Protect every device in your home with this WiFi router’s modern malware and ransomware protection, 24/7 intelligent intrusion detection to guard against hackers, and automatic protection from phishing scams (3)
- POWERFUL CONNECTIVITY & SECURITY – Experience secure and dependable mesh WiFi connectivity for your family and all your smart devices with the Gryphon Tower, engineered to deliver fast, efficient coverage, enhanced security, and advanced parental controls
- ADVANCED WIFI TECHNOLOGY – Enjoy entire-home coverage and incredible speeds, no matter how many users and connected devices are added to your network, as simultaneous AC3000 tri-band radios and 4x4 MU-MIMO deliver up to 3,000 sq. ft. of coverage off a single Gryphon Tower router (1) (2)
- SIMPLE SETUP & SMARTPHONE CONTROL – The Gryphon Connect app provides you with a single solution for managing your WiFi network, parental controls, device access, and app use (4) (5)
- COMPREHENSIVE PARENTAL CONTROLS – Create a safe Internet experience for young users with your WiFi mesh system’s active content monitoring, app and website blocking, individualized time limits, and valuable usage insights so you can better monitor your kids’ screen time (4)
6
![TP-Link AX5400 WiFi 6 Router (Archer AX73)- Dual Band Gigabit]()
- 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
- USB Sharing – 1× USB 3.0 port enables easy media sharing and private cloud storage
- 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)
- Gigabit WiFi for 8K Streaming – Up to 5400 Mbps WiFi for faster browsing, streaming, gaming and downloading, all at the same time
- 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
- Connect More Devices – Supports MU-MIMO and OFDMA to reduce congestion and 4X the average throughput
- 1.7GHz Dual-core processor for fast, uncompromising performance
- US version
- 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
- Dual WAN capable for load balancing and failover support
- Hardware accelerated Layer 7 traffic control and monitoring
- Create advanced VPNs with WebVPN, Synology SSL VPN, and SSTP VPN capability
8
![ARRIS Surfboard G36 DOCSIS 3.1 Multi-Gigabit Cable Modem Router]()
- What's in the Box: When you purchase you will get an ARRIS SURFboard G36 Cable Modem, Power Supply, Quick-Start guide, and 2-year warranty card.
- Router Technology: Features four 1-Gigabit and one 2.5-Gigabit ethernet port and delivers Wi-Fi 6 speeds up to 3 Gbps (3,000 Mbps).
- Warranty Provided by ARRIS: Product ships with 2-Year Limited Warranty.
- Dedicated Customer Support: Live Chat and Phone Support available 8am -1am EST.
- Compatibility: The SURFboard G36 is compatible with major U.S. cable internet providers including Cox (Gigablast), Spectrum (Internet Gig), Xfinity (Gigabit/Gigabit x2) and others. It's approved for cable internet speed plans up to 2.5 Gbps. Check your Internet Service Provider (ISP) website to confirm compatibility.
- Simple and Secure Set-up: Just plug-in, download the SURFboard Central App, and follow the step-by-step intrstuctions to activate the modem, set-up and customize your Wi-Fi network, and add devices to your home network! Once setup is complete, the app provides real-time monitoring of the devices on your network, enhanced parental controls like setting time limits and pausing internet and much more.
- Modem Technology: DOCSIS 3.1 is the newest technology available from cable internet providers. Its 10x faster than DOCSIS 3.0, provides better security, reduces lag while gaming & enables multi-gig networking (ability to run fast speeds on your copper cable from your internet provider).
- Save Money: Own your modem and save. Reduce your cable bill up to $168 dollars per year in cable modem rental fees (Savings vary by cable service provider). Certified for use with most U.S. cable internet service providers. For a complete list see additional details below.
- A Trusted Name in Home Connectivity: Get high speeds, low latency, and a two-in-one product! With the ARRIS SURFboard G36 Wi-Fi Cable Modem, you will increase your network capability and get ultra-fast streaming and downloading throughout your home. From a trusted brand with over 260 million modems sold and growing.
9
![ASUS ROG Rapture WiFi Gaming Router (GT-AC5300)]()
- AirMesh Supported - Upgrade your firmware to easily connect to other compatible ASUS routers to create a powerful and flexible whole-home Wi-Fi network; 1024-QAM high data rate, 20/40/80 MHz bandwidth
- VPN Fusion enables you to run a VPN and ordinary internet connection simultaneously, effectively maximizing your connection speed to gaming servers (available via firmware update). WAN Connection Type-Internet connection type- Automatic IP, Static IP, PPPoE(MPPE supported), PPTP, L2TP
- Tri-band (dual 5 GHz, single 2.4 GHz) AC5300 wireless router with the latest 802.11ac 4x4 MU-MIMO technology for maximum throughput (5334 Mbps) and coverage (up to 5,000 sq. ft.)
- Game IPS Powered by Trend Micro provides multi-stage protection for your gaming network from external attacks and threats, neutralizing them before they reach your network or devices.Power supply:AC Input : 110V~240V(50~60Hz),DC Output : 19 V with max. 3.42 A current
- 1.8GHz 64bit Quad-Core processor maximizes data throughput from 8-ports and dual USB 3.0 for optimizing network traffic and connectivity speeds 3. VPN Fusion enables you to run a VPN and ordinary internet connection simultaneously, effectively maximizing your connection speed to gaming servers (available via firmware update)
- ROG Game Dashboard gives you access to exclusive features like Game Boost, Game IPS, VPN Fusion, and route-optimized low ping time gaming servers using WTFast Gamers Private Network (GPN) – all to help you optimize your gaming network
- Game Accelerator: Detect and optimize gaming streams, to ensure your gaming stays immersive
- 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
- Expansive Coverage: 8 detachable high-performance antennas, Beamforming, high-power FEM, 4T4R combine to deliver WiFi coverage up to a 4-bedroom house
- TP-Link OneMesh Supported: Flexibly Create Whole Home WiFi with Archer GX90 by adding a OneMesh supported Range Extender, like RE505X
- Powerful Processing: 1.5 GHz Quad-Core CPU ensures your network performance always at peak run
- More Devices with Less Lag: OFDMA and MU-MIMO technology deliver data to multiple devices, simultaneously
Product Images, Product Titles, Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API
What to Look For in a most powerful router?
To buy any product seems easy, but to choose the best one is not straightforward. The time you take to research its outcome is significant. The same matter also comes to most powerful router of 2024 that we include in this article. But you can relax instead of spending too much time learning the products. It’s our duty!
Here are the main features of most powerful router that all of you guys should keep in mind when deciding to make a purchase:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
FAQs
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.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.
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.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.
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.
READ NEXT: The Complete Guide For Best Smartphone Overall Of 2024
About Dan Simmons
