The Most Reliable Routers For 2024
The Rundown
1. Best Overall: Amazon eero mesh WiFi router
The eero mesh WiFi router brings up to 1,500 sq. ft. of fast and reliable WiFi to your home. With our cross-compatible hardware, you can add eero products as your needs change. The eero mesh WiFi router works with Alexa and is easy to expand to fit your needs while still providing seamless network access across devices. Read Review
2. Runner Up: TP-Link AX1800 WiFi 6 Router (Archer AX21)
The Archer AX21 is a WiFi 6 Router that offers the best in performance, features and design for an easy-to-use Internet router. With Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) technology, this dual-band WiFi 6 router delivers faster speeds, greater capacity, and reduced network congestion than prior-generation models. Dual 1.8 Gbps speed bands offer smoother streaming & gaming experiences with less lag/load times. Read Review
3. Best Capacity: Speedefy AC2100 Smart WiFi Router - Dual Band Gigabit Wireless Router
Speedefy AC2100 Smart WiFi Router - Dual Band Gigabit Wireless Router is a Wi-Fi router with powerful and advanced features. It has a dual-core CPU that provides high speed web browsing, video streaming and gaming, cutting-edge 7*6dBi external Antennas, 4*4 MU-MIMO, and One-Stop installation in 5 mins. The app or web interface management also brings more convenience for preference setting. Read Review
4. Best Easy Setup: Amazon eero 6 dual-band mesh Wi-Fi 6 router
Eero is the best Wi-Fi system you'll ever own. The six-pack of powerful, connected and intelligent WiFi routers provides whole-home Wi-Fi coverage and instant speed, seamlessly and automatically to all your devices. Eero's advanced tech makes it easy to setup in minutes with a simple app that walks you through setup and helps monitor your network from anywhere. Plus, free customer support is available 7 days a week! Read Review
In today’s world, it’s essential to have a reliable router if you plan to set up a home network. That being said, not all routers are created equal. Depending on what you want from your home network and the number of devices it can support, there are several factors that will help you narrow down the field of potential routers.
With that in mind, we’ve compiled several points that will help you choose the best router for your needs. Read on to learn more about what makes a reliable router tick and which routers made the cut as our top picks.
However, after investing in 18 hours, we've come up with a name that's worthy of your requirement: Amazon eero mesh WiFi router. If you desire extra features not included in this model, you might look into another one, TP-Link AX1800 WiFi 6 Router (Archer AX21). It could better suit your needs.
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
- 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.
- SET UP IN MINUTES - The eero app guides you through setup and allows you to manage your network from anywhere.
- WORKS WITH YOUR INTERENT SERVICE PROVIDER- eero replaces your wifi router and works with most major internet service providers.
- FAST STANDALONE ROUTER - The eero mesh WiFi router brings up to 1,500 sq. ft. of fast, reliable WiFi to your home.
- 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.
- DON'T LET WIFI SLOW YOU DOWN- Get the most from your WiFi by streaming, gaming, and working from anywhere across your home.
- EASILY EXPAND YOUR SYSTEM - With cross-compatible hardware, you can add eero products as your needs change.
TOP Choice #2
![TP-Link AX1800 WiFi 6 Router (Archer AX21)]()
- Certified for Humans: Smart home made easy for non-experts. Setup with Alexa is simple
- 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
- 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
- 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)
- 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
- 【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.
- 【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.
- 【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.
- Say goodbye to dead spots and buffering - Our TrueMesh technology intelligently routes traffic to reduce drop-offs so you can confidently stream 4K video, game, and video conference.
- More wifi for more devices - Wi-Fi 6 supports faster wifi than prior standards and permits 75+ connected devices.
- Built-in Zigbee smart home hub - eero 6 connects compatible devices on your network with Alexa—so there’s no need to buy separate smart home hubs for each device.
- Whole-home Wi-Fi 6 coverage - eero covers up to 1,500 sq. ft. with wifi and supports wifi speeds up to 900 Mbps.
- Easily expand your system - With cross-compatible hardware, you can easily add eero products as your needs change.
- Set up in minutes - The eero app walk you through setup and allows you to manage your network from anywhere. Plus, free customer support is available 7 days a week.
- Gets better over time - Automatic updates bring the latest and greatest in eero wifi while also helping to keep your network safe and secure.
- 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)
- MU-MIMO Gigabit Router, 3 simultaneous data streams help your devices achieve optimal performance by making communication more efficient
- Wave 2 Wireless Internet Router, 600 Mbps on the 2.4GHz band and 1300 Mbps on the 5GHz band
- Parental Controls: Block inappropriate content and set daily limits for how much time your children spend online with parental controls
- Full Gigabit Ports: Create fast, reliable wired connections for your PCs, Smart TVs and gaming console with 4 x Gigabit LAN and 1 x Gigabit WAN. No USB Port
- OneMesh Compatible Router- Form a seamless WiFi when work with TP-Link OneMesh WiFi Extenders
- Boosted WiFi Coverage, Beamforming technology delivers a highly efficient wireless connection, long range WiFi
6
![ARRIS Surfboard G36 DOCSIS Cable Modem & AX3000 Wi-Fi Router]()
- Dedicated Customer Support: Live Chat and Phone Support available 8am -1am EST.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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).
7
![Introducing Amazon eero 6+ dual-band mesh Wi-Fi 6 router]()
- Experience the eero TrueMesh difference - eero’s patented TrueMesh technology intelligently routes traffic to reduce drop-offs and dead spots.
- 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.
- Wi-Fi 6 gets a boost - eero 6+ supports additional wifi bandwidth on the 160 MHz radio channel (that’s just wifi talk for faster connectivity). With the eero 6+, you’ll get enough wifi for the whole family to work, stream, and video chat—all at the same time.
- Easily expand your system - With cross-compatible hardware, you can easily add eero products as your needs change.
- Set up in minutes - The eero app guides you through setup and allows you to manage your network from anywhere.
- A gigabit speed router, for less - Supports wifi speeds up to a gigabit, without the premium price tag. eero 6+ is our most affordable gigabit router ever.
- Built-in smart home hub - eero 6+ contains a smart home hub to connect compatible Thread and Zigbee devices on your network with Alexa, replacing the need to buy separate hubs.
8
![TP-Link AX6600 WiFi 6 Gaming Router (Archer GX90)]()
- TP-Link OneMesh Supported: Flexibly Create Whole Home WiFi with Archer GX90 by adding a OneMesh supported Range Extender, like RE505X
- 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
- More Devices with Less Lag: OFDMA and MU-MIMO technology deliver data to multiple devices, simultaneously
- Powerful Processing: 1.5 GHz Quad-Core CPU ensures your network performance always at peak run
- 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 Accelerator: Detect and optimize gaming streams, to ensure your gaming stays immersive
- 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)
9
![D-Link WiFi 6 Router AX5400 MU-MIMO Voice Control Compatible]()
- Made for the Smart Home: Better performance in device-dense environments. Up to 6 simultaneous streams deliver data to more devices with less latency.
- Unprecedented Efficiency: Higher throughput, more efficient transmission. Target Wake Time (TWT) helps reduce battery consumption for smart home devices.
- Up to 6 Simultaneous Streams: Stream 4K content, game, and video chat to more devices at the same time without interruption.
- OFDMA: Combines multiple small packets into a single packet, so multiple devices can receive data simultaneously.
- D-Link Wi-Fi Mesh Technology: Mix-and-match with D-Link Wi-Fi Mesh-enabled extenders to create a seamless mesh network that covers every corner of your home.
- Next-Gen Speed and Range: Combined speeds up to 5.4 Gbps. Get 5GHz band speeds up to 90% faster than the equivalent 2.4 GHz 11 each and up to 176% faster than the equivalent 5 GHz 11 Ac, for better 4K streaming, gaming and downloading.
- Connectivity technology: Ethernet
- Exceptional Capacity: Connect more devices at faster speeds. Up to 4x greater capacity than 11 Ac, so more devices can connect at once.
10
![Gryphon AX – Ultra-Fast Mesh WiFi 6 Parental Control Router 2-Pack]()
- PROTECT YOUR CONNECTED HOME – Experience safe, reliable Internet for your family or small business with Gryphon AX—the all-in-one Mesh WiFi 6 Router, engineered to deliver fast, efficient coverage, enhanced security, and advanced parental controls without any data bottlenecks
- NEXT-GENERATION FIREWALL – Protect every device in your home with this WiFi 6 router’s modern malware and ransomware protection, 24/7 intelligent intrusion detection to guard against hackers, and automatic protection from phishing scams (3)
- POWERFUL MESH WIFI 6 – AX4300 technology provides impressive coverage and lightning-fast speeds, no matter how many users and connected devices are added to your network, as simultaneous tri-band radios and 4x4 MU-MIMO deliver up to 3,000 sq. ft. of coverage off a single Gryphon mesh 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)
- ADVANCED 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 comprehensive insights so you can better monitor your kids’ screen time (4)
Product Images, Product Titles, Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API
What to Look For in a most reliable routers?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
FAQs
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.
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.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.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.
Conclusion
So, what's the easiest approach to get the most reliable routers you need quickly? You may use what we know about cognitive neuroscience concepts in your marketing approach.
When choosing the ideal product, you must have a clear idea of what you want in terms of price, quality, and function. If you don’t like any model in this list, then the Reyee Whole Home Mesh WiFi System, AX3200 Smart WiFi 6 Router R6 will be your new buddy.
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