The best way to boost your home network is to add one of the best Wi-Fi routers, which is something you should do given how much time we now spend online. By replacing your outdated router with a brand-new, modern one, you may give the impression that your doorbell camera, smart TV, game consoles, and laptops are all operating much more quickly.
Many of the most recent routers come with easy-to-use parental control software that may help you restrict how much time your children spend online in addition to delivering faster Wi-Fi across your home and built-in network security software.
There is no substitute for the excellent performance of one of the best Wi-Fi routers, whether you're working from home, watching online material, or even playing games.
We rigorously test each and every router we review in order to identify the models that are best suited for a wide range of requirements and use scenarios. By doing this, we can help you in locating a suitable option within your price range.
Our Top Picks
We've done a lot of research on the best Wi-Fi routers, and these are the ones that stand out from the rest. Our top pick of the best reviews, based on features, performance, and ease of use:
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Best Wi-Fi router for gaming: Asus RT-AX86U
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Best performance Wi-Fi Router: Netgear Orbi WiFi 6E (RBKE963)
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Best Wi-Fi Router overall: Netgear Nighthawk AX8 (RAX80)
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Best Wi-Fi 6 gaming router: Asus ROG Rapture GT-AX11000
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Best mesh router with smart speaker: Nest WiFi
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Best value Wi-Fi 6 router: TP-Link Archer AX6000
Detail Reviews Of Top 6 Best Wi-Fi Routers
The best wi-fi routers alleviate consumer problems while also improving the overall user experience. Our suggestions focus on the best solutions that are largely future-proof yet are compatible with more antiquated hardware and software.
1. Asus RT-AX86U
(Best Wi-Fi router for gaming)
Product’s Specifications
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Wi-Fi Spec: Wi-Fi 6/Dual-band
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Ports: 1 WAN/1 Multi-Gig WAN/ 4 LAN gigabit per second, 2 USB 3.0
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Number of Antennas/Removable: 3/Yes
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Peak Throughput: 929.7Mbps
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Size: 9.0 x 6.7 x 3.1 inches
Today’ Best Deal
Reasons to buy
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Impressive performance and throughput.
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Class-leading latency management.
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Multi-gig WAN port.
Reasons to avoid
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Bulky design.
Product Summary
A Wi-Fi 6 powerhouse, the Asus RT-AX86U offers incredible speeds, top-notch gaming features, and fantastic customizability options.
It's a wonderful option for securing your entire home network because it offers high-end performance, lifetime protection from viruses and intrusions, long-term protection without a monthly fee, and a two-year warranty.
Performance, though, is what really makes the Asus RT-AX86U appealing. The RT-AX86U is equal parts general-use router and premium gaming router, with good range and great performance—even through walls and across floors—and a selection of features and ports that are a bargain in comparison to some of the best gaming gear.
The Asus RT-AX86U is your best option if you want a Wi-Fi 6 router for your entire home.
2. Netgear Orbi WiFi 6E (RBKE963)
(Best performance Wi-Fi Router)
Product’s Specifications
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Wi-Fi spec: Wi-Fi 6e/Quad-band
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Ports: 1 WAN/4 LAN (base unit), 4 LAN (satellites)
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Number of antennas/removable: 12/No
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Measured peak throughput: 1.009 Gbps
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Size: 11.1 x 7.5 x 3.0 inches
Today’ Best Deal
Reasons to buy
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Blazing performance.
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Easy to set up and install.
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Superior signal range.
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Multi-gig connectivity.
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6GHz Wi-Fi supported.
Reasons to avoid
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Premium price.
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Lacks USB ports.
Product Summary
One of the world's best mesh Wi-Fi systems, the Orbi WiFi 6E from Netgear (model number RBKE963) is also one of the priciest. However, if you have a large house, a gigabit internet connection from your ISP, and a lot of money to burn, this mesh system is probably for you.
The Orbi WiFi 6E has a 9,000 square foot coverage area. You can reach 12,000 square feet by adding a third satellite. The router's 6-GHz channel generated throughput of more than a gigabit per second at a distance of 15 feet, making it the first mesh router to accomplish so in our tests.
Trial versions of Netgear's Armor security software, which incorporates Bitdefender antivirus and parental controls, are available. After 90 days, tech support is also chargeable. You won't mind if you can afford to pay for this mesh system, though.
3. Netgear Nighthawk AX8 (RAX80)
(Best Wi-Fi Router overall)
Product’s Specifications
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Wi-Fi Spec: Wi-Fi 6/Dual-band
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Ports: 1 WAN/5 LAN gigabit per second, 2 USB 3.0
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Number of Antennas/Removable: 8/Yes
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Peak Throughput: 1.389 Gbps
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Size: 12.0 x 8.0 x 6.3 inches
Today’ Best Deal
Reasons to buy
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Outstanding performance.
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Easy to install.
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Excellent file transfer and throughput at 5GHz.
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Numerous configuration options.
Reasons to avoid
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No anti-malware tools.
Product Summary
The Netgear Nighthawk AX8 (RAX80) Wi-Fi 6 router combines improved security with outstanding performance. Integrating malware protection, performance that breaks the gigabit per second barrier, and Disney's Circle program for limiting inappropriate content and controlling family network usage.
The Nighthawk AX8 will function just as well in the real world as it does in the lab because of its great performance through walls and floors.
Even though the RAX80 is pricey, like the majority of the best Wi-Fi 6 routers, it was simple for us to set up and allows for precise router configuration.
If you don't want to sacrifice on speed and security, the Netgear Nighthawk AX8 (RAX80) is the Wi-Fi-6 router to get.
4. Asus ROG Rapture GT-AX11000
(Best Wi-Fi 6 gaming router)
Product’s Specifications
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Wi-Fi Spec: 802.11ac/Tri-Band
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Ports: 1 WAN, 4 1-Gbps LAN, 1 2.5-Gbps LAN, 2 USB 3.0
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Number of Antennas/Removable: 8/Yes
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Peak Throughput: 731.4 Mbps
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Size: 9.4 x 9.4 x 2.8 inches
Today’ Best Deal
Reasons to buy
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First Wi-Fi 6 (802.11AX).
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Tri-band router.
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Performance improves with range.
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High-end hardware specs.
Reasons to avoid
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Only five Ethernet ports.
Product Summary
The Asus ROG Rapture GT-AX11000, the first gaming router we tested with Wi-Fi 6, is a gamer's dream with speed that improves over greater range, low latency, and all the features that gamers expect. In the end, the majority of other gaming routers fall short.
You can also combine it with additional Asus routers for mesh networking to cover a larger home. Built-in customization and gaming-focused optimizations give you lots of flexibility. Although it is pricey at $450, one of the best gaming routers for players looking to gain an advantage online.
5. Nest WiFi
(Best mesh router with smart speaker)
Product’s Specifications
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Wi-Fi Spec: 802.11ac/dual band
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Ports: Two 1-Gbps LAN
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Number of Antennas/Removable: 4/No
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Peak Throughput: 653.2 Mbps
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Size: 4.3 x 4.3 x 3.6 inches
Today’ Best Deal
Reasons to buy
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Excellent performance.
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Easy to install.
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Built-in Google Assistant.
Reasons to avoid
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Limited range.
Product Summary
The Google Nest Wi-Fi gives you whole-home connectivity and the advantages of Google Assistant, no matter where you are in your home. It combines an amazing mesh Wi-Fi router with a smart home speaker.
We appreciated that each satellite was small and unobtrusive so it wouldn't seem out of place on a bookshelf, even if the Nest Wi-highest Fi's performance in our tests was 653.2 Mbps, which isn't the best among mesh routers. Overall, this affordable little mesh Wi-Fi system is excellent.
6. TP-Link Archer AX6000
(Best value Wi-Fi 6 router)
Product’s Specifications
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Wi-Fi Spec: Wi-Fi 6/Dual-band
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Ports: 1 WAN/8 LAN gigabit per second, USB 3, USB C
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Number of Antennas/Removable: 8/Yes
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Peak Throughput: 884.4Mbps
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Size: 10.3 x 10.3 x 2.4 inches
Today’ Best Deal
Reasons to buy
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Affordable Wi-Fi 6 option.
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8 LAN ports.
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Ease of setup and interface.
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Link Aggregation supported.
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Built-in extra security.
Reasons to avoid
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Dual-band only.
Product Summary
The TP-Link Archer AX6000 router is one of the most affordable Wi-Fi 6 routers on the market, despite the fact that Wi-Fi 6 routers aren't exactly inexpensive. Even if it performs and has a shorter range than rival Wi-Fi 6 models, it nevertheless supports Wi-Fi 6 speeds. Consider the Archer AX6000 as the reasonably priced router for Wi-Fi 6 devices from the first generation.
The Archer AX6000 router from TP-Link is the industry standard for Wi-Fi 6 routers that are equally effective with wired devices as they are with wireless ones. It has eight wired networking ports and the ability to connect two of them together to generate a 2Gbps stream of data. The Archer AX6000 stands out as one of the best routers available at an unbeatable price by including router-based security.
FAQs
What distinguishes a mesh Wi-Fi network from a traditional router?
Your broadband/fiber connections are served by a single access point provided by traditional Wi-Fi routers. However, if too many connections are established at once, this may result in bottlenecks and have an effect on how reliable a connection is.
When the number of connections is manageable, traditional routers frequently provide better power and speed compared to mesh, but mesh gives more access points and more extensive, all-encompassing coverage.
Because of this, wired and traditional routers are frequently preferable for gaming and streaming, although mesh is a good choice when there are many users and connections in a home.
Is it worthwhile to upgrade from Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) to Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)?
Yes, if you are ready to pay up front for a better connection. An update to Wi-Fi 6 allows you access to more streams and perhaps speedier services in an era where smartphones, IoT devices, and streaming services rule the world.
Where should my Wi-Fi router be placed?
You should install your Wi-Fi router in a somewhat central area of your home for the best range and coverage. In addition to providing improved coverage, a central location minimizes the amount of walls and other obstructions that the Wi-Fi signal must pass through.
Avoid installing your router in the kitchen or your home theater since their signals could interfere with one another. You'll also want to avoid placing it next to other equipment.
Final Thought
The best Wi-Fi routers offer top-notch performance and ease of use, plus advanced security features. You’ll need a router to connect all your devices to the Internet at home and in the office, and today’s consumer electronics devices are more mobile than ever.
In conclusion, when searching for the best router, look at these factors: speed, stability, reliability, features, and price. Look at reviews and customer reviews for each item to find the best value. For most of us, the best router we ever bought was the one we got for free.
