BestReviews is reader-supported and may earn an affiliate commission. Details
This router is ideal for streaming HD content across multiple devices or for fast, lag-free online gaming.
This router is ideal for streaming HD content across multiple devices or for fast, lag-free online gaming.
It supports Wi-Fi 6 speeds up to 2402 Mbps on a 5GHz frequency band and 574 Mbps on a 2.4GHz band. Its processor and capabilities allow users to stream stutter-free 8K/4K videos and enjoy lag-free online gaming. There is integrated support for VPN servers without the need for additional software, and TP-Link HomeShield provides superior security against online attacks.
It's not as robust as dedicated gaming routers, so we can only recommend it for casual gamers.
If you need cutting-edge features for a handful of devices, our expert recommends this model.
If you need cutting-edge features for a handful of devices, our expert recommends this model.
Affordable and supports the latest WiFi standards. Offers a networking speed of about 1,800 Mbps. Can be paired with the ASUS AiMesh WiFi system. Can cover up to 3,000 square feet and up to 30 devices.
ASUS customer support is not amazing.
This smart dual-band WiFi 6 router from Netgear is a solid performer for small to medium homes.
This smart dual-band WiFi 6 router from Netgear is a solid performer for small to medium homes.
Capable of covering around 1,800 square feet and up to 20 devices. Dual-band technology with WiFi 6 for the latest wireless speeds and standards. Features three beamforming antennas and four wireless streams. Reaches up to 1.8 Gbps.
May not be best suited for gaming compared to other affordable routers.
One of the most reliable choices available to easily deploy WiFi 6 in a typical home.
One of the most reliable choices available to easily deploy WiFi 6 in a typical home.
Effectively covers up to 2,500 square feet and up to 50 devices. Supports dual-band connections with speeds up to 1,800 Gbps. Easy setup with the smartphone app. Four adjustable beamforming antennas help maintain reliable speeds.
Won’t get the most speed out of a gigabit connection.
This WiFi router comes from a great brand and is full of extra features.
This WiFi router comes from a great brand and is full of extra features.
Multiple routers can be used together for reliable WiFi throughout the house. It's quick and reliable, so you don't have to waste time on dropped calls. Buyers praise this product for its easy-to-use setup. It also features a security chip and a smart speaker.
This product may not be compatible with all devices, so check before purchasing.
A high-powered gaming router with a handful of premium features.
A solid internet router for casual HD streaming, web surfing, emailing and small file uploads.
An advanced-engineered router for hardcore gaming.
This router supports the latest wireless technologies and is excellent for gaming.
A tri-band mesh WiFi router system for improved coverage across larger spaces.
We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.
There are a lot of different ways to set up WiFi in your home, but the most traditional method is to use a wireless router. Wireless routers, sometimes referred to as WiFi routers, take the internet signal from your cable modem and make it available wirelessly to your other devices — so it’s critical to get one that’s both fast enough for all of your gear and secure enough to keep all of your content safe.
Wireless routers are perfect for homes where they can be placed in a centralized location: most models include multiple antennas to increase their broadcast range. Many models also work with WiFi extenders, so you can add coverage to specific problem areas.
A wireless router is a device that translates the internet signal from a cable modem into a radio frequency signal—aka WiFi. Your wireless router handles all of your WiFi traffic and allows you to configure specific settings like your WiFi password or WiFi network name.
Most internet service providers (ISPs) offer modem/router combo units, but monthly rental fees add up quickly, so you should buy your own cable modem and wireless router as separate devices.
Wireless routers are often described by a wide variety of terms, codes, and protocol names that are easy to confuse.
The Wi-Fi Alliance—a worldwide network of WiFi researchers and manufacturers—ratifies new WiFi standards as they become available. For example, the first mainstream WiFi technology was built based on the 802.11b protocol. Subsequent upgrades like 802.11g, 802.11n, 802.11a, 802.11ac, and the bleeding-edge WiFi 6 protocols have enabled WiFi to be faster and farther-reaching. Each new standard is backward-compatible with the ones that came before it. The bottom line: Most modern devices use the 802.11ac standard, and WiFi 6 adoption will be slow. In most cases, sticking with an 802.11ac wireless router is the best option.
Most modern wireless routers are dual-band, which means they broadcast at both the 2.4GHz and the 5.0GHz frequencies. That’s important because older devices and newer smart home devices will typically only work on the 2.4GHz band, and newer devices can take advantage of the less crowded 5.0GHz band. Some routers market themselves as “tri-band” routers, but that’s a bit of a misnomer; tri-band routers have an additional 5.0GHz broadcast. Tri-band routers are overkill for most people, but they can be helpful if you’re supporting several users and dozens of devices.
Some wireless routers are mesh networking systems, which offer similar features using a different delivery model. With a wireless router, you’re broadcasting your WiFi signal from one piece of hardware. With a mesh networking system, you use multiple nodes placed in different locations to create your WiFi network. Both traditional wireless routers and mesh networking systems can deliver fast WiFi to all of your devices; if you’re not sure which to buy, make the decision based on which approach is best for your home’s layout.
The average wireless router covers about 2,500 square feet. If your home is larger than that, use a range extender or consider a mesh WiFi system.
If you want to connect computers or other devices directly to the router using an ethernet cable, make sure your chosen model has sufficient LAN ports.
Most wireless routers can be configured with a smartphone app. While you’re shopping, compare app store reviews of different companion apps to get a sense of what your experience will be like.
If your router has two external antennae, you'll get the best signal if one is pointed vertically and the other horizontally.
If you’re not sure if you need WiFI 6 or not, check your devices--it’s likely that only your most current gear will be able to take advantage of WiFi 6 speeds.
The cost of a wireless router depends on the features and network standard.
If you want a cheap router and you're not too concerned about speed, an 802.11n wireless router should cost between $20 and $50.
A basic 802.11ac router that will provide fast wireless connection and not much else will cost $40 to $80.
Expect to pay $80 to $150 for a mid-range 802.11ac wireless router, with a few added extras like apps for remote access or Alexa compatibility.
The price of a high-end 802.11ac wireless router is roughly $150 to $350. These models should have a range of extra features, like a boosted signal range, multi-stage protection, game acceleration, and more.
A. There are a number of simple techniques that everyone should do to secure their wireless home network, such as:
A. If your wireless router isn’t reliably emitting the WiFi signal that it should be, there are a few quick fixes to test out:
A. Restarting your router is a common fix for wireless and connectivity issues, but there is a right and a wrong way to do so. Unless you want to turn your device back to its factory settings, do not push the “Reset” button on the back of your wireless router.
To restart your wireless router, simply unplug both your router and modem, and wait at least one minute. Plug in your modem, and wait another minute. Finally, plug your wireless router back in, and wait another minute or two to see if resetting your network connection fixed your problem.
Get emails you’ll love.
Learn about the products you’re wondering if you should buy and get advice on using your latest purchases.