The best wi fi router: The 3 Best Wi-Fi Routers of 2023

The 4 Best Gaming Routers of 2023

In this article:

• Best gaming routers​
• All the routers we tested​
• How we test gaming routers​

If you don’t have a good internet connection, are you even gaming? The importance of a high-quality gaming router can not be overstated. It’s a vital part of any setup, especially for those looking to get in on some of the best multiplayer games and stream on Twitch or YouTube. So while you’re investing in the newest gaming console or a great computer, keyboard and mouse, be sure to check out this list for the best gaming routers available.

If you’re plagued by persistent lag while carrying out critical split-second decisions that make the difference between victory and defeat, a sluggish internet connection could be to blame. Some gamers hard-wire their devices via an Ethernet cable to fight lag, but others refuse to be tethered by a cord. If that’s the case for you, then you might be thinking about upgrading your wireless router.

Before buying any routers for gaming, I’d recommend reading my beginner’s guide to gaming lag to see if there’s anything else you can do to help bring down your ping. In many cases, it could be as easy as moving your wireless router to a different spot or adjusting the angle of a standard router’s antennas. But if you’ve tried all that, and your gaming connection still needs an upgrade, you’re reading the right roundup.

Locating local internet providers

There are plenty of gaming routers out there that promise to boost your gaming performance, but which are truly the best gaming routers? Is it worth splurging on a wireless gaming router that supports the speedy new Wi-Fi 6 standard? That’s what I wanted to know, so I started testing the things out, on a personal quest to find the fastest router to boost my internet connection. This buyer’s guide — which I’ll update periodically — encompasses everything I’ve found so far, starting with the models I think you should zero in on first in your hunt for the best gaming router.

Read more: Best Internet Providers for Gaming

Locating local internet providers

Best gaming routers

All the routers we tested

Along with seeing how today’s gaming routers stacked up against one another, I wanted to get a sense of how they compared with the sort of standard routers that you might be tempted to upgrade from. Given that a few of these gaming routers use next-gen Wi-Fi 6 technology, I made sure to test a few other Wi-Fi 6 routers, too.

All told, that left us with more than a dozen routers to test. Here’s the full list (prices as of Oct. 4, 2022):

• TP-Link Archer A9 AC1900: $70
• D-Link DIR-867 AC1750: $89
• D-Link EXO AC2600: $50
• Linksys EA8300 AC2200: $139
• Asus RT-AC86U: $114
• Asus ROG Rapture GT-AC2900: $119
• TP-Link Archer C5400X: $198
• TP-Link Archer C3150: $138
• Netgear Nighthawk Pro Gaming XR500: $250
• Asus RT-AX86U: $250
• TP-Link Archer AX6000: $200
• Amplifi HD Gamer’s Edition: $380
• Asus ROG Rapture GT-AX11000: $329
• Netgear Nighthawk AX12: $229
• Zyxel Armor Z2 AC2600: $25

How we test gaming routers

Testing routers is a tricky business. Wi-Fi connections are finicky, with lots of variables and key features that will affect your speeds. We do our best to account for those variables in our tests, but some factors are beyond our control — and beyond your router’s control, too.

For instance, your home’s specific internet service provider connection is like a speed limit for your router. If you’re paying for speeds of up to, say, 50 megabits per second, then your router won’t transmit data from the cloud any faster than that. The average ISP download speed in the US is somewhere around 100Mbps, while those living in areas with access to fiber connections might enjoy speeds of 200, 500 or — if they’re really lucky — even 1,000Mbps.

That raises an obvious question: How do you test the top speed of a router like that TP-Link AX6000, which promises Wi-Fi 6 data transfer rates well above 1,000Mbps?

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Wi-Fi 6 routers like the TP-Link Archer AX6000, the Asus ROG Rapture AX11000 and the Netgear Nighthawk AX6000 model seen here were all able to hit top speeds well above 1Gbps (1,000Mbps).

Ry Crist/CNET

Top speed tests

Our approach bypasses the ISP entirely. Instead of using a modem to pull data from the cloud, we pull data from a local server using a wired connection. Our local server of choice is a MacBook Pro. We connect it to the router using a CAT 7 Ethernet cable to keep interference as low as possible, plus we use an adapter to connect to the MacBook’s Thunderbolt 3 port, since it supports data transfer speeds that are plenty fast for our purposes.

From there, we take a second laptop and connect to the router’s wireless network; then we clock the speeds as we download the data that the router is fetching from the MacBook via that wired connection. We run this test several times on each router’s 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands, and at various distances. In the end, we get a great look at how quickly each router is able to transmit data to a connected device like your phone, gaming PC, gaming laptop or gaming console of choice.

Yes, you’ll see much faster speeds if you connect that gaming console directly to the router via Ethernet cable. We tested those wired speeds too and didn’t see any noticeable difference between any of the routers we measured. Each came within a megabit or two of 940Mbps, which is what you’d expect from a Gigabit Ethernet connection.

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Ry Crist/CNET

As for wireless speeds, the graph above shows the top speeds for each router on both the 2.4GHz band (blue) and the faster 5GHz band (red) at distances of 5, 37.5 and 75 feet. 

Here’s what jumps out at me from these results. First, it’s easy to spot the three Wi-Fi 6 routers we tested up at the top — they clocked top speeds on the 5GHz band that were much, much faster than any other router we tested. Bear in mind that we’re running these speed tests on a laptop that supports Wi-Fi 6! If we weren’t, those bars would likely be a lot shorter.

The fastest among them was the TP-Link Archer AX6000, which we measured an average speed of 1,523Mbps on the 5GHz band at a distance of 5 feet. When we increased the distance to 75 feet, the average speed fell to 868Mbps, which is still a faster speed than any of the Wi-Fi 5 routers we tested were able to reach at all, even up close.

I should note that those Wi-Fi 6 routers didn’t blow the competition away on the 2.4GHz band (again, blue). In fact, the router with the fastest average speeds across all distances on the 2.4GHz band was actually the Netgear Nighthawk Pro Gaming XR500, which doesn’t support Wi-Fi 6 at all. Right behind it, the D-Link DIR-867, which also holds the distinction of being the cheapest router we tested for this roundup. That, coupled with the fact that it includes a Quality of Service engine that can prioritize gaming traffic, is what made it an easy value pick among this field.

That Netgear model was also the fastest Wi-Fi 5 router on the 5GHz band, which tells us that it’s a pretty capable piece of hardware. Meanwhile, our top overall pick, the Asus RT-AC86U, was right behind it with the second-fastest Wi-Fi 5 speed on the 5GHz band, though its speed dipped a bit at medium range. The aforementioned DIR-867 and the Zyxel Armor Z2 each scored well in this speed test, too.

One last note: We don’t have full access to our test lab this year as a result of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, so we haven’t been able to run this same test with some of the newer models we’ve reviewed. Once we’re able to test everything in a controlled setting once more, we’ll update this section with fresh data.

Real-world speeds

Measuring top speeds in a controlled test environment gives us a clear look at what these routers are technically capable of, but you won’t see speeds that fast in your home. Remember, your router can only pull data from the cloud as fast as your ISP speed allows and signal strength will vary from home to home based on the layout and the amount of obstructions in the way.

To account for this, we ran a second batch of tests. This time, I tested each router in my own home, a smallish shotgun-style house of about 1,200 square feet where I have AT&T fiber internet speeds of up to 300Mbps. I ran my speed tests on a Dell XPS 13 laptop that’s a few years old and doesn’t support Wi-Fi 6. The goal was to get a good look at the types of speeds most people would experience if they brought one of these routers into their home.

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Amplifi’s app lets you choose between Latency and Throughput modes depending on your needs, and it includes helpful features like signal strength indicators for the plug-in extenders.

Screenshots by Ry Crist/CNET

To gather my data, I ran an abundance of speed tests from five different locations in my home, ranging from the living room where the router lives to a back bathroom on the opposite end of the house. Throughout all of my tests, I always kept a TV streaming live video from PlayStation Vue (RIP) to simulate normal household network traffic in a controlled fashion (and also so my very patient roommate could at least watch TV while politely staying off the Wi-Fi during my tests). 

After running multiple speed tests from each of those locations, I averaged everything together. ISP speeds can fluctuate throughout the day, so to help account for this as best as I could, I’d run this whole process again with each router at a later time. Then, I’d average that data with the first batch of tests.

Fourteen routers, five locations in my home, three tests per location, two rounds of tests (at minimum). When you add in the additional tests I ran to double-check a result or measure the impact of specific features, it amounts to roughly 1,000 speed tests and counting.

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Ry Crist/CNET

Those averages proved telling. The top finisher on the 5GHz band turned out to be the Netgear Nighthawk Pro Gaming XR500, which averaged more than 250Mbps across all of my speed tests, including ones in the back of my house where the signal strength is typically poor. The Amplifi HD Gamer’s Edition, which uses plug-in mesh extenders to help relay the signal around the house, was the runner-up — it was one of the worst performers when we measured top speeds, but unless you have a blazing-fast internet connection of 500Mbps or faster, you won’t notice that at all.

As for our top pick, the Asus RT-AX86U, it finished with an overall average download speed of 218Mbps, which is a strong finish and stronger still when you add in the exceptional lag performance.

Meanwhile, it was the bargain-priced D-Link DIR-867 that, once again, led the way on the 2.4GHz band. With an average speed of 85.9Mbps throughout my place, it was the top finisher, but I’d note that speeds dropped considerably at range. In that back bathroom I mentioned, it averaged a download speed of 32.3Mbps, which is about 62% slower than the overall average, and a bigger drop-off than I saw from just about every other router I tested. That tells me that the DIR-867 would work best in small homes like mine — anything bigger, and you’ll want something with better range.

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The Asus RT-AX86U features a stylish design and lots of helpful features for gaming, including a Quality of Service engine and a mobile boost mode for gaming on your phone.

Screenshots by Ry Crist/CNET

Despite the complete lack of Wi-Fi 6 client devices in my home, the Wi-Fi 6-equipped TP-Link Archer AX6000 was another standout in my tests, with strong average speeds on both the 5GHz and 2.4GHz bands and excellent range from room to room. It saw the smallest dip in speeds in that back bathroom on the 2.4GHz band, and was a top-five finisher by that metric on the 5GHz band, too. 

I can’t say the same for the Netgear Nighthawk AX12 or the Asus ROG Rapture GT-AX11000, though. Despite high top speeds in our first round of tests at the lab, neither of those Wi-Fi 6 routers tested well in my home. In fact, they were the two bottom finishers in terms of average overall download speeds on the 5GHz band. Both currently cost around $400 — for my money, the TP-Link Archer AX6000, which you can currently get for $210, is a much better upgrade pick for anyone who’s ready to jump in with Wi-Fi 6. And if you just want the gaming-centric features from the Asus ROG lineup, you’ve got other options that cost less, like the GT-AC2900.

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Ry Crist/CNET

Latency

One last point — my glut of at-home speed tests allowed me to take a look at latency, too. As I said before, there’s only so much your router can do to bring lag down, especially if you’re connecting to a busy server that’s thousands of miles away. Still, a good gaming router should help minimize those occasional latency spikes that can be a real killer when they hit your network at a critical moment during an online match.

With that in mind, I made sure to run each of my dozens and dozens of speed tests connecting each router to the same server located a few hundred miles away and I logged the ping to that server each and every time. In most cases, that ping would come in at around 15ms or so, but I also saw plenty of spikes that were a lot higher than that.

Each of these graphs shows you how much lag I recorded across 90 speed tests for a single router. Routers that keep the colored line closer to the center of the graph are better — and the Asus RT-AX86U (purple) is the best I’ve ever tested.

Ry Crist/CNET

The worst offender was the Linksys EA8300, which returned average latencies of 37.5ms on the 2.4GHz band and 35.4ms on the 5GHz — dead last on both fronts. The TP-Link Archer A9 AC1900 struggled on the 2.4GHz band, too, with an average latency of 34.8, though it did manage to do a little better on the 5GHz band, with an average ping just below 20ms.

Read more: Best Game Subscription Services: How to Choose

The best of the bunch? That’d be our top pick, the Asus RT-AX86U. Across 90 speed tests at my home, it didn’t see a single spike above 20ms, which is truly outstanding.

One last point on latency. Most of these gaming routers and others like them will do things like route your gaming traffic to the nearest possible server, or keep you from joining public rooms with especially laggy competitors. Features like those can help prevent common latency pitfalls, but they won’t do much of anything on their own to improve your latency across the board.

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The Asus ROG Rapture GT-AXE11000 is a high-end gaming router that supports Wi-Fi 6E. That means it’ll be able to operate on the newly opened 6GHz band.

Tyler Lizenby/CNET

What to watch for

We’ll be sure to continue testing new gaming routers in the months ahead, but beyond that, we started to see the very first routers that support Wi-Fi 6E at the end of 2020. Routers like those will add in access to the newly opened 6GHz band, which they get to use as sort of an extra-wide private highway for Wi-Fi 6 traffic. Asus was first to announce a Wi-Fi 6E router, and sure enough, it’s a high-end gaming router. 

We’ll continue testing what’s out there, along with budget-priced routers, mesh routers and other high-end, next-gen modern routers of note. Expect regular updates to this post whenever we test new hardware that might be a good fit for gamers and let us know in the comments if there are any specific models or features you’d like us to take a closer look at.

Watch this: Asus debuts world’s first Wi-Fi 6e router

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The Best Wi-Fi 6 Routers for 2023

With home offices becoming much more important for the majority of office workers, it’s well worth the effort to take a close look at the heart of your home network, namely your router. What also makes this an especially good time to go router hunting is the Wi-Fi 6 standard, which finally has compatible routers showing up in real numbers. If your current router is more than three years old and you’re looking for both a speed and security boost over what you’ve got running today, the Wi-Fi 6 standard has you covered.

If you’re wondering what kind of router you’ve got now, it’s probably compatible with the still-viable Wi-Fi 5 standard. Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) has been the leading wireless networking standard since it first appeared on the scene in 2013. Its ability to deliver multi-band connectivity with theoretical throughput speeds of up to 5.4 gigabits per second (Gbps) have kept it dominant for more than half a decade. Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) ushers in a new era of wireless networking, boasting theoretical speeds of up to 9.6Gbps. However, there’s a lot more to Wi-Fi 6 than speedy throughput. More client capacity, enhanced battery life for client devices, better security, and increased efficiency are also on the benefits list, and these routers are now available in a variety of configurations with prices starting as low as $70 for budget router models, though climbing past $600 for top-of-the-line devices.

That’s a rather large swing price-wise, so before choosing a Wi-Fi 6 router try not to think about money as the primary differentiator and instead think about why you want to upgrade to Wi-Fi 6. (Our handy guide can help. ) Once you know it’s the right move, start by calculating the size of your coverage area and the number of clients that will be connecting to the network. In addition to PCs, tablets, gaming consoles, and phones, be sure to consider the ever-growing list of connected smart home devices, such as cameras, doorbells, locks, and smart TVs to name a few.

As you would expect, the wireless routers with more I/O ports, robust management tools, and blazing throughput potential tend to be the most expensive ones. But once you’ve figured out who and what you’ll be connecting to your network, you’ll know if you really need one of these high-priced devices, or if a less-expensive model will do. In this guide, we first offer up our latest top picks for Wi-Fi 6 routers, and then tell you what you need to know to make an informed decision when buying a new Wi-Fi 6 router.

Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks

TP-Link Archer AXE75

Best Wi-Fi 6 Router Overall

4.0 Excellent

Why We Picked It

The Archer AXE75 is not only an excellent Wi-Fi 6 router, but it also adds support for 6GHz transmissions known as Wi-Fi 6E, making it one of the most cutting-edge, too. Being able to future-proof your network for under $200 is a winner in our book. The Archer AXE75 is a pioneer in bringing 6E down as low as we’ve seen it in price. The perk: Enjoy the lack of in-air competition while you can, as the 6GHz radio band should remain uncrowded for a bit, until wider Wi-Fi 6E adoption takes hold. Beyond the price, the AXE75 a solid performer. All you need is to start collecting 6E-compliant client devices to leverage this bargain router to the max.

Who It’s For

Anyone thinking about hopping aboard the 6GHz Wi-Fi train but unwilling to spend a bundle, your engine has arrived. Parents will also be pleased to learn that the AXE75 includes access to HomeShield Basic, TP-Link’s strong parental controls and basic network security tools. You can block internet access for individual users, apply age-based filtering, and see how long a user has been online. (Opting for a monthly or annual paid plan can give you even more control.)

PROS

• Easy to install
• Reasonably priced
• 6GHz transmissions
• Solid throughput performance
• Includes HomeShield software
• Mesh ready

CONS

• Middling file transfer performance
• No multi-gig ports
• Some features require a subscription

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TP-Link Archer AXE75 Review

Reyee RG-E5 Wi-Fi 6 Router

Best Budget Wi-Fi 6 Router

4. 0 Excellent

Why We Picked It

The Reyee RG-E5 delivered the best 5GHz throughput performance we’ve seen from a midrange Wi-Fi 6 router, and it did a fine job of bringing strong Wi-Fi signals to all corners of our test home. It doesn’t support 160MHz channel bandwidth or WPA3 encryption and it lacks multi-gig WAN and USB ports, but those features are typically found on more expensive routers.

Who It’s For

If you don’t have the budget—or the need—for features like high-speed I/O ports and 160MHz channels, the Reyee RG-E5 could be the Wi-Fi 6 router of your dreams. It offers impressive performance for a midrange router and comes with basic parental controls, as well as a smart home feature that creates a separate 2.4GHz SSID that can be used exclusively by smart devices such as thermostats, door locks, and cameras.

PROS

• Reasonably priced
• Easy to install
• Excellent throughput performance
• Strong signal performance

CONS

• No USB ports
• Lacks multi-gig WAN/LAN
• Does not support WPA3
• Lacks 160MHz channel bandwidth

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Reyee RG-E5 Wi-Fi 6 Router Review

TP-Link Archer AX10 (AX1500) Wi-Fi 6 Router

A Solid Alternative to the Reyee RG-E5

3. 5 Good

Why We Picked It

At $79.99, the TP-Link Archer AX10 is the most affordable Wi-Fi 6 router we’ve tested. There are certainly faster routers out there, though their extra performance comes at a premium and the AX10 delivered decent scores in our throughput testing. You don’t get exceptional signal range from this router, let alone luxuries like multi-gig Ethernet ports and support for 160MHz transmissions, but at this price it’s hard to complain.

Who It’s For

That would be anyone who lives in a small home or apartment and is looking to update their network with inexpensive Wi-Fi 6 tech. It may lack high-end components, but the Archer AX10 gets you into the Wi-Fi 6 game at an unbeatable price while providing basic basic parental controls and QoS settings. You’ll get much better throughput if you can afford to spend a bit more for the Reyee RG-E5, but the AX10 is nothing to be ashamed of.

PROS

• Affordable
• Good 5GHz throughput and signal range in testing

CONS

• Doesn’t support 160MHz channel width
• No anti-malware tools
• Lacks USB and multi-gig LAN ports
• So-so 2. 4GHz performance in testing

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TP-Link Archer AX10 (AX1500) Wi-Fi 6 Router Review

TP-Link Archer AX11000 Next-Gen Tri-Band Gaming Router

Best Wi-Fi 6 Gaming Router (Tri-Band)

4.5 Outstanding

Why We Picked It

At just under $400, the Archer AX11000 isn’t what you would call a bargain router, but it’s a stellar performer that’s chock-full of features. This massive router gives you eight 1GbE LAN ports, a 2.5GbE WAN port, a USB-C port, and support for link aggregation. It delivered blazing throughput and file-transfer performance in testing and comes with free parental controls and malware protection.

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Who It’s For

Hardcore gamers who don’t mind paying a premium for a tri-band Wi-Fi 6 router with killer components and killer performance should look no further than the Archer AX11000. Its gaming dashboard lets you manage bandwidth allocation, view real-time data rates and resource usage, and check internet upload and download speeds. There’s also a Game Accelerator option that helps reduce latency and speed up online gaming performance.

PROS

• Easy to install
• Lots of gamer-friendly settings
• Numerous ports
• Multi-gig WAN. Link aggregation
• Lifetime malware protection
• Solid parental controls

CONS

• Expensive
• Bulky

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TP-Link Archer AX11000 Next-Gen Tri-Band Gaming Router Review

Asus ROG Rapture GT-AX6000

Best Wi-Fi 6 Gaming Router (Dual-Band)

4.5 Outstanding

Why We Picked It

Excellent throughput and signal range performance, high-end hardware, and a wealth of cool gaming features earned Asus’ ROG Rapture GT-AX6000 an Editors’ Choice award among premium gaming routers. You don’t get eight LAN ports as you do with the TP-Link Archer AX11000, but you get dual 2.5GbE LAN/WAN ports and four 1GbE LAN ports with support for link aggregation. You can also dedicate one of the LAN ports for gaming purposes and give it bandwidth priority.

Who It’s For

The Rapture is an excellent choice for players who crave a Wi-Fi 6 router that will elevate their online gaming prowess. It’s far from cheap at just under $400, but its superb performance, game-enhancing settings, and lifetime parental control and network security tools make it money well spent. Choosing between it and the AX11000 comes down to whether you’re willing to sacrifice one of the Rapture’s multi-gig ports for four additional 1GbE LAN ports.

PROS

• Excellent performance
• Easy to install and manage
• Multi-gig connectivity
• Lots of gamer-friendly settings
• Free network security and parental control software

CONS

• Expensive
• Wi-Fi 6, not 6E

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Asus ROG Rapture GT-AX6000 Review

Asus ROG Rapture GT-AX11000 Pro

Best Wi-Fi 6 Router for Multi-Gig Wired Connections

4. 5 Outstanding

Why We Picked It

The Asus ROG Rapture GT-AX11000 Pro offers some of the most advanced features we’ve seen in a desktop router. As a tri-band AX11000 router, it can hit maximum speeds of up to 1,148Mbps on the 2.4GHz band and up to 4,804Mbps on each of the two 5GHz bands. But the real stars of the show are the wired speeds. This well-equipped router provides a 10Gbps LAN/WAN port, a 2.5Gbps WAN port, and four 1Gbps LAN ports. If those already-screaming top wired speeds aren’t enough for your needs, the router also supports link aggregation, offering the potential for truly massive bandwidth and future-proofing. 

Who It’s For

Gaming enthusiasts and users who need multiple high-speed networking ports shouldn’t be put off by the $450 price tag. You get plenty of bang for your buck, ranging from lightning-fast speeds to a slew of game-enhancing settings and lifetime network security and parental control software.

PROS

• Blazing throughput speeds
• Wide signal coverage
• 10Gbps LAN/WAN
• Lifetime parental control and network security software
• Lots of gamer-centric settings

CONS

• Expensive
• Large footprint

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Asus ROG Rapture GT-AX11000 Pro Review

Wyze Wi-Fi 6E Mesh Router Pro

Best Mainstream Wi-Fi 6 Mesh System

4. 0 Excellent

Why We Picked It

This two-piece system is a trifecta: 6GHz support for future-proofing your network, solid throughput performance on the 5Ghz band, and a reasonable price of $273.99. In our tests, Wyze’s Wi-Fi 6E mesh system did a great job of delivering strong Wi-Fi signals throughout our test home. The built-in network security software is integrated into the easy-to-use mobile app, which you probably already have if you own other Wyze smart home devices. If your home is smaller, you can order a single router for $179.98, which covers 2,000 square feet. If you need to go bigger, you can opt for a three-pack for $393.99 that covers 6,000 square feet.

Who It’s For

The Deco W7200 is a good choice for anyone seeking a midrange mesh system that delivers strong 5GHz coverage, as well as offers 6GHz (Wi-Fi 6E) support for future-proofing. If you need to spread reliable Wi-Fi throughout a home up to 4,000 square feet—especially if that home already has other Wyze devices—the Mesh Router Pro two-pack is an excellent choice that won’t break the bank.

PROS

• Reasonably priced
• Wi-Fi 6E support
• Strong 5GHz throughput performance
• Multi-gig Ethernet and USB connectivity
• Built-in network security software
• Low-profile nodes

CONS

• Lacks strong parental controls
• Limited settings

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Wyze Wi-Fi 6E Mesh Router Pro Review

Asus ZenWiFi ET8

Best Premium Wi-Fi 6 Mesh System

4.5 Outstanding

Why We Picked It

The ZenWifi ET8 is one of those rare mesh systems that offers a generous assortment of I/O ports including a 2.5GbE WAN port, three 1GbE LAN ports, and a USB 3.1 port. It also delivered excellent performance in our tests and comes with Asus’ robust AI Protection Pro software. Throw in Wi-Fi 6E technology that lets you connect to the 6GHz radio band, and you’ve got our Editors’ Choice winner for Wi-Fi 6E mesh systems.

Who It’s For

If you want a mesh system that will bring 6GHz Wi-Fi to every room in the house, this two-piece system will cost you plenty but reward you with top-shelf hardware; wide signal coverage for homes up to 5,500 square feet; lifetime parental control and network security software; and robust throughput performance.

PROS

• Easy to install
• Strong throughput performance
• Multi-gig WAN and USB connectivity
• Strong anti-malware and parental controls
• Very good signal range

CONS

• Pricey
• Some advanced settings require web console

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Asus ZenWiFi ET8 Review

Gryphon AX Mesh System (2-Pack)

Best Wi-Fi 6 Mesh System With Deep Parental Controls

4.0 Excellent

Why We Picked It

The Gryphon AX may not be the fastest Wi-Fi 6 mesh system we’ve tested, but it delivered respectable throughput scores and solid signal coverage in our tests. More impressive is its rich parental control software that offers age-based filters for elementary, middle, and high school students and lets you monitor which sites were visited as well as tracking overall data usage for each family member.

Who It’s For

If you want to protect family members from unsavory websites and malicious content while eliminating Wi-Fi dead zones in a home up to 5,000 square feet in size, the Gyphon AX is a good choice. It lacks 160MHz channel transmissions, but it’s easy to install and comes with a user-friendly mobile app that makes it easy to create user profiles for different family members and assign bandwidth priority to users’ and smart home devices.

PROS

• Easy to install
• Solid throughput performance
• Strong parental controls
• Good signal strength

CONS

• Pricey
• Does not support 160MHz channels
• Network security tools require a subscription

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Gryphon AX Mesh System (2-Pack) Review

Netgear Nighthawk Tri-Band Wi-Fi 6E Router (RAXE500)

Best Premium Wi-Fi 6E Router

4.0 Excellent

Why We Picked It

The Netgear RAXE500 has the distinction of being the first router we tested that can communicate on the 6GHz radio band. With a design that resembles a stealth bomber, the RAXE500 packs four internal antennas into each of its two wings and uses the latest Wi-Fi 6E technology to deliver speedy data rates on the 2. 4GHz, 5GHz, and 6GHz bands. It also offers multi-gig WAN/LAN connectivity and link aggregation for ultra-high-speed networking.

Who It’s For

If you’re looking to future-proof your network with Wi-Fi 6E technology, Netgear’s Nighthawk RAXE500 has you covered. Granted, its $600 price may seem over the top, but cutting-edge tech usually carries a premium, and with the RAXE500 you get solid throughput and file transfer performance and an optimized CPU designed to handle heavy network traffic and 8K video streaming.

PROS

• Speedy throughput and file transfer performance
• Utilizes 6GHz radio band
• Multi-gig LAN/WAN
• Link aggregation
• Supports 160MHz channel bandwidth

CONS

• Expensive
• Netgear Armor protection requires subscription
• Limited parental controls
• No QoS settings

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Netgear Nighthawk Tri-Band Wi-Fi 6E Router (RAXE500) Review

Buying Guide: The Best Wi-Fi 6 Routers for 2023

For those new to Wi-Fi 6, it’s good to cover exactly what this new standard entails and why it’s important. Wi-Fi 6 is another name for 802.11ax, the newest generation of wireless tech and an evolution of the popular 802.11ac (Wi-Fi 5) standard, which many of today’s routers and client devices use to connect to one another and to the internet. Wi-Fi 6’s primary benefit is a theoretical throughput bounce from 5.4Gbps to a maximum of 9.6Gbps, which PCMag’s router testing has so far confirmed (though with some variance in numbers among the different players). But there’s more to Wi-Fi 6 than faster speed, including greater client capacity, better range performance, and reduced network congestion and power consumption.

Wi-Fi 6 also adds entirely new capabilities to your router’s arsenal, such as the Orthogonal Frequency-Division Multiple Access (OFDMA) protocol. OFDMA enhances throughput by breaking Wi-Fi channels into sub-channels and allowing up to 30 users to share a channel simultaneously. Target Wake Time (TWT) is a power reduction scheme that allows Wi-Fi 6 devices to decide when they will emerge from a power-saving sleep mode to begin sending and receiving data. Smart devices such as security cameras and video doorbells are expected to benefit from TWT technology, as are smartphones, tablets, and laptop PCs.

Netgear Nighthawk AX8 (Credit: Netgear)

Another area of improvement is channel size. Wi-Fi 6 doubles the channel width from 80MHz to 160MHz. This expansion helps create faster connections between the router and its clients. It also broadcasts over previously unused radio frequencies to deliver faster throughput performance over the 2.4GHz radio band. Uplink and downlink MU-MIMO streaming are also on the menu, as is enhanced Quality of Service (QoS) via uplink and downlink bandwidth management, and WPA3 encryption.

After the rollout of Wi-Fi 6, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) opened up parts of the 6GHz spectrum for unlicensed use. This newer technology, dubbed Wi-Fi 6E, offers 1,200MHz of new spectrum and support for multiple non-overlapping 80MHz and 160MHz high-speed channels. In a nutshell, Wi-Fi 6E means more bandwidth and faster throughput. To take advantage of all this newfound bandwidth, you’ll need a router that supports Wi-Fi 6E and clients that can connect to the 6GHz radio band. (See our explainer on Wi-Fi 6E.)

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What Important Features Should I Look for in a Wi-Fi 6 Router?

As with any router, you’ll find that Wi-Fi 6 routers come with a wide variety of features that can bring specific benefits, though typically with the side effect of a bigger dent in your wallet. The big benefit is higher performance, but other benefits are available, as well. Router models with a specific focus, especially gaming routers, tend to include features specific to that specialty while ignoring other capabilities, so be sure you’re getting everything your network will need.

If you’ll be connecting wired devices like gaming consoles, home automation hubs, and network attached storage (NAS) drives, look for a router that has at least four LAN ports. Many high-end Wi-Fi 6 routers support link aggregation, which utilizes two gigabit LAN ports to provide increased throughput for things like large file transfers and network traffic load balancing. This also helps serve as a fail-safe in the event that one LAN port stops working. Some of the more advanced models are equipped with multi-gig LAN ports that can handle 2.5Gbps, 5Gbps, and 10Gbps connection speeds.

If you’re looking to hard-connect peripherals such as printers and external hard drives to your network, make sure your Wi-Fi 6 router is equipped with at least one USB 3.0 port. Two or more USB ports are even better as they let you connect multiple devices without having to unplug one to connect another. With an external drive, a quick USB port, and router software that supports it, you can build your own secure NAS device that’s accessible from not only your network but the internet.

(Credit: Netgear)

If there’ll be kids connecting to your network, make sure they stay safe on the internet and look for a Wi-Fi 6 router that comes with built-in parental controls. Most routers come with basic parental controls that let you create access schedules, block certain websites, and deny internet access to specific devices on your network. But if you really want to keep tabs on your child’s online activities, you’ll need more granular controls. Many Wi-Fi 6 routers come with free or try-and-buy versions of parental control software that works with your phone and a mobile app, and lets you do things like pause internet access with a single click or create profiles for each member of your family. The more robust controls let you monitor site visits and total online time usage. They also offer customizable age-based presets that will automatically block access to social media platforms and sites that contain things like adult content, gambling, shopping, torrent downloads, and online gaming.

In that vein, any network should make security a priority, which means thinking about antivirus and malware protection. Some Wi-Fi 6 routers come with software that protects your network and all of your connected clients from viruses, phishing schemes, spyware, adware, and other cyber threats. Look for anti-malware tools that will detect malware in real time, quarantine infected devices, and remove malicious content from client devices. More often than not, anti-malware tools are bundled along with parental controls and come with free trial subscriptions, although a handful of router vendors offer free lifetime subscriptions.

An oft-overlooked aspect of network security is visitors. If you’re going to entertain guests in your home or office and offer them wireless network access, do you really want to give them complete access? Nearly all of today’s Wi-Fi 6 routers offer a guest networking feature that lets you grant internet access to visitors, using a separate SSID and password, without giving them full access to everything else connected to your network, like NAS devices, printers, and all your laptops and desktop PCs.

Last, if your house has one or more online gamers vying for bandwidth, or if you do a lot of high-res video streaming, make sure your Wi-Fi 6 router offers strong Quality of Service (QoS) settings that let you allocate bandwidth to specific client devices or protect certain kinds of network traffic. Some QoS implementations allow you to enter an actual number (in Mbps) to make sure devices like gaming consoles and smart TVs have adequate bandwidth for lag-free gaming and smooth 4K video streaming; other schemes offer presets for specific applications. Simply tap a button to grant or revoke priority bandwidth for any device on your network.

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What Specifications Should I Look for in a Wi-Fi 6 Router?

You’ll see Wi-Fi 6 routers with designations like “AX1500” or “AX11000,” which tell you the maximum combined data rate. For example, a dual-band AX1500 router is capable of reaching speeds of up to 300Mbps on the 2.4GHz band and up to 1,201Mbps on the 5GHz band, while a tri-band AX11000 router gets you combined speeds of up to 1,148Mbps on the 2.4GHz band and up to 4,804Mbps on each of two 5GHz bands. It’s important to note that these are theoretical combined speeds (mostly used for marketing purposes) and not the actual all-the-time speed of a router. In reality, a router is only as fast as its fastest radio band, and even then, that number is arrived at under ideal laboratory conditions and not what you’ll see in real-world use. (For much more on decrypting these numbers, see our guide.)

Other specs to consider are the number of radio bands, the processor (CPU) type, and the amount of flash memory and RAM that a router uses. As hinted above, dual-band routers use one 2.4GHz radio and one 5GHz radio, while tri-band routers use a single 2.4GHz band and two 5GHz bands. Tri-band routers are ideal for high-traffic networks because you can designate specific radio bands to certain applications. For example, you can perform large file transfers over one of the 5GHz bands, which frees up the other two bands for things like web surfing and video streaming.

(Credit: Shutterstock/Deutschlandreform)

As with desktop and laptop PCs, beefier specs mean faster speeds. Look for a Wi-Fi 6 router with a quad-core CPU and at least 512MB of RAM and 512MB of flash memory. Additionally, more antennas typically provide better overall wireless coverage, which is why you’ll see as many as eight antennas on high-end routers.

Another important and rather broad spec to consider is whether you want a Wi-Fi 6 router or a Wi-Fi 6 mesh networking system. While Wi-Fi 6 mesh systems are relatively new to market, they offer potentially easier setup and more even coverage for larger homes. For more details, read about The Best Wi-Fi Mesh Network Systems. And once you’ve purchased one, check out our primer, How to Set Up a Wi-Fi Mesh Network.

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Is It Worth Paying More for a Wi-Fi 6 Router?

As with all other types of routers, Wi-Fi 6 router pricing is based on hardware specs, performance capabilities, and features. Budget Wi-Fi 6 routers can cost anywhere from $70 to well above $200, but these are typically bare-bones, dual-band models that use low-end components such as dual-core CPUs, offer low data rates, and lack features such as USB ports, anti-malware software, and multi-gig LAN ports.

At the other end of the spectrum, a high-end Wi-Fi 6 router designed for gaming can cost upward of $600. For that kind of money you get all the bells and whistles, including multi-gig LAN, AX11000 speeds, three radio bands, built-in malware protection and parental controls, quad-core processing, and a dedicated gamer-friendly operating system.

Amazon Eero Pro 6 (Credit: Amazon)

One area where we’ll likely see a price drop, however, is in Wi-Fi 6 whole-home mesh networking systems. This category is getting a lot of attention from vendors as it’s generally easier and faster than adding a third-party wireless range extender to your network.

With all this in mind, take a look at the top-performing Wi-Fi 6 routers we’ve tested so far and compare them spec by spec below. Once you’ve found the right router, read our tips for setting up your router and boosting your Wi-Fi signal.

Best home routers: top 10 most interesting models

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  Published: 26 December 2022

  The Wi-Fi router has become the most important device in the home. It is he who provides high-quality distribution of the Internet to all users. The range of routers has become incredibly large. In the article we will figure out how to choose such a device correctly, we will highlight several interesting models.

  Choosing a router yourself

  To make the right choice, you need to evaluate several key characteristics and parameters:

  • frequency range;
  • connectors;
  • baud rate;
  • antennas and their power;
  • additional options.

  To purchase a good router for your home, there is no need to turn to specialists for help. You can do everything yourself, nothing complicated.

  Frequency range

  Wi-Fi operates on two basic frequencies –

  • 2.4 GHz. Data transfer rate – up to 150 Mbps per 1 antenna. The range is quite large. Interference does not affect operation. Minus – frequency congestion, because of this, failures can occur.
  • 5 GHz. Downloading at the level of 866 Mbps is also on 1 antenna. The range is less than the previous version. Also, the frequency is sensitive to interference.

  Ports

  If you have good cable Internet and you just need to distribute Wi-Fi, LAN connectors are enough. However, the situation changes if you need to connect a 4G modem or a telephone network. In this case, we immediately pay attention to the presence of the necessary connectors for connecting third-party devices.

  Baud rate

  Everything is extremely simple here. At a frequency of 2.4, budget models provide a transfer rate of 150 Mbps. Top options are able to support downloads at 300Mbps through the use of MIMO – that is, many antennas for receiving and transmitting, as a rule, these are 2 antennas. But here you need to take into account the capabilities of the provider. Not all provide such a high data transfer rate.

  Antennas

  There was such an opinion that the more antennas, the better the signal. In fact, antennas only affect coverage stability. Their standard power is 5 dbi. If you need more, we choose a model with removable antennas and put a more powerful option in their place.

  Additional functions

  Now manufacturers offer a lot of different additional options. However, most will never be used, but you will have to pay extra for them. Perhaps one of the useful ones is an application for managing via a smartphone, parental control, and a built-in antivirus.

  Top 10 home routers

  We select several models

  TP-LINK Archer A5

  Inexpensive router equipped with four antennas. Can work in Wi-Fi 5. In the WAN case and several LAN connectors. The performance is 100 Mbps. Additional options include a guest network, built-in VPN.

  The main advantages include:

  • stylish design;
  • quality signal in the coverage area;
  • quick setting;
  • bridge mode.

  At maximum load, it can get warm.

  Mercusys MR50G

  An interesting model equipped with 6 antennas with additional signal amplification. According to numerous reviews, it provides a stable connection of a hectare of 100 m2. Moreover, even different designs do not affect the stability of the signal. Internet speed reaches 1300 Mbps.

  Pros:

  • original design;
  • impressive range;
  • gigabit port;
  • easy setting;
  • many additional options;
  • stable and reliable performance.

  The only negative is that it does not provide the ability to hang on the wall.

  TP-LINK Archer C80

  One of the latest new products from the TP-LINK brand. The work is based on a 4-core chip. There is functionality for Wi-Fi 5. The total performance is 1900 mb/s. The package includes 4 antennas and GbE ports.

  Pros:

  • bright case;
  • IPTV in UltraHD/4K;
  • impressive coverage area;
  • many settings;
  • works stably and reliably.

  Such a router is suitable for solving a variety of tasks, even in a small office it will show its best side. There are no significant shortcomings.

  Xiaomi Redmi Router AC2100

  Another bright model. Operates in two frequencies 2.4 and 5 GHz. The stuffing is incredibly powerful. This ensures excellent performance – 2033 Mb / s. Setup is carried out in a few clicks using the add-on installed on your smartphone.

  The pluses include:

  • Strong signal at 5 GHz;
  • Possibility of vertical wall mounting;
  • Wide range of settings;
  • Dual Band;
  • Increased throughput.

  With a fairly compact case, a fairly massive and heavy power supply.

  TP-LINK Archer A8

  Pretty smart router, operates in two bands. It shows itself ideally in multi-storey buildings, where the 2.4 GHz frequency is heavily overloaded. In this case, it switches to an alternative frequency with a capacity of 1300 Mb / s. Multiple gigabit ports and WAN are provided. Control can be carried out from a PC and from a smartphone.

  Pros:

  • Online setting;
  • Strong and stable signal;
  • MU-MIMO and Beamforming;
  • Attractive design;
  • VPN support.

  There is a minus, it takes a long time to start after turning off.

  HUAWEI WS7100

  A decent router for your own home and even a large house. Functions in two ranges. The maximum performance reaches the level of 2402 Mbps, provided in the 5 GHz band. Compact, equipped with 4 antennas and three connectors for connecting third-party devices.

  Advantages:

  • Spectacular;
  • Simple and clear menu;
  • High speed operation;
  • Doesn’t heat up at all;
  • IPTV;
  • Complete set.

  Unfortunately, walls have a negative effect on signal stability.

  MikroTik hAP ac2

  The router is equipped with a powerful 27 dBm transmitter. Able to function in several ranges. The work is based on the Qualcomm IPQ4018 chip and proprietary software. There are several LAN connectors on the case, three antennas, USB Type-A 2.0.

  Advantages:

  • impressive coverage area;
  • reliable, functional;
  • regular firmware update;
  • wide range of settings;
  • absolutely secure connection.

  The disadvantages include a rather high cost for its class and the setting is not for beginners.

  Keenetic Ultra KN-1810

  Keenetic produces a lot of high quality routers. Ultra KN-1810 contains a lot of interesting solutions. It contains an impressive coverage area, connectors for connecting 3G / 4G modems and a high-speed fiber optic line. Performance is at a frequency of 5 GHz is 1733 Mb / s. By installing additional modules, the router can be used as a telephone base.

  Pros:

  • quick connection;
  • setting of all characteristics;
  • Mesh technology;
  • speed does not drop at maximum load;
  • creating subnets;
  • huge coverage area.

  Xiaomi Mi Wi-Fi Router 4

  High-speed router, operates reliably on two frequencies. Set up without much difficulty. The menu is extremely simple, which greatly simplifies management. Compact, lightweight, inexpensive.

  Pros:

  • stable connection;
  • availability of automatic loading;
  • easy setting;
  • high performance;
  • a lot of useful additional options.

  The only drawback is that there is no vertical mount.

  Xiaomi AX3000 EN

  One of the most advanced routers on the market. Has solid capabilities. Covers an impressive area, allows simultaneous connection of a large number of users. The baud rate is 2976 Mbps.

  Plus:

  • Mesh support;
  • Ready to go immediately;
  • Many additional options;
  • WiFi 6;
  • High performance.

  There is only one problem – the dimensions, they are quite impressive.

  Conclusion

  There are many types of routers on the market today. There is an optimal model for almost any budget. The main thing is to choose a device represented by well-known brands. In this case, even a budget model will ensure stable operation of the Wi-Fi network.

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  The best Wi-Fi routers 2023 for home and apartment

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  Wi-Fi router is a device that no modern home can do without. Global manufacturers offer a wide range of equipment that is used to access the Internet – smartphones, TVs, tablets, laptops, computers and even household appliances. At the same time, access point is only one , and therefore, equipment is needed that can provide access to the global network from anywhere in the house as wired and wirelessly .

  We have prepared a rating, after reading which you will find the best Wi-Fi router for home in 2023, selected based on user reviews and the opinions of experts on our portal. Its choice must be approached with all responsibility, because if the Internet speed is determined by the tariff of the Internet provider, then an incorrectly selected router will greatly reduce the speed or will work unstable when connecting a large number of gadgets .

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  Despite its affordability, supports two frequency bands, and gigabit ports are installed on the case. The data transfer speed will be high both with a wired and wireless connection. The product is designed for ordinary users who do not need a lot of wired connections. The potential of Xiaomi Mi Wi-Fi Router 4A is enough even for a small office. Contributes to stability and speed MediaTek MT7621 2-core MIPS processor up to 880 MHz .

  Wireless standards 802.11a/b/g/n/ac and MIMO 2×2 are supported for each band. In 2.4 GHz the speed is limited to 300 Mb/s and up to 876 Mb/s in 5 GHz . This is enough for any purpose. Four non-removable antennas give a good coverage area, sufficient for home use.

  Pros:

  • Compact;
  • Long range;
  • Design;
  • Works stably and does not freeze.

  Cons:

  • Only 2 LAN ports.

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  When choosing an Internet router, you should pay attention to TP-LINK Archer A5 – a budget, but at the same time effective model that supports 802. 11a/b/g/n/ac standards. The design provides four gigabit LAN ports a, which makes the router suitable for creating a small wireless and cable network with high bandwidth in a private house, small office or apartment.

  Modern filling opens up the possibility of simultaneous use in the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. 4 antennas are dispersed throughout the body – 2 for each range . They are non-removable and give the a gain of 5 dBi . Support for MIMO 2×2:2 mode of provides throughput of 300 Mbps at 2.4 GHz and 867 Mbps at 5 GHz of . This is enough for online gaming, fast file downloads, access to high-quality movies and all sorts of services. The router can be used as firewall, NAT and DHCP server . Work with VPN traffic is supported, as well as support for guest Wi-Fi networks .

  Pros:

  • High-speed data transfer standard;
  • Parental control;
  • Easy to set up;
  • Inexpensive.

  Cons:

  • None.

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  Wi-Fi router with good coverage is equipped with 4 external antennas, and the data transfer rate is limited to 1167 Mbps. Data transfer on 2.4 GHz occurs at a speed within 300 Mb / s, while at frequencies of 5 GHz it increases to 867 Mb / s. You’ll enjoy your favorite games and instant 4K movie downloads. A large number of amplifiers with a highly sensitive receiver allow the signal to pass through walls and other obstacles, thereby increasing the coverage map.

  For greater convenience, configuration can be carried out not only in the web interface, but also in a special application on the phone. This greatly simplifies the process and allows you to cope with it yourself. The new generation processor transmits the signal stably, and all smart gadgets can be connected without a password, experiencing the benefits of MIMO technology. There are 4 ports on the body of a reliable router – 3 LANs at a speed of 100 Mbps and one van for the provider’s cable. TP-LINK Archer C54 can be used as a router, access point and amplifier.

  Pros:

  • Stability and good Wi-Fi coverage;
  • Parental control option and guest access;
  • Wall mountable;
  • Compact housing;
  • Beamforming detects devices and sends a signal in their direction;
  • Can be used as an access point, router and signal booster;
  • Easy setting;
  • Inexpensive.

  Cons:

  • You cannot set up a VPN on the router itself.

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  Keenetic Air is an inexpensive but good router designed for undemanding users. This can be understood from several points, in particular, there is no USB, which means you will not be able to connect a modem to create a backup channel in case there is no Internet. The port speed is limited to 100 Mbps, while the wireless connection speed can reach up to 1167 Mbps. Of these, 867 Mbps fall on the 5 GHz channel and another 300 Mbps on 2. 4 GHz. As for a budget model, the performance is very good.

  Two external antennas with 5dBi gain are built into the case, which gives a good range. A Wi-Fi router completely covers a multi-room apartment and a small private house, so in most cases you do not have to use a signal amplifier. You will have three ports available for connecting a computer, TV and laptop , and the last slot is occupied by the WAN port for the provider’s cable. The device can be used both as a router and as a signal repeater, using it in tandem with other equipment. Keenetic Air is a good option if you do not need USB and port speeds above 100 Mbps, especially since not many ISPs offer higher speeds yet.

  Pros:

  • Attractive design and compact dimensions;
  • Transmitter power;
  • Easy to set up;
  • Brand ecosystem;
  • Handy phone app;
  • Range;
  • You can install additional software modules, thereby expanding the functionality;
  • Flat and convenient Ethernet cable included;
  • Automatic firmware update.

  Cons:

  • A black wire goes to the white router;
  • Only 3 ports are available for wired connection.

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  TP-LINK Archer C6 made it to our ranking due to its high data transfer rate:

  • 867 Mbps at 5 GHz;
  • 300 Mbps at 2.4 GHz.

  The manufacturer claims support for Wi-Fi 802.11ac/n/a standards. Powerful stuffing placed in Miniature case with a pleasant design that will be a decoration on any table. Designed with four detachable antennas and one internal , the wireless network covers a wide area. To configure, you can use the mobile application or the WEB-interface.

  Pros:

  • Coverage;
  • Price;
  • MIMO support;
  • Stable signal reception even on the next floor;
  • Cool design;
  • Baud rate.

  Cons:

  • Marked case.

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  The review moves on to one of the best residential wifi routers, which is equipped with 6 high gain antennas and a powerful transmitter, which combined gives excellent range. According to user reviews, it exceeds 100 m2 even with monolithic walls. The Internet will be fast and stable throughout the house. You can connect both over the air and using gigabit LAN ports, although there are only two of them. Therefore, Mercusys MR50G is suitable for those who plan to connect primarily by air.

  Support for MU-MIMO technology with Beamforming opens up the possibility of creating a seamless network consisting of several devices. You can’t do without it when you live in a large house with an area of ​​300-400 m2. One Wi-Fi router will not cover such an area, and MU-MIMO technology will help to cope with this task. The speed of the Internet is pleasantly surprising – up to 1300 Mbps on the 5 GHz channel and up to 600 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz channel. With such indicators, you can enjoy 4K streams without delay.

  Mercusys MR50G will also become one of the main decorations in the interior due to the unusual shape of the body and beautiful stripes that adorn it. Smart Connect technology puts every device in the best range available to it, so you always get the best speed. The proprietary app makes setup as quick and easy as possible, even if you don’t understand it.

  Pros:

  • Interesting design;
  • Gigabit ports;
  • Huge range;
  • You can set Wi-Fi to turn off by time;
  • Easy setup via app;
  • Stable operation;
  • You can combine several devices into a single network;
  • Ideal value for money;
  • Excellent baud rate;
  • Does not take up much space.

  Cons:

  • Only 2 LAN ports;
  • Cannot be hung on the wall.

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  Keenetic Sprinter is a good Wi-Fi router for the home with a large coverage and support for the advanced Wi-Fi 6 standard, which makes it one of the fastest in our rating. At a frequency of 5 GHz, the speed can reach 1201 Mbps, and at 2.4 GHz it is limited to 574 Mbps. Thanks to support for simultaneous operation in two bands, the Internet speed on all connected devices will be maximum, and the connection will be stable.

  A powerful transmitter (20 dBm) and 4 external antennas built into the housing increase the signal propagation range – it easily covers a 3-4 room apartment and most private houses. If you have a large house, then in addition to the router, you can purchase a repeater. Of the minuses – the lack of USB ports and only 3 LAN, which does not allow you to connect a large number of devices via wire. But all ports gigabit , which means the connection will be as fast as possible.

  Configuration can be carried out both through the web interface and using the mobile application. It is more convenient and opens up huge opportunities for you, allowing you to see who is connected to the network at the moment, see traffic consumption, restrict access to individual users, set parental control. This is only a small part of the possibilities that you get with a branded application. MESH support allows you to combine several routers into a single network, thereby increasing the coverage area. Support for OpenVPN is declared, so you can set up a VPN for all connected users at once.

  Pros:

  • Design and compact dimensions;
  • Does not overheat even in the hottest weather;
  • All ports are gigabit;
  • One of the fastest to date;
  • Wide coverage area and connection stability;
  • Stability under load;
  • Convenient mobile application and web interface;
  • Wi-Fi 6 standard;
  • VPN can be configured.

  Cons:

  • No USB ports;
  • Only 3 LANs.

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  Good Wi-Fi 6 router Keenetic Hopper KN-3810 is a 1 Gb router with Mesh and Wi-Fi of the latest 6th generation, a Smart switch consisting of 4 ports and a USB 3.0 port of a multifunctional type . The router is a small device measuring 21.4 x 15.4 x 3.3 cm, which operates on a mains voltage of 100-240 V (50/60 Hz). The model is equipped with four antennas with a power of 5 isotropic decibels each for broadcasting a Wi-Fi signal. Antennas can be adjusted and directed in different directions.

  The connection speed will pleasantly surprise you – up to 574 Mbps in the 2.4 GHz band and 1201 Mbps in the 5 GHz band. The Wi-Fi 6 standard increases throughput, and Beamforming technology is responsible for connection stability and coverage quality. The device is controlled by EN7528DU 900MHz dual-core chip, which has good performance. The router operates on two types of frequencies and has 4 ports (4 x 1 Gbps). You can connect various external devices to the router: drives or USB modems, including high-speed devices with 4G network support.

  Router is ready to build Keenetic wireless mesh system and offers built-in DLNA server, Torrent client, support for VPN servers, as well as support for almost all existing protocols and standards. The KN-3810 is considered one of the easiest functional devices to set up and use. You can manage the router through the web interface or through a mobile application. At the same time, you can configure the router from anywhere through the cloud. Thus, the presented model is one of the most functional and advanced on the market – it offers high speed and many flexible settings.

  When you purchase the KN-3810 in a package, you will receive: the router itself, a power adapter, an internet cable, and a manual for use and configuration. Like all routers of the Keenetic Hopper line, this model is made in a plastic case, has a classic design and has a practical coating that does not attract dust. The color of the device is standard for the brand – in white and light gray tones.

  Pros:

  • Router with very strong signal;
  • Provides excellent coverage;
  • Fast processor EN7528DU and Wi-Fi-6;
  • Multifunctional, 4 antennas;
  • Reliable in application, works without failures;
  • Allows you to connect a large number of devices;
  • Home VPN is easy and quick to set up;
  • Good firmware;
  • Unparalleled security support;
  • Very easy to use;
  • Great smartphone app;
  • Can be hung on the wall;
  • You can combine devices into groups and set up your own rules for each of them;
  • The presence of a USB port expands the possibilities of use;
  • Does not heat up even under heavy loads;
  • Modern and pleasant design.

  Cons:

  • Turns on for a long time – about 50 seconds.

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  The most powerful wifi routers are in the range of TP-LINK , the latest novelty of which supports the Wi-Fi 5 standard, and the total speed reaches 1900 Mbps. Specifications are based on a 4-core processor clocked within 1.2 GHz and an auxiliary neural processor clocked at 1.5 GHz. Its presence reduces the load on the main chipset by up to 95%.

  Cool router is suitable for connecting a 1/2/3-room apartment, a small country house or office. Beamforming technology dynamically changes the antenna pattern and redistributes the signal in the direction of connected devices, which improves communication quality. The case has 4 GbE LAN ports and 4 external antennas with a gain of 5 dBi. Data transmission is possible using MU-MIMO 3×3 technology in the 2.4/5 GHz bands at a speed of 600/1300 Mbps, respectively.

  The

  TP-LINK Archer C80 does an excellent job of routing IPTV traffic in UltraHD/4K, working in the cloud and VPN services. At the same time, reliable traffic encryption is provided and modern security protocols are supported.

  Pros:

  • Easy connection;
  • Nice looking;
  • Wide range;
  • Stable performance and reliability;
  • Nimble and inexpensive;
  • 4 LAN ports up to 1Gb/s;
  • Customization flexibility.

  Cons:

  • Dust gets into the strips, from where it is difficult to reach

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  Redmi AC2100 is equipped with six antennas, which gives a wide coverage area in any coverage band – 2.4 and 5 GHz . In this case, there is no mutual interference. The total speed for dual-band wireless pairing can reach 2033 Mbps.

  The 2.4 GHz band covers more distance, better penetrates through walls and other obstacles, but the 5 GHz band uses 802.11ac technology . It reduces interference and improves data transfer rates, allowing you to enjoy higher-definition movies and reduce latency in online shooters.

  To keep the powerful core of from overheating , the manufacturer added a large plate of aluminum magnesium alloy to the design of , which effectively dissipates the heat of . It is complemented by holes in the lower part, made for better air circulation. Due to this, the heat leaves the case in a timely manner and there is no overheating of the working mechanisms. All parameters are set after is a mobile application where you can set the router’s operating time, restrict access to certain sites , set parental control and much more. The has one Gigabit WAN port and three Gigabit LANs with up to 1000 Mbps bandwidth.

  Pros:

  • Good signal on 5 GHz;
  • Large selection of custom firmware;
  • Convenient wall mount;
  • 2.4 and 5 GHz in Dual Band mode;
  • Speed.

  Cons:

  • Large power supply.

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  High-speed router is suitable for use both at home and in the office. Its purchase is especially relevant if you live in an apartment building, because the 5 GHz band is less crowded and gives a better data transfer rate. At a frequency of 2.4 GHz, the data transfer rate is up to 600 Mb / s, while in the 5 GHz band it is increased to 1300 Mb / s.

  4 Gigabit LAN ports and 1 WAN are provided to connect a computer, TV and other devices you need. An Ethernet cable is connected to it. There is hardware support for VPN and a firewall. Packet filtering occurs by MAC address. You can manage the best home router not only through the firewall, but also using a mobile application. The package includes a network adapter, instructions and a patch cord. 3 external antennas are fixed on the case, and the gain reaches 5 dBi.

  Pros:

  • Transfer rate and dual band operation;
  • Quick setup;
  • Signal strength;
  • Gigabit ports;
  • MU-MIMO and Beamforming technology;
  • Handy phone app;
  • Design.

  Cons:

  • Cannot be used as a signal repeater;
  • Turns on for a long time after reboot.

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  A high-quality and reliable dual-band home router in the updated version with the KN-1011 index is a hybrid Internet center with Wi-Fi 6 and USB 3.0 + 2.0 ports, providing uninterrupted, fast and reliable Internet at speeds up to 867 Mbps on 5 GHz channel and 400 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz channel. Distinctive advantages of the model are: IntelliQoS traffic prioritization, smooth 4K UHD video streaming, powerful cyber threat protection and security for the whole family.

  The

  Router has a friendly, easy-to-use mobile app, massive network storage, and a personal cloud. The model is equipped with four fixed antennas, the direction of which can be adjusted in two planes, and their gain of 5 dBi guarantees a high signal range. The set of ports on the router includes 5 gigabit RJ-45 (one of them is a combined RJ-45 / SFP), as well as an SCP (secure copy protocol) port that provides secure file transfer between local and remote hosts (or between two remote hosts). Two USB outputs are provided: high-speed and with specification 2.0.

  The operation of the device is signaled by indicator lights, which barely noticeably blink and do not create discomfort at night. The described model operates on the basis of a 2-core processor from MediaTek – MT7621A with a clock frequency of 880 MHz. The RAM has been increased from 256 to 512 MB DDR3 compared to the previous model, and the Flash memory is 128 GB. The router’s web panel features a simple setup wizard that allows you to activate a personal network in your home in a few steps.

  Various connection options are available for USB, including built-in torrent client, 4G USB tethering, external storage, print server, Dynamic DNS, and more. You can start the router without a computer, having a smartphone with an installed application available for Android and iOS. The body of the KN-1011 is made of tactile-pleasant plastic in the style familiar to the Keenetic brand, with a predominance of white and gray shades in the design. The surface of the product is matte, not subject to dust contamination, because it has the appropriate protection.

  Pros:

  • High-quality Wi Fi 6 coverage of a large area;
  • Supports high speeds, easy to install;
  • Transmits signal even through 2-3 reinforced concrete walls;
  • Provides full control over connected devices;
  • When the signal is lost, it automatically reconnects;
  • There are many options and settings for advanced clients;
  • Can distribute the Internet to hundreds of users at the same time;
  • Easily integrated into Smart Home;
  • Two USB ports – can connect a printer and Storage;
  • Works silently, does not heat up;
  • Ability to create a seamless MESH network;
  • 5 Gigabit ports;
  • VPN features;
  • No noise and no heat;
  • Possibility of dividing the network into guest and home;
  • EoIP support provided;
  • Elegant design in white.

  Cons:

  • Not enough POE ports.

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  The device is equipped with a powerful 27 dBm transmitter and is able to work in two bands at once, which gives a high throughput. Declared support for technology PoE , through which the Internet is carried out to many apartments in the cities of our country. No less pleased with the possibility of flexible configuration than the best MikroTik routers have always been famous for. The model is based on a high-performance 4-core processor Qualcomm IPQ4018 which is complemented by 128MB RAM. MikroTik hAP ac2 received a proprietary operating system Router OS 7 with license level 4.

  There are 5 LAN ports, WAN port will be any of them . In order for Internet access to be fast even from remote rooms, it is necessary to provide a wide coverage area. pair of radio modules and three antennas cope with this, effectively distributes the signal over the area. Gadget can be used as a file server thanks to the USB Type-A 2.0 connector. 3G modem can also be connected to it.

  Pros:

  • Powerful;
  • Reliable;
  • Stylish design;
  • Coverage area;
  • Flexible setting;
  • Hardware encryption;
  • Functionality for any purpose;
  • Frequent firmware updates.

  Cons:

  • Marked case.

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  The best wi fi routers for apartments and houses are produced by Keenetic, which creates productive, popular and cool solutions. The router features a wide coverage area, support for 3G / 4G modems and the presence of a Combo RJ-45 / SFP port for interacting with an ultra-high-speed fiber optic line. The device will be a good purchase if you need to connect your home, apartment or small office to the global network via a 10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet cable or fiber optic.

  An incoming connection can be arranged using an external wireless access point, which makes it relevant for suburban facilities that are not connected to a cable network. The device received a MediaTek MT7621AT dual-core processor, two modern USB ports, 4 LAN ports and 1 WAN.

  The 2.4 and 5 GHz bands can operate on the 4T4R scheme with 256-QAM modulation. The connection speed is limited to 1733 Mb/s in the 5 GHz band and within 800 Mb/s in the 2.4 GHz band. By installing the Keenetic Plus DECT module, you can turn the device into a base telephone DECT station for 6 handsets. Four external antennas are installed on the case.

  Pros:

  • Wide coverage area;
  • Connection speed;
  • Flexible settings for traffic control and other key parameters;
  • Mesh system;
  • The best Wi-Fi router to date;
  • Does not cut speed when connecting a large number of devices;
  • Convenient web interface and smartphone application;
  • You can create subnets with different network access settings;
  • Seamless switching from 2.4 to 5 GHz.

  Cons:

  • Heats up, but not critical.

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  Nomination	Winner
  Price/quality leader	TP-LINK Archer C80
  Highest baud rate	Keenetic Ultra KN-1810
  With the strongest transmitter	MikroTik hAP ac2
  Rated winner with best coverage and stability	Keenetic Ultra KN-1810
  Best of the inexpensive	TP-LINK Archer C6
  Optimal with USB port	Keenetic Sprinter (KN-3710)
  With a maximum of 9 ports0390	MikroTik hAP ac2

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