Comparison Table
Last update on 2024-10-14 / Affiliate links / Images, Product Titles, and Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API
With so many people still working from home due to COVID-19, your Wi-Fi network is doing a lot more than just letting you stream movies and play games. Millions of people rely on home wireless routers to stay connected while also connecting an ever-increasing number of smart home devices. That means deciding which one is the best wireless router for you and your budget is more difficult than ever, especially now that more Wi-Fi 6 devices are becoming available.
We'll walk you through the process of selecting a router that will meet your current and future wireless networking demands, as well as our top recommendations to get you started.
We'll look at the buying guide for the best wireless routers for you in this part! We're confident that you will discover the most appropriate one to meet your needs, ranging from homes to large-scale companies!
1. Wi-Fi Bands
Any good router nowadays will have at least two radio bands, a 2.4GHz and a 5GHz band. Because it is more proficient at penetrating walls and other structures, the 2.4GHz band runs at a lower frequency than the 5GHz band and gives better range. However, it lacks the fat pipe and high-speed access that the 5GHz frequency provides.
2. Speed of the Best Wireless Routers
The speed of a wireless router is measured in Megabits per second (Mbps). It refers to how quickly the router can transfer incoming data from one location to another. A standard known as "Wireless AC" is used by the fastest Wi-Fi routers. Some of the best in this field are capable of speeds of up to 5,300 Mbps.
3. Security
Most wireless routers provide parental control options for homes with small children. This can be used to block access to adult-oriented websites. In addition, most routers allow visitors access while restricting access to the rest of the network. Not only does the Amazon eero mesh WiFi system function well with Alexa, but it also includes all of the security features listed!
4. Number of users/devices on the network
Theoretically, most wireless access points and wireless routers can connect up to 255 devices at once. That's a lot of laptops, tablets, smartphones, cameras, and other devices, and it's likely far more than the average household requires. However, just because a single wireless router/access point may potentially link 255 devices does not imply you should.
1. Best Wireless Router: NETGEAR Nighthawk AX5400 RAX50
This 6-stream NETGEAR Nighthawk AX5400 router offers the most up-to-date Wi-Fi compatibility at a lower price than many competitors. Although a superior version of the device is available, this one is ideal for the ordinary home and still provides great dual-band speeds. There are four Gigabit Ethernet ports on board, as well as a 1.5GHz three-core processor, USB ports, and WPA3 compatibility for the most up-to-date Wi-Fi security.
The Nighthawk AX5400 is also a smart router, featuring beamforming and Smart Connect to ensure that your devices receive the attention they require without dead zones, as well as OFDMA technology for the most efficient transmissions. If you ever want to control Wi-Fi connections with voice commands, it's also compatible with Amazon's Alexa - something parents could find useful when making sure their kids are studying, for instance.
2. TP-Link AX6600 WiFi 6 Router
The TP-Link Archer AX6600 is a fantastic dual-band Wi-Fi 6 router that can deliver up to 4,804Mbps on the 5GHz band and 1,148Mbps on the 2.4GHz band. It has a USB-C connector for charging and high-speed data transfers, and it supports significant new technologies including OFDMA and MU-MIMO. If you want even more dependability, there are nine Gigabit Ethernet ports for multiple wired connections.
The router also incorporates proprietary technology, including as software that automatically switches devices across bands if one becomes overcrowded. There's also Alexa support, so you can use voice commands to conduct basic network administration tasks. Although several router manufacturers provide Wi-Fi 6 versions, the TP-Link Archer AX6600 is very flexible. It's ideal for home offices, small companies, and anybody with a large number of wireless devices who wants them all to function at their best.
3. Google Nest Wifi
Google Nest WiFi is a great example of a mesh network router, which connects numerous nodes to build a larger, more reliable wireless network. The router covers 2,200 square feet on its own, but you may add one or two "points" to cover up to 5,400 square feet. It's perfect for huge rooms or homes with a lot of interference and dead zones.
The main selling point, though, is how simple it is to use. Nest WiFi, unlike many other routers, makes setting up and administering a home network a breeze. Furthermore, each Google Wi-Fi unit also serves as a Google Assistant smart speaker, capable of playing music and controlling smart home devices.
4. ASUS ZenWiFi AX6600 WiFi 6 System
Asus has just released dozens of fantastic Wi-Fi 6 routers, with options to suit nearly every requirement and price. Asus has also managed to bring Wi-Fi 6 to another cutting-edge technology in connectivity: mesh routers, with the Asus ZenWiFi AX6600.
While it is one of the more costly choices and only supports two mesh routers, the Asus ZenWifi AX6600 provides lightning-fast speeds and plenty of configuration versatility, including the ability to set up one or two networks utilizing the 2.4 and 5GHz bands. If you're searching for mesh routers, this is an excellent pick with great security features.
5. TP-Link AC1200 Gigabit WiFi Router
Are you looking for a low-cost wireless router? This TP-Link AC1200 device, which costs only $50, offers everything you need without breaking the budget. It's ideal for a home that simply need a basic internet connection to check email, browse, and stream light media.
The Tether app from TP-Link is one of the best router apps for smartphones, so configuring and maintaining the router should be simple. AC1200-class dual-band speeds (300Mbps at 2.4GHz and 867Mbps at 5GHz), two USB ports, and Gigabit Ethernet connections are all included in the router. While these requirements aren't groundbreaking, they do cover the essentials for decent wireless connectivity.
1. How does a wireless router work?
A wired connection links a wireless router to the modem, which connects to the internet infrastructure outside your building. The router converts the internet data into a radio signal (far beyond human hearing range) that may be broadcast throughout the surrounding region. Our electronic gadgets include receivers that take up these signals and convert them into data that our devices require to generate the information we see, hear, and interact with on our screens.
2. What are the various Wi-Fi protocols? What do they stand for?
Wi-Fi is always improving in aspects such as how data is effectively packed into radio signals, what security it utilizes, and how it establishes connections with electronic devices. That means the Wi-Fi protocol - the standards and data formats used by routers - evolves to the point where a new protocol is created to include all of the technical improvements and, well, level up Wi-Fi.
Wi-Fi technologies used to be designated after codes like 802.11ac. This is a way of crediting particular IEEE (Institute of Electronic and Electronics Engineers) local area network standards, similar to citing a chapter and page for a reference. However, when the 802.11ax protocol was introduced, it was decided to modify the naming rules and simply refer to it as "Wi-Fi 6" to make things easier for consumers. Wi-Fi 7 will almost probably be the next protocol, although that is still years away.
To use it, a router (and receiving devices) must be protocol compatible: Although protocols provide a lot of backward compatibility for older devices, an older router will not be able to utilize a new protocol, which is why it's always essential to check what protocol a router has before buying. To take advantage of the most recent advancements, search for routers labeled Wi-Fi 6.
3. How long does a wireless router last?
Routers, in comparison to many other electronic devices, have a long lifespan. They can frequently survive for five years or longer before needing to be replaced due to wear and tear. Replacing a router every few years, on the other hand, is a smart method to guarantee you're up to date on technology and security, not to mention Wi-Fi speeds. If you notice that more and more devices are supporting a new standard like Wi-Fi 6, it's time to upgrade your router.
4. Can the best wireless router increase my internet speed?
Your provider and local infrastructure are the primary determinants of your internet speed. A better router, on the other hand, can provide a number of functions that eliminate obstacles to potential speeds or make current speeds appear faster. Try a direct cable connection and perform speed tests again if your current ISP (internet service provider) plans promise speeds that you never experience on your Wi-Fi network. If your speed improves considerably over a wired connection, the best wireless router is more likely to boost your speeds as well.
5. Does number of devices affect a wireless router?
Although having too many connected devices may not always cause your router to crash, it will certainly affect speed and connectivity. Delay in loading, buffering, latency, and the need to reconnect devices to compete for bandwidth are all common issues.
We hope you found our wireless router instructions detailed but easy to read! Now, we'll show you the best wireless routers!
Because of its leading performance, the NETGEAR Nighthawk AX5400 is regarded as the best overall wireless router. Follow-ups are the TP-Link Archer AX6600 and Asus ZenWiFi AX6600 due to their high technology and connectivity speed.
The Google Nest WiFi is ideal for large space, with its simple set-up and ability to manage up to 200 connected devices. The TP-Link AC1200 is the last but not least. It's cheap, plus it's covered by a two-year warranty!