Wi-Fi routers that are the best can save lives. Poor connectivity or good Wi-Fi can make the difference between a good day or a bad day. There's a router for everyone, no matter what your needs are. This is our trusted guide to the top wireless routers available today. Which are the top Wi-Fi routers available? The TP-Link Archer AX21 Wi-Fi router is the best because of its AX1800 speeds, which are sufficient for most users and have the potential to support future Wi-Fi 6 devices. The TP-Link Tether app on smartphones makes it easy to set up. The AX21 is the perfect choice if you want to keep up with all households and not go overboard. The TP-Link Archer A7 is the best value option. There are cheaper routers, but the AC1750 should be able to handle HD media streaming and browsing without causing any slowdown. It supports Wi-Fi 5 devices up to 1300Mbps in the 5GHz band. The Wi-Fi 6 technology gives the Asus RT AX55 enough speed to meet most users' needs. AiProtection Pro comes free of charge, which adds parental controls and security. AiMesh is supported by the RT-AX55, so you can extend your network coverage with an additional Asus router.1. 1.TP-Link Archer Wifi Router AX21 Best Wi Fi Router Overall $90 Amazon Top Speeds: 1201Mbps @ 5Ghz and 574Mbps @ 2.5Ghz: 1201Mbps @ 5.GHz, 574Mbps@ 2.4GHz Top features: Wi-Fi 6, four Ethernet ports. TP-Link's Archer AX21 delivers Wi-Fi 6 at an affordable price with a spec that almost everyone should be happy with. Four-stream dual-band wireless technology delivers 574Mbps at 2.5GHz and 1,201Mbps @ 5GHz. WPA3 security is available. The modern software features run smoothly thanks to the 1.5GHz quad-core CPU. Four gigabit Ethernet ports are located at the back and are flanked with four antennas. Although speeds are limited to USB 2.0, there is a USB port. It should be sufficient for HD video streaming in an emergency. Although it would be nice to have a few more software options to enhance the experience, TP-Link offers all the essential features at a reasonable price. TP-Link maintains the traditional styling with a 10.2 inch wide main housing and a 5.3 inch deep main housing. Although the router has undergone a recent redesign, it still retains its standard design. It's still nice to have a router with modern design elements that doesn't look too ostentatious. Modern Wi-Fi 6It's affordableAX1800 is fast enough for most peopleFour Ethernet ports, and one USB portSupports WPA3 technology. Cons: It is large for its speeds.Some software features are missingTP-Link Archer AX21 is the best router for most people. The Archer AX21 offers great AX1800 Wi Fi 6 speeds at a very affordable price. You don't lose connectivity with four wired ports. Amazon: $90$100 at B&H$100 at NeweggSource: Android Central2. 2.: 1300Mbps @ 2.4Ghz, 450Mbps at 5.0Ghz. Top features: Dual-band and 4 gigabit Ethernet ports. OneMesh. If you are looking for a wireless router that can handle HD streaming, browsing, and HD streaming, the Archer A7 from TP-Link is the right choice. Dual-band Wi-Fi 5 connections can reach speeds of up to 1,300Mbps in the 5GHz band, and 450Mbps in the 2.4GHz band. The 2.4GHz band is more reliable due to greater wall penetration. Although this router does not support MU-MIMO it should be able handle multiple devices simultaneously. You should consider a router with a larger capacity if you want to connect many smart home devices. TP-Link estimates that this router will provide a signal sufficient to cover a three-bedroom house thanks to three external antennas. You don't have to replace your router if you require more coverage. OneMesh allows for the connection of other TP-Link routers using OneMesh as a mesh. You only need one Wi-Fi name to connect your devices. This is unlike traditional extenders. This router includes basic QoS and parental controls to allow you to block URLs or prioritize connections. This router can be configured and set up with the Tether app for iOS or Android. The pros: AC1750 speeds will be sufficient for most homesOneMesh allows coverage expansionFour Ethernet ports make it easy to upgrade.Not for larger homesTP Link AC1750 Smart Wi Fi Router Best Value Router. The TP Link Archer A7 provides more than enough speed to most users and supports future coverage expansion with OneMesh. Amazon: $58$65 at NeweggB&H: $65Source: Asus3. ASUS RT-AX55 Best value router for families $129 at Amazon Top speeds : 1201Mbps @ 5GHz, 574 Mbps @ 2.4GHz: 1201Mbps @5GHz, 574Mbps @2.4GHz. Top features: Wi Fi 6, 4x Ethernet ports. AiMesh, AiProtection and AiProtection classic software. While the ASUS RT–AX55 may not be the fastest Wi–Fi 6 router, it is fast enough for most families. The 5GHz band supports a link speed of 1,201Mbps, while the band at 2.4GHz can handle 574Mbps. Wi-Fi 5 devices will not get full speeds but they will be ready when your family has more Wi-Fi 6. The router has four Ethernet ports that can be used to connect your wired devices. ASUS recommends it as one of the top wireless routers for large houses. The four antennas on the router's back should be able reach most of your home. You can also add an additional Asus router with AiMesh to your home to increase coverage and make the two routers work together as a mesh network. Luckily, most new Asus routers support AiMesh. AiProtection Classic software from Asus makes it a great choice for families. AiProtection includes Trend Micro antivirus software and advanced parental controls. This software is included free of cost by Asus for the life of the product. This is an excellent inclusion, regardless of whether you want to block harmful web content or limit internet hours to keep your students on task. Pros: AiProtection Classic is included for the product's entire lifetimeLarge homes get good coverageAiMesh offers expanded coverageWi-Fi 6 increases longevity. Cons: AX1800 speeds don't work well for large families.Asus RTX55 Best Value Router For Families The Asus RTX55 is a solid AX1800 wireless speed for a reasonable price. You don't have to give up parental controls. Amazon: $129$130 at Newegg$130 at B&HSource: Samuel Contreras / Android Central4. TP-Link Archer X73 Best Router for Families $175 Amazon Top Speeds : 4802Mbps @ 5Ghz and 574Mbps @ 2.5Ghz4802Mbps @ 5Ghz and 574Mbps @ 2.4Ghz. Top features: 4x Ethernet ports. USB 3.0 port. 160MHz channel. HomeShield software. The TP Link Archer AX73 dual-band Wi Fi 6 router offers speeds of up to 4,804Mbps to devices connected to 5GHz. Although 574Mbps will be available for devices using 2.4GHz, this speed will still be sufficient for most users and 4K streaming. Wi-Fi 6 devices that are supported by this router will be able to make the most of it, while WI-Fi 5 devices should still work. The back is pretty standard, with four gigabit Ethernet ports, one for WAN, and two for LAN. The right side has a USB 3.0 port for network storage. It will work with all Windows and Mac formats. Six antennas are located on the sides and back to cover large homes at solid speeds. TP-Link's new design also improves cooling. No fan is required. The TP-Link Tether app allows you to set up the router with minimal management settings. You can also access advanced settings via a web browser. You can also configure HomeShield or parental controls through the app. The full package requires a subscription. However, the basic package is free and includes basic security options as well as content-based parental controls. You'll have to pay $5.99 per monthly or $54.99 annually if you want the whole package. Pros: The superfast AX5400 speeds160MHz channel supportHomeShield offers parental control and security.OneMesh compatible Cons: Limited 2.4GHz speedsTP Link Archer AX73 Best Router For Families The TP Link Archer AX73 is fast and has HomeShield software. This allows you to keep control of your family online. Amazon: $175$175 at B&H$200 at NeweggSource: Netgear5. Netgear NighthawkXR1000 Gaming Router - $296 Amazon Top Speeds : 4.8Gbps @5Ghz, 600Mbps at 2.4Ghz: 4.8Gbps at 5Ghz, 600Mbps@ 2.4Ghz. Top features: Wi Fi 6, Updated DumaOS3.0 gaming software. The Nighthawk XR1000 router from Netgear is a fast WiFi 6 router that offers top-quality hardware and a comprehensive software package to make the most of it. The router comes with an AX5400 WiFi 6 connection, which can handle 600Mbps at 2.4GHz or 4.8Gbps on 5GHz bands. Thanks to the 160MHz 5GHz band, 5GHz speeds are possible. The back has four Ethernet LAN ports. DumaOS 3.0 has some great features for gamers. These features not only ensure that game pings are low and consistent, but also make sure you have enough bandwidth to stream live. App QoS is also included so that you can prioritize games and not devices. Geofencing and ping heatmaps allow users to block the worst connections and find the best servers. The Nighthawk is designed to handle high-resolution PC games and live streaming to Twitch and YouTube Gaming. Pros: Wi Fi 6 speeds up to AX5400Four Ethernet LAN portsDumaOS 3.0 now includes geofencing application QoSNighthawk app is easy to set upNETGEAR Nighthawk Pro Gaming XR1000 The Netgear Nighthawk XR1000 Gaming Router is the best way to make sure your internet connection is consistent and fast for gaming. Amazon: $296Best Buy: $300$300 on DellSource: ASUS6. Asus ROG Rapture GTAX11000 Top wireless speeds $450 Amazon Top speeds: 2x 4804Mbps @5Ghz, 1x 1148Mbps @2.4Ghz2x 4804Mbps @ 5.Ghz, 128Mbps @ 2.4Ghz. Top features: Triband, 2.5Gbps WAN port and 4x Ethernet ports. The Asus ROG Rapture GTAX11000 gaming router has the fastest speeds with a 12-stream triband Wi-Fi 6 setup. These speeds are broken down into two 5GHz channels with 4804Mbps and one 2.4GHz channel with 1148Mbps. This is enough speed to do almost any task. There are four gigabit Ethernet ports at the back for wired devices, and a 2.5Gbps capable Ethernet port that can be used as a WAN port. Multiple devices can be connected to the USB 3.0 ports for storage. This router has eight red-accented antennas. Asus' gaming priority software reduces latency and finds the fastest connection to a server. This router is the best choice for those looking for the fastest possible wireless speeds. Pros Blazing-fast AX11000 speedsSupport for 2.5Gbps Ethernet speedsPrioritization software reduces latencyUses Asus' AiMesh expansion. Cons: Large sizeNo WPA3Source: Hayato Huseman / Android Central7. Amazon Top Speeds - Eero Mesh Best mesh WiFi router $199: 866.7Mbps @ 2.4GHz, 400Mbps at 5.0GHz. Top features: 2x Auto-Sensing Ethernet Ports per Unit, Easy Setup, Compatible with All Eeros. Eero is one the easiest ways to set up a mesh network. Eero does not disclose the speeds of its routers but we see speeds around 400Mbps. You won't get the full benefit of gigabit internet, so this isn't your best choice. Eero is sufficient for most people. The Eero 6 or Eero Pro 6 will give you enough speed to connect at 500Mbps or 1Gbps respectively. The increased mesh performance can make your connection faster even if you don't have a Wi-Fi 6. The compact unit is 3.86 inches in width and 2.36 inches high and features two Ethernet ports at the back. These Ethernet ports can be used for both strengthening the mesh connection and connecting wired devices. The node can switch between the two modes automatically. You can add any Eero router you wish to your mesh to get more coverage. All Eero models compatibleSimple setup with the appIt is easy to place compact nodes.Amazon eero mesh WiFi router Best Mesh Wi Fi Router Dual-band Wi Fi 5 wireless speeds are sufficient for most people. Amazon: $199Best Buy: $199Dell - $200Source: Netgear8. Netgear Orbi RRBK752 Upgrade to a Mesh Wi-Fi Router $349 on Amazon: 1200Mbps, 2400Mbps @ 5Ghz and 600Mbps @ 2.4Ghz. Top features: Wi Fi 6, 3x LAN Ethernet port (2 per satellite), Netgear Armor. The Netgear Orbi RBK752 mesh system is a wonderful combination of advanced features and simplicity. Although the settings aren’t as complex as other mesh systems, Netgear gives you more information than most systems. This includes mesh link speeds and detailed connection information. The mesh's AX4200 speeds are 1,200Mbps for devices running at 5GHz and 600Mbps at 2.5GHz. The mesh connection receives the remaining 2,400Mbps. This leaves just 1,800Mbps for devices. However, you can still get these speeds via both the satellite and router. The Orbi RBK852 increases the speed of your device at 5GHz or 2.4GHz. The satellite has two open gigabit Ethernet ports and the main router has three. The satellite can reach speeds of almost gigabit Ethernet thanks to its fast mesh link. The router mesh can be extended with additional RBS750 satellites and the faster RBS850 satellite. The RBS850 comes with four Ethernet ports as well as a fast AX6000 connection. Orbis meshes can be set up easily with the Netgear Orbi App or through a web browser. Pros: High speed AX4200 Wi Fi 6 speedsTri-band Wi Fi for stronger meshAdvanced information is available through a web browserCoverage area of 5,000 sq. feet is greatIt is easy to set up the app.There are only two Ethernet points available on the satelliteSource: Netgear9. Netgear Nighthawk RX70 Wi-Fi router upgrade starting at $188 on Amazon: 1.2Gbps+ 4.8Gbps @5Ghz, 600Mbps@ 2.4Ghz. Top features:Triband, Link aggregation. Netgear is a leader in WiFi 6, and continues to be a leader with the tri-band RAX70 Wi-Fi 6. This router can handle large numbers of connections with a minimum of fuss. It has 1.2Gbps and 4.8Gbps on 5GHz bands, as well as 600Mbps at 2.4GHz. Your devices will automatically connect to the best band depending on where there is wireless congestion. The Netgear Wi-Fi 6 standard Wi-Fi 6 router features a wing to either side of its main body that houses the antennas. It looks great and gives solid coverage. However, it is not ideal for vertical mounting. Despite this, most homes should not have coverage problems, even with high speed connections. Pros: High-speed Wi-Fi 6 speedsTri-band connectionNighthawk app is easy to set upSource: Netgear10. Netgear C6250 Wi-Fi router at a great price starting at $126 on Amazon. Top speeds: 1300Mbps @ 5Ghz and 300Mbps @ 2Ghz. Up to 680Mbps download with 16x4 channels1300Mbps @ 5Ghz and 300Mbps @ 2.5Ghz. Up to 680Mbps download with 16x4 channel Top features: DOCSIS3.0, 2x Ethernet ports. USB port. Compatible with most ISPs. The Netgear C6250 cable modem/wireless router is one piece of equipment. This router can provide a theoretical 680Mbps internet connection with 16 downstream channels and DOCSIS3.0. Wi-Fi 5 offers AC1600 speeds. These speeds are 1300Mbps at 5GHz, and 300Mbps at 2.5GHz. These speeds aren’t too bad, but the 1300Mbps link speed in the 5GHz band makes it capable of handling fast connections. The router is compactly housed in a 7.68-inch wide and 7.79 inch tall black housing. The router has only two Ethernet ports at the back. If you have more than one wired device, you will need to add a switch. This modem is compatible with all cable internet providers including Xfinity Spectrum, Cox and Cablevision. This router is an excellent choice if you want to connect your wireless devices with minimal equipment. A faster DOCSIS 3.0 modem is required if you want to connect to a gigabit network. Netgear offers a variety of modems, including the Nighthawk C7800 which supports the fastest internet speed on cable. It won't be a long-term investment, but it will still provide great performance and Wi-Fi in one box. The pros: A stand-alone internet solutionAC1600 is sufficient for most peopleOne compact unit cons: Expanding is difficult because there are only 2 Ethernet ports.Modem doesn't support gigabit download speedsNetgear C6250 Wi-Fi Router and Modem. The Netgear C6250 is the best Wi-Fi router with a modem. It combines both a modem AND router to make it easy to get online. Amazon: Starting at $126Best Buy - $160$160 DellSource: Samuel Contreras / Android Central11. Netgear Orbi BBR750 Wi-Fi router upgrade with modem. $382 Walmart. Top speeds: 1201Mbps + 2400Mbps @ 5Ghz; 600Mbps @ 2.45Ghz: 1201Mbps, 2400Mbps @ 5Ghz and 600Mbps @ 2.5Ghz. Top features: Triband Wi-Fi 6, Orbi Satellite extension, 4x Ethernet ports. The Netgear CBR750 cable modem is the fastest available, with an Orbi Wi Fi 6 router. The Modem supports DOCSIS 3.1 and has 32 downstream streams and 8 upstream streams. The modem has a theoretical maximum download speed of 10Gbps, but most internet service providers (ISPs) offer only gigabit-like speeds. It's still nice to know that this modem can keep up with the ISP's bandwidth allocations if they change their resources. This router mirrors RBR750, which is often included in the RBK752 package. It also includes the RBS750 satellite. If you want to expand your mesh, you will need an RBS750 router or RBS850 router. An RBR750 router cannot be used for expansion. Satellites can only expand mesh coverage. Netgear estimates that the single CBR750 router can cover up to 3,000 sq. feet. This router is still solid with AX4200 connections that provide speeds of 1201Mbps on the main 5GHz band, 2402Mbps on the mesh connection 5GHz bands, and 600Mbps at the 2.4GHz frequency. This router will provide more than enough speed to support a gigabit connection for most users. The back has four Ethernet ports that allow for wire connections. You can set this up with the Orbi App. For greater security and parental control, you can pair it with Netgear Armor subscriptions. Pros: Speedy tri-band AX4200 speedsCompatible with Wi-Fi 6 & DOCSIS 3.1Expanding is easy with four Ethernet portsAttractive design Cons: ExpensiveNo 160MHz bandsNetgear Orbi CBR750DOCSIS 3.1, Wi Fi 6, and mesh expansion in one. The Netgear Orbi CBR750 cable modem is one of the most efficient, featuring Wi-Fi 6 mesh expansion, four Ethernet ports, and four Ethernet ports. Walmart: $382B&H: $380
