Call for the Best Cable, Phone and Internet Deals: 1-855-349-9328

Call NOW!

It should come as no surprise that the internet is playing an increasingly important role in our lives since going mainstream. In fact, internet use surged during the pandemic, which indicates that the quality of your home internet connection is more important than ever. Between streaming TV shows, learning from home, and gaming online, there are plenty of reasons to have a speedy and reliable Wi-Fi signal throughout your entire house. And one of the best ways to do that is by investing in a good Wi-Fi router.

Although your internet can only be as fast as the speeds advertised by your internet service provider, a good internet router can maximize your internet performance. In this article, we discuss how you can choose a good Wi-Fi router and what are some of the best Wi-Fi routers out there for a smooth internet experience.

What to Look For In Wi-Fi Routers

Shopping for routers is nightmarish especially if you do not know what to look for. There are many brands and models to choose from, which makes the process incredibly confusing. To help you in your search for the best router, here are some factors you should consider while purchasing your next router:

Compatibility

If you plan to buy your internet router instead of renting one from your ISP, provider compatibility is the most important factor to consider. Your router should be compatible with your internet plan and internet provider, or else it would not support your internet connection. You can visit your provider’s website and check the list of compatible devices.

Cost

Have a budget in mind when you start searching for internet service providers or you will be blindsided by the plethora of options available. The price of a router depends upon the range of features it offers and the quality of the device. A basic dual-band router will cost you less up to $100 whereas newer and higher-end models can set you back by $300.

Speed

The router’s speed and ability to manage internet traffic can affect the overall speed of your internet connection. That means, if your router is not compatible with your internet plan and the speed it offers, it will slow down your internet connection. For this reason, you should invest in a new and improved Wi-Fi router that maximizes your internet speed rather than slowing it down.

Wireless Protocol

Look for a router that supports the latest internet standard as it shows how good the range and throughput of the router are.

Quality of Service (QoS)

With the quality of service feature, you can prioritize devices from your routers and get better speeds on those devices over others that you may not be using at the time. This way, if you are hosting a movie night, you can prioritize your smart TV so you enjoy uninterrupted movie streaming without other devices hogging the bandwidth and internet speed.

Top 10 Wi-Fi Routers For 2023

 

Routers

Max Throughput

Best Overall

Google Nest Wi-Fi

2,200 Mbps

Best Budget

TP-Link Archer AX21

1,201Mbps

Best for Gigabit Internet Plans

NETGEAR Nighthawk RAX120

6,000 Mbps

Best for Large Homes

Asus Zenwifi AX (XT8)

6600 Mbps

Best for Smaller Spaces

TP-Link Archer AX10

1,500 Mbps

Best Compact Router

Linksys Hydra Pro

4,800 Mbps

Best Gaming Router

ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AX11000

11,000 Mbps

Best Mesh Router

TP-Link Deco W7200

5500 Mbps

Best Dual Band Router

Asus RT-AC88U

3,100 Mbps

Best Router for Smart Homes

TP-Link Deco M9 Plus

1000 Mbps

 

Best Overall: Google Nest Wi-Fi

Google Nest is not a single router but an entire Wi-Fi system consisting of two dual-band Wi-Fi units. This scalable Wi-Fi system provides a reliable Wi-Fi connection across your home and offers 4400 sq. ft. of coverage. One of the two units will plug in with your modem to create a Wi-Fi network, whereas the other unit extends the signals throughout your home. You can add more units to this system if you have a bigger space, and need more coverage.

The Google Nest Wi-Fi routers can manage up to 200 devices, which makes them perfect for well-connected homes and larger families.

Best Budget: TP-Link Archer AX21

Enjoy faster speeds and more secure browsing without breaking the bank with the TP-Link AX21. This device is equipped with the Wi-Fi 6 wireless standard and can support an internet speed of up to 1.8Gbps. It has four high-gain antennas and beamforming technology, which offers enhanced signal strength and better Wi-Fi coverage throughout your home.

In addition, this device has the latest WPA3 security protocol, ensuring better cybersecurity in your home network. You can easily manage this device from the convenience of your phone with the Tether App.

Best Router for Gigabit Internet Plans: NETGEAR Nighthawk RAX120

This Wi-Fi 6-enabled router can support internet speeds of up to 6Gbps, making it perfect for gigabit internet plans. If your household has heavy data usage supported by a meaty multi-gig internet plan, you need this router to make the most of your internet connection.

This dual-band internet router has eight concealed antennas for improved Wi-Fi performance and area coverage of up to 3500 sq. ft. Its powerful processor boosts Wi-Fi performance and has the latest WPA3 Wi-Fi security protocol for a safe internet experience.    

Best for Large Homes: Asus Zenwifi AX (XT8)

Elegantly designed and easy to configure, the Asus Zenwifi AX is a mesh Wi-Fi system with two router units. You can forget all about dead zones and terrible internet signal with this Asus device, as it offers Wi-Fi coverage of up to 5500 sq. ft.

This device can be set up in three simple steps and is app-supported, so you can check the internet speeds and tweak router settings right from the app. With this router setup, you get free lifetime access to Trend Micro network security solution, which protects all connected devices from potential cyberattacks.

Best Router for Smaller Spaces: TP-Link Archer AX10

Avoid splurging on an expensive router with the latest specifications when you can do better for less. If you live in a smaller space, TP-Link Archer AX10 is perfect for your home. It is affordable and ensures reliable internet performance.

This unit is not for well-connected, large homes as it lacks the 160 MHz option for better speeds across devices. However, it is perfect for smaller setups as it offers area coverage of 80-90 ft.

Best Compact Router:  Linksys Hydra Pro

We all want good Wi-Fi connectivity throughout our homes without dealing with bulky routers taking up too much space. The Linksys Hydra Pro is a sleek and elegantly designed mesh Wi-Fi system, which packs a punch. It offers coverage of up to 2700 sq. ft. Plus, it is Wi-Fi 6 enabled and offers 160 MHz wide channels for superior connectivity and performance.

Best Gaming Router: ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AX11000

To keep up with your intense gaming sessions, you need a Wi-Fi router built for fast speeds and reliable performance. After all, you would not want your internet to mess up during an online gaming session. This router can support Wi-Fi speeds of up to 10 Gbps and offers adaptive Quality of Service (QoS) for smart device prioritization. With a 1.8 GHZ quad-core processor and Wi-Fi compatibility, the ROG Rapture delivers unmatched performance.  

Best Router for Smart Homes: TP-Link Deco W7200

If you live in a powerfully-connected smart home with several IoT devices, you need an internet connection that can keep up with the ultra-fast speed needs. The good news is you can enjoy reliable Wi-Fi performance throughout your home with the TP-Link Deco W7200.

This mesh router system offers incredible area coverage of up to 5500 sq. ft. and can connect up to 150 devices without lowering their performance. The best part is that it comes with TP-Link HomeShield, which offers home network protection and maintains cybersecurity on all connected devices.

Best Dual Band Router: Asus RT-AC88U

If you have been in search of reliable dual-band Wi-Fi for low-latency gaming and uninterrupted streaming, the Asus RT-AC88U is a perfect choice. It offers eight LAN ports for superior connectivity and a 4 antenna design with beamforming for an excellent Wi-Fi range.

Best Mesh Router: TP-Link Deco M9 Plus

Equipped with advanced Deco Mesh technology, this TP-Link router provides the perfect infrastructure for a unified home network. All the separate access points of router units have the same name, so when you move across your home, Deco automatically picks the best-suited connection for your device. The Deco M9 Plus internet router offers incredible area coverage of 6500 sq. ft. and can connect over 100 devices.

There You Are!

Wi-Fi router is an integral component of a home network. A fast internet connection constitutes good internet routers and decent internet plans. Now that you know the best internet routers, all you need is a good internet connection for a reliable and fast home network. Call 855-349-9328 to find out the best internet plans and deals near you.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do routers last?

Experts at Netgear, Linksys, and Google recommend replacing routers every three to five years. If you have several smart appliances or you keep upgrading your devices, you might have to upgrade your router soon too

Does a good router improve internet speed?

Your internet connection can only be as good as your internet connection. However, if your router is not compatible with your internet provider, it will slow down your internet speed. Similarly, a good router can maximize your internet speed potential.

How do I know if my router is bad or the internet?

First, run an initial test on your internet speed and note down the results. Next, run a second speed test by connecting your laptop to your modem with an Ethernet cable. Compare the results of the speed tests. If you see slow internet speeds initially but the performance improves when you connected your laptop to the modem, the issue lies with your router. However, if the speeds are significantly lower than the advertised speeds, the issue is with your internet service provider.  

Does a better router increase the Wi-Fi range?

If you have an old and outdated router, it might be the reason why your Wi-Fi signals keep dropping. A new and upgraded router can enhance your internet speeds and Wi-Fi range.