Best Wi-Fi routers of 2025: The ultimate guide for gateways, large homes, fiber routers & more
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A Wi-Fi router connects your devices, such as tablets and laptops, to your modem’s internet signal, creating a home wireless network. The router divides bandwidth among multiple devices. Router placement is crucial, especially in homes with many connections that require faster internet.
Choosing the best Wi-Fi router depends on factors such as home size, number of devices and internet type. Explore our expert recommendations for the best home routers across various categories based on specifications, price, range, security and customer reviews.
Explore each category and learn more here:
- What’s the best Wi-Fi router?
- Best Wi-Fi router reviews
- Best modem and router combos
- Best Wi-Fi routers for large homes
- Best Wi-Fi routers for fiber internet
- Wi-Fi router FAQs
What’s the best Wi-Fi router 2025?
Wi-Fi routers come in all price ranges with varied features and compatibility with the best internet providers. Budget routers may cover smaller areas or support fewer devices, while pricier models typically offer more coverage, enhanced security and more customization options.
The best wireless router for home use ranges from budget-friendly basic devices to top-of-the-line models for multi-gig internet.
Best router 2025 comparison
| Key distinction | Name | Price range* | Max internet speed | Approx. Wi-Fi range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best budget-friendly router | ASUS RT-AX1800S WiFi 6 router | $66.80–$112.43 | 1.8 GB | 3,000 sq. ft. |
| Best value multi-gig router | TP-Link Archer AX5400 router | $129.99–$199.99 | 5.4 GB | 3,000 sq. ft. |
| Best modem-router combo | Arris SURFboard SBG8300 gateway | $238.18–$249 | 2.35 GB | 2,800 sq. ft. |
| Best high-end router | NETGEAR Nighthawk WiFi 7 RS700S router | $649.99 | 19 GB | 3,500 sq. ft. |
Best Wi-Fi router reviews
The best routers 2025 has to offer include ASUS, TP-Link and more. The following Wi-Fi router reviews detail the benefits and key features of our top router picks.
ASUS RT-AX1800S router — Best budget router
This affordable router averages over 4 stars from thousands of reviews and can handle internet speeds up to 1.8 GB. It features four fixed antennas, free ASUS Instant Guard VPN access and supports mesh router expansion for future Wi-Fi coverage needs.
TP-Link AX5400 router — Best value for faster speeds
The AX5400 delivers Wi-Fi 6 speeds up to 5.4 GB at a sensible price. It has six antennas for multi-directional coverage, HomeShield protection and dual-band frequencies to reduce interference. While TP-Link’s AX6000 and AXE7800 models support faster speeds, they cost $200–$300, making the AX5400 router the best value option.
Arris SURFboard SBG8300 gateway — Best modem-router combo
The ARRIS SURFboard is a modem and router combo compatible with cable providers like Cox and Mediacom but will not work with fiber or 5G internet. It relays internet speeds up to 1 GB and uses DOCSIS 3.1 technology for minimal lag and maximum download and upload speeds. The SURFboard app provides additional security features, such as parental controls.
NETGEAR Nighthawk RS700S router — Best high-end router
Best routers like the NETGEAR Nighthawk are a smart investment for multi-gig internet connections. It handles extreme speeds and numerous devices, making it ideal for competitive gaming. This NETGEAR router covers a large area without Wi-Fi extenders while supporting up to 200 devices and 19 GB internet speeds.
Best modem and router combos
A Wi-Fi router relies on the modem to get an internet signal, and it cannot connect to the internet to deliver home Wi-Fi without a functioning modem. While the two devices can be separate, a modem and router are often built together into one unit known as a gateway.
The following gateways are our top picks for modem and router combo devices:
| Best for | Device name | Price* | Max internet speed | Approx. Wi-Fi range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Internet under 1 GB | Arris SURFboard AC1600 gateway | $99.00 | 1 GB | Varies |
| High-speed activities | Arris SURFboard SBG8300 gateway | $238.18–$249 | 2.3 GB | 2,800 sq. ft. |
| Ultra-connected homes | Amazon eero PoE Gateway | $399.99 | 9.4 GB | Varies |
Here are some other tips that are helpful to know when shopping for the best modem and router combos:
- You may also find gateway devices referred to as a modem-router combo, an integrated modem and router, or a wireless gateway, but they all refer to the same type of unified modem and router device.
- Cable providers (e.g., Xfinity, Spectrum) and 5G internet providers (e.g., T-Mobile, Verizon 5G) often use gateways, while a fiber connection uses a router with an optical network terminal (ONT) instead of a modem.
- Before purchasing, always ensure that the router or gateway you choose is compatible with your internet connection type and download speed.
Best Wi-Fi routers for large homes
When shopping for the best routers for larger homes (over 2,000 sq. ft.), review the specifications to ensure that it will provide whole-home wireless coverage while accommodating any distinctive structural details of your home.
Check out our top choices for large home Wi-Fi routers:
| Best for | Device name | Price* | Max internet speed | Approx. Wi-Fi range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Large estates | ASUS AX3000 Dual-Band WiFi 6 router | $129.99–$163.99 | 3 GB | 5,000 sq. ft. |
| Multiple frequency bands & gaming | Linksys Hydra Pro AXE6600 Wi-Fi 6E Tri-Band Router | $195.99–$209.99 | 5 GB | 2,700 sq. ft. |
| The fastest speeds | NETGEAR Nighthawk WiFi 7 router | $649.99 | 19 GB | 3,500 sq. ft. |
Consider these suggestions when shopping for the best Wi-Fi router for a large home:
- A tri-band router has three frequencies to better direct traffic for the additional devices typically found in larger homes.
- If your large home has areas that need stronger wireless connectivity, extenders and boosters can be added to create a mesh Wi-Fi network.
- Signal strength and wireless range can vary based on your home’s layout and structural components. Materials like brick or plaster and interference from walls, appliances or other devices can diminish Wi-Fi strength. Moving your router or using a mesh Wi-Fi network can enhance your home wireless grid.
Best Wi-Fi routers for fiber internet
The best fiber Wi-Fi router needs to be compatible with Wi-Fi 5 or Wi-Fi 6 to handle speeds of 1 GB or more that are typical of fiber internet plans from providers like AT&T and Verizon Fios. Other features of a quality fiber router include dual or tri-band technology with multiple wireless frequencies.
Review these best home routers for fiber internet with strong performance at various price points.
| Best for | Device name | Price* | Max internet speed | Approx. Wi-Fi range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Value-conscious buyers | TP-Link Archer AX5400 router | $129.99–$199.99 | 5.4 GB | 3,000 sq. ft. |
| Comprehensive Wi-Fi coverage | Linksys Atlas WiFi 6 AX 3000 Mesh Router | $194.99–$199.99 | 3 GB | 4,000 sq. ft. |
Choose the best router for fiber internet with these tips in mind:
- Routers intended for use with a fiber internet connection can cost more than 5G, cable or DSL routers because they usually are supporting faster speeds and higher-bandwidth online activities, such as gaming.
- Many routers are versatile and designed to work with multiple technologies and internet service providers.
- While some ISPs offer a router at no additional cost, you can still choose to use your own router, but check with your ISP first to confirm compatibility.
- If you opt not to use the ISP-provided equipment, the provider will usually not offer technical support, leaving you responsible for troubleshooting any potential issues.
Best Wi-Fi routers FAQs
What is a Wi-Fi router?
A Wi-Fi router is a device that establishes your wireless network. It connects your devices to the internet signal through a connection with your modem. The best Wi-Fi router for home internet service will connect all your wireless devices without sacrificing speed, reliability or coverage.
What should I look for in a Wi-Fi router?
When shopping for a Wi-Fi router, examine the specifications such as internet connection compatibility (e.g., cable, fiber, etc.), speed capability, coverage area and the number of devices it can sustain. If you plan to hard-wire devices like computers or gaming consoles, check the number of ethernet or USB ports. Finally, security features and price are other important considerations when selecting your device.
When should I upgrade my Wi-Fi router?
Some technical authorities suggest upgrading your Wi-Fi router as frequently as every three to five years. However, if you haven’t noticed Wi-Fi problems like a decline in speed or reliability, there’s no immediate need to replace it. Still, upgrading your router offers benefits such as the newest technology, enhanced security software and device compatibility, which tech enthusiasts may feel are worth the investment.
How much does a Wi-Fi router cost?
Wi-Fi routers are available across a broad price range, from basic models starting around $40 to high-end, technologically advanced long-range routers priced upwards of $700. Mid-range routers in the $100–$200 range offer a good balance of convenient features, coverage and speed making them suitable for most households.
What is WPS on a Wi-Fi router?
Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) is a convenient feature that allows the router to automatically detect and connect all wireless devices within its range. This feature saves you the time and effort of logging in to the wireless network from each individual device in your home when setting up high-speed internet. Other technical router lingo you could encounter includes MU-MIMO and OFDMA, features that enhance router performance by reducing network congestion, reducing latency and boosting efficiency by enabling multiple Wi-Fi devices to simultaneously connect and transmit data.
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