Best Wi-Fi routers of 2024: The ultimate guide for gateways, large homes, fiber routers & more
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A Wi-Fi router is a device that connects your Wi-Fi devices like tablets and laptops to the internet signal from your modem, creating your home wireless network. The router divides bandwidth among multiple devices, making router placement crucial. This division of the internet signal is why you might need faster internet for homes with many connected devices.
The best Wi-Fi router for you depends on several factors, including the size of your home, the number of devices you need to connect and the internet connection type you choose. Narrow down your Wi-Fi router search with these expert recommendations for the best home routers across various categories. Our top picks are based on device specifications, price, Wi-Fi range, ease of setup, security and average customer satisfaction 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?
Wi-Fi routers are available at various price points with a range of features and customizations to make them compatible with the best internet providers. A budget-friendly router might cover a smaller area or accommodate fewer devices, while a more expensive router may offer more coverage and additional security features or customizations.
The following table provides the best routers ranging from budget-friendly basic devices to top-of-the-line models for multi-gig internet.
Best router 2024 comparison
| Key distinction | Name | Price* | Max internet speed | Approx. Wi-Fi range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best budget-friendly router | ASUS RT-AX1800S WiFi 6 router | $99.99 | 1.8 GB | 3,000 sq. ft. |
| Best value multi-gig router | TP-Link Archer AX5400 router | $199.99 | 5.4 GB | 3,000 sq. ft. |
| Best modem-router combo | Arris SURFboard SBG8300 gateway | $249.99 | 2.35 GB | 2,800 sq. ft. |
| Best high-end router | NETGEAR Nighthawk WiFi 7 RS700S router | $695 | 19 GB | 3,500 sq. ft. |
Best Wi-Fi router reviews
The following Wi-Fi router reviews detail the benefits and key features of our top router picks.
Why we like the ASUS RT-AX1800S: Available from several major retailers like Amazon, Walmart and Office Depot, this router consistently earns an average rating of over 4 out of 5 stars across thousands of customer reviews. This affordable router includes the latest efficiency standards for connecting multiple wireless devices and features four fixed antennas and free ASUS Instant Guard VPN access. Moreover, this cost-effective router lets you future-proof your home Wi-Fi network with the option to expand your coverage using mesh routers if you eventually need broader wireless coverage.
Why we like the TP-Link AX5400 router: The AX5400 delivers Wi-Fi 6 connectivity up to 5.4 GB for a sensible price. This router includes six antennas for multi-directional coverage, HomeShield software protection and dual-band frequencies to minimize device interference. Like other brands, TP-Link offers a range of models, and the often-recommended AX6000 and AXE7800 routers support higher multi-gig speeds and the newest Wi-Fi protocols. However, since these devices typically cost between $200 and $300, we recommend the AX5400 as the best value option compared to its more expensive alternatives.
Why we like the Arris SURFboard SBG8300 gateway: The ARRIS SURFboard is a modem and router combo compatible with leading cable providers like Cox and Mediacom, but will not work with fiber, 5G or other connection types. It has an ample coverage range and relays internet speeds up to 1 GB. With DOCSIS 3.1 technology, currently one of the highest standards in cable internet, this gateway minimizes lag and maximizes download and upload speeds. The corresponding SURFboard app provides additional security features, including parental controls.
Why we like the NETGEAR Nighthawk RS700S: Best routers like the NETGEAR Nighthawk have a higher price tag but are a smart investment if you have a multi-gig internet connection. This router can handle extreme speeds and numerous devices so you can maximize an ultra-fast cable or fiber internet connection. Ideal for competitive gaming, this NETGEAR router provides low latency and the latest Wi-Fi technology, while supporting up to 200 synchronous devices and 19 GB internet speed and covering a large area without the need for Wi-Fi extenders.
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 | $249.99 | 2.3 GB | 2,800 sq. ft. |
| Ultra-connected homes | Amazon eero PoE Gateway | $699.99 | 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 | $159.99 | 3 GB | 5,000 sq. ft. |
| Multiple frequency bands & gaming | Linksys Hydra Pro AXE6600 Wi-Fi 6E Tri-Band Router | $179.99 | 5 GB | 2,700 sq. ft. |
| The fastest speeds | NETGEAR Nighthawk WiFi 7 router | $695 | 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 | $199.99 | 5.4 GB | 3,000 sq. ft. |
| Comprehensive Wi-Fi coverage | Linksys Atlas WiFi 6 Mesh Router | $239.99 | 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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