The Best Wifi Routers
With remote work becoming so much more common, it's never been more important to make sure you have a great internet connection to work with. A good wifi router can give you lightning-fast internet speeds and provide you with a level of net-surfing convenience you won't want to turn away from. There are many routers out there, but only a few can be the best, which is why we've created this list for your shopping convenience.
What to Look For
A router had to meet three key criteria for us to be able to endorse it: Does it provide a fast connection? Is it reliably fast all over the home or office? Is it easy to set up and manage? We found several routers that blew past our expectations. The versatility and affordability of the Archer A7 router from TP-Link made it our number one pick. For the gamers in the audience, though, ASUS’s router proved to be the most reliable pick. No matter what you need fast internet to accomplish, there’s a wifi router for you on our list, so log on and keep reading.
TP-Link Archer A7 Smart WiFi Router
The fast route
This wifi router from TP-Link wins our top spot for giving your home or office a great connection. This versatile router works with all service providers, and multiple older wifi devices that other routers aren’t compatible with. It also plays nice with both Alexa and VPN clients, so there’s no need to worry about your virtual assistants slowing down internet speeds. If you need a wifi router that will get the job done almost anywhere, this is the way to go.
Pros
- This router is far less expensive and higher in quality than many other brand name choices.
- We love the wide compatibility, which allows up to 50 simultaneous connections. It’s thus a good choice for large households or crowded workplaces.
- The provided Tether app is super easy to use and lets you set up your network within minutes.
Cons
- There’s no button to let you test the strength of your wifi.
TP-Link Archer AX21
Browse with bravado
TP-Link does it again with a superb wifi router that anyone who needs a fast connection will love to have. Quad-core processing ensures that connections remain fast and seamless, and it stays strong among multiple devices in a wide area. Plus, the setup app is accessible for people who aren’t great with technology, and it’s easy to make it work in tandem with virtual assistants like Alexa. Its strong connection and ease of use make this one wifi router that’s easy to recommend.
Pros
- We appreciate that it doesn’t experience hiccups with VPNs, making it great for users who value advanced privacy.
- It lets you specify the bandwidth you want to set for individual devices, which is a level of customization we don’t often see.
Cons
- The icons for advanced features in the app can be confusing to navigate at first.
TP-Link AX5400 Wifi 6 Router
Far and wide
Yet another winner from TP-Link, this long-range wifi router is ideal for getting high speeds across vast stretches. Six antennas provide an incredible range of service, and gigabit wifi with 8k picture support ensures whatever you’re streaming will look amazing. Heavy ventilation makes for a cooler, quieter router, and TP-Link HomeShield provides the extra security your network needs. This robust wifi router can’t be topped for providing great service to every inch of your house or office.
Pros
- The parental control option that comes with TP-Link HomeShield makes this a great choice for users with young children.
- Its installation process is very simple, and the app is easy to navigate.
- We adore the bevy of advanced features for serious network users who want to get the absolute best from their connection.
Cons
- The router may need to be rebooted every so often to maintain its speed.
ASUS Wifi 6 Router
Real gamers know how important a steady connection can be for online play, and this wifi router from ASUS delivers. It supports wifi mesh technology to help get the most out of your other ASUS products and can provide a blisteringly fast speed of up to 575 Mbps. And thanks to an accessible app and AiProtection Pro, getting and maintaining those speeds is both simple and safe. Whether you’re climbing the leaderboards or trying to watch your favorite movie, this wifi router has what you need.
Pros
- The lets you control every feature of your router without needing to be near your computer, and updates with improvements frequently.
- The strong CPU means that multiple simultaneous downloads won’t end up slowing each other down.
Cons
- It still works well in homes that aren’t equipped with Wifi-6, but it requires this newest type to get the most out of it.
TP-Link ER605
Safe to surf
A virtual private network (VPN) can be essential for keeping your privacy safe, and these clients are what this wifi router specializes in. In addition to the VPN, this router features sophisticated firewall programs that excel at keeping your data secure. And with 5 WAN and LAN ports, this wifi router is as fast as it is safe. This is the ultimate router for securing your privacy and making sure you can surf the net with confidence.
Pros
- The multitude of ports ensures that your connection will stay steady even if one of the outlets fails.
- Each security feature comes with multiple customization settings, letting you get exactly the level of network protection you want.
- It’s incredibly affordable considering the level of speed and protection it provides.
Cons
- Unlike most of the entries on our list, this wifi router is not wireless, so it does sacrifice some convenience.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I keep track of all these numbers and acronyms when deciding on a wifi router to buy?
The vocabulary surrounding network accessories can be pretty intimidating, but you don’t need to learn all of it by heart. User reviews are a great way to compare the circumstances of other consumers to your own, so look for reviews that mention having a similar house setup or network situation as your own.
Should I get a wifi router even if I already have a good connection?
It may not be necessary, but you might also not be sure what a “good” connection even is before you try one. Routers can make tasks that were previously tedious or aggravating very simple and quick and add an extra layer of confidence. That way, your leisure activities won’t be thwarted by a bad connection.
About the Author
Why Trust Us
With the constantly shifting landscape in the world of technology, GameRevolution seeks to provide gamers and tech-enthusiasts with the information they need to select the right products for their needs. Since 1996, our experts have used their knowledge on all the latest gadgets – everything from headphones to standing desks – to help millions of people navigate specs and answer common questions.