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The Best Routers for Wireless Internet

two different wireless routers side by side
NETGEAR/TP-Link

The internet is one of the most crucial aspects of our daily lives and is the heart of information and communication. Without a Wi-Fi connection, the internet is inaccessible, and it all comes down to a good router. Having a good router for your home is essential for a reliable connection, especially if you have multiple devices.

What You Should Look for in a Wireless Router

The most important aspect to look for is the Wi-Fi speed, which depends on the distance of your devices from the router, and its components (radio bands, processors). Your Wi-Fi speed can depend on these other aspects, which is why its range and components must be considered. A good Wi-Fi router’s components should be stronger than others, which will make a faster connection. Continue reading to find which router will best suit your needs.

Best Budget Router: ASUS RT-AC66U B1 AC1750

patterned black wireless router with three antennae
ASUS

The ASUS Dual-Band Wi-Fi router is perfect for those on a tighter budget. This dual-band router offers a dual-core processor, which eliminates traffic jams and brings faster performance than routers with a single-core processor. It delivers decent speeds (1750Mbps) with its 3×3 802.11ac Wi-Fi technology. The quick Wi-Fi speeds this router brings is responsive up to 3,000 square feet of area, ensuring you have a solid connection anywhere at home. The ASUS Dual-Band Wi-Fi router is the best option for those who need a fast, solid connection but at a cheaper price.

Best Router for Gaming: TP-Link AC5400 Tri-Band Gaming Router

black wireless router with red accents, encircled with antennae
TP-Link

A good Wi-Fi connection for gamers is not just a recommendation but is a requirement if you want to play online with others. The TP-Link AC5400 Tri-Band Gaming Router is the best option for those needing a fast connection. What’s unique about this router is that it prioritizes gaming traffic. It has two 5 GHz bands and one 2.4 GHz band, in which they ensure a fast gaming connection by dedicating one to gaming only. Its 1.8 GHz quad-core 64-bit CPU will make connecting to the internet faster than many routers.

Best Router for Gaming

TP-Link AC5400 Tri Band WiFi Gaming Router(Archer C5400X) – MU-MIMO Wireless Router, 1.8GHz Quad-Core 64-bit CPU, Game First Priority, Link Aggregation, 16GB Storage, Airtime Fairness

This router is best used for people in need of a strong connection for gaming. It boasts three radio bands and prioritizes one for solely gaming traffic.

Best for Large Homes: NETGEAR Nighthawk X10 AD7200

raised black wireless route with four antennae
NETGEAR

If you have a large home, you need fast, reliable coverage for every area in your home. The NETGEAR Nighthawk X10 AD7200 is a great option for those needing a router that has a fast internet connection with a large coverage area. This router has a 1.7 GHz quad-core processor, which will boost Wi-Fi speeds and will rid traffic. It has a 10G SPF+ LAN port, which is comparable to routers used for businesses and enterprises. Its 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 60 GHz bands will give your house an incredibly high-speed connection in its 2,500 square foot area.

Best for Large Homes

NETGEAR Nighthawk X10 Smart WiFi Router (R9000) - AD7200 Wireless Speed (up to 7200 Mbps) for 60Ghz WiFi Devices | Up to 2500 sq ft Coverage | 6 x 1G Ethernet, 1 x 10G SFP+, and 2 USB ports

This router is best suited for large homes and areas. It has a fast 60 GHz band and a 2,500 square foot area for a solid connection from anywhere at home.

Best Mesh Performance Router: NETGEAR Orbi 6

two upright white and gray Orbi routers side by side
NETGEAR

Ever had a couple of spots in your house with no connection? The Netgear Orbi 6 will ensure your home is completely covered with its extra satellites, from top to bottom. It covers up to 5,000 square feet, and it will give you a fast Wi-Fi connection with its 4.2-Gbps and its three radio bands. Bonus: it’s incredibly easy to install, as it will connect to your current modem and its extensions can be set up via the Orbi app.

Best Mesh Performance Router

NETGEAR Orbi Whole Home Tri-band Mesh WiFi 6 System (RBK752) – Router with 1 Satellite Extender | Coverage up to 5,000 sq. ft., 40 Devices | AX4200 (Up to 4.2Gbps)

This mesh router will ensure a fast connection in any spotty areas at home. It'll connect to your existing modem and cover up to 5,000 square feet.

Jonah Chin Jonah Chin
Jonah Chin is a freelance writer for LifeSavvy where he's able to openly share his thorough product considerations, critiques, and recommendations for you to benefit from. When he's away from the keyboard, he enjoys competing in sports like wrestling and playing instruments like the guitar. Read Full Bio »
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