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The best Wi-Fi routers (and where you should place yours)
Remote work and home offices are becoming common fixtures in our careers, with permanent work-from-home options available, as well as hybrid flextime.
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Companies may require you to show that you have the necessary equipment at home to work. While a microphone for remote meetings and a space to work on your laptop are necessary, hybrid and fully remote roles also demand one key component: Connectivity.
You might already have internet connectivity and a wireless router good enough to support mobile devices, smart home products, and content streaming services like Netflix. However, you may also need to add work-related systems and software to the mix to create a high-end network with minimal dead spots. If this sounds like what you are looking for, then consider getting a new router or modem to keep up with the square footage of your home.
I have listed my top picks for Wi-Fi routers suitable for different budgets and needs. Here are a few of the best Wi-Fi routers and wireless routers available on the market today.
Also: Mesh networking vs. traditional Wi-Fi routers: What is best for your home office?
- Rapid speeds
- NAS compatible
- Highly capable router
- Expensive
- The design won't appeal to everyone
TP-Link AXE16000 Archer AXE300 features: Quad-band | Speeds of up to 15.6 Gbps | 6GHz, 5GHz, 2.4GHz channels | 4 Gigabit LAN ports | Guest mode
The TP-Link AXE16000 Archer AXE300 could be your best solution if you need high streaming power for gaming or online work systems that require quick and stable connectivity. It is a quad-band router optimized for heavy use, making it optimal for gamers or workers who need high levels of bandwidth. It's especially useful if you are working from home and sharing your connectivity with other members of your household.
The TP-Link AXE16000 Archer AXE300 is a gigabit Wi-Fi 6 router. It comes with rapid speeds of up to 15.6 Gbps across the 6GHz, 5GHz, and 2.4GHz channels, a quad-core CPU, high-speed ports, parental controls, optional HomeShield security, and support for over 200 devices.
While it's difficult to estimate range, TP-Link's router has eight antennas and is described as suitable for large homes.
- 8 Ethernet ports, 2 USB 3.0
- A powerful machine
- Bulky design
TP-Link Archer AX10000 Wi-Fi 6 router features: Tri-band | 2.5G WAN | 8 Gigabit LAN Ports | VPN | Speeds of up to 10 Gbps | 5 GHz & 2.4 GHz,1024-QAM and 160 MHz channels | 2 USB 3.0 | 1.8 GHz processor
The TP-Link Archer AX10000 is a high-performance router that stands out as a Wi-Fi 6 model. Choosing a Wi-Fi 6 device now is an investment for future-proofing your home connectivity, as this standard provides the capacity for devices to send more data during transmissions, which increases speed.
The TP-Link Archer AX6000 is a valuable option for remote workers, gamers, and those who need stable, fast connectivity. This dual-band device supports 2.4GHz/5.0GHz frequencies and is equipped with a 1.8GHz CPU, 1GB RAM, and a variety of ports. TP-Link OneMesh is supported and there are plenty of LAN ports for wired cabling around your home or connecting smart home hubs.
This router is currently available on Amazon with a 14% discount.
- Blazing fast speeds
- Fantastic coverage
- Expensive setup for larger spaces
Netgear Orbi AX5400 features: Wi-Fi 6, 2.4GHz, 5GHz bands, MU-MIMO capable,160MHz channels | Up to 5.4 Gbps+ | WAN, LAN, Ethernet ports | 1GHz dual-core CPU | Up to 12,500 square feet range
The Netgear Orbi AX5400 (RBK763) is a Gigabit Wi-Fi system based on mesh technologies that are best suited for homes that need a lot of coverage. You can harness the network to provide support for up to 75 devices in around seven rooms, making dead zones a thing of the past.
Furthermore, the router system includes parental app controls and support for 160MHz channels, which boosts the speed of mobile device connectivity. You can purchase packs including routers and additional satellites to increase coverage -- starter packs begin at 5,000 square feet.
A year of Netgear Armor is included for free. Prices begin at $500 for a two-pack and you can also buy individual satellites to expand your range separately.
- VPN option, VPN plus, acts as a VPN server or client
- Upgradeable with mesh options
- Up to 3,000 square feet of coverage
- Mesh upgrades for larger homes can be expensive
Synology RT2600ac features: 4x4 dual band | VPN | 1.7GHz processor | Up to 2.53 Gbps | Traffic monitoring
If your employer requires a Virtual Private Network (VPN) while you work remotely, the Synology RT2600ac Wi-Fi router may be a suitable option. A VPN makes internet connections more secure by encrypting communication between browser sessions and servers. It can also be used to mask your original IP address. Therefore, if workers are asked to connect to corporate resources, a VPN can keep access secure.
The Synology RT2600ac is a dual-band, MU-MIMO router already equipped with a VPN option, VPN Plus, to act as a VPN server or client. Support is also available for Synology SSL VPN, PPTP, OpenVPN, and L2TP/IPSec. To facilitate the use of VPN servers and clients, the router is powered by a 1.7 GHz dual-core processor, as well as 4x4 802.11ac wave 2 radios.
The router is capable of speeds of up to 2.53 Gbps. Additionally, this product has a useful feature for streaming, as it can connect to storage cards or USB 3.0 drives to stream content to TVs and other devices. Granted, it's an older model, but considering the price point, it's still a great upgrade on your ISP-issued router.
- Blanket coverage for small and medium-sized homes
- Scalable with additional routers
- Bluetooth and voice compatibility
- Cost can become pricey for larger properties
- Some users report setup problems
Google Nest Wi-Fi features: Coverage of up to 2,200 square feet | Network Assist selects best channels for devices | Manages up to 200 connections | Dual-Band 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz
One of the most suitable devices on the market for Google ecosystem users is the Google Nest Wi-Fi router. This option aims to keep things easy to set up with "Network Assist," a system that works in the background to select the best channels for your connected devices automatically.
The Wi-Fi router offers coverage of up to 2,200 square feet. As a mesh Wi-Fi device, however, the more access points you add to the router system, the better the coverage will be on your home network. You can select a single pack that comes with one router and one additional Wi-Fi access point. Alternatively, Google offers multipack options, with an estimated coverage area of up to 4,400 square feet.
Google Nest Wi-Fi can manage roughly 200 connections per access point, and each router has two Gigabit Ethernet ports included. Additionally, each access point has an integrated smart speaker with Google Assistant. Overall, it's a great option as an entry-level model in the mesh market.
At the time of writing, Amazon has a sale on the Nest router, making it one of our top choices for those on a budget, especially at 60% off.
- An excellent option for home setups
- Scalable
- Modern, clean design
- Add-on satellites are expensive
- Netgear Armor is subscription service
Netgear Orbi features: Tri-band | Coverage up to 5,000 square feet | Netgear security and parental controls | 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands
Mesh home Wi-Fi networks are increasing in popularity as we adopt smart connected devices and streaming services in our homes. Mesh topologies can improve the stability and interconnections between IoT devices by working with "nodes" placed around the home, reducing blind spots and buffering issues.
While mesh Wi-Fi devices do not always offer the same advanced settings or features as some traditional routers, they can be suitable for those with a home office in an area with a weak Wi-Fi signal or those competing for streaming capacity.
The Orbi's strength is its coverage, which can extend up to 5,000 square feet, supporting up to 25 devices. The tri-band, MU-MIMO router offers decent Wi-Fi speeds on both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. It is powered by a quad-core ARM processor and comes with 512MB RAM on Wi-Fi 6. The included Ethernet port provides 1GB connectivity. And, as it is an older model, all this is on the table for an affordable price.
Review: Netgear Orbi Wi-Fi 6 AX4200 hands-on
The Netgear Orbi two-pack can be purchased with standard specifications, or you can upgrade with additional satellites.
The Netgear Orbi should be considered when more than one person is competing for broadband resources, such as when multiple occupants are working from home, or children need stable connections for learning. It also includes parental controls and the option to adopt Netgear Armor.
At the moment, Amazon is offering 51% off the router's typical retail price.
What is the best Wi-Fi router?
Based on extensive research, the TP-Link AXE16000 (Archer AXE300) is the best Wi-Fi router, combining scalability, speed, and coverage. While it might be too much of an investment for some, you should consider this router if you want a future-proof heavyweight device capable of handling multiple connections without sacrificing speed or stability.
Best Wi-Fi routers | Price | Range | Wi-Fi 6 capable? |
TP-Link AXE16000 Archer AXE300 | $600 | Large homes | Yes |
TP-Link Archer AX10000 | $300 | 2500 square feet | Yes |
Netgear Orbi AX5400 | $500 | 5000 square feet | Yes |
Synology RT2600ac | $150 | 3000 square feet | No |
Google Nest Wi-Fi | $68 | 2200 square feet | No |
Netgear Orbi AC3000 (RBK50) | $138 | 5000 square feet | No |
Which is the right Wi-Fi router for you?
When you decide to either upgrade your existing router setup or replace the bog-standard device your ISP gave you -- which often doesn't allow consumers to enjoy the full potential of the speed they are paying for -- you first need to decide what your connection priorities are.
If you're at home with multiple occupants and many devices, a mesh network is probably the best way to go, especially if you are on a large property. However, if it is more important to you to have speed and reliability over coverage potential, then a traditional router might be the best option.
Choose this Wi-Fi router... | If you want... |
TP-Link AXE16000 Archer AXE30 | A future-proof heavyweight router. While an expensive initial outlay, this router will provide you with the speed and connectivity you need for years to come. |
TP-Link Archer AX10000 | An affordable but powerful Wi-Fi 6 router. This router certainly won't blend in with the aesthetic of your home, but it will be a valuable connection point for gamers and workers alike. |
Netgear Orbi AX5400 | A mesh Wi-Fi network. This modern Orbi system is scalable and can handle numerous devices around the home, providing excellent coverage while remaining discreet. |
Synology RT2600ac | A cheap router capable of handling VPNs with ease. It's not the fastest or most stylish router on the market, but this device is still a worthwhile upgrade on the basic routers provided by today's ISPs. |
Google Nest Wi-Fi | If you want a cheap, affordable entryway into intelligent mesh networking, this router is for you. However, it is best suited for homes already working within Google Home and Android ecosystems. |
Netgear Orbi AC3000 (RBK50) | While an older model, this router and satellite combination can provide excellent coverage and reasonable speeds at a great price. |
How did I choose these Wi-Fi routers?
I examined popular and new options on the market, selecting products with various budgets and intended uses in mind. With hybrid and remote working practices now becoming a permanent feature of day-to-day activities for many of us, dedicated and solid routers are now necessary for both business and home life.
It was important to include both traditional and mesh products. Despite the recent changes in work environments, we can't forget that family and friends also need stable connections for entertainment, education, and gaming.
What is the difference between a traditional router and mesh Wi-Fi?
Traditional Wi-Fi routers provide a single access point for your broadband/fiber connections. However, if there are too many connections made at the same time, this can cause bottlenecks and may impact the reliability of a connection.
It is often the case that standard routers offer improved power and speed when the number of connections is manageable in comparison to mesh, but mesh offers extended, blanket coverage with more access points. As a result, wired and traditional routers are often better for gaming and streaming, whereas mesh is a solid option when you have multiple people and connections in a home.
Is it worth upgrading from Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) to Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)?
Yes, if you are willing to front the expense for a better connection. With our world now dominated by smartphones, IoT devices, and streaming services, an upgrade to Wi-Fi 6 gives you access to more streams and potentially faster services.
Where should I place my Wi-Fi router?
To get the best range and coverage from your Wi-Fi router, you'll want to choose a somewhat central location in your home. Along with ensuring better coverage, a central location reduces the number of walls and obstacles it has to send the Wi-Fi signal through.
You'll also want to avoid placing it next to other electronics, as their signals can interfere with one another; so avoid putting your router in the kitchen or your home theater.
What does bottleneck mean?
The more connections there are, the greater the risk of connectivity drops and congestion on your home network.
A bottleneck occurs when there is too much demand for bandwidth from too many devices and this impacts data transmission and requests. Delays in servicing requests can happen when there is too much load on available computing resources.
Basic routers supplied by your ISP and older models may not be enough now that you spend more time at home and connect even more devices, as they were not designed to deal with too many endpoints. While modern routers are now often able to handle more requests, mesh networking systems are an alternative to reducing the risk of delays and bottlenecks.
Are there alternative Wi-Fi routers worth considering?
There are lots of options out there if you're shopping for a new Wi-Fi router. Here are other recommendations you might want to explore if none of the above appeal to you -- and you'd like to take advantage of a bargain.
BEST PRICE
Netgear Nighthawk AX5400 Wi-Fi 6 router - Save 40%
Dual-band, speeds of up to 5.4 Gbps, 2,500 square feet of coverage.
BEST PRICE
TP-Link Archer A8 Wi-Fi router - Save 13%
An affordable dual-band MU-MIMO router.
BEST PRICE
Asus ROG Rapture Wi-Fi 6E router - Save 14%
A high-spec router perfect for gamers.