Best Router 2021

Although a wired Internet connection still yields the best performance and lowest latency, there’s something to be said for the convenience of wireless networking. As such, a good Wi-Fi router is a must-have. Whether you’re working from home, gaming, or simply need a wireless router for general use, there’s an option to fit your needs. Check out the best routers in 2021 for all uses and budgets!

What to Look for in Wi-Fi Router for Your Home

Picking out the best wireless router for your home means considering several factors. First, consider your main Internet activities. Certain activities like gaming warrant specialized routers, while basic tasks such as web browsing and checking your email are less intensive. Depending on your physical space, you might need a long range router or even a secure wireless router.

Stick with a dual-band router at a minimum. A dual-band Wi-Fi router lets you use both 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands. While a 2.4GHz network range is much longer than a 5GHz network, the 2.4GHz band is slower than a 5GHz connection. If you have a lot of devices that all utilize the 5GHz band, a tri-band router delivers faster network speeds. Tri-band routers offer a secondary 5GHz band that you can dedicate to specific devices thereby avoiding the congestion of a single 5GHz network. That way you can stream movies and TV shows in 4K while gaming.

With Quality of Service (QoS), you can prioritize different online activities. Certain network packets with data for specific applications such as streaming media, voice over IP (VoIP), and gaming are identified so that network resources are properly managed. QoS reduces packet loss and latency by re-assigning different varieties of network data by priority.

While routers come pre-loaded with their own software, you may with to use custom firmware such as DD-WRT, Tomato, or OpenWRT. Taking advantage of third-party firmware lets you tap into features like being able to fully completely bandwidth as well as monitor your network traffic.

If you’re a power user, think about future-proofing with bleeding edge features. MU-MIMO, or multi-user multiple-input miltiple-output technology allows for streaming to multiple clients instead of sequential streaming. But MU-MIMO requires that each device support MU-MIMO. Wi-Fi 6, or High Efficiency (HE) wireless is the 802.11ax protocol. It’s still pretty new and touts drastically improved throughput speeds, lower network congestion, and better range.

Home wireless router buying considerations:

• Quality of Service (QoS): Network resource management of different types of data (i.e. streaming, gaming, VoIP) to reduce latency and packet loss.
• Dual-band vs. Tri-band: A dual-band router has a 2.4GHz network and a 5GHz network, while a tri-band router includes a 2.4GHz band and two 5GHz bands. If you have a lot of devices that need 5GHz connectivity, a tri-band router is your best option
• MU-MIMO: Multiple-user multiple input multiple output technology for streaming to multiple clients instead of sequential streaming
• Wi-Fi 6: High-efficiency wireless, runs on the 802.11ax protocol and ushers in less network congestion, longer range, and greater throughput speeds
• Custom open-source firmware: OpenWRT, DD-Wrt, or Tomato
• Price

Best Wireless Router for Most Users – TP-Link Archer AX50

The TP-Link AX3000 (Archer AX50) router is a terrific all-around router. With its modest price tag, the TP-Link Archer AX50 comes future-proofed with 802.11ax Wi-Fi 6 and MU-MIMO. Onboard, the AX3000 rocks a Gigabit WAN port alongside four Gigabit LAN ports. There’s a USB 3.0 Type A port and excellent throughput at 574Mbps on 2.4GHz, and 2402Mbps on 5Ghz.

It’s one of the most affordable Wi-Fi 6 routers available with long coverage of over 2,000 square feet. Unfortunately, this feature set and future-proofed router does make a few sacrifices. For starters, it’s only a dual-band wireless router, not a tri-band router. Likewise, it’s limited to four antennas. Though the four Gigabit Ethernet ports should be sufficient, power users may be found wanting. Still, performance is top-notch making the TP-Link Archer AX50 the best wireless router for home use.

Pros:

• MU-MIMO
• 802.11ax Wi-FI 6
• 4 x Gigabit LAN Ethernet ports, 1 x Gigabit WAN
• Dual-band
• OFDMA for connecting to multiple devices with ease
• QoS
• Advanced security with TP-Link HomeCare
• 574 Mbps (2.4GHz)/2402 Mbps (5 GHz) throughput performance
• Affordable
• 2,000 square feet of coverage

Cons:

• Not tri-band
• Only four antennas
• Limited to four Gigabit LAN ports

Best Cheap Router – Linksys EA6350

If you’re on a limited budget, the Linksys EA6350 is a good budget wireless router. You’ll enjoy blisteringly fast 5GHz throughput with speeds up to 867Mbps and 300Mbps on the 2.4GHz band. Connectivity is solid with four Gigabit LAN ports and a USB port. Despite its budget pricing, the Linksys EA6350 sports some advanced features such as beamforming which directs a signal from client-to-client rather than over a broad spectrum. As is to be expected though, the EA6350 lacks many high-end features such as multi-user multiple input multiple output. Yet for the price, the Linksys EA6350 is an absolute steal. Without breaking the bank, it delivers fast network speeds and satisfying connectivity making it the best cheap router you can buy in 2021.

Pros:

• Fast 5GHz network
• 300 Mbps (2.4GHz)/867 Mbps (5 GHz) throughput performance
• 4 x Gigabit LAN
• 1 x USB port
• 1,000 square feet of coverage
• Beamforming

Cons:

• No MU-MIMO
• Lacks high-end features such as Wi-Fi 6

 

Best Long Range Router – Netgear Nighthawk AX12

If you need a router for whole-home coverage, the Netgear Nighthawk AX12 is hands-down the top choice. Sporting 802.11ax Wi-Fi 6, the Netgear Nighthawk AX12 is an absolute powerhouse of a wireless router. In addition to its Wi-Fi 6 connectivity, the Nighthawk RAX120 features LAN aggregation as well as multigig jack for incoming network speeds as high as 5Gbps. Theoretical throughput is 1.2Gbps on the 2.4GHz band and 4.8Gbps on 5GHz for fast over-the-network file transfers and general use.

With an attractive design reminiscent of a futuristic aircraft, the Netgear Nighthawk has both beauty and brawn. Alongside its 802.11ax wireless networking, the Nighthawk AX12 flaunts 8×8 MU-MIMO, beamforming, and Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA) which benefits low-bandwidth streams and provides lower latency. The Netgear RAX120 is a bit on the pricey side though. What’s more, real-world performance is stellar though not quite in line with top-shelf Wi-Fi 6 routers. Ultimately, the Netgear Nighthawk AX12 is the best long range router available in 2021.

Pros:

• 802.11ax Wi-Fi 6
• 1.2 Gbps (2.4GHz)/4.8 Gbps (5 GHz) throughput performance (theoretical speeds)
• 2 x USB 3.0
• 5 x LAN, 1 x WAN
• Multigig and LAN aggregation for incoming network speeds up to 5Gbps
• 2.2GHz quad-core processor, 512MB of RAM, and 1GB of flash memory
• 12-stream dual-band router
• 8×8 MU-MIMO
• Beamforming
• OFDMA data transmission
• 8 x antennas
• 3,500 square feet of coverage

Cons:

• Pricey
• Real-world throughput slightly below high-end Wi-Fi 6 routers

Best Mesh Router – Netgear Orbi 6

Because an increasing number of devices now tout Internet connectivity, mesh routers have become popular solutions. A mesh router, or whole-home Wi-Fi system, centers on a main router that directly connects to your modem. Then, various nodes all sharing the same SSID and password are positioned around your home such that you experience complete wireless coverage. The Netgear Orbi whole-home tri-band Wi-Fi 6 is the best mesh router on the market in 2021.

It packs a true networking punch with 802.11ax, a whopping 7,500 square feet of coverage, and the ability to handle over 60 devices. As such, it’s the best router for multiple devices. With the Netgear Orbi 6, you’ll experience up to 6Gbps speeds. But there’s a slight downside: price. For the cost, you could get several high-end traditional non-mesh wireless routers. Nevertheless, performance is nearly unrivaled for mesh Wi-Fi routers. If you’re looking for the best mesh router that money can buy, the Orbi 6 is it.

Pros:

• 802.11ax Wi-Fi 6
• 7,500 square feet of coverage (expandable with additional satellites or nodes)
• Handles over 60 devices
• Mesh router
• Up to 6Gbps
• 5 x Gigabit Ethernet LAN ports on the router, 3 x Gigabit Ethernet ports on the satellites

Cons:

• Extremely expensive

Best Budget Mesh Router – Nest WiFi

Google’s Nest WiFi proves that budget no-compromise mesh networking is possible. Reasonably priced and with excellent performance, Google Nest WiFi is the best budget mesh router for 2021. It’s user-friendly and easy to set up, includes Google Assistant, and the router as well as its satellites remain small plus aesthetically pleasing. Onboard smart speaker functionality is a bit of a novelty, competing with the Netgear Orbi Voice.

The router offers 2,200 square feet of coverage, with a router and satellite almost doubling that to 3,800 square feet. Google’s Nest router is scalable to 32 extensions. Every Nest WiFi device sports four antennas with the 5Ghz network utilizing a 4×4 design and the 2.4GHz band a 2×2 configuration for a throughput of 2.2Gbps over 5GHz and 1.2Gbps on 2.4GHz. Sadly, you won’t find Wi-Fi 6 onboard and it’s only a dual-band router. However, throughput still maintains spectacular performance and coverage is tremendous, particularly at an affordable price.

Pros:

• Router covers 2,200 square feet of coverage, router and satellite cover 3,800 square feet
• 802.11ac Wi-Fi
• Dual-band
• Smart speaker onboard
• Scalable to 32 extensions
• 1.2 Gbps (2.4GHz)/2.2 Gbps (5 GHz) throughput performance (theoretical speeds)
• Mesh router
• Affordable

Cons:

• Only Dual-band
• No Wi-Fi 6

Most Secure Router – Netgear Nighthawk AC2300

Because of increased online threats, cybersecurity is a major concern. Enter the most secure router on the planet, the Netgear Nighthawk AC2300. With wireless speeds up to 2300 Mbps, the Nighthawk AC2300 covers up to 2,000 square feet while offering connectivity for as many as 35 devices. A quartet of Gigabit Ethernet LAN ports and a pair of USB ports come standard. What really sets the Netgear Nighthawk AC2300 apart is that it’s a cybersecurity-centric wireless home router. Netgear touts what it calls Netgear Armor for enhanced web security.

There’s 802.11i data encryption, double firewalls, and a three-year subscription to Bitdefender’s Total Security. Disappointingly, Total Security does require payment if you want to keep using it after this initial three-year span. Moreover, long-range performance is good, but could be faster. Chances are though, if you’re considering the Netgear Nighthawk AC2300, you’re more concerned with cybersecurity than speed. And admittedly, its throughput is still more than adequate. For a fantastic cybersecurity router, the Netgear Nighthawk AC2300 is a worthy pick.

Pros:

• 2,000 square feet of coverage
• 802.11i data encryption, double firewall, three years of unlimited Bitdefender Total Security
• 600 Mbps (2.4GHz)/1.625 Gbps (5 GHz) throughput performance (2.225 Gbps theoretical speed)
• MU-MIMO

Cons:

• Average real-world throughput in long ranges
• Some security features require premium payment eventually

Most Powerful Router – ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AC5300 Gaming Router

The ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AC5300 is an excellent gaming router. Packing an impressive eight Ethernet ports and dual USB inputs, you’ll experience blazing fast throughput. The tri-band GT-AC5300 delivers a bevy of gaming-oriented features. Its solid software interface allows you to customize a variety of video game-specific settings for app and device prioritization. ASUS graces its ROG Rapture with a beefy 1.8GHz quad-core CPU, 1GB of RAM, and 256MB of flash memory. 1024QAM (Quadrature Amplitude Modulation) technology makes theoretical speeds of 1,000 Mbps on the 2.4GHz band and 2,167Mbps on its dual 5Ghz bands possible. Plus, high-end features like MU-MIMO for beamforming and data streaming come standard

Furthermore, the GT-AC5300 goes all-in on the gamer aesthetic. On the software side, the AC-5300 supports Gamer’s Private Network (GPN) for a secure, private, low-latency game server connection. VPN Fusion will let you run a VPN side-by-side with your standard wireless network so you can access applications with a VPN without harming your in-game network performance. Trend Micro’s Game Intrusion Protection offers real-time malware, denial-of-service (DDoS), virus, and ransomware protection.

With its fast network speeds, pretty user interface (UI), and a whole host of gaming-centric features, there’s a lot to love about the ASUS ROG Rapture. But its price tag is a bit hefty. Typically, the Rapture slides in at around $400 USD. Plus, there’s a massive foorptint so you’ll need to be mindful about router placement. You could save some cash with the ASUS RT-AD88U dual-band router. However, if you need the most powerful router on the market, the ASUS ROG GT-AC5300 is a top performer.

Pros:

• Tri-band
• 1.8GHz quad-core CPU, 1GB RAM, 256MB flash storage
• 1024QAM (Quadrature Amplitude Modulation) for 2.4GHz speeds up to 1,000Mbps and 5GHz speeds as high as 2,167Mbps
• Native Gamer’s Private Network (GPN) compatibility
• VPN Fusion for running a VPN alongside a standard network connection
• MU-MIMO
• QoS
• Excellent software
• 8 x Gigabit LAN ports, 2 x USB ports

Cons:

• Pricey
• Large footprint

Best Wi-Fi 6 Router – Asus RT-AX88U

Wi-Fi 6 is a major evolution in wireless networking, and the Asus RT-AX88U is the best Wi-Fi 6 router overall. It’s fast, performs extremely well, and has solid range. An advanced feature set separates the RX-AX88U from the competition. A whopping eight LAN ports come standard and its QoS works brilliantly. Malware protection is built-in. With speeds around 1.148 Gbps over 2.4GHz and 4.804 Gbps on 5GHz, the Asus RT-AX88U benefits from excellent throughput.

Premium networking features including MU-MIMO are included for an all-around superb home router. It’s a bit pricey as is expected with Wi-Fi 6 routers, though the biggest downside is no fault of the RT-AX88U itself: lack of many compatible Wi-Fi 6 devices. Granted, future-proofing is never a poor decision. And despite its high price tag, the Asus RX-AX-88U is certainly competitively priced against other Wi-Fi 6 routers, making it the best 802.11ax router for most people

Pros:

• 8 x LAN ports
• Excellent QoS
• 802.11ax Wi-Fi 6
• Built-in malware protection
• MU-MIMO
• 2 x USB 3.1
• 1.148 Gbps (2.4GHz)/4.804 Gbps (5 GHz) throughput performance

Cons:

• Expensive

Best Routers 2021 – Top Routers for Home Use

Whether you’re gaming, need whole-home mesh networking coverage, want a future-proofed router, or simply want a cheap-o router for general use, there’s a wireless router for your needs and budget. The TP-Link AX3000 should satisfy everyone from gamers to binge-watchers, while the Linksys EA6350 is a no-frills budget router that works great. For mesh routers, the Orbi 6 rocks. Alternatively, the Google Nest provides a more affordable mesh router solution. With its GT-AC5300 and RX-AX88U, ASUS provides top-shelf routers for gamers as well as power users.

Your turn: which routers do you recommend in 2021?