A Wi-Fi router is an essential piece of technology—and one that needs to be regularly upgraded. A new router upgrades your wireless network with faster speeds, a stronger signal, better security, and an extended range.

What to Look For in a Wi-Fi Router in 2024

​​​If you’re buying a new router, you want it to be future-proof for a few years, and you can get very reasonably priced Wi-Fi 6 routers. Gigabit internet is becoming more common, too—and if you want the best router for gigabit internet, you want Wi-Fi 6. While Wi-Fi 7 has been announced, the new protocol isn’t widely available yet, so Wi-Fi 6 and 6E are what you should look for in a router now.

While we have included a few router models without Wi-Fi 6, they offer compelling features like a highly affordable price or best-in-class VPN configuration.

We don’t think any particular router is best for a particular ISP. Your modem is the only ISP-specific networking tech, so your internet provider only matters if you want a modem and router combo unit. For most people, we recommend a separate router and modem—this will give you far more router choices to choose from.

Beyond that, it all comes down to your budget, which features you’re looking for, and how much bleeding-edge technology you want in your wireless router.

Best Wi-Fi Router Overall: ASUS RT-AX88U Pro

The ASUS RT-AX88U Pro, an upgraded version of our previous pick for this category, is the best Wi-Fi router for most people. It’s priced reasonably and has a solid feature set to maximize your gigabit or sub-gigabit internet connection.

This is a dual-band Wi-Fi 6 router, so it offers better wireless performance and deals with more wireless devices more efficiently than a Wi-Fi 5 router. You also get one 2.5G WAN port, one 2.5G LAN port, and four gigabit LAN ports. The lack of additional LAN ports is disappointing, considering its predecessor had nine ports. But you can always use a network switch for additional Ethernet ports.

In terms of performance, the RT-AX88U Pro pips most Wi-Fi 6 routers and offers an excellent range.

Among other highlights, the ASUS offering has AiMesh support, WAN aggregation, LAN aggregation, QoS (quality of service), a network scanner, parental controls, and built-in VPN client support. Unfortunately, it’s a bit bulky and has a big power adapter. The router also lacks wall mounting holes, so getting it out of the way is harder.

ASUS RT-AX88U Pro

The Asus RT-AX88U Pro is an impressive Wi-Fi 6 router that delivers fantastic performance. It’s also reasonably priced and can efficiently handle modern connectivity needs.

 

$258 at AmazonSee at Best Buy

Best Budget Router: TP-Link Archer AC1900 (Archer A8)

A great Wi-Fi router doesn’t need to cost an arm and a leg. If you’re willing to make a few sacrifices, you can get a great router for under $100, like the TP-Link Archer A8.

To start, this router doesn’t have Wi-Fi 6—only Wi-Fi 5, so it’s not as future-proof as many other options on this list. But, if you have a small area to cover and aren’t planning on upgrading, this is a great, inexpensive pick-up.

The Archer A8 offers speeds of up to 1900 Mbps, faster than the 1750 Mbps of the previous version of the Archer A8. However, compared to the speeds of our other recommendations, the A8 will still feel slower.

If you have a Wi-Fi 6 device, you can still connect it to the Archer A8 (or any Wi-Fi 5 router, for that matter), but you’ll only get the slower Wi-Fi 5 speeds. Routers in this price range also tend to have issues when multiple devices are connected to it. But if you’re living in a small home or apartment, the Archer A8 will suit your needs nicely without hitting your wallet too hard.

We don’t recommend spending less on a router or even trying to get Wi-Fi 6 at this price range. For example, TP-Link itself offers a similarly priced router with Wi-Fi 6, the TP-Link Archer AX10. But despite having Wi-Fi 6 built in, the Archer AX10 is slower than the Archer A8, topping out at 1500 Mbps. Until Wi-Fi 6 (and Wi-Fi 7) becomes more commonplace, you likely won’t see quality Wi-Fi 6 routers at a budget price.

TP-Link Archer A8

$60 Save $20

A rock-solid router at a low price. However, it’s slower, and you don’t get Wi-Fi 6.

$60 at Amazon

Best Gaming Router: ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AX6000

If you love gaming online and want a Wi-Fi router that delivers the best performance, the ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AX6000 is hard to go wrong with. Although the GT-AX6000 was expensive when launched, the normal sale price is now well under $300, making this

It packs two 2.5G ports, Wi-Fi 6 connectivity, various gaming-related features, and a fast processor to deliver excellent performance whether gaming, streaming, or just catching up on social media. It’s also reliable and consistent in its performance.

One of the two 2.5G ports is reserved for WAN, but you can use the other for LAN. You also get four Gigabit LAN ports for wired connectivity. Other highlights include AiMesh support, WAN and LAN aggregation, and almost everything typically available with ASUS routers.

Regarding the gaming features, you get a dedicated gaming port to connect to your console or gaming PC, and its traffic will always be prioritized. Even when not using the gaming port, the Game Boost technology can push gaming data packets ahead in the queue.

There is much to like about the ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AX6000. Unfortunately, it’s pretty large and unsuitable for wall mounting out of the box.

ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AX6000

$230 Save $30

The Asus ROG Rapture GT-AX6000 is a solid dual-band Wi-Fi 6 router with multiple gaming-related features, 2.5G WAN and LAN ports, and an impressive performance.
 

$230 at AmazonSee at B&H Photo Video

Best Mesh Router: ASUS ZenWiFi AX6600 (XT8)

A mesh Wi-Fi system combines a router with one or more extenders. You place these units throughout an area—for example, in different rooms throughout your home—and get a stronger signal throughout a much larger area than a single router unit could cover. They’re an excellent solution for coverage throughout large homes, pushing your signal out into the yard, or boosting coverage anywhere you have a weak signal or dead zones.

A mesh network system is more seamless than a traditional wireless range extender. Range extenders generally create a separate network with their name, forcing your device to connect to the main router or the extended network. A mesh networking system has a single Wi-Fi network name; all the devices are aware of each other and can work together intelligently and seamlessly. It’s also simpler to set up than configuring a traditional range extender.

We like the ASUS ZenWiFi AX6600 (XT8) because, unlike many other mesh Wi-Fi systems, it supports Wi-Fi 6. It comes with two units and promises coverage for a total area of up to 5500 square feet. This is the best Wi-Fi 6 mesh router, thanks to features like QoS (quality of service) support for prioritizing traffic and optional anti-malware and parental control features.

Netgear’s Orbi 6 is also a strong contender, but it’s even more expensive than the ASUS ZenWiFi hardware we recommend, and it lacks some of ZenWifi’s features.

Want more coverage? You can buy additional satellites separately and add them to your AiMesh network. The best router for a large house is a mesh system with however many satellites you need.

If you’re looking for the best long-range router, choose a mesh Wi-Fi system. It will give you robust and consistent coverage throughout your home or business. If you want to extend your Wi-Fi network out into the yard, consider placing one of the satellites at the edge of your home.

ASUS ZenWiFi AX6600 (XT8) (2 Pack)

$260 Save $70

A powerful mesh Wi-Fi system with Wi-Fi 6 and Quality of Service (QoS) traffic prioritization.

$260 at Amazon

Best Budget Mesh Router: TP-Link Deco X20

Mesh router systems are typically expensive, but you don’t need to pay an arm and a leg to try one out. The TP-Link Deco X20 provides good performance and features without costing a fortune.

The basic kit includes two nodes, which can provide coverage of up to 4,000 square feet, for $180. That should be more than enough for an average-sized home. If not, you can extend coverage to 5,800 square feet with a 3-node kit for around $199.

The nodes are fairly small and compact, and the main hub and the satellites look the same. Each node features two gigabit Ethernet ports, so you can connect devices with a physical cable to any of them if needed. However, there are no USB ports on any of the nodes, so any network-attached devices will also need to use a LAN port.

The Deco X20 supports devices that use Wi-Fi 6, as well as those that use earlier Wi-Fi versions. Wi-Fi 6 devices can use OFDMA technology to share bandwidth across multiple connections and take full advantage of the available 1800Mbps. Even without that option, the potential top speeds of 1201Mbps on the 5GHz frequency and 574Mbps on 2.4GHz are reasonable.

There is, however no dedicated backhaul channel for the mesh. That means the signal will degrade as it travels between nodes and result in slower speeds from the satellites than when connected to the hub.

But while the backhaul channel is nice to have, it does tend to cost more money. If this is something you want, the 3-pack does have Ethernet backhaul available, so it’ll be about $20 for the upgrade. The Deco X20 also supports beamforming and MU-MIMO, which can improve signal strength and should go some way towards making up for slower speeds.

If you are looking for a mesh router on a tight budget, the Deco X20 is hard to beat for the money. There are some compromises in terms of top speed and advanced features, but for the average family looking to extend network coverage to all corners of the house, it’s a great choice.

TP-Link Deco X20

$135 Save $45

TP-Link offers a true budget Mesh router that manages to provide good Wi-Fi 6 performance for the average home.

$135 at Amazon

Best Modem Router Combo: NETGEAR Nighthawk CAX80

Let’s be clear—you don’t need a combined modem router-combo unit. You can buy any of the routers here and connect them to your ISP’s modem, or you can buy your own modem (like the Motorola MB8600, which is ready for gigabit internet) and connect to any of the routers on this list. You have many more options when you pick a router and modem separately.

But some people want that combo unit. After all, it’s just one device instead of two—and there’s a sleek simplicity in that.

If you’re looking for a modem router combo that works with Cox, Spectrum, and Xfinity, we like the NETGEAR Nighthawk CAX80. It’s one of the few modem router combo units that supports Wi-Fi 6. It also features a built-in DOCSIS 3.1 modem, which can work with gigabit internet connections.

Beyond the modem, you have a solid high-end Netgear Nighthawk dual-band Wi-Fi 6 router with 6000 Mbps maximum speeds and OFDMA for long-range Wi-Fi 6 connections.

Unfortunately, it can’t match all the features of our top picks. This router doesn’t support WPA3 security, and there’s no QoS (quality of service) support for prioritizing traffic. You cannot configure the router as a VPN client to route all your internet traffic through the VPN, either—you’ll need to choose another option from our roundup for that.

While ASUS and TP-Link offer free lifetime subscriptions to their router’s security services, NETGEAR only provides a free 30-day trial, after which you’ll have to pay for additional time if you want to use it.

Overall, we think it makes sense to get both a router and a modem separately. But, if you want a single unit, this is the one to buy.

NETGEAR Nighthawk CAX80

$450 Save $50

A combo unit with a Wi-Fi 6 router and a gigabit-capable DOCSIS 3.1 modem.

$450 at AmazonSee at bestbuySee at crutchfield

Best Travel Router: TP-Link AC750

Hotel Wi-Fi is rough. The speeds are often very slow, and you may only be able to connect a few devices. You’ll have to manually connect to the network and type a password on each device you use. But, generally, there’s an Ethernet port right in your room.

A travel router is a small, portable device that you can connect to Ethernet ports like this. It will quickly create your own personal Wi-Fi bubble using that wired network. You can connect all your devices without typing a new password—they’ll remember your travel network credentials—and you won’t depend on the hotel’s slow Wi-Fi.

The TP-Link AC750 makes for an excellent travel router. It doesn’t have Wi-Fi 6, but let’s be honest: neither do most hotel Wi-Fi networks. It’s a wireless AC (Wi-Fi 5) router that can deliver speeds of up to 733 Mbps—much faster than what typical hotel Wi-Fi will provide—and it’s very inexpensive and compact.

TP-Link AC750

$38 Save $2

An inexpensive way to get better Wi-Fi in hotels (and elsewhere) while traveling.

$38 at Amazon

Best Wi-Fi 6E Router: TP-Link Archer AXE300

If you own or plan to buy multiple Wi-Fi 6E devices, it’s a good idea to invest in a Wi-Fi 6E router, such as the TP-Link Archer AXE300. This is an excellent Wi-Fi 6E router with tons of helpful features that allow it to provide solid performance. For example, it’s a quad-band router. So, apart from the ultra-fast 6GHz band, you get two 5GHz bands and a 2.4GHz band for better wireless bandwidth management.

In addition, it features a 15.6Gbps bandwidth and two 10G ports that can work as WAN or LAN ports as needed. So, even if you have a multi-gig internet connection, the TP-Link offering will not break a sweat. Other ports include four Gigabit and one 2.5G Ethernet port.

The Archer AXE300 is also easy to install and offers excellent coverage. You can also expand the wireless coverage by connecting to other TP-Link routers, as the AXR300 supports the company’s OneMesh technology.

Other features include TP-Link HomeShield, which offers a network scanner, parental controls, and QoS functions. You can get more such features, such as DDoS protection and advanced parental controls, as a part of HomeShield Pro, but you will have to pay for that. It’s also big but can still be wall-mounted.

TP-Link Archer AXE300

$500 Save $100

TP-Link Archer AXE300 shines as a Wi-Fi 6E router thanks to its quad-band support, two 10G ports, fantastic performance, and good coverage area. 

 

$500 at AmazonSee at Best BuySee at Micro Center

FAQ

What is a Wi-Fi router?

A router creates a local network, forwarding traffic between your local devices and the internet. A Wi-Fi router is a router that also functions as a wireless access point, letting you connect devices to the network over Wi-Fi. Without a router, you could only be able to connect a single device to your internet modem via an Ethernet cable. (However, modern modems provided by internet service providers often include built-in Wi-Fi routers.)

How do you reset a Wi-Fi router?

To reboot your Wi-Fi router, unplug its power cable, wait about ten seconds, and plug it back in. To reset a Wi-Fi router to factory default settings, look for a reset button on the router itself—you will often need to long-press it for ten seconds or so. Check your specific router’s documentation for more information.

How do you update router firmware?

Your router’s web interface or the app you use to configure your router will have an option for updating its firmware, which is the software that runs on your router. You may have to manually download a firmware update file from your router manufacturer’s website. Consult your router’s documentation or your router manufacturer’s website for more specific details.

What is the WPS button on my router?

The Wi-Fi Protected Setup button lets you connect a device to Wi-Fi without typing your Wi-Fi password. Generally, you will first try connecting the device to your Wi-Fi network. When you’re prompted for a password, you may also see a message telling you that “you can also connect by pushing the button on your router.” You can then push your router’s WPS button to connect without typing the password. (This only works on some devices. For example, Android doesn’t support WPS.)

How can I best place my router for the widest coverage?

Place your router in a central location. In a two-level house, consider placing it near the floor of the second floor or the ceiling of the first floor. Avoid obstructions that can block Wi-Fi, including metal, large appliances, microwaves, and concrete walls (drywall isn’t a problem.) For the best coverage, consider a mesh Wi-Fi system.

How does router price affect performance?

More expensive routers tend to offer faster speeds and wider areas of strong coverage. They have hardware features lacking in less expensive routers. How much this matters depends on how many devices you’ll be connecting at once, what you’ll be doing on them, and how far away from your router those devices are.

How can I boost my Wi-Fi signal?

The most important tip is to position your router in a good location. You should also ensure you’re connected to the 5 GHz network. We’ve got more tips for boosting your Wi-Fi signal. If none of them works, consider buying a new router, switching to a mesh Wi-Fi system, or perhaps just adding a Wi-Fi extender.

Do routers make noise?

A router shouldn’t make much noise. Most home routers don’t have fans, but if the router has a cooling fan inside it, you may hear a quiet fan noise while it’s running—just like you would on a laptop. Like other electrics, a router might make a buzzing or humming noise while it’s running.

How do you tell if Wi-Fi is 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz?

While connected to the Wi-Fi network, you can go into your device’s Wi-Fi settings and look through the Wi-Fi network’s information to see if it says it’s using the “5 GHz” or “2.4 GHz” network band. (This information is not displayed on all devices.) Most routers use the same Wi-Fi network name for both 2.4GHz and 5GHz by default, and your device automatically connects to the best one at any given time. However, you can set most routers up to have separate network names for the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks, so you’ll always know which your device is connected to.

How does my modem affect my router?

Your modem is the device that connects to your internet service provider’s network: cable, fiber optic, DSL, or satellite. You connect your router to your modem via an Ethernet cable. Modern ISPs often provide combined modem-router units that include router hardware in the same box as the modem hardware. If you have one of these, you can configure your modem in “bridge mode” so that it will just function as a modem and let your router take over all routing duties. Consult your modem’s documentation for more information.

How do you find Wi-Fi network congestion?

Congestion could occur when a device is using a lot of bandwidth on your network. Some routers may show the data usage of individual devices in their web interfaces or apps. However, in many cases, you will need to look at the information on each device itself to see which device is using the most data.

How hot do routers get?

Like other electronics, a router produces heat as it operates. If you cover a router or block its vents, it will get too hot. Some router manufacturers say their routers are designed to operate at temperatures up to 104 degrees Fahrenheit (40 degrees Celsius.) How hot a router will get depends on the ambient temperature of the room, whether it has good airflow to cool itself, how much work it’s doing, and the model of router itself.