We recommend products and services based on unbiased research from our editorial team. We make money via affiliate links, which means if you click a link on our site, we may earn a commission. Any commissions we receive do not affect our recommendations; if you want to know more about how that works, read more.
Whether you’re dealing with slow speeds or Wi‑Fi dead zones, upgrading to a current Wi‑Fi 6/6E or Wi‑Fi 7 router (or mesh) can add capacity, coverage, and lower, more consistent latency. We spoke with networking experts and Wi‑Fi geeks to get to the root of what matters. Our updated picks emphasize modern standards (Wi‑Fi 6/6E and Wi‑Fi 7), the cleaner 6 GHz band where available, WPA3 security, and multi‑gig Ethernet. These features are now part of Wi‑Fi Alliance programs such as Wi‑Fi CERTIFIED 7 and Wi‑Fi 6E, which add technologies like Multi‑Link Operation (MLO), 320 MHz channels, and mandatory WPA3 in 6 GHz. We also considered ease of setup and long‑term updates, and cross‑checked against independent evaluations from publications we cite below.
Analysis Paralysis? Subscribe to our newsletter.
Nice! Thanks for subscribing. Check your email to confirm.
The 4 Best Wireless Routers
- NETGEAR Nighthawk RS700S (Wi‑Fi 7) – Best Router for High Traffic Homes
- TP‑LINK Archer AX55 (Wi‑Fi 6) – Best Budget Router
- Eero Max 7 (Wi‑Fi 7 mesh) – Best Router for Large Homes
- Synology RT6600ax (Wi‑Fi 6) – Best Router for Gamers
The Best Wireless Router: Summed Up
| | | | | |
| The Best | | | | |
| Price | | | | |
| 6 GHz band (6E/7) | | | | |
| Quality of Service (QoS) | | | | |
| Parental Controls | | | | |
| Multi‑gig Ethernet (2.5G+/10G) | | | | |
NETGEAR Nighthawk RS700S Wi‑Fi 7 Router
Pros
Best-in-class performance
Simple setup
Detailed parental controls
Cons
Lackluster tech support
Why we chose it
Best-in-class performance
As a tri‑band Wi‑Fi 7 router, the RS700S supports 2.4/5/6 GHz with Multi‑Link Operation (MLO), 320 MHz channels, and 4096‑QAM to drive multi‑gigabit throughput and steadier latency when paired with modern clients. It’s engineered to fully exploit multi‑gig service and the 6 GHz band’s cleaner spectrum, while remaining backward‑compatible for older devices. NETGEAR equips the RS700S with multi‑gig Ethernet including 10 GbE to avoid wired bottlenecks (product details).
Simple setup
Setup is guided in‑app and typically takes minutes. You can handle SSIDs, WPA3, guest access, and firmware updates from your phone. For more control, the web portal exposes traffic prioritization, multi‑gig WAN/LAN configuration, and scheduling. There’s also a dedicated mobile app for device monitoring and parental controls.
Security and family features
Modern Wi‑Fi 7 gear ships with WPA3 as the security baseline and supports protections like Protected Management Frames. In 6 GHz operation, WPA3 is required by the Wi‑Fi Alliance (Wi‑Fi 6E overview). NETGEAR’s ecosystem also offers optional security subscriptions; for basic controls you can pause the internet, set profiles, and schedule access. For those who want a separate app experience, Circle with Disney remains a popular choice.
Points to consider
Premium price and support expectations
Top‑tier Wi‑Fi 7 hardware commands premium pricing and optional subscriptions for advanced security. If you prefer hands‑on assistance, consider purchasing from a retailer that offers extended support. The RS700S’s core Wi‑Fi features work without add‑ons; budget for extras only if you need them (Wi‑Fi 7 program).
TP-LINK Archer AX55/AX55 Pro (Wi‑Fi 6)
Pros
Great value
Impressive performance
Simple setup
Cons
Not intended for more than 10 devices
Harder to customize
Why we chose it
Great value
For most small‑to‑mid homes on sub‑gigabit plans, a well‑tuned Wi‑Fi 6 router like the Archer AX55 provides excellent stability and coverage at a modest price. Wi‑Fi 6’s OFDMA and uplink/downlink MU‑MIMO increase multi‑user efficiency over Wi‑Fi 5, and WPA3 security is widely supported (IEEE 802.11ax; WPA3). Independent guides continue to recommend this class of router for most homes (Wirecutter).
Solid everyday performance
While it lacks 6 GHz, the AX55 handles streaming, gaming, and video calls across multiple devices thanks to Wi‑Fi 6 efficiencies like OFDMA and 1024‑QAM. If you want a budget router that “just works,” the AX55 remains a strong choice (Wirecutter).
Simple setup
Plug it in, follow the quick start, and you’re online in minutes. WPA3, guest networks, and basic QoS can be enabled via the app. There’s also a TP-Link tether app for routine management.
Points to consider
Capacity and port limits
Value models have fewer radio chains and no 6 GHz; they’re great for typical broadband but not ideal for multi‑gig service or very dense client environments. If you upgrade to a gigabit‑plus plan or need multi‑gig Ethernet, consider a Wi‑Fi 7 router with 2.5G/10G ports (Wi‑Fi 7 features).
Advanced tweaks take time
App‑centric interfaces make basics easy, but deeper QoS and parental control tuning can take some tinkering. If you want richer software control, see our gamer/advanced pick below.
Eero Max 7 (Wi‑Fi 7) Dual‑/Tri‑Band Whole Home Wi‑Fi System (2–3 Pack)
Pros
Sprawling connectivity
Auto-steering speeds
Intuitive interface
Cons
Excessive for smaller homes
Limited customization
Why we chose it
Sprawling connectivity
For large or complex floor plans, a Wi‑Fi mesh blankets your home with multiple nodes. Eero Max 7 pairs Wi‑Fi 7 radios with 6 GHz capacity and multiple multi‑gig Ethernet ports on each unit (including two 10 GbE) to support high‑speed backhaul and devices (product page). With Wi‑Fi 7’s MLO and 320 MHz channels available in 6 GHz, meshes can move more data with lower, more consistent latency (Wi‑Fi CERTIFIED 7).
Auto-steering makes it fast
Premium meshes steer devices among 2.4/5/6 GHz automatically, and Wi‑Fi 7’s Multi‑Link Operation lets compatible devices use or switch links to keep throughput high and latency steady. In U.S. deployments, standard‑power 6 GHz via authorized AFC systems can further extend coverage where permitted (FCC AFC).
Intuitive interface
Setup is app‑guided and typically takes about 15 minutes. Eero’s app also exposes guest networks, WPA3, and device prioritization. As a smart‑home hub, Max 7 supports Matter and Thread for easier IoT onboarding and fewer standalone hubs.
Points to consider
Cost and customization trade‑offs
Wi‑Fi 7 meshes are premium. Many ecosystems, including Eero, also gate advanced security and content filtering behind optional subscriptions; core Wi‑Fi works without them. Power users seeking deeper controls may prefer a feature‑rich standalone router with wired access points (Wirecutter).
Synology RT6600ax
Pros
Advanced settings
Double the antennas, double the speed
WTFast Game Accelerator
Cons
Harder to customize
Why we chose it
Advanced settings for low‑latency play
Gamers need consistent latency and smart traffic shaping as much as raw speed. Synology’s SRM software brings business‑grade tools — robust QoS and traffic control, per‑device policies, multi‑WAN, VLANs, VPN server, Safe Access parental controls — in an approachable interface (product page). Hardware includes a 2.5G WAN/LAN port to reduce bottlenecks with gigabit‑plus service, plus tri‑band Wi‑Fi 6 radios to serve multiple devices across 2.4/5 GHz with WPA3 security.
Wi‑Fi performance that prioritizes stability
Wi‑Fi 6 features like OFDMA and uplink MU‑MIMO help keep latency predictable under load (IEEE 802.11ax). Combine SRM’s device and application prioritization with wired 2.5G for consoles/PCs, and you have a gaming‑appropriate setup that remains flexible for streaming and work.
Security and profiles built‑in
SRM includes Safe Access for profile‑based controls and schedules. WPA3‑Personal is supported for modern clients, and guest/IoT segmentation helps contain risk (WPA3).
Points to consider
No 6 GHz band
The RT6600ax lacks 6 GHz. If you want cleaner spectrum or plan to adopt Wi‑Fi 7 clients soon, consider a Wi‑Fi 7 router with MLO (Wi‑Fi CERTIFIED 7). If granular control is your priority, Synology’s software remains a standout.
How We Chose the Best Wireless Router
Updated wireless protocol
Wi‑Fi 5 (802.11ac) has been superseded by Wi‑Fi 6/6E (802.11ax) and Wi‑Fi 7 (802.11be). Wi‑Fi 6/6E added OFDMA, uplink/downlink MU‑MIMO, 1024‑QAM, Target Wake Time, and opened access to the 6 GHz band where permitted; Wi‑Fi 7 adds 320 MHz channels, 4K‑QAM, and MLO for higher throughput and lower, more consistent latency (802.11ax; 802.11be; Wi‑Fi 6E).
Bands and spectrum (2.4/5/6 GHz)
Dual‑band routers let you use the less congested 5 GHz band; tri‑band 6E/7 models add 6 GHz, which offers wider channels and cleaner air. WPA3 is mandatory in 6 GHz operation and helps raise the security baseline (Wi‑Fi 6E; WPA3). In the U.S., the FCC authorized AFC systems for standard‑power 6 GHz APs, expanding coverage options where applicable.
WPA3 and modern Wi‑Fi security
WPA3‑Personal uses SAE to resist offline guessing and mandates Protected Management Frames; WPA3‑Enterprise adds an optional 192‑bit suite for high‑security networks (WPA3). For guest privacy, Enhanced Open (OWE) encrypts “open” SSIDs without shared passwords. Wi‑Fi Easy Connect (DPP) securely onboards headless IoT devices via QR/NFC and can place them on segmented SSIDs/VLANs.
Independently tested for performance
Advertised speeds are theoretical. We corroborated model capabilities and user experience with independent testing and roundups from sources like PCMag, CNET, Tom’s Guide’s Wi‑Fi 7 picks, SmallNetBuilder, PCWorld, and Wirecutter. These outlets run standardized, repeatable tests at multiple distances and under load to reveal throughput, coverage, roaming behavior, and latency consistency.
We weighted results alongside hardware capabilities (e.g., MLO, 6 GHz width, multi‑gig ports) and software maturity to choose models that stay fast and stable throughout the home, not just in same‑room peak tests.
Advanced features
Advanced features increasingly differentiate modern routers: multi‑gig WAN/LAN (2.5G/10G) to prevent bottlenecks, MLO and 320 MHz channels on 6 GHz for peak throughput, WPA3 and Enhanced Open for safer Wi‑Fi, and Easy Connect (DPP) to securely onboard IoT. For large homes, look for mesh systems with strong backhaul options and consider EasyMesh interoperability (EasyMesh). Many premium meshes and hubs now integrate Matter and Thread 1.3 to simplify smart‑home device setup.
Consumer reviews
We emphasized recent, verified, and platform‑recommended reviews. In 2025, consumers give outsized weight to recency and “verified purchase” signals (BrightLocal). Major platforms have also increased moderation and removals of fake/incentivized content, per their transparency reports (Amazon; Trustpilot; Tripadvisor; Yelp). We looked for trends over the most recent months: reliability, speeds under load, roaming behavior in meshes, app experience, and vendor responsiveness to issues.
Guide to Wireless Routers
How to find the right router for you
There are thousands of routers, and no single “best” one for every home. Match the class to your needs: Wi‑Fi 7 with 6 GHz and multi‑gig ports for gigabit‑plus plans; Wi‑Fi 6 for affordable, stable performance on typical broadband; and mesh for large or complex layouts. Where 6 GHz is available, it provides cleaner spectrum and wider channels (Wi‑Fi 6E; Wi‑Fi 7).
Consider how your household uses the internet
Think about the number of active users and activities. Simultaneous 4K streaming, online gaming, and video calls demand both capacity and low latency. Wi‑Fi 6 improves multi‑user efficiency, and Wi‑Fi 7’s MLO helps keep latency consistent when many devices are active (program overview).
Know your home’s layout
Bigger homes and dense walls make Wi‑Fi propagation harder. According to home networking consultant Ryan Hunt, obstacles like walls and furniture reduce signal strength. If you’ve had dead zones, consider a mesh — preferably with 6 GHz — and place nodes with clear paths. In the U.S., standard‑power 6 GHz via authorized AFC can improve coverage in some scenarios.
Check that your internet plan is fast enough
Your internet service provider (ISP) tier caps your experience — a router can’t exceed the plan. For gigabit‑plus service, look for at least one 2.5G port (or 10G on high‑end gear) so your hardware isn’t the bottleneck.
To help you find the right speed for your household, we gathered recommendations from a variety of internet service provider websites, as well as HighSpeedInternet.com, a site dedicated to providing information and tools to understand high-speed internet. Then, we consulted with the team at BroadbandNow to find the ideal speed ranges for most households.
| Ideal Speeds | Number of People/Devices | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
Think about the features you’ll actually use
Pay for features you’ll benefit from: WPA3 security, multi‑gig ports (2.5G/10G) to match your ISP tier, 6 GHz support for cleaner spectrum, and, at the high end, Wi‑Fi 7’s MLO for stability under load (Wi‑Fi 7). Smart‑home users may value built‑in Matter/Thread hubs that reduce extra bridges.
For power users, look for granular QoS, VLANs, VPN server support, and policy‑based device management. If you don’t recognize a feature or know how you’ll use it, you probably don’t need to pay for it.
Wireless Router FAQs
Keep Reading
