Ultimate Guide to the Best Routers of 2024

The TP-Link AX6000 performs admirably in the 'Best Overall' category, primarily due to its outstanding speed capabilities and efficiency in high-density environments. With Wi-Fi 6 support, it offers impressive speeds of up to 5952 Mbps, which are perfect for households with demanding internet needs. The combination of 8 high-gain antennas and technologies like Beamforming and Range Boost ensures that the Wi-Fi signal extends seamlessly throughout your home, minimizing dead zones.

Equipped with a powerful 1.8 GHz Quad Core CPU and two co-processors, the AX6000 is designed to handle multiple devices without succumbing to latency issues. Its ultra-connectivity options are impressive, featuring a 2.5Gbps WAN port, eight Gigabit LAN ports, and two USB 3.0 ports, accommodating a wide array of wired connections. Additionally, the router promises peace of mind with TP-Link HomeCare's advanced security features, including antivirus protection and robust parental controls. While the average features like mesh network compatibility and industry-standard ISP support are helpful, they are quite common. Overall, the emphasis on speed, range, and security makes this router a solid contender in its category.

The ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AX11000 Pro stands out as a top contender in the premium category thanks to a series of impressive features. Central to its appeal is the high-efficiency WiFi 6, which provides ultrafast tri-band speeds up to 11,000 Mbps. This ensures that even the most demanding online activities run smoothly, thanks to 160 MHz channels that boost efficiency and throughput.

One of the highlights is the expanded coverage made possible by the ASUS RangeBoost Plus, significantly improving signal range and overall coverage. The flexible networking ports are another asset, featuring one 2.5 G and one 10 G port that can be configured for either WAN or LAN operations, offering impressive versatility.

On the performance side, the GT-AX11000 Pro boasts a formidable 2.0 GHz quad-core CPU, enhancing wireless signal processing and ensuring robust performance during peak usage. The router's triple-level game acceleration is a major plus for online gamers, providing network prioritization from the PC to the game server for a seamless gaming experience.

While the power supply specifications (AC Input: 110V~240V, DC Output: 19 V) are quite standard, they are adequate for the high-end hardware this router supports. Overall, the ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AX11000 Pro excels in delivering both speed and reliability, making it a top choice for premium users.

The NETGEAR Orbi WiFi System RBK753 stands out in the 'Best For Large Homes' category primarily due to its impressive coverage, reaching up to 7,500 square feet. This makes it an ideal solution for sprawling homes where consistent connectivity in every corner is a necessity. Thanks to the integration of WiFi 6 technology, it delivers a fast AX4200 Gigabit speed, ensuring smooth streaming, HD gaming, and web conferencing experiences, even when multiple devices are connected simultaneously.

A notable feature is its flexibility to expand coverage by adding satellites, supporting seamless connectivity throughout even the largest residences. The inclusion of multiple Gigabit Ethernet ports enhances its versatility, catering to those who require wired connections for devices like game consoles and streaming players.

Security is another area where this system shines. Equipped with NETGEAR Armor software and automatic firmware updates, it provides robust protection against cyber threats. While the app makes setup and management straightforward, the system’s extensive compatibility with various internet services is commendable, rounding out its appeal for large home networks.

The Google Nest WiFi Pro is designed to elevate your streaming experience with its impressive performance capabilities. Its utilization of the latest Wi-Fi 6E technology offers up to double the speed of Wi-Fi 6, ensuring smooth and buffer-free streaming throughout your home. With coverage extending up to 2200 square feet per router, it easily supports streaming on multiple devices, making it ideal for households with diverse streaming needs.

One standout feature is its ability to automatically optimize network performance. This includes prioritizing video calls and ensuring quick website loading, crucial for uninterrupted streaming. The addition of the 6 GHz band offers less congestion and more bandwidth, catering specifically to high-demand activities like streaming HD and 4K content.

While it's not compatible with previous Google Wifi products, its built-in diagnostics and self-healing capabilities keep the network in top shape. Security features like secure booting further enhance its reliability for streaming and everyday use.

The Amazon eero 6+ mesh Wi-Fi system stands out as an exceptional choice for smart homes due to its combination of affordability and high performance. With support for gigabit speeds, it offers impressive connectivity without breaking the bank, making it an accessible option for most households. Benefiting from Wi-Fi 6 technology, it provides a bandwidth boost that ensures seamless streaming, video chatting, and working with multiple devices simultaneously.

A standout feature of the eero 6+ is its built-in smart home hub, which allows users to connect compatible Thread and Zigbee devices directly, eliminating the need for additional hubs. eero's TrueMesh technology further enhances performance by intelligently routing traffic to minimize drop-offs and eliminate dead spots, offering reliable connectivity throughout the home.

The user-friendly eero app simplifies setup and network management, while world-class customer support adds an extra layer of confidence. Though its features are generally robust, its additional security features available through subscription might be considered average by some users.

The TP-Link AC1900 stands out in the 'Best Budget Friendly' category with its impressive array of features. One of its key strengths lies in its OneMesh compatibility, allowing users to create a seamless WiFi network with TP-Link WiFi extenders. This is particularly beneficial for larger homes where consistent coverage is essential.

Performance-wise, the router provides robust speeds with 600 Mbps on the 2.4GHz band and 1300 Mbps on the 5GHz band, ensuring smooth streaming and gaming experiences. The inclusion of MU-MIMO technology is another excellent feature, enabling multiple devices to communicate simultaneously without compromising speed or connectivity.

Beamforming technology enhances WiFi coverage, delivering a strong and efficient connection even at longer distances. For wired connections, the TP-Link AC1900 offers four Gigabit LAN ports and one Gigabit WAN port, ensuring reliable and fast internet for PCs, Smart TVs, and gaming consoles.

Additionally, this router includes parental controls, which allow users to manage and monitor their children's internet usage effectively. While it lacks a USB port, the diverse range of features and exceptional performance make the TP-Link AC1900 a top contender in its price range.