The best wireless routers are paramount for your online connection. It doesn’t matter if you’re battling gamers on the other side of the globe, trying to stream a movie in HD or just trying to get some work done. Nothing is more frustrating than a weak or intermittent internet connection and grabbing one of the best wireless routers for your home should be the first step.
You won’t want to be diagnosing a bad internet connection in the midst of binging your favorite shows on Netflix or attempting to download the newest and best PC games. And while you might have your internet provider on speed dial (and ready to expand your service), installing one of the best wireless routers could be the solution to all your problems. You don’t want your router to be the bottleneck keeping your internet service chugging along at a snail’s pace.
While getting the best wireless router money can buy might seem the way to go, needs might change from person to person. Maybe you will want the most cutting-edge hardware available, such as a wireless mesh router that can reach into every corner of your house. Or maybe you want an epic gaming router that can prioritize gaming-related network traffic. Or maybe you want to future proof your network with a router that can handle Wi-Fi 6 technology which should be making a big splash in the near future.
While shopping for the best wireless routers, bear in mind a few things when comparing. If you have multiple devices in your home, which is probably the majority of people out there, you’ll want to make sure that the best wireless routers you’re looking at have MU-MIMO. It allows the router to communicate with those multiple devices all at once. Also, make sure to look at the speed rating of your chosen device – get one with at least a rated speed of AC1900.
Finding the ideal router for you might seem to get tougher as there are more options to choose from than ever before. And while the options seem endless, we’ve compiled this list of our picks for the best wireless routers for your reference. We’ve tested these devices so you know they’re up to the task. Read on to find the best wireless router for your needs.
The days of traditional wireless routers are coming to an end; the age of the wireless mesh routers is here. Google Wi-Fi, alone, is proof that the mesh revolution is upon us, which means that you might be saying goodbye to the days when the only way to have wireless bliss was to install a number of wireless extenders. The idea of Google Wi-Fi is simple: purchase a set of points, put them in strategic places around the house and then scan a QR code. And, just like that, you’re connected anywhere you are in your home. It’s no surprise that this wireless mesh router claims the loftiest spot on our best wireless routers list of 2019, as it’s also the one that’s most effortless to set up and get going.
If you’re well-acquainted with Asus, especially its gaming computers, then you likely have a general idea of what the Asus RT-AC86U brings to the table. This wireless router may look like the lovechild of Doritos and Mountain Dew, if they spent a night together in a router making machine. But, inside that kitschy gaming aesthetic is a wireless router that, for its price, effortlessly outclasses almost all of its rivals on the market. Even better, you’re also not paying a premium for a gaming device, so if you’re looking for a high-speed connection with an affordable price tag, the Asus RT-AC86U should be at the top of your list.
The Netgear Nighthawk Pro Gaming XR500 might be pricey and lacks a broadband modem. However, this is still a router that delivers, especially on getting those pings down. Designed for homes with gamers in-house, it’s supercharged for your online gaming needs, keeping those high “ping” and latency rates down to deliver an excellent connection whether you’re playing Call of Duty or PUBG. If you’re willing to pay a pretty penny – and if you’re a serious gamer, you should be – this is one of the best wireless routers to consider.
Are you in the market for one of the best wireless routers of 2019 and don’t mind a quirky design? If a ‘90s-inspired sci-fi design sounds like it will fit right in your home, then the TP-Link Archer C5400 v2 might be the best wireless router for you. It’s not exactly the most modern-looking mesh router out there, but it’s unique in that it can bridge consumer and enterprise users by offering high-end functionality at a reasonable price point and with a relaxed setup. It’s peculiar looking, yes; however, if you’re scouring the market for a wireless router that can cover a mid-sized home, you can’t go wrong with this.
If you need to bring your office’s networking into the modern age with one of the best routers of 2019, then you must seriously consider getting the Netgear Orbi Pro. It’s a modular Wi-Fi mesh router that takes some design and performance inspiration from its business-grade competitors. It’s on the more expensive side. However, if you’re running a business where you cannot afford any lags due to poor Wi-Fi, then it’s absolutely worth every penny.
When the Netgear Orbi hit the streets, it changed the wireless router scene. Then, Netgear released the Netgear Orbi AC2200 RBK23, an economical alternative for casual users who don’t have a grand manor to cover. This makes it a worthy contender for the best wireless routers. Sure, it comes with fewer antennae and ethernet ports than its higher end counterpart. However, it does deliver more than enough to provide very solid network coverage. Plus, the small form factor means that it will have no issues blending in – not that you will feel the need to hide it.
The market is now flooded with wireless mesh routers, but it’s hard to complain when the level of coverage these wireless routers brings tops anything we’ve seen before. With devices like the TP-Link Deco M9, one of the best routers of 2019, we can see how they’re only getting better and better. By incorporating IoT smart home support, alongside industry standard speeds and coverage, the TP-Link Deco M9 is, without question, an excellent choice for a smart home supporter. Fair warning though, this router is a tad expensive. However, you’re also getting all these features and an outstanding performance in exchange.
Ready to jump on the mesh wireless router bandwagon, but without breaking open that piggy bank? You’re in luck with the affordable D-Link Covr C1203. It’s one of the best wireless routers, if you want to upgrade and save at the same time. It offers comparable coverage to that of the Google Wi-Fi while also being affordable, and it also looks futuristic in a great way. It’s somewhat slower than Google’s legendary router, but it will still be fast enough for the typical user. It’s no surprise that the D-Link Covr C1203 gets our vote as one of the best wireless routers of 2019.
If you’re in the market for a wireless mesh router that gives you a lot of control over your network, then the Eero Home Wi-Fi system might just be the answer. It has a price more premium than that of your standard router, but it also gives users total control over their network while touting a secure connection through AI. Even better, the Eero Home Wi-Fi System comes with subscriptions to 1Password, MalwareBytes and Encrypt.me VPN, which should keep everyone linked to your network safe and secure.
The Amplifi HD is one of the most expensive wireless routers on the list. However, due to its clean, contemporary aesthetic, it’s found a loyal audience without a problem. While design isn’t exactly at the top of everyone's priorities when choosing the best wireless router for them, it does help encourage users to install and show them off it in central locations that will help boost the router’s signal. This wireless router boasts a brilliant performance and a smart design to match, as long as you’re willing to shell out a bit more.
