Best Network Routers
The top-rated products in network routers, ranked by score from real customer ratings.
NETGEAR 5-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Essentials Switch (GS305) - Home Network Hub, Office Ethernet Splitter, Plug-and-Play, Silent Operation, Desktop or Wall Mount
The NETGEAR GS305 switch is a straightforward and reliable device that enhances wired connections for devices like TVs and gaming consoles, offering seamless plug-and-play functionality with solid performance.
- Easy to set up and use
- Improves network stability and speed for connected devices
- Compact design with silent operation
- Some initial stability issues reported when not following installation instructions correctly
- A minor drop in upload speed observed by some users
TP-Link AC1200 Gigabit WiFi Router (Archer A6) - Dual Band MU-MIMO Wireless Internet Router, 4 x Antennas, OneMesh and AP Mode, Long Range Coverage
The TP-Link AC1200 Gigabit WiFi Router (Archer A6) is generally well-received for its improved performance, ease of setup, and value for money. It offers good signal strength and speed, though some users mention that it can feel warm when in use.
- Improved signal strength and coverage
- Easy to set up
- Good performance at a reasonable price
- Can become warm during extended use
- Needs regular airflow to prevent overheating
TP-Link ER605 V2 Wired Gigabit VPN Router, Up to 3 WAN Ethernet Ports + 1 USB WAN, SPI Firewall SMB Router, Omada SDN Integrated, Load Balance, Lightning Protection
The TP-Link ER605 V2 is praised for its reliability and performance in handling large network loads with features like multi-WAN failover and integrated Omada SDN support. It offers advanced configuration options suitable for SMB environments but may require some setup expertise.
- Automatic failover between multiple WAN connections
- Seamless integration with TP-Link's Omada controller
- Not a POE router, so it cannot power devices requiring POE
TP-Link AX1800 WiFi 6 Router (Archer AX21 V5) – Dual Band Wireless Internet, Gigabit, Easy Mesh, Works with Alexa - A Certified for Humans Device, Free Expert Support
The TP-Link AX1800 WiFi 6 Router (Archer AX21) is generally well-received for its ability to split dual-band networks and support for multi-room audio devices like Echo Dots, offering better performance and stability compared to Spectrum's router at a lower cost.
- Can separate 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands
- Supports features such as hiding SSID and guest network creation
- Improves speed and connectivity stability
- Initial setup could be confusing due to the reset button requirement
- Reconfiguring Echo Dots was time-consuming
TP-Link Dual-Band AX3000 Wi-Fi 6 Router Archer AX55 | Wireless Gigabit Internet Router for Home | EasyMesh Compatible | VPN Clients & Server | HomeShield, OFDMA, MU-MIMO | USB 3.0 | Secure by Design
The TP-Link Archer AX55 router offers improved signal strength and advanced security features compared to its predecessors. However, users report issues with Smart Connect functionality on mobile devices.
- Improved signal strength in both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands
- Support for WPA3 and OFDMA technology
- Easy installation process and configuration options
- Smart Connect feature can cause instability on mobile devices
- Limited wi-fi encryption settings may restrict compatibility with older equipment
TP-Link BE6500 Dual-Band WiFi 7 Router (BE400) – Dual 2.5Gbps Ports, USB 3.0, Covers up to 2,400 sq. ft., 90 Devices, Quad-Core CPU, HomeShield, Private IoT, Free Expert Support
The TP-Link BE6500 WiFi 7 router is well-regarded for its reliable performance, improved signal strength and coverage, and efficient device management. It offers a significant upgrade over previous models in terms of speed and stability.
- Excellent signal coverage and stability
- Improved setup and easy device management through the app
- Enhanced speeds with noticeable performance improvements
- Potential Bluetooth interference if placed too close to certain devices
- Initial reconfiguration needed for IoT devices
ASUS RT-AX1800S Dual Band WiFi 6 Extendable Router, Subscription-Free Network Security, Parental Control, Built-in VPN, AiMesh Compatible, Gaming & Streaming, Smart Home
The ASUS RT-AX1800S router is well-regarded for its reliability and ease of use, offering strong performance with good range and stability. Users appreciate its security features and clean user interface.
- Reliable setup and straightforward navigation
- Strong signal coverage and stable connections
- Built-in network security features and AI protection
- Potential concern over product origin and associated cybersecurity implications
TP-Link AXE5400 Tri-Band WiFi 6E Router (Archer AXE75), 2025 PCMag Editors' Choice, Gigabit Internet for Gaming & Streaming, New 6GHz Band, 160MHz, OneMesh, Quad-Core CPU, VPN & WPA3 Security
The TP-Link AXE5400 is praised for its easy setup and strong performance in terms of signal strength across multiple bands, suitable for large houses. However, users should be aware that Wi-Fi 6E functionality requires specific configuration settings to fully utilize.
- Simple and quick setup process
- Significantly improved range compared to older models
- Provides full gigabit internet speed
- Potential complexity in activating the 6GHz band without proper knowledge
- Wi-Fi performance may revert to lower bands under certain conditions
NETGEAR Nighthawk Dual-Band WiFi 7 Router (RS90) – Router Only, BE3600 Wireless Speed (up to 3.6 Gbps) - Covers up to 2,000 sq. ft., 50 Devices – 2.5 Gig Internet Port - Free Expert Help
The NETGEAR Nighthawk Dual-Band WiFi 7 Router offers reliable performance with strong Wi-Fi coverage and fast speeds, though some users report issues such as inconsistent Ethernet connectivity and difficulties in setting up certain features.
- Easy setup through user-friendly app
- Strong Wi-Fi signal and coverage
- Support for high-speed internet plans
- Occasional Ethernet connection drops
- Limited support for PC Wi-Fi 6 connections
NETGEAR WiFi 6 Router 4-Stream (R6700AX) – Router Only, AX1800 Wireless Speed (Up to 1.8 Gbps), Covers up to 1,500 sq. ft., 20 Devices – Free Expert Help, Dual-Band
The NETGEAR WiFi 6 Router R6700AX is generally well-regarded for its ease of setup and strong performance, particularly in a smaller home environment. However, some users found the initial configuration process to be overly complex.
- Easy to set up with intuitive app support
- Excellent coverage for small homes and apartments
- Cost-effective alternative to rental routers
- Complex setup procedure requiring an app download
- Initial connectivity issues reported by a few customers
Quick Comparison
| Product | Score |
|---|---|
| NETGEAR 5-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Essentials Switch (GS305) - Home Network Hub, Office Ethernet Splitter, Plug-and-Play, Silent Operation, Desktop or Wall Mount | 9.6/10 |
| TP-Link AC1200 Gigabit WiFi Router (Archer A6) - Dual Band MU-MIMO Wireless Internet Router, 4 x Antennas, OneMesh and AP Mode, Long Range Coverage | 9.0/10 |
| TP-Link ER605 V2 Wired Gigabit VPN Router, Up to 3 WAN Ethernet Ports + 1 USB WAN, SPI Firewall SMB Router, Omada SDN Integrated, Load Balance, Lightning Protection | 8.9/10 |
| TP-Link AX1800 WiFi 6 Router (Archer AX21 V5) – Dual Band Wireless Internet, Gigabit, Easy Mesh, Works with Alexa - A Certified for Humans Device, Free Expert Support | 8.9/10 |
| TP-Link Dual-Band AX3000 Wi-Fi 6 Router Archer AX55 | Wireless Gigabit Internet Router for Home | EasyMesh Compatible | VPN Clients & Server | HomeShield, OFDMA, MU-MIMO | USB 3.0 | Secure by Design | 8.9/10 |
| TP-Link BE6500 Dual-Band WiFi 7 Router (BE400) – Dual 2.5Gbps Ports, USB 3.0, Covers up to 2,400 sq. ft., 90 Devices, Quad-Core CPU, HomeShield, Private IoT, Free Expert Support | 8.9/10 |
| ASUS RT-AX1800S Dual Band WiFi 6 Extendable Router, Subscription-Free Network Security, Parental Control, Built-in VPN, AiMesh Compatible, Gaming & Streaming, Smart Home | 8.8/10 |
| TP-Link AXE5400 Tri-Band WiFi 6E Router (Archer AXE75), 2025 PCMag Editors' Choice, Gigabit Internet for Gaming & Streaming, New 6GHz Band, 160MHz, OneMesh, Quad-Core CPU, VPN & WPA3 Security | 8.7/10 |
| NETGEAR Nighthawk Dual-Band WiFi 7 Router (RS90) – Router Only, BE3600 Wireless Speed (up to 3.6 Gbps) - Covers up to 2,000 sq. ft., 50 Devices – 2.5 Gig Internet Port - Free Expert Help | 8.6/10 |
| NETGEAR WiFi 6 Router 4-Stream (R6700AX) – Router Only, AX1800 Wireless Speed (Up to 1.8 Gbps), Covers up to 1,500 sq. ft., 20 Devices – Free Expert Help, Dual-Band | 8.5/10 |