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We researched over 100 different products, then bought the 8 most promising WiFi routers on the market in our quest to find the best one for your networking needs. We extensively tested the performance of these products head-to-head, rigorously measuring performance through a series of objective tests. We also compared and scored how convenient and easy to operate each router is and tried out all the different features. Read on to find out which router is the best of them all, which is the best bargain option, and which one excels for heavy-duty applications.
Of all the WiFi routers we tested, the ASUS RT-AX86S (AX5700) was the best overall. It is a dual-band router that offers exceptional performance where it matters the most, especially regarding 5 GHz throughput. You can rest assured that your modern devices will be supported with this router. High-priority devices can receive dedicated bandwidth, and your kids can be safe with robust parental controls. This router's ease of setup allows you to use devices quickly with minimal disruption.
The only thing this model lacks is Tri-Band support for 6G, but with most homes and common household devices still heavily dependent on the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz channels, you are unlikely to feel any impact for a while. The ASUS RT-AX86S is also very reasonably priced, especially for such a great dual-band router. While there aren't many gripes with the ASUS RT-AX86S it could provide a better 2.4 GHz throughput. If a wider range and older device compatibility is a priority, check out the TP-Link Archer AX55 (AX3000). The highest scored 2.4 Ghz throughput router in our tests and a great price makes this a worthy alternative.
All around, the TP-Link Archer AX55 is a great performer. It outperformed most of the WiFi routers across many of our test metrics, including our 2.4 GHz speed tests, where it was the absolute best model for the band. TP-Link also helps you get up and going with simple setup procedures and then helps you keep things reliable and safe with great QoS options and robust parental controls.
With such a reasonable price, it is impressive to have such few criticisms, but it is our job to test and be critical. While good, the range for the TP-Link Archer AX55 was below the average performance exhibited by stiff competition from its peers, and beamforming is explicit, meaning both the device sending data and the device receiving data need to support beamforming. For those who need a larger range while providing implicit beamforming take a look at the Netgear Nighthawk R6700AX (AX1800). The trade-off is an inferior 2.4 Ghz throughput but at similar price points, this router is a worthwhile choice for those seeking a router with price in mind.
Keeping your home up to date with modern tech can be tiresome and expensive. Sometimes we need a more modestly priced solution to keep us going or to get by for a little longer. The Netgear RAX20 fits that bill with above-average 5 GHz throughput, respectable 2.4 GHz throughput, good range, and, best of all — a modest price.
With such an approachable price, there are some tradeoffs worth considering for the Netgear RAX20. Parental controls are offered via a paid add-on. The add-on is an annual subscription and costs nearly as much as the router. However, if parental controls are not your concern, you won't find a more affordable unit that does the job. If having included parental controls is essential, take a look at the TP-Link Archer AX21 (AX1800). A budget-friendly price and a strong range make the TP-Link archer a great option for those operating on a tight budget.
If you are looking for a sleek Tri-Band router with great dual-band support and exceptional range for the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz spectrum, without venturing into exorbitant pricing, then the Netgear Nighthawk RAXE300 is the way to go. Great range means you can support devices out into your yard, patio, or garage, and 6G means you can take advantage of gigabit internet connections if your ISP offers them. If aesthetics are your thing, it isn't as unsightly as other WiFi routers on the market.
The Netgear Nighthawk isn't without a few drawbacks. It has a marginal app lacking robust settings and subscription-based parental controls that add to the cost of an already pricier router. This is also a fairly technical model; both setup and configuration may not be for the uninitiated. Our test team also desired a little more from the limited quality of service (QoS) settings. But, again, this 6G router has a lot going for it that many others do not. For those who won't be utilizing a 6hz channel, a more budget-friendly option with a great 5hz connection is the Netgear RAX20 (AX1800).
Head-to-head testing of the best routers on the market today.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Why Trust GearLab
Based on in-depth research and ratings, our experts purchased 8 of the best WiFi routers. Our team spent hundreds of hours comparing, measuring, and evaluating the top models for 2.4 GHz throughput, 5 GHz throughput, range, and user-friendliness. Our testing simulated real-world uses and applications to collect accurate data and inform our expert recommendations.
Our testing of WiFi routers is comprised of four rating metrics:
2.4 GHz Throughput (35% of overall score weighting)
5 GHz Throughput (35% weighting)
Range (20% weighting)
Ease of Use (10% weighting)
This in-depth review will help you find the right WiFi router to fit your budget and meet your needs. Our in-house testers have examined many networking essentials that have become a standard in the modern home or home office. Our primary tester for WiFi routers, Matt Spencer, brings vast technical knowledge and experience to our testing designs and procedures. With a passion for exploring the intricate details of electronics and a keen eye for analytics, Matt provides a strong background for testing WiFi routers. Our expert team conducted more than 200 individual tests to help you find the perfect one to match your particular needs and budget.
Analysis and Test Results
We purchased all the routers tested here and never accept any free evaluation units to include in our reviews. We singled out the most promising products and tested them side by side for direct comparison. Each metric consisted of a handful of tests, with the performance of each product ranked and scored against the field. In our review, you'll find the detailed results for each metric, highlighting which products performed well and which ones dropped the ball. This comprehensive testing process and review will help you decide on the best WiFi router for your needs and budget.
What's the Best Value?
A major consideration while shopping on a budget is whether you want a basic WiFi router or if you will require add-ons, such as parental controls. Of the products we've tested, Netgear products tend to offer parental controls that add a significant amount of money to the upfront cost in the form of an annual subscription-based service, whereas TP-Link and ASUS models were all-inclusive. That said, we found great value in the TP-Link Archer AX55, which comes with parental controls — meaning no add-on subscription is required.
5.0 GHz Throughput
The most important throughput performance is 5.0 GHz, because that is what most modern devices (smartphones, tablets, laptop, and desktop computers) support and run at most efficiently. Performance varies considerably from one product to the next. We suggest paying special attention to our “obstructed” performance tests — a stress test where we measure the throughput with barriers to disrupt the connection. The obstructed tests provide a better indication of what kind of performance you may see in your own use of the router.
Overall, ASUS models lead the way, with the RT-AX86S and RT-AX88U outperforming the next two most performant models, the Archer AX55 and the Netgear RAX20.
5.0GHz Obstructed Throughput
Product
9 ft
35 ft
70 ft
ASUS RT-AX86S
416
369
77
ASUS RT-AX88U
402
362
56
TP-Link Archer AX55
342
325
90
Netgear RAX20
363
310
71
Netgear Nighthawk R6700AX
354
328
56
Netgear Nighthawk RAXE300
334
313
83
TP-Link Archer AX21
323
319
83
ASUS RT-AX1800S
303
277
72
The chart above shows how 5.0 GHz throughput performance in Mbps varies considerably in our obstructed distance testing. We measured at three different obstructed distances.
At the short range of 9 feet, the RT-AX86S and RT-AX88U dominated the field, followed by the Netgear RAX20 and the Netgear Nighthawk R6700AX. Whether obstructed or unobstructed, the ASUS models averaged speeds of about 400 MBits per second, whereas the runner-ups hovered around 350 Mbits.
What surprised our team is how the Netgear Nighthawk RAXE300 only did a slightly above-average job in our short-range tests, especially for such a pricey model.
Our short-range obstructed tests had the lowest drop in Mbps for each model. The Netgear Nighthawk placed slightly higher in our lineup when faced with obstructions.
The ASUS models continued to lead the way in our 35-foot tests, both reaching speeds of nearly 400 Mbps, respectively.
Although the ASUS models led the way in our 35-foot tests, these models dropped substantially with obstructions.
2.4 GHz Throughput
While 2.4 GHz may not be the gold standard for high-speed WiFi connections at home, it offers some range and obstruction penetration benefits inherent at the 2.4 GHz frequency, and many devices still rely on this band. It is therefore supported by nearly all modern routers, including the models we evaluated, so our team tested 2.4 GHz throughput at various distances with and without obstructions for each model. That said, we believe that the obstructed tests are the most important for real-world performance, and that 5.0 GHz is more important in practice than 2.4 GHz. In almost every case in our tests, we found performance at 5.0 GHz was better, even at obstructed distances, than 2.4 GHz.
2.4GHz Obstructed Thoughput
Product
9 ft
35 ft
70 ft
TP-Link Archer AX55
107
96
23
Netgear Nighthawk RAXE300
112
70
34
ASUS RT-AX86S
92
85
26
TP-Link Archer AX21
101
72
27
Netgear RAX20
90
70
21
ASUS RT-AX88U
87
78
13
Netgear Nighthawk R6700AX
83
72
21
ASUS RT-AX1800S
91
61
12
Our throughput test results at 2.4 GHz in Mbps are shown as measured at three different obstructed distances.
At a short, 9-foot distance, both unobstructed and obstructed, the best models we tested were the Netgear Nighthawk RAXE300 and the TP-Link Archer AX21, which were able to maintain data rates over X MBits unobstructed, and X MBit/s obstructed.
The Nighthawk R6700AX, RAX20. Archer AX55 and Archer AX21 formed the average for the group, with all other WiFi routers underperforming that average.
At a more typical household range of 35 feet, we saw the best performances from the Archer AX55 and ASUS RT-AX86S, with unobstructed speeds of up 115Mbits, and obstructed speeds up to 96 MBits/s.
At the far end of the 70-foot mark, with obstructions, the Nighthawk RAXE300 picked back up after a slump in the middle of our range test, outcompeting its peers.
Range
We tested the range of all the models in our lineup by streaming the same 1080p video and moving 10-foot increments, recording when the video started buffering or we lost a connection to the router. While most routers performed well, a couple of models stood out as exceptional.
The Nighthawk RAXE300 led the way. On the 2.4 GHz band, we were able to stream our test movie out to 150 feet before it started buffering, and on the 5 GHz band, we lost connection to the router at 170 feet before any buffering occurred. The ASUS RT-AX86S offered similar performance, with buffering on the 2.4 GHz band occurring at about 140 feet and buffering on the 5 GHz band at 150 feet.
The bulk of models we tested formed a strong average at 113 feet for our 2.4 GHz tests and 110 feet for our 5 GHz tests, more than plenty of coverage for most homes, likely reaching a back patio or garage.
Even the most modestly priced model in our testing, the RAX20, offered average performances of 100 feet for the 2.4 GHz test and 110 feet for the 5 GHz test.
While the TP-Link Archer AX55 is one of the best overall values, as determined by a price-to-overall performance ratio, it didn't do as great a job in our dual band range tests as many other models. However, that's not to say that it is bad. With this model, you can still expect 90 feet of range on the 2.4 GHz band and 120 feet on the 5 GHz band.
We carefully tested the range of each device by playing the same 1080p video again and again, waiting for it to buffer.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Ease of Use
Our ease of use testing measured the ease of setup for each model, mobile interface friendliness, PC interface friendliness, parental controls, and quality of service (QoS). Our testing didn't reveal model-specific differences. Instead, the manufacturer determined the ease of use of each model, as manufacturers recycle software, firmware, and external services across models.
While we tested many different WiFi routers, we only tested a few unique manufacturers — Netgear, TP-Link, and ASUS. And in that order, these products offered ease of use ranging from below-average with Netgear products to above-average with TP-Link products to great with ASUS models. We broke up the ease of use test metric by brand evaluation based on testing the routers in our product lineup.
ASUS products were the best models we tested when it came to user-friendliness, and the rather exceptional ASUS RT-AX86S (AX5700) benefits from ASUS's integration of software and features that make it a simple device to install and maintain in one's home.
We found the setup process to be simple with most ASUS routers.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Installing an ASUS router is incredibly easy. To get started, download the 'ASUS Router' app from your preferred app store. The setup process is also easy, with minimal steps. Simply select the 'set up new router' option on the app and scan the QR code on the back of your ASUS router model. The app will then guide you through the short and uncomplicated setup step-by-step.
While mobile application setup is the gold standard for nearly all modern WiFi routers, it's also possible to set up an ASUS router via a computer. All you need to do is connect to your router via the WiFi tab on your computer and visit the ASUS website. This will direct you through the rest of the setup process.
Setting up an ASUS router is easy and straightforward.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Once you are up and running, ASUS provides two options for managing settings — mobile and a PC interface. Our test team found the mobile experience made it easy enough to navigate and provided lots of settings. While it could initially be a bit confusing, especially if you don't know what you're looking for, the user interface is still easy enough for the average person to work through. The computer interface for managing ASUS routers is very similar to the mobile experience. Again, we found it easy to navigate with many settings to make changes.
The ASUS products we tested, like the ASUS RT-AX88U (AX6000), ASUS RT-AX86S (AX5700), and the ASUS RT-AX1800S (AX1800), really shine when it comes to parental controls. In the parental controls settings page, users are able to block all devices with a slider and schedule blocking restrictions. If you are inclined to block a single device, perhaps as discipline for a child who may be a little too attached to their devices, you can simply visit the devices tab of the parental controls and click on the client you want to block, and press a button.
All the ASUS products are exceptional when it comes down to QoS, which lets you select devices and favor bandwidth for those devices. Every ASUS router our team tested allows the end user to easily prioritize devices and their designated bandwidth. They don't just provide the feature but make it super simple. Via the app, it's as easy as dragging and dropping where you want the most bandwidth to go.
Connecting to the router through the ASUS app.
The ASUS app has many offerings.
While ASUS set the gold standard for user-friendliness across all the routers we tested, TP-Link does a bang-up job also, stepping on ASUS's heels for a close silver. In our round-up, the TP-Link Archer AX55 (AX3000) and TP-Link Archer AX21 (AX1800) were exceptionally easy to use.
Getting a TP-Link router started is simple. First, you download the Tether app on your smartphone. Next, you follow a few minimal steps. Simply select the 'Set up new router' on the app and scan the QR code on the back of the router. The app will then guide you through the short and easy setup, step-by-step.
Once up and running, any sort of additional configuration or settings are easily managed through TP-Link's mobile interface. The interface is fairly simple to understand and navigate. The PC interface is also easy to navigate and understand — with every basic need on the front page. The advanced settings page is labeled well, so making specific changes is more streamlined.
The parental controls on TP-Link routers give ASUS products some real competition. The robust and easy-to-use parental controls come included as part of the router software. In the parental controls settings page, you can filter sites to either block or allow specific ones, set scheduling, and set time limits. You can even create different profiles and assign different devices to each profile. If you want to block a single device, TP-Link has made it as easy as pressing a button.
When it comes to QoS, TP-Link products let you set a high priority to specific devices, by an amount of time or by schedule. While not quite as robust as ASUS's integration of QoS, we found it worked well and should be sufficient for most households.
The Netgear products that our team tested, like the Nighthawk RAXE300, Nighthawk R6700AX, and the RAX20, didn't fare as well as ASUS, or TP-Link products we tested in our ease of use metric.
Through the testing experience, our team generally found Nighthawk app annoying and unstable. The app crashed several times in our testing of Netgear products, and Netgear has made it too easy to accidentally tab out of the setup process, forcing you to start the process anew. Our team also experienced frequent connection drops from the router, which also required starting over with the setup process.
The mobile interface for both the Nighthawk RAXE300 and the Nighthawk RAX20 is easy to navigate and simple to use. The average person shouldn't have any difficulties changing settings or understanding the app.
The experience with the PC interface is not as good as the mobile experience. While it is easy enough to navigate, it can be pretty advanced, and we wouldn't recommend it for people who just want to quickly set up a router or have limited networking knowledge.
Netgear does not include parental controls in any of the models we tested. Instead, they have chosen a paid subscription service model for parental controls, and that subscription will set you back an additional 60 dollars per year. Netgear's 'Circle' app for parental controls also lacks robust controls and settings, which negatively sets it apart from router manufacturers that do offer strong parental control features.
The QoS on the Netgear products we tested is only accessible via webpage login. Once there, the options seemed overly simple, with little customizability compared to the competitors' multitude of offerings.
Netgear products were not as straightforward or easy to get running.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Conclusion
We hope that our extensive product research, testing, and review process has provided you with insight for choosing the most suitable WiFi router for your needs.
