A Wi-Fi router is no longer just a convenience, a way to stream high-definition movies, or play games with no delay. In 2025, it’s crucial to have a reliable Wi-Fi router to work, study, and stay connected remotely, in addition to extras like managing your smart home. Basically, a quality Wi-Fi router with good range, stability, and speed is your lifeline to the internet.
Many users think their old router will do the job in 2025, but it’s not exactly correct. Modern routers are different from older models because they support the Wi-Fi 6E standard, mesh systems, robust security features, and multiple devices at the same time. By not updating your router, you compromise speed, stability, and security.
However, there are thousands of Wi-Fi routers on the market. With the help from the Cybernews research team, I reviewed and compared the latest models to find the best Wi-Fi routers in 2025. In this guide, you’ll find a detailed comparison and in-depth review of the top 7 routers on the market now, and a buying guide to help you make the right choice.
Best Wi-Fi router – shortlist
- TP-Link AX3000 WiFi 6 Router – the best Wi-Fi router overall
- NETGEAR Nighthawk 6-Stream Dual-Band WiFi 6 Router (RAX54S) – the best router for uninterrupted streaming
- GL.iNet GL-SFT1200 – the best wireless router for public use
- Amazon eero 6 mesh Wi-Fi router – the best Wi-Fi router for large homes
- ASUS RT-AX1800S Dual Band WiFi 6 – the most secure Wi-Fi router
- TP-Link Dual-Band BE3600 Wi-Fi 7 Router – the fastest router in 2025
- TP-Link AC750 Wireless Portable Nano Travel Router (TL-WR902AC) – the best wireless router for travel
The best Wi-Fi routers compared
In this comparison table, I summarize my research and compare all top providers across key criteria: pricing, use case, speed standards, and features to pay attention to. This is an easy way to compare routers side by side and see differences:
| Model name | Pricing | Best for | Speed and Wi-Fi standard | Key features |
| TP-Link AX3000 WiFi 6 Router | Mid-range | Gaming, streaming, and video conferencing | Wi-Fi 6 | QoS, Guest Mode, WPS, Internet Security, Remote Access |
| NETGEAR Nighthawk 6-Stream Dual-Band WiFi 6 Router (RAX54S) | Premium | Large homes | Wi-Fi 6 | Guest Mode, NETGEAR Armor |
| GL.iNet GL-SFT1200 | Affordable | Travel and public use | Wi-Fi 5 | Access Point Mode, Internet Security |
| Amazon eero 6 mesh WiFi router | Mid-range | Coverage of your entire home | Wi-Fi 6 | Mesh network, built-in Zigbee Smart Home hub |
| ASUS RT-AX1800S Dual Band WiFi 6 | Mid-range | Gaming and streaming | Wi-Fi 6 | Parental Control, Built-in VPN, AiMesh Compatible |
| TP-Link Dual-Band BE3600 Wi-Fi 7 Router | Premium | Ultra-fast streaming, gaming, and downloading | Wi-Fi 7 | Access Point Mode, Guest Mode, Internet Security, Remote Access, Parental Control, mesh network |
| TP-Link AC750 Wireless Portable Nano Travel Router (TL-WR902AC) | Affordable | Traveling | Wi-Fi 5 | Guest Mode, compact design |
7 best Wi-Fi routers – our detailed list
After a thorough investigation of multiple Wi-Fi routers, Cybernews research and I compiled a list of the 7 best Wi-Fi routers. So, let’s explore them one by one and see which one is the best fit for you.
1. TP-Link AX3000 WiFi 6 Router – the best home router
| Wi-Fi standard: | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) |
| Frequency bands: | Dual-band |
| Max speed: | 2402Mbps on 5GHz and 574Mbps on 2.4GHz |
| Best for: | Multiple users who seek security |
My detailed review begins with the TP-Link AX3000 WiFi 6 Router. I picked this wireless gigabit internet router for those who want ultimate internet security in their home. On top of this, the TP-Link AX3000 WiFi 6 Router supports multiple users, perfect choice for a big household.
TP-Link AX3000 WiFi 6 Router provides maximum speeds of 2402Mbps on 5GHz and up to 574Mbps on 2.4GHz bands. As a result, you’ll enjoy a smooth streaming experience, video gaming, and ultra-fast downloads.
But what makes it the best wireless router for home is the utilization of OFDMA, which enables multiple users to share one band simultaneously while still avoiding jitter and latency. It also has a stronger expanded Wi-Fi coverage throughout your home due to the four high-gain external antennas and Beamforming technology.
On top of this, parents will also be pleased to learn that the AX3000 model includes TP-Link HomeShield. Thanks to this premium security service, you’ll be able to ensure safe home networks and IoT protection. What’s more, this internet router also supports VPN servers and clients.
2. NETGEAR Nighthawk 6-Stream Dual-Band WiFi 6 Router (RAX54S) – best high-speed router for gaming
| Wi-Fi standard: | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) |
| Frequency bands: | Dual-band |
| Max speed: | 5.4Gbps at 5GHz |
| Best for: | Gaming |
A great alternative to my top pick that also earned its spot on the best routers list is NETGEAR Nighthawk 6-Stream Dual-Band WiFi 6 Router (RAX54S). Thanks to its security features, AX5400 wireless speed, and coverage of up to 2500 square feet, it’s perfect for gaming.
The first thing that caught my attention was the extensive coverage of up to 2500 square feet and support for a maximum of 25 devices. Also, the NETGEAR Nighthawk 6-Stream Dual-Band WiFi 6 Router (RAX54S) offers AX5400 gigabit speed with Wi-Fi 6 technology for uninterrupted streaming, HD video gaming, and web calls.
You can connect it to your existing cable modem and use it for any internet service provider up to 1Gbps, like cable, satellite, fiber, and DSL. But what makes it perfect for gaming are its four 1-Gig Ethernet ports and 1 USB 3.0 port for computers, game consoles, streaming players, and storage drives.
Additionally, this home Wi-Fi router offers a 1-year NETGEAR Armor subscription. With it, you can enjoy an automatic security shield for your Wi-Fi and connected devices (PC, phone, camera, TV, baby monitor) for real-time protection against hackers. The subscription also includes a VPN.
3. GL.iNet GL-SFT1200 – best dual band router for secure travels
| Wi-Fi standard: | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) |
| Frequency bands: | Dual-band |
| Max speed: | 300Mbps at 2.4GHz and 867Mbps at 5GHz |
| Best for: | Business, gaming |
If you’re not searching for a home router, I’ve got you covered. The GL.iNet GL-SFT1200 dual-band router is perfect for secure travel. You can work and call while you’re away from home or simply enjoy gaming and streaming.
Thanks to its AC1200 dual-band gigabit Ethernet wireless network, you’ll enjoy 300Mbps (2.4GHz) and 867Mbps (5GHz) speed options. The 2.4GHz band can handle simple tasks like sending emails or browsing the web. On the other hand, the 5GHz band is superb for bandwidth-intensive tasks, such as gaming or 4K video streaming.
The GL.iNet GL-SFT1200 has a compact and lightweight design. Another great feature is its repeater for public Wi-Fi, which converts any public network, regardless of whether it’s wired or wireless, to private Wi-Fi for secure surfing.
On top of this, the GL.iNet GL-SFT1200 router offers a pre-installed OpenVPN and WireGuard protocols, which make it compatible with over 30 VPN providers. You can also enhance your privacy with Cloudflare encryption and travel without any worries.
Last but not least, this is one of the most powerful Wi-Fi router solutions for travel enthusiasts because it has retractable antennas. This allows you to position them as you like and improve your internet signal anywhere.
4. Amazon eero 6 mesh WiFi router – best large-home Wi-Fi router with support for 75+ devices
| Wi-Fi standard: | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) |
| Frequency bands: | Dual-band |
| Max speed: | 900Mbps at 5GHz |
| Best for: | Gaming |
The Amazon eero 6 mesh WiFi router is the best home Wi-Fi for a larger home, stable internet connection, and wide coverage.
When reviewing Amazon eero 6 mesh router, I noted its 1,500 square feet coverage and capability to provide 75+ devices with stable connection. In fact, the support of the Wi-Fi 6 standard enables you to enjoy speeds of up to 900Mbps. This is more than sufficient for activities like streaming and gaming.
What’s more, I really liked the fact that this router offers TrueMesh technology. In other words, it’s capable of routing traffic to reduce drop-offs. As a result, you can stream 4K videos, play video games, and engage in uninterrupted video conferences.
Additionally, the Amazon eero 6 lets you connect all of your compatible devices with Alexa. Therefore, you won’t need to buy separate smart home hubs for each device. Instead, you can use its built-in Zigbee Smart Home Hub and control lights, locks, or plugs with ease.
Ultimately, thanks to this router’s cross-compatible hardware, you can easily add eero products as your needs change and even extend your internet range at home.
5. ASUS RT-AX1800S Dual Band WiFi 6 – best high-speed router
| Wi-Fi standard: | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) |
| Frequency bands: | Dual-band |
| Max speed: | 1800Mbps |
| Best for: | Business |
Those who are looking for the best home Wi-Fi should check out the ASUS RT-AX1800S Dual Band WiFi 6 router. You’ll enjoy a lot of perks by using this router, but some of the best are its subscription-free network security, parental control, built-in VPN, and AiMesh compatibility. Thanks to its speed, I’ve selected this router as the best one for remote work.
One of the things that makes ASUS RT-AX1800S the strongest Wi-Fi router is its support of 1024-QAM for dramatically faster wireless connections. In fact, you’ll enjoy stellar speeds of up to 1800Mbps. Also, this router utilizes the Wi-Fi 6 standard that supports MU-MIMO and OFDMA technology for better efficiency and throughput.
What’s more, the ASUS RT-AX1800S router works perfectly with the ASUS AiMesh WiFi system. Due to this, you can enjoy seamless coverage in your entire home, allowing you to enjoy fast speeds regardless of your distance from the router.
If you’re concerned about your internet security, ASUS RT-AX1800S can protect your home network with its AiProtection Classic feature. However, if you’re not at home, you can activate a VPN, which is possible due to the ASUS Instant Guard.
6. TP-Link Dual-Band BE3600 Wi-Fi 7 Router – best home router 2025 with Wi-Fi 7 standard
| Wi-Fi standard: | Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) |
| Frequency bands: | Dual-band |
| Max speed: | 3600Mbps |
| Best for: | Home |
Out of all the wireless routers that I’ve reviewed, the TP-Link Dual-Band BE3600 Wi-Fi 7 Router is definitely worth considering. This router is equipped with strong security features and incredible Wi-Fi 7 speeds that make your internet experience unforgettable. You can stream, play video games, and be part of video conferences without any issues.
What makes TP-Link Dual-Band BE3600 one of the most powerful wireless router solutions is its Wi-Fi 7 technology. As a result, you’ll enjoy faster speeds with Multi-Link Operation, increased reliability with Multi-RUs, and significantly more data capacity with 4K-QAM.
What stood out to me is that you’ll receive 3.6Gbps internet speed, featuring 2882Mbps on 5GHz and 688Mbps on 2.4GHz. Thus, you shouldn’t worry about any lags or buffering while streaming, gaming, or downloading large files.
Its four external antennas and Beamforming technology deliver more capacity, stronger and more reliable connections, and less interference.
On top of this, you can take advantage of the TP-Link HomeShield benefits. As one of the best home routers, TP-Link Dual-Band BE3600 offers robust network protection, strong parental controls, and real-time IoT security. All of these features will significantly enhance your smart living.
7. TP-Link AC750 Wireless Portable Nano Travel Router (TL-WR902AC) – best router in 2025 for traveling
| Wi-Fi standard: | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) |
| Frequency bands: | Dual-band |
| Max speed: | 300Mbps at 2.4GHz and 433Mbps at 5GHz |
| Best for: | Remote business |
I’ll wrap up my detailed Wi-Fi router reviews with the TP-Link AC750 Wireless Portable Nano Travel Router (TL-WR902AC) router. With a compact and lightweight design, you can easily take this wireless router anywhere with you and enjoy HD streaming.
One of the best things about the TP-Link AC750 Wireless Portable Nano Travel Router (TL-WR902AC) is its portability option. Its design is conveniently small and light, allowing you to pack it into your bag and simply take it on the road. But don’t worry. Thanks to its ability to create a Wi-Fi network via Ethernet, you can work remotely or enjoy streaming while traveling.
Unlike other travel routers, the TL-WR902AC offers dual-band AC750 Wi-Fi. This means that you’ll enjoy strong and fast streaming connections on all compatible devices, even in HD resolution. Basically, you’ll enjoy 2.4GHz (300Mbps) and 5GHz (433Mbps) bands.
Last but not least, the TP-Link AC750 Wireless Portable Nano Travel Router (TL-WR902AC) has one switch for multiple modes. On the road, you can enjoy its router and hotspot mode, while at home, you can set the range extender, client, and access point mode. This is the key reason why it’s perfect for your home, hotel room, or even on the road.
How did we select the best Wi-Fi routers?
In order to compile a list of the best Wi-Fi routers, I followed specific testing criteria. Therefore, I managed to come up with my detailed wireless router reviews based on their:
- Speed and performance. The first thing that helped me evaluate the best wireless routers was their speed and performance. Basically, I searched for speeds of at least around 1Gbps, so you can stream, play video games, work remotely, and download large files without any issues. Also, I focused on those providers that support Wi-Fi 5, 6, and 7 standards.
- Coverage area. When it comes to the coverage area, this is another key factor I considered. By evaluating the coverage of each Wi-Fi router, I managed to pick solutions even for larger homes, allowing you to enjoy reliable internet connections in each part of your home.
- Number of supported devices. The next thing that I evaluated was the number of supported devices. I made sure that each of the top-rated routers on my list supported multiple devices at the same time, allowing you to have strong connections on each device in your household.
- Security features. In order to provide you with a secure internet experience, I carefully reviewed the security features of each router. I looked for parental controls, built-in VPNs, and encryption methods, which are some of the most prominent privacy measures.
- Ease of setup and use. I wouldn’t want you to experience any hassle with your chosen router. Therefore, I picked only those that provide simple setup and use, making them suitable even for users who aren’t tech-savvy.
- Price-to-performance ratio. Last but not least, I investigated the price-to-performance ratio. As you can see, my list consists of good routers that are affordable, mid-range, and even pricier. Therefore, you can find the one that suits you the most based on their performance and price balance.
What is a Wi-Fi router?
The Wi-Fi router refers to a box that connects your home network to the internet. It usually does this by utilizing a fiber internet connection or a cable modem. Imagine it like this: all of your internet communication, regardless of whether it’s a website, streaming a movie, or a video call, is presented like packages of data.
So, simply put, Wi-Fi routers help you access this internet data directly from your home network. This can be done through wireless (Wi-Fi) connections or wired (Ethernet) ones. However, you shouldn’t mistake them for modems.
Basically, modems are boxes that connect your home network to the internet service provider (ISP) you’re using. On the other hand, the router only enables you to use the internet connection.
Another crucial thing you should know about Wi-Fi routers is which standard they support. Basically, the biggest difference is in the speed and how advanced they are.
That said, you should remember that Wi-Fi 5 is a bit outdated in that it operates on 2.4 and 5 GHz bands, offering speeds of around 5Gbps. Compared to this, the Wi-Fi 6 standard is the most commonly used one and has almost double the speed of around 10Gbps.
Ultimately, the most advanced one is the Wi-Fi 7, which is capable of providing speeds of up to 40Gbps.
Wi-Fi generations: which one should I look for?
I already mentioned the Wi-Fi generations briefly. However, let’s delve into more details. The main thing you need to know is that all wireless networks use 802.11 standards. Wi-Fi 4 and 5 are older generations, while Wi-Fi 6 is currently the mainstream standard of almost all routers. Still, there’s now the Wi-Fi 7 standard, which is the latest one.
The key improvements in each generation are faster speeds and better connection technology. Wi-Fi 5 offers speeds up to 5400Mbps on 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands. In contrast, Wi-Fi 7 can reach up to 40Gbps and implements a 6GHz band.
To understand which Wi-Fi generation you should look for, I prepared a brief overview table, so let’s check it out:
| Wi-Fi generation | Speeds | Features | Use cases |
| Wi-Fi 4 | 600Mbps | Up to 40MHz channels, MIMO technology | Basic internet use (browsing and sending emails) |
| Wi-Fi 5 | 3.46Gbps | Wider channel bandwidths, enhanced speeds, beamforming | Playing video games, streaming HD videos, downloading large files |
| Wi-Fi 6 | 10.53Gbps | 160MHz channel, supports smart home devices, supports multiple connections | Controlling smart home devices, streaming ultra high-quality networks, improves traffic congestion |
| Wi-Fi 7 | 40Gbps | MLO, 320MHz channel, 4K QAM, improved latency | Indoor networking, IoT applications, and dense public deployments |
What do the different Wi-Fi bands mean?
Aside from different Wi-Fi generations, you can also find routers with different Wi-Fi bands. Although dual-band Wi-Fi routers are the most common, let me start from the beginning.
Single-band routers operate only on 2.4GHz frequencies, and, as the name implies, they support only one frequency band. In the past, such routers offered speeds of around 50Mbps, while nowadays, they usually reach speeds of up to 800Mbps.
Based on this, single-band Wi-Fi routers don’t perform the best when there’s traffic congestion. Therefore, they’re more suitable for low-bandwidth activities, such as web browsing and sending emails. So, they might be a better option for smaller households with fewer devices.
The dual-band, which is mostly used, runs on two frequency bands, i.e., 2.4GHz and 5GHz. Compared to single-band routers, the dual-band ones offer faster and stronger performance, which is usually capped at 5Gbps.
As a result, they handle traffic congestion better and are suitable even for large homes. Also, you can use them for 20-50 connected devices at the same time.
Last but not least, the latest advancement is tri-band routers. As the name implies, they use three separate frequency bands to transmit data: one 2.4GHz and two 5GHz frequency bands. This helps them provide faster speeds, better range, and less congestion than other Wi-Fi technologies. So, you can use them for big homes and even businesses.
What are the key Wi-Fi router features?
Some key Wi-Fi router features will help you pick the best home wireless router. So, let’s briefly go over my list of features:
- Wi-Fi standard. You should look for Wi-Fi 6, 6E, and 7 standards that differ in terms of speed and efficiency. While Wi-Fi 6 and 6E offer stellar speeds and reliable connections, Wi-Fi 7 standards provide even better performance.
- Speed and bandwidth. If you need a router for gaming, 4K streaming, and video calls, you need to search for routers that offer speeds of at least 1Gbps.
- Coverage and range. Based on your home size, you need a router with a different range and coverage. So, always go for those Wi-Fi routers that cover thousands of square feet, allowing you to enjoy stable connections in all parts of your home.
- Mesh networking. In order to have multiple sources of connectivity, you need to look for a mesh system instead of a standalone router. Therefore, you’ll improve the connection throughout your home.
- Number of bands. While dual-band routers offer fast internet speeds, you can enjoy even better performance with tri-band routers. Basically, dual-band routers use two frequency bands, 2.4GHz and 5GHz, and tri-band routers operate on one 2.4GHz and two 5GHz frequency bands.
- Ethernet ports and wired connectivity. Connecting your device directly to the router with a wired connection improves speed and latency. Therefore, LAN ports will significantly enhance your gaming and work experience.
- Security features. You should also consider security features, such as parental controls, VPN support, and WPA3 encryption, which will strengthen your internet safety.
- Ease of use and setup. In terms of setup and ease of use, always look for a router that has a user-friendly interface and mobile apps. Due to this, you’ll be able to install it and control it without any issues.
- QoS and device prioritization. Last but not least, you should look for QoS and device prioritization. These features ensure uninterrupted performance for gaming or streaming.
How to choose the right Wi-Fi router for my needs?
Choosing the right Wi-Fi router for your needs can be tricky. That’s why I compiled a list of what you should consider based on what you need it for:
- For gaming. If you’re a gaming fan, you need to go for low-latency routers, such as those that utilize the Wi-Fi 6 standard. This will improve your connectivity and provide you with fast speeds.
- For streaming. Streaming enthusiasts should look for dual-band Wi-Fi 6 with MU-MIMO. Such routers have multiple antennas that transmit to multiple devices at the same time. This increases the airtime efficiency for every user.
- For large homes. If you have a large home, you should opt for mesh systems like Amazon eero. As a result, you’ll enjoy multiple sources of connectivity, providing you with more reliable connections.
- For budget buyers. If you’re on a tighter budget, check out ASUS RT-AX1800S. This router offers superb value at a lower price.
- For travel. Last but not least, if you want to stay connected even when traveling, you need a compact router with VPN support, like GL.iNet, which is the best.
Final word on best Wi-Fi router
After investigating various Wi-Fi routers, I’ve compiled a list of the best. As my top choice, I picked the TP-Link AX3000 WiFi 6 Router. This router has everything you need, from fast speeds to strong security and a wide coverage range.
For travelers, I selected GL.iNet GL-SFT1200 and TP-Link AC750 Wireless Portable Nano Travel Router (TL-WR902AC), which both offer compact design and are easy to take with you. Furthermore, you can use ASUS RT-AX1800S as a more affordable option, and Amazon eero and NETGEAR Nighthawk 6-Stream Dual-Band WiFi 6 Router (RAX54S) for larger homes.
Lastly, the TP-Link Dual-Band BE3600 Wi-Fi 7 Router is the best if you’re looking for stellar speeds due to its Wi-Fi 7 standard support.
However, it’s crucial to pick the right router based on your individual needs, such as speed, security, and range.
FAQ
What is the best Wi-Fi router for gaming?
The best Wi-Fi router for gaming is the TP-Link AX3000 WiFi 6 Router. It has fast speeds and reliable connections, and it utilizes a mesh network. You can also check out NETGEAR Nighthawk 6-Stream Dual-Band WiFi 6 Router (RAX54S) as a very reliable alternative.
Do I need a Wi-Fi 6 router?
Yes, you need a Wi-Fi 6 router. These routers offer fast speeds of around 5Gbps, allowing you to stream, play video games, and engage in video calls with ease.
What’s the best budget Wi-Fi router?
The best budget Wi-Fi router is the ASUS RT-AX1800S Dual Band WiFi 6. Despite its low price, you’ll enjoy robust security features and superb internet speeds.
Are mesh routers worth it?
Yes, mesh routers are worth it. They enable multiple connectivity points, which enhance the connection in all parts of your home.
Question
To boost your Wi-Fi signal, you can implement a Wi-Fi extender or place the router at a central location in your home.
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