Best Wi-Fi router for multiple devices in 2025
Sharing your Wi-Fi in your home or office with multiple connected devices slows down video loading, multiplayer gaming, downloads, and video meetings. Since smart homes, streaming services, and remote work are now commonplace, good Wi-Fi routers can handle simultaneous connections without hiccups.
Today, the best Wi-Fi routers for multiple devices handle dozens of devices with ease. However, with many capable Wi-Fi routers for the home available, choosing the ideal model – or even the best budget router – can be tricky.
To make it easy for you, I partnered with the Cybernews research team to carefully evaluate and compare the top Wi-Fi routers for multiple devices on the market.
In this guide, I'll share a detailed analysis of what the best Wi-Fi router is based on expert testing. I’ll clearly answer questions like how many devices a router can handle, and help you quickly decide what is the best router to buy for optimal performance.
Best Wi-Fi router for multiple devices – shortlist
- NETGEAR Nighthawk 6-Stream Dual-Band Wi-Fi 6 router (RAX54S) – best for multiple devices in 2025
- TP-Link AXE5400 Tri-Band Wi-Fi 6E router – best next-gen router for device-heavy networks
- TP-Link AX1800 Wi-Fi 6 router V4 (Archer AX21) – best for budget-conscious users
- TP-Link Tri-Band BE9300 Wi-Fi 7 router Archer BE550 6-Stream – best for future-proofing large homes
- NETGEAR Nighthawk Tri-Band Wi-Fi 6E router (RAXE300) – best for high-bandwidth streaming and gaming
- GL.iNet GL-MT6000(Flint 2) Wi-Fi 6 router with wide coverage – best for VPN and advanced networking
- ASUS RT-AX3000 ultra-fast dual band gigabit wireless router – best for mesh networking and rich features
The best Wi-Fi router for multiple devices compared
Before jumping into my individual reviews, it’s helpful to take a look at the routers side-by-side. Here’s a comparison table that’ll show you the key differences between the models.
| Model | Pricing | Best for | *Speed & Wi-Fi standard | Key features |
| NETGEAR Nighthawk 6-Stream Dual-Band Wi-Fi 6 router (RAX54S) | Affordable | Medium to large spaces with multiple devices | 5.4Gbps, Wi-Fi 6 | 6-stream Wi-Fi, Beamforming+, OFDMA |
| TP-Link AXE5400 Tri-Band Wi-Fi 6E router | Affordable | Future-proofing and reducing network congestion | 5.4Gbps, Wi-Fi 6E | Tri-band operation, OneMesh compatible, 6-stream connectivity |
| TP-Link AX1800 Wi-Fi 6 router V4 (Archer AX21) | Budget | Budget-conscious buyers looking for Wi-Fi 6 benefits | 1.8Gbps, Wi-Fi 6 | OFDMA and MU-MIMO, Easy setup via TP-Link Tether app, dual-band |
| TP-Link Tri-Band BE9300 Wi-Fi 7 router Archer BE550 6-Stream | Mid-range | Early adopters looking for cutting-edge Wi-Fi technology | 9.2Gbps, Wi-Fi 7 | Tri-band operation, MLO, 320MHz bandwidth on 6GHz band |
| NETGEAR Nighthawk Tri-Band Wi-Fi 6E router (RAXE300) | Premium | High performance in larger homes | 7.8Gbps, Wi-Fi 6E | Tri-band operation, advanced security, high-speed connectivity for multiple devices |
| GL.iNet GL-MT6000 (Flint 2) Wi-Fi 6 router with wide coverage | Mid-range | VPN users and open-source enthusiasts | 5.9Gbps, Wi-Fi 6 | OpenWRT pre-installed, dual 2.5Gbps Ethernet ports, up to 900Mbps VPN speeds with WireGuard |
| ASUS RT-AX3000 ultra-fast dual band gigabit wireless router | Budget | Gamers and streamers | 2.9Gbps, Wi-Fi 6 | ASUS AiMesh support, AIProtection Pro network security, Adaptive QoS |
*The max speed represents combined throughput across all frequency bands. Actual internet speed depends on your ISP plan.
7 best Wi-Fi routers for multiple devices – our detailed list
Below, you’ll find seven detailed snippets on each of my chosen routers, covering technical aspects, and specific insights. Here’s my breakdown of the seven best Wi-Fi routers for multiple devices.
1. Netgear Nighthawk 6-Stream Dual-Band Wi-Fi 6 router (RAX54S) – best overall Wi-Fi 6 router for multiple devices in 2025
| Wi-Fi standard: | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) |
| Frequency bands: | Dual-band (2.4GHz + 5GHz) |
| Max speed: | Up to 5.4Gbps |
| Best for: | Multi-device households, gaming, streaming |
The Netgear Nighthawk RAX54S serves up to 25 connected devices lag-free. Hook up fast internet to its 1Gbps WAN port, and multiple users can smoothly stream, game, or work remotely. You can also hook up PCs, gaming consoles, or SmartTVs to its four 1Gbps LAN ports.
It’s optimized for smart traffic management thanks to OFDMA (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access), MU-MIMO (Multi-User, Multiple-Input, Multiple-Output) and QoS (Quality of Service) technology.
For smart home ecosystems, it can manage traffic for security cameras, voice assistants, or home gadgets while juggling streaming and gaming. Its 160MHz channel bandwidth helps newer tablets, gaming laptops, and high-end smartphones access faster speeds with reduced congestion.
The Nighthawk App shows you insights into every connected gadget, while Smart Parental Controls lets you manage family screen time. You can even control your Netgear Wi-Fi network with simple voice commands via Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. A free one-year Netgear Armor subscription shields all the devices on your network from cyber threats.
2. TP-Link AXE5400 tri-band Wi-Fi 6E router – best future-proofed Wi-Fi 6 router at a fair price
| Wi-Fi standard: | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) |
| Frequency bands: | Tri-band (2.4GHz + 5GHz + 6GHz) |
| Max speed: | Up to 5.4Gbps |
| Best for: | High-speed multi-device homes, next-gen gaming, streaming |
The TP-Link Archer AXE5400 is a next-gen-ready Wi-Fi 6E router. TP-Link doesn’t say how many devices this router can handle, but user reports suggest at least 70.
Plus, this router adds the new, uncluttered 6GHz wireless band for high-speed gaming, streaming, and downloads. Ports-wise, you get one 1Gbps WAN port, and four 1Gbps LAN ports, identical to the Nighthawk RAX54S, so no multi-gig ports here either.
It comes with OFDMA, MU-MIMO, DFS (Dynamic Frequency Selection), which unlocks extra bandwidth, and next-gen IPv6 support. It also has a Smart Roaming feature for uninterrupted connections when moving around the house. With this router, multiple users can enjoy simultaneous 4K/8K streaming, gaming, or video conferencing without lag (given you have a high-speed internet plan).
Smart home users will appreciate TP-Link’s OneMesh system, where you can add range extenders for whole-home Wi-Fi coverage. Meanwhile, HomeShield keeps your network safe and WPA3 encryption adds another layer of safety against cyber threats.
3. TP-Link AX1800 Wi-Fi 6 router V4 (Archer AX21) – best entry-level Wi-Fi 6 router
| Wi-Fi standard: | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) |
| Frequency bands: | Dual-band (2.4GHz + 5GHz) |
| Max speed: | Up to 1.8Gbps |
| Best for: | Smaller households, reliable streaming, basic gaming |
The TP-Link Archer AX21 is a well-specced Wi-Fi 6 router. Its 1.8Gbps speed is lower than the others, but it packs modern features at a low price. Users report that it handles 10-20 devices under heavy use (TP-Link itself doesn’t specify) and 30-40 under light use.
It performs well in wired gaming setups and home entertainment centers thanks to four one-gig LAN ports and a one-gig WAN port (no multi-gig ports, but that’s normal given the price).
Furthermore, the TP-Link AX1800’s 1024-QAM (Quadrature Amplitude Modulation) and 80MHz channel bandwidth boost Wi-Fi 6 wireless efficiency. Plus, future-proof IPv6 networking facilitates efficient data routing for multiple device connections.
It also has OFDMA, MU-MIMO, and QoS (Quality of Service) for smart traffic management. A Front-End Module (FEM) focuses signals on devices (good for multi-room homes).
It comes with WPA3 encryption, a firewall, and a built-in VPN server (OpenVPN and PPTP) – rare in budget routers, and excellent for remote work or privacy-conscious users.
With TP-Link extenders, you can create a unified OneMesh network. The TP-Link Tether app provides an easy setup process, remote management, and parental controls.
4. TP-Link tri-band BE9300 Wi-Fi 7 router Archer BE550 6-stream – best Wi-Fi 7 router offering fast speeds
| Wi-Fi standard: | Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) |
| Frequency bands: | Tri-band (2.4GHz + 5GHz + 6GHz) |
| Max speed: | Up to 9.2Gbps |
| Best for: | High-tech households, small businesses, tech firms |
The TP-Link Archer BE550 is a next-gen Wi-Fi 7 router – among the first routers with Wi-Fi 7 – and its price has now fallen, so it’s good value now. The manufacturer doesn’t provide specifics about device support, but its hardware and software can clearly handle dozens of heavy-use connections without issue. It’s got a 2.5Gbps WAN port, plus four 2.5Gbps LAN ports, so it's fully multi-gigabit capable. With Link Aggregation, you can combine LAN ports for higher speeds.
This router is extremely fast at 9.2Gbps across its three bands. Its 6GHz band is super-fast and ultra-low-latency for next-gen gaming and 8K streaming. It’s got premium-grade features like Multi-Link Operation (MLO), 320MHz bandwidth, and 4K-QAM. All of these specifications contribute to smooth internet performance in high-traffic networks with multiple devices.
Security is covered by TP-Link HomeShield (real-time Internet-of-Things protection, intrusion protection, WPA3 encryption), and it’s got built-in VPN support (OpenVPN, PPTP, L2TP).
It also supports EasyMesh for extending Wi-Fi coverage with compatible extenders. Setup is easy via the TP-Link Tether App, and it allows remote management, parental controls, QoS, and real-time device monitoring. You can set up a separate, secure Wi-Fi network for Internet-of-Things (IoT) devices as well.
5. NETGEAR Nighthawk tri-band Wi-Fi 6E router (RAXE300) – best Wi-Fi 6E router with a unique design
| Wi-Fi standard: | Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax) |
| Frequency bands: | Tri-band (2.4GHz + 5GHz + 6GHz) |
| Max speed: | Up to 7.8Gbps |
| Best for: | Multi-device homes, gamers, tech enthusiasts |
The winged Netgear Nighthawk RAXE300 is a high-performance Wi-Fi 6E router. It provides 7.8Gbps speeds across three bands, including the new, low-congestion 6GHZ band. This also improves speeds for Wi-Fi 6E-compatible devices and maxes out performance for standard Wi-Fi 6 and older devices. You get one 2.5Gbps port, four 1Gbps LAN ports, one USB port, and link aggregation support – to combine two gigabit LAN ports for higher speeds.
Netgear’s documentation states that this router supports up to 40 simultaneous connections for lag-free 4K/8K streaming, VR/AR gaming, and high-speed downloads. It’s got MU-MIMO and OFDMA to handle multiple devices efficiently, and a powerful quad-core processor for smooth data processing.
As for security and smart features, you get one year of free Netgear Armor (built-in), WPA3 encryption, built-in VPN support (OpenVPN), and Smart Parental Controls. Setup, monitoring, and network management are simple via the Nighthawk App.
6. GL.iNet GL-MT6000 (Flint 2) Wi-Fi 6 router with wide coverage – best Wi-Fi 6 router for wide coverage and VPN usage
| Wi-Fi standard: | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) |
| Frequency bands: | Dual-band (2.4GHz + 5GHz) |
| Max speed: | Up to 5.9Gbps |
| Best for: | Privacy, remote work, VPN-heavy use |
The GL.iNet Flint 2 (GL-MT6000) is different from my other choices. It’s a highly customizable, manual setup Wi-Fi 6 router with VPN power users and privacy enthusiasts in mind. You get two 2.5Gbps ports and four 1Gbps LAN ports – ideal for multi-gig networking.
It supports multi-WAN failover and load balancing, meaning if one internet connection drops, another takes over automatically. Also, it has OpenWrt pre-installed, so you can fully customize your network.
Its VPN performance is among the best in the router industry, with 190Mbps for OpenVPN, and 900Mbps for WireGuard. Plus, it supports over 30 VPN providers. As such, it's great for encrypted browsing and geo-unblocking. In fact, it encrypts all connected devices automatically.
Security-wise, it’s got WPA3 encryption, AdGuard Home for ad/tracking blocking, and DNS over HTTPS/TLS to stop ISP spying. Also, DFS (Dynamic Frequency Selection) improves Wi-Fi performance in congested areas.
Parental controls are provided via Bark – a third-party service. As for setup, you’ll need to be familiar with OpenWRT and VPN configurations to extract the most out of it.
7. ASUS RT-AX3000 ultra-fast dual-band gigabit wireless router – best affordable Wi-Fi 6 router with free lifetime security
| Wi-Fi standard: | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) |
| Frequency bands: | Dual-band (2.4GHz + 5GHz) |
| Max speed: | Up to 2.9Gbps |
| Best for: | Free built-in security, multi-device homes, streaming |
The ASUS RT-AX3000 is a compact Wi-Fi 6 router with notable security perks. The combined 3Gbps top speed isn’t the best, but it’ll work for many households. It has four 1Gbps LAN ports and one USB port. ASUS doesn’t state how many devices it can take, but reviewers report between 10-20 simultaneous devices under heavy usage.
To handle these multiple devices efficiently, it’s got OFDMA, MU-MIMO and 1024-QAM. Meanwhile, the 160MHz channel increases capacity and performance for devices that support Wi-Fi 6.
That said, its biggest highlight is AiProtection Pro (Trend Micro). You get lifetime malware and intrusion protection and parental controls for free. Free security isn’t common with most routers, so this is a strong selling point.
Also, there’s AiMesh: where you use other ASUS routers to form a mesh system. So, if your home isn’t too large and you aren’t connecting dozens of connected devices, this router will remain functional for years to come.
How did we select the best Wi-Fi routers for multiple devices?
The Cybernews team and I researched dozens of modern routers to set aside those that handle multiple devices under real-world conditions. My other key criteria range from channel bandwidth for handling high traffic to quality of coverage:
- Handling multiple devices (35%): A great router should handle multiple connections without lagging or overheating. I looked at OFDMA, MU-MIMO, and processing power to find out how capable each model is in streaming, gaming, smart home, and video conferencing scenarios.
- Top speed and bandwidth (25%): Speed and bandwidth are the first things most people and businesses look for in a router. As such, I assessed Wi-Fi standards (Wi-Fi 6, 6E, or 7), frequency bands (dual or tri-band), and hardware specifications to find high-speed routers and those with congestion-reduction capabilities.
- Quality of coverage (20%): A strong signal is a must for large and multi-level spaces. I analyzed antenna design, signal strength, mesh and extension options, and roaming performance for consistent connectivity.
- Price and value (15%): A top router needs to balance performance and cost. I looked at unique features, hidden fees (like security subscriptions), and long-term reliability to come up with the best-value models across different price points.
- User reviews, reliability, and setup (5%): Real-world feedback is essential for realistic reviews. So, I factored in customer feedback, long-term durability, and how firmware and software are updated for each model. An intuitive setup process added extra points.
Wi-Fi 5 vs. 6: which one is better for multiple devices?
There are major improvements in how multiple devices are handled between Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) and Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax). Namely, they provide wireless internet and handle traffic in fundamentally different ways.
Wi-Fi 6 was introduced in 2019 and improves on Wi-Fi 5 by eliminating congestion and increasing device capacity for spaces filled with demanding devices i.e., gaming laptops and smart home hubs.
An older Wi-Fi 5 router typically struggles on busy networks because it only communicates with one device per channel at a time. So, on Wi-Fi 5, your smartphone or home gadget must wait its turn to send or receive data.
Today, Wi-Fi 6 minimizes slowdowns with OFDMA, MU-MIMO, high MHz channels, better cooling, and stronger processors. The result is that multiple devices can send and receive data at the same time, with lower latency.
Wi-Fi 6 also unlocks combined speeds from 6.9Gbps (Wi-Fi 5) to 9.6Gbps. That’s almost 3Gbps more for multiple devices to share (given you have a multi-gig internet plan).
Simply put, Wi-Fi 5 is still functional for a small space where people mostly browse and check emails. However, homes or businesses with multiple streamers, gamers, and IoT devices will see much faster speeds and greater efficiency with Wi-Fi 6.
Do extra bands make a difference for Wi-Fi routers for multiple devices?
Nobody enjoys stuttering video calls and streams, or sluggish downloads. Thankfully, recent advancements in networking have introduced extra frequency bands.
The most common routers in use today are still dual-band (2.4GHz + 5GHz). The 2.4GHz band has a longer range but with lower speeds (and prone to interference), whereas the 5GHz band is much faster, but can’t reach as far. So, if too many devices share these two bands, everything slows down.
Tri-band routers add an extra 5GHz or 6GHz band, handling multiple devices much more efficiently – like opening an extra lane on a highway. This makes a vast difference in homes or offices with multiple 4K/8K streaming devices, gaming consoles, and smart home gadgets.
Then, there are quad-band routers. This technology – which debuted in 2021 – adds a 6GHz band for Wi-Fi 6E. Quad-band provides the fastest possible speeds and lowest congestion but doesn’t make sense without a multi-gig internet plan and Wi-Fi 6E-compatible devices (still relatively uncommon).
For those reasons, a tri-band router is the optimal purchase today. It will be relevant for years to come and remain compatible with any internet plan while extracting the most out of the connection.
What are the key Wi-Fi router features?
It’s important to understand the key features that make up a good Wi-Fi router. Here are some insights to consider before purchase:
- Wi-Fi standard (Wi-Fi 6, 6E, or 7): The latest standards vary in speed, efficiency, and multi-device performance. Wi-Fi 6 improves congestion, Wi-Fi 6E adds the 6GHz band, and the cutting-edge Wi-Fi 7 boosts bandwidth even more.
- Speed & bandwidth: Router marketing may be misleading since your internet plan and congestion determine real-world performance. Multi-gigabit routers satisfy hardcore online gaming, 4K/8K streaming, and large file transfers, while basic routers will struggle.
- Coverage & range: A router’s antennas (internal or external), power output, and obstacles in your home directly impact coverage and range. Large homes or thick walls need routers with powerful Front End Modules (FEM), mesh support, and multiple high-gain external antennas.
- Mesh networking: Mesh systems use multiple access points (extenders or another router) to remove dead zones in your large or multi-level home.
- Number of bands: Dual-band routers (2.4GHz & 5GHz) are still very common but handle fewer connected devices. Tri-band models are faster and have more capacity. Also, Wi-Fi 6E and 7 routers get the less-congested 6GHz band for more bandwidth.
- Ethernet ports & wired connectivity: Wired connections are the go-to for stability and the lowest latency. Gamers and professionals require multiple gigabit Ethernet ports, and link aggregation (found in some routers) can double speeds.
- Security features: WPA3 encryption, built-in firewalls, and VPNs support secure networks. Parental controls and guest networks add extra privacy and control.
- Ease of use & setup: Consumer routers typically have apps for quick setup, firmware updates, monitoring, and network management. Some provide automatic security updates.
- QoS & device prioritization: Quality of Service (QoS) brings smooth streaming, gaming, and calls by managing traffic when multiple users are online.
How a better Wi-Fi router helps for multiple devices
Not all routers can handle a home or office packed with streaming, gaming, and video calls. If your internet slows to a crawl when everyone’s online, that means you need a router built for multiple devices.
- Higher bandwidth: A high-spec router keeps speeds consistent, even when several people are using the network. A router that supports Wi-Fi 6 or 6E (since these offer higher data rates) means you don’t deal with surprise slowdowns during busy hours.
- Advanced technology: Routers with MU-MIMO and OFDMA communicate with several devices at the same time. This means your devices aren’t fighting for bandwidth (which is precisely what happens with older routers).
- Better range: A strong signal should ideally reach every corner of your home or office. If thick walls or multiple floors are a problem, a router with high-gain antennas, beamforming, or mesh setup will eliminate dead zones permanently.
- Fewer interruptions: A good router keeps things running smoothly. If you always experience buffering or disconnects, your current router probably can’t handle all your devices simultaneously.
- Optimized traffic: Some routers prioritize important tasks, so your high-definition stream or multiplayer gaming session doesn’t get slowed down by someone downloading a big file. QoS settings let you choose what matters most.
How to choose the right Wi-Fi router for multiple devices
Some routers handle multiple devices without breaking a sweat, while others will lag and stutter. If your home or office is an area that’s packed with connected devices, picking the right router for the job becomes paramount:
- Wi-Fi standards: A Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 6E router is vastly better in busy environments. These later standards cut out congestion and let multiple devices send and receive data at once (instead of waiting their turn in a queue). They also support higher data rates i.e., 1024-QAM.
- MU-MIMO and OFDMA support: These technologies let routers communicate with several devices simultaneously. Everyone stays connected without slowdowns. Look for at least 4x4 MU-MIMO (for four simultaneous device streams).
- Bandwidth: A tri-band router (which adds an extra 5GHz or 6GHz band) prevents congestion when multiple users are active. Look for 160MHz channel support – or higher – if you stream in 8K or game on the cloud.
- Security features: Look for IoT protection, DNS filtering, WPA3 encryption, firewalls, and VPN support to keep your network safe.
- Speed and coverage: High speed is important, but so is range. If you’ve got thick walls or multiple floors, high-gain antennas or mesh support eliminates dead zones (no more Wi-Fi dropouts in the attic or basement). A powerful FEM module matters too.
- Device support: Some routers handle over 200 devices effortlessly, while others struggle with more than five. For multiple connections, look for a quad-core CPU with at least 512MB RAM.
Final word on the best Wi-Fi router for multiple devices
After a long research period, the Cybernews research team and I have determined that the Netgear Nighthawk 6-Stream router (RAX54S) is the overall winner. It’s got excellent multi-device handling, offers high speeds, and provides strong security – all at a reasonable price. It’s also flexible enough that it suits both smart homes and busy offices.
That said, all of the models in this guide are winners in their own right. For most people, a tri-band router with a 160MHz channel will rid your home of slowdowns while future-proofing your network. You don’t have to shell out for an ultra-high-end Wi-Fi 7 router if your needs don’t require it – though I wouldn’t mind one myself.
So, the best router really depends on your internet plan, your home layout, and how many devices are demanding data from your router. You can always use this guide to point you in the right direction when going shopping for your next router.
FAQ
How many devices can a Wi-Fi router handle at once?
Theoretically, a home Wi-Fi device can handle up to 250-255 devices. However, practical performance depends on hardware and network limitations.
What’s the difference between dual-band and tri-band routers for multiple devices?
Tri-band routers add an extra 5GHz or 6GHz band, whereas dual-band routers rely on more congested and interference-prone 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands.
Do I need Wi-Fi 6 to connect multiple devices?
You don’t need Wi-Fi 6 to connect multiple devices, but Wi-Fi 6 vastly improves speed and efficiency in multi-device environments.
How can I improve my Wi-Fi performance with many devices connected?
You can improve your Wi-Fi performance for multiple connected devices with a tri-band router (instead of dual-band), connecting heavy-usage devices via Ethernet, and using mesh setups if needed.
Is it better to use a mesh network for multiple devices?
That depends. A mesh network is best for large areas with obvious dead zones, while a high-power router with external antennas will work for most households.
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