10 Best routers 2025 in the United States

The TP-Link AX1800 WiFi 6 Router V4 (Archer AX21) is a solid choice for anyone looking to upgrade their home internet experience. It supports the latest Wi-Fi 6 standard, which means faster speeds and less congestion, making it ideal for households with many devices. Rated for speeds up to 1.8 Gbps, it offers 1200 Mbps on the 5 GHz band and 574 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band, ensuring smooth streaming, gaming, and downloading.

The router's dual-band capability is useful for separating high-demand activities from regular browsing, ensuring stable connections across all devices. Additionally, Beamforming technology and four high-gain antennas help extend coverage and focus signal strength, which is great for larger homes or spaces with multiple rooms. The extensive compatibility with major internet service providers and the inclusion of both Open VPN and PPTP VPN servers add to its versatility and security features, making it suitable for a wide range of users.

While it offers plenty of advanced features, it may be overkill for smaller homes or individuals with minimal internet usage. The need for a separate modem for most ISPs could be an added expense for some users.

The TP-Link AXE5400 Tri-Band WiFi 6E Router (Archer AXE75) is designed for users who demand high-speed internet for various activities like gaming, streaming, and browsing. With speeds up to 5400 Mbps across its three bands (2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and the new 6 GHz), it offers impressive performance, especially beneficial for households with multiple devices. The inclusion of OFDMA technology allows for better bandwidth management, meaning more devices can connect simultaneously without a significant drop in performance.

This router's 1.7 GHz Quad-Core CPU and 512 MB of RAM enhance its processing capabilities, making it well-equipped to handle demanding applications and heavy network traffic. Moreover, the OneMesh feature is a plus for users looking to extend their Wi-Fi coverage seamlessly across larger homes by connecting with compatible TP-Link extenders.

Security is another highlight, with TP-Link HomeShield providing essential features like security scanning and parental controls, ensuring a safe online environment. The support for VPNs is also beneficial for users needing secure internet access. The router's higher price point may not be justified for users with simpler internet needs or smaller homes. Additionally, while setup is generally straightforward, those who aren't tech-savvy might face challenges configuring advanced settings. Lastly, it requires a separate modem for most internet service providers, which could add to the total cost if you don’t already have one. The TP-Link AXE5400 is a solid choice for tech enthusiasts, gamers, and larger households needing robust internet connectivity. Its speed, capacity, and security features make it a powerful option, although casual users might find it more than what they require.

The NETGEAR Nighthawk Tri-Band WiFi 7 Router (RS700S) stands out with its incredibly high speeds, capable of up to 19Gbps, making it ideal for intense online activities like real-time gaming, 4K/8K streaming, and AR/VR entertainment. Utilizing WiFi 7 technology, it offers significantly faster performance compared to previous standards.

The router boasts a robust coverage area of up to 3,500 sq. ft., which can comfortably support up to 200 devices, making it suitable for busy households or small businesses. Its tri-band capability ensures efficient handling of multiple devices without compromising speed or performance. The inclusion of a 10 Gig internet port alongside four 1 Gig LAN ports allows for ultra-fast wired connections.

In terms of security, the RS700S is equipped with NETGEAR Armor, offering real-time protection against cyber threats, further enhanced by automatic firmware updates. The 1-year Armor trial is a valuable addition for ensuring peace of mind. However, it's worth noting that this router is on the heavier side, weighing 5.17 pounds, and its relatively large dimensions may require adequate space for setup. Additionally, the advanced features and high performance come at a premium price, which might be on the higher end for some users. Despite these downsides, the NETGEAR Nighthawk RS700S is a top-tier choice for those needing a powerful, secure, and future-proof router, particularly in environments with high internet usage demands.