As the traffic manager that routes data between various networks, a router is an essential component of every network. Imagine it as a dispatcher who determines the most effective path for data to take in order to make sure that it gets from point A to point B promptly and effectively. These days, a lot of routers have Wi-Fi built in, so wireless devices may connect to the internet without using wires. Among the key aspects to consider when selecting a router are the newest Wi-Fi standards, such as Wi-Fi 6, which provide improved performance and quicker speeds. Additionally, you should think about the router’s coverage area, speed, number of frequency bands it supports (tri-band or dual-band for greater performance), security features like built-in firewalls, and the quantity of wired Ethernet ports that are available.
Routers are essential in many contexts, including small and large corporations, homes, and businesses. In a residential setting, a router offers smooth network access by connecting all of your devices—including computers, game consoles, smart TVs, and smartphones—to the internet. Routers are used by small organizations to control network traffic and provide a dependable and secure internet connection for all users. High-end routers are made to meet specific requirements, including offering strong security capabilities to safeguard confidential company data or low-latency connections for gaming. With the correct router, your network may function quickly, securely, and dependably—according to your unique requirements and surroundings.
Quick List:
- NETGEAR Orbi 970 Series
- ASUS ZenWiFi BQ16 Pro
- TP-Link Archer BE9300
- Netgear Nighthawk RS300
- ASUS RT-BE88U
- Eero 6
- TP-Link Deco BE63
NETGEAR Orbi 970 Series
Pros:
- Speedy throughput performance
- Lots of high-speed networking ports
- Strong signal performance
- Wide coverage
- Comes with parental control and network security software
Cons:
- Very expensive
- Some features require a subscription
- No USB ports
The Netgear Orbi 970 Series stands out for several reasons. It’s not only one of the first Wi-Fi 7 mesh systems available, but it delivers the fastest throughput performance among them. At $2,299.99 for the three-node version we tested, it is also easily the most expensive consumer mesh system we’ve come across, Wi-Fi 7 or otherwise. Designed for homes of up to 10,000 square feet, the Orbi is a quad-band system that comes with Netgear’s Armor network security software. It’s loaded with top-shelf components like 10GbE and 2.5GbE networking ports and high-performance amplified antennas. Considering the current lack of available Wi-Fi 7 clients, though, we see no urgent reason to run out and buy it. That is, unless you want the biggest, fastest, and most expensive mesh setup on the block.
ASUS ZenWiFi BQ16 Pro
Pro:
- Excellent performance and wide coverage
- Dual 6GHz bands
- Lots of networking ports plus USB connectivity
- Network security and parental control software included
Cons:
- Expensive
- No 2.5GbE ports
Asus’ flagship whole home Wi-Fi system, the ZenWiFi BQ16 Pro, is not only one of the best-performing Wi-Fi 7 mesh systems we’ve tested, but also one of the more feature-rich systems to hit PC Labs. In addition to dual 10Gbps Ethernet ports, three 1GbE ports, two speedy 6GHz radio bands, and a multifunction USB port that allows 4G and 5G mobile tethering, the BQ16 Pro comes with free network security and parental control software and a utility that makes it easy to create multiple networks. At $1,099.99 for a two-pack, it doesn’t come cheap, but it’s not as expensive as the Netgear Orbi RBE973S ($1,699.99 for a two-pack). The BQ16 Pro’s stellar performance and robust feature set earn it an Editors’ Choice award for high-end Wi-Fi 7 mesh network kits
TP-Link Archer BE9300
Pros:
- Excellent Wi-Fi 7 performance with high-speed throughput
- Tri-band setup with 6GHz support for ultra-fast connections
- Multiple Ethernet ports, including 2.5GbE and 10GbE support
- Easy-to-use mobile app and advanced network management features
- Robust security features and AI-powered optimization
Cons:
- Pricey compared to traditional mesh systems
- Lacks USB ports for mobile tethering
- Bulky design might not fit in every home setup
The TP-Link Archer BE9300 is a high-performance Wi-Fi 7 mesh system offering tri-band Wi-Fi with a 6GHz band for fast and reliable coverage, ideal for large homes and demanding activities like gaming and 4K streaming. It features 2.5GbE and 10GbE Ethernet ports for wired connections and TP-Link’s HomeShield security for malware protection and network monitoring. The easy-to-use mobile app and AI optimization ensure strong performance even during peak usage. Priced at $799.99 for a two-pack, it’s a powerful, feature-packed system, though it lacks USB ports for mobile tethering and is larger than some competitors.
Netgear Nighthawk RS300
Pros:
- Tri-band Wi-Fi 7 with a dedicated 6GHz band for fast, reliable speeds
- Multiple Ethernet ports, including 2.5GbE for high-speed wired connections
- Advanced security with NETGEAR Armor for malware protection and privacy
- Easy setup and management through the Nighthawk app
- AI-powered optimization for dynamic performance adjustments
Cons:
- Premium price point, making it expensive for some users
- Bulky design may not suit smaller spaces
- Lacks USB ports for mobile tethering or external storage connections
- May be overkill for smaller homes or light internet usage
It’s not cheap, but at around half the price of our upgrade pick, this Netgear Nighthawk RS300 is a Wi-Fi 7 router that will likely exceed most folks’ needs. The classy tower design is understated, and the fanless design stayed cool during my tests. Setup was a breeze, and the simplified app is designed to be hands-off. The Nighthawk RS300 offers 2.4-GHz, 5-GHz, and 6-GHz bands (a step up over the Asus above). Speed and stability on the 5-GHz and 6-GHz bands were excellent, though the range on the 6-GHz band is limited. Performance on the 2.4-GHz band was slightly below par, but that will likely only be an issue if you have loads of older devices. The RS300 has one 2.5-Gbps Ethernet port for your incoming internet, two 2.5 Gbps and two Gigabit LAN ports, and one USB 3.0 port.
While Asus routers are great for tinkerers who want to dive into settings, Netgear limits your options to keep things simple. You can still set up a guest network, run speed tests, split bands, meter your traffic, and analyze your Wi-Fi signal in the Nighthawk app. Premium Smart Parental Controls ($8/month or $70/year) and Netgear Armor ($100/year) add tons of features, but they are expensive (you get a 30-day trial of each), and most people don’t need them. The RS300 is one of the best experiences I have had with a Netgear router, with very fast speeds on the 5- and 6-GHz bands, lightning-quick file transfer times, and no issues over two weeks of testing. For folks with mostly newish gadgets, internet connections up to 2.5 Gbps, and no desire to tweak network settings, this is a great Wi-Fi 7 router.
ASUS RT-BE88U
Pros:
- Wi-Fi 7 support for next-gen speed, efficiency, and low-latency performance
- Dual 10G ports (RJ45 + SFP+) for ultra-fast wired networking and NAS setups
- Four 2.5GbE and four 1GbE ports offer versatile multi-gig connectivity options
- 34 Gbps WAN/LAN total capacity enables high-speed internet for large homes or offices
- AiMesh compatibility for seamless whole-home mesh network scalability
- Robust network security with AiProtection Pro and built-in VPN support
- Multi-Link Operation (MLO) and 4K-QAM for enhanced wireless throughput
- ASUS Router app for intuitive setup, monitoring, and management
Cons:
- High price point, putting it in the premium router segment
- Overkill for average households with basic internet needs
- Bulky design may not suit minimalist setups
- No USB ports for external storage, printer sharing, or mobile tethering
- Limited third-party mesh ecosystem compatibility (best within ASUS AiMesh network)
The ASUS RT-BE88U is a cutting-edge, future-proof router built to handle the demands of power users, gamers, and smart homes. Featuring Wi-Fi 7 with MLO and 4K-QAM, it pushes wireless performance to new heights. With dual 10G ports, four 2.5G ports, and 8 total Ethernet ports, it’s ideal for bandwidth-heavy environments and hybrid setups. Network security is top-tier thanks to AiProtection Pro and built-in VPN support, while AiMesh compatibility allows seamless expansion. Though expensive and physically large, it delivers unmatched speed and reliability, making it a top choice for users who demand the best.
Eero 6
Pros:
- Affordable pricing for a Wi-Fi 6 mesh system
- Easy setup and management through the Eero app
- Reliable coverage for medium to large homes
- Supports Wi-Fi 6 for faster speeds and better capacity
- Automatic software updates for improved security
- Supports Alexa for voice control
Cons:
- Limited advanced features compared to higher-end systems
- No support for 2.5GbE or 10GbE Ethernet ports
- Lacks dedicated backhaul band for improved performance in larger homes
- May not offer the highest speeds for very demanding tasks like 4K streaming or gaming
The Eero 6 is an affordable Wi-Fi 6 mesh system that provides dependable performance and user-friendly operation for medium to large residences. It boasts enhanced speeds, increased capacity, and consistent coverage, all facilitated by a straightforward setup process through the Eero app. Additionally, it is compatible with Alexa, allowing for voice command control. However, it does not include advanced features such as 2.5GbE or 10GbE Ethernet ports and lacks a dedicated backhaul band, which may affect its performance in larger, more demanding settings. While it is well-suited for everyday use, it may not be ideal for intensive activities like 4K streaming or gaming.
TP-Link Deco BE63
Pros:
- Wi-Fi 6E support with a dedicated 6GHz band for faster speeds and better capacity
- Tri-band system for improved coverage and performance
- Advanced security features with TP-Link HomeShield for malware protection and parental controls
- Easy setup and management via the Deco app
- Mesh networking for seamless coverage across large areas
Attractive design that fits most home setups
Cons:
- Expensive compared to non-Wi-Fi 6E mesh systems
- Lacks 2.5GbE or 10GbE Ethernet ports for ultra-fast wired connections
- Limited customization options for advanced users
- May not be necessary for smaller homes or basic usage
The TP-Link Deco BE63 is a high-end Wi-Fi 6E mesh system tailored for users who require exceptionally fast speeds and extensive coverage. By incorporating support for the new 6GHz band, it delivers superior performance suitable for larger residences, making it perfect for intensive tasks such as gaming, streaming, and managing smart home devices. The Deco app simplifies both setup and management, while TP-Link HomeShield provides comprehensive security features. However, it is priced at a premium and does not include advanced Ethernet options such as 2.5GbE or 10GbE ports. This system is an excellent choice for larger homes or technology-savvy users, but it may be excessive for smaller, less demanding settings.