This page contains the recommended wireless routers for your home with pros and cons of each. The routers have split into two groups: normal wireless routers and mesh routers (the use of satellites to extend coverage over the entire home).
Note: ApprovedModemList.com may receive a small commission from affiliate links, which helps to keep this website online.
Last Updated: August 20, 2018
Best Wireless Routers for 2018
Best Overall Wireless Router – ASUS RT-AC88U
Pros: Eight LAN ports, MU-MIMO support, WTFast Gamers Private Network, numerous features, user-friendly Web interface, Asus AiProtection, best WiFi performance
Cons: Expensive
Notable ASUS RT-AC88U Specs
Total WiFi Bandwidth
5 GHz @ 2167 Mbps
2.4 GHz @ 1000 Mbps
= (AC3100) 3167 Mbps
Network Standards
802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n, 802.11ac, IPv4, IPv6
Coverage Area & Antennas
Large Household (5000 square feet)
4 Detachable Dual-Band Antennas
Transmit/Receive
MU-MIMO technology
2.4 GHz 4 x 4
5 GHz 4 x 4
Data Rate
802.11a : 6, 9, 12, 18, 24, 36, 48, 54 Mbps
802.11b : 1, 2, 5.5, 11 Mbps
802.11g : 6, 9, 12, 18, 24, 36, 48, 54 Mbps
802.11n : up to 600 Mbps
802.11ac : up to 1734 Mbps
1024QAM (2.4 GHz) : up to 1000 Mbps
1024QAM (5 GHz) : up to 2167 Mbps
Processor & Memory
1.4 GHz Dual-Core Processor
128 MB Flash
512 MB RAM
Ports
Gigabit LAN Ports: 8
Gigabit WAN Port: 1
USB 2.0 Port: 1
USB 3.0 Port: 1
Security
64-bit WEP, 128-bit WEP, WPA-Enterprise, WPA2-Enterprise, WPA2-PSK, WPA-PSK, WPS support
Buttons
WPS Button, Power Button, Reset Button, LED On/Off Button, Wireless On/Off Button
WiFi Technology
Beamforming: standard-based and universal
1024-QAM high data rate
20/40/80 MHz bandwidth
Physical Dimensions
11.8 inches x 7.4 inches x 2.38 inches (WxDxH)
33.51 ounces
Best VALUE WIRELESS Router – LINKSYS EA7500
Pros: MU-MIMO support, speedy Dual-Band, nice port selection, good value
Cons: Slow write speeds for file transferring
Notable LINKSYS EA7500 Specs
Total WiFi Bandwidth
5 GHz @ 1300 Mbps
2.4 GHz @ 600 Mbps
= (AC1900) 1900 Mbps
Network Standards
802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n, 802.11ac
Coverage Area & Antennas
Medium Household
3 Detachable Dual-Band Antennas
Ports
Gigabit LAN Ports: 4
Gigabit WAN Port: 1
USB 2.0 Port: 1
USB 3.0 Port: 1
Security
64-bit WEP, 128-bit WEP, WPA2-Personal, WPA2-Enterprise, WPS support
LEDs
Internet, Ethernet (1-4), WPS, Linksys Logo
WiFi Technology
AC1900 MU-MIMO Dual-Band Gigabit, 600+1300 Mbps
Physical Dimensions
10.12 inches x 7.24 inches x 2.2 inches (without antennas)
20.74 ounces
Key Features
Easy Browser-Based Setup
MU-MIMO Support
Up to 12+ Devices
3×3 AC
Advanced Security
1.4 GHz Dual-Core CPU
Beamforming Technology
Smart WiFi
Best Overall Router WiFi Mesh System – Netgear Orbi RBK50
Note: A WiFi mesh system uses multiple satellites for whole home coverage.
Pros: Satellite auto-configures itself to router WiFi settings, MU-MIMO support, speedy Tri-Band, large coverage area
Cons: Bulky satellites, expensive
Notable NETGEAR Orbi RBK50 Specs
Total WiFi Bandwidth
5 GHz @ 1733 Mbps
5 GHz @ 866 Mbps
2.4 GHz @ 400 Mbps
= (AC3000) 2999 Mbps
Network Standards
802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n, 802.11ac
Coverage Area & Antennas
Up to 5000 square feet
6 Antennas
Ports
Gigabit LAN Ports: 3 (router)
Gigabit WAN Port: 1 (router)
Gigabit LAN Ports: 4 (per satellite)
USB 2.0 Port: 1
WiFi Technology
Tri-Band
Dedicated Backhaul 4×4 (1.7 Gbps)
Physical Dimensions
6.4 inches x 3.1 inches x 8.0 inches (router)
6.4 inches x 3.1 inches x 8.0 inches (satellite)
1.96 pounds each
Key Features
Guest WiFi Network
MU-MIMO Support
WPA/PSK2 Support
4 GB Flash and 512 MB RAM
Beamforming Technology
Best Value Router WiFi Mesh System – Google WiFi
Note: A WiFi mesh system uses multiple satellites for whole home coverage.
Pros: Inexpensive WiFi system, simple and easy setup, small satellites
Cons: Google account and mobile device required, adding extra satellites adds to the cost, signal loss (the more satellites used, the longer it takes to receive data beyond the first satellite), lack of features and customization, lack of LAN ports, no USB ports
Notable Google WiFi Specs
Total WiFi Bandwidth
5 GHz @ 900 Mbps
2.4 GHz @ 300 Mbps
= (AC1200) 1200 Mbps
Network Standards
802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n, 802.11ac
Coverage Area
Up to 1500 square feet (with one satellite – small home)
Up to 4500 square feet (with three satellites – large home)
Processor & Memory
Quad-core ARM CPU, each core up to 710 MHz
4GB eMMC Flash
512 MB RAM
Ports
Gigabit LAN Port: 1
Gigabit WAN Port: 1
WAN and LAN on primary WiFi satellite; both act as LAN ports on additional WiFi satellites
WiFi Technology
Dual-Band
Expandable mesh WiFi
AC1200 2×2 Wave 2 WiFi
Physical Dimensions
Diameter: 4.17 inches
Height: 2.70 inches
Weight: 12 ounces
Key Features
Guest WiFi Network
Bluetooth Smart Ready
WPA2-PSK Support
TX Beamforming Technology
Approved Modems Helpful Resources