This page contains the recommended wireless routers for your home with pros and cons of each. The routers have been split into two groups: normal wireless routers and mesh routers (the use of satellites to extend coverage over the entire home).
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Last Updated: June 9, 2021
Best Wireless Routers for 2021
Best WiFi 6 Wireless Router – Asus ROG Rapture GT-AX11000
Pros: Four LAN ports, MU-MIMO support, WTFast Gamers Private Network, Asus AiProtection Pro, ASUS AiMesh, best WiFi performance, next-gen ax WiFi is backward compatible with 802.11a/b/g/n/ac WiFi devices
Cons: Expensive
Notable ASUS Asus ROG Rapture GT-AX11000 Specs
Total WiFi Bandwidth
5 GHz @ 4804 Mbps
5 GHz @ 4804 Mbps
2.4 GHz @ 1148 Mbps
= (AX11000) 10,756 Mbps
Network Standards
802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n, 802.11ac, 802.11ax, IPv4, IPv6
Coverage Area & Antennas
Really large homes
8 external antennas
Transmit/Receive
MU-MIMO technology
2.4 GHz 4 x 4
5 GHz-1 4 x 4
5 GHz-2 4 x 4
Processor & Memory
1.8 GHz quad-core processor
256 MB Flash
1 GB RAM
Ports
Gigabit LAN ports: 4
Gigabit WAN port: 1
2.5 Gbps LAN port: 1
USB 3.1 Gen 1 ports: 2
Security
128-bit WEP, 64-bit WEP, WPA2-PSK, WPA-PSK, WPS support, WPA2-Enterprise, WPA-Enterprise
Buttons
WPS button, power button, reset button, boost key, wireless on/off button
WiFi Technology
Beamforming: standard-based and universal
OFDMA (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access)
1024-QAM high data rate
20/40/80/160 MHz bandwidth
Physical Dimensions
9.5 inches x 9.5 inches x 2.4 inches (WxDxH) without bezel
60.8 ounces
Best Value WiFi 6 Wireless Router – TP-Link Archer AX50
Pros: Four LAN ports, easy-to-set-up interface, TP-Link’s HomeCare included free, MU-MIMO support
Cons: No support for WPA3 security, limited advanced settings
Notable TP-Link Archer AX50 Specs
Total WiFi Bandwidth
5 GHz @ 2402 Mbps
2.4 GHz @ 574 Mbps
= (AX3000) 2976 Mbps
Network Standards
802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n, 802.11ac, 802.11ax, IPv4, IPv6
Coverage Area & Antennas
Three bedroom homes
Four fixed external antennas
Processor & Memory
Dual-core processor
256 MB RAM
Ports
Gigabit LAN ports: 4
Gigabit WAN port: 1
USB 3.0 Type A ports: 1
Security
WEP, WPA, WPA2, WPA/WPA2-Enterprise (802.1x), HomeCare Antivirus
Buttons
Power on/off button, LED on/off button, reset button, WiFi/WPS button
WiFi Technology
Beamforming
OFDMA (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access)
Airtime Fairness
Physical Dimensions
10.2 inches x 5.3 inches x 1.5 inches (WxDxH)
Best Value WiFi 5 Wireless Router – TP-Link Archer A7
Pros: Inexpensive, four LAN ports, intuitive web interface
Cons: Lacks features of more expensive devices, no USB 3.0 port
Notable TP-Link Archer A7 Specs
Total WiFi Bandwidth
5 GHz @ 1300 Mbps
2.4 GHz @ 450 Mbps
= (AC1750) 1750 Mbps
Network Standards
802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n, 802.11ac, IPv4, IPv6
Antennas
3 fixed external antennas
Processor & Memory
Single-core processor
128 MB RAM
Ports
Gigabit LAN ports: 4
Gigabit WAN port: 1
USB 2.0 port: 1
Security
64/128-bit WEP, WPA/WPA2, WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK encryption, enable/disable SSID broadcast, QSS, wireless MAC filter
Buttons
WPS/WiFi On/Off button, power On/Off button, reset button
Physical Dimensions
9.6 inches x 6.4 inches x 1.3 inches (WxDxH)
Best Mesh WiFi Router System – Google Nest WiFi
Note: A mesh WiFi system uses multiple satellites for whole home coverage.
Pros: Nest WiFi points act as Google Assistant smart speakers and come in color choices, easy-to-setup, small satellites, compatible with previous generation Google WiFi devices
Cons: Nest WiFi Router only includes one spare Ethernet jack, pricier than the competition for similar devices, Google account required
Notable Google Nest WiFi Specs
Simultaneous dual-band (2.4 GHz/5 GHz) WiFi
Expandable mesh WiFi
Network Standards
802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n, 802.11ac
Coverage Area
Up to 2200 square feet per router
Up to 1600 square feet per point
Processor & Memory
Quad-core 64-bit ARM CPU 1.4 GHz
WiFi Router
1 GB RAM
4 GB Flash
WiFi Point
768 MB RAM
512 MB Flash
Ports
Gigabit LAN port: 1
Gigabit WAN port: 1
WiFi Technology
WiFi Router
AC2200 MU-MIMO WiFi
4×4 (5 GHz)
2×2 (2.4 GHz)
WiFi Point
AC1200 MU-MIMO WiFi
2×2 (2.4 GHz/5 GHz)
Physical Dimensions
WiFi Router
Diameter: 4.3 inches
Height: 3.6 inches
Weight: 13.4 ounces
WiFi Point
Diameter: 4.0 inches
Height: 3.4 inches
Weight: 12.3 ounces
Key Features
Proactive band steering
WPA3 encryption
Transmit beamforming
Automatic security updates
Is motorola modem, router voice a bad unit to work with armstrong? It works GREAT with my Comcast acct
Unfortunately, Jane, no Motorola modem devices are approved for Armstrong.
I just purchased a TP Link AX3000 wireless router is it compatible?
Routers are compatible with any internet service provider (ISP). Only modems need to be certified by an ISP, James.
Hello, I’m torn between TP Link AX3000 and Asus AX3000. I noticed that they are almost the same in terms of features. Can you help me decide which one to buy? I’d greatly appreciate that. Thanks!
I forgot to add, I’m using the router for smart home integration. I already bought some smart home devices like smart dimmer switches, nest learning thermostat, Ring security devices, smart lights and will plan to add more in the future. Hope that helps in helping me decide between the two AX3000 routers from TP Link and Asus. Thanks!
That is a tough choice, Bench. As you pointed out, they are both comparably similar. It really comes down to brand preference and cost at this point. The TP-Link AX3000 Archer AX50 should be your choice due to it being a bit cheaper and has more Amazon reviews (more people have tested it compared to the ASUS RT-AX3000).
Either way you go, at least you will be purchasing a WiFi 6 router, which improves speed, increases efficiency, offers better range, and allows for more devices (especially useful for you since you have a lot of smart home devices). You really can’t go wrong with either product, Bench.
I appreciate it! Thank you very much!
No problem, Bench. Enjoy your new WiFi 6 router!
looking for a modem that works with RCN internet & phone service
Sorry, NannyG, RCN requires you to rent a phone modem from them, as stated on the RCN approved modems page. You can bypass this by purchasing a regular modem and combine that with an Ooma device. This is a cheaper option as well instead of being tied to an ISP’s phone service. An Ooma device works with any internet connection.
ABB really sucks. I have had it for over a year. The modems have been changed several times. I use to get uninterrupted service in my bedroom. Now it’s whenever it wants. Every evening between 530 and 8 pm it goes out. I call them and all they want to do is refresh the signal.
I am sick of them, customer service doesn’t exist. You call and are put on hold while the number you are goes up and down. No human. They will call you back WHEN?
I wanted a better modem router. They don’t want you to get one and says every one you mention doesn’t work.
When their equipment goes down. You pay for a service call. They suck.
I would not recommend them to ANYONE!
Donnie, you can check out the full Atlantic Broadband approved modem list here. These are the modems that Atlantic Broadband has approved as listed on their site. Atlantic Broadband is one of the internet providers that have moved mostly to DOCSIS 3.1 devices.