Households are filled with devices all trying to connect to the internet, making the best Wi-Fi router less of a luxury and more of a necessity in 2023.
Getting the right Wi-Fi router can really transform your network, eliminating lag and strengthening your connection so that browsing, streaming, and download speeds are as quick as they can possibly be.
After all, there's no point in having the best broadband package if your connection can't get through thick floors and walls in your house, or your network is so congested that bandwidth is spread as thin as butter.
Of course, better wireless routers aren't miracle workers as they can't make your internet faster than the speeds you pay for, but they can help to deliver more consistent top speeds that cover a wider area, without the need for a Wi-Fi extender, and handle more devices without slowing down.
Be careful not to trip over your terminology trying to understand Wi-Fi 6 from your 2.4GHz though. Fortunately, we've outlined the cream of the crop no matter whether you are on a budget, want the fastest there is, or fancy specific features to prioritise your gaming PC.
So, without further ado, here are our top picks of Wi-Fi routers, which we've chosen based on their spec sheets, reviews, and any other features we think make them worth considering...
Best Wi-Fi router
- TP-Link Archer AXE75
- D-Link EXO AX1800
- Netgear Nighthawk RAXE500
- ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AX11000
- Netgear Orbi WiFi 6E
Best Wi-Fi router for most people - TP-Link Archer AXE75
The TP-Link Archer AXE75 comes with the latest Tri-Band Wi-Fi 6E connection while also being fairly priced, which makes it the ideal router for almost everyone.
The 6E connection provides up to 5,400 Mbps Wi-Fi for faster streaming, browsing, downloading, and gaming. In fact, the connection is so strong that, in theory, you could be doing all of those things at the same time with next to no delay or buffering.
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You can also connect multiple devices simultaneously with True Tri-Band and OFDMA technology, which TP-Link claims will increase the transmission capacity by 4 times. This essentially means that, even if a few devices are hooked up to the internet, the connection will still maintain its speed.
TP-Link HomeShield also provides added security to make sure your network is safe and private with IoT protection. Plus, it comes with features such as the ability to perform a network security scan and add basic parental controls.
Overall, this router definitely seems like a great fit for most people. So, make sure you check it out if you're looking to improve your home network.
Best budget Wi-Fi router - D-Link EXO AX1800
If you’re on the hunt for a budget option, then the D-Link EXO AX1800 is a great choice to go for, especially as it offers two different band speeds - 2.4GHz and 5GHz.
Both of these have their own benefits…using a 2.4GHz connection has longer waves, giving you wider coverage as it can transmit through walls and solid objects. Meanwhile, a 5GHz band will offer you higher internet speeds and a stable connection, but comes with a shorter range.
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Therefore, if you want internet coverage for your entire home, particularly if it’s quite big, you’ll probably be better off using the 2.4GHz band, whereas if you only need a solid internet connection for one room, its 5GHz connection will no doubt come in handy. Whatever your situation, though, having the option to choose is certainly a bonus.
It’s also worth mentioning that it's compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant to make it easy to manage Wi-Fi access for any guests you have over via spoken commands, which saves you trying to figure out where you put the Wi-Fi passcode…
All in all, this device makes for a great budget option if you don't want to break the bank to upgrade your network.
Fastest Wi-Fi router - Netgear Nighthawk RAXE500
Netgear’s Nighthawk RAXE500 is the fastest router on our list, with the option of using a 6GHz band speed, which is far less congested than the more standard 2.4GHz and 5GHz speeds due to how uncommon it is among other households.
You can switch between all of these frequencies though. So, if, for instance, you want the signal to transmit through solid walls and you don’t have a W-Fi extender to hand, it might suit you better to have the router on the 2.4GHz setting instead.
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Alongside this, the router is compatible with both Alexa and Google Assistant so that you can easily configure your network using voice commands, plus it also has VPN support. This means you can securely access your home network from your mobile device from practically anywhere in the world.
Its design is also another enticing aspect of this product… in our opinion, it blends into living rooms or office spaces far better than the usual spider-like antennas or other-shaped devices. Futuristic, sure, but certainly more intriguing to look at than most routers.
All in all, if you’re looking for a router with a fast connection and a unique look, then this Nighthawk device could be your answer.
Best gaming Wi-Fi router - ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AX11000
The ASUS ROG Rapture offers triple-level game acceleration and a dedicated 5GHz gaming speed band, making it one of the best routers around if you require a strong and fast connection for gaming.
The triple-level game acceleration is comprised of GameFirst V, which optimises gaming packets on other ASUS ROG devices, Game Boost, which analyses network traffic and also prioritises gaming packets to boost performance, and Gamers Private Network, which provides private, optimised internet connection to game servers.
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Essentially, these three levels help to boost game traffic every step of the way, thus reducing the ping rate and latency for an overall better gaming experience.
In terms of security, the router also has ASUS’ very own AiProtection Pro. This is designed to keep your network safe against external attacks, block access to malicious sites, and detect and block infected devices. This means no malware should ever be able to affect your network, as any threats are neutralised before they hit.
All in all, this router is a brilliant choice if you’re looking for a solid, stable internet connection for gaming with a ton of security features.
Best Wi-Fi mesh system - Netgear Orbi WiFi 6E
If you’re looking for a mesh system to maintain a strong, stable Wi-Fi connection all over your home and eliminate any dead zones, then this Netgear Orbi is worth checking out.
The package includes one router and a Wi-Fi extender, which means it offers an amazing coverage of 6,000 square feet. With this range, you should even be able to connect to your internet in your front or back yard, depending on the size of your house, of course.
And the latest 6GHz band speed means you can enjoy quick internet speeds without experiencing any lag, thanks to there being far less congestion than in the more standard 2.4GHz or 5GHz bands.
Netgear Armor software also provides an automatic shield of security for your network and any devices you have connected to it, in order to protect against external threats to your setup.
So, if it’s full-range coverage you’re after, this mesh system could be the solution you're looking for.
Best small Wi-Fi router - Linksys Hydra Pro 6
On the hunt for a Wi-Fi router that doesn’t take up too much space in your home? If that’s the case then Linksys’ Hydra Pro 6 fits the bill, while also offering fast speeds and the ability to connect plenty of devices to the internet without experiencing too much disruption or delay.
It offers you the powers of Wi-Fi 6 technology, providing you with fast connection speeds - it basically sends and receives multiple streams of data simultaneously, therefore delivering more Wi-Fi capacity that can handle browsing, downloads, streaming, and online gameplay coming from multiple devices.
You’ll also be able to use the Linksys app, which will let you access your network no matter where you are, and allow you to view and prioritise which connected devices are using up the most Wi-Fi.
All in all, this device is a great option if you have a limited amount of space in your home to house a new and upgraded Wi-Fi router.
Frequently Asked Questions
It's understandable if you have a few queries when it comes to finding the best Wi-Fi router, so to help you out we've taken the time to answer some of the most frequently asked questions about them below.
Does it matter which Wi-Fi router you buy?
It is important to take your time deciding which Wi-Fi router to purchase as it does matter which router you buy. Investing thought and effort into researching your options will ensure you make the best choice.
This is because, although your maximum internet connection speed is determined by which internet service provider (ISP) you're with, routers that offer faster speeds, as well as different bandwidths, will still benefit your overall connection and allow you to connect multiple devices at once to your network without you experiencing much lag.
For example, Tri-Band devices tend to come with the option of using a 2.4GHz, 5GHz, or 6GHz band speed. No matter which ISP you're with, the 5GHz and 6GHz bands will generally give you a faster connection, while a 2.4GHz band will offer a wider range as it is better at transmitting through solid walls and objects.
How do I choose a Wi-Fi router?
First and foremost, when choosing the right Wi-Fi router, it's important to make sure it actually supports the internet speed you pay for because, at the end of the day, there's no point in buying a router that offers a slower speed.
In this instance, you won't be able to make the most of your full internet speed on any devices you use... it would simply be a waste of money.
Following that, it's worth exploring whether the router comes with different band speeds. This can be useful for different scenarios, as touched upon above. A 5GHz or, even better, a 6GHz connection can offer extremely fast speeds within a short range, whereas a 2.4GHz connection is suitable for a longer range that has to transmit through solid objects.