The Top 5 best WiFi Routers Of 2024 provide you better streaming, gaming, and browsing.
Modern life would be incomplete without a good Wi-Fi router given our growing dependence on the internet. The best WiFi router can shield your network from bottlenecks so you can enjoy stable, fast wireless connectivity without worrying about using up too much data.
The Asus ZenWiFi AX (XT8), which tops our list below, is one of the finest Wi-Fi 6 routers, so you might want to think about replacing your outdated, malfunctioning router. Not only does it have blazing-fast bandwidth, but it also has some of the greatest mesh Wi-Fi routers we’ve encountered and top-notch security features.
We suggest the Asus RT-AX55 as a more affordable option; it takes home our best budget selection award. If all you need is a dependable Wi-Fi 6 router for online browsing or streaming media, this is a great option that doesn’t sacrifice performance.
The best Wi-Fi extenders can help you reach those difficult-to-reach spots if you’re hoping to increase signal strength to expand coverage into your home’s dead zones. There are many VPN routers to choose from if you want to strengthen security and protect your connection.
In order to provide you with all the information you need to choose the best wireless router for your house, we at TechRadar have tested the best wireless routers available for many hours.
Table of Contents
Best WiFi Routers Of 2024
NO.1 : Asus ZenWiFi AX (XT8)
The best Wi-Fi router overall
Pros
- Great Wi-Fi performance
- Good security features
Cons
- Expensive
- Limited to two routers
With a wide choice of Wi-Fi 6 routers to choose from, Asus caters to almost every need and price range. It offers Wi-Fi 6 as a mesh router with the Asus ZenWiFi AX (XT8).
Despite being one of the priciest solutions available and only supporting two mesh routers, the Asus ZenWifi AX provides lightning-fast speeds. It tested our 500Mbps Internet connection to the limit, reaching 570Mbps at one point, and kept it there even in areas of our space that were harder to access.
It also provides a great deal of setup versatility, with the ability to use the 2.4 and 5GHz bands to create one or two networks. If you’re looking at mesh routers, this is a great option because it has great security features as well.
NO.2 : Asus RT-AX55
The best budget Wi-Fi 6 router
Pros
- Affordable Wi-Fi 6 router
- Easy-to-use app
Cons
- Parental controls aren’t extensive
- Not for power users
With Wi-Fi 6 available at a low cost and no sacrifice to functionality or performance, the Asus RT-AX55 is the perfect option for those on a tight budget. With a maximum speed of 1.8Gbps, it may not be as fast as some more expensive models, but it is still more than sufficient for the majority of home Wi-Fi requirements.
If all you need is a dependable router for online gaming, streaming media, and music, this is a great choice. In our testing, we discovered that it not only maintained peak Wi-Fi speeds of 100 Mbs with Ookla and 12.5 Mb/s for Steam downloads, but also matched the fastest rates enabled by our office internet connection and offered a wider coverage than our typical router.
It should be noted, however, that during our testing, the 2.4GHz band saw some latency, dropping to 90Mbps with Ookla and 11MB/s with Steam. Furthermore, even while the app is user-friendly, the router itself lacks some of the more sophisticated filters and other features found in some of Asus’ more costly models. But such compromises are to be expected when choosing a low-cost choice.
NO.3 : Asus ROG Rapture GT-BE98
The premium Wi-Fi router of the future
Pros
- Incredibly fast performance
- Well-featured router too
- You can’t get more future-proofed
Cons
- Very expensive
- Still early days for Wi-Fi 7 in terms of device support
Wi-Fi 7 is the newest technology available for routers, and the Asus ROG Rapture GT-BE98 is the quickest of its kind that we’ve encountered, with features and speed that make it incredibly future-proof.
With a maximum speed of 24.4Gbps, the Rapture GT-BE98 provides quad-band Wi-Fi 7 (2.4GHz, 2 x 5GHz, and 6GHz bands). It performed incredibly well in real-world testing; the speed of the internet connection it is connected to is perhaps the only drawback. With two 10Gb ports and 2.5Gb Ethernet connections (one of which is a priority port specifically for gaming), wired connectivity is also rather robust.
Along with excellent performance, you also get a feature-rich router with parental controls to keep the kids safe online. It’s worth noting that certain parental controls these days demand a subscription.
Naturally, the Asus ROG Rapture GT-BE98 is an extremely pricey piece of gear, and you will have to pay for all these perks and the mind-blowing speeds that are available. However, it will last you for a very long time, so in the long run, the investment can prove to be wise. Additionally, if you’re prepared to wait a little bit, prices will probably decrease (at least somewhat) because, as always, early adopters pay a premium.
NO.4 : Google Nest Wifi Pro
The best mesh router that’s more affordable and offers wide coverage
Pros
- Easy to setup
- Appealing design and looks
- Good Wi-Fi performance and coverage
Cons
- Smart speaker functionality has been ditched
- Not backwards compatible with old Nest WiFi devices
Google has a long history in the mesh router market. The enhanced Nest Wifi, which was later replaced by the Nest Wifi Pro, replaced the original Google Wifi product.
What then is different about this most recent version? Wi-Fi 6E is a highly fast wifi standard (albeit it’s no longer as cutting-edge as Wi-Fi 7), and Google’s Nest Wifi Pro boosts connectivity from Wi-Fi 5, which was supported by the previous Nest Wifi. Additionally, it adds a 6GHz band to the mix and provides tri-band Wi-Fi as opposed to dual-band Wi-Fi.
In summary, this updated Pro version of Google’s mesh router formula offers you enhanced, more dependable wireless coverage and greater Wi-Fi performance. Additionally, matter support is introduced for people who own smart home devices.
The other significant difference is that instead of having a core router that is one main device plus extra satellite units, all of the mesh units are identical and function as standalone routers (of course linked together). The compromise in this case is that all units now have Ethernet ports, but unlike the previous Nest Wifi, there is no integrated smart speaker feature.
In contrast to other mesh routers, like the Asus router that we think is the best on our list, Google’s Nest Wifi Pro is a more cheap choice that comes with a 3-device pack for wider coverage, making it ideal for larger homes. There are several positive aspects of Google’s most recent iteration of its mesh system, including the devices themselves, which are small, stylish, and aesthetically pleasing. They will also blend in well with the décor of your house.
NO.5 : Asus RT-AX59U
The best WiFi router for faster speeds for lowest cost
Pros
- Slim, compact design
- 4.2Gbps Wi-Fi 6 performance
- Easy-to-use app
Cons
- Dual-band only
- No 2.5G Ethernet
The Asus RT-AX59U is another fantastic mid-range alternative that performs brilliantly and covers all the essential bases. It offers a stable dual-band Wi-Fi 6 connection at 4.2Gbps and comes with an intuitive interface with decent parental controls. Throughout our time with it, it has demonstrated that it is more than capable of handling any challenge posed by our 150Mbps office broadband. Additionally, if you ever require a mesh network with greater coverage, it can be formed with other Asus routers thanks to its support for Asus’ AiMesh technology.
But what makes this different from the others is its small size and straightforward design. The Asus RT-AX59U boasts an exceptionally sleek design that makes it remarkably lightweight and compact, in contrast to many other routers that are adorned with antennae. It is simple to tuck in somewhere out of sight or fasten to a wall.
Although it is limited in certain ways (it is just dual-band and lacks 2.5G Ethernet connectivity), it is more than sufficient for the majority of homes’ needs. As a matter of fact, we advise purchasing this above our budget pick if your spending is a little more flexible.
How to choose a wireless router
A few considerations need to be made while choosing a Wi-Fi router. There is no one-size-fits-all method when it comes to upgrading your wireless network.
The kind of router you require should be your first priority. A standard single-unit router and mesh Wi-Fi systems, which consist of many units—typically one that connects to the modem with two or three satellite units positioned strategically around the house or workplace for wider coverage—are the two form factors that you can choose from.
A standard router will suffice for small homes or offices, and it will also be less expensive. However, because mesh routers cover a considerably wider area, they will be far more effective at providing a strong, constant signal to larger homes and companies. Additionally, they are far more adept at removing or decreasing weak or dead places.
Instead of purchasing a more costly mesh Wi-Fi router, you can save a little money and acquire a wireless extender if your current router simply isn’t strong enough.
Make sure the router is fast enough for your needs once you’ve decided on the kind. These days, you really want Wi-Fi 6 capability, but the majority of modern routers should at least support the Wi-Fi standard 802.11ac, often known as Wi-Fi 5. No matter how fast your new laptop can connect at or how fast your provider’s connection is, if your router is based on an outdated and slower standard like 802.11n (Wi-Fi 4), it will operate as a bottleneck to your network. The more recent Wi-Fi 7 technology is gaining traction and is incredibly quick. Seek for a router that supports Wi-Fi 7 if you want to ensure that your network is future-proof. Just be aware that the price will be somewhat higher.
Finally, even if the majority of gadgets are wireless or support wireless connections, some of them require the use of ports. Perhaps you have a household member that needs the highest speeds for gaming. It will be far more important to be able to connect that PC or console directly via an Ethernet port than it will be for regular internet use. Additionally, you’ll probably need to physically connect your older printer or PC to the network if you have one.
How we test Wi-Fi routers
Prior to offering our suggestions, we test each and every WiFi router. To make sure they fit in with your home, we examine its design. We examine its ports and features, such as the capacity to establish family restrictions and build a guest network, along with how simple it is to set up and operate initially.
As we move on to its performance, we examine its coverage strength and range. We record whatever data we gather as we evaluate its performance in our file download test and the Ookla speed test. To give you an idea of how well it performs in the real world, we also test it against our regular network usage. After that, we compare everything we’ve learned to the product’s price to determine whether or not it offers customers a good deal.
The best WiFi router: FAQs
Q. Which is best Wi-Fi router for home use?
Since every home is unique and every household has various needs, there is no universally applicable solution in this case.
A mesh router like the Asus ZenWiFi AX (XT8), which offers great coverage and is strong enough to withstand the demands of a heavy-use home with several users and a lot of wireless devices, is absolutely something you should consider for larger homes (or multi-story homes).
Q. What does a good Wi-Fi router cost?
Once more, the answer to this will vary depending on how big your home is, how many wireless devices you have, and how much use your network gets.
For relatively little money, more moderately sized homes can purchase high-quality, low-cost Wi-Fi routers like the Asus RT-AX55, which offer sufficient coverage for activities like video streaming and regular web browsing.
Generally speaking, a great mesh system like the Asus ZenWiFi AX (XT8) should cost no more than £300, but a good budget router should cost no more than £150.
