The best WiFi routers for increasing your wireless connectivity

As people and homes become more connected, the need for WiFi connectivity continues to increase. This is where having a quality WiFi router, sometimes called a wireless router, becomes essential. Which WiFi router you choose will depend on a number of factors, including the size of your coverage area, the number of devices connecting, and the types of devices connecting to the router. Not only are they easy to install, they can help provide WiFi coverage throughout your home and ensure lightning fast connection speeds.

How to shop for a WiFi router

Knowing which router is right for you isn’t always easy. WiFi standards and router technology have changed frequently over the years. Some of the most important factors to keep in mind when shopping for a router are WiFi version, speed, coverage, and price. As you shop, you may see routers listed as compatible with previous WiFi standards, such as 802.11 a, b, g, or n. While you may have some older devices that still use those, the latest standards, 802.11ac and WiFi 6, are the ones to keep in mind. They are backward-compatible, and the latest standards offer the fastest speed and best coverage. Read more…

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BEST OVERALL

Asus ROG Rapture GT-AC5300

If fast speeds are essential and price is no object, the Asus ROG Rapture GT-AC5300 is the best option available.

Wireless Specification: 802.11ac
Wired LAN Ports: 8
Security: WEP, WPA, WPA2, WPS, WPA2-Enterprise, RADIUS Server
IPv6 Compatible: Yes
Parental Controls: Yes

$334.06 from Amazon

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BEST WIFI 6 MESH WIRELESS SYSTEM

ASUS ZenWiFi AX Whole-Home Tri-band Mesh WiFi 6 System (XT8)

If you want to blanket your whole home in fast, reliable WiFi signal, the ASUS ZenWiFi AX Whole-Home Tri-band Mesh WiFi 6 System (XT8) is a great choice.

Wireless Specification: 802.11ax
Wired LAN Ports: 3 Gigabit ethernet ports on each unit
Security: WPA2-PSK, WPA-PSK, WPA-Enterprise , WPA2-Enterprise , WPS support
IPv6 Compatible: Yes
Parental Controls: Yes

$449.99 from Amazon

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BEST FOR LARGE HOMES

D-Link AC2600 DIR-2680 WiFi Router

Fast coverage that can handle large spaces.

Wireless Specification: 802.11ac
Wired LAN Ports: 3
Security: WPA2-PSK (Personal)
IPv6 Compatible: Yes
Parental Controls: Yes

$199.99 from Amazon

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BEST WALLET-FRIENDLY OPTION

Asus RT-AC66U B1 Dual-Band Gigabit WiFi Router

A WiFi router that is wallet-friendly without sacrificing on performance and features.

Wireless Specification: 802.11ac
Wired LAN Ports: 4
Security: WEP, WPA, WPA2, WPS, WPA2-Enterprise, RADIUS Server
IPv6 Compatible: Yes
Parental Controls: Yes

$84.99 from Amazon

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BEST WALLET-FRIENDLY WIFI 6

TP-Link Archer AX6000

A moderately priced WiFi 6 router that can handle your tech needs now — and in the future.

Wireless Specification: 802.11ax
Wired LAN Ports: 8
Security: WPA, WPA2, WPA3
IPv6 Compatible: Yes
Parental Controls: Yes

$299.99 from Best Buy

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BEST FOR GAMERS

ASUS AC2900 WiFi Dual-band Gigabit Wireless Router

If you regularly enjoy 4K streaming, online gaming, or other high bandwidth activities, the ASUS AC2900 WiFi Dual-band Gigabit Wireless Router is a must.

Wireless Specification: 802.11ac
Wired LAN Ports: 4
Security: WEP, WPA, WPA2, WPS, WPA2-Enterprise, RADIUS Server
IPv6 Compatible: Yes
Parental Controls: Yes

$189.99 from Amazon