Best Routers of 2026
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How do we rank?- 2
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Our top 3 picks
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TP-Link Archer BE550 Tri-Band BE9300 WiFi 7 Router, 6-Stream 9.2Gbps Speed WiFi Router, Full 5x 2.5G WAN/LAN Ports, 6x Internal Antennas Covers Up to 2,000 Sq. Ft., VPN Support, Homeshield, Easy Setup
The TP-Link BE9300 Ultra-Fast 9214 Mbps 6-Stream Tri-Band Wi-Fi 7 Router is designed for those who demand top-tier performance. With its blazing-fast speeds, this router is perfect for 4K/8K streaming, immersive VR/AR gaming, and rapid downloads. It features five 2.5G ports, breaking through the typical 1G bottleneck, ensuring all your devices operate at peak performance. The router's Multi-Link Operation (MLO) improves throughput, reduces latency, and enhances reliability, making it ideal for homes with multiple devices. Its proprietary Wi-Fi optimization and Beamforming technology ensure maximized coverage and minimal interference. EasyMesh compatibility allows seamless integration with other EasyMesh routers and extenders, providing consistent connectivity throughout your home. The TP-Link HomeShield offers enhanced security against the latest cyber threats, and the Tether app simplifies setup and network management. This router is compatible with all Wi-Fi generations and internet providers, making it a versatile choice for any household. - 2
TP-Link Archer BE550 Tri-Band BE9300 WiFi 7 Router, 6-Stream 9.2Gbps Speed WiFi Router, Full 5x 2.5G WAN/LAN Ports, 6x Internal Antennas Covers Up to 2,000 Sq. Ft., VPN Support, Homeshield, Easy Setup
The TP-Link BE9300 Ultra-Fast 9214 Mbps 6-Stream Tri-Band Wi-Fi 7 Router is designed for those who demand top-tier performance. With its blazing-fast speeds, this router is perfect for 4K/8K streaming, immersive VR/AR gaming, and rapid downloads. It features five 2.5G ports, breaking through the typical 1G bottleneck, ensuring all your devices operate at peak performance. The router's Multi-Link Operation (MLO) improves throughput, reduces latency, and enhances reliability, making it ideal for homes with multiple devices. Its proprietary Wi-Fi optimization and Beamforming technology ensure maximized coverage and minimal interference. EasyMesh compatibility allows seamless integration with other EasyMesh routers and extenders, providing consistent connectivity throughout your home. The TP-Link HomeShield offers enhanced security against the latest cyber threats, and the Tether app simplifies setup and network management. This router is compatible with all Wi-Fi generations and internet providers, making it a versatile choice for any household. - 3
TP-Link Archer AX18 WiFi 6 Router - AX1500 Mbps, Gigabit Ethernet, VPN Server, Easy Setup, WPA3 Cybersecurity, Gaming Router for Xbox/PS4/Steam
The TP-Link AX1500 dual-band Wi-Fi 6 Router, also known as Archer AX18, offers cutting-edge wireless technology with speeds reaching up to 1.5 Gbps. It utilizes Wi-Fi 6, enhancing connectivity for multiple devices through OFDMA and MU-MIMO technologies, making it ideal for high-demand activities like 4K streaming and AR/VR gaming. The router's four high-performance antennas and Beamforming technology ensure robust and reliable coverage throughout your home. Additionally, Target Wake Time technology helps extend device battery life by optimizing power consumption. Users commend the easy setup process facilitated by the TP-Link Tether App and the router's backward compatibility with previous Wi-Fi standards. Whether you are a gamer, streamer, or simply have a busy household with numerous devices, the Archer AX18 is designed to deliver a seamless and efficient internet experience.
Essential tips for choosing the routers
A router is a networking device that connects two or more networks together. It routes data from one network to another and is an essential piece of hardware for any home or business network. When shopping for a router, there are many factors to consider such as speed, range, security, and compatibility. This buying guide will provide an overview of the main features on routers, different types of routers, and tips for choosing the right router for your needs.
Speed is an important factor to consider when choosing a router. Routers come with different speeds that are measured in megabits per second (Mbps). The higher the Mbps, the faster the router will be. Generally, a router with a speed of at least 100 Mbps is recommended for basic home use. For more demanding applications like streaming video or gaming, a router with a speed of at least 400 Mbps is recommended.
The range of a router is how far it can transmit a signal. A router with a greater range will be able to cover more area. The range of a router is usually determined by the type of antenna it uses. The most common type of antenna is an omnidirectional antenna which transmits a signal in all directions. Other types of antennas, such as directional antennas, can be used to reach specific areas.
Security is an important factor to consider when choosing a router. Most routers come with security features such as WPA2 and WPA3 encryption, firewall protection, and parental controls. It is important to make sure the router you choose has the security features you need to keep your network and data safe.
It is important to make sure the router you choose is compatible with your devices. Most routers are compatible with the most popular operating systems and devices. However, it is important to make sure the router you choose is compatible with your specific devices. It is also important to make sure the router is compatible with the type of internet connection you are using, such as DSL, cable, or fiber.
There are several different types of routers available. The most common type is a wireless router which is used to connect devices to a wireless network. Another type of router is a wired router which is used to connect devices to a wired network. There are also mesh routers which use multiple nodes to create a large, seamless network. When choosing a router, it is important to consider the type of connection you need and the type of devices you will be connecting to the network.
