Upgrade your network with one of the best routers available today
Best Wi-Fi Routers Windows Central 2019
Between PCs, smartphones, tablets, gaming consoles, streaming devices, and IoT gadgets, home networks have more connected devices than ever before. Choosing a router that can handle your usage is key to keeping everything connected and running smoothly. No one likes bad Wi-Fi, so here are the best routers available now, from top-of-the-line powerhouses to budget-friendly picks.
Staff favorite
The Linksys EA9500, one of the best routers for streaming, hits speeds over 5Gbps with a Tri-band antenna. Eight LAN ports can connect all of your devices.
The Archer A7 has a dual-band antenna delivering AC1750 speeds with room for four wired devices and even some USB drives — all with Alexa support built in.
The Nighthawk AX8 brings Wi-Fi 6 speeds at a great value. 4.8Gbps wireless and LAN link aggregation keeps speed higher than needed, even for 4k.
The WRT32XB uses software to keep gaming pings low. With support for AC3200 speeds and four LAN ports, it’s is a great solution for both games and video.
The Nighthawk R7000p is router designed for coverage with support for speeds up to AC2300 and four LAN ports. Great software keeps service consistent.
The Synology RT2600AC delivers fast AC2600 speeds as well alongside four LAN ports. It packs in a feature set only expected on professional equipment.
Google Wi-Fi solves coverage issues with a wireless focused mesh system. A great app, simple setup process, and AC1200 speeds make a great fit for most.
Ubiquiti impresses with the simple and sleek Amplifi Instant mesh router. Easily expand your network with any Amplifi mesh points for speed and simplicity.
The Linksys MR8300 offers standard router features with the expandability of mesh. AC2200 speeds and Velop compatibility let you build the perfect network.
The Nighthawk X10 is pure fast with 10Gbps LAN and fast AD7200 Wi-Fi. This will be enough to run all of your devices smoothly even if you’re a heavy user.
The D-Link DIR 879 is a great value with QoS software to keep games smooth and AC1900 speeds for streaming. Four LAN ports enable a reliable connection.
The ROG Rapture GT-AC5300 can handle a huge traffic load with ease. AC5300 Wi-Fi speed with powerful hardware and software guarantees a smooth connection.
If we’re making some suggestions
There are hundreds of good routers on the market, and while this is not a comprehensive list of every great Wi-Fi router out there, all of these routers are outstanding performers that can serve any home network well. Our pick, based on all-around performance for gaming, streaming, and range is the Linksys EA9500 Max Stream. It’s perfect for networks that get a lot of use because its dual 5GHz radios and eight Gigabit Ethernet ports support plenty of connected devices, while its 5.3 Gbps max speeds ensure uninterrupted 4K streaming and online gaming.
The TP-Link Archer A7 is a more sensible option for the vast majority of people who don’t need a top-shelf router, as it costs hundreds less than the EA9500 Max Stream. If you have a smaller home or don’t have a ton of internet-connected devices, it offers solid dual-band performance.
We may earn a commission for purchases using our links. Learn more.
