The Best Wireless Router Deals This Week*
- Asus RT-AX88U Pro AX6000 Dual Band Wi-Fi 6 Router — $239.35 (List Price $269.99)
- Netgear Nighthawk AX5400 6-Stream Wi-Fi 6 Router — $199.97 (List Price $299.99)
- TP-Link Archer AX73 AX5400 Wi-Fi 6 Router — $146.58 (List Price $199.99)
- Asus RT-AX86U Pro AX5700 Dual Band Wi-Fi 6 Router — $205.99 (List Price $249.99)
- TP-Link Archer AX10000 Tri-Band Wi-Fi 6 Gaming Router — $289.99 (List Price $349.99)
*Deals are selected by our commerce team
In the remote-work and hybrid-work era of the 2020s, your Wi-Fi router is piling up some serious overtime, doing a lot more than just helping you stream movies and play games. Home Wi-Fi routers have become career lifelines, keeping millions of people working, and they're also connecting an ever-growing range of smart home devices. That means picking one that does the best job for both you and your wallet is trickier than ever.
We've outlined below our top picks among home and office Wi-Fi routers we've tested. Read on for our labs-tested favorites, followed by the buying basics you should know when buying a router. Also note: At the very end of this article is a detailed spec breakout of our top router choices.
Table of Contents
TP-Link Archer AXE75
Best Wi-Fi Router for Most People
Why We Picked It
Wi-Fi 6E is the leading edge of consumer home wireless tech, so it's not a must-have for homes with many devices that might not yet support the standard. But being able to future-proof your network for under $200 is a winner in our book, and that makes the Archer AXE75 the best choice for people who want a full-featured router that they won't have to replace for a long time. The AXE75 is a pioneer in bringing 6E down as low as we've seen it in price. The perk: Enjoy the lack of in-air competition while you can, as the 6GHz radio band should remain uncrowded for a bit, until wider Wi-Fi 6E adoption takes hold.
Beyond the groundbreaking price, the AXE75 a solid performer. All you need is to start collecting 6E-compliant client devices to leverage this bargain router to the max.
Who It's For
Anyone thinking about hopping aboard the 6GHz Wi-Fi train but unwilling to spend a bundle, your engine has arrived. Parents will also be pleased to learn that the AXE75 includes access to HomeShield Basic, TP-Link's strong parental controls and basic network security tools. You can block internet access for individual users, apply age-based filtering, and see how long a user has been online. (Opting for a monthly or annual paid plan can give you even more control.)
PROS
- Easy to install
- Reasonably priced
- 6GHz transmissions
- Solid throughput performance
- Includes HomeShield software
- Mesh ready
CONS
- Middling file transfer performance
- No multi-gig ports
- Some features require a subscription
SPECS
Name | Value |
---|---|
Wireless Specification | 802.11ax with 6E |
Wi-Fi Speed (Total Rated Throughput) | AXE5400 |
Number of Wired LAN Ports (Excluding WAN Port) | 4 |
Number of USB ports | 1 |
Number of Antennas | 6 |
Number of Bands | 3 |
Wireless Networking Security | WPA2, WPA3 |
MU-MIMO | |
IPv6 Compatible | |
Quality of Service | |
VPN Client Pre-Installed | |
Supports DD-WRT | |
Anti-Malware Tools | |
Wireless Parental Controls | |
Link Aggregation | |
Beamforming | |
Guest Networking |
Synology WRX560
A Solid Alternative to the TP-Link Archer AXE75
Why We Picked It
The Synology WRX560 provided very good scores on our throughput tests, offering superior throughput in both bands. It also performed well on our Wi-Fi signal strength tests, delivering strong 2.4GHz and 5GHz Wi-Fi to all corners of our test home except for the garage. Plus, the router could even pass for home decor, thanks to a unique black enclosure that stands vertically, with beveled edges and grillwork that give it a futuristic, minimalist look. The WRX560 is an excellent, feature-rich mainstream router.
Who It’s For
For around $200 you get the latest Wi-Fi 6 technologies, solid throughput performance, and wide Wi-Fi signal coverage. The Synology WRX560 is easy to install and manage and gets you into a Wi-Fi 6 network without spending a bundle. If you require multi-gig ports and parental control software, be prepared to spend significantly more money for a router like the TP-Link Archer AX11000.
PROS
- Easy installation
- Excellent throughput and signal performance
- Built-in parental-control and network-security software
- Mesh-ready
- Multi-gig WAN/LAN
CONS
- Middling file transfer performance
- Top heavy design
SPECS
Name | Value |
---|---|
Wireless Specification | 802.11ax |
Wi-Fi Speed (Total Rated Throughput) | AX3000 |
Number of Wired LAN Ports (Excluding WAN Port) | 4 |
Number of USB ports | 1 |
Number of Antennas | 6 |
Number of Bands | 2 |
Wireless Networking Security | WPA2, WPA3 |
MU-MIMO | |
IPv6 Compatible | |
Quality of Service | |
VPN Client Pre-Installed | |
Supports DD-WRT | |
Anti-Malware Tools | |
Wireless Parental Controls | |
Link Aggregation | |
Beamforming | |
Guest Networking |
Asus ROG Rapture GT-BE98 Pro
Best Wi-Fi Router for Gaming
Why We Picked It
The Asus ROG Rapture GT-BE98 Pro not only boasts the fastest 6GHz performance we’ve tested, but it is incredibly well appointed. This router is physically huge, but for good reason: It’s equipped with a boatload of connectivity options, including a 10GbE port, plus several more multi-gig ports. The router also supports link aggregation, offering the potential for truly massive bandwidth and future-proofing. It also offers a gamer-friendly user interface and lots of settings designed to optimize your gaming experience.
Who It’s For
Whether you’re a gaming enthusiast or simply demand a top-of-the line router to power your home network, the GT-BE98 Pro has you covered. Perhaps the only reason you wouldn't want it is if you're not interested in spending extra for Wi-Fi 7 tech, which is still in its infancy. In that case, you should a consider a Wi-Fi 6E router instead; they also offer 6GHz transmissions (albeit slower ones) for much less cash.
PROS
- Wi-Fi 7 with 320MHz channel bandwidth
- 10GbE port, plus several more multi-gig ports
- Blazing throughput performance
- Gamer-friendly network customization
- Network security and parental controls
CONS
- Expensive
- Bulky
SPECS
Name | Value |
---|---|
Wireless Specification | 802.11be |
Wi-Fi Speed (Total Rated Throughput) | BE30000 |
Number of Wired LAN Ports (Excluding WAN Port) | 6 |
Number of USB ports | 2 |
Number of Antennas | 8 |
Number of Bands | 4 |
Wireless Networking Security | WPA2, WPA3 |
MU-MIMO | |
IPv6 Compatible | |
Quality of Service | |
VPN Client Pre-Installed | |
Supports DD-WRT | |
Anti-Malware Tools | |
Wireless Parental Controls | |
Link Aggregation | |
Beamforming | |
Guest Networking |
TP-Link Archer AX10 (AX1500) Wi-Fi 6 Router
Best Budget Wi-Fi 6 Router
Why We Picked It
The TP-Link Archer AX10 is proof that you don’t have to spend hundreds of dollars to upgrade your network with Wi-Fi 6 technology. This reasonably priced dual-band router delivered solid throughput on the 5GHz band and good signal range in our performance tests. Though it lacks features that are typically found on more expensive models, including link aggregation and USB connectivity, you’d be hard pressed to find these features on any sub-$100 router.
Who It’s For
If you want to take advantage of the faster connection speeds, decreased latency, and more efficient client battery life that you get with Wi-Fi 6, but you need to keep costs down, then the TP-Link Archer AX10 is an excellent choice.
PROS
- Affordable
- Good 5GHz throughput and signal range in testing
CONS
- Doesn't support 160MHz channel width
- No anti-malware tools
- Lacks USB and multi-gig LAN ports
- So-so 2.4GHz performance in testing
SPECS
Name | Value |
---|---|
Wireless Specification | 802.11ax |
Wi-Fi Speed (Total Rated Throughput) | AX1500 |
Number of Wired LAN Ports (Excluding WAN Port) | 4 |
Number of USB ports | 0 |
Number of Antennas | 4 |
Number of Bands | 2 |
Wireless Networking Security | WPS, WPA, WPA2 |
MU-MIMO | |
IPv6 Compatible | |
Quality of Service | |
VPN Client Pre-Installed | |
Supports DD-WRT | |
Anti-Malware Tools | |
Wireless Parental Controls | |
Link Aggregation | |
Beamforming | |
Guest Networking |
TP-Link Archer AXE95 AXE7800 Tri-Band Wi-Fi 6E Router
Best Wi-Fi 6E Wireless Router
Why We Picked It
The TP-Link Archer AXE95 uses advanced 6GHz wireless technology and multi-gig wired connectivity to deliver speedy throughput, making it the new king of Wi-Fi 6E routers. Using the latest wireless technologies, it offers access to three radio bands—including the 6GHz band—and is equipped with numerous high-speed networking ports, including three 1GbE LAN jacks, a 1GbE WAN/LAN jack, and a 2.5GbE WAN/LAN jack. It delivered mostly excellent results in our performance tests.
Who It’s For
If you want the latest and greatest in home Wi-Fi, this is the router to get. It not only harnesses the power of the relatively new and uncrowded 6GHz radio band and comes with network security and parental control software, but it is also mesh-ready for use with other TP-Link routers if you need more coverage later on.
PROS
- Fast throughput performance
- Multi-gig WAN/LAN
- 6GHz transmissions
- Includes parental control and network security tools
- Mesh ready
CONS
- Pricey
- Middling file-transfer performance
SPECS
Name | Value |
---|---|
Wireless Specification | 802.11ax with 6E |
Wi-Fi Speed (Total Rated Throughput) | AXE7800 |
Number of Wired LAN Ports (Excluding WAN Port) | 4 |
Number of USB ports | 2 |
Number of Antennas | 8 |
Number of Bands | 3 |
Wireless Networking Security | WPA2, WPA3 |
MU-MIMO | |
IPv6 Compatible | |
Quality of Service | |
VPN Client Pre-Installed | |
Supports DD-WRT | |
Anti-Malware Tools | |
Wireless Parental Controls | |
Link Aggregation | |
Beamforming | |
Guest Networking |
Eero 6+
Best Wi-Fi Mesh System
Why We Picked It
The three-piece Eero 6 Plus Wi-Fi 6 mesh system delivered blazing throughput speeds and excellent signal range in our performance tests. As with most mesh systems, it is a snap to install and manage using a phone and a user-friendly mobile app, and it has the distinction of being the first Eero system to support 160MHz channels.
Who It’s For
The three-piece Eero 6 Plus is ideal for use in larger homes of up to 4,500 square feet. It uses low-profile nodes that are designed to blend in with any home décor while providing a strong Wi-Fi 6 signal to every corner of your house. In addition to eliminating dead zones, the Eero 6 Plus doubles as a home-automation hub that uses a Zigbee radio to control smart devices such as cameras, locks, lighting, and thermostats.
PROS
- Excellent performance
- Easy to install and manage
- Controls home automation devices
- Supports 160MHz channels
CONS
- Pricey
- Lacks USB connectivity
- Some features require a subscription
SPECS
Name | Value |
---|---|
Wireless Specification | 802.11ax |
Wi-Fi Speed (Total Rated Throughput) | AX3000 |
Number of Wired LAN Ports (Excluding WAN Port) | 1 on router, 2 on satellites |
Number of USB ports | 0 |
Number of Antennas | 0 |
Number of Bands | 2 |
Wireless Networking Security | WPA2, WPA3 |
MU-MIMO | |
IPv6 Compatible | |
Quality of Service | |
VPN Client Pre-Installed | |
Supports DD-WRT | |
Anti-Malware Tools | |
Wireless Parental Controls | |
Link Aggregation | |
Beamforming | |
Guest Networking |
Asus ROG Rapture GT6 Wi-Fi 6 Gaming Mesh System
Best Wi-Fi Mesh System for Gaming
Why We Picked It
Plenty of wireless routers have gaming-friendly features, but few of these are mesh systems designed to provide whole-home coverage so you can game from the den, the backyard, and everywhere in between. The Asus ROG Rapture GT6 is an exception, one of a rare breed of mesh systems designed for gamers, and it excels in its niche. An exceptionally robust wireless backhaul system joins an unapologetically "gamer" aesthetic and specialized features like the Game Radar diagnostic utility, which helps you identify the connection quality of servers for specific games.
Who It's For
Any gamer who needs a robust internet connection to feed their hobby in every room of a large house should consider the GT6. The aesthetic might not be to every gamer's liking, but the performance certainly is.
PROS
- Multi-gig WAN with strong broadcast signal
- Sleek design
- Speedy throughput performance
- Lots of game-friendly features
- Included anti-malware and parental control software
CONS
- Expensive
SPECS
Name | Value |
---|---|
Wireless Specification | 802.11ax |
Wi-Fi Speed (Total Rated Throughput) | AX10000 |
Number of Wired LAN Ports (Excluding WAN Port) | 3 |
Number of USB ports | 1 |
Number of Antennas | 9 |
Number of Bands | 3 |
Wireless Networking Security | WPA2, WPA3 |
MU-MIMO | |
IPv6 Compatible | |
Quality of Service | |
VPN Client Pre-Installed | |
Supports DD-WRT | |
Anti-Malware Tools | |
Wireless Parental Controls | |
Link Aggregation | |
Beamforming | |
Guest Networking |
Wyze Wi-Fi 6E Mesh Router Pro
Best Wi-Fi 6E Mesh System
Why We Picked It
Reasonably priced as far as mesh systems go, the Wyze Wi-Fi 6E Mesh Router Pro two-pack is the clear choice for medium or large homes over the company's other Mesh Router, since the Pro adds 6GHz support for future-proofing your network. It also delivered speedy 5GHz throughput in testing, is easy to manage, and offers multi-gig and USB connectivity. The built-in network security software is integrated into the easy-to-use mobile app, which you probably already have if you own other Wyze smart home devices. If your home is smaller, you can order a single router for $179.98, which covers 2,000 square feet. If you need to go bigger, you can opt for a three-pack for $393.99 that covers 6,000 square feet.
Who It's For
If you need to spread reliable Wi-Fi throughout a home up to 4,000 square feet—especially if that home already has other Wyze devices—the Mesh Router Pro two-pack is an excellent choice that won't break the bank.
PROS
- Reasonably priced
- Wi-Fi 6E support
- Strong 5GHz throughput performance
- Multi-gig Ethernet and USB connectivity
- Built-in network security software
- Low-profile nodes
CONS
- Lacks strong parental controls
- Limited settings
SPECS
Name | Value |
---|---|
Wireless Specification | 802.11ax with 6E |
Wi-Fi Speed (Total Rated Throughput) | AX5400 |
Number of Wired LAN Ports (Excluding WAN Port) | 1 on main router, 2 on node |
Number of USB ports | 1 |
Number of Antennas | 6 |
Number of Bands | 3 |
Wireless Networking Security | WPA2, WPA3 |
MU-MIMO | |
IPv6 Compatible | |
Quality of Service | |
VPN Client Pre-Installed | |
Supports DD-WRT | |
Anti-Malware Tools | |
Wireless Parental Controls | |
Link Aggregation | |
Beamforming | |
Guest Networking |