Of course, finding the best cable modem demands for certain knowledge, especially if you are not too sure about what you actually need. Do you need a regular cable modem or the modem router combo? What sort of features should your cable modem have, etc.

For that reason, it is advisable to consult someone that knows a bit more about the subject or to look for advice in guides like this one that will bring you all the required information in one place.

Top Picks

Preview	Product
	Motorola MB8611 DOCSIS 3.1 Multi-Gig Cable Modem | Pairs with Any WiFi Router | Approved for Comcast...	Check at Amazon
	NETGEAR Cable Modem DOCSIS 3.0 (CM700-1AZNAS) Compatible with All Major Cable Providers Including...	Check at Amazon
	ARRIS (S33) - Cable Modem - Fast DOCSIS 3.1 Multi-Gigabit WiFi For Comcast Xfinity, Cox, Spectrum &...	Check at Amazon
	TP-Link DOCSIS 3.0 (16x4) High Speed Cable Modem, Max Download Speeds of 686Mbps, Certified for...	Check at Amazon
	Linksys DOCSIS 3.0 8x4 Cable Modem Certified with Comcast Xfinity, Spectrum, Cox (CM3008)	Check at Amazon
	NETGEAR Cable Modem CM500 - Compatible with All Cable Providers Including Xfinity by Comcast,...	Check at Amazon
	NETGEAR Nighthawk Multi-Gig Cable Modem (CM2000) - Compatible With All Cable Providers Incl....	Check at Amazon

Last update on 2025-03-23 // The links above are affiliate // Images from Amazon

How to choose the best cable modem

When choosing the best cable modem, you should consider the following characteristics:

Supported speed

Higher download/upload speed is always a better option. However, the fastest devices usually demand the most money and many people simply aren’t capable of paying that much.

Therefore, try to find the best ratio of speed and price and don’t forget to look a bit more into the future, and try to predict what will be your speed requirements, in a few years and in accordance with that, choose a device that will also be future-proof.

DOCSIS

DOCSIS (Data Over Cable Services Interface Specification) is a telecommunication standard that tells you what your cable modem capabilities are and suggests what its maximum download and upload data transfer speeds are.

In theory, DOCSIS 3.0 should provide a maximum download speed of 1200Mbps and maximum upload speed of 200Mbps, while DOCSIS 3.1 should provide up to 10Gbps download and 1Gps upload speeds.

In other words, choose the device with the standard that supports your demanded speeds and try to fully benefit from every advantage that certain standard brings along.

Certification

Although it may not sound as important as speed, or DOCSIS functionality, the fact is that a lack of proper certification will make the cable modem not worth a dime. If your chosen device isn’t supported by the major cable providers, it is worthless. Even the best cable modems out there will have no purpose, if it can’t be used with Cox, Spectrum, Xfinity, and other operators.

Best Cable Modems

Motorola MB8611

An Excellent Cable Modem for High-Speed Internet Plans

Motorola MB8611 is a simple-to-use cable modem that offers great compatibility and more importantly, a speedy performance that will satisfy any enthusiast. This modem works with every major US internet provider, such as Comcast Business, Comcast XFINITY, Cox Communications, and many others.

This device provides low latency and a very responsive performance. It does come without a built-in Wi-Fi router, which, on the other hand, can be easily overcome by pairing it with almost any Wi-Fi router. Motorola MB8611 comes with active queue management, as well as DOCSIS 3.1 and DOCSIS 3.0 channel bonding support.

When talking about connectivity options, there is only a single Ethernet port; nonetheless, it’s a 2.5Gbps one, while the modem itself is recommended for 1000Mbps internet traffic speeds.

Therefore, if you need a future-proof cable modem that will save you money and provide excellent performance at the same time, Motorola MB8611 is the device to look for.

NETGEAR Cable Modem CM700

A Cable Modem Built For Premium Performance

The top-notch internet performance usually demands a lot of investment. However, there are devices such as NETGEAR Cable Modem CM700 that combine both great performance and affordable price, making large bandwidth more accessible to the masses.

With this cable modem, you will get a maximum download speed of 1400Mbps and maximum upload speed of 500Mbps, as well as certification and ability to use it with numerous cable operators like Comcast, Cox, Spectrum, Xfinity and many others.

Moreover, if you want to connect this modem to some of the best wireless routers out there, like for instance Nighthawk X10 AD7200, guess what? You can.

NETGEAR Cable Modem CM700 supports DOCSIS 3.0., with its 32×8 bonded channels, it comes fitted with Gigabit Ethernet port for easier connection, and more importantly, guarantees for a top-tier performance.

Its a bit aggressive design goes head to head with its nature and depicts its unwillingness for compromise in the best possible way.

All in all, if you are seeking the best cable modem for Cox, Xfinity, or some other similar operator, NETGEAR Cable Modem CM700 is an ideal option for you.

ARRIS Surfboard S33

More than a Solid Cable Modem

ARRIS Surfboard S33 is a nice-looking, high-performing cable modem that comes in a compact package and brings quite a lot for the price. Although its price tag is a bit higher, fact is that this device is worth it. There is support for DOCSIS 3.0, with its 32 downstream x 8 upstream bonded channels, as well as for DOCSIS 3.1, with 2 downstream x 2 upstream channels.

Also, there are two Ethernet ports, a 2.5Gbps one and a 1Gbps one that gives a supported combined speed of up to 3.5Gbps, which is more than respectable.

To make things even better, ARRIS Surfboard S33 offers an easy setup, it is compatible with every major US provider, such as Spectrum, Xfinity, Cox, and it can cope with the two-status IP addresses at the same time.

Of course, there are also some downsides to this device, most important one being the lack of built-in Wi-Fi, as well as the lack of voice commands. However, that doesn’t change the fact that for the price, ARRIS Surfboard S33 is still a great deal, if you seek a great-performing device in a sleek edition.

TP-Link DOCSIS 3.0 TC-7620

A Flexible and Easy to Use Cable Modem

People are attracted to different things and the same thing goes for customers. Some are looking for top-notch performance, while others are looking for good flexibility and more affordable options, and TP-Link DOCSIS 3.0 TC-7620 cable modem fits perfectly into the second roll.

It offers great compatibility (it works with Windows, Linux, and Mac), DOCSIS 3.0 function, with 16 downstream and 4 upstream channels bonding channels and provides decent, but not impressive maximum download speed of 680Mbps and maximum upload speed of 143Mbps.

Equally important, TP-Link DOCSIS 3.0 TC-7620 is fully certified and works with Spectrum, Cox, Xfinity, Suddenlink, Mediacom, and many other operators, and it offers ease of use that just adds to its overall great value for the money.

As such, TP-Link DOCSIS 3.0 TC-7620 is among the best cable modems out there, although it isn’t without issues, like not-that-great quality control and the more problematic tendency to overheat. However, if you are after a solid overall quality and performance, this is probably the best deal you will find anywhere.

Linksys CM3008

A Modest Performing, but Highly Reliable Cable Modem

When it appeared on the market, Linksys CM3008 was one of the more expensive and better-performing cable modems. Nowadays, however, this modem is more oriented towards the entry-level segment of the market and it offers only the basic stuff that is enough only for modest users looking for reliability and a familiar “face” rather than high-performance.

Linksys CM3008 is compatible with Comcast Xfinity, Time Warner Cable, Charter, Cox, and many other providers. Nevertheless, with its maximum download speed of 343Mbps and maximum upload speed of 120Mbps, its performance is more mediocre, but there are still numerous users that would appreciate it and use its DOCSIS functionality and its 8×4 bonded channels in the best possible way.

Linksys CM3008 comes with a one-year warranty and has a bit outdated Intel Puma 5 chipset inside. However, its reliability is pretty amazing. Therefore, if a trusted connection is your major concern, Linksys CM3008 is certainly the best cable modem option you will find.

NETGEAR Cable Modem CM500

A Perfect Mainstream Cable Modem

NETGEAR Cable Modem CM500 is a decent, but not high-performing device that won’t impress you, but won’t disappoint you either.

It supports a maximum download speed of 686Mbps and maximum upload speed of 132Mbps, it offers very good compatibility and can work with both Windows and Mac machines and operate with all the major cable providers like Xfinity, Spectrum, Cox, and other.

NETGEAR Cable Modem CM500 has a one-year warranty and allows for easy setup and use, but more importantly, it is a real bargain, considering its good overall quality and pretty low price. Moreover, this cable modem is fitted with one Gigabit port for connecting with a PC, or maybe a long-range Wi-Fi router, if you are into that sort of thing and it offers Advanced Quality of Service (QoS) and DOCSIS 3.0 functionality, with its 16×4 channel bonding.

Altogether, NETGEAR Cable Modem CM500 has a lot to offer and although it may not be considered the best cable modem out there, it certainly presents one of the better ones that can give you good performance, flexibility and save money at the same time.

NETGEAR Nighthawk CM2000

A Speedy Performance in a Compact Package

If you are seeking one of the best cable modems for the price, that will give you top performance and save money for renting fees, NETGEAR Nighthawk CM2000 is the perfect choice for you.

This cable modem offers DOCSIS 3.1 and DOCSIS 3.0 support; it has a 2.5Gbps Ethernet Port, and equally importantly, it brings decent compatibility that allows its use with Xfinity, COX, Spectrum, and many other internet providers. On top of that, NETGEAR Nighthawk CM2000 is sleek, it has a detailed web interface, and it comes in a compact edition, which may be important for many users.

More importantly, NETGEAR Nighthawk CM2000 is an extremely reliable device that will give you a lot of savings in the long run. All in all, if you want a cable modem that will have everything you need, bring you top-class performance and great reliability in one, NETGEAR Nighthawk CM2000 is more than a reasonable option.

Conclusion

After reading this guide, you should be more than ready to buy the best cable modem for your computer. We hope you’ll be happy with your choice and improve your overall performance thanks to it!

If you are not that familiar with routers in general and are a bit hesitant towards this whole purchase process, this guide should calm you down and help you find the best streaming router possible, without having a sweat.

All you need to do is to read the following lines carefully and try to find yourself a perfect fit.

Top Picks

Preview	Product
	NETGEAR Nighthawk 8-Stream WiFi 6 Router (RAX70) - Security Features, AX6600 Tri-band Wireless Speed...	Check at Amazon
	TP-Link AC1900 Smart WiFi Router (Archer A9) - High Speed MU-MIMO Wireless Router, Dual Band,...	Check at Amazon
	Linksys EA7500-4B Max-Stream WiFi 5 Router: AC1900, Dual-Band Wireless Home Network, Gaming &...	Check at Amazon
	TP-Link AC4000 Smart WiFi Router - Tri Band Router , MU-MIMO, VPN Server, Antivirus/Parental...	Check at Amazon
	D-Link WiFi Router, AC2600 MU-MIMO Dual Band Gigabit 4K Streaming and Gaming with USB Ports, 4x4...	Check at Amazon
	Linksys WRT3200ACM: AC3200 Dual-Band Gigabit Wi-Fi Router, Beamforming Tri-Stream Wireless Signal,...	Check at Amazon
	TP-Link AX6000 WiFi 6 Router(Archer AX6000) -802.11ax Wireless 8-Stream Gaming Router, 2.5G WAN, 8...	Check at Amazon
	Amazon eero Pro 6 mesh Wi-Fi 6 system | Fast and reliable gigabit speeds | connect 75+ devices |...	Check at Amazon

Last update on 2025-03-31 // The links above are affiliate // Images from Amazon

How to Choose the Best Router for Streaming

Finding the best streaming router shouldn’t be a hard task. You need to follow a few guidelines, read a few reviews and the proper device will come up eventually.

Streaming router characteristics that make the biggest difference between the routers and you need to pay your attention to, in order to get yourself the best streaming router possible, are the following:

Data Transfer Speed

Data transfer speed isn’t the only aspect of a router you should be looking for; however, this characteristic plays a major role considering the overall performance. Therefore, if you are looking for an efficient gaming and 4K streaming device, you should always go for the highest possible speeds.

Features

Feature-rich product is always a good option, even if we are talking about some other device and not a router. With more features, you are getting better overall versatility and usability and ultimately a better value.

MU MIMO, Beamforming, VPN support and Guest networking are just some of those features. They are not essential but can drastically increase your router performance and deliver a much better overall user experience. For that reason, choose the router wisely and go for as many features as you can.

Connectivity

Good connectivity and plenty of options in this department are usually a very practical thing for any router. More LAN ports mean that you can make more wired connections and that way make all your Wi-Fi lacking hardware part of your network; devices such as printers, scanners or PCs.

Multiple USB ports allow you to include your external hard drives into the configuration and use them as NAS, or to connect a 3G/4G modem.
In other words, benefits are numerous, and it is up to you to be aware of them and use them.

Best Routers for Streaming

NETGEAR Nighthawk (RAX70) – AX6600

Excellent Performance and Ease of Use in One

NETGEAR Nighthawk (RAX70) – AX6600 is attractive-looking Wi-Fi 6 compatible router that presents the sheer top of offerings among the best routers for streaming thanks to its blazing-fast performance. Its 6.6 Gbps data transfer speed, along with an exceptionally long list of features that include OFDMA, MU-MIMO, QoS, 1024-QAM and many others, make this device nothing less than a true masterpiece in wireless networking, and a device that won’t keep anyone indifferent.

With this router, you are getting ease of setup and use, the ability to manage it through the dedicated Nighthawk app, as well as a pretty good security system provided through the Netgear Armor, WPA2/WPA3 wireless security protocols, Guest Wi-Fi, Firewall and so on. Also, there is nice connectivity that includes one USB3.0 port and four Gigabit Ethernet ports, which isn’t much, but should be more than enough for home use.

NETGEAR Nighthawk (RAX70) – AX6600 is a tri-band router that offers excellent streaming capabilities. It has two 5GHz bands, where one supports 1.2Gbps and the other 4.8Gbps data transfer speeds. In addition, there is one 2.4 GHz band with support for 600Mbps data transfer speeds. Also, this router supports eight-stream connectivity and can cover an area of around 250 square meters, which in total makes this router a pretty versatile and capable device and an altogether excellent option for every sort of engagement.

TP-Link Archer A9

A High-Performing Budget-Oriented Wi-Fi Router

TP-Link Archer A9 is an affordable and well-performing router that will satisfy your every need, especially considering online gaming and HD streaming.

Although it looks pretty similar to Archer A7, A9 brings a lot of upgrades and advantages over it, including MU MIMO and Beamforming functionality and better signal coverage. Moreover, this router comes with Smart Connect and VPN Server feature and offers the very handy Amazon Alexa support.

TP-Link Archer A9 has a two-year warranty and supports for a combined data transfer speed of around 1900Mbps (600Mbps in 2.4GHz range and 1300Mbps in 5GHz range). It is equipped with Qualcomm QCN5502 CPU and 128MB of RAM and altogether delivers very good overall performance that puts it in front of the models such as Archer C9 and Tenda AC18.

This dual-band router has four Gigabit LAN ports and one Gigabit WAN port, and offers one USB2.0 connection, which isn’t much; however, it is good enough for this type of device.

All in all, Archer A9 is a solid-performing, feature-rich Wi-Fi router and one of the best routers for streaming for the price.

Linksys Dual-Band WiFi Router for Home EA7500-4B

A Reliable and Affordable Streaming Router

If you are looking for a good-quality home router that provides decent and reliable performance, Linksys Dual-Band WiFi Router for Home EA7500-4B is the device for you.

As you may guess, this device won’t give you super-fast speeds and the ability for 4K multi-stream; however, it will give you solid connectivity, decent compatibility and, before anything else, a reasonable price. Its 1.9Gbps (600Mbps in 2.4GHz band and 1300Mbps in 5GHz band) speed will give you enough firepower to stream your 4K adventures, but you will have to do one thing at a time and forget about the multi-streams.

On top of that, you will have the ability to use it along with Windows, Mac and Linux systems, and you’ll get a decent set of connectivity options that include one USB3.0 port, one Gigabit WAN port and four Gigabit Ethernet ports. Also, there is support for Amazon Alexa, as well as a nice set of security features that involve 128-bit encryption, WEP and WPA2 security.

Linksys Dual-Band WiFi Router for Home EA7500-4B is a dual-band router that covers an area of 140 square meters and can simultaneously work with up to 15 devices. It is easy to set up, it comes with a three-year warranty and overall brings everything that a mainstream user might need, making this router a pretty good deal.

TP-Link Archer A20

An Almighty Router in an Affordable Package

TP-Link Archer A20 is a tri-band router with plenty of features and an excellent performance that will satisfy even the most demanding gamers and streamers, or in other words; the best router for 4k streaming and gaming.

As mentioned, this router is feature-rich and offers MU MIMO, Beamforming and Link Aggregation. Also, it comes with VPN Server function, Guest networking, Rangeboost and much more. It is compatible with Mac, Windows and Linux and offers great connectivity that involves: four Gigabit LAN ports, one Gigabit WAN port and one USB2.0 port and one USB3.0 port.

TP-Link Archer A20 is equipped with Broadcom 1.8GHz quad-core and 512MB of RAM and supports for a data transfer speed of 750Mbps in 2.4GHz range and 1625Mbps on each of the two 5GHz bands. Moreover, this device comes with a two-year warranty and altogether delivers fast performance that makes it ideal for gaming. Therefore, if you are searching for the best router for gaming and true value for the money, TP-Link Archer A20 is the one you need.

D-Link Exo Router (DIR-882-US)

A Blazing-Fast Wi-Fi Router

Good data transfer speed, numerous features and affordable price are the most noticeable characteristics of D-Link Exo AC2600 MU-Mimo (DIR-882-US) Router, a device that can be successfully used for both gaming purposes and 4K streaming.

This router is equipped with numerous features such as MU MIMO, Smartbeam and Beamforming. Also, it is fitted with D-Link’s QoS Engine that allows for device prioritization and deciding which device can use the largest part of the bandwidth.

D-Link Exo has a dual-core 880MHz CPU, 128MB of flash and 512MB of RAM, which is more than enough for super-fast performance and combined data transfer speed of 2600Mbps (800Mbps in 2.4GHz range and 1733Mbps in 5GHz one). This router supports 4×4 data streams and offers solid connectivity that involves one USB2.0 and one USB3.0 port, as well as four Gigabit LAN ports and one WAN Gigabit port.

Overall, D-Link Exo is a device that perfectly fits into any home and delivers both decent coverage and excellent performance. In other words, if you are looking for the best affordable router, with excellent streaming capabilities, D-Link Exo should be your first choice.

Linksys WRT3200ACM Router

A Router Designed for Professionals

If you are a professional and searching for the best wireless router for streaming that supports open-source firmware, Linksys WRT3200ACM MU-MIMO Gigabit Wi-Fi Router is the product for you.

With this router, you will get solid coverage, extremely fast combined data transfer speed of 3.2Gbps (600Mbps in 2.4GHz and 1300Mbps in each of the 5GHz bands), Windows and Mac compatibility, and plenty of features.

Although officially Linksys WRT3200ACM is a dual-band router equipped with a special Tri-Stream 160 technology that doubles the bandwidth of the 5GHz band, the fact is that it is actually a tri-band one. It comes with one band in 2.4GHz frequency and two bands in 5GHz one, which is the characteristic of tri-band routers in general.

Linksys WRT3200ACM is supplied with 1.8GHz dual-core CPU, 512MB RAM and 256MB flash and in general offers an exceptional lag-free performance suitable for both professional and home use. It is very flexible; it offers full open-source firmware support and great connectivity that includes four Gigabit LAN ports, one Gigabit WAN port, one USB3.0 port and one USB2.0/eSATA port.

All in all, if you are after a reliable solution for your streaming needs, Linksys WRT3200ACM is the router to choose.

TP-Link AX6000 (Archer AX6000)

A High-Performing Gaming Router

TP-Link AX6000 (Archer AX6000) is a fair-priced gaming router that offers plenty of features and, excellent performance that positions it among the best streaming routers available on the market.

To begin with, this device comes packed with features, such as Beamforming, AX MU-MIMO, 1024 QAM, as well as OFDMA, 160MHz Channel Support, and many more. More importantly, this router supports 5952Mbps data transfer speeds (4804Mbps in 5GHz band and 1148Mbps in 2.4GHz band) and offers a nice set of security options included in the TP-Link HomeCare feature that involves antivirus protection, Parental Controls, QoS, and others.

When talking about connectivity options, you should know that this device has one 2.5Gbps WAN port, eight Gigabit LAN ports, as well as one USB3.0 Type-A port and one USB3.0 Type C port, which should be more than enough even for the high demanding users.

TP-Link AX6000 (Archer AX6000) is run by Broadcom’s BCM43684 Wi-Fi chipset, it offers ease of use and other than the Wi-Fi 6 compatibility, it is also able to work with Amazon Alexa, which ultimately makes it a pretty well-packed device and a router that would certainly be beneficial to most users.

eero Pro mesh WiFi system

A Practical Wi-Fi Streaming Solution for Wide Area Coverage

A fast performance followed by an unlimited list of features isn’t always the first thing people expect from their routers. Sometimes it is the reliability of its connection, and more importantly, a large area of signal coverage.

One of such devices that allows you to have a reliable network in a large space or, to be precise, at up to area of 450 square meters, is eero Pro mesh WiFi system. The system consists of three eero Pro devices that can individually cover up to 150 square meters and together, the already mentioned impressive 450 square meters.

This system offers 2×2 MU MIMO, Beamforming and VPN functionality and networking in three bands 2.4GHz, 5.2GHz and 5.8GHz range.

Each of the eero Pro devices is fitted with 700MHz quad-core CPU, 4GB of flash memory and 512MB of RAM. Moreover, they are equipped with two Gigabit Ethernet ports that can be used as either LAN or WAN ports and one USB Type-C connection.

eero Pro mesh devices are compatible with iOS and Android systems and come with a one-year warranty. The devices themselves are very practical and can be used as Wi-Fi extender, routers, or signal booster.

Altogether, if you are looking for the best long-range Wi-Fi router, eero Pro mesh WiFi system should without a doubt be among your top picks.

Conclusion

Whether you are a professional or you are just thinking of trying streaming, we are sure that there is a device in our list that can fulfill your needs. So, read it again carefully, consider your needs in general, and get going! Good luck!

For that reason, it is very important that you do everything that is in your power to provide quality coverage while you are in a hotel or some other accommodation, and a perfect way to manage that is by acquiring the best travel router that will make everything possible.

Of course, such purchase demands certain knowledge of the matter, which may present a problem for many people. However, this is not rocket science. Therefore, it can be easily managed with a few instructions presented in this guide.

Top Picks

No products found.

How to choose the best travel router

As mentioned, finding the best travel router shouldn’t be a hard task. Nevertheless, it requires involvement and paying attention to certain details, such as:

Size

One of the most important characteristics of any travel router is without a doubt its size. Since this type of device is dedicated to constant allocation, it is very important that they have the smallest possible dimensions and as a result provide easy portability.

For that reason, try to find the best possible ratio of size and performance in order to get the most functionality possible, without losing its practicality.

Versatility

Since travel router is a device that should be a constant part of your luggage, it is highly important not only to be as small as possible, but also very versatile, with as many functions as possible, and that way you can save you space and money.

In other words, choose the router with as many different functions possible, including Wi-Fi extender functionality, charging function, bridge and access point functionality, etc.

Connectivity

Although connectivity isn’t an essential part of router functionality, it still plays a major role considering its overall usability. You can live without USB connection or SD card reader, for example; however, the existence of such features adds to the overall functionality of your router and allows you to use it for storage purposes and 3G/4G modem connectivity as well.

Therefore, choose a router with as many connection options possible and get yourself the highest level of functionality you can.

Best Travel Routers

TP-Link TL-WR902AC

Simplicity and Practicality in One

TP-Link TL-WR902AC is a simple, solid-performing router that is a perfect companion for travels and general portable usage because of its compact size.

It can be used in numerous roles: as a range extender, an access point, a router, as a hotspot or in client mode. In other words, great versatility is guaranteed with this little dude.

TP-Link TL-WR902AC is a dual-band AC750 router that supports the speed of up to 433Mbps in 5GHz range and up to 300Mbps in 2.4GHz range. Also, it provides one 10/100Mbps Ethernet port that can be used as LAN or WAN port, as well as one USB2.0 port that allows you to connect a USB 4G or 3G modem, or an external HDD that you can use as a NAS.

This router is made out of shiny white plastic and comes with a two-year warranty. More importantly, it is very practical and easy to use and overall it presents a decent performing, well-balanced offering, as you would expect from one of the best wireless travel routers.

RAVPower RP-WD009

A Great All-in-One Device

If you are looking for a decent-performing router, with an excellent multi-functionality and superb portability, RAVPower RP-WD009 is the device for you.

No, you won’t experience the top-class performance as with premium quality routers. However, you will get plenty of value for the price and an overall helpful comrade on your travels that you can use as a router, a charging device, a media server and even as a backup device.

RAVPower RP-WD009 comes with a single Ethernet port, one USB Type-C connector and an SD card reader, a combination of ports that allows you to store your SD card files to an external HDD with decent 12-18MBps speeds without your computer.

RAVPower RP-WD009 allows for Wi-Fi speeds of up to 300Mbps in 2.4GHz range and 433Mbps in 5GHz range and in general, delivers everything you would expect from the best travel router; however, it has a few drawbacks, such as the lack of VPN support and not the best quality App.

All in all, this is a good quality router, with great versatility and altogether solid performance that would make you more than satisfied.

GL.iNet GL-AR750S Router

A Feature-Rich Router Perfect for Any Occasion

When talking about the best travel routers, a compact size and a ton of features are usually a winning combination, and GL.iNet GL-AR750S-Ext Gigabit Travel AC Router is a proof of that.

This wireless router comes with OpenVPN and provides compatibility with more than 25 VPN providers. Also, it has a pre-installed OpenWrt/LEDE that allows for its easy programming and is equipped with three Ethernet ports, a third of which can be used as either a LAN or WAN port.

GL.iNet GL-AR750S is lightweight, it has a one-year warranty and more importantly, it is super-easy to use. It supports for data transfer speeds of up to 300Mbps in 2.4GHz range and 433Mbps in 5GHz range and is fitted with an SD card reader and a USB 2.0 port suitable for 3G and 4G modem sticks.

This device can be used as an access point, router, Wi-Fi extender or WDS, and in general presents a great mixture of performance, features and small size, which makes it perfect for travels and users that are constantly on the go and are looking for more than just a basic router.

HooToo HT-TM05 N Wireless Router

More than Just a Router

HooToo Filehub HT-TM05 N Wireless Travel Router is a device that will satisfy your every Wi-Fi need, whether you are on the move or located in a hotel.

This is a device that can be successfully used in AP mode, as a bridge or a standard router. It is equipped with a 10400mAh battery that allows you to charge your mobile devices with up to 2A of power and both SD card reader and USB2.0 port that can be used for backup purposes, as well as 3G and 4G connectivity (USB port).

HooToo Filehub HT-TM05 is a single band N300 router, with a maximum data transfer speed of around 300Mbps in 2.4GHz range, which isn’t much, but is more than enough for most users. Its range is pretty decent and allows for solid coverage of a small flat, while its compact size makes it extremely portable.

This device is easy to use and comes in black/red color combination that makes it very appealing, and overall delivers solid value for the money. However, it could be a little bit cheaper, especially considering its problematic software and lack of charging consistency.

All in all, if you want a small size, good quality router, HooToo Filehub HT-TM05 is definitely among the best travel router options out there, regardless of its imperfection and a few downsides here and there.

GL.iNET GL-MT300N-V2 Router

A Lot of Value for a Small Price

Finding a super-cheap router that will serve you well and provide enough resources for you to enjoy every benefit of modern-day Wi-Fi networking, is no easy task. However, such devices do exist, and GL.iNET GL-MT300N-V2 Mini Travel Router is the prime example of that.

GL.iNET GL-MT300N-V2 is compact, lightweight and easy to use. It comes with pre-installed OpenVPN and decent connectivity that includes two Ethernet ports (one LAN and one WAN port) and one USB2.0 connection that allows for 3G/4G modem usage.

This is a single-band router that supports data transfer speed of up to 300Mbps in 2.4GHz range and provides a modest, but good enough overall performance.

GL.iNET GL-MT300N-V2 comes in an attractive yellow color and provides a fairly limited one-year warranty. It is highly practical, portable and offers a great value for the money. In other words, if you want the best travel router for hotels at a cheap price, GL.iNET GL-MT300N-V2 is the device to look for.

NETGEAR Nighthawk M1

Best LTE Modem For Streaming

The NETGEAR Nighthawk M1 is a very popular mobile hotspot travel router that comes with impressive specs and a hefty price tag. Retailing for north of $200, the Nighthawk M1 Mobile is aimed at people on the go looking for reliable connectivity, and it comes from a company that’s been in the computer networking business for almost 25 years.

Starting with the design, the Nighthawk M1 Mobile looks slick and will feel at home in any gamer’s setup, though it’s a bit bulkier compared to its competitors. However, you’ll get a lot of cool features and an impressive 5,040mAh battery for up to 24 hours of autonomous usage.

Speaking of features, the Nighthawk M1 allows for up to 20 devices to connect simultaneously, has up to 1 GB speed and accepts all SIM cards, which makes it ideal for media streaming and data sharing. Connectivity is also impressive, as the router comes with USB A port, USB C port, and an ethernet port.

Setup is a walk in the park, and if you live in a rural area where high-speed internet is not an option, this baby will definitely save your life. Bottom line, if you’re searching for the best travel router to use with a cellular connection, the Nighthawk M1 is worth every penny.

Conclusion

Are you ready for your next traveling adventure? After reading this guide and getting yourself that travel router, you definitely will be. We hope you’ll enjoy it and, more importantly, we hope you’ll be able to access everything you need through the router of your choice. Have a safe trip!

Nevertheless, a little bit of guidance, combined with our advice, should make everything much easier and help you find the best fit.

Top Picks

Preview	Product
	ASUS PCE-AC88 Dual-Band 4x4 AC3100 WiFi PCIe adapter with Heat Sink and External magnetic antenna...	Check at Amazon
	TP-Link WiFi 6 AX3000 PCIe WiFi Card for PC with Heat Sink (Archer TX50E), Bluetooth 5.0, 802.11AX...	Check at Amazon
	Gigabyte GC-WB867D-I REV 4.2/Wireless AC/B/G/N Band Dual Frequency 2.4Ghz/5.8Ghz Expansion Card,blue	Check at Amazon
	FENVi AX3000 WiFi 6 PCIe BT5.3 Card AX200NGW PCI-E WiFi Adapter Wi-Fi 6 802.11ax Card Internet...	Check at Amazon
	ASUS PCE-AC56 Dual-Band 2x2 AC1300 WiFi PCIe adapter	Check at Amazon
	Rosewill RNX-AC1900PCEv2, Dual Band Wireless AC1900 Wi-Fi Adapter for Desktop, Up to 1300 Mbps (5.0...	Check at Amazon
	FebSmart Wireless AC 1200Mbps Dual Band PCIE WiFi Card with WiFi Stereo Adapter for Windows XP, 7,...	Check at Amazon
	TP-Link AC1200 PCIe WiFi Card for PC (Archer T5E) - Bluetooth 4.2, Dual Band Wireless Network Card...	Check at Amazon

Last update on 2025-03-28 // The links above are affiliate // Images from Amazon

How to Choose the Best PCIe Wi-Fi Card

When talking about Wi-Fi cards, there are a few distinctive characteristics you should pay your attention to and they include:

Data transfer speed and bandwidth

The most important aspects of any Wi-Fi card are its supported data transfer speed and bandwidth. Some cards support mediocre speeds of around 300Mbps in only 2.4GHz band, while others support for both 2100Mbps in 5GHz band and 1000Mbps on 2.4GHz band, or in total 3100Mbps.

Of course, for the majority of users, dual-band card with a combined speed of up to 1300Mbps is more than enough, while 3000Mbps rate is an overkill unless you are a die-hard gamer or streamer.

Number of Antennas

Although it might seem unimportant, the number of antennas is actually pretty important for the proper signal reception. More antennas provide better wireless connection because they can be positioned in more directions, and as a result, offer better signal coverage.

Cooling

The last thing you need with your PC or any of its components is that it heats up too much. Therefore, be sure that the Wi-Fi cards heatsink provides good heat management before the purchase.

Supported OS

Fact is that the majority of Wi-Fi cards support multiple operating systems. Nevertheless, they never support every version of a certain OS. For instance, maybe they do support Windows 7 and 10, but not the Vista or XP.

For that reason, do your homework and don’t end up with a card that just can’t work in your ecosystem.

Best Wi-Fi Cards

ASUS PCE-AC88 AC3100

One of the Fastest Wi-Fi Cards Available

If you are looking for the super-fast Wi-Fi card, with amazing reception, ASUS PCE-AC88 AC3100 is the card for you. Although it is expensive, its excellent 2100Mbps speed in 5GHz band and 1000Mbps on 2.4GHz band surpasses all the competition. In other words, you are not only getting the best performance possible, but also a future-proof product, which partially explains its high price tag.

ASUS PCE-AC88 AC3100 comes with a one-year warranty, it supports Windows 7 and 10 (unfortunately, only their 64-bit versions) and more importantly, it is equipped with a custom heatsink that proves to be very efficient in heat dissipation.

Along with that, this card is fitted with four R-SMA antennas that have a magnetic base, which allows for their high-flexibility, and MU-MIMO functionality, which supports for up to four high bandwidth connections.

Overall, if you want the best PCIe Wi-Fi card available, ASUS PCE-AC88 AC3100 should undoubtedly be your first option.

TP-Link Archer TX50E

A Solid Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Card in One

TP-Link Archer TX50E is a Wi-Fi6/Bluetooth5.0 card that is easy to use, and it offers great performance and plenty of features, which overall makes it a solid option for any desktop user lacking wireless connectivity.

This card is affordable and packed with the latest technologies such as OFDMA and MU-MIMO (responsible for lag reduction), new WPA3 security protocol, and support for modulation technologies, including DBPSK, DQPSK, QAM, and so on. Moreover, this device is CE, FCC, and RoHS-certified and has very responsive performance, suitable for real-time gaming.

When talking about performance, Archer TX50E delivers a highly reliable transmission due to two high-gain 5dBi Antennas, and it supports pretty solid data transfer speeds that can reach 2402Mbps in 5GHz band, and 574Mbps in 2.4GHz band, which is more than respectable for today’s standards.

TP-Link Archer TX50E comes in a package with both standard and low-profile brackets and allows for easy installation that altogether makes it suitable for a wide variety of users.

In other words, if you are after the best Wi-Fi card in the affordable segment, TP-Link Archer TX50E should be among your top picks.

Gigabyte GC-WB867D-I

A Good Performance and Practicality in One

If you are in a pursuit for a Wi-Fi PCIe card that will deliver both decent speeds and lag-free performance, which will allow for a good gaming experience, Gigabyte GC-WB867D-I should be high on your list.

This card comes fitted with two detachable antennas, that are attached by a cable that allows for their easier positioning, while the base of the antennas is made from a magnet and therefore, provides quick mounting.

Gigabyte GC-WB867D-I is a dual-band card with speeds of up to 875Mbps in 5GHz range and of up to 433Mbps in 2.4GHz range, which is more than enough for a trouble-free gaming or movie watching. Moreover, this card comes with Bluetooth 4.2 connection that allows for its easy pairing with the compatible devices. However, its usage demands for a USB connection between the card and the motherboard, which might be a problem for many.

Nevertheless, its long-range reception provides an opportunity for usage in various spaces and locations, while its solid performance undoubtedly makes it one of the best Wi-Fi cards on the market and an overall great purchase for a whole range of users.

Fenvi PCIe Wi-Fi Card AX200

A Super-fast Wi-Fi PCIe Card, Ideal for Gaming Fans

Fenvi PCIe Wi-Fi Card AX200 is a one-of-a-kind device, which offers amazingly fast speeds and allows for a trouble-free gaming spectacle in the comfort of your home. This is, without a doubt, one of the best Wi-Fi cards for gaming. It offers latency-free performance, with staggering speeds of up to 2400Mbps in 5GHz range and a bit more modest 574Mbps speeds in 2.4GHz range. In other words, everything you need is to connect it to a gaming router and the fun can begin.

However, although it offers great speeds, they are not always consistent, especially in the case of large downloads, which can present an issue for many. Nevertheless, these speed dropdowns are not regular and don’t drastically affect the overall performance, however, they do exist and should be acknowledged.

This card offers great compatibility and support for Chrome OS, Linux and Windows (even XP) and is equipped with Bluetooth 5.0 that allows for its easy connecting with the compatible devices, such as headsets, keyboards, or mobile devices. Also, it supports MU-MIMO technology and Beamforming, while, thanks to the OFDM modulation, it provides lag-free performance, as mentioned earlier.

Fenvi PCIe Wi-Fi Card AX200 comes with a one-year warranty, it is equipped with two detachable cable antennas and overall presents one of the best Wi-Fi cards available. This card isn’t perfect; however, if you are willing to accept its drawbacks, you can be sure it will repay you on a large scale.

ASUS PCE-AC56 PCI Wireless Express Adapter

A Decent-Performing Wi-Fi Card for Users Who Respect Great Reliability

ASUS PCE-AC56 PCI Wireless Express Adapter is a card that offers decent performance, but more importantly, a highly reliable one, which put it at top of the class in that department. This card offers dual-band operations and supports speeds of up to 876Mbps in 5GHz range and 400Mbps in 2.4GHz range. Also, it supports various modulation technologies such as OFDM, CCK, DQPSK, DBPSK, 64 QAM and 16 QAM that drastically improve its performance and allow for data transfer prioritization.

Thanks to its external antenna, discovering the perfect position where you can reach the strongest signal is easy and simple, which in a combination with its long-range reception makes it ideal for large spaces.

ASUS PCE-AC56 PCI Wireless Express Adapter allows for easy installation and is compatible with Windows (even XP), but unfortunately, it doesn’t support Linux. It is equipped with a quality heatsink that provides good heat management and overall represents a good wireless solution, with numerous features.

In other words, if you are into a reliable connection and decent FPS rates, ASUS PCE-AC56 is a great deal and among the best PCIe Wi-Fi cards available.

Rosewill RNX-AC1900PCEv2

A Very Fast Wi-Fi Card, Ideal for Highly Demanding Gamers and Streamers

If you are into fast-performing Wi-Fi cards but are not willing to spend a small fortune on one of them, the perfect solution for you is Rosewill RNX-AC1900PCEv2. This is a card that offers a reasonable price, solid reception range, and more importantly, great speeds (1300Mbps on 5GHz range and 600Mbps in 2.4GHz range), which makes it perfect for gaming or HD video streaming.

The device itself is fitted with four detachable, omnidirectional antennas that are responsible for its solid performance, while its good compatibility makes it highly suitable for any sort of Windows-based system. However, be aware that on Windows 10, there might be issues with the driver that can crash with larger operating system updates and can’t be fixed without a driver update, which on the other hand you might wait on for some time, because of the not-that-prompt Rosewill software department.

In other words, if you own a PC with a Windows 7, 8, or even XP, this card is a great deal, but if you are among the Windows 10 users, better skip this one and go for something else.

FebSmart (FS-AC85BT)

A Great Deal for the Money

FebSmart (FS-AC85BT) is a device that, before anything else, offers a great value for the user. It has dual-band Wi-Fi that supports speeds of 876Mbps in 5GHz range and 300Mbps in 2.4GHz range, supports Linux, Windows 7, 8 and 10 and offers numerous features for enhanced performance such as Beamforming, 2X2 MU-MIMO, etc.

Along with that, it is equipped with Bluetooth 4.1 for easy pairing with compatible devices and custom heatsink, which does a great job of keeping the card cool.

The adapter itself is easy to install and generally represents a good option for multiple uses, such as internet surfing or audio transmission, but also more complex tasks such as online gaming or 4K streaming.

All in all, although its performance won’t amaze anyone, FebSmart (FS-AC85BT)’s affordability in combination with great features and compatibility make it one of the best Wi-Fi cards for PC and overall great value for the money.

TP-Link Archer T5E

A Solid Performing and Easy-to-Use Wi-Fi Card

If you are looking to upgrade your desktop connectivity and you want a decent Wi-Fi5 card that will also make the Bluetooth feature a part of your world, TP-Link Archer T5E is without a doubt the thing for you.

Fact is that this device won’t get you super-fast speeds; however, will get a solid value that should reach speeds of 867Mbps in the 5GHz band, and 300Mbps in 2.4GHz band, which should be more than enough even for 4K content.

When talking about other aspects of this card, you should know that it is only compatible with Windows machines and that it brings ease of installation and use, which makes it a good option for a wide group of users. Thanks to its two external high-gain antennas, it has a strong and reliable signal and, along with the rest of the features, such as the WPA/WPA2 encryption, it makes a solid overall solution for everyone seeking a good, but not too complicated or expensive card that will, on the other hand, do more than a fine job.

Conclusion

If you have decided to make your life better by using a PCIe Wi-Fi card, this guide should be enough for you to start searching for the right one. We are sure that you can find your new companion on this list, so just keep your needs in mind and you can’t go wrong! Happy shopping!

However, don’t despair! With a little bit of involvement, you will find the best wireless access point in no time. You will only have to listen to a bit of advice, follow the guidelines and before you know it, you will be setting up your new hardware in your garage or office.

Top Picks

No products found.

How to Choose the Best Wireless Access Point

There are no easy choices when you are not familiar with the matter, but that’s why this guide is made in the first place: to introduce you to the subject and help you find the best wireless access point that will perfectly suit your requirements and budget.

Speaking of the important aspects of the access point, they include the following:

Speed

When it comes to the network equipment, one of the most important characteristics is definitely the supported speed – and access points are no exception. Higher speed undoubtedly leads to better performance. Therefore, always go for the highest possible values.

Features

In the case of Access Points, features can make a significant difference between two devices. For that reason, pay attention to them and make sure that the desired device has a required band or bands, or that it supports MIMO, PoE or any other function that may prove important during use.

Security

Security is always an important aspect and there are never enough of these features. Don’t become a victim and end up with your data stolen, which is rather common these days. Protect yourself and your business, and get the device with the best protection possible.

7 Best Wireless Access Points

Ubiquiti UniFi AP AC PRO

An Affordable and Great-Performing Access Point Intended for Professional Use

If you are into quality access points that offer great performance and a variety of options dedicated to professional use, Ubiquiti UniFi AP AC PRO might be your ideal choice.

This affordable AP comes equipped with a Qualcomm Atheros QCA9563 chipset (750MHz clock speed), with MIPS32 74K processor and Qualcomm Atheros AR8337 switch chip. Moreover, it is fitted with 16 MB of flash memory and 128MB of RAM and is designed for both inside and outside use.

Ubiquiti UniFi AP AC PRO uses it Qualcomm Atheros QCA9563 chipset for a 2.4GHz transmission and Qualcomm Atheros QCA9880 for 5GHz wireless and can achieve speeds of up to 450Mbps in 2.4GHz band and 1300Mbps on 5GHz band, which is one of the best performances in the class.

Also, it is supplied with two Ethernet ports, Primary for connecting to switch, router or PoE and Secondary dedicated for bridging, and has a one USB port for connection to the PA system.

This AP is run by a universal Ubiquiti UniFi family controller, which allows for centralized control of every device of the family and makes the whole setup much easier. However, if you are not a technician, prepare yourself for a lot of trouble and a non-user-friendly interface, which is, along with its tendency to heat up too much, probably the weakest point of this otherwise great device.

Nevertheless, if you are searching for a good combination of features and price and want one of the best Wi-Fi access points available, this is the device for you.

TP-Link EAP245 V3

High Efficiency and Low Price in One

TP-Link EAP245 V3 is one of those devices that don’t offer the best possible build quality, but on the other hand, offer a ton of features and a great combination of hardware, at an affordable price.

Its hardware set has a lot of similarities to Ubiquiti UniFi AP AC PRO and has the same Qualcomm Atheros QCA9563 chipset that is clocked at 750MHz and responsible for its 2.4GHz radio. Furthermore, this AP uses Qualcomm Atheros QCA9982 chip for its 5GHz band and has a very impressive 128MB of RAM, which altogether results in a maximum speed of 450Mbps in 2.4GHz band and 1750Mbps on 5GHz one.

From the more advanced features that would certainly make your life much easier, TP-Link EAP245 V3 offers MU-MIMO function, Beamforming, Band Steering and Airtime Fairness, features which are nowhere to be found among the main rivals.

Considering performance, this access point has better speeds than the previously mentioned UniFi AP AC PRO and offers great heat management, although its design is pretty thick.

TP-Link EAP245 V3 supports Power over Ethernet and has two Gigabit Ethernet ports. Also, it offers various network options and is equipped with Omada Cloud Controller OC200, as well as Omada Software Controller, which, similar to its dedicated app, allows for its full management.

Altogether, this is a great device and one of the best wireless access points for the home you can find on the market right now.

NETGEAR Insight WAC540

A Blazing-Fast Performer in a Modest Package

Finding the best wireless access point for business may be a tricky task, but luckily, there are devices such as NETGEAR Insight WAC540, that combine fast performance, durability and high client density capability in one, which makes them a perfect choice for business deployment.

NETGEAR Insight WAC540 comes with a PoE and LAG (Link Aggregation Groups) support and, more importantly, Tri-band Wi-Fi, which achieves a combined data transfer rate of around 3GBps (400Mbps in 2.4GHz band, 867Mbps in 5GHz low-band and 867Mbps in 5GHz high-band).

Also, it is equipped with many advanced features that are expected from a business-oriented device, such as Beamforming, 4×4 MU-MIMO and self-managing band-steering.

Moreover, this access point is equipped with two Gigabit Ethernet ports, has a very impressive five-year warranty, and more importantly supports for hundreds of Wi-Fi client devices, which makes it perfect for use in schools, hotels and generally crowded spaces.

Although it isn’t perfect and offers fewer features than its main rivals from Zyxel and Ubiquiti, this is still one of the best access points available and overall a great value for the user.

MikroTik cAP (RBcAPGi-5acD2nD-US)

A Solid Wireless Access Point

MikroTik cAP (RBcAPGi-5acD2nD-US) is a decent-quality wireless access point that comes with a variety of handy features and provides a good performance that rightfully positions it among the best wireless access points.

This is a reliable, dual-band device that is compliant with multiple certifications, such as CE, FCC, IC, EAC, and ROHS, and most of all, it provides decent performance that is presented in 867Mbps data transfer speeds in 5GHz and 300Mbps data transfer speeds in 2.4GHz band.

MikroTik cAP (RBcAPGi-5acD2nD-US) provides a maximum power consumption of 24W and is fitted with two Gigabit LAN ports, one of which comes with a handy PoE function. Inside of it, there is a quad-core IPQ-4018 CPU, 128 MB of RAM, and 16MB of storage, which isn’t impressive; however, is good enough for a good performance.

In other words, if you are after a device with an excellent value for the money, that will fulfill your every need and more, MikroTik cAP (RBcAPGi-5acD2nD-US) is the optimal choice.

NETGEAR Wireless Access Point (WAX610PA)

An Ideal Wireless Access Point

NETGEAR Wireless Access Point (WAX610PA) isn’t the cheapest access point available on the market; however, it is definitely among the best ones.

This access point is awesome largely because it offers everything most users might need. There are the PoE+ and Netgear Insight support; it is fully mountable and comes with multiple 2.5G Ethernet ports. To make things even better, there are also MU-MIMO and Beamforming features, Band steering, WPA3 security, and much more.

NETGEAR Wireless Access Point (WAX610PA) is easy to set up and comes with a Wi-Fi 6 certification, but most importantly, it delivers an excellent data transfer speed of 1200Mbps in a 5GHz band and 600Mbps in 2.4GHz band that should be more than enough even for demanding users.

When everything is said and done, NETGEAR Wireless Access Point (WAX610PA) is certainly at the sheer top of the best wireless access points and a device that will find its place in many offices, along with the best wireless routers, even though its price tag is a bit higher.

Linksys Business LAPAC1750C

A Feature-Packed Access Point Dedicated to Professionals and Heavy Users

Linksys has been a synonym for a good performance and quality products for a long time, and its Business LAPAC1750C access point is no exception to that rule. It offers a nice set of features that, among others, include 3×3 MU-MIMO function, band steering and PoE compatibility. Also, it is equipped with security features such as MAC address filtering and Access Control List that will secure your network from trespassers.

Linksys Business LAPAC1750C shares the same hardware as its predecessor (LAPAC1750) and has a Qualcomm Atheros QCA9558-AT4A FK833N95 chipset, accompanied with 128MB of RAM and 16MB of flash and two Ethernet Switch Qualcomm Atheros chips (AR8035-A NJ828002 and QCA9558). Likewise, this AP uses its Atheros chipset for a 2.4GHz transmission and Qualcomm Atheros QCA9880 for a 5GHz one and can achieve data transfer rates of 450Mbps in 2.4Ghz and 1750Mbps in 5GHz band.

Moreover, this AP supports up to eight SSIDs, which is too many for the most users and offers five years of free Linksys Cloud Manager use, for an easier Access Point management. Along with that, Linksys Business LAPAC1750C is easy to use, and more importantly, it comes with a lifetime warranty, which furthermore adds to its overall value.

All in all, the best wireless access point for business use is in front of you.

EnGenius Technologies EAP1300

A Perfect Value for the Money

Reliable devices, with a fair price and good set of features, have always been welcomed by users, and EnGenius Technologies EAP1300 is one of them. Although it isn’t cheap, its price properly corresponds with its performance and features, which include MU-MIMO functionality, Beamforming and Fast Roaming. Also, there are numerous security features such as MAC address filtering, email alerts and Pre-Authentication.

Inside EnGenius Technologies EAP1300, there is a Qualcomm quad-core ARM Cortex A7 CPU with 717MHz that guarantees for smooth performance, along with two integrated 5dBi antennas that secure its wireless reliability. This AP transmits in two bands, 2.4GHz one with maximum data transfer rate of 400Mbps, and 5GHz range with maximum data transfer rate of 867. These two, thanks to MU-MIMO function, make a combined speed of around 1267Mbps.

In addition to that, this device is PoE compliant, allows for creation of up to eight independent SSDIs and offers a great overall reach. EnGenius ezMaster Software is responsible for its management. It offers an intuitive and easy to use interface, that allows for great flexibility and simple monitoring.

EnGenius Technologies EAP1300 is, in general, a good value device that offers the proper amount of features and capabilities for the price, and overall presents one of the best wireless access points that money can buy. In other words, it is a great device for the price.

Conclusion

Are you ready to put up a new Access Point in your home or office? Well, you are now! Use our instructions, advice, and suggestions, and you surely won’t make a mistake. Enjoy a fast connection and don’t worry about security, and remember not to buy something just because it is expensive – it is much more important that it fits your needs!

Well, unlike regular wireless routers for “normies”, long-range Wi-Fi routers are specifically designed to mitigate the issues of significant signal loss and/or dead spots in one’s home, especially if we’re talking about 2k-3k (or more) square foot homes. If you live in a big house like that and you want to get all your bases covered so to speak, i.e. to benefit from good internet coverage and reliable connectivity for your devices in all “corners”, you’ll definitely require a long-range Wi-Fi router.

But don’t worry, as we’ve already done the research and listed the best offers, so you won’t have to waste your time.

Top Picks

Preview	Product
	TP-Link AC4000 Smart WiFi Router - Tri Band Router , MU-MIMO, VPN Server, Antivirus/Parental...	Check at Amazon
	ASUS RT-AX3000 Ultra-Fast Dual Band Gigabit Wireless Router - Next Gen WiFi 6, Adaptive QoS, and...	Check at Amazon
	ASUS ROG Rapture WiFi 6 Wireless Gaming Router (GT-AX11000) - Tri-Band 10 Gigabit, 1.8GHz Quad-Core...	Check at Amazon
	NETGEAR Nighthawk Pro Gaming XR300 WiFi Router with 4 Ethernet Ports and Wireless speeds up to 1.75...	Check at Amazon
	TP-Link AX6600 Tri-Band WiFi 6 Router (Archer AX90), 8-Stream Gigabit Router, VPN Router, MU-MIMO,...	Check at Amazon
	NETGEAR Nighthawk WiFi 6 Router (RAX120) 12-Stream Dual-Band Gigabit Router, AX6000 Wireless Speed...	Check at Amazon
	TP-Link AC5400 Tri Band WiFi Gaming Router(Archer C5400X) – MU-MIMO Wireless Router, 1.8GHz...	Check at Amazon
	ASUS AX6000 Dual Band WiFi 6 Gaming Router, 8 Ports, Lifetime Security, Adaptive QoS	Check at Amazon
	NETGEAR Orbi Whole Home Tri-band Mesh WiFi 6 System (RBK752) – Router with 1 Satellite Extender |...	Check at Amazon

Last update on 2025-03-30 // The links above are affiliate // Images from Amazon

How to Choose the Best Long-range Router

When it comes to picking the best long-range Wi-Fi router, there are a few things to consider; to make it really easy for you, think along the lines of choosing the best gaming router (yes, we have an article on that too) and add a long range into the mix. Basically, if you feel that your old router cannot get the job done anymore, i.e. to provide you with a stable and strong internet connection when you’re gaming online, streaming video or just browsing from your basement, it’s definitely upgrade time.

A proper long-range Wi-Fi router has a number of special features, which differentiate it from that cheap stuff your ISP rents you. The latter is designed to provide a strong wireless signal to a single room, if that, and once the radio signal hits a wall (especially a concrete wall), the strength plummets like the home-market did back in 2008. Even if you can still browse the web or chat with your buddies, you’ll most probably experience connection drops and all that jazz.

A long-range Wi-Fi router is designed to prevent this from happening, and some of the best in the business are perfectly capable of covering areas of up to 5k square ft. To make a long story short, when you’re shopping for a long-range router, you must check out its coverage area, then see if it fits your desired location, whether it’s your home or a business/office or whatever.

Another thing to look after in premium long range router is beamforming technology and multiple antennas, which allow for the Wi-Fi signal to be focused on areas that need it the most. Moreover, you must check out what frequencies it broadcasts on, look for interference issues while you’re at it, watch out for dual-band/tri-band connectivity, and finally MIMO/MU-MIMO technology, which is nice to have, especially if you want to play lag-free or to stream HD media in a multi-user environment.

Finally, there’s a nice piece of free software out there, NetSpot respectively, an application of sorts that allows you to make comprehensive wireless network assessments, as well as scanning and even surveys. Basically, by using NetSpot you’ll be able to visualize areas of signal weakness in your home/place of business, and the exact Wi-Fi coverage of a given router; in this way, you can get the general idea about what type of long-range Wi-Fi router you’re looking for.

PS: don’t worry; you don’t have to be a tech geek or an IT professional to use NetSpot. And now, with all these things in mind, let’s check out the best long-range Wi-Fi routers, in no particular order.

9 Best Long-Range Routers

TP-Link AC4000 Smart Wi-Fi Router

Long Bow and Smart

We’ll begin today’s show with the TP-Link AC4000, which makes for highly advanced long range smart router, powered by a 1.8 GHz CPU. Besides its high-end 1.8 GHz quad-core 64 Bit processor, the AC 4000 ticks all the important boxes we’ve already told you in the preamble of today’s piece, including tri-band performance, MU-MIMO technology, explosive fast speeds over Wi-Fi due to 1024-QAM technology, 512 MB of RAM and, on top of that, 3 additional co-processors to help with delivering smooth performance for HD streaming, online gaming and mobile devices.

However, since today’s topic is long range performance, rest assured as the TP-Link AC4000 is designed to provide strong Wi-Fi signal from your basement to the bedroom to the backyard and all that jazz, via Range Boost and Beamforming technologies. Moreover, if you’re the “security concerned” type of person, this smart router comes with parental controls, to restrict both content and the amount of time your kids spend online, and even a built-in antivirus solution.

ASUS RT-AX3000

A Basic-Looking, yet Highly Capable Wi-Fi Router

ASUS RT-AX3000 is an easy-to-use Wi-Fi 6 router that presents the sheer top of the wireless router offerings and ultimately a perfect choice for small or mid-sized homes, due to its fair price, long list of features, and foremost, great performance.

With this router, you are getting all the latest technologies, such as OFDMA, MU-MIMO, Beamforming, and AiMesh, but in the first place, excellent performance and total data transfer speed of 3000Mbps (575Mbps in 2.4GHz band and 2402GHz in 5GHz band), which is rather impressive.

ASUS RT-AX3000 is capable of covering an area of up to 3000 square feet and it can simultaneously connect up to 30 devices. It is fair-priced, comes with a three-year warranty, and offers multiple handy features, such as AiProtection Pro that will give you malware protection, or ASUS Router App that allows for its setup through the cloud, with both Android and iOS-based devices.

This router is run by the Broadcom BCM6750 1.5Ghz Triple-Core CPU and 512MB of RAM, which isn’t much, but it does the work and comes with multiple connection options that involve one Gigabit WAN port, four Gigabit LAN ports, and one USB3.1 port.

In other words, ASUS RT-AX3000 brings a great value for the money and presents one of the best long-range routers that should satisfy even the most demanding users.

ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AX11000

The Best Long-Range Wi-Fi Router for Gaming

The ROG line of gear from Asus is well known among gaming enthusiasts, due to its inherent qualities (cutting edge technology/rugged design) and gaming-centric performance. Since ROG stands for Republic of Gamers, any Asus ROG product is built and designed to satisfy the pickiest gamer out there, and the same philosophy can apply to the ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AX11000 wireless router, which is a high-end gaming router by any definition.

Just like any high-quality product, this baby is larger than life and very, very expensive, but if you want ultimate gaming performance plus one of the best long-range Wi-Fi routers out there, you’ll have to pay top dollar, there’s no way around that. If you thought the Linksys Max-Stream AC5400 was expensive, just check out this ROG’s price tag and weep silently. Joke aside, you’ll get a lot of wireless router for that kind of money, including features like Next-Gen Wi-Fi 6, 8 Gigabit Ethernet ports, Tri-Band 10 Gigabit Wi-Fi, Aimesh compatibility for Mesh WI-FI Systems (think along the lines of seamless whole-home coverage), eight antennas to cover every corner of your gaming-mansion and cutting edge hardware inside for the ultimate gaming performance (1.8GHz Quad-Core processor and a 2.5G gaming port).

NETGEAR Nighthawk Pro Gaming XR300

The Best Long-Range Wireless Router for Low Budgets

Next in line we have a so-called “budget” router for gamers, which is actually quite expensive, but not as much as the previous one (s); the NETGEAR Nighthawk Pro Gaming XR300 can be best described as XR500 light, or, to put it another way, a cheaper yet high-performance option for pro-gamers on a budget, or for people who are looking for a long-range router which can be used for gaming purposes as well.

What’s very interesting about the XR300 is that it runs a gaming-centric operating system, Duma OS respectively, which has been developed especially for this purpose from the ground up, and offers lots of gamer-friendly features, like a smart QoS engine that prioritizes bandwidth for gaming, or the latency-minimizing Geo Filtering thing. As per tech specs, you’ll get an AC1750 3×3 dual-band Wi-Fi router, which is capable of delivering 1300Mbps on the 5GHz band and 450Mbps on the 2.4GHz band.

There are four Gigabit Ethernet ports plus 1x Gigabit WAN, not to mention a USB 3.0 port located on the front. The whole show is run by a decent 1 GHz dual-core CPU, along with 512 MB of RAM and 128 MB of storage (flash memory). Even if it doesn’t sound like much compared to the Asus ROG or the Linksys Max-Stream, it’s more than enough for delivering an excellent user experience.

TP-Link AX6600 WiFi 6 Router (Archer AX90)

An Almighty Long-Range Wi-Fi Router

Archer AX90 is a reliable, fair-priced router, with fast data transfer speeds and excellent security features that position it at the sheer top among the best long-range Wi-Fi routers. This is a tri-band router, with the support for 4804Mbps speeds in the first 5GHz band, 1201Mbps speeds in the second 5GHz band, and 574Mbps speeds in the 2.4 GHz band, which makes the impressive total data transfer capacity of 6600Mbps.

As mentioned, Archer AX90 is packed with security features that include Network Security Scan, Parental Controls, QoS, WPA3 network security, and even device identification, which is great, although this part of the Home Shield feature requires a subscription. Other than the protection features, this router also incorporates all the latest technologies such as OFDMA, MU-MIMO, Beamforming, and OneMesh. Also, it offers good wired connectivity that involves one 2.5Gbps WAN/LAN port, one 1Gbps WAN/LAN port, three Gigabit LAN ports, and two USB ports, which should be enough even for the most demanding users.

Archer AX90 is run by the high-performing Broadcom BCM6755 1.5Ghz Quad-Core CPU; it has eight antennas for a more reliable and stable connection and offers an excellent mix of features that will certainly please most people.

NETGEAR Nighthawk RAX120

Long Range Router With an Interesting Design

If you’re a Star Wars fan, you’ll definitely love the NETGEAR Nighthawk RAX120, due to its peculiar design that reminds us of an Imperial hunter-killer space ship. In regard to router design, this baby is the sexiest of the bunch by a wide margin, and the cherry on top (besides its hefty price tag) is that this alien spaceship posing as a router is engineered to provide comprehensive Wi-Fi coverage for large to very large homes, and that’s a quote from NETGEAR themselves.

Basically, if you’re looking for a high-end router which looks awesome and delivers with flying colors in the long-range department, you’ve already found your match, provided you’re on an unlimited budget, or you just don’t care anymore. Joke aside, you’ll get a lot of bells and whistles for the money asked, things like Wi-Fi 6, dual-band up to 1.2 + 4.8 Gbps, 12 simultaneous streams for multiple Wi-Fi devices, 4 x 1G and 1 x 2.5/5G Ethernet, a high end 2.2 GHz quad-core CPU, eight amplified antennas, MU-MIMO plus Beamforming technology, Amazon Alexa voice controls, Smart Connect, OFDMA, USB 3.0 ports and even smart parental controls.

Seriously now, what more can you ask from a long range wireless router? This baby has it all, including top hardware specs: 2.2GHz quad-core processor with 512MB DDR3 RAM and 1GB of internal flash memory.

TP-Link Archer C5400X

Gamers’ Delight

Here comes yet another tri-band gaming-centric router, featuring a strong 1.8 GHz quad-core CPU and MU-MIMO technology, along with 8 powered antennas and a flashy design aimed at the inner-child in each of us. To make a long story short, the Archer C5400X is a top-shelf gaming router, big and expensive obviously, which combines amazing range with “first world” speed and built-in security options.

This long-range Wi-Fi router is designed following the principle “big is beautiful”, i.e. this monster is an absolute unit, with a 9.5 x 9.5 x 2.2 inch base. In terms of hardware, the Archer C5400X is powered by a powerful quad-core Broadcom BCM4366 Wi-Fi processor and three additional coprocessors, 1 GB of RAM and 512 MB of flash memory for settings and software. Speed-wise, you’ll get 1Gbps on the 2.4GHz band, plus 2.167Gbps over each of the 2 5GHz channels, which is kind of impressive, to say the least.

ASUS AX6000 WiFi 6 Gaming Router (RT-AX88U)

The Future is here

ASUS RT-AX88U is a fast dual-band router, run by the powerful Broadcom BCM49408 1.8 GHz CPU that brings a ton of features and security functions that should make your streaming, gaming, or any other similar activity an amazing experience. This is a router that brings only the best; however, only if your entire equipment is Wi-Fi 6-ready. If not, you may find it a bit pricey; nonetheless, if you want a future-proof device, ASUS RT-AX88U is the thing to buy.

As mentioned, this is a dual-band device, with support for 1148Mbps data transfer speeds in the 2.4GHz band and the impressive 4804Mbps data transfer speeds in a 5GHz band. It is fitted with multiple security features that, among others, include robust QoS settings and built-in malware protection presented in Trend Micro’s AiProtection software that will protect your network from viruses, malicious sites, and so on.

ASUS RT-AX88U also incorporates the technologies such as Link Aggregation, Beamforming, and MU-MIMO, and offers good wired connectivity that includes eight Ethernet ports, and one USB3.1 port that should satisfy most of your needs. The router itself is very easy to control and install and offers two ways to do so, with the help of the mobile app and through the web console that offers multiple options, yet could be a bit more intuitive.

In other words, there is everything you need for the premium performance, the only question is: are you willing to pay its a bit higher price tag.

NETGEAR Orbi Tri-band Mesh WiFi 6 System (RBK752)

An Easy-to-Use Mainstream Mesh System

If you are seeking a versatile, easy-to-use system that allows for wide Wi-Fi coverage, Netgear Orbi RBK752 is the thing for you.

Although this system doesn’t bring top-class performance and is on the pricey side, its plug-in-and-forget nature makes it an attractive choice for many users. Sure, its combined data transfer speed of 4.2Gbps won’t impress anyone; however, if you are a mainstream user, looking for good coverage in a large area that is 465 square meters or more, this is the device for you.

This mesh system, with its Qualcomm IPQ8174 Wi-Fi chip, allows for more than 40 simultaneous connections; it has a NETGEAR Armor protection (it requires a subscription after a 30-day trial) and it comes with a one-year warranty. When talking about the connectivity, there are three Gigabit Ethernet ports on the router and two Gigabit Ethernet ports on the satellite, while you have to use the Orbi App in order to control the system. This app brings an intuitive interface and plenty of options.

What is even better is that the purchase of the extra satellite extends the range of the system by the additional 232 square meters.

Therefore, if you are after an easy-to-use system that will bring the coverage of the best long-range routers, Netgear Orbi RBK752 is the system to seriously consider.

Of course, to create a great home or office LAN network, you have to acquire quality hardware that, other than the switches and routers, also includes the best Ethernet cables, which can be a real issue, if you are not that familiar with them.

For that reason, this guide will take you through a couple of steps, in order to explain the important aspects of the Ethernet cables and help you to be satisfied with your purchase.

Top Picks

Preview	Product
	Cable Matters 10Gbps 5-Color Combo Snagless Cat 6 Ethernet Cable - 5ft, Cat 6 Cable, Cat6 Cord,...	Check at Amazon
	Network Cable, Shielded Ethernet Cable, Cat8 30ft Cable, Gold Plated RJ45 Connectors, 26AWG Cat8...	Check at Amazon
	Cat 7 Shielded Ethernet Cable 5 ft 6 Pack (Highest Speed Cable) Cat7 Flat Ethernet Patch Cables -...	Check at Amazon
	Amazon Basics RJ45 Cat-6 Ethernet Patch Cable, 1Gpbs Transfer Speed, Gold-Plated Connectors, 50 Foot...	Check at Amazon
	MATEIN Ethernet Cable Cat8	Check at Amazon
	Dacrown Cat 8 Ethernet Cable 50 ft Shielded, Indoor&Outdoor, Heavy Duty High Speed Direct Burial...	Check at Amazon
	Cat8 Ethernet Cable, Outdoor&Indoor, 25 FT Heavy Duty High Speed Cat 8 LAN Network Cable, 40Gbps...	Check at Amazon
	Cat 6 Ethernet Cable 25 Ft 2 Pack, Cat 6 Cable Outdoor&Indoor, High Speed 10Gbps Internet Network...	Check at Amazon

Last update on 2025-03-29 // The links above are affiliate // Images from Amazon

How to Choose the Best Ethernet Cable

Although LAN cables are simple products by their definition and build, they still have a couple of characteristics that separate them among each other and play an important part in the proper decisioning process and include the following:

Frequency/Speed

The cable’s supported frequency/speed is something that should be chosen, depending on the nature of your network usage and characteristics of the connected devices. In other words, if your hardware and internet connection allows only for 1Gbps speeds, you won’t get many benefits if you purchase the cables with 600MHz of bandwidth that support speeds of up to 10Gbps, but you will surely spot the difference in the price.

On the other hand, if you want to soon upgrade your network hardware, or just want to build a future-proof network, go for higher frequencies It is a more expensive option but will pay off in the long run.

Have in mind that 100MHz and 250MHz cables usually allow for maximum speeds of up to 1Gbps, while 500MHz, 600MHz and 1000MHz cables allow for 10Gbps speeds.

Length

Great quality and performance are very important for every product, including Ethernet cables, but what is their point if the cable is too short. Therefore, carefully measure and choose the LAN cables in accordance with your needs.

Durability

Good durability of the LAN cable means you will be able to use it for a longer period. In other words, the more durable and sturdier the cable, the more money will be saved in the long run.

8 Best Ethernet Cables

Cable Matters 160021 Cat6 Snagless Ethernet Patch Cable

A Great-Quality Ethernet Cable with an Excellent Diversity

If you are looking for a multiple LAN connection cables that will provide a good performance and offer a variety of sizes (0.3m, 1m, 1.5m, 2m, 3m, 3.5m, 4m), Cable Matters 160021 Cat6 Snagless Ethernet Patch Cable, with its bundle of five cables, might be the right deal for you.

It is both flexible and durable and it complies with Cat6 standards. Also, its packages come with cables in five different colors (black, blue, white, red, and green), which can be pretty handy, especially if you own multiple network devices, such as printers, network media players, PoE devices and similar.

Cable Matters cables offer a bandwidth of up to 550MHz and allow for speeds of up to 10Gbps, which is a guarantee for a fast performance. This, together with its great build quality (it comes with gold-plated contacts and flexible PVC shielding), makes it one of the best Ethernet cable options on the market.

Smolink Cat8 Cable

An Affordable, High-Performing Ethernet Cable

Smolink Cat8 cable is a well-built, high-performing Ethernet cable, with excellent durability and great versatility that positions it in the sheer top among the best Ethernet cables. This is a premium-looking product, built out of the finest materials that include gold-plated RJ45 connectors, full copper inside, and the 26AWG shielding – the key reasons for its excellent performance.

Smolink Cat8 cable is available in a variety of lengths (1.8m, 3m, 4.5m, 6m, 7.5m, 9m, 10.5m, 15m, 22.5m, and 30m) and it offers great compatibility that allows its use with a whole bunch of devices, including PCs, routers, consoles, TVs and many other. This Ethernet cable supports 40Gbps data transfer speeds and has a bandwidth of 2000MHz. Also, it is weatherproof and has everything that a high-profile Ethernet cable should.

Therefore, if you are after one of the best Ethernet cables in the class, Smolink Cat8 cable is a sure thing.

CableGeeker Cat 7 Shielded Ethernet Cable

An Ethernet Cable Built for Gamers

Quality performance and Cat7 speeds, followed by the reliability and the length of only 1.5m are some of the crucial aspects of the CableGeeker Cat 7 Shielded Ethernet Cable. More importantly, these characteristics make it a perfect fit for small area networks that include multiple bandwidth-hungry devices, such as PS4 or Xbox consoles, gaming routers, Smart TVs, etc.

It is available in bundles of six cables that come either in all-black color or combination of red, blue, green, yellow, black and white. With a solid construction that involves 32AWG conductor gauge, gold plated contacts and copper wiring, this LAN cable package is an ideal choice for even the most demanding users, including those prone to cable “torturing”.

Flat and durable, with 600MHz of bandwidth and support for 10Gbps speeds, CableGeeker Cat 7 Shielded Ethernet Cable is altogether a great multipurpose cable and definitely one of the best Ethernet cables for gaming available on the market.

AmazonBasics RJ45 Cat-6 Ethernet Patch Internet Cable

An Affordable LAN Option for Those Looking for Functionality before Performance

Finding a LAN cable that is functional, with a satisfying performance that doesn’t cost too much, is the most important aspect for many users. Amazon has realized that and produced Basics RJ45 Cat-6 Ethernet Patch Internet Cable that complies with every one of those requirements.

It comes in various lengths (1m, 1.5m, 3m, 4m, 7m and 15m) and bundles of one, five, 10 or 25 cables. Also, it offers a modest 259MHz bandwidth with only 1Gbps speed, but that is sufficient for most users anyway.

In other words, if you need a cheap connection LAN cable and you are not bothered by its limited performance that is nowhere near the best Ethernet cables, AmazonBasics RJ45 Cat-6 Ethernet Patch Internet Cable might be exactly what you have been looking for.

Matein Flat Cat8 Cable

An Excellent Cat 8 Ethernet Cable

Matein Flat Cat8 Cable is a three-meter-long LAN cable that brings super-fast performance and great durability at an affordable price.

This is a high-quality product, built out of wear-resistant PVC material and suitable for providing a LAN connection to a whole bunch of devices, including laptops, PCs, consoles, switches, and so on.

Matein Flat Cat8 Cable supports 40Gbps data transfer speeds and bandwidth of up to 2000Mhz; it is reliable and delivers everything you may need from the best Ethernet cable. In other words, it presents one hell of a deal.

Dacrown Cat8 Ethernet Cable

One of the Best Out There

If you are looking for a high-performing Ethernet cable that will bring you great durability and ease of use, whether in your home or office, Dacrown Cat8 Ethernet Cable is the thing for you.

With this cord, you are getting the blazing 40Gbps data transfer speeds and excellent durability that comes as the result of its built, which incorporates copper core, aluminum shielding, woven mesh shield enhanced with PVC shell, as well as gold-plated RJ45 connectors.

Dacrown Cat8 Ethernet Cable cable works at a 2GHz frequency and provides both waterproof characteristics and UV protection. It is a perfect fit for the upcoming 25GBASE-T and 40GBASE-T networks and brings everything needed from the best Ethernet cable.

There is the flexibility, fast performance, great durability, and on top of that, maybe a bit higher, but still a pretty fair price for a damn good cable.

Jadaol Cat 7 Ethernet Cable

LAN Cable that Guarantees for a Premium Performance

If you are searching for the Ethernet cable that can give you nothing less than super-fast Cat7 speeds, great durability and overall top-class build quality, Jadaol Cat 7 Ethernet Cable is the ideal solution for you.

Backwards compatible with Cat5, Cat5e, Cat6 and Cat6A standards and with 600MHz of bandwidth, this flat cable is a great option for home networks and connecting Ethernet switches, routers, modems and other network equipment.

Jadaol Cat 7 Ethernet Cable comes with a lifetime warranty and unfortunately only in white color and 7.5m length. Nevertheless, it offers a great build quality, which, among other things, involves copper wires, premium shielding and gold-plated contacts.

In other words, it has everything that the best Cat 7 Ethernet cable should.

Ultra Clarity Cables CAT6 Ethernet Cable

One of the Best Cat6 Cables Available

A great mixture of excellent performance, durability and affordability is very hard to find, but luckily, it exists, and Ultra Clarity Cables CAT6 Ethernet Cable is the clear evidence of that.

This amazing Cat6 cable offers amazing build quality that includes 24AWG stranded bare copper conductors, gold-plated contacts and 5.8mm UL standard PVC shielding. More importantly, every cable has passed the rigorous testing, which makes them an ideal option for the more demanding users, who are asking for constant stability and reliability of their network.

Ultra Clarity Cables CAT6 Ethernet Cable supports for a nice 500MHz of bandwidth, which allows for 10Gbps speeds and comes in seven different lengths (1m, 2m, 3m, 3.5m, 4.5m, 6m, 7.5m), which makes it suitable for various uses. The package itself includes two cables of the same size, one in black and one in blue color and, more importantly, it comes at a fair price.

Altogether, if you are searching for the best Ethernet cable with a Cat 6 standard, it would be a smart idea to pay closer attention to this piece of equipment – you surely won’t be disappointed.

Conclusion

Hopefully, this guide has helped you find the best Ethernet cable for your home or office network. If it managed that, its purpose is fulfilled.

Of course, finding the best Ethernet switch for your needs isn’t an easy task, but hopefully, this guide will help you with that job and make things a little bit clearer, even if you are a complete beginner in this matter.

Top Picks

Preview	Product
	TP-Link 16 Port Gigabit Ethernet Network Switch, Desktop/ Wall-Mount, Fanless, Sturdy Metal w/...	Check at Amazon
	TP-Link TL-SG105-M2 5 Port Multi-Gigabit Unmanaged Network Switch, Ethernet Splitter 2.5G Bandwidth...	Check at Amazon
	Linksys SE3008: 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch, Computer Network, Auto-Sensing Ports...	Check at Amazon
	TP-Link TL-SG105PE | 4 PoE+ Port @65W | Easy Smart | Plug & Play | 3 Year Manufacturer Warranty |...	Check at Amazon
	Switch NETGEAR Switch Nighthawk S8000	Check at Amazon
	Cisco Business CBS110-8T-D Unmanaged Switch | 8 Port GE | Desktop | Ext PS | Limited Lifetime...	Check at Amazon
	NETGEAR 5-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Essentials Switch (GS305) - Home Network Hub, Office...	Check at Amazon
	TRENDnet 16-Port Unmanaged Gigabit GREENnet Desktop Metal Switch, Ethernet Splitter, Fanless,16 x...	Check at Amazon
	NETGEAR 48-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Essentials Switch (GS348) - Desktop or Rackmount, Silent...	Check at Amazon

Last update on 2025-04-01 // The links above are affiliate // Images from Amazon

How to Choose the Best Ethernet Switch

As previously mentioned, the search for the best Ethernet switch demands a serious analysis, but what if you have no clue what to look for? Well, in that case, the following few lines will clear the things for you and make sense of it all.

Although there are various aspects that separate products among each other, not all of them are “born” equal. Some of them are more important, and for that reason, pay attention to the following:

Speed

Depending on the network type and use, you will have to choose the supported speed of your switch. If your needs require fast data transfers, video streaming or video calls, you will have to go for the faster gigabit switches. On the other hand, if your demands are limited, you can also get through with a fast Ethernet switch that has supported speeds a few times lower.

The Number of Ports

Probably the most important characteristic of any switch is its number of ports. Carefully count how many wired connections you require and decide on the device in accordance with that.

Also, keep in mind that things change and that today’s requirement for six connections may very easily turn into eight or nine in the years to come. For that reason, don’t be strict about the needed number of ports and always give yourself a little bit of space and go for the devices that offer more ports that you actually require.

Features

The device itself either does the job or not, and that is something no function can change. However, it can change its efficiency and altogether provide a completely new user experience and perspective. Therefore, do a little research and find out what features (PoE, QoS, Auto DoS, etc.) may have such an impact and decide for the switch that has them.

Managed/Unmanaged

If you want an easy-to-use device, without too much involvement, go for the unmanaged switch. On the other hand, if you are a network expert, or just want to control every aspect of your connection, choose the managed one.

9 Best Network Switches

TP-LINK 16 Port Switch (TL-SG116)

A Basic Gigabit Switch with a Large Capacity

If you are into more affordable devices, without too many advanced features, but with a large number of ports, TP-LINK 16 Port Switch (TL-SG116) is an ideal device for you.

Its fanless design, combined with steel housing, doesn’t bring anything revolutionary, but it guarantees for great durability. The switch itself is unmanaged, comes with 16 gigabit ports and is equipped with auto-negotiation (it optimizes the switch performance according to the link speed on the port) and Auto-MDI/MDIX (it eliminates the need for crossover cables) function.

TP-LINK 16 Port Switch (TL-SG116) complies with IEEE 802.3ab/x/u/i standards and is supplied with DSCP QoS and IGMP Snooping feature, which smooths the latency and allows for a quality video and game streaming. Along with that, this switch has a power-saving function, which reduces the power on the ports when they are not in use, and more importantly, offers a simple setup that makes it practical even for networking newbies.

All in all, if capacity and easy use are the crucial aspects in your decision making, TP-LINK 16 Port Switch (TL-SG116) is the device for you, and definitely the best gigabit Ethernet switch for this amount of money.

TP-Link TL-SG105-M2

A Budget-Friendly 2.5 Gigabit Switch

TP-Link TL-SG105-M2 is a reasonably priced, more basic-oriented five-port switch that, with a switching capacity of up to 25Gbps. This is a durable, well-built fanless device, with plug-and-play functionality and ease of use that doesn’t require any additional software, making it suitable for most users.

TP-Link TL-SG105-M2 comes with five 2.5Gbps ports and features an auto-negotiation function that adjusts the speed of the device to 100Mb, 1G, or 2.5G mode. Moreover, this switch comes with CE, FCC, RoHS certification and offers IEEE 802.3X flow control that garantees reliable and trouble-free traffic. In other words, it offers everything needed for a decent home network switching.

Linksys 8-Port Metallic Gigabit Switch (SE3008)

A Highly-Reliable Compact Switch for Regular Everyday Users

Linksys 8-Port Metallic Gigabit Switch (SE3008) is a device built for regular users that demand reliability and basic functions at a reasonable price. There are no advanced functions with this one, no PoE, or managing. This is a simple plug-and-play eight-port gigabit switch, optimal for beginners, but also a decent choice for experienced users.

As previously mentioned, its features are standard and among others, include QoS, Power Saving function, auto-sensing, MDI/MDI-X Ethernet cable detection, etc. The switch itself complies with IEEE 802.3ab/az/p/x/u standards and comes with a metal housing, which significantly adds to its overall great durability. Unfortunately, the warranty doesn’t go along with it and is limited to only one year.

Linksys 8-Port Metallic Gigabit Switch (SE3008) comes with a wall-mount kit, but can also be put vertically on your desk, just be sure to give it as much space as possible, because it has a tendency to heat up too much.

Overall, if you are looking for the best home network switch that will offer a stable network for you and your family members, Linksys 8-Port Metallic Gigabit Switch (SE3008) is more than a good choice.

TP-Link 5 Port TL-SG105PE

A Cheap Gigabit PoE Switch

Finding an affordable, yet reliable device that offers a great level of versatility isn’t easy; nonetheless, such devices do exist and a prime example of that is the TP-Link TL-SG105PE five-port switch. The device comes with one uplink port and four Gigabit PoE 802.3at/af ports, with a total power output of 56W.

Moreover, this switch is easy to use and it offers plug-and-play functionality. Equally importantly, it features QoS, VLAN, IGMP, and Link aggregation, as well as PoE Auto Recovery that automatically detects and reboots unresponsive Apps and cameras, adding to the overall simplicity of use.

In addition, TP-Link TL-SG105PE comes in a durable metal housing and has a relatively simple PCB. Also, it is fitted with the Intelligent Power Management that turns off lower priority ports, whenever the consumption exceeds 56W.

All in all, TP-Link TL-SG105PE offers a solid value for the money and a pretty decent versatility for the price. Therefore, if you need a budget-friendly PoE switch that has a lot to offer, this one is the device to look for.

Netgear Nighthawk S8000 Gaming Switch, GS808E-100PES

The Perfect Gaming Switch

Netgear Nighthawk S8000 (GS808E-100PES) is an attractive-looking, high-performing switch, designed for a gaming market, which makes it more of a niche product. To be exact, this switch is built primarily for gamers and the rest of the market is secondary. Therefore, it should be no surprise that everything about it is dedicated to that goal, from sleek looks, to special modes for Gaming and Streaming.

In other words, this switch comes with a ton of features that involve QoS, Link Aggregation, IGMP Snooping, Power Saving, and many other functions. Netgear Nighthawk S8000 (GS808E-100PES) is an eight-port switch, with 16Gbps bandwidth and easy reconfigurability that can be managed through the intuitive mobile-optimized interface.

In short, there is everything you may need for trouble-free gaming and streaming. For that reason, if you are after the best Ethernet switch for gaming, you may be sure that Netgear Nighthawk S8000 (GS808E-100PES) will pretty much fulfill your every need.

Cisco Business CBS110-8T-D

A Compact and Versatile Business Switch

If you are looking for an affordable, yet reliable and versatile Ethernet switch, Cisco Business CBS110-8T-D is the device for you. This is a more basic, unmanaged switch, with QoS support, loop detection, and cable diagnostics.

Moreover, it is elegant and it offers a compact build that makes it a good option for both homes and small offices. The switch itself is fitted with eight Gigabit ports, four of which are SFP uplink ones.

Cisco Business CBS110-8T-D offers plug-and-play functionality and is easy and practical to use, as the best Ethernet switch should be in the first place.

In other words, it offers a pretty good value for the money and presents exactly what an affordable, yet solid Ethernet switch should.

NETGEAR 5-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch (GS305)

A Basic, Simple-to-Use Switch for More than a Fair Price

Things don’t need to be complicated or expensive in order to be good. A proof of that is a NETGEAR 5-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch (GS305) that comes only with the basics, but still has the performance of much more expensive units.

It has five gigabit ports and offers a silent work that is a result of its fanless design. Because of its compact size, it can be easily placed on your desktop or mounted on the wall, while its plug-and-play function makes it easy to use for anyone.

NETGEAR 5-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch (GS305) comes with both auto-negotiation and auto MDI/MDI-X function and flow control. It complies with IEEE 802.3ab/az/p/x/u/i standards, and more importantly, provides a low latency performance that is among the best in class and even better from some much pricier models.

Overall, NETGEAR 5-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch (GS305) has everything that the best Ethernet switch should have: cheap price, great performance, and on top of that, a highly respectable 3-year warranty.

TRENDnet TEG-S16DG

A Good All-Around Switch Perfect for Large Capacity Needs

TRENDnet TEG-S16DG is easy to use, with plug-and-play function and great performance, more common in pricier devices. It is equipped with 16 gigabit ports that allow for a speed of up to 2000Mbps at full duplex, which results in the total switching capacity of 32Gbps.

TRENDnet TEG-S16DG is a compact switch, with a fanless design, a metal housing and a lifetime warranty that largely comes as a result of its durable build.

The list of its features includes Auto-negotiation, Auto-MDIX, 2Mbits of RAM data buffer, Green technology that lowers power consumption up to 70% and much more. The switch itself complies with IEEE 802.3ab/az/x/u standards and provides almost quiet performance.

In other words, if you want a reliable, well-performing product that “doesn’t bite more than it can chew” this switch is an ideal choice. Yes, with this device you won’t get the best gigabit switch for a home network, but still, the proper value and quality performance are surely there.

NETGEAR 48-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch (GS348)

A Switch that Proves that Large Doesn’t Necessarily Mean Complicated

If you are in demand for a large network, with numerous fast connections, NETGEAR 48-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch (GS348) may prove as a great deal for you. This switch is supplied with 48 gigabit ports and allows for a simple, unmanageable, plug-and-play use that, although limiting, is more than enough for the majority of both home and business users.

The switch itself provides silent work and complies with IEEE 802.3ab/az/p/x/u/i standards. Its construction is based on the fanless design and includes a sturdy metal casing that adds to its overall great durability. This switch, like every other NETGEAR switch, has gone through rigorous testing that involved checking its reliability, quality, and performance, and for that reason it has a very solid 3-year warranty, which isn’t that common among other brands.

NETGEAR 48-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch (GS348) features include QoS, Auto-MDI/MDIX, Auto-negotiation, 1.5MB packet buffer, DiffServ Code Point (DSCP) support, Energy Efficient Ethernet and much more. Basically, all that might be needed by the standard user is present.
Unfortunately, its price is nowhere near affordable, but if you want a large capacity switch, with a decent set of features, you just need to dig deeper into your pocket.

Conclusion

We hope that we have been able to ease your search for the best Ethernet switch, and make sure it will be a successful one. You should now know everything you need to know in order to find your perfect fit. Good luck!

A device that did that is a powerline adapter that allows for the connection of multiple adapters (in the case of the best powerline adapter, up to 16 or 32 devices), on the same electrical circuit, while providing a stable and reliable network between them. The achieved speeds are not as high as those of the cable connection; nevertheless, they are still above the regular router wireless speeds, and more importantly, much more trustworthy considering network stability and with much lower latency.

If that is what you need in your office or home, the following guidelines will surely help you out in finding the best powerline adapter possible. Therefore, hop on and enjoy the ride.

Top Picks

Preview	Product
	TP-Link Powerline Ethernet Adapter Starter Kit - AV1000 Gigabit Port, Plug&Play, Ethernet Over...	Check at Amazon
	NETGEAR Powerline adapter Kit, 2000 Mbps Wall-plug, 2 Gigabit Ethernet Ports with Passthrough +...	Check at Amazon
	TP-Link Powerline WiFi Extender TL-WPA8631P KIT- Includes AV1300 Powerline Network Adapter and...	Check at Amazon
	TP-Link AV2000 Powerline Adapter - 2 Gigabit Ports, Ethernet Over Power, Plug&Play, Power Saving,...	Check at Amazon
	NexusLink G.hn Powerline Ethernet Adapter | 1200 Mbps | Gigabit Port, Power Saving, Home Network...	Check at Amazon
	Zyxel AV2000 Powerline Ethernet Adapter Starter Kit | Pass-Thru Power | Plug & Play | MIMO |...	Check at Amazon
	Tenda AV1000 Powerline Etherne Adapter Kit with Gigabit Ports, Ethernet Over Power, Plug&Play, Power...	Check at Amazon

Last update on 2025-04-04 // The links above are affiliate // Images from Amazon

How to Choose the Best Powerline Adapter

Similar to many other products, powerline adapters come with a few crucial aspects that separate the good from the not-that-good devices, and they are:

Speed

One of the most important aspects of any powerline adapter is its speed. Therefore, always go for higher numbers and keep in mind that gigabit speeds are a necessity these days. Also, be aware that declared speeds are only theoretical ones and that they are almost impossible to achieve.

In other words, don’t get surprised if your “gigabit” powerline adapter actually provides speeds drastically bellow 1000Mbps.

Latency

If you want a great gaming experience, everything has to go smoothly and without a significant lag. For that reason, go for the device with the lowest possible latency, in order not to get unpleasantly surprised and realize your investment in powerline adapter was a waste of money and it is completely unusable in fast-paced games.

Security

Although this may not sound that important, have in mind that these devices are using your electrical circuit to transfer your data. In other words, whoever has the approach to your circuit can potentially “hijack” your files.

Of course, this doesn’t happen to everyone and it applies more to offices, rather than home use, but whatever the location is, it is better to be safe than sorry. For that reason, be sure that your adapter is equipped with some sort of encryption, usually 128-bit AES that will prevent any situation in which your files may be compromised.

Usability

One of the requirements for powerline adapters to work, is that all of them are plugged in the same electrical circuit. If that isn’t the case, the devices that are outside of it, will not work. For that reason, before the purchase, be sure that the desired location for the powerline adapters is suitable considering the mentioned requirements and that all of the devices will be in the same circuit.

Compatibility

Although officially most devices apply to compatibility certification standards, as HomePlug AV2 for instance, the fact is that in reality, these labels don’t mean much. In other words, the products may or may not work together, which isn’t an issue if you are buying your first powerline adapters set (they will surely work with each other), but is, if you want to widen your existing network and are looking for compatible products.

In that case, you have three options: 1) Search online to see other people’s experiences; 2) Contact the manufacturer’s support to see if the desired devices are compatible; and the last, but surely the safest, 3) If it is possible, buy the exact same product as the first time.

7 Powerline Ethernet Adapters

TP-Link AV1000 TL-PA7017 KIT

Good Performance and Excellent Reliability in One

TP-Link AV1000 TL-PA7017 is an affordable and solid-performing powerline adapter that supports data transfer speeds of up to 1000Mbpp and provides great compatibility, which allows for its use with Windows, Linux, and MAC. Also, this kit is compatible with all the TP-Link AV series Powerline devices and provides a solid two-year warranty.

This adapter comes with a single Gigabit LAN port and offers 128-bit AES encryption. More importantly, it provides both CE and RoHS certification and offers a special Saving Mode that is responsible for power consumption reduction of up to 85%.

TP-Link AV1000 TL-PA7017 is a compact device, with a 300-meter range over the electrical circuit and a plug-and-play functionality that makes it a great choice for a wide variety of users.

In other words, if you are after the best powerline adapter dedicated to mainstream users, you may be sure that TP-Link AV1000 TL-PA7017 is more than a solid choice that will fulfill your every need.

NETGEAR PLP2000-100PAS

A Powerline Adapter that Guarantees Excellent Performance

NETGEAR PLP2000-100PAS is one hell of a powerline adapter that doesn’t accept any compromises and it offers only the best performance, as well as data transfer speeds of up to 2000Mbps. This is a well-made device, with MU-MIMO technology and Beamforming that are offering more reliable coverage.

Moreover, this adapter features the Homeplug AV2 technology and is the ideal option for connecting smart TVs, consoles, and similar devices, allowing trouble-free streaming. In addition, this adapter also comes with two Ethernet ports and a special noise filter, and offers a highly respectable 236 meters range.

All in all, there is everything you may need from the best powerline adapter, and much more. For that reason, if you are after an excellent-performing powerline adapter that brings more than enough power to your premium wireless router, you may be sure that NETGEAR PLP2000-100PAS will fulfill your every need.

TP-Link AV1300 (TL-WPA8631P KIT)

An Excellent Multi-Port Powerline Adapter

If you are into smart devices and seek an easy way to connect all of them to the network through a powerline adapter, TP-Link AV1300 (TL-WPA8631P KIT) is the thing for you. To be exact, this powerline kit offers very good 1300Mbps wired speed through its three Ethernet ports, as well as dual-band 1200Mbps Wi-Fi, with 300Mbps speed in the 2.4GHz band and 867Mbps speed in the 5GHz band.

Moreover, this powerline adapter comes with 2 × 2 MU MIMO support, allowing multiple simultaneous connections, and it offers support for OneMesh and One-Touch Wi-Fi Configuration. Also, this device comes with plug-and-play functionality and an additional power socket, offering a lot of versatility to the user.

In short, TP-Link AV1300 (TL-WPA8631P KIT) presents one of the best powerline adapters available, and it is worth buying.

TP-Link Powerline Adapter AV2000 Mbps (TL-PA9020P KIT)

One of the Best Powerline Adapters Available

If you require only the best, TP-Link Powerline Adapter AV2000 Mbps (TL-PA9020P KIT) will be a perfect match for you. This a bit bulky device is packed with all the needed features and offers super-fast speeds of around 2000Mbps that are comparable with a rather small number of the devices.

TL-PA9020P KIT features, among others, include 128-bit AES encryption for safe data transfers, Home Plug AV2 support, 2×2 MIMO function, Beamforming, and two gigabit ports on each module. Also, there is an energy saving feature that reduces the power cost by 85% and even a noise filtering and a pass-through socket, which makes a rather nice addition to this overall great package.

Unfortunately, there is no Wi-Fi support and therefore, if you need it, you will have to pair it with a Wi-Fi extender or purchase some other powerline adapter with that function available.

Nevertheless, with its easy to install characteristic and amazing performance, which allows for the 4K streaming and on top of that fair price, TL-PA9020P KIT is a great option for the users not willing to accept compromise. It is altogether one of the best powerline adapter devices available on the market today.

NexusLink GPL-1200-KIT

A Perfect Solution for a Reliable Home Network

NexusLink GPL-1200-KIT is a solid performing, fair-priced dual powerline kit that presents a pretty good solution for mainstream households, thanks to its overall quality and decent reliability.

This system comes fitted with LCD/FEC error correction responsible for video streaming optimization, MIMO Dual-Phase feature, and more importantly, very good performance that allows for 1200Mbps speeds.

Each of the two units in the kit comes with one Gigabit port, while together they can create a network capable of holding up to 16 devices. Due to the NDIM Signal Segregation Technology, the kit itself is perfect for highly urbanized areas with a high-density population. In other words, it can be efficiently used in offices, hotels, and similar spaces.

To conclude, if you are after a high-quality powerline adapter that will provide great reliability and solid speeds at an affordable price, NexusLink GPL-1200-KIT is the perfect match for you.

Zyxel Pass-Thru Ethernet Adapter AV2000 (PLA5456KIT)

A Very Fast Powerline Adapter that Sets Its Own Rules

If you are into fast, high performing devices for your network, you should seriously consider Zyxel Pass-Thru Ethernet Adapter AV2000 (PLA5456KIT) that offers very nice 1800Mbps speeds and lag-free experience, perfect for both 4K and game streaming.

The device itself is equipped with numerous features like 128-bit AES encryption, MIMO function, two gigabit LAN ports, a pass-through socket, LED status lights, and much more. Unfortunately, although it has the AV2 label, AV2000 doesn’t always work with other HomePlug AV2-certified devices, because ZyXEL did not obtain its license in the first place, and the resulting products apply to the required normative only to a certain extent.

Nevertheless, its performance is still great and among the best on the market, delivering smooth 4K streaming and a lag-free network gaming.

In other words, if you want to get yourself one of the best powerline network adapters, Zyxel PLA5456KIT comes as a really nice deal, with plenty of useful functions that even include a smartphone app for monitoring and controlling of the device. All in all, it’s a good powerline adapter, with a few flaws here and there.

Tenda AV1000 Powerline Ethernet Adapter Kit (PH6)

A Basic Powerline Adapter for the Not-too-Demanding Users

Tenda AV1000 Powerline Ethernet Adapter Kit (PH6) is an affordable device, with basic functions and features, good enough for a large portion of users, especially those that are looking for simplicity and easy use. Thanks to its plug-and-play function and automatic detection feature, all you need to do is plug this adapter into the power socket and everything will work by itself. There is also optional software, which allows for additional setups, but in reality, the majority of users will never need it.

PH6 adapter supports for HomePlug AV2 standard and offers decent speeds of up to 1000Mbps that are good enough for watching 4K videos. Also, it comes equipped with a LED area, a power-saving feature that can reduce the power consumption by 85%, and a pass-through power socket with noise filters for the reduction of various interferences.

Of course, there are also some minor issues, such as, its bulkiness and its tendency to heat too much, but that is expected from a device of this type, that doesn’t have the agenda to be the best powerline adapter, but to do the job.

Overall, PH6 adapter doesn’t bring anything innovative or impressive. Nevertheless, if you want a decent device at a fair price, this is the adapter to get.

Conclusion

This guide is made with a primary intention to help you find the best powerline adapter possible. If that is the case, its mission is more than fulfilled.

Of course, finding the best gaming router isn’t an easy task, particularly if you are not that familiar with the subject, but some advice here and there will certainly help you a lot in that search.

Top Picks

Preview	Product
	NETGEAR Nighthawk Pro Gaming XR300 WiFi Router with 4 Ethernet Ports and Wireless speeds up to 1.75...	Check at Amazon
	Linksys WRT3200ACM: AC3200 Dual-Band Gigabit Wi-Fi Router, Beamforming Tri-Stream Wireless Signal,...	Check at Amazon
	TP-Link AC5400 Tri Band WiFi Gaming Router(Archer C5400X) – MU-MIMO Wireless Router, 1.8GHz...	Check at Amazon
	NETGEAR Nighthawk 4-Stream AX4 Wi-fi 6 Router (RAX40) – AX3000 Wireless Speed (Up to 3 Gbps) |...	Check at Amazon
	ASUS ROG Rapture WiFi 6 Wireless Gaming Router (GT-AX11000) - Tri-Band 10 Gigabit, 1.8GHz Quad-Core...	Check at Amazon
	D-Link WiFi Router, AC2600 MU-MIMO Dual Band Gigabit 4K Streaming and Gaming with USB Ports, 4x4...	Check at Amazon
	TP-Link AC1900 Smart WiFi Router (Archer A9) - High Speed MU-MIMO Wireless Router, Dual Band,...	Check at Amazon
	NETGEAR Nighthawk Pro Gaming XR500 Wi-Fi Router with 4 Ethernet Ports and Wireless Speeds Up to 2.6...	Check at Amazon
	ASUS RT-AX82U (AX5400) Dual Band WiFi 6 Extendable Gaming Router, Gaming Port, Mobile Game Mode,...	Check at Amazon

Last update on 2025-03-31 // The links above are affiliate // Images from Amazon

How to Choose the Best Router for Gaming

If you want to get the best gaming router possible, it is important to have a couple of things in mind and pay closer attention to the following details during your pursuit:

Band

Before the purchase, think through what you really need. If you are a regular user, you probably don’t need for more than a one or two-band device. On the other hand, if you are into simultaneous multiple streaming, a tri-band, with a MU-MIMO function is your necessity. In other words, see what your current needs are and try to predict what they will be in the future – and choose in accordance with that.

Supported Speed

When talking about the supported speeds, things are simple. The faster the device, the faster the data transfer and overall network traffic. For that reason, always go for the higher numbers.

Futureproof

Be sure to get yourself a device with functions that allow you to use it for many years to come. Therefore, go for routers with advanced, modern features such as MU-MIMO or Beamforming.

Features

Parental control, VPN server, or malware protection maybe aren’t needed by everyone, but still, they can be very handy from time to time, especially if your network is the target of an online attacks, or you need to limit the access to the network for a certain device. Therefore, although it may seem as you don’t need certain features, be sure of that before the purchase, or even better, if your resources allow it, buy a feature-rich device that will prevent any possible future issues.

Connectivity

Considering connectivity, things are straightforward. More LAN ports, USB ports, etc. means that you will be able to connect more devices. For that reason, calculate well and be sure that there are enough outputs to accept all your hardware.

9 Best Routers for Gaming

NETGEAR Nighthawk Pro Gaming XR300

A Decent Entry-level Device Ideal for Easy Setup Lovers

NETGEAR Nighthawk Pro Gaming XR300 is a solid, nice performing device, packed with numerous features, which make it highly appealing not only to gamers but a wide range of users. It comes equipped with four Gigabit LAN ports and one WAN port and offers very fast 802.11ac wireless dual-band connectivity that allows for speeds of up to 450Mbps in the 2.4GHz band, and up to 1300Mbps in the 5GHz band.

The router itself runs on a modest dual-core CPU, with 1GHz speed, 128 MB of Flash, 512 MB RAM and the Duma OS, that aren’t much but are still sufficient to allow for a great gaming experience. Among others, this device comes with some highly useful features that include connection prioritization, with upload and download speed limitations and customizable Gaming Dashboard, which allows for easy network tweaking and therefore, reduces lag, lowers the ping and ultimately creates a network up to your needs.

XR300 is compatible with PC, Xbox, PS, Nintendo Switch and many other devices, which makes it highly versatile. Also, it comes supplied with three highly-efficient antennas that guarantee quality performance, but only if that area isn’t too large, in which case it demands “reinforcements” such as Wi-Fi extenders.

All in all, if you are searching for the best gaming router for Xbox One, PS4, or any other similar type console that doesn’t demand for too much network knowledge and allows for easy setup at the same time, NETGEAR Nighthawk Pro Gaming XR300 is the perfect choice for you.

Linksys WRT AC3200ACM

A Quality Router Meant for the Gamers Who Want Full Control

Full customizability is a primary issue for many users and Linksys WRT AC3200ACM router really shines in that department, allowing for the installation and use of the open-source firmware, as for example OpenWRT or DD-WRT. With this firmware change, users have the opportunity to use many advanced features, as for example TOR or VPN, and more importantly, have full control over the device and the network itself.

If you are not into these advanced aspects, you will be glad to know, that you can also use it with its own firmware, which allows for easy setup and offers a very handy configuration over the phone or any other mobile device.

This router comes with a 1.8GHz dual-core processor, 256MB of flash and 512MB of RAM and is equipped with five Gigabit LAN ports (one is reserved for the modem), USB3.0 port for printer and file sharing and ESATA port that can also be used as a USB port. In other words, great performance and versatility are guaranteed.

Linksys WRT AC3200ACM offers a dual-band Wi-Fi, with speeds of up to 600Mbps in 2.4GHz range and up to 2600Mbps in 5GHz, and also offers an MU-MIMO function, which basically allows for simultaneous use of its Wi-Fi by multiple devices, at the same high speeds.
Altogether, one of the best routers for gaming and streaming is in front of you.

TP-Link Archer C5400X

An Exceptional Gaming Router with a Powerful Performance

For everyone looking for an amazing performance and easy setup (it can be also done by mobile devices such as phones or tablets) in one, TP-Link Archer C5400X comes as a great option. Although quite expensive, this router offers a superior set of features and more importantly, premium work stripped of any compromise.

This 802.11ac wireless router offers tri-band networking, with speed of up to 1000Mbps in 2.4GHz band and with speeds of up to 2167Mbps in both of its two 5.0GHz bands. It comes equipped with Broadcom BCM4366 Wi-Fi chip, quad-core 1.8GHz CPU, 1GB of RAM and 128MB of memory, which altogether makes a nice PC, packed in the shell of a router.

Archer C5400X also offers many interesting features, such as MU-MIMO function for simultaneous connection of multiple devices, or beamforming that allows for the transmission to adapt to the receiving hardware and exploit all its potentials. Furthermore, there is a built-in VPN server for anonymous connecting and a great set of security features, such as a Malicious Content Filter (blocks bad cites), Intrusion Prevention System (it prevents attacks) and an Infected Device Quarantine, which basically makes this router’s networking a perfectly safe place.

Even though it is a power-hungry and maybe lacks some of the features such as geo-filtering, Archer C5400X is still an amazing device that comes with a two-year warranty, good reach that is pretty resistant to the obstacles such as walls and ceilings, and overall a great performance. As a whole, this is probably the best wireless router for gaming you can have – of course, if you can pay for it.

NETGEAR Nighthawk AX4 WiFi 6 Next-Gen Router AX3000

A Great Entry-Level Device in the Wi-Fi 6 World

If you are following trends and want to get yourself a future-proof device that won’t cost you a fortune at the same time, NETGEAR Nighthawk AX4 Wi-Fi 6 Next-Gen Router AX3000 is a great option. This Wi-Fi 6 router allows for simultaneous, multi-device 4k streaming, without any lag or network congestion.

Thanks to its compliance with the ax standard, this router offers faster speeds than most highly adopted ac routers and, more importantly, allows for concurrent use of both of its bands (2.4GHz and the 5.0GHz) on the contrary to the ac standard that only supports the use of one band at the time.

NETGEAR Nighthawk AX4 AX3000 itself is equipped with the 1.8GHz quad-core CPU, 512MB of RAM and 256MB of storage space and comes with numerous features, which include Beamforming, VPN support, MU-MIMO (it supports for up to four simultaneous streams), Nighthawk App for easy setup and a lot more.

In the 2.4GHz range, this router allows for speeds of up to 600Mbps, while in 5.0GHz range, these speeds can reach up to the 2400Mbps mark, making a total speed of 3000Mbps when combined, which is highly respectable for today’s routers.

Altogether, if you want to get yourself one of the best gaming routers that is bringing new technology to the game, NETGEAR Nighthawk AX4 AX3000 is an ideal choice.

ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AX11000

The Best of the Best

Purchasing something that can deliver amazing performance and offer all the best that a certain technology can bring is a dream for many, but because of the high price, reality just for a few… and ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AX11000 is exactly that type of device. There are great features, amazing speeds, appealing looks and the final result: the best router for gaming that money can buy.

Similar to other premium models, this router comes with 1GB of RAM, 256MB of flash memory and quad-core 1.8GHz CPU, that are the most responsible for its great performance, and a kind of a modest set of outputs that includes one USB3.1 port, four LAN and one WAN port. When talking about its features, it is good to know that there is Beamforming, OFDMA (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access), Dynamic QoS, WTFast, VPN Fusion (it separates gaming traffic from VPN), and many other functions that make this router a one-of-a-kind device.

With support for ax standard, this tri-band device allows for simultaneous use of all its bandwidth, which includes one 2.4GHz band, with maximum speeds of up to 1148Mbps, and two 1.5GHz bands that allow for speeds of up to 4804Mbps, or over 10000Mbps when all the bands are combined.

All in all, if you want the best gaming router available on the market, and spending a ton of money isn’t a problem for you, ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AX11000 should be your ultimate choice.

D-Link EXO AC2600 MU-MIMO Wi-Fi Router

A Midrange Router Perfect for People Who are Looking for Quality rather Than Features

D-Link EXO AC2600 is not a device that will bring you super-fast speeds, or come with an endless list of features, but still, its decent performance and good usability make it highly appealing to a large base of users.

Its 880MHz dual-core processor, 128MB of RAM, and 128MB of memory aren’t much but are enough to support a dual-band networking with speeds of up to 800Mbps in 2.4GHz band and 1733Mbps in the 5GHz band, which is very good for any ac standard router.

D-Link EXO AC2600 MU-MIMO Wi-Fi Router, as its name suggests, supports the MU-MIMO function, but also Beamforming, Advanced Smart Beam, Intelligent QoS and many other features. Nevertheless, handy functions such as parental control or antivirus protection are nowhere to be found, but that is something that could be expected from a mid-range device.

This router allows for up to four simultaneous streaming of 4k content and offers super-easy setup, which makes it practical for both gamers and ordinary households. Therefore, if you are looking for the best router for gaming, but also a good everyday router, D-Link EXO AC2600 is an ideal, affordable choice.

TP-Link AC1900 (Archer A9)

An Affordable, but Highly Useful Wireless Router

If you are searching for a cheap, but highly efficient device, TP-Link AC1900 (Archer A9) is the router you should pay your attention to. Thanks to its easy setup, quality performance and a decent set of features that cover every important aspect (security, simultaneous streaming, parental control, etc.), this device offers everything that a regular user might need.

There is the MU-MIMO function, firewall, Beamforming, support for guest networks and much more, except for a VPN server, but that is something expected from a router under $100.

Archer A9 comes with dual-band connectivity and offers speed of up to 1300Mbps in 5GHz range and 600Mbps in 2.4GHz, and is equipped with four gigabit LAN ports, one WAN port and one USB2.0 – a rather sluggish port, but still, USB connectivity is there.

Overall, with TP-Link AC1900 (Archer A9), you are getting exceptional value for the money, and more importantly, one of the best budget routers for gaming devices available on the market.

NETGEAR Nighthawk Pro Gaming XR500

Everything You Need for an Excellent Gaming Experience

NETGEAR Nighthawk Pro Gaming XR500 is a futuristic-looking, feature-rich gaming router that presents one of the best gaming routers out there due to its fast data transfers speeds and excellent build quality. This device accepts no compromise.

It is run by the Qualcomm dual-core 1GHz processor, while Qualcomm QCA 9984 Wi-Fi chip is responsible for its Wi-Fi performance. This dual-band router comes with four Gigabit LAN ports and supports 2.6Gbps Wi-Fi data transfer speeds (800Mbps in 2.4GHz range and 1733Mbps in 5GHz range). On top of that, it is fitted with a ton of features, such as 256QAM support, Geo-fencing, Congestion Control, Ping Heatmap, Application QoS, and many others. In other words, you will be able to fully control your traffic, and more importantly, you will be able to manage it with ease thanks to the very good 2.0 NetDuma’s DumaOS software.

NETGEAR Nighthawk Pro Gaming XR500 comes with four antennas; it offers MU-MIMO support, and above all, provides god range coverage. This, combined with its great performance, makes nothing less than a networking monster that will help raise your gaming to the highest level.

ASUS RT-AX82U AX5400

A Space-Ship in a Router Body

If you are seeking a premium-performing gaming router that will bring the best out of your network and satisfy your game-hungry teenagers, or the game-hungry teenager in your heart, ASUS RT-AX82U AX5400 is the device you need.

As you may guess, this isn’t an everyday router, but a supreme gaming machine that supports 4804Mbps data transfer speeds and offers a ton of features that will satisfy even the most demanding among you.

ASUS RT-AX82U AX5400 comes with Beamforming support, Game Acceleration feature, Mesh WiFi Support, Mobile Game Boost, Game prioritization, MU-MIMO, QoS, and even fully customizable Aura RGB lighting that will let you pair this router with your gaming rig. Moreover, there is a special Gaming mode that offers the lowest possible latency and lag, numerous security features that include WPA3 security, Parental controls, as well as free lifetime ASUS AiProtection Pro subscription that will make your network as secure as possible.

ASUS RT-AX82U AX5400 Wi-Fi6 router is easy to use, it delivers long-range coverage and allows for full management over the Mobile App. It is fitted with four Gigabit LAN ports, one WAN port and offers one USB connection that isn’t much, but should be enough for the majority of users.

All in all, if you are after the best gaming router there is, ASUS RT-AX82U AX5400 is certainly a device that will give you plenty for the price and, above all, it will shine in every department, as it should be the case with the best gaming router there is.

Conclusion

Hopefully, after reading this guide, your search for the best gaming router has become a much simpler task and you are a one step closer to the best choice possible. If that is the case, this guide’s mission is fulfilled! Good luck!

Truth be told, most users don’t need the latest design that comes with mind-blowing specifications. In support of this, we decided to find the best router under $100 that would support a busy household (from an Internet traffic point of view).

So, if you’re interested in learning more about the type of wireless router you need, make sure to read the reviews below.

Top Picks

Preview	Product
	NETGEAR 4-Stream WiFi 6 Router (R6700AX) – Security Features, AX1800 Wireless Speed (Up to 1.8...	Check at Amazon
	TP-Link AC1900 Smart WiFi Router (Archer A8) -High Speed MU-MIMO Wireless Router, Dual Band Router...	Check at Amazon
	ASUS AC1300 WiFi Router (RT-ACRH13) - Dual Band Gigabit Wireless Router, 4 GB Ports, USB 3.0 Port,...	Check at Amazon
	NETGEAR WiFi Router (R6230) - AC1200 Dual Band Wireless Speed (up to 1200 Mbps) | Up to 1200 sq ft...	Check at Amazon
	Linksys EA6350 Dual-Band Wi-Fi Router for Home (AC1200 Fast Wireless Router),Black	Check at Amazon
	Motorola AC2600 4x4 WiFi Smart Gigabit Router with Extended Range, Model MR2600	Check at Amazon
	Speedefy AC2100 Smart WiFi Router - Dual Band Gigabit Wireless Router for Home & Gaming, 4x4...	Check at Amazon
	Medialink AC1200 Wireless Gigabit Router - Gigabit (1000 Mbps) Wired Speed & AC 1200 Mbps Combined...	Check at Amazon

Last update on 2025-04-01 // The links above are affiliate // Images from Amazon

How to Choose the Best Router Under $100

Before we delve into the reviews of the best routers under $100, let’s have a look at the features that matter the most.

Speed

Most modern routers support high speed, but it’s important to pay attention to the specs.

For instance, if you need an Internet connection that supports online multi-player gaming without lags and 4K video streaming simultaneously, you will need an AC router (the modern WiFi standard). Now, while the AC router under $100 may be a bit low in advanced features, it does a fantastic job for the regular home user.

Dual Band and Higher

Another thing to watch for is the dual-band feature. This means that the router supports both the 2.4GHz and the 5 GHz bands and provides better performance overall. Also, the 5GHz band doesn’t suffer from interferences from other electronic devices and is usually less crowded.

Dual-band routers usually have two or more adjustable antennas and can maintain both bands simultaneously without any drops in signal or speed. Also, there are routers that support tri-band settings – one 2.4GHz band and two 5GHz bands. These are fantastic for households with heavy traffic via online gaming and video and audio streaming.

Range

Ideally, the wireless router should provide the same strength of WiFi signal in the entire home. However, the range varies depending on the size of your house, the wall composition (for signal interference), and other factors.

Still, unless you want to use a WiFi extender, you should look for a device that can cover a 2,000 sq. ft. house.

Security

Nowadays cyber-security is a big deal, so make sure the router comes with a solid firewall, WPA/WPA2 wireless encryption, and Guest Access possibilities. This way, anyone interested in hacking into your home network will have a tough time.

Supported Connections

Before deciding on a model, it’s best to consider your needs.

First, try to assess the number of devices that will be connecting daily – this means phones, tablets, laptops, PCs, Smart TVs, gaming consoles, and more. Next, think about what you want to be able to access using the router. For instance, some routers allow connecting a Network Attached Storage (NAS) using an Integrated USB port.

Finally, if you have wired devices, make sure you get a router with enough Ethernet LAN ports (most models have four).

8 Best Routers Under $100

NETGEAR R6700AX

An Affordable, but High-Performing Home Router

NETGEAR R6700AX is Wi-Fi 6 compatible dual-band router, with a ton of features and pretty appealing looks. These features make this device one of the better deals on the market.

With this device you are getting ease of use and excellent performance that, translated into numbers, means you will be able to get 1.8 Gbps (600Mbps in 2.4GHz band and 1200Mbps in 5GHz band) data transfer speeds, which should be more than enough for the majority of home or small office users. This device supports four simultaneous streams and has enough bandwidth to handle multiple 4K streams.

Moreover, it is fitted with four Gigabit Ethernet ports and comes with some great features such as more common ones like Beamforming, OFDMA, 1024-QAM, and VPN support, as well as more advanced ones that include Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant support.

Furthermore, NETGEAR R6700AX provides multiple security features that involve WPA2/WPA3 support, ability to create the special guest Wi-Fi, as well as Firewall, but above all, the NETGEAR ArmorTM feature, run by Bitdefender, that comes with a one-month free trial and ability to control every device connected to it and protect them from viruses and other malware.

In other words, NETGEAR R6700AX presents the full package and if you are after the best cheap router with exceptional performance. It certainly presents more than a solid option and the device that will help you with your work in the long run.

TP-Link Archer A8

A Great Cost Effective Wi-Fi Router

One of the best dual band routers under $100, the TP-Link AC1750 comes with high speed (up to 450Mbps for the 2.4GHz network and 1300Mbps for the 5GHz network), is compatible with Amazon Alexa, and supports 4K streaming with significantly reduced buffering.

The 3 external antennas boost the WiFi range, so you can get a connection even in a home that’s 2,500 square feet. In terms of ports, the router has 4 Gigabit LAN ports that offer support for wired devices, one USB 3.0 port for fast access to a storage device, one WPS button that allows for an easier way to connect guests to the network, and one Reset button. Furthermore, this router can support over 50 wireless devices!

All this is due to a highly performant management system that is supported by a powerful CPU, advanced technology, and stellar bandwidth prioritization. Users consider the TP-Link AC1750 to be a great router for online gaming (no lag), but it’s also a fantastic choice for video and audio streaming.

Finally, the TP-Link AC1750 provides a secure online environment for the entire family with WPA/WPA2 wireless encryption, guest access, and parental control features. Also, the router can be controlled using the TP Tether app, which is cloud-based so you can control the settings regardless of your location.

ASUS Dual-Band 2×2 AC1300

Easy Setup Process & Best User-friendly Interface

Equipped with 2×2 MU-MIMO technology, this ASUS router is fantastic for managing multiple connections at high speeds (up to 1267Mbps – up to 867Mbps for 5GHz and 400Mbps for 2.4GHz). The device boosts the WiFi range in your home due to the 4 external antennas and it’s easy to install due to the user-friendly web-based interface (there’s also an app you can use to control the settings).

The ASUS Dual-Band AC1300 router uses Smart Connect to automatically switch between bands whenever it is needed. This delivers consistent bandwidth, regardless of your online activities. Furthermore, the router is equipped with one USB 3.0 port for fast medial files sharing with the entire network.

NETGEAR AC1200 (R6230)

Budget Router With a Good Range

If you’re looking to boost the range of your WiFi to reach the whole house, skip the WiFi extender and get the NETGEAR AC1200 instead. Some people consider this to be the best AC router under $100, and considering its features and price, they wouldn’t be too wrong.

The router delivers fast speeds (300 for the 2.4GHz and 900Mbps for the 5GHz networks) which makes it great for online gaming, video and audio streaming and other demanding online activities. NETGEAR AC1200 can prioritize services that need a lot more bandwidth over the regular ones for a perfect streaming and gaming experience.

In terms of connectivity (besides wireless connections), the NETGEAR AC1200 has 4 Gigabit LAN ports, guest network possibilities (WPS button) and USB 2.0 port (for external devices). The control interface is intuitive, and users have an access with a mobile device via the Nighthawk app.

Linksys EA6350

Elegant Dual Band Router

For people who don’t like big devices, the Linksys EA6350 is the best wireless router possible! With a slim and elegant design and an impressive look, this device can be installed in any type of interior setting.

But it’s not just the pretty body that makes people buy it! It’s also the plethora of features it has to offer and the power it hides under its tiny shell. For instance, it supports dual wireless bands and can reach speeds up to 300Mbps for the 2.4GHz network and 867Mbps for the 5GHz network.

Furthermore, the router features 4 10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet ports, one USB 3.0, and understands the difference between playing online games, streaming a movie on Netflix, or just browsing your favorite online store.

While the router does have long range, the antennas can be adjusted and repositioned as needed. Also, it supports beamforming for stronger and faster connections and keeps your network secure with WPA/WPA2 encryption and an SPI firewall. Of course, you have the option to allow for guest access.

MOTOROLA Model MR2600

A Masterpiece in a Budget-Friendly Area

If you are after the super-fast, but affordable Wi-Fi router that will bring your network to another, much higher level and provide a top-class experience, MOTOROLA MR2600 is made for you.

This is the device that supports 2600Mbps speeds (800Mbps in the 2.4GHz band and 1733Mbps in the 5GHz band) and allows for four simultaneous streams. Moreover, it is fitted with a ton of features that include Beamforming, MU-MIMO, as well as Port Forwarding, Parental Control and support for up to 253 client devices.

When talking about these router security features, you should know that they include usual WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK encryption, SmartQoS, Guest Network capability, and easy to use firewall.

Moreover, this device also comes with four Gigabit LAN ports, one Gigabit WAN port, and a practical USB3.0 connection. MOTOROLA Model MR2600 comes with a two-year warranty; it provides a great signal range and for its price presents the terrific value for the money.

For that reason, if you are after the best Wi-Fi router in the budget-friendly area, this one is pretty much the hit in the dead center.

Speedefy AC2100 Smart WiFi Router

A Simple, yet Efficient Budget-friendly Wi-Fi Router

Speedefy AC2100 Smart Wi-Fi Router is easy to use home device that offers a pretty good combination of performance, practicality and above all fair price.

As mentioned, this dual-band router is very easy to setup and use and altogether provides everything that the mainstream home user might need. There is a solid 2100Mbps data transfer speed (1733Mbps in 5GHz band and 300Mbps in 2.4GHz band), compatibility with every major operating system such as Windows, Mac and Linux, as well as the ability to accept up to 25 simultaneous connections.

Furthermore, this router supports WPA/WPA2-PSK Encryption; it is equipped with Parental controls and offers decent wired connectivity that includes one Gigabit port and four Gigabit LAN ports.

Speedefy AC2100 Smart Wi-Fi Router is also MU-MIMO compatible device that supports up to four simultaneous streams, and altogether provides a very good user experience, but above everything else, a solid performance that, when combined with some of the best Wi-Fi adapters available on the market, should make a difference and raise your productivity to the higher level.

In other words, if you are after a solid, but affordable Wi-Fi router, Speedefy AC2100 is the device you should seriously consider for.

Medialink AC1200

Solid Router for The Money

The Medialink AC1200 comes equipped with four Gigabit Ethernet ports that will put your online multi-player gaming and 4K streaming in the fast lane. Second, the range is extremely satisfying as it is, but you have the option to activate the Range Extender Mode if you need to cover a larger area.

The Medialink AC1200 also supports beamforming and dual-band access (300Mbps on 2.4GHz and 867Mbps on 5GHz). To keep everyone protected from prying eyes, the router comes with a solid firewall and guest network access. Not to mention, you have full control over its functionalities.
Finally, the setup process is easy to understand, and you can always contact tech support (if the need arises).

Wrap Up

As you can see, there are many high-quality routers under $100, and it’s almost impossible to choose the best one. However, each user’s needs are different, so have a look at our reviews and choose the one that works best for you.

How to Choose the Right Router/Modem Combo

If you’re shopping for a new modem that’s coupled with a router, you probably fall into one of two categories. You’re either looking to relieve yourself of those monthly fees from your ISP or save space by combining two gadgets into one. No matter the reason, the first box you need to check off your list is compatibility.

The best modem/router combo on the planet won’t do you a bit of good if it isn’t compatible with your service provider. Thankfully, manufacturers let you know which services their modems support, so you won’t have to guess. That means you can focus on more important things like speed, Ethernet ports, and flagship features.

Downstream Speed

When a manufacturer mentions downstream speed, it directly correlates to your subscription with your ISP. If you are on a Gigabyte plan and actually get the speeds promised, you’ll need a router and modem combo capable of handling a gig. You don’t have to match the speeds exactly, and sometimes it can be better to go big.

As mentioned, technology increases at a rapid pace. Internet providers frequently expand their service and offer up deep discounts on bundles. If you’re on a 500Mbps plan and pick a modem to match, you’ll be out of luck if you decide to upgrade your speeds down the line. By choosing a faster combo from the start, you may save yourself from a major headache.

Channel Bonding

Channel bonding is important unless you like congestion and it’s a specification that tells you how those speeds are split up within the modem. Data enters the modem in a stream, and modern ISDN devices generally split that stream into two channels at 64Kbps each. The current standard is DOCSIS 3.0 which is supported by the majority of modem/router combos and provides you with four channels at a minimum.

The most common setup is a 16×4 configuration which opens up things considerably. It means there are 16 channels for the downstream and 4 reserved for the upstream. Most folks use their PCs for more than gaming, so you’ll want to consider the configuration carefully. Some users may require higher upload speeds while others may do just fine with the standard configuration.

Signal Strength

Picking up a modem that can download a season of your favorite show in minutes is nice, and no gamer is going to complain about top-tier speeds. If you live in a large home or game in the basement with the modem upstairs, all that speed is for nothing when the signal can’t get out. A closed door can kill a signal in some homes.

Room size isn’t that significant, but the overall size of your home is along with the distance between the modem and any connected devices. Unless you plan on using the Ethernet ports full-time, you need to consider signal strength along with speed. Some of the best DSL modem/router combos will have multiple antennae as well something – you’ll want to shoot for if you have a larger home.

Extras

When it comes to extras, many modems share a similar set of features. Guest networks are a common occurrence along with built-in firewalls. Some combos will even have security software pre-installed while others give parents a measure of control.

Dual-band Wi-Fi is no longer a rarity although the type provided makes a major difference. All will have 2.4GHz and a 5GHz bands, but the 802.11 standards are what you’ll want to familiarize yourself with. There is the 802.11a standard, 801.11aj, and a half-dozen more with new ones rolling out seemingly every few years. While we’re not experts on the wireless fronts, this breaks things down quite nicely.

9 Best Modem/Router Combos

Preview	Product
	NETGEAR Cable Modem Router Combo C6250 - Dual Band, Compatible with Cable Providers Including...	Check at Amazon
	Motorola MG7550 - Modem with Built in WiFi | Approved for Comcast Xfinity, Cox | For Plans Up to 300...	Check at Amazon
	NETGEAR Nighthawk Modem WiFi Router Combo C7000-Compatible with Cable Providers Including Xfinity by...	Check at Amazon
	ARRIS (SBG7600AC2) - Cable Modem Router Combo - Fast DOCSIS 3.0 & AC2350 WiFi ,Approved for Comcast...	Check at Amazon
	NETGEAR N600 (8x4) WiFi DOCSIS 3.0 Cable Modem Router (C3700) Certified for Xfinity from Comcast,...	Check at Amazon
	Motorola MT7711 24X8 Cable Modem/Router with Two Phone Ports, DOCSIS 3.0 Modem, and AC1900 Dual Band...	Check at Amazon
	ARRIS (SBG10) - Cable Modem Router Combo - Fast DOCSIS 3.0 16 x 4 Gigabit & AC1600 WiFi, For Comcast...	Check at Amazon
	Motorola MG7700 Modem WiFi Router Combo with Power Boost | Approved by Comcast Xfinity, Cox and...	Check at Amazon
	ARRIS (SBG8300) - Cable Modem Router Combo - Fast DOCSIS 3.1 Gigabit & AC2350 WiFi ,Comcast Xfinity,...	Check at Amazon

Last update on 2025-04-16 // The links above are affiliate // Images from Amazon

Netgear Cable Modem Router Combo (C6250-1AZNAS)

Great Choice for Gamers

Netgear is a brand plenty of gamers will be familiar with, and they are responsible for some of the best cable modem router combo packages around. The C6250-1AZNAS is one of their newer models and a top option due to its overall performance and the wide variety of configurations.

The AC1600 model of this router is built for gamers looking for something affordable, but reliable. It’s not the fastest box around with a top speed of 680Mbps although it has the 16×4 channel bonding configuration. It’s a dual-band box as well, so you can expect 2.4GHz and GHz Wi-Fi speeds on your smartphone, slate and other connected gadgets.

Prefer to game wired? That’s not a problem as this model has not one, but two Ethernet ports at 10/100/1000 with auto-sensing tech. While we still recommend using your own security, this one does come with DoS protection build in to go along with WPA/WPA2 and SPI/NAT firewalls.

This is an excellent all-around modem/router combo and one we feel gamers will appreciate. It won’t give you the flexibility of a two-pronged approach, but several variants provide a bit more bang for your buck like the AC3200 Nighthawk. All models are certified for use with Cox, Xfinity, Spectrum, and more.

Motorola MG7550

The Best Modem/Router Combo for Comcast

If you’ve rented equipment from your cable company in the past decade or so, there’s a good chance Motorola has made an appearance in your household. The company also produces modem/router combos directly for consumers, and the MG7550 is one of the better alternatives in the AC1900 range.

This wireless gateway is set to the 16×4 channel configuration and supports speeds up to 686Mbps with downloads. The upstream speed is 123Mpbs which is par the course. What’s different are four Gigabyte Ethernet ports and its outstanding Wi-Fi capabilities. As long as you don’t live in a mansion, you should have no problem getting a signal throughout your home.

Flagship features for the Motorola MG7550 include dual-band AC1900 Wi-Fi, DoS protection, and a power boost function which extends the range. It’s one of the slimmer combos as well, and easy to use with color-coded options that are clearly labeled on the back. This model is available in Black or White and comes with a 2-year warranty out of the box.

NETGEAR Nighthawk C7000

An Amazing High Performing All-in-One Modem

NETGEAR Nighthawk C7000 is a modem that combines great performance and appearance in one and delivers one of a kind user experience that will please even the most demanding users.

It offers good connectivity with four Gigabit ports and two USB ports and provides highly respectable dual-band Wi-Fi networking with a maximum combined speed of 1900Mbps (600Mbps in 2.4GHz band and 1300Mbps in 5GHz range) that is achieved mostly due to the help of 24×8 DOCSIS 3.0 channel bonding.

This router doesn’t support Windows, Linux, Mac, or browsers such as Chrome, Firefox or Chrome. However, it is compatible with all the major cable internet providers, which is its primary purpose in the first place – to replace your provider’s cable modems and save you from excessive costs.

NETGEAR Nighthawk C7000 is capable of covering more than 1800 square feet of space and can be simultaneously used by up to 30 devices. Moreover, it offers numerous security features such as supports for WEP and WPA/WPA2 and parental control.

However, its software doesn’t offer too many options. Still, it is good enough to provide easy network management and ease of use.

All in all, NETGEAR Nighthawk C7000 is a great deal and a device that delivers so much, including the high price tag. However, that is something that could be expected from the best modem router combo and something you must accept if you are searching for sheer quality.

ARRIS SURFboard SBG7600AC2

A Channel Bonding Champ

The ARRIS SURFboard is an impressive piece of equipment, making for a state of the art Cable Modem & Wi-Fi Router combo, which is built and designed to deliver the ultimate web surfing experience.

Considering the company’s 60+ years legacy, and also the fact that we’re talking about the guys who basically invented digital TV and brought Wi-Fi internet into people’s homes courtesy of their first cable modem gateway, if you go for the Arris Surfboard you’ll benefit from incredible speed, faster downloading and streaming, increased network capability and also more safety online, as this bad boy comes with free of charge McAfee Secure Home Internet suite.

Netgear N600

The Best Budget-Friendly Modem/Router Combo for Xfinity

When you decide to buck the system and pick up your own modem, you’re going to save quite a bit of money. It can still be difficult to drop a few hundred up front however which is where devices like the Netgear N600 come in handy.

The N600 will pay for itself rather quickly, and while it’s a DOCSIS 3.0 cable modem combo, it’s not as nimble as our top choices. It’s certified for up to 340Mbps with dual-band N450 Wi-Fi on the usual two channels. The modem is in the 8×4 configuration with several solid features like guest network access, WPA/WPA2, DLNA sharing and a handy WPS button.

Netgear put out a respectable combo with the N600, and while it is a little basic, it’s going to get the job done. It works with all the major providers like Cablevision and TWC but is exceptionally easy to use if you’re a Comcast customer.

MOTOROLA MT7711 24X8 Cable Modem/Router

Another Decent Combo For Gamers

The Motorola MT7711 makes for a 24×8 DOCSIS 3.0 Cable Modem, with an AC1900 Dual-Band WiFi Gigabit Router as the cherry on top, plus 2 phone ports. It’s worth mentioning that the Motorola MT7711 modem is built to work with Comcast only, while the phone-ports support XFINITY Voice telephone service.

Basically, you’ll get three devices for the price of one, i.e. this is the art of the deal, if it ever was one. On top of that, the Motorola MT7711 boasts a Broadcom cable modem chipset, which is supposed to render DDOS attacks obsolete.

ARRIS Surfboard 16×4 (SBG10)

Budget Modem/Router From ARRIS

Next in line we have the ARRIS Surfboard (16×4), which is an affordable DOCSIS 3.0 Cable Modem Plus/AC1600 Dual Band Wi-Fi Router. This hybrid boasts 686 Mbps Max Speed and it’s certified to work flawlessly with the most important ISP providers in the US, including Comcast Xfinity, Spectrum and Cox. As usual when it comes to combos, you’ll basically get 3 products for the price of one: a classic 16×4 Cable Modem with an AC1600 Dual-band Wi-Fi Router built on top, plus a very fast 2 Port Gigabit Router.

Motorola MG7700

Excellent Performance and Ease of Use in One

Motorola MG7700 is a well-built modem router combo that brings a good set of features, and above all, a very good overall performance that rightfully positions it among the best modem router combos available on the market. This is a dual-band device that supports 1900Mbps Wi-Fi speeds, as well as plus Gigabit wired speeds, through its four LAN ports.

It is compatible with Xfinity and Cox IPS providers and is recommended for up to 600Mbps internet plans. Unfortunately, that means that Verizon, AT&T, CenturyLink, and other providers are out of the equation, therefore, pay attention to this detail before the purchase.

When talking about other aspects of Motorola MG7700, have in mind that it comes with 24×8 DOCSIS 3.0 Channel Bonding, Beamforming support, as well as its handy Power Boost technology that will do miracles to your Wi-Fi signal strength. On top of that, there are also Parental Controls, a Firewall, and equally importantly, its intuitive, easy-to-use software, with a nice list of customization options.

Motorola MG7700 is fitted with a Broadcom chipset and a two-year warranty, and overall, it delivers a pretty good value for its rather affordable price. Therefore, if you are after a solid, but well-performing modem combo router that will bring you the most for your money, this device won’t disappoint you.

ARRIS SURFboard SBG8300

A Modem Router Combo Built for Premium Performance

If you are a more demanding user, with a Gigabit internet plan, or stronger, and are looking for a device that will let you maximize your internet traffic potential, ARRIS SURFboard SBG8300 is the one for you.

With this combo, you will have both 32×8 DOCSIS 3.1 Cable Modem and AC2350 Dual-band Wi-Fi capabilities and the ability to support internet plans with up to 4Gbps speeds. Furthermore, you will get four Gigabit ports, as well as dedicated OFDM upstream and downstream channels that will let you use your internet bandwidth to the max.

Above everything else, the ARRIS SURFboard SBG8300 combo device will give you ease of use, MU-MIMO compatibility and future-proof characteristics that will help you use this device in the long run. Moreover, every customization and setup you will be managed through the SURFboard Manager app, and most importantly, you will be able to do them with the help of Google Alexa voice management. In other words, you will get exceptional performance and features in one.

For these reasons, if you are after a premium product that will let you enjoy your blazing fast internet speeds in the best possible way, ARRIS SURFboard SBG8300 is certainly the modem router combo device you should be seriously considereing.