You could be paying for one of the fastest broadband packages in the country , but if you ’re using an former router , there ’s a just chance that your Wi - Fi speeding will be restricted . This is why it ’s so important to buy one of the best router available .
Knowing which router to buy can be a difficult task with so much jargon to wade through . So we ’ve make up one’s mind to help out , with our team of expert survey the latest and great router , and then brush up up the highest scoring options in this usher .
Every router boast in this scout has been in full reviewed , as we practice standardised test to evaluate performance speed from a range of proximity . We also verify to prove other factors such as maternal configurations , aim , and any additional feature of speech .
Wi - Fi 7 is the hot topic in the router universe , so we ’re in the process of reviewing the late batch . That said , we ’ve already reviewed a brace of splendid Wi - Fi 7 routers that you could mark out below . If you ’re expect for something gaudy , we also have mickle of old routers listed , while you’re able to also learn out ourbest Wi - Fi extenderlist instead .
Best Router at a glance
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How we test
Learn more about how we test routers
We test every wireless router we review thoroughly over an extended period of sentence . We employ consistent examination condition to find out the highest speed for every usable circle , while also noting down the carrying out at various compass . We also check that to test all of the uncommitted features , include certificate and maternal controls . ascertain out more about how we test in our ethics policy .
Netgear Nighthawk RS700
Pros
Cons
Eero Max 7
Netgear Orbi RBKE963 Wi-Fi 6E Mesh System
Linksys Atlas Pro 6
Asus RT-AX59U Extendable Router
TP-Link Archer AX90
Netgear Orbi 5G Tri-Band WiFi 6 Mesh System (NBK752)
Asus ROG Rapture GT-AXE1600
Trusted Score
TheNetgear Nighthawk RS700is the dissolute router we ’ve ever test , with the new Wi - Fi 7 standard giving it a huge focal ratio hike liken to aged options . On a single channel , it ’s capable of blazing dissolute fastness up to 11.5Gbit / s.
According to our own public presentation tests , it blew the competition out of the water , achieving a 2328.10Mbit / southward at skinny range ( 2 metres ) and 1999.33Mbit / s at mid - range ( 5 time ) . It even outperformed the Modern Eero Max 7 at these distances , although the Eero did commit ahead when we increased the distance to the second floor .
The Netgear Nighthawk RS700 is well suited to overcompensate low areas ( such as a flat ) , extend some of the best pep pill we ’ve ever see . There is a handsome caution here , as you ’ll need a Wi - Fi 7 machine in parliamentary procedure to unlock these speeds , which is presently only possible in the latest phones and laptop . But the router is backward compatible , and proves to be an excellent choice for hereafter - proof your wireless connection for the age to come .
The liberal stumbling block is the price , coming in at £ 799.99/$699.99 . If you ’re happy to compromise on performance , there are far better time value routers usable . But if you require the fast Wi - Fi speeds possible , the Netgear Nighthawk RS700 is the best router you may purchase .
Reviewer : David LudlowFull Review : Netgear Nighthawk RS700 Review
TheEero Max 7is the fastest meshing system we have ever go over , mostly thanks to its support for the cutting - edgeWi - Fi 7wireless standard . Our tests showed it to run at a blazing - dissolute 160MHz on the 5GHz lot and 320MHz on the 6GHz isthmus – that ’s serious stop number .
The jump to Wi - Fi 7 also allows you to make function of Multi - Link Operation , which enables a undivided equipment to stream data using a compounding of the 5GHz and 6GHz bands at the same sentence . This will prioritise the Wi - Fi for that machine , make it both quicker and more stable , which could be really useful for gaming .
The greatest problem here is that you ’ll demand Wi - Fi 7 gadget so as to benefit from these features . Most laptop computer and smartphones do n’t support this criterion just yet , so the Eero Max 7 is good think of as a router that will future tense - proof your wireless connection for years to arrive rather than providing immediate benefits .
That does avowedly make the steep price hard to swallow , specially as there are plenty of other fantastic routers that support the Wi - Fi 6 and Wi - Fi 6E standards at more low-priced prices . But if you desire to make trusted all of your future devices have the effective Wi - Fi connections possible , and call for a mesh system to cover a large home , then the Eero Max 7 is the way to go .
commentator : David LudlowFull Review : Eero Max 7 Review
If you ca n’t excuse spending a lot of money on a Wi - Fi 7 router , especially since most devices do n’t support the wireless standard just yet , then theNetgear Orbi RBKE963 Wi - Fi 6Eis the dependable mesh topology system alternative you may buy today . It comes with two artificial satellite so you may guarantee you get smashing coverage throughout your home , while our tests showed it to be among the fastest meshwork systems we ’ve ever reviewed , especially at a 10 - metre grasp .
accompaniment forWi - Fi 6Emeans it ’s compatible with one of the latest Wi - Fi criterion , just behind the new Wi - Fi 7 , while the 6GHz band delivers faster - than - wired speeds . This is also a quadruplet - dance orchestra organization , allowing you to have multiple devices connected to the router simultaneously without seeing a substantial slowdown in download amphetamine .
We were also impressed by the bit of features on this router , including built - in parental control , as well as optional cyber security software system if you give for a subscription .
It ’s laborious to regain any flaw with this connection system , although it is frightfully expensive . But if you desire the absolute best Wi - Fi 6E speeds , this is the salutary router or mesh organisation you’re able to buy .
Reviewer : David LudlowFull Review : Netgear Orbi RBKE963 Wi - Fi 6E Mesh System Review
TheLinksys Atlas Pro 6is the best value mesh topology system we ’ve essay so far , equal to of spreading Wi - Fi coverage throughout your entire home . It ’s available in large number of one , two or three , allow you to descale up or down depending on the size of your house .
The dual - band router accomplish very impressive upper in our performance tests , even when 10 metres by from your equipment . It outflank theEero 6 Plus , which was our late ‘ best value meshing system ’ title-holder , and even touch some tri - band routers that had a far steeper price point .
Wi - Fi 6 is supported , which is n’t quite the late stock ( Wi - Fi 7 ) but still ensures you ’re make the most of modern gimmick such as thePS5,Xbox Series Xand smartphones / laptops launched in 2022 .
The main feeble point of the Atlas Pro 6 router is the deficiency of features and tradition configurations , with even the likes of parental controls being limit . If you do like to muck about , then we ’d recommend the Eero 6 Plus instead . But the Atlas Pro 6 will certainly still appeal to those who just want a simple , hassle - free mesh scheme with blazing fast speeds .
reader : David LudlowFull Review : Linksys Atlas Pro 6 Review
If you live in a small home , such as a flat , where there ’s no need for a mesh arrangement to maximise coverage , then we advocate theAsus RT - AX59U Extendable Router .
With Wi - Fi 6 support , our trial run consequence show it to offer a brilliant performance , leapfrogging those that be twice as much . But with just two band , the router can sputter with homes that have dozens of machine examine to connect to the cyberspace at once .
Those with modest homes should see a braggart melioration on their nonpayment router though . And if you already own an Asus router with AIMesh rise , the Asus RT - AX59U can alternatively be used to pass an existing mesh system .
dependable of all , the Asus RT - AX59U is very affordable compared to the competition , and so is a no - brainer option for those in minuscule habitation that was a serious speeding boost for their Wi - Fi connection .
Reviewer : David LudlowFull Review : Asus RT - AX59U Extendable Router Review
TheTP - Link Archer AX90is a standalone router rather than a mesh system , which mean it ’s best suited for those in a smallish home where fast and consistent net pep pill are more significant than coverage .
This is a tri - band Wi - Fi 6 router , which means it ’s idealistic for household with many devices that require admittance to the internet . Our tests showed the 5GHz channel to be particularly rapid , offer like results to consecrated gambling router such as theNetgear Nighthawk XR1000 .
The accompany 2.4GHz dance orchestra were n’t as impressive due to the point of neighbouring interference , but are at least decent options for gadget where speedy Wi - Fi speed are n’t quite as important , will more bandwidth for the the likes of of console table and personal computer .
It also supports TP - Links ’ OneMesh engineering , allow you to build a mesh meshwork via compatible range extenders . That ’s a decent alternative to consider , but the TP - Link Archer AX90 arguably represents good value for those who just need a standalone router with a solid Wi - Fi connecter for multiple devices .
Reviewer : David LudlowFull Review : TP - Link Archer AX90 Review
It can be an downright incubus when the Wi - Fi goes down unexpectedly , specially if you ’re working from home and have an important business meeting . TheNetgear Orbi 5 G Tri - Band WiFi 6 Mesh System ( NBK752)looks to free us from such pain in the neck by have financial backing for 5G.
By slipping in a 5 g-force ( or 4 gee ) Sim lineup into the router , it will revert to the cellular internet as a backup if the Wi - Fi ever goes down . This ensures peace of mind that you ’ll stay connected to the net , even if BT or Virgin lets you down unexpectedly .
This Orbi can be purchased with either one or two satellite while offer tri - band Wi - Fi 6 that our performance tests indicate to be both speedy and honest . 5 universal gravitational constant f number will of course depend on the sign available in your country .
We thought the parental control and protection features were excellent too , while the smartphone app can be used like a outside mastery for hassle - free tweaks .
However , you could find fast Wi - Fi 6 interlocking systems elsewhere , such as theNetgear Orbi RBKE963 Wi - Fi 6E , so this is only deserving moot if you reckon the 5 G backup meshing will be an invaluable feature .
Reviewer : David LudlowFull Review : Netgear Orbi 5 G Tri - Band WiFi 6 Mesh System ( NBK752 ) Review
If you want a router mainly for online play , then there are a number of bespoke option . Our current favourite is theAsus ROG Rapture GT - AXE1600 , which offer a blazing fast performance while also plunk for the 6GHz ring via the Wi - Fi 6E standard .
It ’s important to note that this is a standalone router , and so does n’t come with additional satellites to help oneself scatter coverage throughout tumid domicile . But this is still one of the fastest router we ’ve ever tested , and could still handle breakneck hurrying when 10 metres off from wireless gadget .
We were really impressed with the various gaming - centrical feature of speech when try out the Rapture GT - AXE1600 . A Game Radar demo the substance abuser the current ping times of popular multiplayer games , while there are also parental controls that can avail you forbid nipper from playing on-line retiring bedtime .
There are few better router available for gaming , although hold the gamy cost , it ’s worth check out a interlock system if you handle more about amend insurance coverage for your home than high - fastness gaming .
Reviewer : David LudlowFull Review : Asus ROG Rapture GT - AXE1600 Review
Test Data
Full Specs
The Netgear Nighthawk RS700 is the dissipated router we ’ve tested , and the Eero Max 7 is the fastest mesh system , although you ’ll only unlock the full speed potential of both router if you own devices that support the new Wi - Fi 7 standard .
A router can speed up your Wi - Fi and allow you with a reproducible wireless performance . Although you will of course still be handicapped by the maximum focal ratio of your cyberspace plan .
A mesh arrangement is essentially just a router that fare bundled with extra satellite equipment . Each satellite uses the same wireless web , but improves the coverage of your Wi - Fi . This is a very respectable option for tumid house , assure you have a great connection in every elbow room .
