Welcome to our guide on the top 10 best WiFi routers you can buy in 2024! A reliable WiFi router is essential for fast and stable wireless connectivity in your home or office. With the rise in bandwidth-hungry activities like 4K streaming, online gaming, and smart home devices, having a high-performance router has become more critical than ever.

In this blog post, we’ll discuss the key features to look for when shopping for a WiFi router in 2024. We’ll also provide detailed reviews of the 10 best routers across various price points and use cases. Whether you need blazing fast speeds to support multiple devices or whole-home coverage, you’ll find the perfect router for your needs here!

What to Look for in a WiFi Router in 2024

With WiFi 6 routers becoming mainstream and new innovations constantly emerging, there are a few key factors to consider when choosing a router:

WiFi 6 Support

WiFi 6, also known as 802.11ax, is the newest WiFi standard that delivers faster speeds, increased capacity, and better performance in dense, congested environments. Any router you buy in 2024 should support WiFi 6.

Dual-Band or Tri-Band

Dual-band routers operate on both 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequencies while tri-band routers add a third 5GHz band. Tri-band routers deliver faster speeds and less congestion.

Mesh Capabilities

Mesh routers have multiple access points that work together to blanket your home with strong WiFi. Mesh systems are excellent for large homes or eliminating dead zones.

MU-MIMO and Beamforming

MU-MIMO and beamforming technologies allow a router to communicate with multiple devices simultaneously and directly target connected devices. This results in faster WiFi speeds.

Plenty of Gigabit LAN Ports

Look for routers with at least four gigabit LAN ports to connect wired devices without slowing down your network.

Advanced Security Protections

Make sure your router has WPA3 encryption and other security measures like a built-in firewall to protect your network and connected devices.

Now let’s get to our picks for the 10 best WiFi routers you can buy in 2024 across various budgets and use cases.

1. Netgear Nighthawk AX12 – Best Overall WiFi Router

Key Features:

• WiFi 6 support
• Quad-stream WiFi with up to 10.8Gbps speeds
• OFDMA and 8 high-power antennas
• Dynamic QoS prioritizes gaming & streaming
• Works with Netgear Armor cybersecurity

The Netgear Nighthawk AX12 delivers blazing multi-gigabit wireless speeds up to 10.8Gbps, making it our choice for the best overall WiFi router. It supports the latest WiFi 6 standard and quad-stream WiFi on both bands to provide smooth 4K/8K streaming and low-latency online gaming.

We especially like the Dynamic QoS feature that automatically prioritizes traffic to your gaming devices and streaming apps. The eight high-power external antennas extend your WiFi coverage across very large homes of up to 3,500 square feet. Built-in OFDMA technology allows the router to efficiently communicate with multiple devices at once.

With a powerful 64-bit 1.8GHz quad-core processor, the Nighthawk AX12 has plenty of muscle to handle the most demanding smart home networks. The router provides one 2.5Gbit WAN port and five gigabit LAN ports to connect wired devices. The two USB 3.0 ports allow you to share printers and storage drives across your network.

Netgear Armor cybersecurity software, powered by Bitdefender, provides multi-layered protection against online threats. The Nighthawk app gives you granular control to monitor your network or troubleshoot issues. At around $350, the Nighthawk AX12 delivers future-proof WiFi 6 technology and robust connectivity.

Key Specs

• WiFi Generation: WiFi 6
• Wireless Speed: Up to 10.8Gbps
• Processor: 64-bit 1.8GHz quad-core
• Memory: 1GB
• Antennas: 8 high-power external antennas
• Ports: 1 x 2.5Gbps WAN, 5 x 1Gbps LAN, 2 x USB 3.0
• Security: WPA3, Netgear Armor

Summary: With blazing fast 10.8Gbps speeds, WiFi 6 support, powerful hardware, and advanced security, the Netgear Nighthawk AX12 is the best overall router that will excel in any home or office environment.

2. Asus RT-AX88U – Fastest WiFi 6 Router

Key Features:

• Extreme WiFi 6 speed up to 6000 Mbps
• 80MHz 1024-QAM and OFDMA
• Adaptive QoS prioritization
• Lifetime free internet security
• 8 Gigabit LAN ports

If you want the absolute fastest WiFi 6 router available today, look no further than the Asus RT-AX88U. This powerhouse router delivers speeds up to an incredible 6000 Mbps on the 5GHz band and up to 1148 Mbps on the 2.4GHz band.

The secret sauce behind the RT-AX88U is its support for 80MHz channels, 1024-QAM modulation, and OFDMA technology – key features of WiFi 6 that boost throughput exponentially compared to older routers. The router has a 1.8Ghz quad-core processor and 1GB of memory to nimbly handle all your devices and applications.

We like how the Asus router actively optimizes your network by analyzing connected devices and apps to prioritize traffic and allocate bandwidth where it’s needed most. The built-in adaptive QoS lets you easily assign higher priority to gaming consoles or TV streaming boxes.

Asus AiProtection powered by Trend Micro provides multi-stage security against online threats and unauthorized access to your network. With the free lifetime internet security subscription, you can protect all your connected devices. The sleek router has plenty of wired connectivity too with eight Gigabit LAN ports.

If you have gigabit fiber internet or want the absolute best WiFi 6 performance, the Asus RT-AX88U is hands-down the fastest router out there today.

Key Specs:

• WiFi Generation: WiFi 6
• Wireless Speed: Up to 6000Mbps on 5GHz, 1148Mbps on 2.4GHz
• Processor: 1.8Ghz quad-core
• Memory: 1GB
• Antennas: 8 high-gain antennas
• Ports: 8 x 1Gbps LAN
• Security: Lifetime free internet security

Summary: With insane dual-band speeds up to 6000Mbps, the Asus RT-AX88U is the undisputed speed champion among WiFi 6 routers and delivers unmatched wireless performance.

3. TP-Link Archer AX6000 – Best Tri-Band WiFi 6 Router

Key Features:

• Tri-band WiFi with speeds up to 5400 Mbps
• Eight high-gain antennas
• OFDMA and 1024-QAM
• Advanced security features
• 8 Gigabit LAN ports

The TP-Link Archer AX6000 is our top pick for a tri-band WiFi 6 router that delivers excellent wireless coverage across multiple floors. With a dedicated 5GHz band for gaming and streaming, you can connect over 100 devices without congestion or buffering.

This router supports 160MHz channels and 1024-QAM for ridiculously fast wireless throughput up to 4804 Mbps on the 5GHz bands. The eight high-gain antennas extend your WiFi range across very large homes up to 5000 square feet. Beamforming locks in the WiFi signal to your devices wherever you roam.

Under the hood, the Archer AX6000 packs serious power with a 1.8GHz quad-core CPU, three co-processors, and 1GB of RAM. The latest WiFi 6 technologies like OFDMA allow efficient communication with multiple devices simultaneously. Useful features include OneMesh for simplified whole-home mesh networking and HomeShield for IoT security.

Parental controls allow you to manage online time and block inappropriate sites for kids’ devices. With WPA3 encryption, a robust firewall, and IPsec VPN server, you can rest assured your network and data are secure. With eight Gigabit LAN ports, there are abundant wired connectivity options as well.

Overall, the Archer AX6000 is a tri-band powerhouse that bathes your whole home in strong, congestion-free WiFi 6 coverage.

Key Specs:

• WiFi Generation: WiFi 6
• Wireless Speed: Up to 4804Mbps on 5GHz, 1148Mbps on 2.4GHz
• Processor: 1.8GHz quad-core
• Memory: 1GB
• Antennas: 8 high-gain antennas
• Ports: 8 x 1Gbps LAN
• Security: WPA3, IPsec VPN server

Summary: With dedicated tri-band WiFi 6 support, insane speeds up to 5400Mbps, long-range coverage, and robust connectivity, the Archer AX6000 is the top tri-band router available.

4. Linksys EA9500 – Best WiFi Router for Gaming

Key Features:

• Tri-band router optimized for gaming
• MU-MIMO and beamforming technologies
• Eight high-gain antennas
• Dynamic QoS prioritizes gaming traffic
• Gigabit/Multi-Gig LAN ports

Serious console and PC gamers need a router tuned for low-latency online gaming. That’s why our top pick is the Linksys EA9500 Max-Stream AC5400. This tri-band MU-MIMO router is purpose-built for gaming with technologies to reduce lag, improve connectivity, and prioritize gaming traffic.

A dedicated 5GHz gaming band prevents congestion from other devices, giving you smoother online gameplay. The eight high-gain antennas extend WiFi range across large spaces and beamforming locks in the signal. MU-MIMO allows simultaneous communication with multiple devices like gaming PCs, consoles, smartphones, and tablets.

Automatic Dynamic QoS detects gaming traffic and assigns it the highest priority to reduce lag. There are eight LAN ports including a 2.5Gbit multi-gig port to connect a gaming PC. The EA9500 delivers combined wireless speeds up to 5.3 Gbps for fast game downloads and 4K game streaming.

Other useful features include WPA3 encryption, AiProtection Network Security and a robust parental control system. The EA9500 looks futuristic and has an angular design that improves heat dissipation during intense gaming sessions. For the ultimate gaming router that delivers rock-solid wireless performance when you’re fragging enemies, the Linksys EA9500 is it.

Key Specs:

• WiFi Generation: 802.11ac Wave 2
• Wireless Speed: Up to 2166Mbps on 5GHz, 1000Mbps on 2.4GHz
• Processor: 1.4GHz dual-core
• Memory: 512MB
• Antennas: 8 high-gain external antennas
• Ports: 1 x 2.5Gbps, 7 x 1Gbps LAN
• Security: WPA3

Summary: With tri-band WiFi, multi-gig LAN, beamforming, MU-MIMO, and automatic QoS prioritization for gaming devices, the Linksys EA9500 delivers lag-free online gaming and intense wireless performance.

5. Google Nest Wifi – Best Mesh WiFi Router

Key Features:

• Easy to set up mesh WiFi system
• Seamless roaming between access points
• Stylish design blends into any home
• Doubles as smart speaker with Google Assistant
• Affordable mesh networking

Google Nest Wifi is our top pick for the best mesh WiFi system that blankets your home with fast, reliable wireless coverage. If you struggle with dead zones in a large home, Nest Wifi is the perfect hassle-free solution.

The Nest Wifi router point delivers up to 2200 Mbps speeds with AC2200 support. The sleek secondary Nest points provide an additional 1600 sq. ft of coverage and act as Google Assistant smart speakers. Setup takes minutes with the Google Home app guiding you through the process of placing the Nest points.

The system intelligently shifts devices between bands to avoid congestion. Family features include guest WiFi access, parental controls, and priority device scheduling. Nest Wifi is more affordable than competing mesh systems while providing great performance. It’s an excellent choice for smart homes with Google devices.

Expand coverage anytime by adding more Nest points. For robust whole-home mesh WiFi that looks beautiful, the Nest Wifi system is hard to beat.

Key Specs:

• WiFi Generation: 802.11ac Wave 2
• Wireless Speed: Up to 2200 Mbps
• Processor: Quad-core 64-bit @ 1.4 GHz
• Memory: 1GB RAM
• Security: WPA3-PSK

Summary: With an easy to configure mesh system providing seamless roaming, affordable price point, and integration with Google Assistant speakers, Nest Wifi is the best mesh router for most households.

6. Netgear Orbi RBK50 – Tri-band Mesh WiFi System

Key Features:

• Tri-band mesh router with dedicated backhaul
• Covers up to 5000 sq. ft.
• Speeds up to 3000 Mbps
• Simple setup
• Built-in cybersecurity

Netgear’s Orbi RBK50 is a versatile tri-band mesh system that delivers high-performance wireless coverage across large spaces up to 5,000 square feet. This robust WiFi system consists of a router and two satellites to blanket homes with fast WiFi.

The dedicated tri-band backhaul between the Orbi router and satellites ensures you get full wireless speeds up to 3000 Mbps without interference. Smart roaming means your devices automatically switch between bands as you move through your house.

Setup takes under 10 minutes with the Orbi app guiding you through placement. The app also lets you view connected devices, run speed tests, configure settings, and more. Useful features include guest WiFi networks, parental controls, Alexa support, and Disney Circle integration.

Built-in Netgear Armor by Bitdefender provides multi-layered cybersecurity for all connected devices. With tri-band performance, whole-home mesh coverage, ample customization, and cybersecurity, the Netgear Orbi delivers outstanding connectivity.

Key Specs:

• WiFi Generation: 802.11ac Wave 2
• Wireless Speed: Up to 3000 Mbps
• Processor: 710MHz quad-core
• Memory: 512MB
• Security: WPA2, Netgear Armor

Summary: The Netgear Orbi RBK50 is the best tri-band mesh WiFi system that blankets homes with super-fast wireless coverage, dedicated wireless backhaul, and robust security.

7. Asus RT-AC86U – Best Budget WiFi Router

Key Features:

• Budget-friendly AC2900 wireless router
• Gaming optimization and Adaptive QoS
• MU-MIMO, beamforming, and AiProtection
• NVIDIA GameFirst V technology
• Gigabit WAN and 4 x LAN ports

The Asus RT-AC86U AC2900 dual-band wireless router packs a punch with top-notch features at an affordable price. It delivers wireless speeds up to 750+2167 Mbps and has a 1GHz dual-core processor to handle multiple devices with ease.

Gamers will love optimization features like GameBoost for lower latency and the ability to prioritize gaming devices. Compatibility with NVIDIA GameFirst V gives your game traffic the highest priority. The four adjustable antennas extend WiFi range across medium to large homes.

MU-MIMO allows simultaneously streaming to multiple devices. Beamforming focuses the signal while AiProtection powered by Trend Micro blocks external attacks. The router has both a Gigabit internet port and four Gigabit LAN ports for wired expansion.

For less than $100, it’s amazing that the Asus RT-AC86U packs this many advanced features. If you want great budget-friendly performance for gaming and streaming, grab this Asus router.

Key Specs:

• WiFi Generation: 802.11ac Wave 2
• Wireless Speed: Up to 750Mbps on 2.4GHz; 2167 Mbps on 5GHz
• Processor: 1GHz dual-core
• Memory: 512MB
• Antennas: 4 high-gain antennas
• Ports: 1 x Gigabit WAN, 4 x Gigabit LAN
• Security: WPA2, AiProtection

Summary: The Asus RT-AC86U dual-band wireless router delivers blazing fast AC2900 WiFi performance with gaming optimizations in an affordable package.

8. TP-Link Archer C5400X – Best WiFi Router for Streaming

Key Features:

• Tri-band WiFi optimized for 4K streaming
• Eight high-gain antennas
• Dynamic Optimization prioritizes streaming
• 1.8GHz quad-core CPU
• Link aggregation for 2Gbps throughput

Media streamers and cord cutters need a WiFi router purpose-built for handling high-bandwidth 4K and 8K video. The TP-Link Archer C5400X is specially designed for buffer-free streaming and media consumption with tri-band WiFi and a powerful 1.8GHz quad-core processor.

This AC5400 router delivers up to 2.6Gbps on the 5GHz bands and 1Gbps on the 2.4GHz band for a total throughput of 5.3Gbps. Eight high-gain antennas boost range across very large homes while beamforming targets connected media devices.

Dynamic Optimization automatically identifies streaming and media traffic like Netflix, YouTube, or Plex and assigns it top priority. Link aggregation lets you easily combine two Gigabit LAN ports for speeds up to 2Gbps to support high bitrate 4K streams.

The robust QoS settings allow defining custom bandwidth allocation rules. Anti-buffering technology maintains smooth video playback during times of congestion. For the best WiFi streaming performance, the Archer C5400X has all your bases covered.

Key Specs:

• WiFi Generation: 802.11ac Wave 2
• Wireless Speed: Up to 1733Mbps x 2 on 5GHz; 1000Mbps on 2.4GHz
• Processor: 1.8GHz quad-core 64-bit
• Memory: 1GB
• Antennas: 8 high-gain antennas
• Ports: 1 x Gig WAN, 8 x Gig LAN
• Security: WPA3

Summary: With tri-band WiFi delivering 5300Mbps speeds, optimized QoS for streaming, anti-buffering technology, and eight antennas, the Archer C5400X is the top choice for WiFi routers focused on home media streaming and entertainment.

9. D-Link DIR-867 – Best Budget WiFi Router for Gaming

Key Features:

• Dual-band AC1750 router
• Advanced AC SmartBeam streamlines gaming traffic
• Intelligent QoS prioritizes gaming devices
• Good for small apartments and dorm rooms
• Affordable gaming router under $100

Gamers looking for an inexpensive WiFi router under $100 for gaming should check out the D-Link DIR-867. This neat little router packs AC1750 dual-band wireless performance and QoS enhancements tailored for gaming.

The advanced AC SmartBeam technology improves gaming traffic by steering your game streams along the optimal path. This results in lower ping times for popular titles like Call of Duty or Overwatch. The Intelligent QoS allocates bandwidth priority to your Playstation, Xbox, or gaming laptop.

Four external antennas provide enhanced WiFi range across small apartments or dorm rooms up to 800 square feet. While only dual-band, the DIR-867 still delivers fast wireless throughput up to 1300Mbps on the 5GHz band. The port options are basic but adequate with four Gigabit LAN ports and one WAN port.

For budget-conscious gamers that want good online multiplayer performance without spending a lot, the D-Link DIR-867 gets the job done.

Key Specs:

• WiFi Generation: 802.11ac Wave 1
• Wireless Speed: Up to 1300Mbps on 5GHz, 450Mbps on 2.4GHz
• Processor: Dual-core 800MHz
• Memory: 128MB
• Antennas: 4 external antennas
• Ports: 1 x Gigabit WAN, 4 x Gigabit LAN
• Security: WPA/WPA2 wireless encryption

Summary: The D-Link DIR-867 provides a solid dual-band AC1750 gaming router with Advanced AC SmartBeam and Intelligent QoS to prioritize gaming devices at a very affordable price point.

10. Synology RT2600ac – Best Router for Smart Homes

Key Features:

• Optimized for IoT and smart homes
• Robust parental controls
• Built-in security and VPN
• Synology Router Manager OS
• Intercepts threats from IoT devices

The Synology RT2600ac is a dual-band wireless router optimized for smart homes and IoT devices. It offers advanced security, robust controls, and seamless integration with Synology NAS devices.

This router provides plenty of power with a 1.7Ghz dual-core processor, 512MB RAM, and wireless throughput up to 1733Mbps. Four adjustable antennas enhance WiFi coverage across medium to large homes. The configurable parental controls allow filtering content and limiting online time.

Built-in threat prevention blocks attacks from IoT devices and stops infected devices from spreading malware. The intuitive browser-based Synology Router Manager lets you configure everything easily. You can even use the router as a VPN server for remote access.

With specialized features for smart homes like IoT segmentation, device profiling, and traffic monitoring, the RT2600ac helps secure your network. It works seamlessly with Synology NAS drives for backup, streaming media, surveillance, and more. Overall, it’s a great router choice for tech-savvy users with connected homes.

Key Specs:

• WiFi Generation: 802.11ac Wave 2
• Wireless Speed: Up to 1733Mbps on 5GHz, 800Mbps on 2.4GHz
• Processor: 1.7Ghz dual-core
• Memory: 512MB
• Antennas: 4 high-performance antennas
• Ports: 1 x Gigabit WAN, 4 x Gigabit LAN, 1 x USB 3.0
• Security: Built-in firewall, IoT protection

Summary: With robust security, deep IoT and smart home integration, and the versatile Synology Router Manager OS, the Synology RT2600ac is the best router for tech enthusiasts with connected homes and devices.

FAQs about WiFi Routers

Q: What should I look for when buying a new WiFi router?

A: Key things to look for include WiFi 6 support for the latest standard, dual or tri-band for less congestion, range extending antennas, MU-MIMO and beamforming technologies, plenty of Gigabit LAN ports, WPA3 encryption for security, and optimization for applications like gaming or 4K streaming if needed.

Q: How much does a good WiFi router cost?

A: You can get a very good dual or tri-band WiFi 5 router between $100 to $200. Higher-end WiFi 6 routers with the latest features range from $200 to $500. High-performance tri-band gaming or mesh routers cost $300 and beyond.

Q: Where should I place my WiFi router for the best signal?

A: Ideally place the router in a central location of your home or apartment for optimal coverage. Keep the router elevated in open space and away from objects that can cause interference like metal, mirrors, and thick walls. Place WiFi extenders or mesh units in dead zones.

Q: What’s the difference between MU-MIMO and OFDMA?

A: MU-MIMO allows a router to communicate with multiple devices simultaneously. OFDMA splits available channels into smaller sub-channels so more devices can connect efficiently. Together, they enhance speed and capacity.

Q: Do I really need a WiFi 6 router even if I don’t have gigabit internet speeds?

A: Yes, because WiFi 6 increases overall network capacity. With more devices connecting, you need WiFi 6 to reduce congestion and allow smooth operation even if your internet speeds are under 1Gbps.

Final Thoughts

We hope this guide has helped you find the perfect WiFi router for your needs and budget. A good router delivers fast, reliable wireless connectivity for all your devices. Models with the latest WiFi 6 deliver future-proof performance gains. Mesh routers provide whole-home coverage while tri-band gaming routers reduce lag.

Focus on key factors like WiFi generation, speed, range, number of bands, QoS, and hardware such as the processor and antennas to choose a router tailored for your usage. Our top recommendations provide the best WiFi performance across various scenarios. Just connect your new router properly and optimize the settings, and you’ll be off to the races with smooth, congestion-free wireless connectivity throughout your home or office.