The Best Wi-Fi Routers for 2026

Speed and Wi-Fi generation: This router contains Wi-Fi 6E circuitry that allows it to operate on the 6GHz radio band as well as the 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands. It also supports Wi-Fi 6 technologies such as Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA) transmissions, direct-to-client beamforming, MU-MIMO simultaneous data streaming, 160MHz channel bandwidth, Dynamic Frequency Selection (DFS), and WPA3 encryption.

Frequency bands and capacity: This is an AXE5400 router, which means that it can (theoretically) achieve data rates of up to 574Mbps on the 2.4GHz band, 2,402Mbps on the 5GHz band, and 2,402Mbps on the 6GHz band.

Security controls and management: Managing the AXE75 is easy, whether you use the TP-Link Tether mobile app or the web console, but there are a few differences between the two methods. You’ll need the web console to access advanced settings such as NAT forwarding and DHCP server settings, and you’ll have to use the Tether app to access the HomeShield QoS, parental control, and network-security settings.

Port selection and physical hardware: The AXE75 uses a 1.7GHz quad-core CPU and 512MB of memory. It has four 1Gbps LAN ports and one 1Gbps WAN port, all located on the back panel. The rear panel is also home to a reset button; LED, WPS, and Wi-Fi on/off buttons; a power jack; and a power button. A single USB 3.0 port is embedded in the left side of the router.

Capabilities and performance: Reflecting its reasonable price, the AXE75 delivered solid, though not class-leading, throughput in testing. It scored 121Mbps on our 2.4GHz close-proximity test and 918Mbps on our 5GHz close-proximity test. Its 6GHz performance is pretty much in line with its 5GHz performance.

Early Wi-Fi 6E adopters: Anyone who is considering hopping aboard the 6GHz Wi-Fi train, but doesn't want to spend a bundle, will appreciate the Archer AXE75.

Families: Parents will be pleased to learn that the AXE75 comes with top-notch parental controls, making it an excellent router for families. The AXE75 includes access to HomeShield Basic, TP-Link's parental controls, and basic network-security tools, which let you block internet access for individual users, apply age-based filtering, and see how long a user has been online. (Opting for a monthly or annual paid plan can give you even more control.)

People who need fast wired connections: It doesn’t offer multi-gig Ethernet ports or link aggregation, features typically found on more expensive routers.

Speed and Wi-Fi generation: Although it uses Wi-Fi 7 technology, it lacks a couple of key features. It doesn't have a 6GHz radio band, and channel bandwidth is limited to 160MHz rather than 320MHz. However, neither will matter if you don't have any Wi-Fi 7 or Wi-Fi 6E client devices.

Frequency bands and capacity: The BE3600 uses a 2GHz quad-core CPU, 512MB of RAM, and 128MB of flash memory. This is a dual-band router that can reach theoretical speeds of up to 688Mbps on the 2.4GHz band and up to 2,882Mbps on the 5GHz band.

Security controls and management: The BE3600 comes with TP-Link’s HomeShield suite of basic parental-control and network-security software. It allows you to create user profiles, assign age-based web filters to each family member, block specific websites, and create bedtime access schedules.

Port selection and physical hardware: The rear panel is home to a 2.5Gbps LAN and WAN jacks (one of each), three 1Gbps LAN jacks, a USB 3.0 port, and a power connector.

Capabilities and performance: The BE3600 offers good throughput performance for the money. With the router operating on the 2.4GHz band, it scored 186Mbps on our close-proximity throughput test. Operating at 5GHz, it managed 1,677Mbps.

Budget buyers who want fast speeds: If you want to take advantage of the faster connection speeds offered by Wi-Fi 7 but need to keep costs down, the TP-Link Archer BE230 is an excellent choice.

Families: This router's robust features, including parental controls and security software, lend peace of mind to busy parents who don't want to constantly police their kids' internet use.

Early adopters who want cutting-edge features: Without a 6GHz radio band and 320MHz channels, it can’t match the performance you’ll get with a full-blown Wi-Fi 7 router.

Speed and Wi-Fi generation: The Asus RT-BE96U supports the latest Wi-Fi 7 technologies, including 320MHz channel bandwidth, Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA), beamforming, Multi-Link Operation (MLO), 4096 QAM, WPA3 encryption, and MU-MIMO data streaming.

Frequency bands and capacity: This is a BE19000 router that can hit maximum (theoretical) data rates of up to 1,376Mbps on the 2.4GHz band, up to 5,764Mbps on the 5GHz band, and up to 11,529Mbps on the 6GHz band, for a total of approximately 19,000Mbps.

Security controls and management: You can install and manage the RT-BE96U via a web console or the Asus Router mobile app for iOS and Android, but the web console offers more advanced settings. That said, the mobile app makes it easy to manage things using your phone.

Port selection and physical hardware: Inside, the RT-BE96U has a quad-core CPU running at 2.6GHz, 2GB of RAM, and 256MB of flash memory. The back panel is home to a 10Gbps WAN/LAN port, a 1Gbps WAN/LAN port, a 10Gbps LAN port, and three 1Gbps LAN ports, two of which support link aggregation. Here, you’ll also find two USB ports (one USB 3.2 Gen 1, and one USB 2.0), a power switch, and a power connector.

Capabilities and performance: The RT-BE96U is a solid performer. While operating on the 6GHz band, the RT-BE96U garnered 2,451Mbps on our close-proximity test and 311Mbps on our 30-foot test.

Early Wi-Fi 7 adopters: This Asus router is an excellent choice if you just bought a new laptop or phone and want to leverage its full Wi-Fi 7 speed.

Everyday Wi-Fi users who aren't gamers: This Wi-Fi 7 router is a great choice for homes and everyday Wi-Fi needs. If you're a gamer, however, you'd get better results from a Wi-Fi 7 router with gaming-friendly features, such as the Asus ROG Rapture GT-BE98 Pro.

People strapped for space: You’ll have to clear some space on your desk to make room for the Asus RT-BE96U. At 8.6 by 13.7 by 13.7 inches (HWD), this 4.1-pound router takes up a good deal of desktop real estate.

Speed and Wi-Fi generation: The GE650 supports the latest Wi-Fi 7 technologies, including 320MHz channel bandwidth, 4K QAM, direct-to-client beamforming, MU-MIMO data streaming, Multi-Link Operation (MLO), and Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA) transmissions.

Frequency bands and capacity: The tri-band BE11000 Wi-Fi can hit transmission speeds of up to 688Mbps on the 2.4GHz band, up to 4,323Mbps on the 5GHz band, and up to 5,764Mbps on the 6GHz band, for a total bandwidth of approximately 11,000Mbps (hence the BE11000 rating).

Security controls and management: The GE650 comes with TP-Link’s HomeShield parental controls and network-security software. These tools will scan the network for potential malware and isolate client devices that may be infected.

Port selection and physical hardware: The router features a 1.5GHz quad-core CPU, 2GB of RAM, and 256MB of flash memory, along with four internal antennas. All of the router's ports and buttons are located on the back panel. They include a 5Gbps WAN port, a 5Gbps Gaming LAN port that gives bandwidth priority to connected gaming devices, three 2.5Gbps LAN ports, a USB 3.0 port, and a power connector.

Capabilities and performance: The GE650 proved to be an excellent performer in our testing. Its score of 246Mbps on our 2.4GHz close-proximity test was significantly higher than what we saw from many of its competitors.

Stylish gamers: The GE650 is a great choice for gamers who care about the aesthetics of their setup. This TP-Link device doesn’t look like a typical router. Instead, it has an upside-down V shape that, according to TP-Link, is inspired by a volcano. The gunmetal-gray router stands 7.9 inches tall, 5.3 inches wide, and 9.2 inches deep.

Value seekers: With the Archer GE650, you get many of the same features found on more expensive Wi-Fi 7 gaming routers without having to spend a bundle.

Gamers who connect via Ethernet: This router's packed with high-speed wired connections, making it an excellent pick for gamers who prefer to plug in. It offers a 5Gbps WAN jack, a 5Gbps Gaming LAN jack that gives bandwidth priority to connected gaming devices, and three 2.5Gbps LAN ports.

Mainstream users: If you don't need features designed for gamers, such as a dedicated game-control panel, you might save even more by opting for an entry-level, non-gaming Wi-Fi 7 router.

Speed and Wi-Fi generation: The router supports Wi-Fi 6E technologies, including Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA) transmissions, direct-to-client beamforming, MU-MIMO simultaneous data streaming, 160MHz channel bandwidth, Dynamic Frequency Selection (DFS), WPA3 encryption, and, of course, 6GHz transmissions.

Frequency bands and capacity: The AXE95 is a tri-band AXE7800 router, which means that it can hit theoretical data rates of up to 574Mbps on the 2.4GHz band, up to 4,802Mbps on the 5GHz band, and up to 2,402Mbps on the 6GHz band.

Security controls and management: It works with TP-Link’s HomeShield network security and parental control software. The Basic version of the software is free and offers parental-control features such as age-based web filtering, site blocking, and the ability to pause internet access. If you subscribe to the Advanced Parental Controls plan ($3.99 per month), you get features such as time limits, time rewards, family time, and flexible bedtime.

Port selection and physical hardware: Around back are three 1Gbps LAN jacks, a 1Gbps WAN/LAN jack, a 2.5Gbps WAN/LAN jack, a USB 2.0 port, reset and power buttons, and a power connector. A USB 3.0 port is located on the right side. Inside, a 1.7GHz quad-core CPU and 512MB of RAM power the router.

Capabilities and performance: The router scored 180Mbps on our 2.4GHz close-proximity test and 60Mbps on the 30-foot test. And it scored a speedy 1,528Mbps on our 5GHz close-proximity test and 740Mbps on the 30-foot test.

Cutting-edge dwellers: If you want the latest and greatest in home Wi-Fi, this is the router to get. It harnesses the power of the relatively new, uncrowded 6GHz radio band and comes with network security and parental control software.

People who may need to expand their networks later: This TP-Link router is also mesh-ready for use with other TP-Link routers if you need more coverage later on.

Budget buyers who don't like comparison shopping: The AXE95 is a bit pricey at its MSRP. You can find it for well below the list price, but only if you shop around.

Speed and Wi-Fi generation: The eero Pro 7 system supports all of the key Wi-Fi 7 technologies. As with the eero Max 7, the Pro 7 offers 6GHz transmissions, but it uses 2x2 spatial streaming, whereas the Max 7 uses 4x4 streaming.

Frequency bands and capacity: This is a tri-band BE10800 system capable of hitting speeds of up to 688Gbps on the 2.4GHz band, up to 4,324Gbps on the 5GHz band, and up to 5,762Gbps on the 6GHz band.

Security controls and management: As with other eero offerings, the Pro 7 doesn’t come with network security or parental control software. For those, you’ll have to subscribe to an eero+ plan. For $9.99 per month or $99.99 per year, the plan offers age-based web filtering, Malwarebytes anti-malware software, Guardian VPN, an ad blocker, a password manager, and more.

Port selection and physical hardware: The Pro 7 features a 1.5GHz quad-core ARM CPU, 1GB of RAM, and 4GB of flash memory. Around back, you'll find a pair of auto-sensing 5Gbps Ethernet jacks, a reset button, and a USB Type-C port used for power. You don't get any USB ports for connecting to external devices. Wired backhaul is supported, though.

Capabilities and performance: The eero Pro 7 delivered speedy throughput performance in our tests. Its satellite close-proximity score of 2,293Mbps was the fastest of its group of competitors when we tested it.

Early Wi-Fi 7 adopters: If you're looking for a whole-home mesh solution that offers impressive Wi-Fi 7 performance and supports the latest home-automation tech, look no further than the eero Pro 7.

Homeowners who appreciate automation: The eero Pro 7 supports Thread, Matter, and Zigbee smart-home technologies, and it works with Amazon’s Alexa home-automation platform.

People who don't like subscription fees: You’ll have to pay $10 per month for parental control and network security.

People who need to connect wired peripherals: You don’t get any USB ports for connecting to external storage devices or printers.

Speed and Wi-Fi generation: The eero 6+ supports all of the Wi-Fi 6 technologies. New to this system is support for 160MHz channel transmissions; the older eero Pro 6 and eero 6 lack that.

Frequency bands and capacity: The eero 6+ is a dual-band AX3000 system, which means it can hit a combined (theoretical) maximum data rate of 3,000Mbps.

Security controls and management: The eero 6+ doesn’t come with free parental-control and anti-malware software. Instead, you’ll have to subscribe to an optional added-cost plan, which gives you an ad blocker and offers security scans that prevent you from accessing malicious sites.

Port selection and physical hardware: Each node is equipped with two auto-sensing gigabit LAN ports and a power port, all of which are located on the back panel. Each node is powered by a 1GHz dual-core CPU, 512MB of RAM, and 4GB of flash memory. As with the eero Pro 6, the eero 6+ uses a Zigbee radio to connect to a variety of smart-home devices.

Capabilities and performance: The eero 6+ performed well in testing. The router node’s score of 938Mbps on our close-proximity throughput test was the fastest we’d seen from any Wi-Fi 6 mesh system when we tested it in 2022.

People with large homes or multiple floors: The three-piece eero 6+ is an ideal Wi-Fi mesh system that boasts a strong signal across larger homes of up to 4,500 square feet.

Budget buyers: This eero router is regularly discounted to $250 or less, making it an excellent value among comparable mesh systems.

Home-automation enthusiasts: It's especially a good choice if you have several Zigbee devices on your network.

People who don't like subscription fees: You’ll have to pay a little extra for parental controls and advanced malware protection.

People who require robust wired connectivity: This system doesn’t offer USB or multi-gig Ethernet connectivity.

Speed and Wi-Fi generation: The Wyze Wi-Fi 6E Mesh Router Pro supports all Wi-Fi 6 technologies, including Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA) data transmissions, MU-MIMO data streaming, 160MHz channel transmissions, WPA3 encryption, beamforming, and automatic band steering.

Frequency bands and capacity: This is a tri-band Wi-Fi 6E system, which means it can transmit over the uncluttered 6GHz radio band as well as the 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands. It can hit maximum theoretical speeds of up to 576Mbps on the 2.4GHz band, 2,400Mbps on the 5GHz band, and 2,400Mbps on the 6GHz band.

Security controls and management: The Mesh Router Pro comes with Firedome’s network-security software, which helps protect your network and connected clients from malware attacks. This system uses the same mobile app as all other Wyze devices, including security cameras, lights, door locks, and smart plugs.

Port selection and physical hardware: A 1GHz Arm Cortex A53 dual-core CPU, 1GB of DDR3 RAM, and 128MB of flash memory power the Mesh Router Pro. Each node contains six internal antennas and is equipped with a 2.5Gbps WAN jack, a 1Gbps LAN jack, a USB 2.0 port, a power connector, and a reset button.

Capabilities and performance: The Mesh Router Pro performed brilliantly on our 5GHz throughput tests. The router node’s score of 937Mbps on our close-proximity test was the fastest of the bunch of competitors we compared it with at the time of review.

People with large homes: If you need to spread reliable Wi-Fi throughout a home up to 4,000 square feet, the Mesh Router Pro two-pack is an excellent choice that won't break the bank.

Wyze users: If you've got other devices from this popular smart-home brand, you can manage your router and other gadgets from one easy-to-use mobile app.

Advanced users: You don’t get a lot of advanced settings to play with, and the parental controls are very basic.

Speed and Wi-Fi generation: This is a Wi-Fi 6 system, not a Wi-Fi 6E system, so it doesn't support 6GHz transmissions. However, it supports all other Wi-Fi 6 technologies, including MU-MIMO data streaming, 1024 QAM, 160MHz channel transmissions, Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA), direct-to-client beamforming, and WPA3 encryption.

Frequency bands and capacity: The Rapture GT6 is a tri-band AX10000 system that can hit maximum data rates of up to 574Mbps on the 2.4GHz band and up to 4,804Mbps on each of the 5GHz bands.

Security controls and management: The Rapture GT6 system offers free lifetime anti-malware and parental-control software powered by Trend Micro. You also get Asus' Instant Guard software, which makes it easy to configure a VPN for added security. Both the mesh system and router use the same Asus Router mobile app and web console, both of which provide a slick, intuitive user interface.

Port selection and physical hardware: It's powered by a 1.7GHz triple-core CPU, 512MB of DDR4 RAM, and 256MB of flash memory.

Capabilities and performance: The GT6 router and node did a superb job of broadcasting strong Wi-Fi throughout our test home and turned in class-leading scores in our throughput tests.

Gamers: Any gamer who needs a robust internet connection to feed their hobby in every room of a large house should consider the GT6. The aesthetic might not be to every gamer's liking, but the performance certainly will be.

Anyone who needs a strong signal: The exceptionally robust wireless backhaul means you won't have to connect the nodes with Ethernet cables, making it a good fit for those who need a powerful Wi-Fi signal throughout their home.

Everyday users: If you're not a gamer, you can skip the gamer-centric features and save some cash by selecting a mainstream Wi-Fi mesh system instead.