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What we like about it: The Archer AX90 has some of the best speeds to date in our tests and handles our streaming test beautifully. We love that it gets you ready for multi-gig internet and includes features like a built-in VPN server and client and three bands for better traffic management.
What we like about it: This router definitely has a lot to love. Its biggest selling point is capacity: three bands and 12 streams. The free antivirus, parental controls, and VPN components also sweeten the deal.
What we like about it: The Deco X55 is an attractive, affordable kit. You get a few extra wired connections and decent Wi-Fi 6 speeds for the money. It does a good job handling multiple streams too.
What we wish it did better: The X55 would benefit from a dedicated Wi-Fi band for node-to-node communications to increase the bandwidth for client devices. Plus, TP-Link should ditch HomeShield for HomeCare.
The number of data streams a router supports is essential. Think of them as digital cargo ships cruising along on a sea of radio waves. Devices like smartphones, tablets, and laptops can handle two at a time one way. So, if you have a router with just two streams on a single band but you have three laptops connected, you get higher latency and slower speeds per device. All three laptops have to share those two streams. A router with six or more streams is ideal in this scenario.
You want a router that lets you prioritize traffic received from streaming services. NETGEAR routers, for example, have a Downstream QoS setting you can toggle on to prioritize streaming traffic and lower the priority of all other internet traffic.
The TP-Link Archer AX90 is an excellent router for streaming, hands down. It provides great speeds at a great price, plus plenty of connections to improve your streaming experience. It has a handful of other great features too, like built-in VPN tools, Amazon Alexa support, and more. The HomeShield subscription requirement is the only drawback, but you may not even need it.
We test router speed by setting up each router in an office and connecting it to a local test server. Then, we transmit test data between our wireless devices and the server, taking numerous measurements to account for fluctuations in Wi-Fi speeds.
DisclaimerAmazon.com Prices as of 7/18/24 10:40 MST. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. Highspeedinternet.com utilizes paid Amazon links.
Rebecca Lee Armstrong has more than six years of experience writing about tech and the internet, with a specialty in hands-on testing. She started writing tech product and service reviews while finishing her BFA in creative writing at the University of Evansville and has found her niche writing about home networking, routers, and internet access at HighSpeedInternet.com. Her work has also been featured on Top Ten Reviews, MacSources, Windows Central, Android Central, Best Company, TechnoFAQ, and iMore.
Before making this list, I spent three weeks testing 15 devices for streaming on different devices, including smartphones, tablets, laptops, and TVs in various locations. Based on the results, I finalized seven options below.
Its distinctive collapsible wings with powerful antennae in each ensure a flow of strong signals throughout your space, alongside a multi-gig port, and a beefy Quad-Core processor is there for your 8K streams.
Not only that, its MU-MIMO and OFDMA tech concentrates the signals transmitted to multiple devices at once. In the network setup, there were about 45 connections, including smart TVs, smartphones, laptops, computers, etc.
It boasts a higher throughput capacity, range, and multi-gig speed capability for lag-free gaming and streaming. Besides, it takes a step ahead of my top pick with an increased device-handling capacity.
While moving to the first floor, the respective speeds were valued at 854 Mbps and 697 Mbps. Now when it comes to streaming, you must elucidate more on signal stability than speed, and the Asus router gets almost a perfect ten in this respect.
Credit primarily goes to the adaptive QoS, where I prioritized my gaming console and clocked the highest possible refresh rates in most games, including Valorant, and Red Dead Redemption 2, along with Twitch streaming. The MU-MIMO and OFDMA potentially contribute in this respect.
The router also entails MU-MIMO and OFDMA tech to establish stable connections throughout the space. Although the claimed capacity is 100, the numbers maxed out at 65, which still is great for a family of 9-10 members.
With the AT&T 1 Gbps plan, its score of 831 Mbps for downloads and 702 Mbps for uploads was faster than most routers suitable for streaming TVs. Please note the test was conducted on my first-floor balcony, or 30 feet apart from the setup.
Moving away a bit to the second floor, the scores dipped by 35%, taking respective speed values to around 540 Mbps and 412 Mbps. Paired with high speed, signal consistency, and adaptive QoS ensured four buffer-free 4K streams at once.
The signals even reached the extremities of my test lab. The antennas work in tandem with MU-MIMO and OFDMA to handle multiple devices at once. Although the manufacturer claims an exorbitant number (200), I could connect up to 95 smart devices, including laptops, computers, smartphones, and others.
Archer AXE75 is a wise choice for those seeking a future-proof router at below $200. It provides a reliable wireless performance. While it may not have multi-gig ports or link aggregation support, its long signal range and parental controls make it worthwhile.
The RAX54S with six-stream channels makes it ideal for Gig Internet. Its powerful 1.5 GHz triple-core CPU works harmoniously with 160 MHz channel and OFDMA to deliver 4x data capacity and lets you stream without any jitter.
Not having the necessary bandwidth to support 8K videos, but 4K and UHD ones sailed smoothly despite connections established with other connected devices. However, the manufacturer suggests good connectivity over only 25 devices.
As a mid-range router, the RAX54S does not have any multi-gig ports available. Instead, it features a standard port setup with one Gig WAN and four Gig LAN ports. Additionally, there is a USB 3.0 port that can be used for a storage device or printer.
In numbers, the range of Hydra Pro 6 maxed out at 2,300 Sq Ft, making it a smart pick for any two-bedroom apartment. But the best bit about it is the mesh support which lets you pair a similar Linksys router and ensure whole-home coverage.
The mesh system turned in respective results in my throughput performance tests with the AT&T 1 Gbps plan. Its score of 843 Mbps for downloads and 656 Mbps for uploads on the device kept one wall away (20 feet distance) was faster than what I saw with my previous recommendation.
Moving farther away to my first-floor balcony (50 feet away), the mesh router bettered its counterpart with scores of 545 Mbps and 409 Mbps, respectively. What relief I felt with having the mesh router was the integration of QoS tech.
Being a mesh system, coverage is its USP, and with a 5,500 Sq Ft stipulated value, it stands at the top in this aspect. Installed in the basement of my 3,700 Sq Ft mansion style home, the router, paired with a node, encased my entire house alongside the yard and garage with strong signals. So, its practical range can be deemed at 4,700 Sq Ft.
Beamforming and mesh tech is the usual hero behind this, which pairs well with MU-MIMO and OFDMA to support up to 65 4K streams at once. And with a decent mix of tasks going around, the numbers maxed out at 78.
Asus RT-AX3000 or RT-AX58U, anything you call it, packs a decent range of features under its small hood to back your streaming needs. Compared to my previous Linksys pick, security on ASUS with its AiProtection Pro is probably the best available for free, alongside its powerful antennas and excellent throughput capacity.
Depending on the tasks you intend to undertake, plans ranging from 500 Mbps to 1 Gbps are suitable for the router. While reviewing this, I had the AT&T 1 Gbps plan connected, and the tests were carried out at my test lab.
Now with QoS settings in place, I prioritized a laptop that fared through my entire session of binge-watching Better Call Saul in 4K. Not only that, it breezed through simultaneous gaming and streaming sessions.
Yes, this is certainly the most obvious, but when was the last time you asked your provider how fast its offerings are now? If it's been a few years, it likely has new services (maybe even fiber) that could greatly increase your download speeds. Recently I switched from 250Mbps cable to 1Gbps fiber for $10 less a month. When I canceled the cable internet they said "Oh, we can reduce your rate by $30 a month, or increase your speeds for the same money." They, of course, never offered that without me saying I was canceling. Just something to keep in mind.
This is definitely the first place to start. If you stay with the same provider, usually it'll be able to flip the proverbial switch without sending a tech to visit your home. Afterward, you'll have faster internet. If you switch providers (from cable to fiber, for example), the new provider will probably have to send someone to your house to install it.
The Wi-Fi router that you get for free from your internet provider is likely terrible. I upgraded my router the day before my new internet service was installed and I got a 20% boost in speed just from that. Many providers even charge for their basic routers, so if your provider allows it, you could save some money long-term by buying a good one outright and reducing your bill a bit each month.
You'll also likely get better range and better signal throughout your home with an upgraded router. If you've always had a bad connection in the back of the house, a better router might help with that.
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