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However, my tests revealed some limitations on the range, and the download speed when installing a new game was noticeably slower than with the rest of our picks. Despite the demands of four people video streaming and gaming, I rarely noticed a difference in everyday performance between this and my top pick, the AX55. This impressive Wi-Fi 6 router delivers reliable performance at a relatively low price and succeeds our previous pick (the AX20). This router supports AiMesh, which means you can add any other AiMesh Asus router to create a mesh network and expand connectivity in your home.

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That includes AiProtection Pro (powered by Trend Micro), which monitors your network for malicious activity, no subscription required. Everything is covered, from comprehensive parental controls to traffic prioritization and network security. The Asus app is packed with options, making it very easy to tweak router settings, should you need to. It also has plenty of ports, including a 2.5-Gbps port configurable as WAN or LAN and two USB 3.2 ports. There are some handy customization options for gamers and optimizations that ensure low latency. It delivered consistently fast speeds everywhere and was stable, even with four people streaming and gaming at once. This router had no issues covering my entire home and garden and was one of the top performers in my tests. It sports an eye-catching red and black design with three rotatable antennas. Simple setup, silky performance, and serious speed make this Asus router a good choice for anyone prepared to spend more for smoother Wi-Fi.

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If you want more perks, like time limits for apps, downtime, and real-time security protection, you'll need to upgrade to HomeShield Pro ($6 per month or $55 for the year). TP-Link’s basic free HomeShield tier offers network scanning, QoS (Quality of Service) for device prioritization, and basic parental controls so you can filter and blacklist websites. I’m a fan of TP-Link’s Tether app, where you can review traffic, split bands, create a guest network, schedule reboots, set automatic updates, and even tell the LED to turn off at night. It has four gigabit Ethernet LAN ports, a single gigabit WAN port, and a USB 3.0 port on the back, which is enough for most people.

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This router also ticks off all the feature boxes you want (MU-MIMO, beamforming, WPA3-we explain many of these terms in our How to Buy a Router guide). Stability was excellent over a couple of weeks of testing, hitting the upper mid-end in my speed and range tests. (It's worth tweaking and testing different positions.) Performance was solid throughout my two-floor, 1,600-square-foot home but dropped off slightly in the back garden. The slick black finish is attractive, and there are four antennas to direct Wi-Fi to every corner. This affordable Wi-Fi 6 router is what I think most people should go for. Subscriptions help fund the work we do every day.

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Updated November 2023: We added routers from TP-Link and Synology, updated existing entries to reflect recent testing, and refreshed prices. Whatever you choose, make sure you secure your router. If you're confused about terminology, our How to Buy a Router guide can help. There’s a mesh Wi-Fi option here too, but check out our Best Mesh Wi-Fi Routers guide for larger homes. I tested all of these in a busy family home full of Netflix-addicted gamers. Most people can get by just fine with a single Wi-Fi router, and I’ve collected recommendations to suit different needs, spaces, and budgets. Benefits will extend to everything from streaming movies and online gaming to video calls.

There are various ways to improve your Wi-Fi, but few are as effective as upgrading your router. The humble Wi-Fi router has become an essential fixture in every home, but the one your internet service provider sent is likely the reason your Wi-Fi sucks.

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