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5 Best Wi-Fi Routers for Speedy Internet
Keep all of your smart devices running smoothly with these top-tested routers.
A good Wi-Fi router is as essential for the modern home as a couch or a mattress, especially for those that work from home or spend hours on their laptop or tablet studying (or catching up on their favorite shows). The right Wi-Fi router can help you avoid dropping connections, waiting endless amounts of time for your videos to buffer and make connecting to your Zoom calls a breeze. All of the picks on our list are also Mesh compatible, meaning you can set up multiple additional nodules around your house to ensure no internet deadspots anywhere. While you could stick with the rentable router your internet provider supplies, getting your own router can help you improve your internet quality (and after all the hidden fees, can come out as being the same price if not cheaper than the rentable one).
Picking out the right Wi-Fi router for you can be daunting, especially if you're no tech expert. Luckily, our pros at the Good Housekeeping Institute did all the heavy lifting to help you choose the right model for your lifestyle. We tested all of our picks in the Lab by installing each router and running speed tests to record the uploading, downloading and latency speeds on multiple devices at the same time and at different distances from the router. Our tech experts are pros in this area, and have tested six different routers as well as over 20 different mesh system models.
Our top picks:
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- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
From budget picks perfect for apartment life to more intense options that can cover every square inch of your large house, these are the best Wi-Fi routers in 2023. Head to the end of this guide to learn more about how we tested, what to consider when shopping for your router and why you can trust the experts at Good Housekeeping.
NETGEAR Orbi Mesh WiFi 6E System
NETGEAR Orbi Mesh WiFi 6E System
Pros
- Extremely fast download and upload speeds
- Functions well when using multiple different devices
- Easy-to-use app
Cons
- Web security brand requires subscription fees
Improve your internet connection with this all around reliable and speedy router by Netgear. Not only did we consider it one of our favorite mesh Wi-Fi systems thanks to its easy installation and fast download times, but we also appreciate that like other mesh systems (and all the systems on this list), you can add multiple additional nodes to ensure that you have internet coverage in every room of your house. While testing, this router ranked the highest overall and received great scores in both ease of use and performance, although our experts did notice that it's a bit bulkier than some other models. We appreciated that the set up for this system was relatively simple even though it took a bit longer than some other options, and liked that the app allowed for easy parental control configuration, device management, internet speed testing and traffic reports. It also includes a free year of NETGEAR Armor, the brand's web security plan.
It had the second highest average download and upload speeds in our tests, and the highest multi-connected average (meaning that it did the best overall when running 4K videos on multiple different devices at the same time).
| Wi-Fi standard | Wi-Fi 6E |
|---|---|
| Bands | Quad-band (2.4, 5 and 6 GHz) |
| Device coverage | Up to 3,000 sq ft per node |
Motorola Q11 Mesh WiFi 6 Router
Motorola Q11 Mesh WiFi 6 Router
Pros
- Small size
- Highest average download speeds in our tests
- Great additional features on app
Cons
- Not as aesthetically pleasing as some other options
Apartment dwellers will appreciate this small, budget-friendly router that gets the job done with little fanfare. While testing, our experts were particularly impressed by this router especially in terms of performance vs. cost. While it isn't the prettiest one on our list, it does a great job even at its small size. We found it to feel a little bit less sturdy than the Google Nest Wi-Fi Pro we included below, but liked that it was just as easy to set up and install through the companion Motosync App. We also appreciated that the app includes a variety of great bonus features like malware reports, parental controls, speed tests, ad blocking and the ability to block known malicious sites on your devices, or filter specific sites by profiles which you can tie to different devices in your home (hello mom and dad's new best friend).
Plus, with the highest average download speed in our tests, there's no shortage of reasons why it's one of the best Wi-Fi routers for apartments.
| Wi-Fi standard | Wi-Fi 6 |
|---|---|
| Bands | Dual-band (2.4 and 5 GHz) |
| Device coverage | About 1,660 sq ft per node |
Linksys Hydra Pro 6E
Linksys Hydra Pro 6E
Pros
- Large area coverage per node
- Fast upload, download and latency speeds
- Easy set up and app use
Cons
- Additional nodes sold seperately
Keep game night smooth and free from endless buffering with the Hydra Pro by Linksys. With incredibly speedy 6E Wi-Fi, there's no surprise that this router received high scores in our tests for upload, download and latency speeds. It also scored the second highest for speed tests with multiple devices running at the same time so you don't have to worry if more than one gamer will be using this Wi-Fi router at once.
While this router is Mesh compatible like all the others on this list, it's sold on its own without any additional nodes, but has the largest device coverage per node (up to 2,700 square feet) of all our picks. While testing, we found the router to be a bit larger than other options we tested, but appreciated how easy it was to set up and use the app.
| Wi-Fi standard | Wi-Fi 6E |
|---|---|
| Bands | Tri-band (2.4, 5 and 6 GHz) |
| Device coverage | Up to 2,700 sq ft per node |
Linksys Atlas WiFi 6
Pros
- Easy to set up parental controls
- Ability to report slow internet
- Fast latency speeds
Cons
- Most expensive option on the list
Stream from every room in your house with the Altas Wi-Fi router by Linksys. While setting up, our experts appreciated that the Linksys App included helpful, easy-to-use options for setting up parental controls and reporting slow internet. While not the highest download and upload speed in our tests, it still functioned well and had the highest latency speeds of all the routers we tested.
With its range boasting up to 6,000 square feet with all three nodes and mesh compatibility that makes it simple to access Wi-Fi from every corner of your house (not to mention the ability to attach 75-plus devices to your router, according to the brand), this pick is especially good for those with larger spaces and in need of connecting every Smart Device under the sun. We also like that it features three additional ethernet ports.
| Wi-Fi standard | Wi-Fi 6 |
|---|---|
| Bands | Dual-band (2.4 and 5 GHz) |
| Device coverage | Up to 2,000 sq ft per node |
Google Nest WiFi Pro
Google Nest WiFi Pro
Pros
- Easy to set up
- Wi-Fi 6E speeds
- Easy to link to all Google devices
Cons
- Slightly slower download speeds than other options on this list
If you're new to upgrading your router and not entirely sure where to start, this pick from Google is a great option. Not only does it make linking up all of your Google products a breeze, but it's almost fool-proof when it comes to installing and using. We particularly liked that this router comes well wrapped in its packaging and has a simple installation process with easy-to-digest instructions. While testing, our experts felt that this router was "very approachable from a novice perspective" and made setting up your Wi-Fi a hassle-free process. The device is set up through the Google Home app and requires you to simply plug it in, scan a QR code and follow the easy instructions. Plus, if you get lost there's a detailed troubleshooting section in the app.
While it didn't have the highest download speed score in our tests, it still held its own at an average of 438.9 Mbps (out of our analyst's 500 Mbps internet plan) and was by no means slow. We also like how stylish it is, and is available in a few different colors and packs of up to three additional nodes.
| Wi-Fi standard | Wi-Fi 6E |
|---|---|
| Bands | Tri-band (2.4, 5 and 6 GHz) |
| Device coverage | Up to 2,200 sq ft per node |
How we test the best Wi-Fi routers
When our experts assess Wi-Fi routers, we consider a variety of factors including how easy the routers are to set up and how quick the internet they provide is. To do a general speed test, our pros first disconnect all devices from our network except for the speed test device. We then run each test 10 times to calculate the upload, download and latency speeds of each product. We also conduct this test with multiple devices at the same time by running 4K video on all the devices to record any differences in speed when using more than one device. To assess how distance influences the reliability of each router, our experts run additional speeds tests at three different distances away from the router and record any change in speeds as well as running the speed tests in different rooms with walls between the computer and router to test the robustness.
What to consider when shopping for a Wi-Fi router
✔️ Home size: Larger home sizes will need wider coverage ranges. Most routers will be able to provide ample coverage for smaller homes and apartments, but those with larger spaces will want to invest in mesh compatible routers which will let them set up additional devices throughout the house to ensure that all areas have sufficient internet coverage.
✔️ Purpose: Are you an avid gamer, spend hours of time streaming movies or just looking for something to hook up your tablet to the internet while you check your Facebook status? Depending on how much bandwidth you plan on using, you'll need a more intense router capable of provide speedy service.
✔️ Connected device: In the age of smart devices, many people are looking to connect upwards of 10-plus devices to their Wi-Fi at the same time. For big families or those that plan to connect a wide range of devices to their network, you'll want a router that can handle all of that extra congestion and prioritize which tasks should be completed first.
✔️ Speed: To keep up with all of your daily internet needs, a Wi-Fi router that's at least Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) is reliable and swift enough to keep the whole family happy. Wi-Fi 6E operates on its own frequency band and therefore can move even faster through less congestion.
✔️ Ports: Gamers and Smart TV users may want to keep an eye out for ethernet ports on the router that can help improve speeds on your high bandwidth using devices by wiring in directly to the router.
Should you update your Wi-Fi router?
Updating your Wi-Fi router is a great idea for those that spend a lot of time at home on their internet. When you sign up for a new internet provider, you'll be likely offered the opportunity to rent one of their routers. While at first this may seem like the cheaper option, many opt in to updating their Wi-Fi router for a few different reasons:
✔️ Price: Sticking with your internet service provider's issued router seems like an easier and cheaper option, but in fact can end up costing you just as much. "Almost all internet service providers charge a rental fee for using their router," explains Good Housekeeping Lab Assistant Nikolas Greenwald. "It might not be obvious on your bill as they can hide it in other fees, but upgrading your router will eventually pay for itself." We've also found that it can cut as much as $5 to $10 on your bill each month.
✔️ Faster speeds: "More advanced Wi-Fi routers can make your internet move a bit faster," Greenwald says. If you pay for 500 Mbps, once you reach that cap on your rental router, it won't move any faster. But, when you install an advanced router you can sometimes see speeds up to 550 or 560 Mbps.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Nikolas Greenwald has a strong background in computing and conducted all of the testing for this guide. In 2016 he was named an Intel Science Talent Search Semifinalist for his work in the computer engineering domain, and has continued to working in computing and scientific methodology since then. He has previously worked in labs at MIT and Regeneron, developing novel data management and transfer infrastructures.
To create this guide, GH Institute analyst Jamie Spain worked with Nik to compile research and vet picks for the best Wi-Fi routers.
Jamie (she/her) is a parenting and pets reviews analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute, where she spends her time testing, researching and writing about pet and family products. Prior to starting at GH in 2021, she worked at BuzzFeed and People, covering a combination of product reviews and lifestyle content. She's a graduate of Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism, with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and psychology and a master’s degree in journalism.
As the lab assistant at the Good Housekeeping Institute, Nik (he/him) works with all of our Labs to develop testing protocols and manage data collection and analysis. Before joining Good Housekeeping in 2022, Nik worked in the labs of MIT and Regeneron, working on projects ranging from chemical inventory and reporting to the development of bioassays. He holds a degree in chemical engineering from Northeastern University.
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