Best Wireless Routers 2019: the Best Routers for Your Home Network

Best wireless routers 2019: the best routers for your home network

By Orestis Bastounis July 05, 2019 Routers & Storage

Stream, game and browse better with the best wireless routers

Considering that nearly everything we do now is online, having the best wireless router in our homes and offices is essential. After all, we work, play, do business and even socialize online. Getting a top-notch router, then, can make a world of difference to our everyday lives.

Whether you’re just watching your favorite programs on Netflix, or you dream of topping the leaderboards in the best PC games, a poor connection wouldn’t do you any good. Before you go and upgrade your Internet service, first consider grabbing one of the best wireless routers, because the fastest Internet service in the world won’t do much good if it’s held back by a less-than-stellar wireless router. That’s why finding one of the best wireless routers for you is important.

Having one of the best wireless routers is crucial in 2019, whether you’re looking for an epic gaming router or a top-of-the-line wireless mesh router with tons of coverage. Plus, we should soon start seeing routers with next-gen Wi-Fi 6capabilities on this list as well.

But, what exactly makes those wireless routers on the market the best? Well, there are a couple things to consider. MU-MIMO, for one, is a priceless feature, since it allows every device in your home to access the Internet without bottlenecking your other devices. This is especially important given the number of connected devices we rely on in our every day. There’s also the speed rating – a rated speed of AC1900 should be more than enough for most users.

Keep in mind that while there are hundreds of wireless routers on the market, finding the right one that ticks all the necessary boxes isn’t easy, which is why we’ve gathered all the best wireless routers we’ve tested recently. Whether you’re leaning towards the Google Wifi or seriously considering the TP-Link Archer C5400, you can be sure you’re getting your money’s worth, not to mention the right router for your needs.

1. Google Wifi

The future of wireless networking gets affordable

Speed: 802.11ac 5GHz down: 101.41 Mbps, 2.4GHz down: 47.53 Mbps | Connectivity: 2 x Gigabit Ethernet ports per Wifi point (1 WAN and 1 LAN port each) | Features: AC1200 2 x 2 Wave 2 Wi-Fi, TX beamforming, Bluetooth Smart ready

Today's best google wifi deals

Super simple setup

Great value

Limited hardware control

Lower AC rating

The days of traditional wireless routers is practically over – the age of the wireless mesh routers is here. Google Wifi, alone, is proof that we are in this mesh revolution. You can finally say goodbye to the days when the only way to achieve wireless freedom was to install a bunch of wireless extenders. The premise of Google Wifi is simple – buy a set of points and position them in strategic areas around your home. Then, simply scan a QR code, and you’re good to go. It’s no coincidence that this wireless mesh router that tops our best wireless routers list of 2019, is also the one that’s easiest to set up and get going.

Read the full review: Google Wifi

2. Asus RT-AC86U

Performance as loud as the design

Speed: 802.11ac 1734 Mbps down | Connectivity: 4 x Gigabit LAN, Gigabit Wan, USB 2.0, USB 3.0 | Features: MU-MIMO, Traffic Analyzer, Adaptive QoS, WTFast Gamers Private Network

SGD

$329

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Extensive firmware

Great speed and coverage

Complex firmware

Divisive looks

If you’re familiar with Asus, particularly its gaming products, you’ll know what to expect with the Asus RT-AC86U. This wireless router might look like the lovechild of Doritos and Mountain Dew, if they spent a night together in a router manufacturing machine. But inside that garish design is a hardware that, for its price, easily beats out almost all the wireless routers on the market. You’re also not paying a premium here for a gaming device, so if you’re in the market for a high-speed connection with an affordable price tag, the Asus RT-AC86U is an excellent option.

3. Netgear Orbi AC2200 RBK23

The Netgear Orbi, but smaller now

Speed: 802.11ac 5GHz down: 68.8 Mbps | Connectivity: 2 x Gigabit Ethernet ports per unit | Features: Disney Circle parental controls, Pause WiFi, smartphone setup, Tri-Band networking, modular

Fast

Smaller than the original

Still expensive

When the Netgear Orbi was first released, it completely reshaped the wireless routers scene. Then, in 2019, Netgear unveiled the Netgear Orbi AC2200 RBK23, a more affordable option for casual users who don’t have stately mansion to cover, making it a worthy contender for the best wireless routers. Sure, it has fewer antennae and ethernet ports than its predecessor, but it also offers more than enough to offer very solid network coverage. Plus, the small form factor means that it will easily blend in, and you won’t feel the need to hide it.

Read the full review: Netgear Orbi AC2200 RBK23

4. Samsung Connect Home

The smart choice

Speed: AC1300 (5GHz: 866Mbps; 2.4GHz: 400Mbps) | Connectivity: 2 x Gigabit Ethernet per Wifi point | Features: MU-MIMO, Smart-home hub, Tri-band Wi-Fi, Smart device management

Affordable

SmartThings hub

Wi-Fi features not as robust as others

Now that smart homes are fast becoming a standard, more and more people need wireless routers that also moonlight as smart home hubs. This doesn’t only do wonders for convenience, but it also helps in reducing the clutter created by having multiple routers, modems and hubs. The Samsung Connect Home isn’t the most feature-rich wireless router available today, but it can definitely hold its own against the Google Wifi, while also packing in the SmartThings hub. It’s still easily one of the best wireless routers – especially if your home is filled with smart devices.

Read the full review: Samsung Connect Home

• This product is only available in the US and UK at the time of this writing. Australian readers: check out a fine alternative in the Google Wifi.

5. TP-Link Archer C5400 v2

Weird looks, great performance

Speed: 802.11ac 5GHz down: up to 2,167 Mbps, 2.4GHz down: up to 1,000 Mbps | Connectivity: 4 x LAN, WAN, USB 3.0, USB 2.0 | Features: MU-MIMO, Tri-band Wi-Fi, 8 external antennas, Alexa voice control

Fast and powerful

Alexa and IFTTT support

Expensive

Are you in the market for one of the best wireless routers of 2019, with a funky aesthetic to boot? If a ‘90s-inspired sci-fi design sounds like it’s right up your alley, then the TP-Link Archer C5400 v2 might be an excellent choice for you. It’s not exactly the most modern-looking mesh router. However, it’s unique in that it can bridge consumer and enterprise users by featuring high-end functionality at a reasonable price point and with an easy setup. It’s odd looking, yes; but if you’re looking for a wireless router that can cover a largish home, you can’t go wrong with this.

6. Netgear Orbi Pro

A mesh router for the office

Speed: 802.11AC 3Gbps | Connectivity: Gigabit WAN, 4 x Gigabit LAN | Features: Modular network coverage, modern design, easy setup, traffic separation

Easy to deploy

Fantastic performance

Very expensive

If you’re looking to bring your office’s networking into the modern age with one of the best wireless routers of 2019, then you should seriously consider the Netgear Orbi Pro. It’s a modular Wi-Fi mesh router that takes some design and performance cues from its business-grade counterparts. It’s on the pricey side, but if you run a business where you can’t afford anyone slowing down due to poor Wi-Fi, it’s definitely worth every cent.

Read the full review: Netgear Orbi Pro

7. TP-Link Deco M9

A router for the smart home

Speed: 5GHz: up to 867Mbps, 2.4GHz: up to 400Mbps | Connectivity: 2 x Gigabit WAN/LAN, USB 2.0 | Features: Tri-Band connectivity, Dead-zone killer, Built-in smart hub, Built-in Antivirus, QoS, Parental controls

Strong coverage

Easy setup

Pricey

The market is now saturated with wireless mesh routers, but it’s hard to complain when the level of coverage these routers offer is beyond anything we’ve seen in the past. With devices like the TP-Link Deco M9, one of the best wireless routers of 2019, we can see how they only keep getting better. By integrating IoT smart home support, on top of industry standard speeds and coverage, the TP-Link Deco M9 is, without a doubt, a fantastic choice for a smart home supporter. Fair warning, it is a little expensive. However, you’re also getting all these features and excellent performance in exchange.

8. D-Link Covr-C1203

Wireless mesh networking for everyone

Speed: 2.4 GHz: up to 300Mbps; 5GHz: up to 866Mbps | Connectivity: 2 x Gigabit Ethernet LAN per node | Features: MU-MIMO, Parental controls, Smart network control, Smart device setup

Affordable

Great coverage

Not as fast as it could be

Hoping to jump on the mesh wireless router bandwagon without breaking open the piggy bank? You’re in luck with the affordable D-Link Covr C1203. It’s among the best wireless routers for you, if you’re looking to upgrade and save at the same time. Not only does it offer similar coverage to that of the Google Wifi while being cheaper, but it also looks futuristic in a good way. It’s not quite as fast as Google’s legendary router, but it will still be fast enough for the typical user. And, that’s why the D-Link Covr C1203 gets our vote for one of the best wireless routers of 2019.

9. Eero Home Wi-Fi System

Mesh wi-fi for the power user

Speed: 802.11a/b/g/n/ac 2.4GHz, 5.2GHz and 5.8GHz, 802.11a/b/g/n/ac 2.4GHz and 5GHz | Connectivity: 2 x Gigabit WAN/LAN | Features: Modular network coverage, modern design, included security software, dynamic rerouting

Powerful

Blends into the background

Pricer than competition

If you’re in the market for a wireless mesh router that gives you a lot of control over your network, then the Eero Home Wi-Fi system might just be what you’re looking for. It’s pricier than your standard router, yet it offers users complete control over their network, while still boasting a secure connection through AI. Even better, the Eero Home Wi-Fi System comes with subscriptions to 1Password, MalwareBytes and Encrypt.me VPN, which should keep everyone connected to your network secure.

10. Amplifi HD

Bringing style to mesh networking

Speed: 802.11AC 1300mbps | Connectivity: 1 x Gigabit WAN, 4 x Gigabit LAN | Features: Modular network coverage, modern design, LCD touchscreen

Modern aesthetic

Easy to set up

More expensive than competition

The Amplifi HD is one of the priciest wireless routers on this list. Yet, thanks to its clean, modern look, it should find a dedicated audience without a problem. While aesthetic isn’t high on everyone’s priorities when choosing the best wireless router, it does help encourage users to install and showcase it in central locations, which will help boost the router’s signal. This wireless router touts excellent performance and a stylish design to match, as long as you’re prepared to spend a little more than necessary.

Read the full review: Amplifi HD

The 10 best wireless routers

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Netgear Orbi

SGD

$299

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Asus RT-AC88U

SGD

$429

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