Best Wi-Fi Routers Windows Central 2020

Between PCs, smartphones, tablets, gaming consoles, streaming devices, and IoT gadgets, home networks have more connected devices than ever before. Many of are asking more of our routers than usual as we try to work from home. Choosing a router that can handle your usage is key to keeping everything connected and running smoothly. No one likes bad Wi-Fi, so here are the best routers available now, from top-of-the-line powerhouses to budget-friendly picks.

Best Mesh: eero

Promoted Pick

Amazon's eero mesh Wi-Fi system can be had in single nodes or three-packs, the latter best for large spaces. Setup is a breeze, and you can go with wired backhaul for maximum performance. 2.4GHz and 5GHz radios work together to offer seamless internet no matter where you go in your house.

Best Wi-Fi 6: Netgear Nighthawk RAX80

Staff favorite

Striking the right balance of features can be tough with a new format but the Nighthawk AX80 gets about as close as possible. It has five Ethernet ports with link aggregation and up to AX6000 wireless speeds. It also has dual USB 3.0 ports on the back making adding storage a breeze.

Best budget Wi-Fi 6: Netgear RAX15

Netgear's RAX15 router is an entry-level Wi-Fi 6 router with four Ethernet ports and enough wireless speed for standard browsing and streaming. It comes in an understated rectangular package with two antennas. This is a great way to ensure Wi-Fi 6 compatibility even when you don't need a ton of speed.

Best Wi-Fi 6 mesh: Asus ZenWiFi XT8

Asus has made one of the most compelling mesh systems around with the ZenWiFi offering fast AX6600 speeds. It also has three Ethernet ports on each node and compatibility with Asus' own AiMesh software to make expansion easy. It comes in a small housing around six inches wide and tall and under 3 inches deep.

Best budget gaming: Linksys WRT32XB

Whether it's used for console or PC gaming, the Linksys WRT32XB uses specialized software to eliminate latency. Theoretical speeds across both bands reach 3.2Gbps, and four LAN ports on the back let you connect wired hardware. This is also an excellent router for streaming and general connectivity.

Best Gaming: TP-Link Archer C5400X

802.11ac Wi-Fi isn't dead yet and TP-Link proves it with the great gaming value that is the Archer C5400X. It has eight open Ethernet ports with link aggregation as well as a tri-band AC5400 Wi-Fi setup. You also get dual USB ports and powerful gaming optimization software to keep ping times low.

Best mesh option: AmpliFi HD

Mesh expansion is the future of Wi-Fi and AmpliFi HD is built on this principle with a standard router in a small package that can be easily expanded. With four Ethernet ports on the main router, you can connect your wired equipment and two mesh extenders in the box can cover your entire home with a strong Wi-Fi signal.

If we're making some suggestions

There are hundreds of good routers on the market including more mesh options than ever before While this is not a comprehensive list of every great Wi-Fi router out there, all of these routers are outstanding performers that can serve any home network well. Our pick, based on all-around performance for gaming, streaming, and range is the Netgear Nighthawk RAX80. It takes advantage of Wi-Fi 6 to deliver up to 6Gbps combined with eight streams. It also has five Ethernet ports and support for link aggregation.

The Netgear RAX15 is a more sensible option for the vast majority of people who don't need a top-shelf router, as it costs a lot less than our top pick while still supporting the newest Wi-Fi standards. If you have a smaller home or don't have a ton of internet-connected devices, it offers solid performance.

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