Best Home Routers of 2024

Why Choosing the Right Home Router Matters

In today’s digital age, a reliable home router is essential. It connects all your devices to the Internet securely and efficiently.

Without a good router, you might experience slow speeds, connectivity drops, or security vulnerabilities.

Choosing the right home router can save you from a lot of frustration and headaches.

Let’s dive into why it’s important and what to look for in the best home routers of 2024.

Key Features to Look for in a Home Router

When searching for the best home router, consider the speed and range it offers.

Compatibility with your internet provider and devices is also crucial.

Security features play a significant role in protecting your personal information.

Additional features like parental controls and guest networks can be valuable.

Top Home Routers of 2024

Netgear Nighthawk AX12

The Netgear Nighthawk AX12 is renowned for its exceptional speed and range.

This router supports the latest WiFi 6 technology, allowing for faster and more efficient data transfer.

You might find the multiple high-gain antennas useful for large homes or multiple floors.

Pros

• WiFi 6 support for faster speeds
• Extensive range with multiple antennas
• Advanced security features

Cons

• Higher price point
• Can be overkill for smaller homes

ASUS RT-AX88U

The ASUS RT-AX88U is a strong contender for the best home router of 2024.

With its robust performance and user-friendly interface, it’s a popular choice for tech enthusiasts and gamers.

It offers excellent security features, including AiProtection Pro and parental controls.

Pros

• High-speed performance
• User-friendly interface
• Comprehensive security features

Cons

• Relatively large in size
• More advanced features might be unnecessary for basic users

TP-Link Archer GX90

If you’re a gamer or streaming enthusiast, the TP-Link Archer GX90 might be the perfect fit for you.

Its dedicated gaming band ensures low latency, even during peak usage times.

People find its comprehensive QoS settings allow for optimal performance prioritization.

Pros

• Dedicated gaming band
• Extensive QoS settings
• Good coverage for medium to large homes

Cons

• Setup can be a bit complex for novices
• Not the most affordable option

Does WiFi 6 Really Make a Difference?

WiFi 6 is the latest standard in wireless technology, offering faster speeds and better performance.

It can handle more devices simultaneously, which is great if you have a smart home setup.

Enhanced battery life for connected devices is another benefit of WiFi 6.

If you have a family with many devices, upgrading to a WiFi 6 router might be worthwhile.

Budget-Friendly Options for 2024

TP-Link Archer A7

The TP-Link Archer A7 is a highly rated budget router that doesn’t compromise on performance.

It’s ideal for smaller homes or apartments with a decent range and speed.

You might appreciate its straightforward setup and user-friendly interface.

Pros

• Affordable price
• Easy to set up and use
• Good performance for its price range

Cons

• Not suitable for large homes
• Lacks some advanced features of higher-end models

Linksys EA7300

The Linksys EA7300 is another excellent budget-friendly option.

It offers good speed and range for its price, making it suitable for most households.

Its smart WiFi app allows for easy management of network settings from your phone.

Pros

• Reasonably priced
• Good range for most homes
• Smart WiFi app for easy management

Cons

• Limited advanced features
• Can be a bit bulky

Amazon eero Pro 6

If you’re looking for a seamless mesh WiFi system, the Amazon eero Pro 6 might be an ideal choice.

This router provides whole-home coverage with its tri-band technology and is designed to be easy to set up.

You might find its smart home hub capabilities a great addition for integrating with Alexa and other smart devices.

Pros

• Whole-home coverage with mesh technology
• Easy to set up and manage
• Smart home hub integration

Cons

• More expensive than single routers
• Requires a subscription for advanced features

Google Nest Wifi

The Google Nest Wifi offers a user-friendly and aesthetically pleasing option for home network management.

It provides strong coverage and integrates well with other Google smart home devices.

The built-in Google Assistant in the points can be an additional perk if you use voice commands frequently.

Pros

• Easy integration with Google smart devices
• Attractive design
• Built-in Google Assistant

Cons

• Not the fastest speeds compared to other high-end routers
• Limited advanced configuration options

Best Routers for Large Homes

Netgear Orbi RBK852

The Netgear Orbi RBK852 is a powerful mesh system that’s perfect for large homes with multiple floors.

It uses WiFi 6 technology to provide higher speeds and better coverage, making it ideal for large families or households with many devices.

People say its easy setup and management app is very convenient.

Pros

• Excellent coverage across large areas
• Fast speeds with WiFi 6
• User-friendly setup and management

Cons

• Expensive
• Large physical footprint

ASUS ZenWiFi AX (XT8)

The ASUS ZenWiFi AX (XT8) offers a great combination of performance and style for large homes.

This mesh system is praised for its robust WiFi 6 performance and sleek design.

Its advanced parental controls and security features make it a suitable choice for families.

Pros

• Stylish design
• Strong performance with WiFi 6
• Good security and parental controls

Cons

• Premium price
• Some users may find the setup process a bit complex

Linksys Velop MX10

For those needing extensive coverage and robust performance, the Linksys Velop MX10 is worth considering.

It uses WiFi 6 technology to support high speeds and a large number of devices, making it ideal for busy households.

Its modular design allows you to expand coverage as needed, which can be a big plus for growing families.

Pros

• Expandable coverage with a modular design
• High-speed performance
• Reliable for multiple devices

Cons

• Expensive compared to other options
• Setup can be time-consuming

Importance of Router Security Features

Security is a critical feature when choosing a home router, as it protects your personal data.

Look for routers with built-in firewalls, automatic firmware updates, and WPA3 encryption.

Some routers offer additional security features like VPN support and parental controls.

These features can provide peace of mind, especially if you have children or work from home.

Optimizing Router Placement in Your Home

The placement of your router can significantly affect its performance and signal strength.

Ideally, place your router in a central location to ensure even coverage across your home.

Avoid placing the router near walls or large metal objects, as they can interfere with the signal.

Elevating the router, such as on a shelf, can also help improve signal reach.

Enhancing Router Performance with Extenders and Mesh Systems

If you’re struggling with weak signals in certain areas of your home, consider using WiFi extenders or mesh systems.

WiFi extenders are affordable devices that can help boost the signal to specific areas.

Mesh WiFi systems use multiple nodes to provide seamless coverage throughout your home.

Both options can be great for eliminating dead spots and ensuring a stable connection.

Best Routers for Small Spaces or Apartments

Living in a smaller space or apartment still requires a reliable network connection.

Compact routers that offer good coverage and speed are ideal for small homes.

D-Link DIR-882

The D-Link DIR-882 is known for its affordability and solid performance in small spaces.

It supports dual-band WiFi, providing stable and fast connections even in congested networks.

You might appreciate its easy setup process and user-friendly interface.

Pros

• Affordable and high-performing
• Simple installation and management
• Good speed for small areas

Cons

• Limited range compared to higher-end models
• Basic features might not satisfy power users

TP-Link Archer C1200

The TP-Link Archer C1200 is another excellent option for small homes or apartments.

It provides reliable dual-band WiFi and easy management via a mobile app.

People find its compact design makes it unobtrusive and easy to place anywhere in the home.

Pros

• Compact and stylish design
• Good performance for small spaces
• User-friendly mobile app

Cons

• Limited advanced features
• May struggle with very high internet speeds

Future-Proofing Your Home Network

It’s important to consider the future when buying a router, as technology evolves rapidly.

Look for devices that support the latest standards, like WiFi 6E, which can handle more devices with less interference.

Consider routers that allow easy updates and upgrades to keep up with new internet speeds and devices.

Investing in a high-quality router now can save you money and hassle in the long run.

Customer Service and Warranty Considerations

Ensuring good customer service and a comprehensive warranty is crucial when buying a new router.

Brands with responsive support can help troubleshoot any issues you might encounter.

A good warranty provides peace of mind, knowing that you’re covered if the router stops working unexpectedly.

Researching brands and customer reviews can help determine which products offer reliable support.

Conclusion and Final Recommendations

Choosing the right home router can dramatically improve your internet experience.

Whether you need a high-end router for gaming, a budget-friendly option, or a system for a large home, there’s something out there for everyone.

Focus on the specific features that will benefit your household the most, like security, speed, and coverage.

Remember to consider future-proofing your network and ensure good customer service and warranty from the brand you choose.

By selecting the best router for your needs, you can enjoy a seamless and reliable internet connection for all your devices.