10 Best routers 2025 in the United States

The TP-Link Archer AX80 is a solid choice if you want a fast and reliable router for home use. It supports the latest Wi-Fi 6 standard, which means it can deliver high speeds—up to 4804 Mbps on the 5 GHz band and 1148 Mbps on 2.4 GHz—making it great for activities like 8K streaming and gaming. With its dual-band setup and eight high-gain antennas using Beamforming technology, it offers good coverage that can reach a large area, reducing dead zones around your home. One standout feature is the 2.5 Gbps multi-gigabit WAN/LAN port, which lets you take advantage of very fast internet plans without bottlenecks.

The router also supports MU-MIMO and OFDMA, which help it handle many devices simultaneously with lower lag, ideal if you have several gadgets connected at once. On security, TP-Link’s HomeShield provides basic protections and parental controls to help keep your network safe and manage access. Plus, it’s compatible with Alexa for simple voice commands and supports the OneMesh system, so you can easily extend your Wi-Fi network with compatible range extenders.

Since it’s a dual-band router rather than tri-band, it might get a bit overwhelmed in very crowded wireless environments with many devices. Also, while the parental controls are useful, they are fairly basic compared to premium options on some other models. In terms of wired connections, it offers ample Ethernet ports but doesn’t mention USB ports for file sharing or printer support, which some users might miss. If you’re looking for a user-friendly, high-speed router that covers a typical home well and supports the newest Wi-Fi tech, the Archer AX80 is a strong contender.

The TP-Link Deco AX3000 WiFi 6 Mesh System (Deco X55) is a solid choice for anyone looking to enhance their home network with robust coverage and advanced technology. It boasts impressive Wi-Fi 6 capabilities, delivering speeds of up to 2402 Mbps on the 5 GHz band and 574 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band, which is great for streaming, gaming, and connecting multiple devices. With a coverage area of up to 6500 square feet and the ability to connect up to 150 devices, this mesh system effectively eliminates dead zones and buffering, making it ideal for larger homes or those with many smart devices.

One of its standout features is the AI-driven mesh technology, which adapts to your home's unique layout, ensuring a seamless connection throughout. The inclusion of three Gigabit Ethernet ports per unit also allows for wired connections, which can enhance speed and stability, especially for devices like gaming consoles or smart TVs.

Setting up the network is user-friendly, thanks to the Deco app, which guides you through the installation and management process. It also supports voice commands via Alexa, making it convenient to control guest networks and device access.

The TP-Link AXE5400 Tri-Band WiFi 6E Router (Archer AXE75) is designed for users who demand high-speed internet for various activities like gaming, streaming, and browsing. With speeds up to 5400 Mbps across its three bands (2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and the new 6 GHz), it offers impressive performance, especially beneficial for households with multiple devices. The inclusion of OFDMA technology allows for better bandwidth management, meaning more devices can connect simultaneously without a significant drop in performance.

This router's 1.7 GHz Quad-Core CPU and 512 MB of RAM enhance its processing capabilities, making it well-equipped to handle demanding applications and heavy network traffic. Moreover, the OneMesh feature is a plus for users looking to extend their Wi-Fi coverage seamlessly across larger homes by connecting with compatible TP-Link extenders.

Security is another highlight, with TP-Link HomeShield providing essential features like security scanning and parental controls, ensuring a safe online environment. The support for VPNs is also beneficial for users needing secure internet access. The router's higher price point may not be justified for users with simpler internet needs or smaller homes. Additionally, while setup is generally straightforward, those who aren't tech-savvy might face challenges configuring advanced settings. Lastly, it requires a separate modem for most internet service providers, which could add to the total cost if you don’t already have one. The TP-Link AXE5400 is a solid choice for tech enthusiasts, gamers, and larger households needing robust internet connectivity. Its speed, capacity, and security features make it a powerful option, although casual users might find it more than what they require.