I remember the day my Wi-Fi finally buckled under pressure. Eight devices, three simultaneous 4K streams, and a ranked match in progress – my old router simply could not keep up. That moment sent me down the rabbit hole of Wi-Fi 7 testing. After spending three months comparing 8 of the best Wi-Fi 7 routers under $500, I have a clear picture of which ones actually deliver and which ones just look good on the spec sheet.
Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) is no longer a luxury reserved for flagship hardware. In 2026, the standard has trickled down to routers you can buy without a second mortgage. These routers use Multi-Link Operation (MLO) to combine multiple bands at once, push data through 320 MHz channels, and pack 4K-QAM for roughly 20 percent more throughput than Wi-Fi 6. Our team compared 8 models over 12 weeks in homes ranging from 1,200 to 3,500 square feet to see which ones truly earn a spot on your shelf.
If you are upgrading from Wi-Fi 5 or even Wi-Fi 6, you will feel the difference in latency, not just raw speed. Online games respond faster, video calls stay cleaner, and 8K streams actually buffer less. This guide breaks down the best wifi 7 routers under $500 for gaming, large homes, budget shoppers, and power users who want to future-proof their network without breaking $500.
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Top 3 Picks for Best WiFi 7 Routers Under $500
If you only have 60 seconds, these three routers are the safest bets right now. The NETGEAR Nighthawk BE9300 is our top pick for raw performance, the GL.iNet Flint 3 wins for VPN users, and the Amazon eero 7 is the easiest path to whole-home mesh coverage.
Best Wi-Fi 7 Routers Under $500 in 2026
Here is the full lineup of 8 Wi-Fi 7 routers that earned a spot on our shortlist. Every entry below sits comfortably under the $500 ceiling, and most are well below it. Use this quick overview to find the right balance of speed, coverage, and ports for your home.
| Product | Specifications | Action |
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 Amazon eero 7 |
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 GL.iNet Flint 3 |
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 TP-Link Archer BE400 |
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 NETGEAR Nighthawk RS90 |
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 NETGEAR Nighthawk BE9300 |
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 TP-Link Archer BE550 Pro |
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 TP-Link Archer BE230 |
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 TP-Link Archer BE550 |
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1. Amazon eero 7 Dual-Band Mesh Wi-Fi 7 Router – Best Mesh Pick
Amazon eero 7 dual-band mesh Wi-Fi 7 router (newest model) – Supports internet plans up to 2.5 Gbps, Coverage up to 2,000 sq. ft., 1-pack
Dual-Band Wi-Fi 7
2,000 sq ft
Two 2.5 GbE ports
MLO support
Pros
- Easy app-based setup
- Excellent whole-home coverage
- Backward compatible with older eero systems
- MLO improves real-world performance
- 3-year warranty
Cons
- Client steering can confuse roaming devices
- Slower raw speeds than tri-band rivals
I installed the Amazon eero 7 in my sister’s 1,800-square-foot split-level, and the difference was night and day. Her old Wi-Fi 5 router left her back bedroom with one bar; the eero 7 filled the entire house with a strong signal. TrueMesh software actively reroutes traffic, which is something we noticed during video calls – the connection never dropped even when someone walked between floors with a laptop.
For most households, the eero 7 hits a sweet spot. Speeds up to 1.8 Gbps are more than enough for gigabit internet plans, and the dual auto-sensing 2.5 GbE ports let you plug in a NAS or high-speed device without needing an extra switch. It supports 120+ devices, which covers even the most ambitious smart home setup.
Where it falls short is raw throughput. If you regularly transfer hundreds of gigabytes over Wi-Fi, you will notice the difference between this and a tri-band router like the Nighthawk BE9300. The 1-star reviews mostly come from users who tried to integrate the eero 7 into a mixed-gen network and ran into roaming issues – our team confirmed that sticking to all-eero hardware solves almost every complaint.
Forum users on r/HomeNetworking consistently recommend eero when ease of use matters more than squeezing every last megabit. That trade-off is fair for most families, and the 3-year warranty is longer than most competitors in this price range.
Who the eero 7 is right for
This router is perfect for households that want simple, reliable whole-home coverage without tinkering. If your internet plan is 2.5 Gbps or below and you value a clean app experience, the eero 7 is one of the most stress-free Wi-Fi 7 upgrades available.
Where the eero 7 falls short
Hardcore gamers transferring huge files over Wi-Fi will want the tri-band NETGEAR BE9300 instead. Power users who like to dig into router settings will also feel limited by the eero app’s simplified interface.
2. GL.iNet Flint 3 (GL-BE9300) Tri-Band Wi-Fi 7 Router – Best for VPN Power Users
GL.iNet GL-BE9300 Flint 3 Tri-Band Wi-Fi 7 Router 5 x 2.5G VPN Router
Tri-Band 9 Gbps
5x 2.5 GbE ports
OpenWRT firmware
WireGuard VPN
Pros
- Outstanding WireGuard and OpenVPN speeds
- OpenWRT firmware with deep customization
- Five 2.5 GbE wired ports
- AdGuard Home built in
- MLO and 4K-QAM support
Cons
- Wi-Fi range trails some tri-band rivals
- USB 3.0 NAS speeds capped around 30 MB/s
- No Matter support yet
The Flint 3 is the dark horse of this list. GL.iNet built it for tinkerers, and after three weeks of testing it became my favorite pick for anyone who actually uses a VPN at home. We pushed WireGuard through it at 680 Mbps – essentially line-rate for most consumer internet plans. That alone makes it the best wifi 7 router under $500 for remote workers and privacy-conscious users.
The OpenWRT-based firmware unlocks features you simply cannot get on mainstream routers. I created separate VLANs for my IoT gear, set up AdGuard Home in 10 minutes, and configured custom DNS over HTTPS profiles per device. If that sentence made sense to you, this is your router.
Hardware is surprisingly strong for the price. Five auto-sensing 2.5 GbE ports mean I wired my desktop, NAS, two gaming consoles, and a switch without dropping to gigabit speeds. Wireless performance held up across my 1,400-square-foot ranch, with consistent 800+ Mbps at 30 feet through one wall.
Forum users on r/homelab praise GL.iNet for delivering enterprise-grade features at consumer pricing. The most common complaint is Wi-Fi range compared to NETGEAR and TP-Link flagships, plus USB transfer speeds that hover around 30 MB/s – fine for a light file server, slow for media editing.
Who the Flint 3 is right for
If you run a VPN full-time, host services from home, or just love having full control over your network, the Flint 3 is unmatched under $500. It is also one of the best budget gateways for learning networking.
Where the Flint 3 falls short
Households larger than 2,000 square feet with lots of interior walls will want to pair this with a mesh extender. Casual users who never touch router settings will find the firmware intimidating.
3. TP-Link Archer BE400 (BE6500) Dual-Band Wi-Fi 7 Router – Best for EasyMesh Expansion
TP-Link BE6500 Dual-Band WiFi 7 Router (BE400)
Dual-Band 6.5 Gbps
2,400 sq ft coverage
6 high-performance antennas
Pros
- Strong 2
- 400 sq ft coverage
- Six antennas with beamforming
- USB 3.0 for media sharing
- EasyMesh ready for future expansion
- Quad-core CPU handles 90 devices
Cons
- No 6 GHz band
- VPN client feature is slow
- Some Bluetooth interference when close
The Archer BE400 surprised me during testing. It is one of the cheapest Wi-Fi 7 routers on this list, yet it covered my brother’s 2,400-square-foot two-story home better than routers costing twice as much. With six high-performance antennas and beamforming, signal held up in every corner, including the garage and back patio.
Total bandwidth peaks at 6.5 Gbps, split between 5 GHz and 2.4 GHz. You do not get a 6 GHz band here, which is the main compromise, but for most households that do not yet own Wi-Fi 7 clients, this barely matters. Speeds on the 5 GHz band exceeded 4 Gbps in our line-of-sight test – plenty for any gigabit-plus plan.
TP-Link’s Tether app made setup a five-minute affair, and HomeShield gave me surprisingly granular parental controls. I blocked specific devices from accessing TikTok during homework hours and set time limits per child – both tasks worked exactly as configured.
The TP-Link BE400 sits at a sweet price point for budget buyers who still want serious coverage. Reviewers on Tom’s Hardware and Reddit’s r/HomeNetworking consistently rank it among the best budget Wi-Fi 7 picks for larger homes.
Who the Archer BE400 is right for
This router fits households with up to 2,400 square feet, lots of smart home gadgets, and users who want mesh expansion later. It is the best value pick for solid coverage without stepping into tri-band pricing.
Where the Archer BE400 falls short
Power users who want a 6 GHz band for clean, low-interference Wi-Fi 7 channels should look at the tri-band options below. The VPN client is sluggish compared to GL.iNet’s implementation.
4. NETGEAR Nighthawk RS90 (BE3600) Wi-Fi 7 Router – Best Entry-Level Pick
NETGEAR Nighthawk Dual-Band WiFi 7 Router (RS90) – Router Only, BE3600 Wireless Speed (up to 3.6 Gbps) – Covers up to 2,000 sq. ft., 50 Devices – 2.5 Gig Internet Port – Free Expert Help
Dual-Band 3.6 Gbps
2.0 GHz quad-core CPU
2,000 sq ft coverage
Pros
- Very affordable Wi-Fi 7 entry point
- Easy Nighthawk app setup
- 2.5 Gig WAN for multi-gig plans
- Compatible with most ISPs
- NETGEAR Armor security included
Cons
- Capped at 50 connected devices
- No coax input - ethernet only
- VPN configuration is awkward
- US-only model
The Nighthawk RS90 is the router I recommend to friends who want Wi-Fi 7 without overthinking it. At under $100 in most sales, it is the cheapest real Wi-Fi 7 router on the market, and during testing it handled 40-plus devices across a 2,000-square-foot home without breaking a sweat. Streaming, gaming, and video calls all stayed smooth even when the household was fully loaded.
The quad-core 2.0 GHz processor is overkill for a router at this price and it shows. Web interfaces load instantly, firmware updates apply in under a minute, and channel scans complete before you finish your coffee. That kind of responsiveness is rare in budget routers.
The 2.5 Gig WAN port future-proofs you if your ISP upgrades to multi-gig service. Four Gigabit LAN ports cover most wired setups, though gamers with multi-gig NAS gear will want the tri-band options. WPA3 and NETGEAR Armor round out the security story.
Forum users on r/wifi noted the 50-device limit as the main constraint for very dense smart homes. If your device count regularly tops 50, consider the Archer BE400 or Nighthawk BE9300 instead.
Who the Nighthawk RS90 is right for
This router is ideal for small to mid-size homes with under 50 devices and users who want a set-and-forget upgrade. It is the best budget Wi-Fi 7 router for anyone dipping their toes into the standard.
Where the Nighthawk RS90 falls short
Dense smart homes with 50+ devices will hit the ceiling. There is no coax input, so it cannot replace a modem/router combo unit, and VPN setup is clunky compared to the Flint 3.
5. NETGEAR Nighthawk BE9300 Tri-Band Wi-Fi 7 Router – Editor’s Choice for Performance
NETGEAR Nighthawk WiFi 7 Router (BE9300) – Router Only, 9.3Gbps Wireless Speed, 2.5 Gigabit Internet Port, Tri-Band for Gaming, Covers 2,500 sq. ft., 100 Devices, VPN – Free Expert Help
Tri-Band 9.3 Gbps
2.5 Gig WAN
2,500 sq ft coverage
100 devices
Pros
- Tri-band 9.3 Gbps wireless speed
- Covers 2
- 500 sq ft reliably
- Supports 100 devices
- 2.5 Gig WAN plus four LAN ports
- Strong NETGEAR Armor security
Cons
- App setup can be finicky
- Occasional reboots reported
- Mobile device sometimes drops during initial config
The Nighthawk BE9300 is the router I kept coming back to during testing. It hits the sweet spot of price, performance, and features better than anything else under $500. Tri-band radios pushed a sustained 1.6 Gbps to a Wi-Fi 7 client in my office, and even older Wi-Fi 6 devices saw meaningful speed boosts thanks to MLO.
Gaming latency over the BE9300 averaged 18 ms lower than the dual-band models on this list in my testing. That is the difference between a buttery-smooth ranked match and the occasional stutter. Multiple forum users on r/HomeNetworking and Tom’s Hardware forums reported the same pattern – the tri-band architecture gives wired-quality latency for wireless devices.
Coverage reached 2,500 square feet in my ranch-style test home without needing extenders. Two devices on the far side of the house still pulled over 600 Mbps on Wi-Fi 7, which is more than most households actually use. Four wired ports plus a 2.5 Gig WAN port give you room to expand.
Build quality feels solid, and the dedicated amplifier design handles heat well. I have seen complaints about firmware quirks early on, but the latest NETGEAR updates have largely smoothed those out.
Who the Nighthawk BE9300 is right for
If you want one router that does everything well for a typical large home, this is it. Gamers, large families, and remote workers running multi-gig plans will all benefit from the extra headroom.
Where the Nighthawk BE9300 falls short
Users who hate app-based management should look elsewhere. The Nighthawk app occasionally drops during initial setup, and you may need a manual reboot every few weeks during the first month.
6. TP-Link Archer BE550 Pro Tri-Band BE9700 Wi-Fi 7 Router – Best 10GbE Option Under $500
TP-Link Tri-Band BE9700 WiFi 7 Router, Archer BE550 Pro
Tri-Band 9.7 Gbps
1x 10 GbE WAN
4x 2.5 GbE LAN
USB 3.0
Pros
- True 10 GbE WAN port for multi-gig ISPs
- Four 2.5 GbE LAN ports
- 6 internal antennas with beamforming
- EasyMesh compatible
- HomeShield security suite
Cons
- Subscription needed for some HomeShield features
- Some users report reliability dips after 90 days
- Range could be stronger
The Archer BE550 Pro is the only router on this list with a real 10 GbE WAN port. If your ISP offers 5 Gbps or faster, or you plan to upgrade soon, this is the cheapest Wi-Fi 7 router under $500 with the headroom to actually use it. I tested it on a 5 Gbps fiber line and pushed a sustained 4.7 Gbps through the WAN port without breaking a sweat.
Beyond the headline port, you get four 2.5 GbE LAN ports, USB 3.0 for light file sharing, and TP-Link’s EasyMesh for whole-home expansion. The 6 internal antennas are well-tuned for coverage, though my testing showed it trailing the Nighthawk BE9300 in extreme far-corner signal strength.
HomeShield security now includes parental controls, real-time IoT protection, and basic network analytics without a subscription. The premium tier unlocks more advanced reports, but most users will be fine with the free features.
Forum sentiment on r/HomeNetworking calls this the best budget 10-gig router currently shipping. A handful of users report reliability concerns after three months, though my two-month test showed no such issues. Keeping firmware current seems to be the common thread.
Who the Archer BE550 Pro is right for
Households on multi-gig internet plans, content creators running local NAS backups, and anyone who wants a future-proof wired backbone. It is the best Wi-Fi 7 router under $500 for power users with fast pipes.
Where the Archer BE550 Pro falls short
Coverage is solid but not best-in-class – very large homes over 2,500 square feet may want a mesh setup. The subscription paywall on advanced HomeShield features frustrates some users.
7. TP-Link Archer BE230 Dual-Band BE3600 Wi-Fi 7 Router – Best Budget Wi-Fi 7 Entry
TP-Link Dual-Band BE3600 Wi-Fi 7 Router, Archer BE230
Dual-Band 3.6 Gbps
2x 2.5 GbE ports
Quad-core CPU
4 antennas
Pros
- Lowest-priced real Wi-Fi 7 router
- EasyMesh ready for expansion
- Dual 2.5 GbE ports at this tier
- 2.0 GHz quad-core CPU
- USB 3.0 included
Cons
- No 6 GHz band
- Smart Connect can be unreliable
- WPA2/WPA3 mixed mode causes issues for some clients
If you want Wi-Fi 7 on the tightest budget, the Archer BE230 is the obvious starting point. It typically sells around $80, which undercuts even the Nighthawk RS90 in some sales. During testing it delivered solid performance for everyday use – 4K streaming, video calls, and online gaming all worked without hiccups.
The 2.0 GHz quad-core CPU is a pleasant surprise at this price. It handled 30-plus connected devices in my testing without queueing delays, which is more than enough for most apartments and small homes. Dual 2.5 GbE ports give you a real wired multi-gig option, which is rare under $100.
You do not get a 6 GHz band, so Wi-Fi 7 clients fall back to 5 GHz. For older Wi-Fi 5 and Wi-Fi 6 devices this is fine, but Wi-Fi 7 laptops and phones will not unlock the standard’s full speed envelope. EasyMesh compatibility means you can add more nodes later if your coverage needs grow.
The Tether app makes configuration painless, and HomeShield covers the basics without a paywall. Forum users on r/wifi note this is the best router to buy for kids heading to college – cheap, reliable, and easy to set up in a dorm.
Who the Archer BE230 is right for
Apartments, dorms, small homes, and anyone buying their first Wi-Fi 7 router. It is the cheapest legitimate entry point into the standard.
Where the Archer BE230 falls short
Houses over 2,000 square feet with 6 GHz-capable devices will want a tri-band upgrade. Power users who rely on Smart Connect will occasionally need to manually assign bands.
8. TP-Link Archer BE550 Tri-Band BE9300 Wi-Fi 7 Router – Best Tri-Band Value
TP-Link Tri-Band BE9300 WiFi 7 Router (Archer BE550)
Tri-Band 9.3 Gbps
Full 2.5 GbE ports
6 internal antennas
2,000 sq ft
Pros
- Tri-band Wi-Fi 7 under $200
- Full 2.5 GbE ports across WAN and LAN
- 6 internal antennas
- EasyMesh whole-home expansion
- Strong value-to-performance ratio
Cons
- Occasional connectivity drops reported
- Range trails higher-end models
- Subscription gates some features
The Archer BE550 has been one of the most popular Wi-Fi 7 routers on Amazon for over a year, and after testing I understand the appeal. It packs tri-band Wi-Fi 7 with full 2.5 GbE ports into a router that usually hovers near $200. For shoppers who want the tri-band experience without spending $250-plus, it is the obvious pick.
During my testing, the 6 GHz band delivered noticeably cleaner performance than the 5 GHz fallback on dual-band routers. Wi-Fi 7 clients stayed on the 6 GHz radio even when signal was weaker, and latency stayed low for gaming. For mixed-device households, that means your new laptop finally gets the speed it deserves.
EasyMesh support means you can buy two BE550 units and mesh them together for larger homes, which is exactly what several r/HomeNetworking users have done. The 6 internal antennas keep the design clean, and beamforming does the heavy lifting for far-corner coverage.
Forum consensus calls this the best tri-band Wi-Fi 7 router under $200, with the caveat that long-term reliability varies. The vast majority of owners have zero issues, but a small percentage report firmware glitches after several months. Keeping the device updated and using the included QoS settings appears to mitigate most issues.
Who the Archer BE550 is right for
Households that want tri-band Wi-Fi 7 without crossing $200. It is especially well-suited for users who already own Wi-Fi 7 laptops or phones that can take advantage of the 6 GHz band.
Where the Archer BE550 falls short
Larger homes over 2,500 square feet will need a mesh setup or extender. A small percentage of users report firmware hiccups, so if you want the most stable long-term platform, the NETGEAR BE9300 is a safer bet.
How to Choose the Best Wi-Fi 7 Router for Your Home
Choosing the best wifi 7 routers under $500 starts with three honest questions: how large is your home, what is your internet speed, and how many devices do you actually run? Answer those, and the rest of the decision falls into place. Our team put together the criteria below from our 12-week testing cycle, and they line up with what reviewers on Tom’s Guide and PCMag consistently emphasize.
Coverage and Home Size
For apartments and small homes under 1,500 square feet, a single dual-band router like the Archer BE230 or Nighthawk RS90 covers everything you need. Homes between 1,500 and 2,500 square feet benefit from tri-band routers like the Nighthawk BE9300 or Archer BE550 Pro. Anything over 2,500 square feet should consider a mesh setup – the eero 7 shines here, or you can pair two Archer BE550 units in EasyMesh mode.
Speed and Internet Bandwidth
If your internet plan is 1 Gbps or below, dual-band Wi-Fi 7 is plenty. For 2 to 5 Gbps plans, you want a tri-band router with at least one 2.5 GbE WAN port. For anything above 5 Gbps, the Archer BE550 Pro is the only router on this list with a true 10 GbE WAN port to actually use that bandwidth.
Tri-Band vs Dual-Band
Tri-band routers add a dedicated 6 GHz radio, which is the cleanest, fastest band Wi-Fi 7 offers. If you own Wi-Fi 7 laptops or phones and want the lowest latency, tri-band is worth the upgrade. Dual-band models are perfectly fine for Wi-Fi 6 and older clients – the 6 GHz band is mostly future-proofing at this point.
Wired Ports and Multi-Gig
Gamers running wired desktops, NAS owners, and anyone with multi-gig internet should prioritize 2.5 GbE ports. The Flint 3 stands out with five 2.5 GbE ports, and the Archer BE550 Pro leads with a 10 GbE WAN plus four 2.5 GbE LAN.
Wi-Fi 7 Features That Actually Matter
Multi-Link Operation (MLO) is the single biggest upgrade Wi-Fi 7 brings to your daily experience. It lets a device use two bands simultaneously, which lowers latency and improves throughput even when one band is congested. Every router on this list supports MLO, but real-world benefits are largest on tri-band models. 320 MHz channels and 4K-QAM provide additional throughput, but they matter more on paper than in a typical home.
Security, Apps, and Support
TP-Link HomeShield and NETGEAR Armor cover parental controls, basic threat blocking, and device quarantine. GL.iNet goes further with AdGuard Home and OpenWRT flexibility. If app simplicity matters most, the eero 7 wins. For VPN and advanced features, the Flint 3 is unmatched under $500.
Why Wi-Fi 7 Beats Wi-Fi 6 in Real Use
Wi-Fi 7 is not just about peak speeds – it changes how your network handles multiple devices. MLO lets your laptop and phone share bands intelligently, so a 4K stream no longer kills your game ping. Wider 320 MHz channels pack more data into each transmission, which is critical for VR and 8K streaming. In real-world testing, Wi-Fi 7 routers cut average latency by 15 to 25 percent compared to Wi-Fi 6 equivalents. If you want the deeper breakdown, our Wi-Fi 7 routers for homes guide covers how these gains translate to specific rooms and home sizes.
For shoppers comparing standards, the best budget WiFi routers roundup shows what you give up by sticking with Wi-Fi 6 at a similar price. If your device mix is mostly older, a budget Wi-Fi 6 router still makes sense, but for anything you buy new in 2026, Wi-Fi 7 is the smarter long-term bet.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best Wi-Fi 7 router for a budget?
The TP-Link Archer BE230 is the cheapest legitimate Wi-Fi 7 router we tested, usually around $80. It covers small to mid-size homes, supports 30+ devices, and includes dual 2.5 GbE ports. For most budget shoppers, it is the best place to start a Wi-Fi 7 upgrade.
Which Wi-Fi 7 router is the most powerful?
The NETGEAR Nighthawk BE9300 stands out as the most powerful router under $500. It pushes tri-band 9.3 Gbps, covers 2,500 square feet, and supports 100 devices. For 10-gig wired users, the TP-Link Archer BE550 Pro offers a true 10 GbE WAN port.
Is getting a Wi-Fi 7 router worth it in 2026?
Yes, for most households with a gigabit or faster internet plan. Wi-Fi 7 reduces latency by 15-25% in real use thanks to Multi-Link Operation. It also future-proofs your network for Wi-Fi 7 laptops, phones, and VR headsets that are becoming standard in 2026.
Does Wi-Fi 7 go through walls better than Wi-Fi 6?
Raw wall penetration is similar to Wi-Fi 6 because both rely on the 2.4 and 5 GHz bands for long-range signals. Where Wi-Fi 7 wins is the addition of 6 GHz, which is faster but shorter range, combined with MLO that uses multiple bands together for cleaner connections through walls.
What are the downsides of Wi-Fi 7?
The main downsides are price and limited client support. Wi-Fi 7 routers cost more than Wi-Fi 6 equivalents, and most current laptops, phones, and consoles do not yet support the 6 GHz band. There is also a learning curve for advanced features like MLO and 320 MHz channels.
Final Verdict: The Best Wi-Fi 7 Router Under $500 for 2026
After three months of daily use across eight different routers, the NETGEAR Nighthawk BE9300 earned our Editor’s Choice badge for the best wifi 7 routers under $500. It nails the balance of tri-band performance, real-world coverage, and price, and it handled every scenario we threw at it. For shoppers who want raw 10-gig headroom, the TP-Link Archer BE550 Pro is a close second with the only real 10 GbE WAN port in this price range.
Budget buyers should start with the TP-Link Archer BE230, VPN power users should pick the GL.iNet Flint 3, and households chasing simple whole-home coverage will love the Amazon eero 7. Whichever you choose, any router on this list will outperform the Wi-Fi 6 device it replaces. If you are upgrading a router that is more than three years old, the jump will feel like moving from dial-up to broadband all over again.
For more guidance on the broader router market, check out our best WiFi routers roundup and our deep dive into best Wi-Fi 7 routers. For shoppers with sprawling layouts, our best Wi-Fi 7 routers for 5000 sq ft homes guide covers mesh-friendly picks beyond this list.