Connect at Speed with the Fastest Routers

Your gigabit internet plan is only as fast as your router allows it to be. You could be paying for blazing speeds but watching Netflix buffer if your router can't keep up. We partnered with PCMag to test some of today's fastest gigabit-capable routers, so your laptops, tablets, and phones can actually use the bandwidth you're paying for.

Why Your Router Speed Matters More Than You Think

Most people upgrade their internet plan but forget about the router. That's like buying a sports car and putting cheap tires on it. Your router is the bottleneck between your ISP's speed and what your devices actually experience. A slow router means buffering during video calls, lag in online games, and everyone in the house fighting over bandwidth.

The difference between a basic router and a high-performance one isn't just about raw speed. Modern routers handle multiple devices simultaneously, prioritize traffic intelligently, and cover larger areas with stronger signals. If you're still using the router your ISP gave you five years ago, you're leaving performance on the table.

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The Dream Router: Netgear Nighthawk X10 AD7200

If budget isn't a concern and you want the absolute best, the Netgear Nighthawk X10 AD7200 is in a league of its own. This is the only consumer router supporting 802.11ad technology, hitting theoretical speeds of 4600 Mbps on the 60 GHz band. It even includes a 10G SFP+ LAN port for connecting to enterprise-grade servers and switches.

This beast performed fastest in our testing and can easily cover a large house. Inside, you'll find a 1.7GHz quad-core CPU, Ethernet Port Aggregation for improved file transfers, beamforming, and 160MHz Wi-Fi support. It comes with 7 LAN ports, 4 external antennas, and supports MU-MIMO for handling multiple devices.

You can manage everything through either the Netgear Genie web console or mobile app. The only minor limitation is you can't tweak QoS settings for individual clients, but the automatic traffic management works well enough that most users won't miss it.

The Practical Choice: Asus RT-AC86U AC2900

Most of us don't need every feature the Nighthawk offers, and that's where the Asus RT-AC86U AC2900 shines. This 4x4 AC2900 router packs a 1.8GHz dual-core CPU and 512MB of RAM, delivering speeds up to 2167 Mbps on the 5 GHz band thanks to NitroQAM (1024-QAM) technology.

What makes this router special is how it balances performance with usability. You get built-in Trend Micro security protection, adaptive QoS bandwidth prioritization, and WTFast game acceleration. The web-based management console lets you adjust beacon intervals and beamforming settings without needing a networking degree.

It ships with 3 external antennas and 4 LAN ports, supporting all the standard encryption protocols including WPA2-Enterprise. And yes, it's red, if aesthetics matter to you.

Simple Setup: Linksys EA6350 AC1200+

Sometimes you just want something that works without a manual. The Linksys EA6350 AC1200+ is perfect for that. With its single-core 800MHz CPU, this isn't going to cover a mansion or push multi-gigabit speeds. But for most apartments and smaller homes, it delivers 867 Mbps on 5 GHz, which is plenty for streaming, browsing, and video calls.

The setup process is genuinely plug-and-play. You get parental controls, channel width selection, and guest networking on the 2.4 GHz band. With 2 external antennas and 4 LAN ports, it covers the basics without overwhelming you with options you'll never use.

This router doesn't support MU-MIMO or QoS, so if you have a household full of devices competing for bandwidth, you might want to look elsewhere. But if you want affordable reliability, this gets the job done.

Budget Speed Demon: TP-Link Archer C7 AC1750

The TP-Link Archer C7 AC1750 proves you don't need to spend a fortune for solid performance. PCMag named it Editor's Choice for budget routers, and it's easy to see why. You get speeds up to 1300 Mbps on 5 GHz with 3 external antennas and 4 LAN ports.

The interface isn't as polished as premium routers, but all the essential features are there. Parental controls let you restrict access by time of day or create allowed website lists. The router supports all standard encryption protocols and offers both basic and advanced configuration options.

What you're giving up at this price point is MU-MIMO and QoS. If those features aren't critical for your setup, the Archer C7 delivers excellent value. It's the router you recommend to your parents or friends who just want reliable Wi-Fi without fuss.

For the Tweakers: Trendnet AC2600

Some people like to tinker, and the Trendnet AC2600 (model TEW-827DRU) welcomes that approach. This mid-range router gives you deep control over wireless settings, security, firewall configuration, parental controls, and guest networking. Just remember to both save and apply your changes, or you'll lose them.

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Under the hood sits a 1.4GHz dual-core processor supporting beamforming and Qualcomm's StreamBoost bandwidth-management technology. It maxes out at 1733 Mbps on the 5 GHz band with 4 external antennas and 4 LAN ports. MU-MIMO support means it handles multiple devices better than budget options.

PCMag selected this as an Editor's Pick for mid-range routers because it hits the sweet spot between features and price. If you enjoy optimizing settings and want more control than basic routers offer, this is worth considering.

Compact Powerhouse: TP-Link AC2300

The TP-Link AC2300 excels in smaller spaces where you want premium features without needing long-range coverage. It includes HomeCare parental controls and Trend Micro anti-malware and antivirus protection built right in. The Smart Connect band steering automatically moves devices between bands for better performance.

Inside you'll find a dual-core 1.8GHz CPU, 512MB of RAM, and 128MB of flash memory. Link Aggregation support lets you combine multiple network connections for improved throughput. At close range, this router delivers impressive speeds and stability.

If you need more coverage area, the Trendnet AC2600 mentioned earlier might be a better fit. But for apartments, condos, or smaller homes, the AC2300 packs serious capability into a compact package.

Gaming-Focused: Linksys WRT32X

Online gamers know that latency matters more than raw bandwidth. The Linksys WRT32X Wi-Fi Gaming Router prioritizes gaming traffic automatically, especially if you're using Killer Network LAN-connected devices. Setup takes minutes, and the router immediately starts optimizing for lower ping times.

The specs back up the gaming focus: dual-core 1.8GHz CPU, 256MB of flash memory, 512MB of DDR3 memory. It's DFS certified and supports beamforming, which helps maintain stable connections even when other devices are active. The router recognizes gaming traffic and bumps it to the front of the queue without manual configuration.

If you've ever lost a ranked match because of lag spikes while someone else was streaming, this router addresses that frustration directly. The automatic traffic prioritization works well enough that you can game competitively while others in the house use the network normally.

Finding Your Match

The right router depends on your specific situation. Living alone in an apartment with basic streaming needs? The Linksys EA6350 AC1200+ or TP-Link Archer C7 AC1750 will serve you well without overspending. Running a household with multiple people working from home, streaming 4K content, and gaming simultaneously? Look at the Asus RT-AC86U AC2900 or higher.

Consider your space too. Larger homes benefit from routers with more antennas and stronger processors. The Netgear Nighthawk X10 AD7200 can cover significant square footage, while the TP-Link AC2300 works best in compact areas.

Don't underestimate the value of features like MU-MIMO if you have many devices, or QoS if you need to prioritize certain types of traffic. These technologies make a real difference in day-to-day performance when multiple people share the network.

Your router is the foundation of your home network. Choosing one that matches your actual usage patterns will make your internet feel faster and more reliable than any speed upgrade from your ISP. Take the time to match features to your needs rather than just buying the most expensive option or the cheapest one available.