- Best wireless router for streaming video and gaming upgrade#
- Best wireless router for streaming video and gaming full#
- Best wireless router for streaming video and gaming plus#
- Best wireless router for streaming video and gaming download#
With a second 5GHz band serving as a dedicated backhaul for system transmissions between the router and its satellites and full support for Wi-Fi 6, the system is still our top-tested mesh router, with the best scores in both our lab-based top speed tests and our at-home mesh coverage tests. Starting at $700 for the two-piece setup seen here, the AX6000 version of the Netgear Orbi is far more expensive than the dual-band version listed above, but it's also a lot more powerful. For a step up, there's also the Deco X90, which adds in a high-speed WAN port that supports multi-gig internet connections - that one currently costs $380 for a 2-pack. I haven't tested it, but it boasts identical specs to the Deco W7200 and the same design, as well. That said, it's been in and out of stock on Walmart's website throughout 2022 thus far - if it isn't available at any of the stores in your area, you could also consider the Deco X68, which costs $280 for a 2-pack on Amazon. That makes the Deco W7200 an outstanding value, and the first mesh router I'd point most people towards if they're in need of something new. On top of that, TP-Link's setup process is about as easy as it gets, with satellite extenders that automatically join the mesh as soon as you plug them in. In fact, the only system that managed to outperform it outright in my at-home speed tests is the AX6000 version of Netgear Orbi, which costs more than three times as much (keep reading for more on that one). That's the best deal I've seen for a tri-band mesh router with support for Wi-Fi 6 - and sure enough, it's an excellent performer, as well. Most mesh routers like that cost at least $300 or even $400, but the TP-Link Deco W7200 gets you there for just $229.
Best wireless router for streaming video and gaming plus#
As of mid-March, most retailers have it listed for $90 - not the best price we've seen it sell for, but still a discount.įor the best performance from your mesh router, you'll want to prioritize getting one with support for Wi-Fi 6, plus a tri-band design that includes three separate bands of traffic: the usual 2.4 and 5GHz bands, plus an additional 5GHz band that the system can use as a dedicated wireless backhaul for transmissions between the router and its satellites.
Best wireless router for streaming video and gaming upgrade#
Add in a functional bandsteering mode that automatically steers you between the 2.4 and 5GHz bands within a single network, plus guest network controls and even a quality of service engine for prioritizing traffic to the most important devices on your network, and you're looking at a decent home networking upgrade that's as simple and affordable as it gets.
Best wireless router for streaming video and gaming download#
It's nothing fancy, but it offered near flawless performance for small- to medium-size homes in our tests, and it's a cinch to setup and use thanks to TP-Link's Tether app.īest of all, when tested against other, similar routers from names like Asus and Netgear, the AX21 held its own with faster download speeds, better range, and low latency, too. Read more: Best internet providers for 2022Īvailable for $100 ( or less if you catch a sale), the TP-Link Archer AX21 is an entry-level, dual-band Wi-Fi 6 router that supports top speeds of up to 1,201Mbps (1.2Gbps) on its 5GHz band. When we find a new router that merits strong consideration, we'll add it to this list with links to our most recent test data so that you can always find the best router. Whether you're interested in gaming routers, mesh systems, Wi-Fi 6 routers or if you just want something decent that won't break the bank, we're here to simplify things and point you in the right direction so that you can find the best Wi-Fi router to manage your needs.Įxpect regular updates to this post as we continue testing networking devices throughout 2022. Watch this: Which router upgrade is right for you?Īll of that means that you've got a lot to think about if you're currently in the market for an upgrade. Just don't expect routers like those to come cheap. Shop around, and you'll also find new Wi-Fi 6E routers capable of sending signals using newly opened bandwidth in the 6GHz band. On top of that, there's a growing number of mesh router options that are well worth considering, too, particularly since many of them are far less expensive than the router combo systems that came before them. If you're in need of a new one, then you'll be happy to hear that routers have come a long way in the past few years or so, with a number of noteworthy advancements worth considering as you hunt for an upgrade.įor starters, there's a new-and-improved version of the Wi-Fi standard called 802.11ax - or Wi-Fi 6 - and it boasts faster, more efficient home network performance.
We're all depending on our home networks to keep us connected during the ongoing pandemic, so it's more important than ever to have a decent Wi-Fi router managing your web traffic.