GoKawiilCompare 7 Top Wi-Fi Routers
Product Price (MSRP) Wi-Fi Version Bands Ports Suggested Coverage Best Router: Asus RT-BE58U $150 Wi-Fi 7 5 GHz, and 2.4 GHz 1x 2.5 Gbps WAN, 1x Gigabit WAN/LAN, 3x Gigabit LAN, 1x USB WAN 2,000 square feet Upgrade Pick: Asus RT-BE96U $550 Wi-Fi 7 6 GHz, 5 GHz, and 2.4 GHz 1x 10-Gbps WAN/LAN, 1x 10-Gbps LAN, 4x Gigabit LAN, 1x USB 3.2, 1x USB 2.0 5,400 square feet Best Midrange Router: Netgear Nighthawk RS300 $300 Wi-Fi 7 6 GHz, 5 GHz, and 2.4 GHz 1x 2.5 Gbps WAN/LAN, 2x 2.5-Gbps LAN, 2x Gigabit LAN, 1x USB 3.0 2,000 square feet Best Budget Router: TP-Link Archer BE230 $120 Wi-Fi 7 5 GHz, and 2.4 GHz 1x 2.5 Gbps WAN, 1x 2.5 Gbps LAN, 3x Gigabit LAN, 1x USB 3.0 2,000 square feet Best Router for Large Homes: Netgear Orbi 770 Series (2-Pack) $550 Wi-Fi 7 6 GHz, 5 GHz and 2.4 GHz 1x 2.5 Gbps WAN, 3x 2.5 Gbps LAN (main), 2x 2.5 Gbps LAN (satellites) 5,500 square feet Best Travel Router: Asus RT-BE58 Go $160 Wi-Fi 7 5 GHz and 2.4 GHz 1x 2.5 Gbps WAN, 1x Gigabit LAN, 1x USB-A 3.0 1,800 square feet Best 5G Router: Netgear Nighthawk M7 $500 Wi-Fi 7 5 GHz and 2.4 GHz 1x USB-C, SIM slot 2,000 square feet
CHART: Simon Hill
Other Routers I Tested and Liked
I have tested many other models and have several more in the queue. These aren’t as great as the picks above, but they are worth considering.
Photograph: Simon Hill
TP-Link Archer BE600 for $250: This standalone router supports Wi-Fi 7. I don’t love the design, but the six adjustable antennas allow for tinkering, and TP-Link has been very generous with the ports (one 10 Gbps, four 2.5 Gbps, and a USB 3.0), though it’s a little annoying that the USB is on the side. This model also offers excellent close-range speeds on the 6-GHz band, and solid speeds on both the 5-GHz and 2.4-GHz bands, though TP-Link’s dual-band BE260 slightly outperformed it on those two bands. But it does offer a pretty expansive range (up to 2,600 square feet).
Photograph: Simon Hill
TP-Link Roam 7 (BE3600) for $130: This dual-band, Wi-Fi 7 travel router was my pick, but the Asus RT-BE58 Go above is a slightly better performer for around the same money. This is still a good, portable device, capable of keeping you online in your hotel room or modest apartment. It also supports mobile tethering, VPN, and can serve as a Wi-Fi range extender. There’s a USB-C for power that works with portable chargers, and a USB-A for file sharing or backup.
TP-Link Archer BE260 for $110: This dual-band (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz) Wi-Fi 7 router runs close to our top pick on performance and is a solid alternative. This router offers a slight upgrade over the BE230 above, with improved 5-GHz performance, an extra antenna, and a coverage boost up to 2,400 square feet. It also sports a 2.5-Gbps WAN, a 2.5-Gbps LAN, three Gigabit LAN, and a USB 3.0 port. Throw in EasyMesh support and a relatively low price, and the BE260 is a tempting option. But if you want enhanced security and parental controls, you have to subscribe, which takes the shine off the value.
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