7 Best WIFI Routers For Your Smart Home

With the growth of home automation systems, a stable router that can connect and control these devices efficiently has become essential. The optimal router for smart homes avoids issues like slow download speeds, buffering, and interference between connected devices.

However, it is not simple to choose the best alternative among the many that exist on the market. There are three primary considerations to think about when choosing a router for your smart home:

Refer to the “Buying Guide” section of this page for further information on these and other considerations. You’ll also discover our list of the top 10 smart home routers, which we compiled after extensive research and testing.

1.  Router TP-Link AX1800

Router TP-Link AX1800The TP-Link AX1800 Archer AX21 is the first item on our list since it is ideal for internet-enabled smart homes.

It has outstanding throughput of up to 574Mbps and 1201Mbps on the 5GHz band and 2.4GHz band, respectively, thanks to its dual-band WiFi capability. This router can process data at a rate of up to 1.8 Gbps, making it suitable for the most resource-intensive web programs.

WiFi 6 technology is superior than previous installments in terms of speed, performance, and connection reliability. It has four exterior antennae to strengthen your WiFi signal and increase its range inside your house.

Fast and dependable wired communication is guaranteed thanks to the gigabit Ethernet ports on the Archer AX21. You may plug in your computer, game console, smart TV, or any other device that needs a reliable wired connection into one of the four accessible ports.

This router has extensive parental controls in addition to its amazing connection capabilities. This router is great for households because it allows parents to limit their children’s time online, block inappropriate content, and keep tabs on their activities.

The TP-Link Tether app makes setting up this router a snap. The software walks you through the steps of setting up your network, so you can have it up and running in no time. The intuitive interface also makes it possible to administer your network remotely, from a mobile device, so you can keep tabs on your online activities and make sure everything is running well.

The Archer AX21 router from TP-Link has received overwhelmingly good customer reviews. The majority of users praised the system’s ease of use throughout the installation procedure. Another feature that stood out most about this product was its parental controls.

2.  Deco X20 Routers from TP-Link

Routers using the TP-Link Deco X20 If you want reliable Wi-Fi throughout your smart home, the TP-Link Deco X20 is your best bet. This mesh network uses cutting-edge Wi-Fi 6 AX1800 technology to completely do away with dwindling wireless connections.

It outperforms standard Wi-Fi boosters since it can cover an area up to 5800 square feet with high-performance coverage. Thanks to its robust mesh networking capabilities, it can support the simultaneous connections of up to 150 devices on a single network.

This bundle includes three Deco X20 devices, each with two Gigabit Ethernet ports for a total of six network connections. For even faster transfer rates, it also works with wired Ethernet backhaul.

Therefore, they are adaptable to any home network since they may function as a Wi-Fi router. The Deco X20 may connect to the internet via any ISP. This includes AT&T, Verizon, Xfinity, Spectrum, RCN, Cox, CenturyLink, Frontier, and any others.

The Deco app provides a user-friendly interface for controlling and managing your network, keeping tabs on data use, and assigning priority to certain gadgets or programs.

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It also has parental controls, so you can restrict access to certain sites or create guest networks for guests. The Deco X20 gives you complete command of your network for dependable operation and safety.

Users will find that the TP-Link Deco X20 is a powerful and feature-rich router from a company with a solid reputation. It has received a lot of positive feedback from users because to its few moving parts, solid connection, and plenty of safety features.

3.  Router TP-Link AX5400

AX5400 Router by TP-Link When it comes to internet access for smart homes, the TP-Link AX5400 Router (Archer AX73) is an excellent choice. It uses WiFi 6 technology, which provides enhanced connection, quicker speeds, and higher performance compared to earlier WiFi standards.

The dual-band WiFi used by the Archer AX73 router allows for a maximum throughput of 5400Mbps, or 4804Mbps on the 5GHz band and 574Mbps on the 2.4GHz band, respectively.

The router has eight high-gain antennas to boost the WiFi signal and increase the area it can reach. Beamforming technology allows it to focus the WiFi signal on your connected devices, giving you a more robust and stable connection.

Security-wise, it provides cutting-edge features like WPA3 encryption and an integrated VPN server to keep your network safe from intruders.

The Archer AX73 is simple to set up and administer in addition to having cutting-edge features. With the TP-Link Tether app, setting up your network and managing your devices is a breeze. The software also lets you restrict content, limit access for kids, and prioritize data for certain gadgets and programs.

Several users have commented that they are able to connect more devices to the network at once without seeing any slowdown in speed or performance.

4.  ARRIS AX3000 Router

The ARRIS AX3000 Router, together with the ARRIS Surfboard G36 DOCSIS 3 Modem, is a state-of-the-art networking solution for homes and offices.

This robust modem works with the vast majority of popular cable services. It’s great for high-bandwidth uses like streaming, gaming, and video conferencing since it can provide download rates of up to 3.8 Gbps.

Fast and secure wireless access for all your devices is provided by the Surfboard G36’s built-in AX3000 Wi-Fi router. The router is compatible with the faster and more energy-efficient Wi-Fi 6 standard, which operates on two separate bands.

It protects your network from potential cyber-attacks with features like WPA3 encryption and a firewall. The modem also has parental controls that let you keep tabs on what your kids are doing online. To keep your kids safe online, you may limit their access to certain content like websites or apps.

The ARRIS Surfboard app makes configuring and administering this modem/router a breeze. The app’s clear instructions and straightforward interface make customizing your modem and router to your requirements a breeze.

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The consumer feedback on this modem and router has been overwhelmingly good. It may be used for homes, workplaces, and even certain small enterprises. It can download at up to 3.8 Gbps, making it ideal for bandwidth-intensive tasks like video conferencing and streaming services.

5.  Router TP-Link AX10

AX10 Router by TP-Link The following item Again from TP-Link, we have the Archer AX10. This router, like all of their other offerings, is built to provide consistent and dependable service.

This router is suitable for use with any ISP, including but not limited to AT&T, Verizon, Xfinity, Spectrum, RCN, Cox, CenturyLink, Frontier, and many more.

This router’s ability to connect with TP-Link One Mesh WiFi Extenders is a major selling point, as it allows you to set up a single WiFi network that covers your whole house or business.

As a result, you can take advantage of consistent, high-speed WiFi across your home or office, with no dead spots or disruptions.

Archer AX10 incorporates cutting-edge WiFi 6 technologies like as OFDMA and 1024-QAM, which may greatly improve network throughput and responsiveness. Gaming, streaming media, video conferencing, and the networking of more devices than ever before are all made possible by this.

Your router and all of your connected devices will be able to talk to one another quickly and without interruption thanks to its strong 1.5 GHz tri-core CPU.

The router’s Beamforming technology concentrates the signal power where you need it most—on your devices—so you get wider coverage and less noise.

The majority of the router’s customers choose it because of how little and stylish it is. After many years of use, they are still pleased with its dependability and durability. However, some users have complaints about the web-based and mobile interfaces.

6.  Router ASUS RT-AX3000

When it comes to making your house a smart hub, the ASUS RT-AX300 router is your best choice because of the reliability and speed it provides.

This router uses cutting-edge Wi-Fi 6 technology, which may increase data transfer rates by a factor of up to 2.7 compared to older Wi-Fi standards. You may use many devices at once without experiencing any latency when using OFDMA and MU-MIMO technologies.

With 575 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band and 2402 GHz on the 5 GHz band, it has a combined network speed of 3000 Mbps.

This router’s 160MHz bandwidth and 1024-QAM provide lightning-fast wireless performance, making it ideal for resource-intensive tasks like streaming 4K UHD video, playing online games, and transferring huge files.

You can quickly set up a more robust mesh Wi-Fi system with additional ASUS AiMesh compatible routers, resulting in consistent and uninterrupted coverage across your house. With this function, your signal will be strong throughout in the house, even if it’s on the bigger side.

The ASUS Router App, downloadable for both iOS and Android, makes it simple to manage and personalize your router’s settings. The app provides a convenient way to monitor your network’s health, make adjustments as needed, set up parental controls, and more.

The ASUS RT-AX3000 router has been described as “a game changer” by a number of satisfied users. They were able to connect to everything without any hitches, and the speed was unparalleled. However, not everyone was satisfied with the manufacturer’s support.

7.  ASUS Zen WIFI AX6600 Router

This is the ASUS Zen WIFI AX6600 Router, and it’s the best. If you want ultra-fast, dependable, and safe WiFi at home, go no further than the Zen WIFI AX system.

Two ASUS AX6600 WiFi 6 routers are included in this setup, providing coverage for up to 5500 square feet, or around six rooms. Whether you’re in the living room or out in the yard, you’ll have access to blazing-fast, secure WiFi thanks to their tri-band architecture and adjustable back-haul technology.

As a result of its 160MHz bandwidth and 1024-QAM, wireless communications are significantly accelerated. When compared to tri-band AC3000 (Wi-Fi 5), Zen WIFI AX’s overall networking speed of 6600 Mbps is up to 2.2 times quicker.

This implies that you won’t experience any latency or buffering whether watching videos, playing games, or surfing the web.

You can rest easy knowing that your network is protected and secure with Ai Protection Pro’s Advanced Parental Controls.

AiMesh technology allows for comprehensive network monitoring through a convenient mobile app, and its installation requires no technical knowledge. Advanced users, however, will like the system’s plenty of high-end networking options.

Incorporating OFDMA and MU-MIMO, the next generation of WiFi 6 technology allows for more efficient, reliable, and quicker transmission even when numerous devices are transmitting data concurrently.

With the ASUS Router App, setting up and managing your network is a breeze, taking just three simple steps.

Many buyers were pleased with the product’s lightning-fast performance and reliable reliability. And there were no more delays or buffering when they played games or watched content online.

When deployed in larger areas or residences, however, several users reported experiencing dead and slow patches.

FAQS

When should you know it’s time to update your router?

If your router has poor signals, connection problems, coverage problems, or sluggish internet speed, you should update it.

How do you know which router is ideal for your smart home?

The installation process, network size, device compatibility, and other aspects should all be taken into account when comparing different kinds of routing devices for a smart home.

Additionally, ensure the device has a wide coverage area for bigger houses and supports the network protocol used by smart home gadgets. It must be secure, but simple to deploy and administer.

By considering these factors, you may choose a router that perfectly suits your smart home’s requirements.

Should I buy a separate router for my smart home?

A dedicated router that is compatible with your smart devices is not required, but it may give a more reliable and constant connection. You should also think about the Wi-Fi’s range, interoperability, and ability to control many devices at once.

Is universal voice activation of smart devices ever a possibility?

If the thermostat, lighting, and speakers in your smart home are compatible with the voice assistant technology you’re using, like Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant, then you can use your voice to control them.

However, certain devices may not have the essential speech control capabilities, thus it may be necessary to install extra hardware or software to enable voice control.

Besides A Computer, What Additional Equipment Do You Need to Go Online?

To connect to the web, you need both a computer, smartphone, or tablet that is capable of accessing the internet and a subscription to an internet service supplied by an internet service provider (ISP). Additionally, a modem or router may be necessary for certain devices to connect to the internet.

Could You Define the Various Wi-Fi Bands?

The radio frequencies utilized to transmit wireless communications are known as the Wi-Fi bands. The 2.4 GHz band has more wall penetration but lower speeds than the 5 GHz band, whereas the latter has greater speed but less range.

Additional bands, like as 6 GHz, are supported by certain routers and provide even higher speeds but are not as widely available.

Conclusion

It’s worth taking a look at the routers mentioned on this list if you’re wanting to upgrade your home network or boost the performance of your smart home gadgets with a new, more powerful equipment.

Before making any recommendations, we put in many hours of study and testing. Our shopping guide details the criteria we used to choose the top-rated gateways for automated homes. Our best selections are listed here for easy access.