An internet router may have been provided to you when you signed up with your internet provider. It is very important to upgrade your home's router if you own a smart home. If you want to make your home smarter, you need the best Wi-Fi router for smart home devices. The router could also be rented on a monthly basis. This could result in higher costs in the long run.
The router you have received from your ISP might have weak signals and therefore not provide you with the speeds you were promised. You should always ensure that your router isn't a bottleneck, even though this isn't always the case. The speed you're paying for should be achieved. Since your home is equipped with unique needs, you should know what's best for you. Your connected devices will appear faster with a new router. Moreover, you will be able to access the latest security features and have your user interface enhanced by upgrading your computer.
With so many people spending so much time online, you should upgrade your home network with one of the best Wi-Fi routers for smart home devices. Your laptop, smart TV, game console, and doorbell camera will be working much faster when you replace your existing router with an updated one. As well as providing a faster wireless connection around your home, routers today come equipped with network security tools, mobile apps that can control settings on the go, and software with parental controls that can limit Internet use among your children. No matter what you do, whether in the office, watching videos, or playing games, you should have the latest technology on your wireless network. Specifically, we test every router thoroughly to provide the best models suitable for various situations. Our goal is to assist you with finding a budget and one that meets your needs.
What are the best Wi-Fi routers?
1. Asus RT-AX86U
Why Should You Buy It?
- A high level of performance and throughput
- Lifetime updates for security software
- Aggregation of multiple gigs of inputs and ports
Why Should You Avoid It?
- Features such as geofencing and ping heat maps do not exist
The Asus RT-AX86U is a Wi-Fi 6 powerhouse with impressive gaming performance, any customization options you may need, as well as amazing gaming performance. Besides providing life-long protection against spyware and intrusions, the software can also protect all your assigned devices within your home, ensuring that your devices are protected for a long time at no additional cost and offering a two-year warranty.
However, the real attraction of the Asus RT-AX86U lies in its excellent performance, approaching 1Gbps in our testing so you can have seamless connections to devices across the board. With lots of range and high performance from within and outside of walls, the RT-AX86U lives up to its high performance and general-purpose features, a considerable bargain in comparison with some of the best gaming gear available. The Asus RT-AX86U is the best Wi-Fi 6 router for families.
2. TP-Link Archer C2300
Why Should You Buy It?
- Performs at the highest level
- Cost-effective
- Antivirus protection is built into the program
- Warrantied for two years
Why Should You Avoid It?
- The temperature is extremely high
The TP-Link Archer C2300 appears modest; despite that, this router is nearly as powerful as any other router available and has the highest range available. Nearly a Gigabit per second was transmitted when it was tested, with no problems cutting through our test home walls and ceilings. Besides being considered one of the most speedy routers we've seen, this router is also unobtrusive, small, and excellently equipped.
This best Wi-Fi router for smart home devices offers built-in optimizations, similar to those found on more expensive competitors, such as antivirus and QoS, as well as parental controls. Compared to similar-performing competitors, this one is less expensive and comes with a warranty of two years. As far as affordable Wi-Fi routers go, the Archer C2300 is unique.
3. Netgear Orbi WiFi 6E (RBKE963)
Why Should You Buy It?
- Exceptional mesh performance
- Setup and configuration are easy
- Parental controls and security software are available as options
Why Should You Avoid It?
- For a router and two extenders, the price is $1,500
- Free tech support for just 90 days
Netgear's Orbi Wi-Fi 6E (model number RBKE963) is a top-of-the-line mesh Wi-Fi system with the highest price tag. For those who are not concerned about price, gigabit broadband with an Internet provider, and a large home, you should consider this mesh system. The Orbi Wi-Fi 6E is capable of covering 9,000 square feet of area. The area can be expanded to 12,000 square feet if you add another satellite. With its 6-GHz channel, the router made more than a gigabyte of throughput at a distance of 15 feet, an unprecedented feat for a mesh router.
There are 12 antennas in each unit, and there are four Ethernet ports (one rated at 2.5 Gbps), and four-link channels provide broadband communications between the units, including another five-band if needed. It is possible to get a trial subscription to Netgear's Armor security program, along with Bitdefender spyware and parental controls, for a period of time. Support will also require payment after 90 days. The mesh system will be more valuable if you can afford it.
A guide to choosing the Best Wi-Fi router for Smart Home Devices
For those looking to choose an internet router for their home or small business, confusing networking terminology and obscure technology standards can be a real challenge. It's really only a matter of knowing two questions: How fast do you need to connect to the Internet? Do you need a wide range of coverage?
The speed and standard of operation
A router's speed depends on both your internet connection's speed and the modem's capability. As a general rule, a standard 802.11ac router is adequate for most applications, except those that require the highest performance, such as gigabit internet plans, which are yet to be readily available in every location. In addition to broadband speeds ranging from 100 Mbps to 300 Mbps, wireless AC routers are typically capable of handling these speeds.
It's now possible to use Wi-Fi 6 (aka 802.011ax) for faster connectivity that’s better suited for households with a lot of smart home devices. There are many Wi-Fi 6 routers available today, though there’s an even newer twist on this standard called Wi-Fi 6e that takes advantage of a newly opened part of the radio spectrum. Many smartphones and laptop models are not yet Wi-Fi 6e-enabled. Upgrading to Wi-Fi 6e probably won't provide much benefit unless you're using dozens of devices simultaneously.
The range of coverage
A wireless system's coverage area is also important. It is common for a single-wired router to provide about 50 to 100 feet of range, making it suitable for apartment buildings and small homes. In houses that cover more than 3,000 square feet, mesh routers are more effective in ensuring a strong Wi-Fi signal throughout. The use of the best Wi-Fi router for smart home devices is particularly beneficial in multi-story homes whose Wi-Fi signal drops out in dead spots.
Ports
In addition to the wireless connectivity the router should provide, wired connections should also be considered. The Ethernet port (portable connection) is better for connecting devices that consume a lot of bandwidth, as well as the USB port for connecting older printers and storage devices on your network. An older printer or storage device can be connected to your network via a USB port.
It is important to pay attention to input, especially if you live in a neighborhood with Gigabit internet available. The speed of your entire home can be slowed down with an older router, especially when you have a Gigabit connection. Even faster connectivity can be achieved by aggregating two inputs.
Estimated price
There are many 802.11 ac routers available for less than $100 when they are simple, dual-band routers. It costs more to purchase a more expensive modem, but their coverage is better, and they offer higher speeds, whereas gaming routers offer better performance and are more expensive. There is generally a $400-plus price tag on new routers that are using Wi-Fi 6 (formerly known as 802.11 ax).
Conclusion
There can be a lot of confusion and speed issues with relying solely on your internet provider's router. A smart Wi-Fi router can make things clear for you easily, whether you are playing, at work, or at school. Furthermore, if you want your network to be synchronized in a smart home setup, the best Wi-Fi router for smart home devices is ideal. Whether your router supports standard functions, Wi-Fi 6, or mesh Wi-Fi, you will get the same speed and coverage. Moreover, smart routers are far more functional than traditional routers in terms of features.
