Best Routers for Performance (2024)

The Asus app could use a little fine-tuning, though.

It also boasts top-of-the-line wired connectivity, along with a high-performance quad-core processor.

There is a second 10Gb LAN port, which is designated as a dedicated 'gaming port' and takes priority over all the other ports.

The app does provide some useful features, though—most notably, free parental controls that include scheduling features and content filters.

Unlike some of its rivals, Asus doesn’t charge an extra subscription for these features.

Even by the standards of most gaming routers, the GT-BE98 is an exceptionally over-the-top piece of equipment.

It's built like a tank and, at 2 kg, weighs more than many laptops.

It supports the 160MHz bandwidth, which, if your device also supports it, doubles the maximum bandwidth compared to most Wi-Fi 6 routers.

It also has a USB 3.0 port for sharing files on your local network.

The system's setup process begins with downloading the Orbi mobile app for Android or iOS.

From start to finish, it took me 19 minutes and 40 seconds to set up the RBKE963, which is 40% longer than the time it took to set up the Orbi RBK852 two-piece mesh kit.

The entire system can cover up to 9,000 square feet, according to Netgear engineers.

The Orbi RBKE963 mesh system creates four individual networks: one in the 2.4-GHz band, two in the 5-GHz band (one of which is for 'backhaul' data transmission among the units), and a top-performing 6-GHz network.

By including Netgear's Armor security software as a paid option, the Orbi RBKE963 demonstrates that running a network at top speed can be safe.

The RBKE963 comes with a complimentary one-year subscription to Netgear's second-generation Armor security software.

The Orbi RBKE963 system includes effective parental controls that can filter out inappropriate content and limit screen time.

Both the router and the satellites have Orbi's distinctive rounded tower shape, but they are huge, measuring 11.1 x 7.5 x 3.0 inches.

In either color, these mesh units will be difficult to hide.

Beneath the surface, the Orbi RBKE963 units are powered by Qualcomm's top-shelf Networking Pro 1610 chipset and a 2.2GHz quad-core processor.

The Archer AX11000 has one of the sleekest web interfaces we've seen yet.

The router setup for the AX11000 is definitely a strong point.

If you need numerous wired connections, you can’t go wrong with the Archer AX11000.

The AX11000 offers significant power, so it is no surprise that it comes in a larger package.

You can share files, share media, and create a Time Machine backup using a USB stick connected to the router, but you cannot share a printer.

Do you want free parental controls? Check.

The AX11000 supports WPA3 while being backward-compatible with previous standards.

What’s amusing here is that, for nearly a decade now, security experts have warned that WPS isn’t a secure way to connect devices to routers.

This is a horizontally oriented router made of almost matte-black plastic, and it takes up considerable desktop real estate with its square design.

Finally, the antennas plug into the main unit; you don’t screw them in as you do with other routers.

In short, this is a large, visually loud router and is not ideal for those who live in a space-cramped apartment.

We prefer the web interface over the app, but you need both to access all the networking features.

It has fewer Ethernet ports than the NETGEAR router, but you’d probably never fully utilize all of them anyway.

It includes free antivirus, parental controls, and a built-in VPN server and client.

While some competitors require a subscription to use certain features, ASUS does not.

We love this router’s overall design, but it falls short in the number of Ethernet ports compared to its rivals.

The Rapture GT-AX11000 has eight antennas that you screw into place, but they can become loose over time.

The Deco BE65 Pro requires a smartphone app for the initial setup.

Each node offers one 2.5 Gbps port and two 5 Gbps ports, along with a USB port for storage.

You can also set up an MLO network to send and receive data across both the 5 GHz and 6 GHz bands.

The Security tab includes Wi-Fi Access Control, Device Isolation, and Camera Security.

The web GUI is a bare-bones husk compared to the smartphone app.

They are made of plastic with a flat white finish, measuring roughly 4.25 inches across and 7 inches tall.

A circular ring at the top of each node includes ventilation to cool the internal components.

The app is very easy to use.

Getting started is a piece of cake.

Tri-band Wi-Fi 6 uses one 2.4GHz and two 5.0GHz frequency bands.

Three Gigabit Ethernet ports for wired connections.

These are good parental controls with no subscription required.

These filters are also free of charge, unlike many rival routers that require a monthly subscription fee for parental controls.

A smart, compact design is available in black or white.

The two XT9 mesh routers have the same slim, upright design as the older XT8.