Top 8 WiFi Routers of 2021

Whether you’re gamer who demands speed, a home office professional who needs reliability, or a stay at home mum who just wants to watch TV and surf Instagram without a hitch, the router you choose will determine whether you browse hassle-free or pull your hair out in frustration.

In our wifi router review for 2021, we’ve rounded up 8 of the best options on the market, for a variety of needs. Here they are:

In our wifi router review for 2021, we’ve rounded up 8 of the best options on the market, for a variety of needs. Here they are:

Overview

Netgear Orbi (RBR20)
Best Overall
  • Frequency Bands Supported: 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz
  • Max WiFi speed: 2200Mbps
  • WiFi speed: Up to 2.2Gbps (AC2200)
  • Total Ethernet ports: 2

$$

Google Wifi
Best for Unique Technology
  • Frequency Bands Supported: 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz
  • Max WiFi speed: 1200 Mbps
  • Total Ethernet Ports: 2
  • Security: Infineon SLB 9615 trusted platform module

$$$

TP-Link AC5400
Best for High Performance
  • Frequency Bands Supported: 5 GHz, 2.4 GHz
  • Max WiFi speed: 5334Mbps
  • 2 x 1.4ghz Processor Units
  • 8 External Antennas
  • Total Ethernet ports: 8

$$

Samsung SmartThings WiFi Hub
Best for Smart Homes
  • Protocols: Zigbee, WiFi, Z-Wave
  • Range (Ft.): 50-130 ft

$

Netgear Nighthawk XR500
Best for Pro Gaming
  • Frequency Bands Supported: 5 GHz, 2.4 GHz
  • Max WiFi speed: 2600Mbps
  • CPU: 1.7 GHz dual core processor
  • VPN: Client Embedded
  • Total Gigabit Ethernet ports: 4

$$$

Asus AC5300
Best for streaming
  • Frequency Bands Supported: 5 GHz, 2.4 GHz
  • 802.11AC 4x4 technology
  • Max WiFi speed: 5334Mbps
  • Total Gigabit Ethernet ports: 4

$$$

Asus Blue Cave
Best for Families
  • Frequency Bands Supported: 5 GHz, 2.4 GHz
  • Max WiFi speed: 2600Mbps
  • 802.11AC 4x4 technology
  • Total Gigabit Ethernet Ports: 4

$$

TP-Link AC1200
Best for Budget
  • Frequency Bands Supported: 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz
  • Max WiFi speed: 1200 Mbps
  • Total (10/100) Ethernet Ports: 4

$

Product Details

Netgear Orbi (RBR20)

Netgear Orbi (RBR20)
Best Overall

Technical Specifications:

The main reason we added the Netgear Orbi to our list of best wifi routers of 2021 is it’s huge 6,000 sq.ft coverage and incredible speeds of up to 2.2Gbps. Its quality hardware makes that possible with industry-leading 2.4GHz and 5GHz connections in tri-band, with 802.11ac support. If you’re not a fan of WiFi, you’ll also find 4 ethernet ports too.

As for design and user experience, The Netgear Orbi looks really cool, and each unit is small enough to fit in your pocket. It’s got a unique, vertical standing style that’s a breath of fresh air, and comes with a mobile app that’s not a pain to use.

If you want more information, check out the Netgear Product Page.

Who It’s For:

Home users who need reliable speed and WiFi coverage that reaches areas most routers can’t, and are willing to pay extra for it.

PROS:

  • Industry-leading Tri-band
  • Up to 6,000 sq.ft coverage
  • It looks funky!

CONS:

  • I’s really expensive
  • Tech support isn’t free

Google Wifi

Google Wifi
Best for Unique Technology

Technical Specifications:

What makes Google WiFi special is its one-of-a-kind satellite technology. You get 3 units in a box, and each router boasts 500Mbps, which isn’t bad in itself. Google doesn’t leave it there, though. You can pair the 3 units together and increase your speed to a blazing-fast 1.5GBps, and eliminate hard-to-reach wifi dead zones. This awesome pairing technology provides up to 4,500 sq.ft of coverage thanks to its quad-core CPU, 4GB flash memory, and combined 2.4Ghz and 5Ghz single band frequency.

If you want more information, check out the Google Store page.

Who It’s For:

Google WiFi is perfect for average home users. It’s on our list of best wifi routers of 2021 because it packs unique features at an affordable price.

PROS:

  • Reliable 500Mbps connection per unit
  • Blazing-fast 1.5Gbps ‘WiFi Mesh’
  • Impressive 4,500 sq.ft of coverage

CONS:

  • Advanced network settings are limited
  • Setup, while easy, requires a mobile phone

TP-Link AC5400

TP-Link AC5400
Best for High Performance

Technical Specifications:

One look at the Archer’s 8 antennas and striking design is all you need to know it means business. The TP-Link AC5400 earns its place on our list of the best wifi routers of 2021 for a reason. It boasts a 1GBps 2.4GHz band and two 2.17GBps 5GHz bands. In simple terms, you can throw as many games and 4k videos at this thing as you want, and the TP-Link AC5400 won’t quit.

If you’re a networking nerd who needs advanced features like MU-MIMO, IFTTT, and personal VPN support for extra control and privacy, the TP-Link AC5400 won’t let you down. Check out the TP-Link Product Page for more info.

Who It’s For:

Extreme user’s who demand lightning-fast download and upload speeds, huge range, and unwavering reliability. Gamers. Streamers. Download addicts.

PROS:

  • Outstanding 5GHz performance
  • Top-of-class reliability
  • Alexa, IFTT, and VPN support

CONS:

  • It’s big and clunky
  • It’s not cheap

Samsung SmartThings WiFi Hub

Samsung SmartThings WiFi Hub
Best for Smart Homes

Technical Specifications:

For those who are excited to explore the possibilities of smart homes, the Samsung SmartThings is the purpose-built solution you can’t go without. With it’s unique ‘WiFi Mesh’ technology, you can pair up to three units together to cover a whopping 4,500 sq.ft.

This range, combined with the ability to connect up to 100 devices provides you limitless opportunities to upgrade your home. Better yet, you can control all your devices effortlessly with Samsung’s mobile app.

Check out the Samsung Product Page for more info.

Who It’s For:

Smart home enthusiasts who want a device designed specifically to handle multiple smart devices will love this addition to our best wifi routers of 2021. 

PROS:

  • Stylish, minimal design
  • Control up to 100 devices
  • Covers 1,500 sq.ft per unit

CONS:

  • Slow 866Mbps speed
  • Tricky to install

Netgear Nighthawk XR500

Netgear Nighthawk XR500
Best for Pro Gaming

Technical Specifications:

Netgear’s Nighthawk XR500 is unlike anything we’ve ever seen. Firstly, it looks like a bad-ass fighter jet. More importantly, though, it’s loaded with incredible specs. The 1.7GHz processor and four high-performance antennas provide game-changing 2.6Gbps speeds. Even better, they can operate as individual express lanes to eliminate lag, and if you don’t trust WiFi, you can connect your devices via the four Gigabit Ethernet ports too.

Check out the Netgear Product Page for more info.

Who It’s For:

Included in our list of best wifi routers of 2021 for its unrivaled gaming performance. If you're a pro whose success depends on the speed and reliability of your router, this is the device for you.

PROS:

  • Reduce lag with express lanes
  • Ports for all your PCs and consoles
  • Unbelievable 2.6Gbps speed

CONS:

  • Big and bulky
  • Can’t move antennas

Asus AC5300

Asus AC5300
Best for streaming

Technical Specifications:

If you’ve been waiting for the most high-tech router on our list, the Asus AC5300 is it. While it’s price tag is shocking to some, others will be glad to know it’s worth every penny.

Under the hood, you’ll find a tri-band 1.4GHz dual processor, 802.11ac 4x4, and 512 MB of memory. A hardware combo that pumps out an insane 5.3Gbps connection speed over a range of  5,000 sq.ft. The only issue we noticed was that it sometimes was unreliable at long distances, but considering how massive it’s range is, we doubt you’ll even notice.

Check out the Asus Product Page for more info.

Who It’s For:

This router from Asus made our list of best wifi routers of 2021 for its unbeatable streaming performance. It’s ideal for any kind of live streamer, Youtuber, or internet celebrity.

PROS:

  • Insane 5.3Gbps speed
  • Industry-leading security
  • Impressive 5,000 sq.ft range

CONS:

  • High price tag
  • Unstable at long-range

Asus Blue Cave

Asus Blue Cave
Best for Families

Technical Specifications:

The Asus Blue Cave is a well-designed, family-friendly dual-band 802.11ac 4x4 router. Its 2.6Gbps connection speed, built-in parental control, and usage scheduling make it a mom and dad’s best friend. Controlling devices and access permissions is a cinch thanks to the mobile app. It’s also a great choice for busy families who rely on Alexa or Echo to help them through the day.

Check out the Asus Product Page for more info.

Who It’s For:

Yes, we’ve already got a smart router on our list of top wifi routers of 2021, but if you’re after one with voice control specifically for Alexa or Echo, this is the best option. It’s family-friendly too.

PROS:

  • Cool, LED design
  • Voice control for Alexa & Echo
  • Quality app and security features

CONS:

  • No Mesh WiFi
  • Limited Range

TP-Link AC1200

TP-Link AC1200
Best for Budget

Technical Specifications:

Honestly, we’re surprised how much value the TP-Link AC1200 offers for its price. For less than $50 you can enjoy speeds up to 1.2Gbps via its dual-band 5GHz and 2.4GHz connection. It also sports detachable and movable antennas and four Gigabit Ethernet ports.

What’s most surprising is that it offers MU-MIMO technology, a feature usually only found in more expensive routers, which means you can connect more than one device without compromising speed. Check out the TP-Link Product Page for more info.

Who It’s For:

This router made our list of best wifi routers of 2021 for one reason: it’s THE best router you can buy for under $50. If you’re a basic user on a budget, this is for you.

PROS:

  • It’s crazy cheap
  • Surprisingly fast 1GBps
  • MU-MIMO technology

CONS:

  • Limited range
  • Boring design

Summary

Model Speed Price Rating
Netgear Orbi (RBR20) 2200Mbps $$ Best Overall
Google Wifi 1200 Mbps $$$ Best for Unique Technology
TP-Link AC5400 5334Mbps $$ Best for High Performance