Beyond the Top Picks: Exploring Alternative Routers for Your Home Network
Choosing the right router can feel overwhelming, given the sheer number of options available. While our top picks offer exceptional performance and features, several other routers deserve consideration, particularly for those with specific needs or budgetary constraints. This article delves into a selection of alternative routers, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses to help you make an informed decision. We’ll examine factors such as speed, Wi-Fi standard, port options, security features, and cost, to provide a comprehensive comparison.
1. TP-Link Archer GE800: A Striking Wi-Fi 7 Contender ($600)
This tri-band Wi-Fi 7 router is a visual showstopper, with its angled design and customizable RGB lighting. Its performance is undeniably impressive, boasting a 10-Gbps port for your internet connection, along with additional high-speed Ethernet LAN ports and a USB 3.0 port. The Tether app provides solid functionality, including some gaming-specific options. However, additional subscriptions are needed for enhanced security and parental controls. Despite its speed, the GE800 fell slightly short of our top Wi-Fi 7 pick on the 6-GHz band. Moreover, users may experience significant heat generation and fan noise. While potent, its price point and drawbacks make it a compromise for some.
2. Asus RT-BE88U: A Dual-Band Wi-Fi 7 Option ($350)
The Asus RT-BE88U presents a unique proposition: a dual-band Wi-Fi 7 router that surprisingly forgoes the 6-GHz band entirely, relying solely on 2.4-GHz and 5-GHz bands. However, this doesn’t translate to slow speeds, thanks to support for Multi-Link Operation (MLO), 4K QAM, and a generous selection of ports (two 10 Gbps, four 2.5 Gbps, four Gigabit, and one USB 3.0). It notably outperformed pricier routers on the 5-GHz band – the band most devices currently utilize. The inclusion of free security software and parental controls is a welcome bonus. Nonetheless, given that comparable performance can be achieved by less expensive competitors like the Netgear Nighthawk RS300, the RT-BE88U remains a niche choice, primarily beneficial for users in regions where the 6-GHz band is unavailable or underperforming.
3. TP-Link Travel Router AX1500: A Budget-Friendly Traveler ($60)
For those seeking an affordable travel solution, the TP-Link Travel Router AX1500 offers a compelling option at less than half the price of more robust options. Expect proportionally lower performance – suitable for covering a hotel room but not much more. A limiting factor is the USB 2.0 port, hindering the efficient use of a phone’s cellular connection, and its reliance on Wi-Fi 4 on the 2.4-GHz band. However, it includes two Gigabit ports, numerous handy operating modes, and VPN support. The USB-C power delivery adds versatility, making it compatible with fast portable chargers.
4. Netgear Nighthawk RS700: High Performance, High Price ($700)
Despite initial setup hiccups requiring a factory reset, the Netgear Nighthawk RS700 delivers top-tier performance. This Wi-Fi 7 tri-band router boasts impressive connectivity options including two 10 Gbps Ethernet ports, four Gigabit ports, and a USB 3.2 port. Its new tower design is a visual improvement over previous Nighthawk models. The RS700S exhibited slightly faster speeds on the 6-GHz compared to our top Wi-Fi 7 pick from Asus. However, its high cost and the associated subscription costs for Netgear Armor (security) and parental controls make it a harder recommendation against more affordably priced contenders offering comparable, or even superior, value.
5. TP-Link Archer GX90 AX6600: A Feature-Rich Wi-Fi 6 Choice ($250)
If cost is a major concern, the TP-Link Archer GX90 represents an excellent alternative. Though less expensive than many of the Wi-Fi 7 competitors, this Wi-Fi 6 router is still highly capable. The router is praised for its easy setup and configuration, game accelerator feature, and multiple simultaneous gaming session support. It includes a 2.5-Gbps WAN/LAN port, additional Gigabit LAN ports, and two USB ports. Although, like others on this list, subscriptions are necessary for full parental controls and enhanced security features. This is a viable option for users who prioritize performance and features within a more moderate budget. WIRED recommends this pick.
6. Aircove ExpressVPN Router: Built-in VPN Convenience ($190)
Security-conscious users might find the Aircove ExpressVPN Router attractive. It features a built-in VPN service powered by ExpressVPN, eliminating the need to configure VPNs on individual devices. However, a separate ExpressVPN subscription is required ($13/month or ~$8/year). The setup is straightforward, simplifying VPN usage. It’s important to note that while convenient, ExpressVPN’s parent company’s reputation may be a concern for some privacy-focused users; Additionally, potential compatibility issues with websites and streaming services that detect VPNs should be considered.
7. Vodafone Pro II: A UK-Specific ISP Offering (£37/month)
UK residents considering a new internet service provider should examine Vodafone’s Pro II. While many ISPs historically offer subpar routers, Vodafone departs from this trend with a solid offering. It’s a Wi-Fi 6E tri-band router providing fast speeds and a bundled range extender for extended coverage. The inclusion of a 4G backup is a valuable feature during service interruptions. The catch is that it’s contractual, tied to a two-year Vodafone service agreement.
8. Firewalla Gold SE: Enhanced Security and Network Monitoring ($449)
This unique device prioritizes network security and privacy. Ideal for tech-savvy users, it provides comprehensive tools for traffic monitoring, robust parental controls, ad blocking, a built-in firewall, and VPN support. However, it functions primarily as a network security appliance, requiring a separate router for standard Wi-Fi access. Its complexity and higher cost make it less suitable for users lacking technical expertise. The more affordable Firewalla Purple remains a worthy alternative for users comfortable with its functionality. WIRED recommends the Firewalla Purple.
9. TP-Link Archer BE800: Another Strong Wi-Fi 7 Contender ($524)
Boasting a fresh desktop-PC like design, the Archer BE800 offers impressive performance across all three Wi-Fi bands, including excellent speeds for file transfers and downloads. It is equipped with plentiful fast ports and a customizable dot-matrix display. The Tether app provides various features including guest networking, VPN client/server capabilities, EasyMesh support, QoS, and remote management. While delivering top-tier performance in testing, the Asus RT-BE96U ultimately performs better and avoids subscription-based features. The subscription for TP-Link Security+ and Advanced Parental Controls is an additional cost.
10. Reyee RG-E6: A Budget-Friendly Gaming Router ($150)
This dual-band router delivers surprisingly fast speeds, especially on the 5-GHz band, thanks to its 160-MHz channels. The app provides device and traffic prioritization, guest and IoT networks, and basic parental controls. However, it lacks advanced security features, and its app suffers from a poor translation, making its usability less than ideal.
11. TP-Link Archer AXE75: Affordable Wi-Fi 6E, Mixed Results ($160)
While offering an affordable entry into Wi-Fi 6E, this router’s performance is inconsistent. Its 6-GHz band excels at short range but dramatically weakens over distance. The 5-GHz band performance fluctuates, and it is limited in network security and parental controls unless you opt for subscriptions and only 1Gbps Ethernet ports are available. Its inconsistent performance and subscription requirement warrant careful consideration.
12. Synology WRX560: Mesh Network Expansion ($220)
Designed as an expansion device for Synology’s RT6600ax, this dual-band Wi-Fi 6 router provides solid performance and signal strength once configured correctly. Purchase it only if you are already invested within the Synology system. Given its price point, it’s outperformed by comparable standalone options.
13. TP-Link Archer AX5400 Pro: A Solid Wi-Fi 6 Option ($200)
Except for the inclusion of a 2.5 Gbps WAN port, this is virtually identical to the AX73 from TP-Link. It offers decent speed on both bands, but its performance may prove inconsistent in file transfer capabilities. The router provides good range, but the inconsistent performance and need for subscriptions for enhanced parental controls and security need to be factored into your decision.
14. MSI RadiX AXE6600: Wi-Fi 6E Gaming Router ($158)
Aesthetically similar to other gaming-focused routers, this tri-band router is fast at short range but provides average results across other distances. Its mobile app is less desirable due to limited options, buggy behavior, and inconsistent performance. Although, compared to the mobile app, the web interface is easier to use
15. Linksys Hydra Pro 6E: An Established Wi-Fi 6E Entry ($196)
One of the early Wi-Fi 6E routers, this device offers a straightforward app and consistent performance. It delivers fast speeds at close range, with average performance elsewhere. It includes basic parental controls and works seamlessly with other Linksys Intelligent Mesh routers.
16. Linksys Hydra 6: A Budget-Friendly Dual-Band Option ($100)
Comparable in specifications to the TP-Link Archer AX55, the Linksys Hydra 6 provides decent performance albeit at a smaller range. It’s very affordable but may underperform in larger homes. It integrates with Linksys’ Intelligent Mesh systems, providing flexibility for expanding coverage.
17. Reyee RG-E5: Budget Performance Champion ($90)
This dual-band Wi-Fi 6 router stands out with its excellent coverage and fast speeds on the 5-GHz band. While it integrates into existing Reyee systems through mesh networking, and free parental controls are a plus, it’s hampered by security deficiencies, a poor app translation, and the requirement for a Ruijie Cloud account.
Conclusion:
The routers listed above offer viable alternatives to our top picks, each with its unique strengths and weaknesses. Carefully consider your specific needs – budget, required speeds, security preferences, and the size of your home – before making a purchase. While some routers excel in pure performance, others offer compelling features like built-in VPNs or mesh capabilities. A thorough consideration of these aspects will empower you with the knowledge to choose the best router for your personalized requirements.
