Key Points
Routers connect devices to the internet and come in various types, including wired, wireless, and virtual routers.
Considerations when choosing a router include price, speed, range, security, and wireless bands.
Reddit‘s top router recommendations include the ASUS RT-AX3000, TP-Link Omada Controller, ASUS RT-AX68U, TP-Link Deco Mesh Router, MikroTik hEX S, and TP-Link Archer AX11000.
Looking for a new router can be daunting as many different brands and models have differing use cases. You might be looking for a router for basic home networking, or you might have more advanced ideas in mind and are looking for the best router for a home lab.
Fortunately, there are several Reddit threads in which users ranging from IT professionals to home networking enthusiasts have shared the best routers worth checking out. We’ve gone ahead and done the research for you, and here’s everything you should know!
What Does a Router Do?
Routers are the physical device that connects your computers and other network-capable devices to the internet, all while ensuring the packets of information take the fastest route to where they need to go. These routers come in all shapes and sizes. You‘ll find several different types of routers, from broadband routers and edge routers to wired and wireless routers. There are even virtual routers.
Most Wi-Fi routers will look similar in part to this: a black box with some antennas sticking out of it. This is the standard style of home Wi-Fi router. However, there are other use cases for routers, such as within data centers, office networks, or home labs.
What Should You Look for When Choosing a Router?
When it comes to buying a router, there are a few considerations you should keep in mind before settling on a particular model. Here’s what you should know when looking for a router:
Price
Routers vary widely in price. A simple home Wi-Fi router may cost only $30, while the best high-end professional IT routers can cost upwards of $10,000. Ultimately it comes down to your specific needs. If you just want to connect a few devices in your home, expect to spend $100-$200. If you need an enterprise-grade router with maximum performance, be prepared to invest over $1,000.
Speed
The speed of a router is typically measured in megabits per second (Mbps) or gigabits per second (Gbps), indicating how fast it can transfer data. Higher speeds equal better performance. Match your router‘s speed to your Internet plan so it can handle multiple devices streaming, gaming, etc. without lagging.
Range
A router‘s range determines how far its wireless signal reaches. Factors like room layout and interference impact range. Look for a long-range router that provides a strong, stable signal throughout your entire home. Mesh and beamforming boost range.
Security
Security features like encryption standards, firewalls, and parental controls protect against cyberthreats. At minimum, look for WPA3 encryption. Robust firewall protection also helps block unwanted traffic.
Wireless Bands
Dual-band routers have 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands while tri-band adds a third 5GHz band to reduce congestion. The extra 5GHz band in tri-band increases data rates and handles more devices, making them better for busy networks. However, tri-band routers cost more than dual-band.
Reddit‘s 6 Best Routers
Now let‘s explore routers highly recommended on Reddit and explain why tech enthusiasts tout them as the best you can buy today.
1. ASUS RT-AX3000 – Best for Everyone
Several Reddit threads mention the RT-AX3000 as one of the best sub-$250 routers for everyday use. It supports Wi-Fi 6 for fast speeds, low latency, and ample channel capacity when multiple devices connect. This makes it ideal for homes filled with gadgets like phones, laptops, tablets, gaming systems, and smart home tech.
The router‘s quad-core processor and 256MB RAM enable smooth, efficient data processing. Four external antennas provide wide coverage and strong signal strength. ASUS‘s router app lets you easily monitor traffic, adjust settings, and control parental controls.
Advanced features include ASUS AiProtection Pro security against cyberthreats and AiMesh for establishing a mesh network with other ASUS routers. For great value at $140, the RT-AX3000 excels at handling busy home networks.
2. TP-Link Omada Controller – Best Home Lab Networking Router
Home lab enthusiasts seeking the best router for tinkering with network configurations should consider the TP-Link Omada Controller. This SDN platform lets you control TP-Link networking devices like routers, switches, and access points from a central interface.
Benefits include monitoring equipment from a single dashboard, applying settings across multiple sites, creating VLANs and VPNs, and protecting network segments. You can also optimize wireless performance by adjusting SSIDs, transmit power, band steering, and more.
If you want granular control over a complex home lab network, the flexibility and customization options of the TP-Link Omada Controller make it a prime choice.
3. ASUS RT-AX68U – Best Budget Home Router
For a affordable yet full-featured Wi-Fi 6 router, Redditors endorse the ASUS RT-AX68U. It delivers fast wireless speeds up to 2700 Mbps on its dual band. The four external antennas ensure a strong, reliable signal throughout your living space.
With four Gigabit LAN ports, one WAN port, and multiple USB ports, you get ample wired connectivity for devices like computers, NAS enclosures, and printers. It‘s very easy to set up the network and monitor usage with ASUS‘s browser-based interface.
You can enable a guest network, link to an ASUS mesh system, and leverage commercial-grade security features like a VPN server, all at this router‘s reasonable price point. For outstanding value, it‘s one of the best routers for home use.
4. TP-Link Deco Mesh Router – Best Whole Home Mesh Networking
TP-Link‘s Deco Mesh Router is ideal for blanketing larger homes with seamless Wi-Fi using multiple mesh nodes. This flexible system can cover up to 5,500 square feet with strong wireless signal thanks to its dedicated backhaul band that prevents congestion.
Effortless setup guides you through optimal placement of nodes. Roam from room to room without dropping connections, on one unified network with a single network name and password. Tri-band performance supports 100+ devices so the whole family can stream, game, video chat, etc. lag-free.
With robust parental controls, anti-virus, and encryption, the Deco Mesh Router keeps homes secure. If you want reliable whole home Wi-Fi without dead zones, this mesh system shines.
5. MikroTik hEX S – Best Router for Wired Connections
The MikroTik hEX S excels at handling wired connections with its five Gigabit Ethernet ports. One port offers Power over Ethernet (PoE) to supply power to devices like Wi-Fi access points, IP cameras, and phones over the Ethernet cable. This conserves plugs and simplifies setup.
An SFP port supports modular add-on cards for extending network range and speed, perfect for fiber links. Under the hood, a 880 MHz CPU and 256 MB RAM power smooth performance for 1 Gbps total throughput.
For tinkerers who want security camera backhaul, networked storage, and high-speed LAN, the hEX S makes an affordable wired router for home labs. Compared to consumer grade options, you get far more capabilities at just $70.
6. TP-Link Archer AX11000 – Best Gaming Router
Gamers need snappy, consistent connections to own their opponents. The TP-Link Archer AX11000 delivers with its 1.8 GHz quad-core CPU and tri-band Wi-Fi 6 supporting over 10 Gbps combined bandwidth.
Optimized QoS prioritizes gaming traffic, whileGame Accelerator minimizes latency for smooth responsive play when fractions of a second matter. OFDMA efficiently allocates bandwidth to everything connected, preventing game lag.
With nine Gigabit Ethernet ports, link aggregation, and two USB 3.0 ports, you can easily hardwire gaming PCs and accessories. Connectivity excels with eight high-gain antennas enabling long range coverage. For a premium gaming experience, the Archer AX11000 has you covered.
Summary Table
| Rank | Router | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | ASUS RT-AX3000 | Everyone |
| #2 | TP-Link Omada Controller | Home Lab Networking |
| #3 | ASUS RT-AX68U | Simple Home Router |
| #4 | TP-Link Deco Mesh Router | Mesh Wi-Fi Router |
| #5 | MikroTik hEX S | PoE Router |
| #6 | TP-Link Archer AX11000 | Gaming |
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should you replace your router?
We recommend upgrading every 5 years for improved performance as networking standards change over time. While you don‘t need to swap routers each time new ones hit the market, upgrading every few years helps take advantage of faster speeds and new capabilities.
What are signs you should get a new router?
Noticeably slow internet, overheating hardware, connection drops, or range issues indicate your router may need replacing – especially if it‘s over 5 years old. Try running diagnostics first, but upgrading an aging router typically resolves problems.
How do I choose the right Wi-Fi router for my home?
First, consider your home‘s size and layout to determine the router‘s needed wireless range. Next, tally all devices using your network as more gadgets require greater bandwidth. Finally, factor in what you do online, as streaming and gaming need faster routers than simple browsing.
What is the difference between dual-band and tri-band routers?
Dual-band routers have 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequency bands while tri-band routers add an extra 5GHz band. The extra band in tri-band lessens congestion for better performance when connecting many devices. However, tri-band routers cost more than dual-band ones.
