Best wireless routers 2019: the best routers for your home network

The best routers have never been more important, especially when you consider that nearly everything we do is online. We work online, play online, even socialize online. So picking up one of the best wireless routers can make a world of difference. Whether you’re just trying to watch your favorite programs on Netflix, or top the leaderboards in the best PC games, no one wants a poor connection. That’s why picking up the best wireless router is so important.

Before you go and upgrade your internet service, though, you should think about grabbing one of the best routers. Even if you have the fastest internet service in the world, it won’t do much good if it’s held back by a less-than-stellar wireless router. So, whether you’re looking for an epic gaming router or a fancy wireless mesh router with tons of coverage, the best routers are critical in 2019.

But, what makes for the best wireless router? Well, there are a couple things you need to keep in consideration. MU-MIMO is a priceless feature, as it will allow every device in your home to access the internet without bottlenecking other devices. This is especially important with all the connected devices we rely on in our daily lives. Then, there’s the speed rating – a rated speed of AC1900 should be more than enough for most people.

But, keep in mind that among the hundreds of wireless routers out there, it’s hard to find one that checks all the boxes. That’s why we’ve picked out all the best wireless routers we’ve reviewed recently. So, from the Google Wifi to the TP-Link Archer C5400, you can be sure you’re getting your money’s worth.

The days of traditional wireless routers is coming to its end – the age of the wireless mesh router has arrived. Google Wifi is the best proof we can think of for this mesh revolution. You can finally say goodbye to the days when the only way to achieve wireless freedom was to install a bunch of wireless extenders. The premise of Google Wifi is simple – buy a set of points and place them in key locations around your home. Then, just scan a QR code and you’re good to go – it’s not just the best wireless router you can buy, it’s also the easiest to get going.

Read the full review: Google Wifi

If you’re familiar with Asus, particularly its gaming products, you’ll know what to expect with the Asus RT-AC86U. This wireless router looks like what would happen if you poured Doritos and Mountain Dew into a wireless router manufacturing machine. Beyond the garish design, though, is hardware that, for its price, easily tops almost anything else on the market. You’re not paying a premium here for a gaming device, and if you’re looking for a fast connection at a great price, the Asus RT-AC86U is a great wireless router.

Read the full review: Asus RT-AC86U

When the Netgear Orbi first hit the streets, it completely changed the wireless router game. And, in 2019, Netgear is offering the Netgear Orbi AC2200 RBK23, a more affordable router for casual users that don’t need to cover a stately mansion. It features less antennae and ethernet ports than the original, but it’s still enough to offer very solid network coverage. Plus, the smaller size means that it can more easily blend in – you won’t feel the need to obscure it.

Read the full review: Netgear Orbi AC2200 RBK23

Now that smart homes are becoming more and more common, we need wireless routers that can also serve as a smart home hub. This doesn’t just do wonders for convenience, but it would clear out some of the clutter made by multiple routers, modems and hubs. And, the Samsung Connect Home does exactly that. It’s not the most feature-rich wireless router out there, but it’s competitive enough with the Google Wifi, while still packing in the SmartThings hub that it’s still one of the best routers – especially if you have a ton of smart devices.

Read the full review: Samsung Connect Home

This product is only available in the US and UK at the time of this writing. Australian readers: check out a fine alternative in the Google Wifi.

If you’re looking for one of the best wireless routers, and a ‘90s Sci-Fi aesthetic won’t put you off, the TP-Link Archer C5400 v2 might be for you. Sure, it’s not a trendy mesh router, but it’s unique in that it can bridge consumer and enterprise users by featuring high-end functionality at an affordable price point – with an easy setup to boot. It definitely looks weird, but if you’re looking for a wireless router that can cover a large home, you can’t go wrong here.

Read the full review: TP-Link Archer C5400 v2

Netgear Orbi Pro overview

If you’re ready to bring your office’s networking into the modern age with one of the best wireless routers, you need to take a look at the Netgear Orbi Pro. It’s a modular Wi-Fi mesh router, but it takes some design and performance cues from business-grade products. It’s not cheap, but if you run a business where you can’t afford anyone slowing down due to poor Wi-Fi, it’s worth every penny.

Read the full review: Netgear Orbi Pro

These days, wireless mesh routers are everywhere, and we love it – the level of coverage these routers offer is beyond anything we’ve seen in the past. And, with devices like the TP-Link Deco M9, we can see how wireless routers keep getting better. By integrating IoT smart home support, on top of industry standard speeds and coverage, the TP-Link Deco M9 is easily one of the best routers for smart home fanatics. It’s a bit pricey, but with all the features and performance you’re getting, it’s worth it.

Read the full review: TP-Link Deco M9

If you want to jump in on the mesh wireless router craze, but you don’t want to break open the piggy bank, the D-Link Covr C1203 may just be the best wireless router for you. Not only does it offer similar coverage to something like the Google Wifi while being more affordable, but it looks good, too. Sure, it’s not quite as fast as Google’s legendary router, but it will still be fast enough for most users. It’s hard to complain about an affordable and attractive device, and that’s why the D-Link Covr C1203 is easily one of the best routers you can buy today.

Read the full review: D-Link Covr-C1203

If you’ve been on the market for a wireless mesh router, but wanted to maintain control over your network, you’ll love the Eero Home Wi-Fi system. It’s more expensive than your standard router, but it allows users complete control over their network, while still providing a secure connection through AI. To make things better, the Eero Home Wi-Fi System includes subscriptions to 1Password, MalwareBytes and Encrypt.me VPN – which should keep everyone on your network secure.

Read the full review: Eero Home Wi-Fi System

The Amplifi HD is one of the more expensive wireless routers on this list, but with its modern, clean look, it should find a dedicated audience. Aesthetic isn’t high on everyone’s priorities, but it does help encourage users to install it in central locations, boosting the router’s signal. This wireless router features excellent performance and stylistic flair to match, but you’ll be paying for it.

Read the full review: Amplifi HD

Joe Osborne, Bill Thomas and Gabe Carey have also contributed to this article