March 2024

Routers: MetaRanking

This page highlights the aggregate summary of routers rankings posted by key online experts, as of March 2024.

Summary

On 4 Mar 2024, ReviewFinder team examined a total of 75 router endorsements from 10 reputable publishers.

56 routers were endorsed in total, only 16 made it into this month's ranking. (ReviewFinder requires a minimum of 2 endorsements to be included)

As of 4 Mar 2024, TP-Link Archer AX50 takes the cake as the most critically-acclaimed router with 3 expert endorsements.

Brand breakdown
Show all brands

Price breakdown
As can be seen in the chart below, lowest high-ranking routers start at $39.99 (TP-Link AC750) and go up to $1209 (Netgear Orbi WiFi 6E (RBKE963)). Median router costs $219.65 (Synology WRX560).
$39.99
$1209

At a glance - March Ranking

Scroll horizontally to browse this ranking table
Rank Change Price Router
PCMag
Lifewire
Wirecutter
How To Geek
T3
Business Insider
TechRadar
Laptop Mag
Tom's Guide
Digital Trends
1
+7 $96
TP-Link Archer AX50
The TP-Link Archer AX50 router is a highly recommended Wi-Fi 6 router that offers fast and reliable speeds, supports over 40 connected devices, and has advanced features such as parental controls and antivirus protection.
-
2
-
-
-
2
-
3
-
-
2
- $280
Netgear Nighthawk RAXE300
The Netgear Nighthawk RAXE300 router is a high-speed and powerful device that supports the latest Wi-Fi 6 standard, offers excellent range performance, and advanced security features, making it an ideal choice for households with heavy internet usage and multiple devices.
-
-
-
-
-
-
3
-
-
1
3
-2 $50
Google Nest WiFi
The Google Nest WiFi router is a reliable and efficient solution for families of four who frequently use multiple devices simultaneously and want fast and reliable internet speeds, with parental controls, QoS capabilities, and easy setup and management using the Google Home app.
-
-
-
-
-
5
4
2
-
-
4
+6 $300
Asus RT-AX86U
The Asus RT-AX86U router is a high-performance router that supports the latest Wi-Fi 6 standard, providing faster, more efficient, and more stable connection speeds than previous Wi-Fi standards, making it an excellent choice for both basic and advanced users.
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
4
1
-
5
-2 $298
Asus ZenWiFi AX XT8
The Asus ZenWiFi AX XT8 router is a high-performance Wi-Fi 6 mesh system with excellent speed and range, advanced features such as parental controls and QoS settings, and easy setup and management through a mobile app.
-
-
-
4
-
-
1
-
-
-
6
- $391
Asus RT-AX88U
The Asus RT-AX88U router is a powerful and reliable dual-band Wi-Fi 6 router with advanced security features, 8 Gigabit LAN ports, and a user-friendly interface, making it an excellent option for households with multiple smart home devices or IoT devices.
-
-
-
1
-
-
-
9
-
-
7
-2 $489
Netgear Nighthawk RAXE500
The Netgear Nighthawk RAXE500 router is a high-performance router that supports the latest Wi-Fi 6 and 6E standards, offering top speeds of up to 11,000 Mbps, and is ideal for users who require high-speed internet for activities such as streaming and gaming.
-
-
-
-
8
3
-
-
8
-
8
-1 $220
Synology WRX560
The Synology WRX560 router is highly praised for its speed, range, features, security, and ease of use, making it an excellent choice for demanding tasks such as streaming 4K video and online gaming.
2
-
2
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
9
- $60
TP-Link Archer A8 AC1900
The TP-Link Archer A8 AC1900 router is a reliable and affordable option for those looking for fast Wi-Fi speeds and adequate coverage for small to medium-sized homes.
-
-
3
2
-
-
-
-
-
-
10
+2 $300
TP-Link Archer AX6600 AX90
The TP-Link Archer AX6600 AX90 router is a high-speed, Wi-Fi 6 router with Tri-Band Wi-Fi, Ultra Connectivity, Maximized Coverage, and TP-Link HomeShield security features, making it a reliable and versatile choice for any home or office.
-
-
-
-
5
-
-
-
-
2
11
- $199
Netgear Nighthawk Pro XR1000
The Netgear Nighthawk Pro XR1000 router is a high-performance Wi-Fi 6 router with a maximum speed of 5.4Gbps, suitable for large households or small offices with multiple devices, and comes with Netgear Armor for all-encompassing anti-virus, anti-malware, and data protection.
-
-
-
-
2
-
-
-
-
5
18
- $421
Asus Rapture GT-AX11000
The Asus Rapture GT-AX11000 router is a high-performance router with advanced features for gamers and families, offering fast and stable Wi-Fi connectivity, comprehensive security features, and easy setup and management.
-
-
-
-
6
-
-
-
3
-
19
-2 $63
TP-Link Archer AX10
The TP-Link Archer AX10 router is a dual-band AX1500 router that offers good speed and performance for streaming and gaming, with improved wireless connection and increased transfer speeds for reduced lag and latency, making it suitable for large homes or office spaces with many users and devices.
4
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
4
20
New * $145
TP-Link Deco X20
-
-
-
5
-
-
-
-
5
-
21
-2 $582
Asus ROG Rapture GT-AXE16000
The Asus ROG Rapture GT-AXE16000 router is highly praised for its exceptional speed, performance, and range, making it ideal for seamless streaming, lag-free gaming, and smooth web browsing experiences.
5
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
7
22
New * $1150
Eero Max 7
9
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
6
-

; ; ;
#3 $49.90 Google Nest WiFi
#9 $59.99 TP-Link Archer A8 AC1900
#19 $62.99 TP-Link Archer AX10
#1 $96 TP-Link Archer AX50
#20 $144.99 TP-Link Deco X20
#11 $199 Netgear Nighthawk Pro XR1000
#8 $219.65 Synology WRX560
#2 $280 Netgear Nighthawk RAXE300
#5 $297.81 Asus ZenWiFi AX XT8
#4 $299.99 Asus RT-AX86U
#10 $299.99 TP-Link Archer AX6600 AX90
#6 $390.51 Asus RT-AX88U
#18 $421 Asus Rapture GT-AX11000
#7 $489 Netgear Nighthawk RAXE500
#21 $581.90 Asus ROG Rapture GT-AXE16000
#22 $1149.99 Eero Max 7

We ranked Netgear Nighthawk RAXE300 #2 in March 2024 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best routers” rankings.
  • Out of those, 1 expert ranked Netgear Nighthawk RAXE300 as #1.
Critic endorsements:
TechRadar

The premium wireless router of the future

Super-fast Wi-Fi performance
Tri-band support (2.4/5.0/6.0GHz)
Easy to use and set up

Expensive
Parental controls require monthly subscription

Go to ranking

Digital Trends

The best Wi-Fi router

Wi-Fi 6E support
No unsightly antenna with futuristic design
Can be controlled with an app

Optional services require subscription
Still expensive

Go to ranking

Methodology: combine opinions of key experts

Identify Experts

We identify key publishers and experts that consistently review and recommend routers.

Capture Rankings

For each publisher we find a currently recommended "top 10" list of routers, it must be updated in the last 9 months.

Aggregate Rankings

We put all those lists together and aggregate them. The more frequently a product is recommended, the higher it is in our ranking

Experts chosen for March 2024 ranking

We ranked Google Nest WiFi #3 in March 2024 because:

  • 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best routers” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
Business Insider

Best budget mesh

Easy to set up and manage, router and points are small and attractive, access points double as smart speakers. reliable performance at range, attractive pricing

Wi-Fi 6 upgrade is sorely needed

Go to ranking

TechRadar

The best mesh router if you want something affordable

Excellent design
Smart speaker(s) included
Even simpler controls

No major performance gains
Not worth replacing existing mesh

Go to ranking

Laptop Mag

Best mesh Wi-Fi router system for most people

Excellent, reliable coverage
Easy to set up
Built-in Google Home speaker
Smart home functionality

Limited ports
Lacks advanced configuration options

Go to ranking

We ranked Asus RT-AX86U #4 in March 2024 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best routers” rankings.
  • Out of those, 1 expert ranked Asus RT-AX86U as #1.
Critic endorsements:
Laptop Mag

Best Wi-Fi 6 router for gamers

Blazing fast speeds
Excellent performance at range
Extensive customization and optimization for gamers via software
Extremely low latency

Large footprint
Pricey

Go to ranking

Tom's Guide

The best Wi-Fi router for most people

Excellent throughput and performance
Security software with lifetime updates
Multi-Gig input and port aggregation

Lacks advanced gaming features like geofencing and ping heat map

Go to ranking

We ranked Asus ZenWiFi AX XT8 #5 in March 2024 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best routers” rankings.
  • Out of those, 1 expert ranked Asus ZenWiFi AX XT8 as #1.
Critic endorsements:
How To Geek

Best Mesh Router

Wi-Fi 6
5500 square feet of coverage
QoS for traffic prioritization

More expensive than mesh systems without Wi-Fi 6
Not as simple to configure as Google Nest Wifi

Go to ranking

TechRadar

The best Wi-Fi router overall

Great Wi-Fi performance
Good security features

Expensive
Limited to two routers

Go to ranking

We ranked Asus RT-AX88U #6 in March 2024 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best routers” rankings.
  • Out of those, 1 expert ranked Asus RT-AX88U as #1.
Critic endorsements:
How To Geek

Best Wi-Fi Router Overall

Impressive performance
Two 2.5G ports
Wi-Fi 6 connectivity

Less number of LAN ports than its predecessor
Not wall mount ready

Go to ranking

Laptop Mag

Best future-proof Wi-Fi 6 router

Fantastic Wi-Fi 6 performance
Solid built-in malware protection
Abundant ports
Easily configurable network options

Expensive
Limited Wi-Fi 6 devices still

Go to ranking

We ranked Netgear Nighthawk RAXE500 #7 in March 2024 because:

  • 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best routers” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
T3

The best Wi-Fi router if you have a big budget

Absolutely packed with features
High-end Wi-Fi 6E support
Lots of customisation options

It's going to cost you

Go to ranking

Business Insider

Best Wi-Fi 6E

Supports Wi-Fi 6E, excellent Wi-Fi performance, performance holds up at range, as a 2.5 Gigabit LAN port

Large, could use more Gigabit LAN ports for its size

Go to ranking

Tom's Guide

The best Wi-Fi 6E router

Top speeds with 6GHz band
Very customizable
Security software built-in

Throughput declines quickly with distance

Go to ranking

We ranked Synology WRX560 #8 in March 2024 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best routers” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
PCMag

A Solid Alternative to the TP-Link Archer AXE75 / Editors' Choice

Easy installation
Excellent throughput and signal performance
Built-in parental-control and network-security software
Mesh-ready
Multi-gig WAN/LAN

Middling file transfer performance
Top heavy design

Go to ranking

Wirecutter

Our choice for gigabit or multi-gig service

Go to ranking

We ranked Netgear Nighthawk Pro XR1000 #11 in March 2024 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best routers” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
T3

The best premium wireless router

High speed, low ping
Handles congestion well
Automatic optimisation

On the expensive side

Go to ranking

Digital Trends

The best gaming router

Solid Wi-Fi 6 performance
Options catered towards gamers and streamers
Malware protection included
Excellent coverage

No multi-gig port or port aggregation
Relatively pricey

Go to ranking

We ranked Asus Rapture GT-AX11000 #12 in March 2024 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best routers” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
T3

A top wireless router for power users and gamers

Support for Wi-Fi 6
Powerful software control
Eight Wi-Fi antennas

Expensive
Large

Go to ranking

Tom's Guide

The best Wi-Fi router for gaming

Performance improves with distance
Plenty of customization options
Impressive 2.5Gbps WAN port

Very large in size compared to other routers

Go to ranking

We ranked Asus ROG Rapture GT-AXE16000 #15 in March 2024 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best routers” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
PCMag

Best Wi-Fi 6E Wireless Router

Fast throughput speeds in our tests
Support for Wi-Fi 6E
Three multi-gigabit ports
Comes with network-security and parental-control software
Can be expanded into a mesh system with additional units
Gamer-friendly settings

Very expensive
Huge footprint
Middling file transfer and 5GHz signal range performance

Go to ranking

Digital Trends

Bleeding edge network performance for gamers

Four-band system
Mesh ready
Settings for gamers
Built-in network security
Two 10GbE ports

Expensive
Large footprint

Go to ranking

We ranked Eero Max 7 #16 in March 2024 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best routers” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
PCMag

Best Wi-Fi 7 Mesh System/Editor's Choice

Fast performance
Strong signal coverage
Easy to install and manage
Supports Thread, Matter, and Zigbee protocols
10GbE and 2.5GbE ports

Pricey
Lacks USB connectivity
Parental controls and network security software require a paid subscription

Go to ranking

Tom's Guide

The best mesh Wi-Fi system for large homes

Simple app
Small AC adapter
Good performance up close
Uses 320MHz ultra-wide data channels
Two 10Gbps and two 2.5Gbps networking ports

Performance falls off quickly at distance
Extra security, parental controls and networking stats cost $100 a year

Go to ranking