March 2021
Routers Rankings Report
This report contains an aggregate consensus of Routers rankings posted by key online experts, as of March 2021.
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 2021 ranking
CNET
Tom's Guide
TechRadar
Digital Trends
Wirecutter
ZD Net
Business Insider
Laptop Mag
Observer
#1. TP-Link Archer AX6000
We ranked TP-Link Archer AX6000 #1 in March 2021 because:
- 7 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Routers” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked TP-Link Archer AX6000 as #1.
Tom's Guide
The best value-priced Wi-Fi 6 router
|
Pros
8 LAN ports
Extra security
Inexpensive
|
Cons
Limited app
Hard to remove LAN cables
|
Digital Trends
The best high-performance router
|
Pros
It offers Wi-Fi 6 connectivity without compromising performance.
|
Laptop Mag
Best Wi-Fi 6 router for most people
|
Pros
Affordable for performance
Solid coverage for single unit
Advanced security options
|
Cons
Large footprint
|
#2. Google Nest WiFi
We ranked Google Nest WiFi #2 in March 2021 because:
- 7 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Routers” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Google Nest WiFi as #1.
Tom's Guide
A great mesh router with built-in smart speaker
|
Pros
Good performance
Google Assistant built in
Easy setup
|
Cons
Short range
Minimal configuration options
|
TechRadar
Google Wifi and Home together at long last
|
Pros
Excellent design
Smart speaker(s) included
Even simpler controls
|
Cons
No major performance gains
Not worth replacing existing mesh
|
Digital Trends
The easiest wireless router to use
|
Pros
It creates a powerful mesh network
perfect for larger homes.
|
Laptop Mag
Best mesh Wi-Fi router system for most people
|
Pros
Excellent, reliable coverage
Easy to set up
Built-in Google Home speaker
Smart home functionality
|
Cons
Limited ports
Lacks advanced configuration options
|
#3. Asus GT-AX11000
We ranked Asus GT-AX11000 #3 in March 2021 because:
- 5 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Routers” rankings.
Tom's Guide
The best Wi-Fi 6 gaming router
|
Pros
First Wi-Fi 6 (802.11AX) router
Performance improves with distance
Plenty of customization
Impressive 2.5Gbps wired connector
|
Cons
Big
|
Laptop Mag
Best Wi-Fi 6 router for gamers
|
Pros
Blazing fast speeds
Excellent performance at range
Extensive customization and optimization for gamers via software
|
Cons
Large footprint
Pricey
|
#4. TP-Link Archer A7
We ranked TP-Link Archer A7 #4 in March 2021 because:
- 4 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Routers” rankings.
Tom's Guide
Our favorite low-priced wireless router
|
Pros
Bargain router
Reasonable performance
Two-year warranty
|
Cons
Lacks deep customization options
Limited range
|
Laptop Mag
Best budget Wi-Fi router
|
Pros
Affordable
Solid speeds
Excellent software and warranty
|
Cons
Somewhat limited range
Lacks higher-end features
|
#5. TP-Link Archer AX50
We ranked TP-Link Archer AX50 #5 in March 2021 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Routers” rankings.
- Out of those, 2 experts ranked TP-Link Archer AX50 as #1.
#6. Asus RT-AX88U
We ranked Asus RT-AX88U #6 in March 2021 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Routers” rankings.
Laptop Mag
Best future-proof Wi-Fi 6 router
|
Pros
Fantastic Wi-Fi 6 performance
Solid built-in malware protection
Abundant ports
Easily configurable network options
|
Cons
Expensive
Limited Wi-Fi 6 devices still
|
#7. Netgear Orbi 6 AX6000
We ranked Netgear Orbi 6 AX6000 #7 in March 2021 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Routers” rankings.
Laptop Mag
Best high-end mesh Wi-Fi router
|
Pros
Excellent range and expandable
Easy to set up
Smart speaker integration
|
Cons
Expensive
Overkill for most users
Large footprint
|
#8. Asus ZenWiFi AX XT8
We ranked Asus ZenWiFi AX XT8 #8 in March 2021 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Routers” rankings.
TechRadar
Wi-Fi 6 meets mesh routers
|
Pros
Great Wi-Fi performance
Good security features
|
Cons
Expensive
Limited to two routers
|
#9. Netgear RAX80 Nighthawk AX8
We ranked Netgear RAX80 Nighthawk AX8 #9 in March 2021 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Routers” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Netgear RAX80 Nighthawk AX8 as #1.
Tom's Guide
The performance leader and best router overall
|
Pros
High performance
Includes malware apps
Good configuration options
|
Cons
Expensive
Throughput falls off quickly with distance
|
#10. TP-Link AC2300
We ranked TP-Link AC2300 #10 in March 2021 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Routers” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked TP-Link AC2300 as #1.
Tom's Guide
The best budget router
|
Pros
Top performer
Inexpensive
Built-in antivirus protection
Two-year warranty
|
Cons
Runs hot
|
Laptop Mag
Best Wi-Fi router for most people
|
Pros
Fantastic performance
Affordable
Built-in Trend Micro antivirus
|
Cons
Bland appearance
Lacks Wi-Fi 6 or mesh support
|
#11. Asus RT-AX86U AX5700
We ranked Asus RT-AX86U AX5700 #11 in March 2021 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Routers” rankings.
TechRadar
An impressive all-around upgrade
|
Pros
Fast Wi-Fi 6 performance
Gaming-focused
Security features
|
Cons
Not cheap
|
#12. Netgear Nighthawk RS400 AC2300
We ranked Netgear Nighthawk RS400 AC2300 #12 in March 2021 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Routers” rankings.
Tom's Guide
The best router to secure your whole house
|
Pros
Good performance
Three years of security software
Easy setup
|
Cons
Short range
Not much to configure
|
Laptop Mag
Best Wi-Fi router for the security-conscious
|
Pros
Extensive security features
Includes 3-year Bitdefender subscription
Easy setup
|
Cons
Expensive for performance
Limited range
|
#13. TP-Link Archer C5400X
We ranked TP-Link Archer C5400X #13 in March 2021 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Routers” rankings.
Tom's Guide
Intense raw performance,optimized for gaming
|
Pros
Excellent performance and tri-band design
Customization potential
Security software
|
Cons
Big
Can't aim antennas
|
TechRadar
Weird looks,great performance
|
Pros
Fast and powerful
Alexa and IFTTT support
|
Cons
Expensive
|
#14. Synology RT2600ac
We ranked Synology RT2600ac #14 in March 2021 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Routers” rankings.
#15. NetGear Orbi AC3000
We ranked NetGear Orbi AC3000 #15 in March 2021 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Routers” rankings.
