Finding the best WiFi modem router for home can significantly improve your internet experience, providing faster speeds, reliable connections, and seamless coverage. This guide reviews the top 10 options available on Amazon, highlighting key features, pros and cons, and what to consider before making a purchase. Whether you need a device for gaming, streaming, or working from home, these picks are designed to meet various needs and budgets.
| # | Image | Product | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Best Overall |
|
NETGEAR Nighthawk Modem Router Combo (CAX30) DOCSIS 3.1...
|
Check Price |
| 2 Best Value |
|
TP-Link AX1800 WiFi 6 Router (Archer AX21) –...
|
Check Price |
| 3 |
|
NETGEAR 4-Stream WiFi 6 Router (R6700AX) – Router...
|
Check Price |
| 4 |
|
GL.iNet GL-BE6500 (Flint 3e) WiFi 7 Router, High-Speed...
|
Check Price |
| 5 |
|
NETGEAR Nighthawk WiFi 7 Router (BE9300) – Router...
|
Check Price |
| 6 |
|
NETGEAR Nighthawk Cable Modem and WiFi 5 Router...
|
Check Price |
| 7 |
|
TP-Link AXE5400 Tri-Band WiFi 6E Router (Archer AXE75),...
|
Check Price |
| 8 |
|
GL.iNet GL-MT6000 (Flint 2) WiFi 6 High Speed...
|
Check Price |
| 9 |
|
Motorola MG8702 | DOCSIS 3.1 Cable Modem +...
|
Check Price |
| 10 |
|
NETGEAR Nighthawk Dual-Band WiFi 7 Router (RS140) -...
|
Check Price |
Top 10 Best WiFi Modem Router for Home Reviews
1. NETGEAR Nighthawk AX12
- Maximum Range : 3500 Sq Ft.Beamforming : Beamforming+ — Boosts speed, reliability and range of WiFi connections for 2.4 and 5GHz..Beamforming : Beamforming+ — Boosts speed, reliability and range of WiFi connections for 2.4 and 5GHz.
- UNLEASH FASTER SPEED, EVEN MORE POWER: Optimal for devices built to support WiFi 6: Playstation 5, iPhone 11 & 12, MacBook Air, MacBook Pro 13 & Mac Mini, Ultra Notebooks, Samsung S10 & S20.
- WIFI 6 – STREAM EVERYTHING AT FASTER SPEED: Simultaneously stream uninterrupted movies, games, video calls or download/transfer files at 6 Gbps WiFi speed.
- WORKS WITH ALL INTERNET PROVIDERS: Replace your existing WiFi Router (separate modem or gateway required). Compatible with any Internet Service Provider up to 2Gbps including cable, satellite, fiber, DSL and more.
- EASY TO SET-UP AND MANAGE: Connects to your existing cable modem and sets up and customizes in minutes with the Nighthawk app – easily manage your WiFi settings at the device and network level, test your Internet speed, view speed history and monitor data usage.
- WiFi 6 technology with 12-streams
- Up to 6 Gbps speed
- 8 Gigabit Ethernet ports
- Supports multiple devices
Pros: Fast WiFi 6 performance, extensive coverage, multiple device support, robust security features.
Cons: Slightly expensive, large size may not suit small spaces, complex setup for beginners.
Price Range: $400 – $450
Best For: Large households with multiple devices demanding high-speed internet.
2. ASUS RT-AX88U
- Blazing-fast WiFi 7 tech boosts throughput up to 7200Mbps with Multi-Link Operation and 4096-QAM.
- Bolster your wired network capacity up to 34G with one cutting-edge 10G SFP+ port and one standard 10G WAN/LAN port.
- Establish always-on internet through AI WAN detection, versatile WAN configuration options, and a convenient USB port ready for 4G LTE and 5G Mobile tethering.
- Unleash demanding WiFi 7 and 10G network applications with a powerhouse quad-core 2.6GHz 64-bit CPU.
- Easily establish up to five SSIDs with Guest Network Pro for easy IoT device setup and management, instant VPN connections, and convenient parental controls.
- WiFi 6 support with 8 streams
- Up to 6 Gbps speeds
- 8 Gigabit LAN ports
- AiMesh support for mesh networking
Pros: Excellent speed, multiple Ethernet ports, user-friendly app, future-proof WiFi 6.
Cons: Higher price point, large footprint, some firmware bugs.
Price Range: $300 – $350
Best For: Gamers and streamers seeking high performance and expandability.
3. TP-Link Archer AX50
- Next-Gen Gigabit Wi-Fi 6 Speeds: 2402 Mbps on 5 GHz and 574 Mbps on 2.4 GHz bands ensure smoother streaming and faster downloads; support VPN server and VPN client¹
- A More Responsive Experience: Enjoy smooth gaming, video streaming, and live feeds simultaneously. OFDMA makes your Wi-Fi stronger by allowing multiple clients to share one band at the same time, cutting latency and jitter.²
- Expanded Wi-Fi Coverage: 4 high-gain external antennas and Beamforming technology combine to extend strong, reliable, Wi-Fi throughout your home.
- Improved Battery Life: Target Wake Time helps your devices to communicate efficiently while consuming less power.
- Improved Cooling Design: No heat ups, no throttles. A larger heat sink and redefined case design cools the WiFi 6 system and enables your network to stay at top speeds in more versatile environments.
- WiFi 6 support
- Up to 3 Gbps speeds
- 4 Gigabit LAN ports
- Easy setup with Tether app
Pros: Affordable WiFi 6 option, solid performance, simple setup, good coverage.
Cons: Slightly lower speed than premium models, fewer Ethernet ports.
Price Range: $150 – $200
Best For: Small to medium homes looking for reliable WiFi 6 at a budget-friendly price.
4. Motorola MG8725
- Ultra-fast DOCSIS 3.1 cable modem. Supports fast internet plans with DOCSIS 3.1, backward compatible with 32x8 DOCSIS 3.0. Features one 2.5 Gig ethernet port and three 1 Gig Ethernet ports for wired connections.
- Warp speed AX6000 4x4 router. Power Boost, Range Boost, and AnyBeam WiFi beamforming enable whole-home coverage. Supports multi-gigabit speeds, depending on your service plan.
- Bye bye, latency. This hardware model was the first to Low Latency DOCSIS (LLD) certification by CableLabs, making it LLD ready (requires a firmware update when supported and certified by cable providers). Lower latency reduces lag for the ultimate gaming, streaming, and conferencing experience
- Safety. Privacy. Control. Setup in minutes using the motosync app. Access speed tests, guest network, signal strength, and malware blocking. Create family profiles to filter content, set schedules, monitor usage, and more.
- Superior, but pays for itself. Savings up to $168 per year on modem rental fees.
- DOCSIS 3.1 cable modem integrated
- Supports WiFi 5 and AX
- Up to 2.5 Gbps download speeds
- 4 Gigabit Ethernet ports
Pros: Combines modem and router, future-proof technology, good for cable internet users.
Cons: Larger size, setup can be complex for novices.
Price Range: $200 – $250
Best For: Cable internet households needing a reliable combo device.
5. Linksys MR9600
- WiFi 6 support
- Up to 6 Gbps speeds
- 4 Gigabit Ethernet ports
- Mesh compatible
Pros: Excellent coverage, easy to expand with mesh, fast speeds.
Cons: Slightly pricey, requires app setup.
Price Range: $250 – $300
Best For: Homes requiring expandable WiFi coverage with high speeds.
6. ASUS RT-AC86U
- New-Gen WiFi Standard – WiFi 6(802.11ax) standard supporting MU-MIMO and OFDMA technology for better efficiency and throughput.Antenna : External antenna x 4. Processor : Dual-core (4 VPE). Power Supply : AC Input : 110V~240V(50~60Hz), DC Output : 12 V with max. 1.5A current.
- Ultra-fast WiFi Speed – RT-AX1800S supports 1024-QAM for dramatically faster wireless connections
- Increase Capacity and Efficiency – Supporting not only MU-MIMO but also OFDMA technique to efficiently allocate channels, communicate with multiple devices simultaneously
- 5 Gigabit ports – One Gigabit WAN port and four Gigabit LAN ports, 10X faster than 100–Base T Ethernet.
- Commercial-grade Security Anywhere – Protect your home network with AiProtection Classic, powered by Trend Micro. And when away from home, ASUS Instant Guard gives you a one-click secure VPN.
- WiFi 5 dual-band router
- Up to 5.5 Gbps speeds
- 4 Gigabit LAN ports
- Adaptive QoS for gaming
Pros: Strong performance, gaming optimization, good coverage.
Cons: Not WiFi 6, some firmware issues.
Price Range: $150 – $180
Best For: Gamers and streamers on a budget.
7. NETGEAR Orbi Whole Home Mesh WiFi System
- NO MORE DEAD ZONES: Whole home mesh Wi-Fi coverage of up to 4,500 square feet Mesh technology helps you stay connected as you roam around home using a single network name..Powerful Quad-Core 710MHz processor. Implicit & Explicit Beamforming for 2.4GHz & 5GHz bands.
- WORKS WITH ALL INTERNET PROVIDERS: Replace your existing Wi-Fi Router (separate modem or gateway required). Compatible with any Internet provider, including cable, satellite, fiber, DSL, and more.
- WIRED ETHERNET PORT: Plug in computers, game consoles, streaming players, and other nearby wired devices with a 1 Gigabit Ethernet port.
- FAST WIRELESS SPEED: AC1200 Wi-Fi powers up to 1.2 Gbps of streaming HD video, gaming, or Internet surfing and downloads.
- EASY SET-UP: Easily set up and manage your WiFi with the Orbi app
- Mesh WiFi system with satellite units
- Up to 3 Gbps speeds
- Supports large homes
- Easy setup via app
Pros: Extensive coverage, seamless roaming, simple setup.
Cons: Higher overall cost, requires multiple units.
Price Range: $400 – $500
Best For: Large homes needing whole-home WiFi coverage.
8. TP-Link Archer A7
- Wave 2 Wireless Internet Router: Achieve up to 600 Mbps on the 2.4GHz band and up to 1300 Mbps on the 5GHz band. Dual-band WiFi routers do not support the 6 GHz band. Performance varies by conditions, distance to devices, and obstacles such as walls.
- OneMesh Compatible Router- Form a seamless WiFi when work with TP-Link OneMesh WiFi Extenders.
- MU-MIMO Gigabit Router, 3 simultaneous data streams help your devices achieve optimal performance by making communication more efficient
- Covers up to 1,200 sq. ft. with beamforming technology for a more efficient, focused wireless connection.
- Full Gigabit Ports: Create fast, reliable wired connections for your PCs, Smart TVs and gaming console with 4 x Gigabit LAN and 1 x Gigabit WAN. No USB Port
- WiFi 5 dual-band router
- Up to 1.75 Gbps speeds
- 4 Gigabit LAN ports
- Alexa compatibility
Pros: Budget-friendly, reliable performance, easy to use.
Cons: Not WiFi 6, slower speeds for heavy users.
Price Range: $70 – $100
Best For: Small households or budget-conscious users.
9. Synology RT2600ac
- Expanded 5.9 GHz spectrum support enables additional high-speed 80 and 160 MHz channels
- 2.5GbE port enables support for the fastest ISPs and can optionally be configured as a LAN port
- Create and define up to 5 separate networks to segregate and contain vulnerable devices
- Parental controls, web filtering, traffic control, and threat prevention put you in control over your network
- Comprehensive VPN server solution with remote desktop and site-to-site tunneling provides flexible and secure remote connectivity
- WiFi 5 dual-band router
- Up to 2.6 Gbps speeds
- 4 Gigabit Ethernet ports
- Advanced security features
Pros: Robust security, versatile management options, solid performance.
Cons: Slightly complex setup, higher price.
Price Range: $180 – $220
Best For: Tech-savvy users prioritizing security and customization.
10. D-Link DIR-1950 Ultra AC3200
- AC1900 WiFi Speeds with MU-MIMO - Stream your favorite movies or play games with your friends. The DIR-1950 has plenty of bandwidth along with fast AC1900 dual band Wi-Fi, MU-MIMO and Smart Connect for a smooth, buffer-free online experience.
- Set Boundaries with Enhanced Parental Controls - Create a profile for each person, then associate devices with each profile to control when and how they access the network. You can even use a profile to control internet access for shared devices, like game consoles and smart TVs.
- Better Range with AC Smartbeam - Seamlessly stream video, play games, surf the web, and even voice chat with friends. Four high-performance external antennas and AC SmartBeam technology deliver stronger Wi-Fi coverage to every device in your home.
- Supports the Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, and IFTTT - Easily integrates with Amazon Echo’s Alexa or the Google Assistant for convenient hands-free voice control. Take it to the next level with IFTTT recipes to automate with other Smart Home compatible devices.
- Easy Setup and Management with the D-Link WiFi App - Set your router up in minutes, change settings, and easily manage your network with the free D-Link Wi-Fi app (available on Android and iOS).
- Tri-band WiFi 5 router
- Up to 3.2 Gbps speeds
- 4 Gigabit Ethernet ports
- SmartConnect technology
Pros: Fast speeds, easy to set up, good for multiple devices.
Cons: Not WiFi 6, larger size.
Price Range: $150 – $180
Best For: Busy households with many connected devices.
Comparison Table
| Product Name | Price | Key Feature | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| NETGEAR Nighthawk AX12 | $400 – $450 | WiFi 6, 12-streams | 4.8/5 |
| ASUS RT-AX88U | $300 – $350 | WiFi 6, AiMesh | 4.7/5 |
| TP-Link Archer AX50 | $150 – $200 | WiFi 6, Budget-friendly | 4.6/5 |
| Motorola MG8725 | $200 – $250 | Modem + WiFi 6 | 4.5/5 |
| Linksys MR9600 | $250 – $300 | WiFi 6, Mesh Ready | 4.6/5 |
| ASUS RT-AC86U | $150 – $180 | WiFi 5, Gaming | 4.5/5 |
| NETGEAR Orbi | $400 – $500 | Mesh WiFi, Large Homes | 4.7/5 |
| TP-Link Archer A7 | $70 – $100 | Budget, Reliable | 4.4/5 |
| Synology RT2600ac | $180 – $220 | Security, Customization | 4.6/5 |
| D-Link DIR-1950 | $150 – $180 | Tri-band, SmartConnect | 4.4/5 |
Buying Guide
What to Look For
Focus on WiFi standard (WiFi 6 offers faster speeds and better device handling), coverage area, number of Ethernet ports, and security features. Consider your household size and device count to choose a suitable model.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Don’t overlook future-proof features like WiFi 6 or mesh compatibility. Avoid choosing a router with insufficient coverage or too few Ethernet ports for your needs. Skipping firmware updates can also cause security issues.
Additional Tips
Read customer reviews for real-world performance insights, and check if the device supports the latest security protocols. Budget accordingly, but prioritize features that match your internet usage habits.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is WiFi 6 worth the extra cost?
Yes, WiFi 6 provides faster speeds, lower latency, and better performance with multiple devices, making it a good investment for future-proofing your home network.
2. Do I need a modem and router separately?
If you have a cable internet plan, a combo device can simplify setup, but separate modem and router units often offer more customization and better performance.
Conclusion
Choosing the best WiFi modem router for home depends on your household size, internet needs, and budget. The options listed above cover a range of features from budget-friendly to premium, ensuring you find a device that delivers reliable, fast WiFi for your home.