Internet is now a necessity for most people in the world and it pays well to have good connectivity. And nothing screams “good connectivity” better than a bathroom with a full WiFi bar signal– no more pressure to shorten your er, “stay” on the toilet due to poor internet. Such a luxury is made possible with some of the best WiFi routers in 2023.
While most ISP providers have competent 2-in-1 modem-router models included in the package, they’re not really great for penetrating your house’s walls. You’re usually going to need something stronger, especially if the technicians installed the modem in an odd area. This is where third-party WiFi routers come in.
Our basis for good WiFi routers are those that come ready with the latest tech (even though you usually won’t need it right away for home use) and of course, other features such as a built-in VPN, security, coverage, and some nifty bonuses like Alexa integration.
The following WFi Routers tick most of those boxes.
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TP-Link AX1800 WiFi 6 Router
PROS
- Large area coverage
- Good speeds
- Dual-band for faster speeds
- Support for VPN right out of the box
- Alexa integration
CONS
- Lack of access to more advanced settings
- Some minor security and privacy concerns
Specs:
- Frequency Band Class: Dual-Band
- Frequency: 5 GHz/2.4 GHz
- Max Speed: 1200 Mbps
- Coverage: 2,500 sq. ft.
For most people in the comfort of their homes, something that isn’t too expensive yet comes packed with some heavy features should last a long time. The TP-Link AX1800 (also known as the Archer AX21) should be enough for the regular home-user’s needs, even if they work from home.
It’s a dual-band WiFi router for WiFi 6 tech and has a max bandwidth of 1,200 Mbps on 5 GHz and around half of that on 2.4 GHz. It’s simple, sturdy, and comes ready out of the box with Alexa and VPN support, which some people will appreciate a lot better these days.
TP-Link AX1800 WiFi 6 Router
ASUS AX5700 WiFi 6 Gaming Router (RT-AX86U)
PROS
- Comes with included lifetime internet security
- AiMesh compatible
- NVIDIA GeForce NOW integration
- Impressive max bandwidth and speed
- Dual-band for faster speeds
- Low latency
- Alexa integration
- Decent security
CONS
- Bulky
- Heavy
- Pricey
Specs:
- Frequency Band Class: Dual-Band
- Frequency: 2.4 GHz / 5 GHz
- Max Speed: 5700 Mbps
- Coverage: 2500 sq. ft.
If you want something that’s a lot more stable and won’t let you down in the heat of battle– especially for e-sports titles, then the Asus AX5700 (also known as the RT-AX86U) is one of the most promising yet affordable options in the market right now.
It also features large coverage and more importantly, the latency is lower for those intense online game sessions. As expected, this particular model excels in its latency mangement and realistically, you likely won’t max out its bandwidth allowance, but it’s good to have for the near future.
ASUS AX5700 WiFi 6 Gaming Router (RT-AX86U)
Linksys Mesh WiFi 6 Router
PROS
- Special 160MHz channel allows higher speeds
- Allows dozens of devices to be connected all at the same time
- Impressive max bandwidth and speed
- Tri-band option (though at a higher price)
- Impressive coverage
- Decent security
- Easy setup
CONS
- Pricey
- Needs an app for easy installation
- No VPN support
- Sub-par parental controls
Specs:
- Frequency Band Class: Dual-Band
- Frequency: 2.4 and 5GHz
- Max Speed: 5,000+ Mbps
- Coverage: Up to 2,700 sq. ft.
The Linksys Mesh WiFi 6 Router has something up its sleeve that puts it on par with Asus premium gaming option above. That would be the 160MHz channel bandwidth which supposedly lets it unleash the true power of WiFi 6. That’s why it can reach speeds of more than 5000 Mbps.
And since it’s a mesh router, it’s more accommodating for a lot of devices (30+); combined with the high speeds, you can expect no downtime just because you need to download something while the whole family tree is streaming Netflix.
There’s also a tri-band option if you have specific needs.
Linksys Mesh WiFi 6 Router
Ubiquiti Amplifi HD Mesh Wi-Fi System
PROS
- Amazing range and coverage
- It's acutally stylish
- Dual-band for faster speeds
- Allows hundreds of devices to be connected all at the same time
- Easy installation
- Free VPN software and integration
CONS
- Expensive
- Speed and bandwidth isn't exactly competitive
Specs:
- Frequency Band Class: Dual-Band
- Frequency: 2.4 GHz, 5.0 GHz
- Max Speed: 900+ Mbps
- Coverage: 10,000 sq. ft.
If you have a really big house or a small office building and you want something that can cover your space in a blanket of internet culture, the Ubiquiti Amplifi HD Mesh Wi-Fi System is the best for the job. This mesh WiFi has an effective range of 10,000 sq. ft.
Its speed isn’t anything to write home about, but it will provide a more ample WiFi router solution for your mansion (or something similar in size). It’s also easy enough to install and the modules from the extenders to the main router cube are stylish and minimalist.
Ubiquiti Amplifi HD Mesh Wi-Fi System
TP-Link Deco Mesh WiFi System (Deco S4)
PROS
- Minimalist design
- Huge coverage and range
- Comes with stronger variations
- Dual-band for faster speeds
- Reassuring parental controls
- Auto-optimization and connection repair
- Simple setup
CONS
- Lack of advanced controls
- Speed isn't amazing or competitive
Specs:
- Frequency Band Class: Dual-Band
- Frequency: 2.4 GHz, 5.0 GHz
- Max Speed: 1,200 Mbps
- Coverage: 5,500 sq. ft.
Mesh WiFi routers typically have a more premium connotation, but TP-Link still has something for everyone, like the Deco Mesh WiFi System or Deco S4. It’s a reasonably-priced mesh WiFi system that isn’t too expensive compared to the competition and still offers outstanding coverage.
It’s enough to show your small mansion with a good speed. It also comes integrated with Alexa and comes in a pack of three modules so you an be creative or resourceful with your placements. It can also accommodate up to 100 devices.
TP-Link Deco Mesh WiFi System (Deco S4)
Frequently Asked Questions
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Are WiFi routers necessary?
That depends on the size of your house and the default coverage of your ISP-provided modem. If you feel the signal is too weak or the house or office is too big for just the modem, then you'll need a router. -
Are WiFi routers dangerous?
There's currently no solid evidence that WiFi routers and the signal they emit are dangerous or can cause some diseases.