Other Tested Routers: A Broad Spectrum of Performance and Features
Beyond our top recommendations, a diverse range of routers caters to specific needs and budgets. These routers, while not claiming top spots, present noteworthy features and performance levels worthy of consideration.
The Asus RT-BE86U, a dual-band Wi-Fi 7 router, stands out for its excellent 5 GHz performance, matching its pricier sibling, the RT-BE88U. With ample ports and Asus’s suite of features like AiMesh and VPN support, it becomes an enticing option once its price drops. Contrarily, the Netgear Nighthawk RS200, despite being the cheapest Wi-Fi 7 offering from Netgear, faltered in testing with connection drops and limited range, making its subscription-based security and parental control features seem disproportionately expensive. On the higher end, the TP-Link Archer GE800, a tri-band Wi-Fi 7 gaming router, impresses with its fast speeds and striking design, but its heat generation and fan noise, along with separate security and parental control subscriptions, hold it back from top-tier status.
The Asus RT-BE88U, a dual-band Wi-Fi 7 router lacking the 6 GHz band, still delivers compelling performance on the 5 GHz band, exceeding several more expensive routers. Its free security and parental controls further enhance its value proposition, particularly for regions where the 6 GHz band is unavailable. For budget-conscious travelers, the TP-Link Travel Router AX1500 presents a viable alternative at half the price of our top travel router pick, though performance is predictably halved. Shifting back to high-performance territory, the Netgear Nighthawk RS700, a tri-band Wi-Fi 7 router, showcases top-tier performance但 its higher price and subscription-based features make it a less compelling value proposition compared to the Asus RT-BE96U.
The TP-Link Archer GX90 AX6600, a more affordable gaming router, offers a rich feature set, including a game accelerator and prioritization. However, subscriptions are required for full parental control and security features. For privacy-conscious users, the Aircove ExpressVPN Router offers seamless VPN integration, albeit requiring a separate ExpressVPN subscription. In the UK, the Vodafone Pro II stands out as an ISP-provided router with impressive Wi-Fi 6E performance, range extension, and 4G backup, bundled with a Vodafone service contract. The Firewalla Gold SE caters to security-focused users with its comprehensive network monitoring and parental control tools, although its complexity and price may deter some.
The TP-Link Archer BE800, a tri-band Wi-Fi 7 router with a unique design and fast performance, requires subscriptions for full parental control and security features, placing it behind the Asus RT-BE96U. The Reyee RG-E6, a budget-friendly gaming router, offers impressive speeds for its price but lacks security features. The TP-Link Archer AXE75 makes Wi-Fi 6E accessible, but inconsistent performance and limited port speeds limit its appeal. For Synology RT6600ax owners, the WRX560 serves as a suitable mesh network extension, though its price makes it less attractive as a standalone router.
The TP-Link Archer AX5400 Pro, a dual-band Wi-Fi 6 router, offers good range and decent speeds, but inconsistent performance and subscription-based features hold it back. The MSi RadiX AXE6600, a Wi-Fi 6E gaming router, boasts fast speeds but suffers from a buggy app and inconsistent performance. The Linksys Hydra Pro 6E, an early Wi-Fi 6E router, offers reliable performance and simple setup but lacks advanced parental controls. The Linksys Hydra 6, a compact Wi-Fi 6 router, offers similar features to the Pro 6E at a lower price but struggles with larger homes. Finally, the Reyee RG-E5 delivers impressive performance for its price but lacks security features and boasts a poorly translated app.
These routers present a range of options for diverse user needs and budgets. While some excel in specific areas, like gaming or security, others offer a balanced approach. Careful consideration of individual requirements, performance expectations, and budget constraints will guide users toward the most suitable router from this varied selection. The ongoing evolution of Wi-Fi technology continues to introduce new and improved routers, offering consumers a growing selection of options for enhancing their home networks.
