While the internet speed of 400 Mbps to 500 Mbps is copious for many, you cannot make the most out of it if you don’t have a capable router in place.
Your presence here means you want to upgrade the ISP-supplied gateway or your dated router and let me assure you, you’ll find a perfect replacement here!
What makes me say that? Well, I took 14 wireless routers that can handle 400-500 Mbps plans and observed them in various scenarios, activities, and factors like real-time speeds, WiFi coverage, device handling capacity, consistency, and more.
Based on that, I’ve handpicked the top 8 options for you.
8 Best Routers for 400-500 Mbps in 2024
Being a networking expert, you can trust my recommendations, as all these go through several quality checks to make it here. Besides, I have included devices of each category, high-end, mid-range, and entry-level. Go through the reviews below and pick one that fits your needs the most.
1. Best Overall: ASUS RT-AX5400
- Wireless Standard: Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
- Band Frequency: Dual-Band
- WiFi Range: Up to 2,500 Sq Ft
- Number of Devices Supported: 30+
- Ports: 1 x Gig WAN + 4 x Gig LAN + 1 x USB 3.2
At the top, I have a Wi-Fi 6 dual-band router, Asus RT-AX5400. Despite being priced at less than $150, it boasts a solid spec sheet with gigabit internet support, the ability to cover 2,500 Sq Ft homes, and more.
Besides, compared to its predecessor, RT-AX3000, it made a big jump in terms of throughput capacity and affordability.
Speeds & Performance
As in the name, Asus RT-AX5400 holds the ability to transmit data at the rate of 5400 Mbps, where the respective ability of each band is as follows:
| 5 GHz: 4804 Mbps | 2.4 GHz: 574 Mbps |
I ran the speed test on the Xfinity 500 Mbps plan and measured the speeds on my MacBook Pro through the Ookla speed test tool.
With a speed test at 25 feet, the router at my near-to-ideal test conditions could achieve a download speed of 423 Mbps and an upload speed of 23 Mbps.
In my next test, the test device at 50 feet recorded speeds of 253 Mbps and 14 Mbps.
Compared to other routers suitable for use with 500 Mbps internet, the performance on RT-AX5400 was top-tier. In my congestion test, it managed low-ping gaming, streaming, and web browsing simultaneously, with flying colors.
Besides, the built-in adaptive QoS function lets you select which device you want to have the highest priority.
WiFi Coverage & Devices Capacity
The RT-AX5400 bestows a decent range of 2,500 Sq Ft, which is enough for most households. In my test, the routing device could easily transmit signals up to 2,200 Sq Ft, getting most of the test center including the conference hall.
Besides, it offers beamforming, OFDMA, and MU-MIMO to leverage each of its antennas to connect multiple devices at once by keeping each stream separate and direct. In my test, the router managed 28 devices without any lags.
Security Features
Security is the area where Asus routers stand out, and RT-AX5400 is no exception. It comes with a lifetime free AiProtection suite that offers advanced security tools to keep your network ecosystem safe.
Powered by Tenda Micro software, its features include malicious site blocking, security assessments, infected device blocking, and others to keep the security game at the highest level.
Conclusion
Overall, ASUS RT-AX5400 lives up to the hype with its top-tier performance, strong signals, and cost-free advanced network security. If you indulge in high-end gaming, streaming, or other intensive tasks, you can blindly trust this router.
Pros
- Excellent throughput capacity
- Great WiFi coverage
- Lifetime free advanced security
- Adaptive QoS
- Multi-device handling
Cons
- Middling device handling capacity
2. Best Runner-Up: TP-Link Archer AX55
- Wireless Standard: Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
- Band Frequency: Dual-Band
- WiFi Range: Up to 2,500 Sq Ft
- Number of Devices Supported: 30+
- Ports: 1 x Gig WAN + 4 x Gig LAN + 1 x USB 3.0
TP-Link Archer AX55 is one of the most reliable WiFi 6 routers on a budget. A cumulative speed of 3000 Mbps and 160 MHz channels enables faster data flow. There are four beamforming antennas paired with MU-MIMO, OFDMA, and other technologies for stable connectivity.
Wireless Speeds
The Archer AX55 is rated AX3000, which is split in a dual-band setup as follows:
| 5 GHz: 2402 Mbps | 2.4 GHz: 574 Mbps |
With this throughput capacity, AX55 stands well capable of a 500 Mbps plan, and even an upgrade to a Gigabit plan, if needed. I got the same testing setup as the previous one (a 500 Mbps plan from Xfinity and MacBook Pro).
Approximately 25 feet away, its score of 409 Mbps for downloads and 21 Mbps for uploads surpasses the most.
Results at 50 feet were also similar, with AX55 managing 245 Mbps and 13 Mbps respectively for downloads and uploads.
These speeds are strong for any home internet setup. I could enjoy online gaming, 4K streaming, video conferencing, tax filing, and web surfing — all at once. Besides, it’s got a QoS feature where prioritizing gaming traffic yields 19ms ping and 101 FPS while running TVs in the background.
WiFi Coverage & Devices Capacity
The next test was to determine the range of Archer AX55, and with a stipulated range of 2,500 Sq Ft, I expected the outcome to be great.
Installed at the center of my Nashville test lab, the signal covers each corner, and couldn’t manage the yard, taking its practical coverage at around 2,200 Sq Ft, quite similar to my previous pick.
The numbers might vary based on the environment but it covers any three-bedroom apartment at ease. Besides, its OneMesh compatibility makes way for a farther range provided you have a OneMesh router/extender.
Simultaneously, 25 connections were possible, which included laptops, smartphones, TVs, gaming consoles, and smart appliances. The AX55 has MU-MIMO and OFDMA tech to direct the traffic to the connected devices.
Security Features
TP-Link packs good features under its hood. With its HomeShield basic package, you have the latest WPA3 to secure your database and passwords, a VPN for secure browsing, and a guest network to provide temporary access to a device.
Besides, it automatically updates the firmware to improve the device’s functionality over time.
Conclusion
Ease of use, higher throughput, stable performance, and affordability make TP-Link AX55 my runner-up choice. It’s an excellent upgrade over an ISP-rented router.
Pros
- Wi-Fi 6 support
- Solid throughput
- Decent wireless range
- OneMesh compatibility
- Multi-device connectivity
Cons
- Some security features need a subscription
3. Best for Home Use: Netgear R6700AX
- Wireless Standard: Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
- Band Frequency: Dual-Band
- WiFi Range: Up to 1,500 Sq Ft
- Number of Devices Supported: 30+
- Ports: 1 x Gig WAN + 4 x Gig LAN
Next, presenting you a sub $100 router, Netgear R6700AX. Despite the lower price, it comes with Wi-Fi 6 and a 1-year premium security subscription to Netgear Armor. Besides, it stays miles ahead of ISP-supplied equipment, courtesy of the upgrades it brings forth.
Wireless Speeds
The aggregated speed of Netgear R6700AX is 1800 Mbps, and the band-wise speed share is as follows:
| 5 GHz: 1200 Mbps | 2.4 GHz: 600 Mbps |
To test how well it turns out in real-world scenarios, I paired it with a Motorola MB7621 modem and Spectrum Ultra 400 Mbps plan.
The R6700AX did a good job with average download speeds of 372 Mbps and upload speeds of 19 Mbps in 20 feet test.
However, the 40 feet test was below par with respective speeds faring at mere 223 Mbps and 12 Mbps.
The router may seem behind my top picks in terms of speed, but here consistency takes equivocal precedence. As per a WiFi analyzer app, the signals in most parts of the covered space were great. So your HD audio won’t lag once in the nooks.
WiFi Coverage & Devices Capacity
This small and compact R6700AX states to cover a 1,500 Sq Ft area. In my tests, the three-antenna setup manages to transmit signals over a 1,200 to 1,300 Sq Ft area, which is enough for small apartments.
As mentioned above, the signal strength was consistent throughout the space, credits goes to the beamforming tech.
Additionally, the MU-MIMO ensures the bandwidth is distributed equally amongst the connected devices. So my 25 smart devices could stream HD audio without lags.
Security Features
The security situation of R6700AX is probably the best among other routers aimed at 400 Mbps connections. You have got a complimentary subscription to Netgear’s premium Armor security suite, which costs about $100 a year.
It has many advanced security features which you can know here. It also bundles standard features like WPA3 for data encryption, VPN for remote access, guest network to provide temporary access to any device and auto-firmware update.
Besides, you can use the Netgear app to add or remove any device as needed.
Conclusion
Netgear R6700AX with a WiFi 6 and Netgear Armor security becomes an easy recommendation for home use. Besides, the availability of decent speeds, coverage, and advanced technologies makes way for stable connectivity. Please be aware that it has a slightly shorter signal range.
Pros
- Wi-Fi 6 support
- Decent wireless speeds
- Budget-friendly
- 1-year premium security
- Stable performance
- Affordable price
Cons
- Average WiFi range
- No USB port
4. Best Modem/Router Combo: Netgear C7000
- Wireless Standard: Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
- Band Frequency: Dual-Band
- WiFi Range: Up to 1,800 Sq Ft
- Number of Devices Supported: 30+
- Ports: 1 x Gig WAN + 4 x Gig LAN + 1 USB 2.0
Modem-router combos are acclaimed due to their convenience, but what if they blend performance with it? Take a look at the Netgear Nighthawk C7000. This classy-looking device packs a DOCSIS 3.0 modem and a Wi-Fi 5 router to fare well with any residential setup on 400-500 Mbps internet.
Speeds & Performance
The modem router has a speed rating of AC1900. Its two bands are rated as follows:
| 5 GHz: 1200 Mbps | 2.4 GHz: 600 Mbps |
When paired with the Xfinity 500 Mbps plan, my MacBook Pro clocked 405 Mbps download and 22 Mbps upload when placed 20 feet away from the 2-in-1 device.
As standard with most networking devices, increasing the distance dropped some speed, as the 40 feet test clocked 222 Mbps download and 12 Mbps upload speeds.
Irrespective of the speed drops, the signals stay consistent, and most online tasks process in a breeze. How do I know so?
I used the router for a variety of tasks, starting from light gaming to sending emails, streaming videos attending Zoom calls, and even downloading large files. The latency was minimal, and none of the tasks were inconsistent.
WiFi Coverage & Devices Capacity
Packing two devices in one, a modem-router combination often runs short in terms of signal range, but the Nighthawk C7000 stays above par by boasting a stipulated range of 1,800 Sq Ft, even better than my previous stand-alone pick.
In my tests, I installed the device centrally at my grandpa’s 1,500 Sq Ft house, and with beamforming antennas, signals passed through every corner of it.
As for the device handling ability, C7000 works well with around 26 devices simultaneously. I didn’t encounter any issues while sending emails, browsing the web, or running smart home gadgets, laptops, and TVs.
Here, the hero is MU-MIMO and OFDMA which works in tandem with antennas to boost multi-device connectivity.
Security Features
Security, however, isn’t great for Netgear C7000, as it lacks advanced features. It packs in WPA3 to encrypt your passwords, VPN for anonymous browsing, and guest network to provide temporary network access to your guests.
Other than that, using the Netgear app, you can manually block any websites or remove any unwanted devices with a single click.
Conclusion
All in all, the Netgear C7000, with its versatility and stable performance, can surely give separate devices a run for their money. Its high-speed ports and excellent wireless capabilities make up more for older DOCSIS and Wi-Fi versions.
For more information, read the full review of Netgear Nighthawk C7000.
Pros
- Good selection of ports
- Decent wireless range
- Practical design
- Stable speeds & performance
- ReadyShare mode for USB
- Reasonable price
Cons
- No latest networking traits
- Average security features
5. Best for Large Homes: TP-Link Deco M5
- Wireless Standard: Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
- Band-Frequency: Dual-Band
- WiFi Range: Up to 5,500 Sq Ft
- Ports: 2 x Gig LAN on each unit
- Number of Devices Supported: 100+
If you need to wireless transmit signals through concrete walls, there’s no better deal than a TP-Link Deco M5. Coming at a meager $130, it’s brimming with features like dual-band WiFi, a range of 5,500 Sq Ft, and an ability to handle 100+ devices.
Wireless Speeds
The Deco M5 is a dual-band AC1300 WiFi system that can attain speeds of up to:
| 5 GHz: 1200 Mbps | 2.4 GHz: 600 Mbps |
To gauge its performance, I created a busy network and paired it with the Xfinity 500 Mbps plan. The Deco M5 starts strongly with 434 Mbps download and 21 Mbps upload speed at the test system 25 feet away.
That’s less than most mesh systems out there. But, at 45 feet, speeds didn’t drop much with respective downloads and uploads valued at 303 Mbps and 14 Mbps.
Based on its price and size, the throughput performance is above average and was enough to get by most internet usage needs, be it gaming, streaming, video conferencing, and others.
WiFi Coverage & Devices Capacity
Being a mesh system, transmitting signals across a large space takes precedence over others. This is why, the three-unit Deco M5 claims a 5,500 Sq Ft stipulated range. Judging by it only, feasting on any large apartment should be a breeze.
But looks can be deceiving as well. So I installed the main unit on the ground floor and the satellite on the second floor of my 3,700 Sq Ft house. In this way, there’d be minimal obstructions and interferences.
All told, the mesh system filled the entirety of my house, covering the locations that were inaccessible for other mesh systems. It also passed my saturation test with around 37 devices connected at the same time. The credit goes entirely to the technologies like beamforming and MU-MIMO.
Security Features
TP-Link is constant in terms of the security features its devices have to offer. Deco M5 stays true to its reputation by bringing in TP-Link HomeShield basic security with features like WPA3, VPN, guest network, access control, and auto-firmware update. We already know what these can do.
Conclusion
To conclude, TP-Link Deco M5 might not be the fastest mesh WiFi out there, but it’s a device worth relying on. It pairs well with its mesh tech to fill your atypically ample space with stable and reliable signals.
However, the lesser throughput capacity and older Wi-Fi standards have ranked it in the penultimate position.
Pros
- Whole-home WiFi coverage
- Great device handling ability
- Strong parental controls
- Easy to set up and use
- User-friendly application
Cons
- Wi-Fi 5 standard
6. Best Value for Money: Linksys Hydra 6
- Wireless Standard: Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
- Band Frequency: Dual-Band
- WiFi Range: Up to 2,000 Sq Ft
- Number of Devices Supported: 30
- Ports: 1 x Gig WAN + 4 x Gig LAN + 1 x USB 3.0
Linksys Hydra 6 is a good value router that comes with Wi-Fi 6, powerful antennas, and mesh support for a decent range. It also boasts QoS tech for traffic prioritization and more at an affordable price.
Speeds & Performance
The Hydra 6 comes with a speed rating of AX3000, i.e., 3000 Mbps. The respective speed on each band is as follows:
| 5 GHz: 2401 Mbps | 2.4 GHz: 574 Mbps |
In practice, the router generates excellent results. With the AT&T 500 Mbps plan connected, Hydra 6 could easily cater to any gaming or 4K streaming with a download speed of 424 Mbps and an upload speed of 28 Mbps.
It was obtained when my test device and router were separated by 20 feet.
The speeds however dropped by almost 35% when the test system was moved farther at 40 feet. Respective download and upload speeds were valued at 253 Mbps and 16 Mbps, still enough for 4K streaming, gaming, video calls, and more.
With gaming traffic prioritized, my Overwatch ran at 25ms ping and 91 FPS, despite streaming multiple videos in the background, making it one of the best QoS routers. The stream rates however dropped to 5.6%.
WiFi Coverage & Devices Capacity
Linksys claims its Hydra 6 can cover a 2,000 Sq Ft house. I installed it at my grandpa’s 100-year-old 1,500 Sq Ft, and the signals could penetrate through thick concrete walls to cover every nook of it. That is impressive for a router at this price.
That’s not it. It entails an Intelligent mesh technology where you can pair any Velop system to create a mesh-like network across your large house.
Hydra 6 is further bundled with cutting-edge technologies like MU-MIMO and beamforming to establish stable connections over 25 smart devices at once.
Security Features
The router stays slightly behind my previous pick. It has the usual WPA3, VPN, guest network, and auto-firmware update to secure the home network. Besides, it has an SPI firewall that creates additional protection for the traveling data.
Conclusion
Overall, Linksys Hydra 6 with a range of useful features, and great performance, readily become the best value 500 Mbps router to invest in.
Besides, the option to expand your network by pairing Linksys Velop mesh units might appeal to some who can’t afford the extravagant upfront cost of mesh routers. Its middling device-handling ability and security features push it to the second spot.
Pros
- Dual-Band Wi-Fi 6
- Decent range
- Solid throughput
- QoS support
- Easy to install and use
Cons
- Middling device-handling capacity
7. Best Security Controls: Synology MR2200AC
- Wireless Standard: Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
- Band Frequency: Tri-Band
- WiFi Range: Up to 2,000 Sq Ft
- Number of Devices Supported: 20+
- Ports: 1 x Gig WAN + 1 x Gig LAN
If security stands atop the list ahead of performance, then not many are better than Synology MR2200AC. Aside from security, its tri-band support with plenty of free wide channels, powerful antennas, and networking technologies ensures network consistency is kept at a minimum.
I tested it alongside Synology RT1900AC and got a much-improved performance with MR2200AC.
Speeds & Performance
| 5 GHz: 2401 Mbps | 2.4 GHz: 574 Mbps |
There’s a well-known saying in the networking world: the more the bands, the better it is. That’s because data packets have more channels to flow through at a time, hence better speeds.
Considering the maximum throughput cap on each band, it’s fair to pair the Spectrum 400 Mbps and use the Dell XPS laptop to measure the speeds. Here are the results:
When the test device is located 25 feet away from the router, it manages a maximum download speed of 357 Mbps and an upload speed of 20 Mbps.
With such speeds at disposal, any streaming, gaming, or video conferencing tasks seem like a childsplay. Moving on, increasing the distance to 40 feet brings down the speeds to 216 Mbps and 13 Mbps for downloads and uploads, respectively.
Nevertheless, it’s good enough for HD streaming, gaming, and other basic e-tasks.
WiFi Coverage & Devices Capacity
Synology MR2200AC, with its high-performance internal antennas, claims to cover a two-bedroom apartment with a 2,000 Sq Ft area.
Although, in reality, numbers aren’t quite the same, my grandpa’s entire 1,500 Sq Ft house was encased with strong signals. As per my WiFi analyzer app, signal strength is mostly equivalent, and I can stream HD music even in extremities.
But that’s not it. MR2200AC builds in a mesh tech that lets you expand the signal range by pairing a similar router.
Moving on, the numbers aren’t great when it comes to its device-handling ability. At a time, I could only connect up to 15 smart devices engaged in a mixed range of tasks like light gaming, streaming, video calling, sending emails, and others. There weren’t any lags in audio and videos, thanks to MU-MIMO.
Security Features
Security is the aspect where MR2200AC hits a home run. Its lifetime-free software offers plenty of advanced features like remote access, malware detection & elimination, alongside blocking malicious websites & devices.
Other than that, using the Synology app, you can manually block any explicit websites and limit internet usage on a per-user basis.
Conclusion
Synology MR2200ac offers several commendable features, including robust performance and a high level of control. It is suitable for most small workspaces or mid-sized apartments, and its mesh tech extends signal transmission.
However, its ranking at the penultimate position is attributed to a comparatively lower throughput cap compared to others and including only two Ethernet ports.
Pros
- Advanced security
- Tri-band support
- Decent wireless speeds
- Easy to install & setup
- Decent coverage range
Cons
- Old Wi-Fi standard
8. Cheap Yet Good: D-Link DIR-1260
- Wireless Standard: Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
- Band Frequency: Dual-Band
- WiFi Range: Up to 2,000 Sq Ft
- Number of Devices Supported: 25
- Ports: 1 x Gig WAN + 4 x Gig LAN
Last but not least, let me present you with a cheap yet dependable option, D-Link DIR-1260. It ticked most of the boxes with dual-band support for decent speed output, multiple powerful antennas for excellent coverage, and others to fare well with any of your mid-tier internet plans.
Speeds & Performance
Talking about the speeds, D-Link DIR-1260 is rated as AC1200, with speeds on each band as follows:
| 5 GHz: 867 Mbps | 2.4 GHz: 300 Mbps |
The DIR-1260 registered decent speeds, clocking in with downloads as high as 303.72 Mbps, while uploads played out at 26.05 Mbps.
Considering the price, it maintained a low latency better than most in this range, as games like League of Legends and Fortnite ran fine with a ping value of 25. So, you can expect a decent performance in most of your internet-bound activities.
But it stays behind most routers with its distance speeds as the values fell by 50%. It still manages light tasks like sending emails and streaming HD music.
WiFi Coverage & Devices Capacity
Coverage isn’t a standout aspect of this D-Link router as its four-antenna setup could envelop an area of up to 1,600 Sq Ft. You can however pair any extender with it for added coverage.
But unlike ASUS RT-AC67P, it entails the MU-MIMO tech to bolster its device handling capacity. At a stretch, the router can handle 20 devices, including most smart devices at your home.
Security Features
Although it is the most affordable option, it incorporates the latest WPA3 encryption to improve online security.
Additionally, it has features such as VPN and access controls that further enhance its functionality. With this product, you can browse without risking your identity.
Other than that, DIR-160 allows you to create separate profiles for the family members to monitor their online records and pause access whenever you wish to.
Conclusion
All said and done, D-Link DIR-160 is quite pocket-friendly and yet equipped with a variety of features that can meet most of your household’s basic internet usage. It lacks in certain areas such as security and coverage, which results in the lowest ranking.
Pros
- Stable throughput
- Decent coverage
- MU-MIMO enabled
- Easy to install and use
Cons
- Subpar security features
Frequently Asked Questions
Generally, yes. However, cheaper models often come with hardware limitations, which may have to push a lot to provide optimal performance. So, choose wisely.
The minimum handling capacity of these WiFi routers ranges from 20 to 40, depending on what you use them for. Note that for most basic usages like web browsing, it may exceed.
Yes, it’s worth it to invest in a Gigabit-capable router. Not only will it future-proof your purchase but also provide you with more features, reliability, and slightly better performance.
Yes. Mesh systems are primarily designed for large spaces with multiple devices. Although most of them are costly and suited for gigabit plans, some budget mesh systems are there for your mid-range internet connection.
Verdict
Now that you have gone through my list of recommendations, I hope you’ve made up your mind as to which one fits like peas in a pod. But if you still are confused, here are my final suggestions:
- If you seek a future-ready router, there aren’t many better options than the ASUS RT-AX5400.
- If you want a budget option that provides you with the flexibility to upgrade the plan in the future, the TP-Link Archer AX55 is what you need.
- If you want a 2-in-1 device that integrates modem and routing functions, go for the Netgear C7000.
- Finally, if you want a cheap yet dependable device, pick the D-Link DIR-1260.
