Unlike other service providers, Google doesn’t charge you for equipment rental when you purchase their internet services. Although the router you get for free is enough for basic use, many users feel that the device lacks features and control. If you feel the same, you might want to get your own router, but which one?
Since it’s a fiber-optic-based connection, you don’t need a cable modem. This means all you have to do is plug the router you purchase into the Fiber jack (ONT) and set it up with proper credentials, and you’ll have a working internet connection in no time. Just make sure that the router you’re getting is compatible with your Google Fiber plan and has all the features and control options as per your needs.
Based on my experience, here are a few things you should consider when getting a router for your Google Fiber connection:
- Wireless standard: While WiFi 7 has launched, it’s not on devices yet. As of press time, WiFi 6E is the latest standard. IMO, if budget isn’t an issue, get a WiFi 6E router/6E mesh system or WiFi 6 router. Also, WiFi 5 routers aren’t bad, but you shall use the router for the next 3-4 years, and with the WiFi 7 launch, WiFi 5 might get outdated soon. Read: WiFi 5 vs 6 | WiFi 6 vs 6E vs 7
- Wireless Coverage: Make sure that the wireless coverage of the router you’re picking is enough for your space or is more than your area. Consider getting a mesh WiFi system if you live in a large area.
- App Support: Almost every recently launched router allows you to manage the network using an app. This can help you blacklist unknown devices, set up guest WiFi, control bandwidth, etc, right from your mobile phone.
- Port Management: Almost 70% of the users don’t use LAN cables, but if you’re among the rest 30%, make sure that the device has enough ports for your needs.
- Devices supported: Ensure the router can support more devices than you have. Else, there are chances that you can experience performance issues such as overheating or low speeds.
6 Best Routers for Google Fiber in 2024
While comparing Google Fiber with ATT Fiber, I used 9 popular models and tested them for various aspects, including speeds, coverage, connection capability, security features, etc., and finally selected the 6 best options that cater to different users and budgets.
Note: Google only allows its 2 Gig and 1 Gig subscribers to use their own routers. So, rest assured, the below-reviewed Google Fiber routers pan out well with them.
1. Best for Fiber 2 Gig: Netgear RAXE500
If budget isn’t an issue and you’re looking for a future-proof router, then the Netgear RAXE500 with WiFi 6E, Multi-gigabit capabilities, 60 device support, and coverage upto 3,500 Sq Ft, I without any doubt can claim that it’s the best gigabit router that works with Google Fiber.
- Suitable For: Fiber 2 Gig
- Wireless Standard: Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax)
- 2.4GHz Speeds: 1.2 Gbps
- 5GHz Speeds: 4.8 Gbps
- 6GHz Speeds: 4.8 Gbps
- WiFi Range: Up to 3,500 Sq Ft
- Number of Devices Supported: 60
- Ports: 1 x 2.5 G WAN + 4 x Gig LAN + 2 x USB 3.0
- Processor: 1.8GHz Quad-Core Processor
- RAM & NAND Memory: 1GB + 512MB
- App Support: Yes
By adding a slew of new channels in the 6 GHz spectrum, Nighthawk RAXE500 takes the top spot as the high-performance Wi-Fi 6E router to use with Google Fiber. It delivers the fastest near-band speeds, and a 2.5 G WAN port makes it suitable for a 2 Gig Fiber plan.
This tri-band router is a much bigger upgrade to Netgear RAX200 in terms of Wi-Fi tech, ports, and others to deliver much better performance overall.
Why is it suited for Google Fiber?
With the ability to move data back and forth in respective bands, the RAXE500 cements its position as a Google Fiber multi-gig router. After setting it up 20 feet from the Galaxy 21 Ultra, it delivered a peak output of 1.85 Gbps for downloads for the 6GHz band and 765 Mbps for uploads.
The download speeds for 5 GHz and 2.4 GHz in a similar setup were 1.4 Gbps and 895 Mbps, respectively, while upload speeds were 547 Mbps and 345 Mbps. That’s almost a 30% jump over the predecessor’s impressive maximum throughput of 945 Mbps for its highest band.
RAXE500 became my reliable companion over a week of daily moving files, shuffling through email, streaming 4K videos, and online gaming; it passed my saturation test. While Galaxy S21 played HD music, Macbook Air streamed 4K videos, Dell XPS 15 moved files onto Dropbox, and none of the tasks balked or had artifacts.
Wired Speed
If you aren’t willing to lose even a tad of the bandwidth, then connect your devices to the router’s 2.5G Ethernet port. It delivers a maximum throughput of 2015 Mbps and 967 Mbps for downloads and uploads, providing you with more bandwidth to exploit.
WiFi Coverage & Connections Capacity
In my performance tests, I found RAXE500 to be one of the best in distributing strong signals throughout the house with thick walls. The 6-antenna setup hadn’t had any problems encasing a 100-year-old 2,500 Sq Ft house with a powerful connection. Even in the corners, my S21 Ultra received 4 bars of signals without dropping at any time.
Now when it comes to connection capability, the powerful antennas, technologies like MU-MIMO, OFDMA, and others, and the router have got it all. I could connect 40 devices without experiencing any hiccups or lags.
Security Features
Netgear Nighthawk RAXE500 ingrains some basic security features like WPA2/WPA3 encryption to keep data transfers over the network encrypted. There’s also a VPN server available, letting you access any website remotely, thereby keeping your identity safe.
You also get a 30-day trial subscription to Netgear Armor, a Bitdefender-powered cybersecurity suite for added protection to your home network. Regarding parental controls, there isn’t much to explore except blocking certain websites, creating access schedules, and monitoring the online time of connected devices.
Conclusion
If you’re ready to upgrade your home network to Wi-Fi 6E, RAXE500 is one of my favorite picks. The device performed exceedingly well in my throughput and coverage tests, boasting a powerful processor and high-speed ports. It’s one of the most expensive options, but with the features it presents, it’s worth it.
Want to learn more? Read my in-depth review here.
Pros
- Top speed with 6GHz band
- Exceptional coverage
- Supports Link Aggregation
- Excellent port setup
- Lightning fast speeds
Cons
- Premium
- Security costs extra
2. Best Runner-Up: TP-Link Archer AX90
- Suitable For: Fiber 2 Gig
- Wireless Standard: Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
- 2.4GHz Speeds: 574 Mbps
- 5GHz Speeds: 4804 + 1201 Mbps
- Coverage: Up to 2,500 Sq Ft
- Number of Devices Supported: 40+
- Ports: 1 x 2.5G WAN + 4 x Gig LAN + 1 x USB 3.1
- Processor: 1.5GHz Quad-Core
- RAM & NAND Memory: 512MB + 128MB
- App Support: Yes
Here’s another tri-band router with a 2.5 Gbps WAN port. However, it’s a Wi-Fi 6 router that’s a souped version of the Archer AX3200 with many things in common despite their distinctive Wi-Fi specs. As a result, you are guaranteed to get faster and clearer signals on your connected devices.
Why is it suited for Google Fiber?
Archer AX90 delivered strong throughput on my 5GHz tests, but its 2.4GHz performance wasn’t quite as great.
In close proximity, download speeds for the 5GHz band with the 2 Gig plan were just behind my previous recommendation, with 1.75 Gbps, while the upload speeds clocked at 817 Mbps. AX90’s score on the 30-foot test was 1.35 Gbps and 745 Mbps for downloads and uploads.
On the other hand, with download and upload speed scores of 665 Mbps and 291 Mbps on the 2.4GHz band, which was good but not great.
It falls much behind my previous recommendation, but there’s still so much bandwidth available for you to exploit. Streaming 4K content and playing games feel like a cakewalk, and with the remaining bandwidth, you can attend zoom calls, trade shares, and send emails.
Wired Speed
AX90 has a similar number of ports, including the 2.5G WAN port that lets you experience multi-gigs of speeds. The Ethernet backhaul came with a respective score of 2020 Mbps and 967 Mbps for downloads and uploads.
WiFi Coverage & Connections Capacity
To measure the signal strength across my 2,500 Sq Ft test centre, I used an Ekahau Sidekick diagnostic device paired with Ekahau’s Survey software. It generated a heat map to show the WiFi strength across the house, showing signals were spread uniformly across the lab. I also received two-bar signals in the extremities.
Other than that, testing the connection capability of the router with 35 available devices generated positive results. Despite running bandwidth-intensive tasks on each, I didn’t observe any major lags or latencies.
Security Features
As with the predecessor, Archer AX90 integrates a free Home Shield plan for basic security scans and strong parental controls. Using the basic version, you can set website filters, check the online time of each device and which websites they’re visiting, and block certain websites manually.
Conclusion
With TP-Link Archer AX90, you have got a well-equipped tri-band router that uses an additional 5GHz band to deliver clear signals and solid throughput. But lesser 2.4GHz band speeds pushed it into the second position.
Pros
- Tri-Band operation
- Consistent throughput
- Solid performance
- Decent coverage
- Multi-gig WAN/LAN
Cons
- Some features require a subscription
3. Best for Gaming: ASUS RT-AX86S
- Suitable For: Fiber 1 Gig
- Wireless Standard: Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
- 2.4GHz Speeds: 861 Mbps
- 5GHz Speeds: 4804 Mbps
- Coverage: Up to 2,500 Sq Ft
- Number of Devices Supported: 100+
- Ports: 1 x Gig WAN + 4 x Gig LAN + 1 x USB 3.2 + 1 x USB 2.0
- Processor: 1.8GHz Quad-Core
- RAM & NAND Memory: 512MB + 256MB
- App Support: Yes
ASUS RT-AX86S brings the comfort of Wi-Fi 6 and some gaming-centric specifications like NAT port forwarding and device prioritization alongside OFDMA and 1024-QAM to take your gaming experience to the next level. Any user with this device can expect lower latency, faster speeds, longer range, and energy efficiency, much better than its predecessor.
Why is it suited for Google Fiber?
I performed the throughput tests with the 1 Gig Fiber plan and got consistent speeds within 50 feet of the router (in 5GHz). The download speeds averaged 935 Mbps and 845 Mbps within 10 feet and 40 feet distance. Alongside, the upload speeds varied from 350 Mbps to 180 Mbps, a couple of walls away.
Despite pairing with a 1 Gbps plan, the download speeds clocked at 645 Mbps, and 247 Mbps was the upload speed. Such speeds combined with gaming-exclusive features can let you play any game at 240 FPS with zero lags.
Wired Speed
RT-AX86S also boasts a decent arrangement of ports, including 1 Gig-E WAN and 4 Gig-E LAN ports. These can deliver maximum download and upload speeds of 1025 Mbps and 425 Mbps, offering you more bandwidth for gaming.
WiFi Coverage & Connections Capacity
RT-AX86S has 4 flat, trapezoidal antenna towers to send signals to every corner of your space. Courtesy of its dual-band operation, this device offers greater bandwidth for multiple devices operating within 1,800 Sq Ft.
It was on par with my previous recommendation but lacks with respect to the number of devices it can connect at a time without dropping any speeds. I could connect a maximum of 25 devices at a time.
Security Features
The Asus router app, with a simple user interface and a guided installation process, lets you complete the installation within a few minutes. It further integrates the AsusWRT firmware to let tech-savvy customers control the router as per their needs. You can also toggle the AiProtection security using the app.
The advanced security comes with multiple features like malware blocking, weekly scanning, and a VPN server. Besides, you can set up a customized schedule for the connected devices through smart parental controls.
Conclusion
Customization features and integration of advanced gaming technologies make ASUS RT-AX86S the best WiFi router for Google Fiber 1 Gig subscribers. Although it lacks a 2.5G WAN port, the existing Ethernet ports and lifetime-free security features make it a strong contender owing to its balance between price and utility.
Pros
- Wi-Fi 6 support
- AiMesh compatibility
- Decent coverage and speeds
- Consistent throughput
- Lifetime free security
- Link aggregation support
Cons
- Lack of a 2.5G WAN port
4. Best for Fiber 1 Gig: Netgear Nighthawk RAX50
- Suitable For: Fiber 1 Gig
- Wireless Standard: Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
- 2.4GHz Speeds: 574 Mbps
- 5GHz Speeds: 4804 Mbps
- Coverage: Up to 2,500 Sq Ft
- Number of Devices Supported: 25+
- Ports: 1 x Gig WAN + 4 x Gig LAN + 1 x USB 3.0
- Processor: 1.5GHz Triple-Core
- RAM & NAND Memory: 512MB + 256MB
- App Support: Yes
Netgear RAX50 packs a powerful triple-core processor and 160MHz channels to pass on a congestion-free network to your devices. It’s a much better upgrade from RAX43 in terms of maximum speed output, MU-MIMO, and others, giving you great value for money.
Why is it suited for Google Fiber?
Courtesy of advanced technology like OFDMA, the Wi-Fi 6 clients delivered exceptional results in my speed tests with a Gigabit Fiber plan. At 15 feet, download speeds on the 5GHz band stayed at around 865 Mbps, which dropped to 427 Mbps at 40 feet apart. While the connected devices raked the upload speeds at around 250 Mbps.
The speed test results with the 2.4GHz band were fair as well. Download and upload speeds raked up to 527 Mbps and 115 Mbps, respectively. So, considering the speed outputs, I put the client devices through a stress test where it ran tasks like 4K streaming, online games, video conferences, and others, which it passed with flying colors.
Wired Speed
To test the wired speeds, I plugged in my Xbox using an Ethernet cable to get speeds at 1015 Mbps and 387 Mbps for downloads and uploads, respectively. This bandwidth was sufficient to multitask with any activities you wish.
WiFi Coverage & Connections Capacity
Due to technologies like beamforming and MU-MIMO, RAX50 has extended WiFi coverage. The bandwidth it offers is enough to cover a space of 1,800-2,000 Sq Ft, making it a suitable choice for mid-sized homes. Besides, it handled 25 devices simultaneously without dropping speeds a tad.
Security Features
The Nighthawk app lets you setup up the router in a few easy steps. It has many features to control the device and toggle through security settings. These include keeping the data encrypted and browsing a website by keeping your identity anonymous.
You have a set of parental controls that lets you manage your kids’ internet exposure with time controls and age-appropriate filters. However, these are only available with a premium Netgear Armor subscription, as none comes for free.
Conclusion
RAX50 is one of the most promising routers compatible with Google Fiber. It fits best in household and commercial settings with multiple devices running data-intensive activities. The 160MHz channels, Wi-Fi 6, and app-based management make it a quality choice.
Pros
- Wi-Fi 6 support
- MU-MIMO, OFDMA, QoS
- Powerful hardware
- Decent speeds and coverage
- WPA3 encryption
Cons
- Some features require an additional subscription
5. Best Mesh WiFi Router: Linksys MX8000
You should consider getting a Mesh WiFi system if you’re living in a multi-story house or have a large apartment. That being said, the Linksys MX8000 is one of the best gigabit mesh systems.
- Suitable For: Fiber 1 Gig
- Wireless Standard: Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
- 2.4GHz Speeds: 1200 Mbps
- 5GHz Speeds: 2200 Mbps
- WiFi Range: Up to 5,400 Sq Ft
- Number of Devices Supported: 80+
- Ports: 3 x Gig Ethernet + 1 x USB 3.0
- Processor: 1.4GHz Quad-Core
- RAM & NAND Memory: 512MB + 512MB
- App Support: Yes
If you live in a 2-3 story house with large rooms and physical obstructions, you’re better off establishing a mesh network. Linksys MX8000 is a Wi-Fi 6 mesh system that supports Gigabit connections. It sports a futuristic design and a sleek body that combines with excellent features to handle Fiber Optic internet.
Why is it suited for Google Fiber?
Suitability with Google fiber comes from the backhaul communication ability of its 5GHz band. It eliminates the unnecessary traffic that thrives within the channels to ensure a faster data transfer rate. So, considering that along with the Next-gen OFDMA technology, I expected the mesh system to perform exceedingly well, and it didn’t disappoint at all.
Paired with my Google Fiber 1 Gig plan, average download and upload speeds on the 5GHz band stacked up to 815 Mbps and 215 Mbps. Besides, the 2,4GHz band had respective speeds of around 545 Mbps and 114 Mbps. However, the aspect that makes it stand out amongst other models is the long-range speeds it has got.
So, on its higher band, with the client device kept 60 feet away, maximum download speeds reached 757 Mbps, which considering the distance, is not much of a drop. Play and stream high-quality games, stream HD movies, and attend meetings simultaneously without dropping speeds.
Wired Speed
If you want to access the full potential of the mesh router, connect your client devices directly through an Ethernet cable. With that, I got the maximum speeds of 997 Mbps and 395 Mbps for downloads and uploads, an almost 15% hike to wireless speeds.
WiFi Coverage & Connections Capacity
Coverage is the selling point of any mesh system, and there’s nothing different for Linksys MX8000. Its 6 internally-encased antennas and powerful nodes can encase your 3,800 Sq Ft home with ease. You won’t have to worry about dead spots or network voids in your space and experience lightning-fast speeds throughout.
Furthermore, technologies like OFDMA and MU-MIMO simultaneously deliver stable signals to multiple devices, taking the count up to 80, making it an ideal mesh router for large households and commercial spaces.
Security Features
Security is the area where the device majorly lacks. It encases a WPA2/WPA which might not be futuristic as with the latest WPA3 standard. Besides, there isn’t any option available to upgrade to premium security. Although, you have the facilities to block any unknown device to keep your network and connected devices safe.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Linksys MX8000 is the best mesh WiFi for Google Fiber that integrates the Wi-Fi 6 and powerful antennas to deliver performances of the highest order. Although, it doesn’t come with many security features compared to the abovementioned routers which takes it to the penultimate position on the list.
Pros
- Easy-to-use app
- Multiple ethernet ports
- Impressive WiFi 6 performance
- Long wireless range
- Aesthetic design
Cons
- Limited security features
6. Best Value for Money: TP-Link Archer AX55
- Suitable For: Fiber 1 Gig
- Wireless Standard: Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
- 2.4GHz Speeds: 574 Mbps
- 5GHz Speeds: 2402 Mbps
- Coverage: Up to 2,200 Sq Ft
- Number of Devices Supported: 25+
- Ports: 1 x Gig WAN + 4 x Gig LAN + 1 x USB 3.0
- Processor: 1GHz Qualcomm IPQ0518
- RAM & NAND Memory: 512MB + 128MB
- App Support: Yes
With improved speeds and better coverage than its older model (AX50), TP-Link Archer AX55 is one of the best value-for-money routers that work with Google Fiber. Let’s find out in detail what features it has on offer and whether you should or should not consider purchasing it.
Why is it suited for Google Fiber?
While connecting on the primary 5GHz channel, the connect device speeds came up close to 775 Mbps and 200 Mbps for downloads and uploads. Its performance on mid-range was also impressive, with devices constantly clocking speeds up to 500 Mbps while being separated by a wall. Such speeds got me to multitask at faster speeds, with some occasional lags.
However, I was disappointed with the 2.4GHz performance tests. Download speeds on client devices are maximized at 325 Mbps, while 65 Mbps was the upload speed. But, if you have multiple client devices and need to perform bandwidth-hogging tasks, then its Gigabit Ethernet ports are a way to go. It got me maximum speeds at around 987 Mbps.
WiFi Coverage & Connections Capacity
4 external antennas are combined with OFDMA and MU-MIMO, simultaneously delivering stable WiFi signals through walls. You can now watch HD movies and play games alongside sending emails or attending video conferences on up to 16 devices at once spread over an area of up to 2,000 Sq Ft.
Security Features
Like most TP-Link routers, it has a few basic security features that can keep your home network safe. In commercial settings, however, you can upgrade to a $6 monthly subscription that includes advanced security features such as malware detection, weekly scan reports, and protection against external attackers.
Conclusion
If you are looking for a budget yet good router for Google fiber that future-proofs your connection, then AX55 is the way to go. Many advanced features like MU-MIMO, OFDMA, and others make it a good investment for the money. But lesser speeds and coverage than other models take it down to the bottom.
Pros
- Wi-Fi 6 support
- Stable and consistent performance
- Fast USB file transfer
- Decent WiFi coverage
- Budget-friendly
Cons
- No major con
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, if you’re a Google Fiber subscriber, you can connect your own fiber-ready router to the network and experience high-speed connections. But Google only offers 1 Gig and 2 Gig plans, so make sure your installed third-party router can handle such high speeds. Confused? Here’s what you need to look into:
– Device with at least Wi-Fi 6 dual-band support
– Technologies like OFDMA, MU-MIMO, and others
– Great throughput capacity
You can select your own router or choose from the ones listed above.
Here are the steps you need to follow:
– Sign in to your Google fiber account
– Then check the box beside the option “I will provide my own router.” You will be asked to mention the model, which is totally optional
– Click “Ok” at the bottom of the page.
Google fiber works well with routers operating at 2.4GHz frequency. To interchange between the bands, tap the 3 dots in the upper-right corner, and select the Wi-Fi frequency band in advanced settings.
In a router, a bridge mode turns off its Wi-Fi broadcast, establishing it as a bridge between another Wi-Fi device and the network. To enable the bridge mode, start by connecting a device to the network and then log in by entering the default credentials set by your ISP.
Once logged in, search for bridge mode in the feature, and save the changes. You then will need to reboot the device for a few minutes for the setting to become online.
Verdict
With that comes an end to the best router to use with Google Fiber. This would show you a path and help you select an ideal routing device for your home or office. But if you still are confused, here are my final picks:
- Topping my list would be a futuristic model that boasts ever-so latest Wi-Fi 6E standard and an additional 6GHz band to deliver a seamless network user experience with the fastest Google Fiber plan. Its only flaw would be its price point, which is much higher than others on the list.
- If budget is an issue, but you don’t want to compromise on the performance, go for ASUS RT-AX86S. Costing less than $250, its advanced features are capable enough to let you pair a Fiber 1 Gig plan and let you experience faster speeds.
- And finally, if you need a budget option that offers great value, TP-Link Archer AX55 is my go-to recommendation. Costing around $100, it delivers decent performance with a 1 Gig plan.
