WiFi dead spots are common occurrences in large homes. The reasons might be a lot of thick walls, poor coverage, or too many obstructions. The possibilities are many, but the solution is one: a powerful and efficient router with a long range.
Over the years, I have set up numerous networks for households and businesses. I know how difficult it can be to find a good WiFi router for a large space. One needs to consider many factors, compare various models, and get the hang of the latest tech. Not anymore as I’ve tested 17 such offerings and selected the top 8 options.
Note: If you live in a multi-level house, measuring above 3,500 Sq Ft, you’re better off establishing a mesh WiFi network.
8 Best WiFi Routers for Large Homes in 2024
All of the 17 devices were tested for signal quality on different floors and distances, internet speeds, security features, and more. I then shortlisted the models with varied feature sets & budgets. So, you’re sure to get an ideal match.
1. Best Overall: ASUS ROG GT-AXE16000
- World's first quad-band WiFi 6E gaming router – Ultrafast WiFi 6E (802.11ax) quad-band WiFi router boosts speeds up to 16000 Mbps.Power Supply : AC Input : 110V-240V(50-60Hz), DC Output : 19 V with max. 3.42 A current ； 19.5 V with max. 3.33 A current.
- New 6 GHz frequency band – Wider channels and higher capacity delivers higher performance, lower latency, and less interference.
- Expanded coverage – The exclusive ASUS RangeBoost Plus improves signal range and overall coverage.
- Dual 10G ports – Enjoy up to 10X-faster data-transfer speeds for bandwidth-demanding tasks with two 10 Gbps WAN/LAN ports.
- 2.5G WAN port – 2.5 Gbps port prioritizes all network traffic, and unlocks the full potential of WiFi 6.
If there are multiple gamers in your family, the Asus ROG GT-AXE16000 is one of the top gaming routers available.
Featuring the world’s first quad-band support, a massive throughput capacity, two 10G ports, and a whopping 3,500 Sq Ft range coupled with powerful hardware, it paves the way for unmatched wireless performance in a large house.
WiFi Coverage & Devices Capacity
GT-AXE16000 is a futuristic choice with eight antennas popping out for extensive coverage. With a stipulated range of 3,500 Sq Ft, it remains the best among the standalone routers, and it definitely exceeded my expectations.
Installed in my 3,700 Sq Ft two-story house, the GT-AXE16000 encased almost the entire space with stable signals. There’s also support for AiMesh technology that establishes a mesh-like seamless network with supported routers or extenders.
The WiFi analyzer app showed a homogenous distribution of heat spots throughout the space, making it a smart pick for any three-bed apartment.
Credit to the beamforming tech, which further pairs with OFDMA and MU-MIMO to establish over 121 connections. I even hosted a gaming tournament where 25 users played Co-op matches on EA FC24 in a breeze.
Speeds & Performance
The GT-AXE16000 is a quad-band WiFi 6E router with a maximum throughput capacity of 16000 Mbps, where the respective speed of each band is as follows:
| 6 GHz: 4804 Mbps | 5 GHz (1): 4804 Mbps | 5 GHz (2): 4804 Mbps | 2.4 GHz: 1148 Mbps |
I ran the Asus GT-AXE16000 through my usual suite of network benchmarks, and the performance is exceptional, with four bands at my disposal. Although it supports up to 10 Gbps, I got the 2 Gig AT&T plan to test its practical speeds.
At a short distance with the client device positioned 30 feet away, the throughput measured 1.87 Gbps and 1.71 Gbps, respectively, for downloads and uploads.
When I increased the distance to 60 feet on a higher floor, the speed dropped off quite a bit to 1.21 Gbps and 1.10 Gbps, respectively. That’s quite massive.
Next, I put GT-AXE16000 through my network congestion test, designed to test the QoS settings and overall gaming performance. For this, I ran the Overwatch at 1080p and took metrics like frames per second and in-game metrics. Then, I added ten 4K videos to congest the network.
The router averaged a decent 15ms ping and 95 FPS, while with QoS turned on, the numbers soared to 9ms and 119 FPS. There weren’t any stutters or freezes, and credit goes to gaming-oriented features like triple acceleration, game boost, etc.
Ports & Connectivity
GT-AXE16000 maintained the tag of “powerhouse” with a range of Ethernet ports, including one 2.5G LAN, two 10G WAN/LAN, and four 1 Gig LAN ports.
The wired testing returned a massive download speed of 1.97 Gbps, with Overwatch running at 6ms ping and 128 FPS. Besides, there’s the latest USB 3.2 port for faster file transfer, with speeds up to 135 Mbps.
Conclusion
Overall, ASUS GT-AXE16000 turns out the best choice for big homes. It’s expensive but you get every bit of your investment with strong coverage, a lifetime free security suite, powerful & stable performance, and a range of high-gig Ethernet ports.
Pros
- Quad-band WiFi 6E setup
- Two 10G Ethernet ports
- Exceptional WiFi coverage
- Gaming optimization features
- Lifetime-free AiProtection Pro
Cons
- Premium price
2. Best Runner-Up: Netgear Nighthawk RAXE500
- 6GHz WiFi band dedicated to WiFi 6E devices including Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G. Enjoy 4K/8K video streaming, AR/VR gaming and HD videoconferencing
- Powerful 1.8GHz quad-core processor gives you exceptional 10.8Gbps WiFi speed, 9x faster than WiFi 5. Backward compatible for all WiFi devices on 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands
- Coverage up to 3,500 sq. ft. and 60 devices
- Replace your existing WiFi Router (separate modem or modem router required). Compatible with any Internet Service Provider up to 2Gbps including cable, satellite, fiber, DSL and more
- 4 x 1G and 1 x 2.5G Ethernet ports for computers, game consoles, streaming players and other wired devices
Netgear Nighthawk RAXE500 seems far away from my top pick on paper, but that isn’t the case when it comes to real-time performance. Credit to the tri-band WiFi 6E setup, massive throughput, multi-gig port, and a beefy processing setup.
I tested it alongside its predecessor, the Nighthawk RAXE300, to clock much better speeds, range, and in turn, overall performance.
WiFi Coverage & Devices Capacity
The RAXE500 establishes a balance to my top pick with a maximum theoretical range of 3,500 Sq Ft. And the eight antennas optimally positioned in its two wings, reliable connections were there across my client’s 3,200 Sq Ft space.
Not only that but similar to Asus GT-AXE16000, its beamforming and mesh tech lets you extend the network while keeping the extenders under the same network. It means you can roam around the space without dropping a connection.
Besides, I could connect 65 smart devices, including laptops, computers, smartphones, smart lights, and others, with ease. Thanks to MU-MIMO and OFDMA.
Speeds & Performance
The RAXE500 has a speed rating of AXE10000 that can achieve maximum theoretical speeds on each band as follows:
| 6 GHz: 4800 Mbps | 5 GHz: 4800 Mbps | 2.4 GHz: 1200 Mbps |
Similar to most offerings, installing the device was quick and easy. I paired it with the AT&T 2 Gbps plan and used my MacBook Pro for speed tests across multiple distances.
The RAXE300 returned some excellent results with a speed of 1.71 Gbps and 1.59 Gbps for downloads and uploads on my 30 feet test.
That’s still higher than most routing units in this range. Its respective speed of 841 Mbps and 703 Mbps follows a similar trend.
Barring the speeds, its network congestion test also came out well, especially with the use of QoS. In a congested environment, my Overwatch session achieved a respectable 83 FPS and 23ms ping, while respective values within an uncongested environment measured 106 FPS and 14ms. And there weren’t any lags or jitters.
Ports & Connectivity
The RAXE500 comes with a multi-gig port with speeds of up to 2500 Mbps and four Gigabit LAN ports for those who need a standard wired connection.
With my Dell laptop connected to the multi-gig port, the 4K video streams fares a refresh rate of 21%, and there weren’t any buffers, lags, or dropouts.
Other than that, it comes fitted with two USB 3.0 ports for charging external equipment and plugging other equipment like hard drives or printers.
Conclusion
To conclude, the RAXE500 is all about high performance, but it comes at a price. Aside from excellent streaming performance and long range, its multi-gig port makes way for faster-wired data transfer. But with fewer security features and multi-gig ports, it’s ranked second.
For a more in-depth look, check out the complete RAXE500 review.
Pros
- New 6 GHz band
- Multi-gig port and Link Aggregation
- Excellent wireless range
- Faster file transfers with USB ports
- Easy to install and manage
Cons
- No QoS settings
3. Best Mesh WiFi System: TP-Link Deco XE75 Pro
- WiFi 6E Tri-Band Mesh WiFi – Cover up to 7,200 Sq.Ft with next-gen seamless WiFi and make dead zones and buffering a thing of the past¹ ²
- Beyond the Speed of Gigabit - A 2.5 Gbps port and 2 Gigabit ports per unit allow you to take full advantage of your Multi-Gig broadband speed (Ideal for gigabit plus internet plans up to 2.5 Gbps). Plug your PCs, smart TVs, or game consoles into the ports for blazing-fast wired connections
- Brand-New 6 GHz Band – Experience the latest frequency of WiFi, eliminating interference from all legacy devices. The 6 GHz band works as a backhaul to ensure stable connections between nodes by default. You can switch it to Wi-Fi Network mode and connect your WiFi 6E-compatible devices to 6GHz Network³
- True Tri-Band Speed – All three WiFi bands work together to unleash your network’s total speeds up to 5,400 Mbps for 200 devices (6 GHz: 2402 Mbps (HE160);5 GHz: 2402 Mbps (HE160);2.4 GHz: 574 Mbps)¹ ³
- AI-Driven Mesh - Deco XE75 Pro delivers smart WiFi that follows you wherever you are, without interruption. It automatically learns your network environment, client quality, and user behaviors
If you’re in search of a good large home mesh WiFi system, take. a look at TP-Link Deco XE75 Pro. It will fill your multi-story establishment with seamless connectivity.
Aside from a massive range, this WiFi 6E system boasts an excellent throughput, device handling capacity, and in turn, overall performance.
WiFi Coverage & Devices Capacity
Being a mesh system, strong and stable coverage across large areas is its USP. With a theoretical range of 7,200 Sq Ft, it is the best.
To test its actual capacity, I installed the main router in the basement of my client’s five-floor corporate establishment and the other two on the third and fifth floors, respectively. The system could encase the entire building with signals.
To put it in numbers, any space with an area of around 6,500 Sq Ft is a piece of cake for this unit, irrespective of the number or type of obstructions it encounters. And with Aimesh tech and beamforming, I could roam anywhere without losing signals.
The XE75 Pro also entails MU-MIMO and OFDMA to transmit concentrated signals to the connected devices through walls. Within the encased space, I could connect over 126 devices with ease.
Speeds & Performance
The tri-band WiFi 6E enabled system comes with a theoretical throughput capacity of 5400 Mbps, split over its three bands as follows:
| 6 GHz: 2402 Mbps | 5 GHz: 2402 Mbps | 2.4 GHz: 574 Mbps |
The mesh system turned in respective results in my throughput performance tests when paired with AT&T’s 1 Gbps plan. The primary node’s score of 853 Mbps for downloads and 718 Mbps for uploads on the proximity test (30 feet) was faster than most mesh units I have tested.
On the 60-foot test, it delivered 507 Mbps download and 384 Mbps upload scores.
It managed to stay online even at 100 feet, delivering respective speeds of 112 Mbps and 66 Mbps. That’s pretty impressive.
Even in my network congestion test, it fared pretty well. Here I streamed 4K videos on my laptop, HD songs on my smartphone, played online games, attended video calls, online lectures, and others at a time. And none of them encountered any major lags, latencies, or dropouts.
Ports & Connectivity
This is the aspect where the Deco XE75 Pro stays behind my top recommendations, but that’s okay considering the slightly lower price. In the rear panel, there’s a multi-gig port with a maximum speed of 2.5 Gbps and two Gigabit ports.
Establishing a wired connection with the multi-gig port, I could access a massive download speed of 991 Mbps. You can even upgrade the internet plan if you wish to.
Conclusion
TP-Link Deco XE75 Pro is a great well-balanced mesh router that can be used in a large home. It takes care of most of your needs in regard to speeds, coverage, and device handling. But the lesser number of ports and lack of any USB ports have pushed it down to the third spot.
If you want to learn more, check out the full review of Deco XE75 Pro.
Pros
- WiFi 6E support
- Whole home coverage
- Solid throughput performance
- Handles multiple devices at once
- Easy installation
Cons
- Lack of link aggregation
- No USB ports
4. Most Secure Router: Synology RT6600ax
- 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
Synology RT6600AX is among the most secure wireless routers, and it has added a dose of throughput and range performance. A few of its notable features include tri-band support coupled with decent range, a multi-gig WAN port, alongside a range of networking technologies to deliver a solid performance.
WiFi Coverage & Devices Capacity
RT6600AX, with a theoretical range of 3,000 Sq Ft, stays just shy of my top recommendations. Boasting six beamforming external antennas, I expected good things from it, so I installed it centrally at my Nashville test lab to test it out.
With the beamforming support, the highly amplified antennas could cover the entirety of 2,500 Sq Ft space in a jiffy.
Moving on, I could connect 45 smart devices, where I could stream 4K videos, play online games, attend video conferences, and do other tasks. There’s a MU-MIMO to handle multiple connections at a time without failing.
But the numbers might fall if you’re only into high-bandwidth tasks like heavy-duty gaming and 8K streaming.
Speeds & Performance
As the name suggests, the tri-band WiFi 6 enabled RT6600AX has a maximum throughput speed of 6600 Mbps, and the band-wise speeds are as follows:
| 5 GHz (1): 4800 Mbps | 5 GHz (2): 1200 Mbps | 2.4 GHz: 600 Mbps |
Tests carried out with AT&T 1 Gbps plan, the overall performance was above par. In my first test, the device in the adjacent room recorded the respective download and upload scores of 809 Mbps and 667 Mbps, respectively.
The available speeds are suitable for most of your internet-based tasks. Now moving further away to 60 feet, the speeds, however, dropped by 45%, measuring a respective of 430 Mbps and 360 Mbps for downloads and uploads.
Irrespective of speed drops, the consistency was never in question, and I could stream videos and audio without any lags.
Other than that, there’s a QoS tech for traffic prioritization, where streams had a refresh rate of 25%, meaning minimal and even zero lags.
Ports & Connectivity
Despite standard Synology labeling, there’s one 2.5G LAN/WAN plus three Gigabit LAN ports, which you can use for things like adding an additional, fast internet connection, where the downloads maxed out at 992 Mbps.
I even plugged in my gaming console to run my Overwatch at 11ms ping and 102 FPS, despite streaming 4K videos on the wireless connection.
There’s also the latest USB 3.2 Gen 1 port to use for things like peripherals, storage devices, or mobile phone network dongles.
Conclusion
In summary, Synology RT6600AX is a router with the best security features. Its exceptional range and speed render it an ideal selection for both residential and commercial settings. But it’s priced higher than many WiFi 6E based routers, and speeds cut off at a distance, hence the ranking.
Pros
- Advanced security features
- Great WiFi range
- Excellent speeds
- Tri-band operation
- Multi-gig WAN port
- Easy to install & manage
Cons
- Pricey
5. Best for 2-Story Houses: Orbi RBK752
- Coverage up to 5,000 sq. ft. and for up to 40 devices. Extend coverage up to 2,500 sq. ft. with each additional satellite (sold separately)
- Fast AX4200 Gigabit speed with WiFi 6 technology for uninterrupted streaming, HD video gaming, and web conferencing
- Connects to your existing cable modem, and replaces your WiFi router. Compatible with any internet service provider up to 2Gbps including cable, satellite, fiber, and DSL
- Plug in computers, game consoles, streaming players, and more with 3 Gigabit Ethernet ports on the router and 2 Gigabit Ethernet ports on the satellite
- NETGEAR Armor software provides an automatic shield of security for your WiFi and connected devices for real-time protection against hackers and added privacy with VPN. 30-day trial included
Netgear Orbi RBK752 is another mesh router on my list that is ideal for 2 story homes. Besides its long range, it boasts a decent throughput capacity with beamforming and MU-MIMO to handle multiple devices, coupled with reasonable pricing making it one of the better options.
WiFi Coverage & Devices Capacity
The 2-pack system claims to cover 5,500 Sq Ft. In my case, it could encase a 5,100 Sq Ft space with seamless connectivity, and most of my smart devices stayed online.
You can further add another satellite/node to the network and further boost up your range to a few hundred square feet.
Besides, the connections were stable, courtesy of the MU-MIMO tech. I could establish up to 75 smart devices at once without dropping the signals by a bit.
Speeds & Performance
Orbi RBK752 is a tri-band WiFi 6 system with a maximum data transmission ability of 4200 Mbps, where the share of each band is as follows:
| 5 GHz (1): 2400 Mbps | 5 GHz (2): 1200 Mbps | 2.4 GHz: 600 Mbps |
The extra 5 GHz band helps free up bandwidth on the other two bands and allows each device to achieve faster speeds. To discover this fact, I ran a speed test on my trusted Dell XPS laptop with the AT&T 1 Gbps plan, and the results are as follows.
At 30 feet, the result was somewhere around 805 Mbps for downloads and 674 Mbps for uploads.
Such speeds should do very well, and it ran as many as 25 UHD Netflix streams, which goes on to show how much you can do when up close to the router.
Once you start drifting away from the main unit, speeds start to wear out. In my same test over at 60 feet, it only managed 365 Mbps for downloads and 281 Mbps for uploads. That’s even slower than my previous pick.
But I was disappointed with the fact that it lacks QoS tech. Irrespective of that, I managed to play Overwatch in close range at a 22ms ping and 79 FPS, which is good.
Ports & Connectivity
Barring decent speeds and excellent range, Netgear doesn’t provide much scope for you to establish many wired connections. On the main node, there are three Gigabit LAN/WAN ports on its rear panel.
Nevertheless, these yield a maximum download speed of 987 Mbps, so any bandwidth-heavy tasks should be a piece of cake.
Conclusion
The RBK752 is a superb option for those seeking outstanding performance and contemplating an upgrade from its earlier version. Thanks to its reliable 5 GHz backhaul channel, it guarantees seamless and uninterrupted data transfer between the main unit and the satellite.
But only three Ethernet ports and a lack of a QoS tech is the reason it’s ranked fifth on the list. For more information on its hardware and control, read the full review.
Pros
- Smooth tri-band operation
- Excellent wireless range
- Offers excellent speeds
- Easy to setup and configure
- Handles more than 75 devices
Cons
- Lack of QoS
6. Best for Gaming: TP-Link Archer GX90
- Game Band: Tri-Band structure provides a 4.8 Gbps Game Band for your gaming rigs and bings pure immersion. 4804 Mbps (5GHz, HE160) + 1201 Mbps (5GHz) + 574 Mbps (2.4GHz)
- Game Accelerator: Detect and optimize gaming streams, to ensure your gaming stays immersive
- Ultra Connectivity: 1 × 2.5 Gbps WAN/LAN port + 1 × 1 Gbps WAN/LAN port + 3 × Gigabit LAN ports and 2 x USB ports ensure max flexibility and boosted throughput
- Expansive Coverage: 8 detachable high-performance antennas, Beamforming, high-power FEM, 4T4R combine to deliver WiFi coverage up to a 4-bedroom house
- More Devices with Less Lag: OFDMA and MU-MIMO technology deliver data to multiple devices, simultaneously
If you don’t want to go overboard with high-end gaming routers and get rid of WiFi dead zones in your 2,500 Sq Ft house, take a look at TP-Link Archer GX90.
Aside from range, it has a lot going, including a tri-band, WiFi 6, a multi-gig port, and features like the game accelerator and protector for unmatched gameplay.
WiFi Coverage & Devices Capacity
When we talk about large home routers, we typically perceive ones with multi-antennae setups or mesh systems with miles of range, and so I was a bit skeptical about its 2,500 Sq Ft stipulated value.
But installed centrally, it managed to cover my client’s 2,300 Sq Ft space in a breeze. It further builds in a OneMesh tech to further expand your range provided you’ve a relevant router/extender.
Besides, its gaming-oriented features and settings, coupled with MU-MIMO, lets me connect up to 30 gaming devices at a time. If you have a mixed setup, the numbers could go up to 42.
Speeds & Performance
TP-Link Archer GX90 is a tri-band device with a speed rating of AX6600. The speed cap on each band is as follows:
| 5 GHz (1): 4804 Mbps | 5 GHz (2): 1201 Mbps | 2.4 GHz: 574 Mbps |
When it comes to raw speeds, the device played admirably well in the tests. Its score of 801 Mbps for downloads and 658 Mbps for uploads in close-proximity test was faster than many in this range.
On the 50 feet test, it managed respective scores of 310 Mbps and 187 Mbps for downloads and uploads. But on 60 feet, I barely had any signal, with downloads maxing at 89 Mbps. That’s less than my top recommendation.
When it’s about performance, I tried playing Overwatch at a close distance. In a congested environment with videos streaming on four devices, it had an 18ms ping and 79 frames per second.
Now I turned the “game accelerator QoS” and saw a major boost in performance with respective values of 10ms and 106fps.
Ports & Connectivity
GX90 is rightly tagged as a “gaming router” with a 2.5G gaming port alongside four 1G ethernet ports. Plugging in my gaming consoles and laptops got me download speeds of up to 994 Mbps, and ping values were as low as 6ms.
The performance is even fostered with dedicated gaming-oriented features. Other than that, there are two USB ports for multiple and faster file transfers at a time.
Conclusion
If you seek a mid-range router that can handle high-end gaming, TP-Link Archer GX90 can help you get there, and it doesn’t even cost a fortune.
Armed with a tri-band setup, a multi-gig LAN/WAN port, and specialized gaming-oriented features delivered high scores in my performance tests. But speeds dropped massively at a distance, which is why it ranked sixth.
Pros
- Gamer-friendly settings
- Decent signal range
- Strong performance
- Multi-gig port
- Easy to install and configure
Cons
- Speeds dropped at a distance
7. Best Budget Mesh: Linksys Atlas MX2000
- EXPERIENCE THE POWER OF WIFI 6: Linksys Atlas 6 mesh wifi router delivers lightning-fast gigabit WiFi speeds to your entire home for uninterrupted connectivity for incredible performance
- POWERFUL MESH WIFI 6 COVERAGE: Supporting 75+ devices & up to 6,000 sq ft these mesh wireless routers provide up to 4x more WiFi capacity. An advanced Qualcomm chipset delivers an excellent mesh WiFi 6 experience for stable streaming and wire-like low latency making the Atlas 6 an excellent gaming router
- EASY SETUP & CONTROL: Wireless routers set up in minutes with the free Linksys App, allowing seamless management of your WiFi mesh network system. You can view or prioritize which connected devices are using the most WiFi from anywhere.
- SECURITY OUT OF THE BOX: With automatic firmware updates, parental controls, and separate guest networks these WiFi mesh routers allow the entire family to surf safely.
- POWERED BY INTELLIGENT MESH TECHNOLOGY: Eliminate dead zones and dynamically maximize speed with Linksys WiFi mesh networks. Expand the range of your WiFi network by adding nodes to keep your connection going strong
Next on my list is yet another mesh system, Linksys Atlas MX2000, but this one is much cheaper than my other recommendations. Besides, compared to its predecessor, it upgrades in most respects, resulting in a much better performance.
WiFi Coverage & Devices Capacity
Similar to most mesh WiFi systems, installing Atlas MX2000 was a breeze, as I just needed to tap a few options to get it done.
I installed the main node in the basement of a five-story commercial establishment (approx 5,400 Sq Ft) and the other two on the third and top floor, respectively. The signals managed to reach every corner, and even 4K streams were accessible in the outskirts.
Thanks to mesh tech, I could move up and down the floor without disconnecting. Across the entire space, I could only connect up to 71 devices at once, but there weren’t many signal drops.
Speeds & Performance
The MX2000 is a dual-band WiFi 6 system capable of a theoretical top speed of 3000 Mbps, and the split between each band is as follows:
| 5GHz: 2402 Mbps | 2.4GHz: 574 Mbps |
To get the best performance, I had the Dell XPS laptop and my AT&T Fiber 1 Gbps plan, and thankfully the mesh system stays on par with my expectations.
In my 30 feet test, it managed a respective speed of 753 Mbps and 618 Mbps for downloads and uploads.
Although it’s less than my previous recommendation, it managed to stabilize the signals even at 60 feet, averaging 471 Mbps and 356 Mbps speeds, respectively.
The performance tests, however, weren’t in line with TP-Link Archer GX90, even in close proximity, especially gaming. But other tasks like streaming, video conferencing, and others were a breeze.
Ports & Connectivity
On the back of the column, there are four WAN/LAN ports with a maximum of 1 Gbps speed but lack any link aggregation support, multi-gig, or USB ports.
Nevertheless, you can connect your bandwidth-heavy devices if the wireless capacity of the mesh system exceeds. That’s still handy for a mesh system.
Conclusion
The three-unit Linksys MX2000 is an affordable WiFi 6 mesh system, but there’s an impressive array of features on offer, which in turn yields an excellent performance. Although there aren’t any multi-gig ports or link aggregation support, its set of gigabit ports is decent for a budget mesh system.
Pros
- Stable and fast throughput
- Excellent range
- Easy to set and manage
- Handles 70+ devices
Cons
- No USB or multi-gig ports
8. Cheapest Option: ASUS RT-AX3000
- Maximum Range : 3000 Sq Ft.Power Supply: AC Input : 110V~240V(50~60Hz). DC Output : 19 V with max. 1.75 A current. DC Output : 12 V with max. 2 A current..Operating system : Microsoft Windows, Apple iOS.
- The Next Gen WiFi Standard - Future proof your home network with the next-gen WiFi 6 technology, providing up to 2. 7x faster speed than the previous WiFi generation featuring OFDMA and MU-MIMO technology.
- Ultra-Fast Wi-Fi - RT-AX3000 supports 160MHz bandwidth and 1024-QAM, boasting a total network speed of 3000 Mbps - 575Mbps on the 2. 4GHz band, and 2402GHz on the 5GHz band.
- The Most Powerful Mesh System — AiMesh technology allows you to establish an even stronger mesh WiFi system with other ASUS AiMesh compatible routers, ensuring stable and seamless whole home coverage.
- Commercial-grade network security for family - AiProtection Pro protects all the connected devices on your home network and advanced parental controls allow you to manage the family's internet usage.
As I have reached the end of my list, let me present you with a pocket-friendly yet capable routing device, the Asus RT-AX3000. Despite its price, the coverage it offers is on par and even higher than many highly-priced models.
Aside from that, its WiFi 6 and decent throughput capacity, the latest USB 3.2 port, and many networking technologies combine to deliver a reliable performance.
WiFi Coverage & Devices Capacity
Asus RT-AX3000, with its four-antennas support, comes at a stipulated range of 3,000 Sq Ft, higher than what’s expected at the price. To test its actual capacity, I installed it in a 2,500 Sq Ft Nashville test lab, and none of the spots were void of signals. So you can trust it with closed eyes if you reside in a two to three-bedroom apartment.
Not only that, it entails AiMesh tech, so you can pair it with a similar router or extender to create a seamless WiFi network across a much larger space. While satellites perform a bit slower than the main unit, the AiMesh works really well.
The device further locks in MU-MIMO and beamforming tech to establish connections on up to 25 devices. That seems subpar compared to my top choices but is adequate for a family of four to five people.
Speeds & Performance
Asus RT-AX3000 is a dual-band WiFi 6 device that claims to reach 3000 Mbps, which is the aggregation of its band capacities as follows:
| 5 GHz: 2401 Mbps | 2.4 GHz: 574 Mbps |
While testing the RT-AX3000 with AT&T 1 Gbps plan, I could get 689 Mbps for downloads and 574 Mbps for uploads at a 30 feet distance using my Dell XPS laptop.
That’s a tad less than my previous pick, but it is still remarkable. Compared to its direct competitors in this range, it’s almost 25% faster.
The distance test (60 feet) followed a similar trend when respective download and upload speeds clocked at 249 Mbps and 116 Mbps. The drop was massive, but the available speeds make space for HD video streaming, video conferencing, and other internet-bound tasks.
Ports & Connectivity
As for ports, it’s mid-range as they come. On the rear side, there’s one Gig WAN and four Gig LAN ports. There aren’t any multi-gig ports, but you probably don’t need any in a home setting. Besides, a standard USB 3.0 port makes way for external devices to connect and transfer data at a fast pace.
Conclusion
Asus RT-AX3000 earns its reputation with its impressive security features, extensive range, satisfactory data throughput, and support for WiFi 6.
If you have a household with multiple adults working remotely or streaming high-definition content and subscribe to a 1 Gbps or 500 Mbps internet plan, considering this would be a wise investment.
Pros
- Excellent range
- Budget-friendly
- Stable throughput
- Easy to install and manage
Cons
- Middling device handling capacity
Large Home WiFi Router Checklist
- Ensure the coverage range mentioned in the router’s specs is at least 15-20% more than your actual house area. For instance, if you live in a 2,000 Sq Ft apartment, then ensure that the router’s coverage is around 2,300-2,500 Sq Ft.
- A big house also means, more smart devices, and more people, so make sure that the number of devices supported by the router you are getting is almost 30% higher than the actual devices. This would make your setup perform optimally.
- Place the router in a central location, this way the signals will reach all areas and will penetrate through walls. However, if you’re not able to place it at a central location for some reason, then I’d recommend you get a mesh WiFi system.
- Prefer a tri-band router over a dual-band one, that way there’ll be less network congestion and the quality of the signal will be better across the entire house. Learn the differences.
- Make sure that the one you pick is capable of handling the internet plan you’re subscribed to. There’s no point in getting a 300 Mbps router for a 1 Gbps connection similarly getting a gigabit router for 300-400 Mbps won’t make sense unless you’re planning to upgrade to a faster plan.
For more such tips, read my comprehensive router buying guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
You need a long-range WiFi router that integrates powerful antennas and technologies like MU-MIMO to cover anything greater than a 2,000 Sq Ft area.
A mesh system works a bit differently than traditional routers, which makes them a good fit for multistory or large houses where you want to pass seamless WiFi signals through walls. These usually come in a 2-3 unit, where one acts as the main hub, while others function as nodes. The main hub sends signals to the nodes, which are further redirected to client devices, which is why extensive coverage.
There are many ways to do that, and here are a few:
– Find an optimal place
– Purchase a mesh WiFi kit
– Purchase a new and better router
– Get a WiFi booster/extender
– Purchase separate powerline adapters
– Switch from 5 GHz to 2.4 GHz
With the upgrade, the WiFi 6 brings many channels, allowing for less congestion and faster data transfer. It means you get faster and more consistent speeds with WiFi 6 in single and multiple devices connected.
The standard has better safety protocols and is backward compatible with WiFi 4 and WiFi 5, among other standards.
Verdict
That’s it for my recommendations on routers suitable for large homes. I hope you’ve enjoyed reading this and could make a better decision. However, if you’re still stuck, here’s my curated list of recommendations:
- If you need a future-proof router and don’t want to compromise on its features, then ASUS ROG GT-AXE16000 should be your ideal pick.
- If you live in a multi-story house and need a reliable mesh WiFi system, check out the TP-Link Deco XE75 Pro.
- Lastly, if you want a good budget option, ASUS RT-AX3000 should be the ultimate choice.
That’s all for now!
