Do you struggle to get stable signals in distant areas of your house? This is due to the limited WiFi range of your current router. Although WiFi extenders are available, they only offer one-fourth speed. This is where long-range routers should be beneficial.
Wireless coverage is one of the key ingredients that can send signals to a longer distance, but there are different setups you can go to based on your usage and needs. For instance, a mesh system is your best bet for large multi-level houses or workplaces.
But then, finding an ideal device takes a bit of work, especially when there are many options, networking terms, technologies, gimmicks, etc. Worry not, after testing over 19 different routers in large farmhouses, I’ve made the list of the 9 best options.
So, without further ado, let’s dig in.
The 9 Best WiFi Routers for Long Range in 2024
Being a networking nerd, I understand the criteria as to what makes the router best apart from a long WiFi range capacity. So, for the past three months, I got my hands on 19 routers with an extended range in large homes with varying structures. And I thoroughly checked each for speeds, coverage, stability, and more.
Based on the obtained results, I selected only 9 options that would meet the expectations of different users and families. Other than that, you’ll have all types of options ranging from a high-end to mid-range and a low-end budget choice.
1. Best Overall: Netgear Nighthawk RAXE500
- WiFi Range: Up to 3,500 Sq Ft
- Number of Devices Supported: 60
- Wireless Standard: Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax)
- Supported Internet Plan: Up to 2 Gbps
- Total Speed Capacity: 11000 Mbps
- Band Frequency: Tri-Band
- Ports: 1 x 2.5G LAN + 1 x Gig WAN + 4 x Gig LAN + 2 x USB 3.0
- Processor: 1.8GHz Quad-core
- RAM & NAND Memory: 1GB + 512MB
- App Support: Yes
Kicking off the list with a top WiFi 6e router, Netgear Nighthawk RAXE500 packs a multitude of high-end features to be tagged as the best wireless router to cover long areas. Besides faster speeds, aftermath to the latest wireless standards, and a powerful processor, it instils a multi-gig port, ample storage space, and excellent coverage.
Compared to its predecessor, RAXE450, you might not find many upgrades except throughput capacity, but it has brought in a more stable and consistent bandwidth.
Why is it suited for long-range?
Standalone routers aren’t known for their long wireless coverage, and what the Nighthawk RAXE500 offers is the highest you can get. Testing it in a 3,700 Sq Ft thick-walled setting, my calculated range is around 3,000 Sq Ft, covering most of my space.
This was possible with eight powerful internal antennas that work seamlessly with beamforming to boost the signal strength at distant parts of your house.
Alongside, the router infuses technologies like OFDMA and MU-MIMO, which complements each other to increase the efficiency of a router by reducing latency and further strengthening the signals transmitted to multiple devices.
Courtesy of these, the router could connect up to 40 devices at a stretch and not experience episodes of lags or buffers.
Wireless Speeds
The tri-band WiFi 6E supported RAXE500 has an aggregated speed of 11000 Mbps, distributed over the respective bands as:
| 6 GHz: 4.8 Gbps | 5 GHz: 4.8 Gbps | 2.4 GHz: 1.2 Gbps |
So it’s a smart choice to pair a 2 Gbps plan, and the same by Xfinity had excellent results over all three bands. Starting with the 6 GHz band, downloads were extremely fast, with values at 1.89 Gbps, while over the 5 GHz band, it was 1.78 Gbps. The upload speeds for the respective bands were around 932 Mbps and 907 Mbps.
At the same time, speeds on the 2.4 GHz band were recorded at 1.1 Gbps and 514 Mbps. All the speeds were recorded over a device placed 5 feet away from the router.
Courtesy of MU-MIMO and OFDMA, the speeds over a 30 feet distance are still decent, with a mere 25% drop. So, playing games or streaming 4K movies didn’t feel much of an effort, even at a fair distance away.
Ports & Wired Connectivity
Netgear RAXE500 inculcates a dedicated gaming port on its rear panel that supports speeds of up to 2500 Mbps, which is great news for a superfast internet plan.
With the available 2 Gbps plan, the download and upload speeds could reach up to 1.97 Gbps and 987 Mbps, a tad faster than wireless speeds. There’re also four LAN ports that support up to Gigabit speeds.
Furthermore, its two USB 3.0 ports make way for faster file transfer. At 95 Mbps, transferring a 1.5GB file containing images, videos, and audio to a USB drive took only 15-20 minutes.
Security Features
The router loses some points in this section as you don’t get much for free and must subscribe to Netgear Armor if you want a security upgrade. In case you don’t intend to throw in some extra cash, some handy features are in place, like guest access, WPA3, VPN, access control, and auto-firmware update.
It might not seem much, but it does a decent job of providing basic security to your network ecosystem. Similar is with parental controls, as only network pausing and internet dashboard features are available for free.
Conclusion
Nighthawk RAXE500 is probably the best long-range standalone router available on the market. Aside from longer coverage, it scores screamers in most departments, including speeds, security, and stability.
However, its premium price might make many opt out of purchasing this, but if you don’t have a constrained budget, it’s worth every penny of your investment.
If you wish to learn more about this device, check out its dedicated review.
Pros
- Wi-Fi 6E
- Tri-band operation
- Exceptional WiFi coverage
- Great throughput capacity
- Multi-gig port
Cons
- Doesn’t bundle Netgear Armor security
- Expensive
2. Best for Gaming at Distances: ASUS ROG GT-AX11000
- WiFi Range: Up to 3,000 Sq Ft
- Number of Devices Supported: 100+
- Wireless Standard: Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
- Supported Internet Plan: Up to 2 Gbps
- Total Speed Capacity: 11000 Mbps
- Band Frequency: Tri-Band
- Ports: 1 x 2.5G LAN + 1 x Gig WAN + 4 x Gig LAN + 2 x USB 3.1
- Processor: 1.8GHz Quad-Core
- RAM & NAND Memory: 1GB + 256MB
- App Support: Yes
If you have established a gaming den in your residential space, then Asus ROG GT-AX11000 should be an ideal pick. Its powerful antennas and quad-core processor resonate well with specific gaming-centric features like triple-level game acceleration, a dedicated gaming port, and a game packet to amplify your experience.
Compared to its older model, ROG Rapture GT-AX6000, there are plenty of upgrades in multiple departments which translates to its improved performance.
Why is it suited for long-range?
The range of a router is altered by a number of factors, including the antenna type, transmission power, and location they are in.
ROG GT-AX11000 instils eight external antennas, which seamlessly pair with other technologies like MU-MIMO, beamforming, and others to send strong signals far away and over multiple devices.
In my tests, over 2,500 Sq Ft and 35 gaming consoles (Xbox, Playstation 4 & 5, and others) setup, the router performed well. I hosted a Fifa 23 gaming tournament with my friends that lasted for over six hours without any lags, throttles, and only frustration over their poor performances.
Wireless Speeds
The tri-band WiFi 6 setup of GT-AX11000 has an aggregated theoretical speed of 11000 Mbps, with band-wise speeds as follows:
| 5 GHz (2): 4804 Mbps | 5 GHz (1): 4804 Mbps | 2.4 GHz: 1147 Mbps |
Similar to my previous recommendation, speed tests were carried on with the Xfinity 2 Gbps plan. The downloads over the 5 GHz and 2.4 GHz bands in the proximity test were recorded at 1.81 Gbps and 1.07 Gbps, respectively.
At the same time, upload speed values raked at around 925 Mbps and 504 Mbps. So, it’s safe to say the Asus router has an exceptional throughput capacity.
Now in the 30-feet distance tests, the performance was also great, with only 30-35% speed drops. You can connect your gaming consoles to the router seated two walls away and still stay void of any inconsistencies, thanks to MU-MIMO and OFDMA.
Ports & Wired Connectivity
You get a decent selection of ports on the ROG GT-AX11000, with a 2.5 Gbps WAN and four Gigabit LAN ports. The multi-gig port is capable of downloading files at 1.94 Gbps and uploads at 994 Mbps, that is, 10% more speeds than in wireless connections.
Aside from that, there are two USB 3.1 Gen 1 ports that support an increase in file transfer speeds from my previous suggestion.
Security Features
Security is another standout aspect of this top-tier router, as you get access to many advanced features with AiProtection Pro without paying anything.
Its advanced firewall protects your network and devices from external and unwanted elements like malware and viruses, alongside identifying and blocking any malicious website. Aside from that, there are some standard features like WPA3, VPN, guest access, and auto-firmware update for added protection.
The router also ingrains advanced parental controls. Features like scheduled access, time limit, website blocking, internet dashboard, and age-based filters make any digital mother aware of their child’s online activities and prevent if any seems unsuitable.
Conclusion
Overall, ROG GT-AX11000 is one of the top gaming-specific routers with a long range and some gaming-centric features. It let you play heavy games with minimal latency. Apart from that, it offers lifetime-free AiProtetion security tools to keep your gaming and other sensitive data safe from external malicious agents.
For more details, read my full review of the ROG GT-AX11000.
Pros
- Wi-Fi 6 + Tri-Band
- Exceptional speeds
- Sends strong signals
- Has a multi-gig port
- Gaming-centric features
- Free advanced security tools
Cons
- Premium price
3. Best Mesh WiFi for Large Homes: TP-Link Deco XE75
- WiFi Range: Up to 7,200 Sq Ft
- Number of Devices Supported: 200+
- Wireless Standard: Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax)
- Supported Internet Plan: Up to 1 Gbps
- Total Speed Capacity: 5400 Mbps
- Band Frequency: Tri-Band
- Ports: 3 x 1 Gig Ports on Each Unit
- Processor: 1.7GHz Quad-Core
- RAM & NAND Memory: N/A
- App Support: Yes
Mesh systems are the ultimate solution for large multi-story houses with poor signal range or WiFi dead spots. TP-Link Deco XE75, with an upwards theoretical coverage of 7,200 Sq Ft, shall eliminate all of your coverage issues once and for all.
You can expect your large home or workplace to be a piece of cake for this routing device. It’s further complemented by an additional 6 GHz band (WiFi 6e) and a powerful processor to deliver a lightning-fast performance.
Why is it suited for long-range?
Beholding its massive theoretical wireless range, I tested this mesh WiFi in my friend’s large 6,100 Sq Ft office, and unsurprisingly enough, it enveloped the entire space with powerful signals. You can expand its range to a few hundred square feet by placing the node in an optimal location or adding a few more nodes to the setup.
Besides range, the device excels in terms of stability and consistency, all credit goes to its beamforming antennas, alongside MU-MIMO and QoS.
Despite connecting 85 devices at once and performing tasks like video conferencing, streaming, and gaming, there weren’t any throttles or inconsistencies. My friend was delighted with the performance his employees could attain with it installed.
Wireless Speeds
Boasting the latest WiFi 6e setup with an additional 6 GHz band, its theoretical speeds max out at 5400 Mbps, with individual band-wise speeds at:
| 6 GHz: 2402 Mbps | 5 GHz: 2402 Mbps | 2.4 GHz: 574 Mbps |
When it comes to actual speeds, the mesh system could yield great performance with the Cox 1 Gbps plan. Download speeds were massive, especially on the 6 GHz and 5 GHz bands, valued at 974 Mbps and 942 Mbps, respectively.
Similarly, the upload speeds on the respective bands clocked at 521 Mbps and 489 Mbps. Such were the speeds over a 5-foot distance.
Increasing the gap between the router and devices had a 15% speed drop, much lesser than my previous recommendations. As a result, the faraway band had an almost even speed of 587 Mbps and 243 Mbps over both distances. It allowed me to play any games or stream content in 4K.
Ports & Wired Connectivity
This department is where the router falls very short of full marks; as compared to my previous options, it lacks a multi-gig port and entails only three Gigabit ports.
But if you are a 1 Gig IP subscriber, it would rather be convenient as your gaming consoles would run games at 1.02 Gbps downloads and 575 Mbps upload speeds.
Besides, the ping value decreased from 8ms to 3ms, which means a considerable fall in latencies and lags.
Security Features
Unlike Asus routers, you don’t get too many advanced security tools for free. However, it entails some handy features for free with TP-Link HomeShield Basic. These include guest access, WPA3, access controls, VPN, and access control, delivering basic security to your smart home setup.
However, there are a few advanced parental controls like scheduled access, an internet dashboard, and age-based filters. So digital mothers have the power to protect their kids from the dangers of being online.
Conclusion
TP-Link Deco XE75, with faster throughput, and a strong and stable network performance, qualifies as the longest-range wireless router. So, if you live in a 2-3 story house with plenty of devices, this mesh router should be your go-to solution.
But the lack of multi-gig ports and lesser throughput capacity than previous suggestions has pushed it down the list. Learn more in its full review.
Pros
- Seamless mesh network
- Whole home coverage
- Uncongested 6 GHz band
- Great Gigabit speeds
- Easy setup & management
Cons
- No multi-gig port
4. Best Under $200: Linksys MR9610
- WiFi Range: Up to 3,000 Sq Ft
- Number of Devices Supported: 40+
- Wireless Standard: Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
- Supported Internet Plan: Up to 1 Gbps
- Total Speed Capacity: 6000 Mbps
- Band Frequency: Dual-Band
- Ports: 1 x Gig WAN + 4 x Gig LAN + 2 x USB 3.0
- Processor: 1.8GHz Quad-Core
- RAM & NAND Memory: N/A
- App Support: Yes
If you are in quest of a sub $200 router that comes with a long wireless range, Linksys MR9610 should be your ideal pick. It brings features like Wi-Fi 6, highly-amplified antennas, a quad-core processor, and multiple ports to deliver a top-tier performance, much better than MR9600.
Why is it suited for long range?
Despite its simple setup, its antennas are powerful enough to cover an area of up to 2,700 Sq Ft, the size of a mid-size two-bedroom apartment. Even the corners which used to run out of signals should now be filled enough to play heavy games like Valorant, Destiny 2, and Fortnite.
Aside from that, MU-MIMO and beamforming further assist in transmitting consistent signals to multiple devices at once. Over 30 devices could be connected concurrently without bottling down the network.
Wireless Speeds
This dual-band Wi-Fi 6 router has a maximum throughput capacity of 6000 Mbps, with speeds distributed over the bands as:
| 5 GHz: 4804 Mbps | 2.4 GHz: 1147 Mbps |
In my throughput tests with Cox 1 Gbps connection, both bands had a decent performance. Its 5 GHz band clocked download and upload speeds of 954 Mbps and 327 Mbps, while respective values for the 2.4 GHz band were 497 Mbps and 216 Mbps. All the speeds were measured over a 5 feet distance.
At the same time, there was a 40% speed drop when devices were moved around 30 feet away from the router. Irrespective of that, the leftover speeds should be enough for your streaming or gaming activities.
Ports & Wired Connectivity
The Port setup of Linksys MR9610 is decent, totalling five Gigabit ports (4 LAN & 1 WAN) alongside two USB 3.0 ports.
Although it lacks a multi-gig port, you can pair your devices with it to yield maximum speeds of 987 Mbps and 528 Mbps, respectively, for downloads and uploads. Besides, its two USB 3.0 ports are for faster file transfer speeds to your peripheral devices.
Security Features
This is also the area where MR9610 loses some points, as the router has no premium or free advanced security features on offer. Only a few basic ones, as in my previous suggestion, except access control, are accessible for the users.
This way, only your residential network ecosystem and the data shared over it are safe from outsiders.
Conclusion
To sum up, Linksys MR9610 stands out amongst the routers in the similar price bracket courtesy of its faster speeds, powerful antennas, and multi-device connectivity.
Its signals can travel as far as 2,700 Sq Ft, so your mid-sized apartment should be filled with an internet connection. But the lack of advanced security features has pushed it down to the fourth position.
Pros
- Wi-Fi 6 support
- Great WiFi coverage
- Faster file transfer
- Decent throughput
- Reasonable price
Cons
- No tri-band support
- Lacks advanced security tools
5. Best Parental Controls: Gryphon Tower
- WiFi Range: Up to 3,000 Sq Ft
- Number of Devices Supported: 30+
- Wireless Standard: Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
- Supported Internet Plan: Up to 1 Gbps
- Total Speed Capacity: 3000 Mbps
- Band Frequency: Tri-Band
- Ports: 1 x Gig WAN + 3 x Gig LAN
- Processor: Quad-Core
- RAM & NAND Memory: 512MB + 4GB
- App Support: Yes
Next on my list is an affordable mesh router, Gryphon Tower which is ideal for parents who seek powerful parental controls. Aside from that, its decent throughput capacity courtesy of tri-band support, a quad-core processor, and ample storage stands it out amongst extended-range wireless routers.
Why is it suited for long range?
Mesh routers are the best bet for large homes. The single-pack Gryphon tower, with its powerful antennas, can send powerful signals to an area of up to 2,500 Sq Ft. You can further expand its range by adding another node to the mesh network.
Moving on, the Gryphon Tower also entails technologies like beamforming, MU-MIMO, and QoS to stabilize the signals transmitted to multiple devices. The numbers can go up to 25, which is probably ideal for any residential network setup.
Wireless Speeds
The dual-band WiFi 5 support mesh system has an aggregated speed of 3000 Mbps, with band-wise distribution as follows:
| 5 GHz: 2400 Mbps | 2.4 GHz: 600 Mbps |
To get near-gigabit speeds for my clients, I paired the router to the Xfinity Gigabit plan, and the results were quite optimistic. Over the near band, downloads happened at a rate of 911 Mbps, while upload rates were valued at 423 Mbps.
At the same time, the downloads and uploads on the 2.4 GHz band clocked at 457 Mbps and 208 Mbps, respectively. Similar to proximity test results, I measured the speeds on the respective bands at a 30 feet distance.
Although there wasn’t much drop in the speed values over 2.4 GHz, a 30% drop was observed on the 5 GHz band. Despite that, tasks like UHD streaming, casual gaming, and video conferencing felt like a cakewalk.
Ports & Wired Connectivity
Despite lacking multi-gig ports, its four Gigabit ports do the job by pairing with any 1 Gbps plan and getting your downloads in no time with speeds around 987 Mbps, and uploads fared out at 479 Mbps.
A few Mbps boost in speeds improves the frame rates from 75fps to 82fps, which means you won’t get kicked out of the lobby due to a lost connection.
However, there aren’t any USB ports, so there goes the possibility of connecting peripheral devices down the drain.
Security Features
Security is the hero aspect of this mesh router, as you get access to some advanced security features without paying anything. There’s a firewall that prevents entry of any intrusions and unwanted agents like viruses, malware, and other malicious agents.
Aside from that, features like VPN, WPA3, and guest access, make sure your identity and shared data over the network are never compromised.
Parental controls are also a standout aspect of this routing device. With features like an internet dashboard to check through your kids’ online activities, scheduled access to set a time when a device can stay online, and an age-based filter to block some inappropriate websites.
So, without paying anything, digital parents have the power to control their kids’ online activities in their hands.
Conclusion
Gryphon Tower is a value buy that delivers a decent performance in most departments, including range, speeds, and importantly, security and parental controls. But the lack of the latest WiFi standard and USB port have pushed it down the list.
Pros
- Tri-Band operation
- Powerful security tools
- Excellent parental controls
- Decent wireless coverage
- Decent speeds
- User-friendly interface
Cons
- No Wi-Fi 6
- No USB port
6. Best for Small Businesses: Netgear Nighthawk RAX54S
Do you need a powerful yet highly secure router for your small business? RAX54S comes with 1-year free access to advanced Netgear Armor security worth $99.
- WiFi Range: Up to 2,500 Sq Ft
- Number of Devices Supported: 25+
- Wireless Standard: Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
- Supported Internet Plan: Up to 1 Gbps
- Total Speed Capacity: 5400 Mbps
- Band Frequency: Dual-Band
- Ports: 1 x WAN + 4 x Gig LAN + 1 x USB 3.0
- Processor: 1.5GHz Triple-Core
- RAM & NAND Memory: 512MB + 256MB
- App Support: Yes
Of all the Netgear routers I recommend, Nighthawk RAX54S is easily the best choice for small businesses, courtesy of reasonable price, great throughput capacity, decent range, and importantly, a free 1-year subscription to Netgear Armor security suite.
This means, Nighthawk RAX54S encases almost everything you want in your business network setup. Also, it’s worth noting that the same hardware on this is same as Netgear RAX50 but this one is more affordable and surprisingly one with premium security for free.
Why is it suited for long range?
Range-wise, with a maximum 2,500 Sq Ft range, it readily covers a small business. But the best part is you get mesh tech support which allows you to pair a compatible Netgear WiFi extender like EX6250 to extend the range to another 2,000 Sq Ft area.
Moving on, the device capacity of RAX54S isn’t as great as in my previous suggestions. However, courtesy of MU-MIMO and beamforming, my 20-22 devices didn’t experience any throttles or lags.
Wireless Speeds
The dual-band 802.11ax WiFi 6 router boasts an aggregated speed of 5400 Mbps distributed over its two bands as follows:
| 5 GHz: 4804 Mbps | 2.4 GHz: 574 Mbps |
To test out how the router performs in a real-life setting, I paired an Xfinity Gigabit plan and connected my Dell laptop on both the bands and measured download and upload speeds on each.
Over the 5 GHz band, the values were recorded at 876 Mbps and 345 Mbps, while respective speeds were around 389 Mbps and 142 Mbps over the 2.4 GHz band.
The recorded speeds over the bands were stable enough even after streaming UHD movies on Netflix and playing games on my Xbox 360.
Ports & Wired Connectivity
Netgear RAX54S obtains decent scores in this department with a total of five Gigabit Ethernet ports. The speeds over the wired connection clocked at 979 Mbps and 465 Mbps, respectively, for downloads and uploads.
So, a decent upgrade in speeds over a wireless connection would let you play games at much less latency and greater frame rates, in turn, an improved performance.
Security Features
The RAX54S has built-in security features, such as guest network access, automatic firmware updates, WPA3 security protocol, standard-based WiFi security, and VPN support. These features help to secure your home network and devices, ensuring the safe flow of data and protection against external threats.
Conclusion
Netgear RAX54S establishes the right balance of features, performance, and cost. It excels in most departments, be its decent speeds, coverage, ports, or security. Overall, at $160, it’s a great all-around package.
Pros
- Great speeds
- Extensive coverage with a WiFi extender
- Decent security
- Five Gigabit ports
Cons
- No USB ports
- Coverage isn’t great with the standalone router
7. Best Budget WiFi 6 Router: TP-Link Archer AX55
- WiFi Range: Up to 2,500 Sq Ft
- Number of Devices Supported: 30+
- Wireless Standard: Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
- Supported Internet Plan: 500 Mbps
- Total Speed Capacity: 3000 Mbps
- Band Frequency: Dual-Band
- 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
Next, presenting you with a budget WiFi 6 router, TP-Link Archer AX55, which performs well in most regards. And courtesy of the new Qualcomm chip, it gets you a much-improved performance than its preceding model, Archer AX50. The wireless performance is faster, stronger, and especially more consistent and stable.
Why is it suited for long range?
With a theoretical range of 2,500 Sq Ft, the router is good enough for transmitting signals throughout most settings, and my tests confirm that. At a stretch, you can receive signals to an area of up to 2,300 Sq Ft, the size of a mid-sized apartment.
Archer AX55 also comes with OneMesh support. It means you can pair it with TP-Link extenders or OneMesh-compatible TP-Link routers. Having the latter has many benefits over the former, as there are no instances of speed drops, and you get a better roaming and centralized function.
Aside from that, the router accommodates features like MU-MIMO and OFDMA, which further boosts its transmission capability. You can receive signals on up to 24 devices without experiencing any throttles or breakdowns.
Wireless Speeds
With dual-band WiFi 6 support, the maximum theoretical capacity of the router is 3000 Mbps, with respective band-wise speeds as follows:
| 5 GHz: 2401 Mbps | 2.4 GHz: 574 Mbps |
Archer AX55 has improved significantly over the device it replaces and delivers a replicable and consistent performance despite putting it under stress for a few days.
Over the 5 GHz band with Cox 500 Mbps plan, respective speeds for downloads and uploads were around 474 Mbps and 154 Mbps. At the same time, respective values for the 2.4 GHz were around 241 Mbps and 62 Mbps.
The speeds weren’t as top-flight as with my previous recommendations, but it still gets the job done. Games like Destiny 2, Valorant, and RDR 2 ran at 65fps on my Xbox 360 ran at 65fps and had 4K streams running on my smart TVs.
Ports & Wired Connectivity
Ports aren’t that extravagant, as in top options, but it gets most of your bandwidth-hungry devices covered.
Its five Gigabit LAN & WAN ports get your download speeds as high as 503 Mbps, and the best part is, you can even pair your 1 Gig plan to get near-gigabit speeds. Aside from that, its two USB ports foster connections with peripheral devices.
Security Features
Again, like most TP-Link routers, you have to pay a subscription fee to access its advanced security features. But there are a few basic features on offer with HomeShield Basic that help keep your network and devices safe from access. Its WPA3 encryption keeps the data transferred over the network safe and secured.
Its parental controls aren’t also very advanced, but some handy features like scheduled network pausing, blocking websites based on category and checking daily internet usage quota. Such lets you monitor the network usage of minors now that e-learning has become mainstream now.
Conclusion
All in all, Archer AX55 is a budget-friendly choice with reliable performance. It may not cover your entire house, but you can always pair an extender or a OneMesh-compatible device if needed. Besides, its speeds are good enough to let you easily complete most internet-bound tasks.
Pros
- Wi-Fi 6 standard
- Stable performance
- Versatile port setup
- Spreads strong signals
- Pocket-friendly price
- OneMesh compatible
Cons
- No major con at this price
8. Best for Google Ecosystem: Google Nest WiFi
- WiFi Range: Up to 5,400 Sq Ft
- Number of Devices Supported: 100
- Wireless Standard: Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
- Supported Internet Plan: 500 Mbps
- Total Speed Capacity: 2200 Mbps
- Band Frequency: Dual-Band
- Ports: 2 x Gig LAN
- Processor: 1.4GHz Quad-Core 64-bit ARM
- RAM & NAND Memory: 1GB + 4GB
- App Support: Yes
A handy mesh system with a decent range of features that gives an all-around performance and doesn’t costs much should be at the top of everyone’s list with a limited budget.
Google Nest WiFi, despite being old, inculcates a lot in its arsenal, be it in terms of speed, coverage, and device capacity, making it standards high than the model it replaces, Google WiFi.
Why is it suited for long range?
With a theoretical range of 5,400 Sq Ft, you’d expect the Google mesh system to easily envelope your large home. In my tests, the signals could travel up to 4,500 Sq Ft, which was still more than enough for my apartment-style house.
Not only could I enjoy my favorite movies sitting anywhere in the house, but the performance was also similar in the garage and garden.
Aside from that, the mesh system entails beamforming, QoS, and MU-MIMO, making it an ideal fit for a smart house setup. At a stretch, you can connect up to 65 devices without experiencing any inconsistencies or lags.
Wireless Speeds
Google Nest WiFi boasts an aggregated speed of 2200 Mbps, which is distributed over its bands as:
| 5 GHz: 1733 Mbps | 2.4 GHz: 400 Mbps |
To gauge its performance in real-life, I paired it with the Cox 500 Mbps plan and tested the download and upload speeds over the available bands.
And unsurprisingly, the performance was decent. Over the 5 GHz band, the values fared at 421 Mbps and 124 Mbps, while for the 2.4 GHz band, it was around 207 Mbps and 63 Mbps, respectively. All these were measured over a 5-feet distance.
The Nest, however, excelled in my 40-foot distance tests, as the speeds only dropped by 25%-30%, much less than most devices on my list. At a top 300 Mbps speed, the smart TV, speaker, laptops, and even gaming consoles ran fine.
Ports & Wired Connectivity
As with most mesh systems, you won’t find many ports with Nest WiFi. The three Gig ports are, however, compatible with Gigabit plans, and pairing with such can get you speeds around 974 Mbps and 487 Mbps, respectively, for downloads and uploads.
Besides an upgrade in wireless speeds, you have access to an interference-free network on your connected devices.
Security Features
Security isn’t a hero feature of this mesh WiFi, but there are some handy features like a firewall, TLS, WPA3, and an auto-firmware update.
Its firewall isn’t very advanced but does a decent job of preventing any unauthorized device from accessing the bandwidth and detecting any malicious websites.
Besides, TLS creates a safe path for datasets to travel from the router to the devices, and WPA3 works to keep these in an encrypted form. So, despite being the cheapest mesh system, it does protect your network from getting compromised.
Conclusion
In short, Nest WiFi from Google is a suitable mid-range option for those seeking to switch from a standalone router to a mesh system. With a strong signal range, decent speeds, and security features, it’s a great choice for those in Google’s Ecosystem.
However, lesser features and inferior performance than my previous picks have pushed it to the penultimate position. Read the full review.
Pros
- Decent security features
- Great device handling capacity
- Easy to install & manage
- Covers large homes with ease
- Decent throughput
- Reasonable price
Cons
- Wi-Fi 5 standard
- No USB port
9. Chepest Option: ASUS RT-AC67P
- WiFi Range: Up to 3,000 Sq Ft
- Number of Devices Supported: 12+
- Wireless Standard: Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
- Supported Internet Plan: Up to 300 Mbps
- Total Speed Capacity: 1900 Mbps
- Band Frequency: Dual-Band
- Ports: 1 x WAN + 4 x Gig LAN + 1 x USB 3.0
- Processor: MediaTek MT7762N
- RAM & NAND Memory: 128MB + 128MB
- App Support: Yes
Last but not least, presenting you with a cheap router that has a long WiFi range. Asus RT-AC67P delivers a decent performance in terms of speeds, wireless or wired, and gets most of your internet-bound devices up and running.
When you compare it to my previous recommendation, it has got a new-gen USB port for faster file transfer.
Why is it suited for long range?
In my range tests, the Asus router performed exceedingly well, as its three antennas could cover an area of up to 2,650 Sq Ft, much higher than most budget WiFi routers. My test lab was completely enveloped with strong signals, and he could attend video calls seated two walls away from the routing device.
But the device capacity is the aspect that I found extremely disappointing. The lack of technologies like OFDMA and MU-MIMO meant signals weren’t stable, and you couldn’t connect plenty of devices to the bandwidth.
The maximum numbers it could reach were around 10, comprising laptops, smart TV, mobile devices, and gaming console.
Wireless Speeds
The device features a dual-band Wi-Fi 5 setup with maximum speeds lying at 1900 Mbps. Its respective band-wise speeds are as follows:
| 5 GHz: 1300 Mbps | 2.4 GHz: 600 Mbps |
So, I paired the Asus RT-AC67P to the Cox 300 Mbps plan, and the speeds were decent, especially over the near band. The downloads and uploads over the 5 GHz band clocked at 271 Mbps and 87 Mbps, while over the 2.4 GHz band, it was placed at 79 Mbps and 12 Mbps, respectively.
The lower speed output over the faraway band was pretty disappointing. However, connected to the 5 GHz band, you can engage in UHD video streaming, casual gaming, video calling, and other internet-bound activities with ease.
Ports & Wired Connectivity
This is the area where the router redeems itself after a few setbacks in the speed and connectivity departments. It inculcates four Gigabit LAN ports that support speeds of up to 1 Gbps, providing you with an opportunity to experience gigabit speeds with wired connections.
If you don’t have access to it, your 300 Mbps plan should give out speeds of 307 Mbps and 105 Mbps, respectively, for downloads and uploads.
Aside from that, there’s a new Gen 3.1 USB port, which I didn’t see in many top-shelf options as well. Compared to its older generation (USB 3.0), it brings along upgrades in terms of speed and consistency.
And as a result, I could transfer a 1.5GB file to my flash drive in around 15 minutes at a speed of 95 Mbps.
Security Features
The Asus RT-AC67P boasts six layers of enhanced network security, including SPI and NAT firewalls, guest network access, VPN, automatic firmware updates, access controls, and WPA2 protocols.
While it lacks advanced features, the router still effectively maintains network security and protects data. Similarly, with parental controls, you’ve got features like network pausing and tracking online time.
These features, I reckon, are sufficient for residential network setups, but if you need advanced protection for your saved sensitive data, install a third-party antivirus powered by Bitdefender and Tenda Micro.
Conclusion
Asus RT-AC67P is a viable example of “big things often come in small packages”. Although it lags a bit when multiple devices are connected, it excels in delivering signals to a long distance and does a decent job of keeping your devices secured.
Pros
- Great near-band speeds
- Excellent coverage
- Great cost vs value
- Faster file transfer performance
- Dependable performance
Cons
- Supports only 15-20 devices at once
Frequently Asked Questions
As far as my tests go, the TP-Link Deco XE75 mesh router has a maximum range among the ones listed here. Theoretically, it can cover an area of up to 7,200 Sq Ft, and the actual results aren’t very far from it, making it an ideal device for any setup, irrespective of its size.
And if you are searching for a standalone routing unit, Netgear Nighthawk RAXE500 is the best option for distance.
Mesh systems are known for their massive coverage, and the highest maximum area a mesh router can cover is up to 10,000 Sq Ft. It’s only suitable for only a few settings. And if you are in for a standalone device, the maximum coverage you can attain is around 3,500 Sq Ft.
Mesh WiFi is for people who reside in a multi-story house with incomplete or weak WiFi coverage. Although if you’re living in a house that’s not more than 3,500 Sq Ft, you should prefer a standalone router.
It’s much cheaper and offers much better and more advanced features along with performance than many mesh systems.
If you want to experience your internet to a few extra feet and don’t intend to change the router you’re using, you can always pair an extender to it. But it has a few disadvantages, especially in terms of speed. If you’re low on a budget, you can consider long range WiFi extenders.
Verdict
If you’re in search of a wireless router with the best possible range, it’s advisable to check how many antennas, and technologies like MU-MIMO, OFDMA, or/and QoSit integrate. For larger homes, consider a router that covers an area of 3,000 to 4,000 square feet to reduce dead zones and support multiple device connections.
I hope this article has helped you get your hands on the best-suited option for your needs. If not, here’s my curated list:
- If you want a standalone router with a strong signal range and advanced technologies, Netgear Nighthawk RAXE500 is your best bet.
- Next, if you have a much larger house to cover, and need a mesh system, go for TP-Link Deco XE75. And Google Nest WiFi would be the budget mesh WiFi with massive coverage.
- Lastly, if you want a cheaper yet reliable option, go for Asus RT-AC67P. It can envelop your 2,600 Sq Ft house with strong and stable signals.
There are other options available besides the ones mentioned to manage the bandwidth requirements of a large space. However, the ultimate choice should be based on the tasks, preferences, and internet plan you have.
