Do you have a lot of smart devices and established a home automation ecosystem? Does your old router can’t handle it well? It’s time to get a smart home WiFi router that lets you smartly control gadgets & appliances at your fingertips and voice commands.
Being an automation enthusiast, I’ve tested many routers for my client’s complete smart home project. In my opinion, you must heed some fundamental factors like speeds, WiFi range, multi-device connectivity, and Google/Alexa voice assistant compatibility.
But again, numerous options seem perfect based on their spec sheets, and certainly, not all of them would make it to real-world performance. After testing 19 routers for my biggest smart home project, I can recommend the following 8 options for different budgets & preferences:
- Best All-Around: TP-Link Archer AX90
- Best Runner-Up: Netgear RAX50
- Best for Gamers: ASUS RT-AX82U
- Best Value: Linksys MR9610
- Best Mesh System: Orbi RBK752
- Best with Wi-Fi 6E: TP-Link Deco XE75
- Best for Google Ecosystem: Google Nest WiFi
- Best Budget Router: ASUS RT-AX55
8 Best Routers for Smart Homes in 2024
As mentioned earlier, the list includes diverse options to meet various requirements. The list starts with the top-performing models, followed by mid-tier and entry-level yet efficient devices. Go through their detailed reviews and make an informed decision.
1. Best Overall: TP-Link Archer AX90
- Suitable Plan: 2 Gigabit Internet
- Voice Assistant Support: Yes (Amazon Alexa)
- WiFi Range: Up to 2,500 Sq Ft
- Number of Devices Supported: 40+
- Wireless Standard: Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
- Band Frequency: Dual Band
- App Support: Yes
TP-Link’s Archer AX90 is a souped-up version of Archer AX73 with an additional 5 GHz band for faster congestion-free data transmission. Other than that, its top features include a 2.5 Gbps internet port, excellent speeds, and great coverage.
Speeds & Devices Capacity
TP-Link Archer AX90 boasts a Wi-Fi 6 tri-band setup with maximum theoretical speeds of 6600 Mbps. Its band-wise speeds are as follows:
| 5 GHz (1): 4804 Mbps | 5 GHz (2): 1201 Mbps | 2.4 GHz: 574 Mbps |
Paired with Google Fiber 2 Gbps plan, the maximum downloads and uploads fared at around 1.97 Mbps and 741 Mbps, which is more than enough to satiate the hunger of your smart TVs and gaming consoles.
Besides that, the inclusion of a 2.5G WAN port allows you to experience speeds of around 1.96 Gbps and 903 Mbps, respectively, for downloads and uploads. So, connect your gaming consoles to it and free up the wireless connection for others.
The router delivers unmatched performance with the entire smart ecosystem connected.
To be specific, there were 36 devices installed, including TVs, security cameras, smart fans, and lights, alongside laptops and gaming consoles. The connections over each were stable, courtesy of technologies like beamforming, OFDMA, and MU-MIMO.
WiFi Coverage
The eight-antenna setup of AX90 does wonders regarding coverage, as the manufacturer claims to extend up to 2,500 Sq Ft. But these are measured in ideal condition, i.e., without interferences or lags, the numbers might dip when these are introduced.
In my tests, the maximum area up to which signals are inaccessible is around 2,270 Sq Ft, the size of a three-bedroom apartment. The best part is its networking technologies that work in unison to dissipate signals of equal strength throughout your space.
Security Features
The security features are good enough. You’ve got features like guest access, WPA3, VPN, access control, and auto-firmware update. But parental controls are a need, especially in a smart device ecosystem. The good news is that the free HomeShield suite has it.
Although not as comprehensive as parental control routers, the AX90 monitors online time and activities, sets up age-based filters, and pauses the network anytime. This way, you can ensure your child isn’t engulfed in this online world.
Conclusion
Overall, TP-Link Archer AX90 is undoubtedly the best smart home router on the market. Handling multiple devices with an additional 5 GHz band is not a problem. Despite offering top-notch features, it isn’t priced premium and easily tops the list.
To learn more, check my dedicated review of the Archer AX90.
Pros
- Multi-gig internet support
- Seamless tri-band operation
- Decent wireless coverage
- Great security features
- Exceptional performance
Cons
- Some security features need a Pro subscription
2. Best Runner-Up: Netgear Nighthawk RAX50
- Suitable Plan: Gigabit Internet
- Voice Assistant Support: Yes (Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant)
- WiFi Range: Up to 2,500 Sq Ft
- Number of Devices Supported: 25+
- Wireless Standard: Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
- Band Frequency: Dual Band
- App Support: Yes
Next on my list is the Netgear RAX50 which establishes the right balance between features, performance, and cost.
Replacing RAX43, this one brings in some major upgrades in terms of throughput, coverage, and stability. The router costs around $200, which seems a bit hard-hitting as unlike previous recommendation, it comes with Dual-Band support. So let’s find out if it’s worth the value.
Speeds & Devices Capacity
Netgear RAX50 is a dual-band Wi-Fi 6 router that clocks a massive throughput capacity of 5400 Mbps, which is distributed over the two bands as follows:
| 5 GHz: 4804 Mbps | 2.4 GHz: 574 Mbps |
I paired the Xfinity 1 Gbps plan to test its capabilities and measured its download and upload speeds over different distances.
In close proximity, the values clocked at around 949 Mbps and 34 Mbps, respectively. At the same time, separating the distance by 30 feet results in a speed dip of around 30%. This demonstrates the capability of antennas to impart signals far off without hampering their strength by much.
So, with the available speeds, I can connect any of my smart devices (TV in my case) to stream 4K movies and shows without much effort. Besides, a wired connection over five 1 Gbps Ethernet ports is feasible if you need extra speeds on any of your devices.
Rest apart, the inculcation of beamforming, OFDMA, and MU-MIMO boosts its device handling capacity. At a stretch, I could establish connections on up to 25 home automation devices without falling down.
WiFi Coverage
With four external antennas, it boasts a maximum theoretical coverage of 2,500 Sq Ft. In reality, the numbers stay around 2,200 Sq Ft, which should be enough for any of your decent-sized home setups.
Security Features
The free version offers handy features, including WPA3, VPN, guest access, and auto-firmware update. This way, the data shared between the router and client isn’t compromised, and you browse the internet with peace of mind.
Its parental control features, like scheduling online time and tracking online time, should let your kids’ online activities in check. And they can now invest more time in studying and playing with friends.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Netgear RAX50 excels in consistency and efficiency. With decency and reliability spread across the features, your devices wouldn’t experience lags or jitters when running. But, its lesser device-handling capacity and speeds have pushed it to the second position.
Pros
- Wi-Fi 6 support
- Excellent close-up performance
- Quick setup
- Decent WiFi range
- Stable throughput
Cons
- Only basic security features
3. Best Gaming Router: ASUS RT-AX82U
- Suitable Plan: Gigabit Internet
- Voice Assistant Support: Yes (Amazon Alexa)
- WiFi Range: Up to 2,000 Sq Ft
- Number of Devices Supported: 30+
- Wireless Standard: Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
- Band Frequency: Dual Band
- App Support: Yes
If you have gaming consoles in your smart ecosystem or are a mobile gaming enthusiast, things won’t get any wrong with this ASUS RT-AX82U.
With standard routing features like dual-band Wi-Fi 6 support, and ample coverage, it entails gaming-centric features like 1024-QAM, mobile game boost, and others, making it one of the best-rated gaming routers to use in smart homes.
Speeds & Devices Capacity
Regarding theoretical throughput capacity, Asus RT-AX82U stays on par with my previous recommendation, at 5400 Mbps. Its band-wise speed distribution is as follows:
| 5 GHz: 4804 Mbps | 2.4 GHz: 574 Mbps |
Paired with an Xfinity 1 Gbps plan, the router performed quite well. The speed tests were performed in both “near” location, placed 15 feet away, and at a “far” location, at around 40 feet away on my staple Dell Xps laptop.
The downloads and uploads over the first setting were completed at the rates of 929 Mbps and 32 Mbps while taking the device away resulted in around 35% speed drops. Now there are five Gigabit ports on its rear panel for even faster speeds. I played Overwatch for hours at 78 FPS and 15ms ping on my PS5.
As in my previous recommendations, aspects like MU-MIMO and OFDMA contributed towards network stability. But the device shines with features like game acceleration, mobile game boost, and 1024-QAM that prioritizes high network-consuming tasks. At once, connections on up to 25 devices stayed online without producing any lags.
WiFi Coverage
The router had a subpar score in this dept. Its four-antenna setup can impart signals to as long as 1,800 Sq Ft, lower than most routers suitable for smart homes. But that’s not a thing to worry about. You only need a gaming WiFi extender, and you’ll have extended coverage.
Alternatively, you can also make use of its AiMesh support feature. Meaning, you can pair it with any compatible router or an extender to boost its range by a few hundred square feet.
Security Features
Despite lacking in its coverage aspect, the RT-AX82U almost hits a home run in this department.
The manufacturer includes a lifetime-free AiProtection software with a plethora of advanced features like firewall, malware protection, intrusion blocking, and identifying as well as blocking potentially harmful websites.
Besides, parental controls like age-based filters, time scheduling, and tracking online activities let digital nomads ensure their kids aren’t exposed to any dangers of staying online.
Conclusion
Overall, Asus RT-AX82U offers a great balance of features and affordability that can satisfy the requirements of most smart households. Its most notable attribute is its robust security, while its speeds and coverage are satisfactory enough to enable simultaneous online gaming and streaming. But its lesser coverage has ranked it in the third position.
Pros
- Excellent security features
- Solid performance
- Handles multiple devices
- Stable throughput
- Gaming-centric features
Cons
- Middling coverage
4. Best Value for Money: Linksys MR9610
- Suitable Plan: Gigabit Internet
- Voice Assistant Support: Yes (Amazon Alexa)
- WiFi Range: Up to 3,000 Sq Ft
- Number of Devices Supported: 40+
- Wireless Standard: Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
- Band Frequency: Dual Band
- App Support: Yes
Moving on, presenting you with an affordable wireless router that works best in a smart home. Linksys MR9610 gets all the basics right with dual-band Wi-Fi 6 and a long WiFi range of 3,000 Sq Ft. Other than that, the inculcation of other networking technologies contributes to its stability and reliability.
Speeds & Devices Capacity
The dual-band Wi-Fi 6 instilled Linksys MR9610 boasts a maximum throughput capacity of 6000 Mbps, distributed over its two bands as follows:
| 5 GHz: 4804 Mbps | 2.4 GHz: 1147 Mbps |
To test out its performance in a real-life scenario, I paired my Dell Xps laptop to the network and my subscribed Xfinity 1 Gbps plan. In proximity, the respective download and upload speeds were recorded at 921 Mbps and 28 Mbps. At the same time, moving the router a tad apart resulted in a 30% drop in speeds.
Despite drops in speed, there wasn’t any impact on stability, courtesy of OFDMA, MU-MIMO, and QoS. These further fostered the device’s ability to establish stable connections over multiple devices at once (35 at max), making it an ideal router for under 150 dollars.
WiFi Coverage
Coverage-wise, the router stays on top of my top recommendations. Thanks to its four-antenna setup and integration of beamforming technology, its theoretical range lies at around 3,000 Sq Ft.
I tested it in my client’s 2,900 Sq Ft space, and the router could cover most of it. Number-wise it fares at around 2,700 Sq Ft, the size of any mid-sized workspace. Besides, the signals stay stable on each corner of your space.
Security Features
Linksys routers fall short in terms of security, which places them lower in the rankings compared to TP-Link, Netgear, and Asus alternatives.
They offer only a limited set of built-in features, such as guest access, WPA3, VPN, and access control, that provide basic protection. Alongside, there’re some parental controls like manual website blocking, scheduling network access, and monitoring online time.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Linksys MR9610 costing just around $110 is a holy grail for those who want to access decent internet speeds in a large space. Its range exceeds my top recommendations and should breeze through most of your smart home setup. Its only disadvantage is security.
Pros
- Wi-Fi 6
- MU-MIMO, OFDMA, and QoS
- Long WiFi coverage
- Decent throughput capacity
- Dual USB ports
- Pocket-friendly
Cons
- Security isn’t advanced
5. Best Voice Assistant Compatibility: Orbi RBK752
Do you live in a large house with thick walls or multiple physical obstructions? You’re better off with a mesh WiFi system.
- Suitable Plan: Gigabit Internet
- Voice Assistant Support: Yes (Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant)
- WiFi Range: Up to 5,000 Sq Ft
- Number of Devices Supported: 40+
- Wireless Standard: Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
- Band Frequency: Tri-Band
- App Support: Yes
Orbi RBK752 includes an impressive array of customization options to keep your smart devices running. Aside from long-range, tri-band, and Wi-Fi 6 support, the mesh system is compatible with both Google and Alexa voice assistants, which ultimately translates to power-packed smart control.
Speeds & Devices Capacity
The Wi-Fi 6 ingrained mesh system has a theoretical speed capacity of 4,200 Mbps, which is distributed over its three bands as follows:
| 5 GHz (1): 2400 Mbps | 5 GHz (2): 1200 Mbps | 2.4 GHz: 600 Mbps |
Right off the bat, this mesh system is fast. To get the facts correct, I ran a speed test with an Xfinity 1 Gbps plan, and the results clocked 907 Mbps and 27 Mbps, respectively for downloads and uploads. Such speeds could serve you very well and as many as 30 UHD Netflix streams could be achievable with that.
Now coming to the next part, as to how well it fares with multiple smart device connections. And thanks to MU-MIMO and OFDMA, connections over 23-24 devices could be established at once. The numbers are much lower than my previous recommendations but should be ideal for any residential setups.
WiFi Coverage
The standout part of this unit is that it’s a mesh system, which means it creates a mesh network across the space by connecting from one node to another while staying on the same network. So, installing a two-piece set could cover at least 4,000 Sq Ft space at a stretch.
Security Features
In terms of security, you won’t have got much for free. The features include WPA3, VPN, access control, and guest access which makes sure the data packets sent over the network stay in an encrypted form and are secured.
Besides, if you need more advanced features, their premium Netgear Armor software is available for a monthly or yearly subscription.
Conclusion
For those seeking top-notch performance and planning to upgrade from their previous model, RBK752 is a perfect mesh system. Its reliable 5GHz backhaul channel ensures seamless data transfer between the host and receiver, while its security software ensures that your network and database remain secure and free from any unauthorized access.
For more details, read the full review.
Pros
- Wi-Fi 6
- Excellent coverage
- Decent speed
- Tri-band setup
- Easy setup
Cons
- Security features are paid
6. Best with Wi-Fi 6E: TP-Link Deco XE75
- Suitable Plan: Gigabit Internet
- WiFi Range: Up to 5,500 Sq Ft
- Voice Assistant Support: Yes (Amazon Alexa)
- Number of Devices Supported: 200
- Wireless Standard: Wi-Fi 6E
- Band Frequency: Tri Band
- App Support: Yes
If you have a pretty large area to cover and a mesh system is the only solution, then TP-Link Deco XE75 is the best you have got. With Wi-Fi 6E support, an extra 6GHz band, and powerful antennas, covering a large area with a plethora of smart devices is a piece of cake for this mesh system. Besides, compared to Deco S4 it has made small yet major improvements in most aspects.
Note: The TP-Link Deco XE75 Pro is also out now, which I’ve reviewed here.
Speeds & Devices Capacity
TP-Link Deco XE75 with tri-band Wi-Fi 6E support boasts a maximum throughput capacity of 5400 Mbps, distributed as follows:
| 6 GHz: 2402 Mbps | 5 GHz: 2402 Mbps | 2.4 GHz: 574 Mbps |
Paired with a Cox 1 Gbps plan, the download and upload speeds near the router clocked at 901 Mbps and 26 Mbps, respectively. While a 30-feet test yielded respective speeds at around 789 Mbps and 23 Mbps, that is merely around an 18% drop in speeds. That’s a great positive with the mesh systems over those standalone routers.
Other than decent speeds, networking technologies like MU-MIMO and OFDMA fosters its multi-device connectivity. With around 85 stable connections at once, the mesh system qualifies as the best for any smart office or workspace.
WiFi Coverage
Being a mesh system, you can expect it to cover a massive space without dipping a tad in network speeds. Its two-unit system can cover a maximum area of around 4,800 Sq Ft, making it the better WiFi 6e based mesh systems.
Alongside coverage, roaming capability is the strongest selling point of this mesh system. Through the integration of an AI-driven roaming algorithm combined with an 802.11k/v/r fast roaming technology, there will be a single user name for the entire mesh network, and therefore doesn’t requires any switching.
When testing it on my Dell Xps, I didn’t notice any dropouts or freezes even when I am roaming around the house with the laptop. The Deco mesh technology automatically connects you to the best possible network when I am moving from one room to another.
Security Features
Similar to most TP-Link systems, there are two types of security systems on offer: premium and basic HomeShield. With the latter and features like WPA3, VPN, guest access, and auto-firmware updates are available. These might not secure every data stored in your ecosystem but protect the ones that travel from one point to another.
Conclusion
In general, I consider this mesh system to be among the most feature-rich on the market, particularly due to its support for Wi-Fi 6E and an additional 6GHz band. However, its only drawback is the absence of multi-gig Ethernet ports, which were present in its expensive predecessor, the Deco X90. Besides, despite paying so much, most of its advanced security features require a subscription.
Pros
- Wi-Fi 6E support
- User-friendly
- High-speed mesh performance
- Excellent coverage
- Easy to install
Cons
- Limited ethernet ports
- Some HomeShield features need a subscription
7. Best for Google Ecosystem: Google Nest WiFi
- Suitable Plan: Fiber 500 Mbps
- Voice Assistant Support: Yes (Google Assistant)
- WiFi Range: Up to 3,800 Sq Ft
- Number of Devices Supported: 100
- Wireless Standard: Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
- Band Frequency: Dual Band
- App Support: Yes
Moving further in the list, we have entered the budget segment of routers, so we are presenting you with Google Nest WiFi.
Costing around $120, it brings along some top-notch features including a 3,800 Sq Ft coverage, dual-band connectivity, and more than 100 connections at a time. Being the first model of the Nest series, it brings a whole lot of upgrades to its previous-generation routers.
Speeds & Devices Capacity
With dual-band Wi-Fi 5 support, the maximum throughput capacity of the mesh system stands at 2,200 Mbps, with its band-wise speeds are as follows:
| 5 GHz: 1733 Mbps | 2.4 GHz: 400 Mbps |
The Nest WiFi performs much better than the Google WiFi in my normal use, as it churned through the downloads and uploads over my client’s 500 Mbps plan. The respective values in close proximity were recorded at 452 Mbps and 19 Mbps while increasing the distance by 30 feet dipped the speeds by around 40%.
With such speeds at your disposal, theoretically, you could stream UHD Netflix movies on around 16-17 devices at once. Ultimately, I was pleased with how the mesh system performs but wasn’t blown away when it comes to attaining the utmost capacity of my 500 Mbps plan.
The routers mentioned above were definitely much better in that respect, while I have encountered some with performances worst than that, so you’re at a safer place with this. Now coming to its device handling capacity, its performance was great, and the numbers rose up to 65, which should be enough for a mid-sized smart workspace.
WiFi Coverage
Being a mesh system, this two-pack unit claims to cover an area as large as 3,800 Sq Ft. And in real-time, the numbers weren’t very far-off, as it managed to send signals to as far as 3,500 Sq Ft, covering most of my large mansion-style home. The signals were strong enough to stream HD shows in the outskirts, all thanks go to OFDMA and MU-MIMO.
Security Features
Google Nest WiFi does entail some basic yet effective security features to keep the devices and the network safe from external and unauthorized agents. These include TLS, WPA3, firewall, and auto-firmware updates.
Its firewall isn’t the strongest but keeps track of the device connected to the network, and with TLS, creates a safe passage for the data to travel, while WPA3 keeps them encrypted.
In terms of parental controls, it has got some decent features like tracking online time and pausing the network at any time. Although basic, these features let mothers make sure their child isn’t spending much time online.
Conclusion
Overall, Google Nest WiFi is an affordable yet handy mesh system that excels in terms of coverage and device-handling capacity. It provides enough bandwidth to satiate the hunger of most internet-bound or smart devices present in your space. The device however suffers in far-band speeds, and also doesn’t entail any advanced parental control features.
Pros
- Great range
- Decent throughput
- Easy to install
- Excellent design
Cons
- Subpar far-band speeds
8. Best Budget Option: ASUS RT-AX55
- Suitable Plan: Fiber 300 Mbps
- Voice Assistant Support: Yes (Amazon Alexa)
- Number of Devices Supported: 30+
- Wireless Standard: Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
- Band Frequency: Dual Band
- WiFi Range: Up to 2,000 Sq Ft
- App Support: Yes
If you want a Wi-Fi 6 router for your smart home setup without putting a hole in your wallet, then Asus RT-AX55 is a device worth looking into.
Aside from the latest wireless standard, the device entails some handy features like Alexa voice control, multi-device connectivity, and a decent range, making it a viable replacement to its preceding model, Asus RT-AC55.
Speeds & Devices Capacity
The dual-band Wi-Fi 6 ingrained Asus RT-AX55 boasts a maximum throughput capacity of 1800 Mbps, with its band-wise speed distribution as follows:
| 5 GHz: 1200 Mbps | 2.4 GHz: 600 Mbps |
Due to its low cost, the Asus router makes for a good upgrade over your aging or rented WiFi router, and with Cox 500 Mbps plan, the speed results were respectable enough.
With devices located in the same room, downloads and uploads transpired at the rates of 475 Mbps and 18 Mbps, respectively. At the same time, devices kept two walls away had almost a 40% reduction in speeds.
When it comes to connecting multiple smart devices, its performance stays just on par, as it managed to connect around 25 at once. It can be credited to networking technologies like OFDMA and beamforming. So, my smart home ecosystem could run lag and jitter-free.
WiFi Coverage
Compared to my previous three mesh systems, its coverage is very less, and theoretically, the values stayed at 2,000 Sq Ft. In my tests, however, it values at around 1,800 Sq Ft, which despite being less than the top-tier options should be enough for your mid-tier space. The signals in the outskirts were also stable, courtesy of the networking technologies.
Security Features
Most Asus routers including this offer many advanced security features for free, which should be your priority when most devices in your space are run on the internet. With AiProtection Classic software, its standout feature is a firewall that prevents unauthorized devices and intrusion from accessing your network. It also conducts weekly scans and provides an update if it detects anything suspicious.
In addition to that, the product offers impressive parental control capabilities such as filters based on age, the ability to manually block websites, pause WiFi access, and create personalized internet schedules.
Conclusion
To conclude, Asus RT-AX55 is among the best wireless routers for under $100. Its performance stands out amongst others. The range and device connections ability might be below par when compared to my other routers, but it surely gets the job done for any mid-tier smart household setup.
Pros
- Lifetime-free security tools
- Consistent performance
- Decent throughput speeds
- Easy to use app
Cons
- Middling coverage
Frequently Asked Questions
Typically, most wireless devices can connect up to 25 devices at once to a single bandwidth. But there are many routers or mesh systems (a few are included in my list) that can handle more than 50 smart devices.
A smart home router or a mesh system connects the devices with the network and communicates with them in form of data packets. In this way, most of it continues to run throughout the day without producing any lags or latencies.
You would need around 25 Mbps for each device in the household, and so if you’re in a family of four, then 100 Mbps should be perfect for your smart home.
Just go through my detailed guide to choose the right one. But if you don’t want to, here’re a few things to look into to get your hands on the best router for smart home devices:
– I recommend purchasing at least dual-band routers for the best performance
– Your chosen router should at least have a dual-core processor and 128MB RAM
– Mesh routers are the best solution if you have the required budget
– Check for the coverage, throughput capacity, and device handling capacity, and ensures it fares well with your needs.
Verdict
A smart home with plenty of smart devices needs a router with decent features and performance. Not only its speeds and coverage but its device-handling capacity and security hold importance in this respect.
I hope my aforementioned options help you find the ideal companion for your smart home. If not, here’s a list of the curated options:
- If you want the best standalone router that excels in each respect important to keep your smart home setup up and running, then TP-Link Archer AX90 is your go-to option. And if you have the facilities for a mesh system and seek greater coverage, TP-Link Deco XE75 is the best.
- If you can’t spend an exorbitant amount of money on routers, but need a reliable device, have a look at the Linksys MR9610.
- And lastly, if you want the cheapest option that becomes an upgrade to your old or rented router, go for Asus RT-AX55.
Goodbye for now!
