Wired routers are still relevant and commonplace in business or enterprise setups. And it's hard to ignore their efficiency, speed, security, and stability.
As expected, they're great for wired connectivity and come with multiple ports. But that's not the only thing to consider when picking a router without WiFi. You must also ensure that the one you pick has a load balance, VPN, and powerful hardware.
That said, the market is filled with multiple choices, and I got around 17 wired-only routers to test and recommend the right ones. Let's see who made it to the list!
7 Best Wired Routers of 2024
Before beginning, know how I tested them:
All 17 wired routing devices were put on test for weeks. Each was observed in varying scenarios against multiple factors. These include ports, usability, load balancing, security levels, and comfort of management.
Just so you know, the list starts with the expensive option with more features on offer, followed by the mid-range offerings finding a balance between price and value. In the end, you'll find a budget-friendly choice.
1. Best Overall: Ubiquiti EdgeRouter 12
- Original brand product.
- Three-year warranty against factory defects.
The EdgeRouter 12 gets a huge upgrade over its preceding version 10 with a complete hardware overhaul. The reinforcements include a superior processing unit, improved memory, storage, and a pair of extra SFP ports. Its higher line rate, backed by a solid hardware unit, puts it at the top.
Ports & Connectivity
One of the great additions by Ubiquiti comes with a wide range of ports and great communication capacity. Apart from having 10 Gigabit Ethernet ports that can double up as LAN or WAN, it brings two additional gigabit capacity SFP ports.
The SFP ports enable helps you to connect fiber and Ethernet cables of multiple types and speeds.
It was at the helm of handling my networking requirements in my office, aggregating and sharing two-gigabit connections with 5-6 PCs at a time. Its overall capacity turned out to be a blessing and allowed us to access reliable high-speed internet.
The download speeds clocked at a maximum of 921 Mbps, while the uploads topped at 908 Mbps. Even with dedicated VPN tunnels for all the PCs, the result in the speeds was not substantial enough to bother with large file downloads, file sharing, and uploads to the cloud services.
You can connect up to 7-8 devices and engage in data-intense activities like gaming, streaming media on smart tv, or live videos on Twitch, etc.
Conclusion
The SFP ports allow you to integrate FiOS connections. If you are limited with access to FiOS-based ISP, you'd still be able to make the most out of this wired WiFi router. Small and medium businesses and households with an office could take advantage of the advanced features and capabilities.
Pros
- 6.8 Gbps line rate
- Quad-core processor
- Wall-Mountable
- PoE compatible
- SFP Ports
Cons
- Passive PoE
2. Best Gigabit Router: TP-Link ER605 V2
- 【Five Gigabit Ports】1 Gigabit WAN Port + 2 Gigabit WAN/LAN Ports +2 Gigabit LAN Port. Up to 3 WAN ports optimize bandwidth usage through one device.
- 【One USB WAN Port】Mobile broadband via 4G/3G modem is supported for WAN backup by connecting to the USB port. For complete list of compatible 4G/3G modems, please visit TP-Link website.
- 【Abundant Security Features】Advanced firewall policies, DoS defense, IP/MAC/URL filtering, speed test and more security functions protect your network and data.
- 【Highly Secure VPN】Supports up to 20× LAN-to-LAN IPsec, 16× OpenVPN, 16× L2TP, and 16× PPTP VPN connections.
- Security - SPI Firewall, VPN Pass through, FTP/H.323/PPTP/SIP/IPsec ALG, DoS Defence, Ping of Death and Local Management. Standards and Protocols IEEE 802.3, 802.3u, 802.3ab, IEEE 802.3x, IEEE 802.1q
A valuable addition from TP-Link, which drastically improves the performance over its preceding version with improvements in the RAM, storage, and the number of ports. The integrated cloud management with both web and mobile apps makes it easier to track, monitor, and manage your connections.
Ports & Connectivity
The combination of fixed WAN and LAN leaves it flexible for users to experiment with the different packages and internet service providers available to them. All the LAN and WAN ports available support Gigabit speeds.
You have the freedom to integrate multiple connections or run on a sole 1000 Mbps internet connection depending on availability and the necessity of a backup internet.
I had it run on a 1-gigabit connection during the early phases of my business, to support 2 or 3 workstations with reliable internet at any point in time. The average download speeds raked close to the maximum limit, touching 931 Mbps consistently. The upload speeds maxed out at 911 Mbps.
Depending on the setup, you can connect up to 4 workstations or laptops/PCs in your home or office. TP-Link intelligence load monitoring and balancing application allow you to customize your backup plans, bandwidth allocation, and access.
The hardware unit is reliable to handle multiple instances of heavy usage like live editing and streaming videos.
Conclusion
If you are looking for comfortable monitoring and management setup, the Omada App (one of the top WiFi management software) comes in handy. Overall, TP-Link ER605 V2 is a reliable gigabit wired router that manages your networking requirements with ease.
The remote cloud access and a plethora of security features make it stand out from the other non-wireless routers on the list.
Pros
- Dual-core processor
- IP-Based Bandwidth control
- Intelligent load balance
- Session limit
- Multiple WAN ports
Cons
- No SFP port
3. Best for Wired Gaming: MikroTik hEX S
- Mikrotik hEX S (RB760iGS) is a five port Gigabit Ethernet router for locations where wireless connectivity is not required.
- It comes with a very powerful dual core 880 MHz CPU and 256 MB RAM, capable of all the advanced configurations that RouterOS supports.
- The device has a USB 2.0, PoE output for Ethernet port #5 and a 1.25Gbit/s SFP cage.
- 5x Gigabit Ethernet, SFP, Dual Core 880MHz CPU, 256MB RAM, USB, microSD, RouterOS L4, IPsec hardware encryption support and The Dude server package.
- IPsec hardware encryption (~470 Mbps) and The Dude server package is supported, microSD slot on it provides improved r/w speed for file storage and Dude.
The inclusion of the SFP port makes it more flexible and appealing than its predecessor. While it doesn't have the app-based management like the models at the top, the passive PoE and additional SFP port keep it closer to the top half of the list.
Ports & Connectivity
The hex S wired router from Mikrotik comes with 5 Gigabit Ethernet ports than can couple up as LAN or WAN depending on your necessity. This one includes an SFP port which allows you to create a backup network with a FiOS connection or use it to balance your bandwidth requirements and network performance.
I used this as my secondary router in tandem with the wired TP-Link router. It had one PC and a camera wired to it. With just one major device, I had access to top speeds, putting to use what was most of my bandwidth available.
The download speeds maxed out at 931 Mbps, while the uploads maxed at 922 Mbps.
The Hex S router took care of most of my gaming, high-quality media uploads, file transfers, and similar activities. While the interface design was confusing, I could make it work and customize it according to our requirements. The solid dual-core engine can easily support 4 devices within a household or a small office setup.
Conclusion
If you are not too picky about a mobile app for management, the MikroTik Hex S is a value-for-money buy with excellent VPN support and customization possibilities. The SFP and PoE port at this price range makes it an excellent value addition.
Pros
- Dual-core processor
- Value for money
- Gigabit Ethernet ports
- Passive PoE
- Wall mountable
Cons
- Interface design
4. Best for 4 WAN Connections: TRENDnet TWG-431BR
- INTERFACE: 5 x Gigabit ports (Modes:4 WAN ports/1 LAN port or 1 WAN port/4 LAN ports), 1 x USB 3.0 port,1 x RJ-45 console port
- MANUFACTURER PROTECTION: We stand by the quality of our products.The TWG-431BR Gigabit Multi-WAN VPN Business Router is backed and supported with 3 years of TRENDnet Manufacturer Protection.
- NDAA + TAA COMPLIANT: With our NDAA and TAA compliant Business Router, you can plan and install networking solutions that Government customers demand today (U.S. and Canada Only)
- RELIABLE TECH SUPPORT: Our team of advisors, support and tech experts are English speaking, and available for all your needs during normal business hours. We take pride in being there for our customers.
- GIGABIT MULTI WAN: The router supports up to four separate WAN internet connections to efficiently load-balance traffic by distributing network traffic to the best available link.
TRENDnet TWG-431BR's capacity to support up to 4 WAN connections, working in tandem with other routers and switches, improves its potential, despite its pricing. Its load-balancing capacity and easy management make it one of the best router choices for small businesses.
Ports & Connectivity
Equipped with 5 Gigabit Ethernet ports, this TRENDnet wired router can support up to 4 devices in a network or integrate 4 WAN connections into creating a solid networking setup, which will rest on your requirement and the load on your network.
With efficient load balancing, you'll be able to create a reliable backup network and keep your servers running with no hindrance.
With 3 PCs wired to a TRENDnet router, on a gigabit connection, the device surprised us with the numbers it threw on the speed test. Running on a VPN, the download speeds topped at 778 Mbps, and uploads soared at 654 Mbps on a single connection.
With detailed access control and bandwidth management options, you can easily wire up to 4 workstations or any combination of smart devices like TV, gaming consoles, or laptop to the router and make the most out of the high-speed internet access.
I noticed some drop in speeds as I connected more devices when the total line rate turned out to be a limiting factor.
Conclusion
If you need a good backup network for your home, this is one of the best devices to go for, credit to its flexible port configuration. Manage screen times, and control access and exposure to devices with an easy management interface.
Lastly, the fast USB 3.0 port comes in handy if you are looking to add storage devices or a backup 4G network in the mix.
Pros
- Multi-WAN Support
- Load balancing and fail-over modes
- Excellent VPN Support
- QoS for VoIP and media
- USB 3.0 port
Cons
- Pricey
5. Best Linksys Wired Router: Linksys LRT214
- Gigabit Ethernet ports
- Up to 50 IPsec tunnels (for site to site and client to site VPN) and 5 OpenVPN tunnels for iOS and Android users
- 900 Mbps firewall and 110 Mbps IPsec throughputs
- Feature rich to meet a wide range of business network requirements
- Operating Temperature: 0ºC to 40ºC (32ºF to 104ºF). Non operating Temperature: 0ºC to 70ºC (32ºF to 158ºF)
Catering to small and medium businesses, LRT214 is one of Linksys' solid entry-level VPN-based routers. It gets the basics on point and throws in a few advanced management features that make it suitable for office use.
Ports & Connectivity
It comes with 1 WAN port and 4 LAN ports, which can support up to Gigabit speeds. It has a dedicated DMZ port, a highlighting feature of this version, which comes as a handy addition to maintain a secure server within your home and limit access.
Linksys LRT214 was the backbone of my networking system, which worked in tandem with multiple network switches. As one of the earliest gigabit-capable wired routers I had with me, the download speeds of 733 Mbps and near symmetrical upload speeds of 712 Mbps were refreshing to work with.
While it doesn't boast the most solid hardware unit, the LRT214 had sufficient power to handle and route internet traffic to 4 devices and handle a multitude of simultaneous sessions. The user interface has seen a lot of improvements over the other consumer-grade versions.
Conclusion
The advanced security features, inbuilt firewalls, and efficient bandwidth management make this one of the most valuable wired-based routers in the market. If you can grab one from the seconds market, it's a steal.
Pros
- Gigabit speeds
- Inherent firewalls
- DDoS Prevention
- Bandwidth management with 3 levels of priority
Cons
- Lack of load balancing
6. Best Home Wired Router: Mikrotik hEX Lite
- RB/750 - The hEX lite is a small five port Ethernet router enclosed in a durable plastic case
- The RB750r2 (hEX lite) is a small five port ethernet router in a nice plastic case.
- There simply is no choice when it comes to managing your wired home network, the RB750r2 (hEX lite) has it all.
- Not only it's affordable, small, good looking and easy to use - It's probably the most affordable MPLS capable router on the market
- No more compromise between price and features - RB750r2 has both. With its compact design and clean looks, it will fit perfectly into any SOHO environment.
The hex lite from Mikrotik is a toned-down version of its preceding version Hex. It comes with a single-core processor, a reduced RAM, and misses out on the SFP and USB ports.
It brings in good processing power and storage capacity, allowing you to use it in a small office or home setting. One reason, the lite version finds its place in this list.
Ports & Connectivity
While it doesn't boast of load balancing or dual WAN support like its predecessor, it comes with 5 Ethernet ports with one acting as a WAN and the other four as LAN ports.
I used it in my home when wireless connections or broadband internet were not commonplace. With my ADSL/VDSL line, the download speeds maxed at close to 76 Mbps, and upload speeds were registering 30 Mbps, with 3 PCs wired to it.
This would make it ideal for households with internet plans of less than 100 Mbps.
Credit is a reliable hardware unit, this can handle routing operations even if it's fully occupied with 4 devices. You can use this as part of your network hub owing to its capacity to support a higher range of concurrent sessions.
Conclusion
All in all, Mikrotik hEX Lite is of the most affordable routers which can work both as a standalone wired router for a small household or as a hub in a multi-layered network.
Pros
- 850 MHz processor
- Affordable price
- 5 Ethernet ports
- Compact handy design
- Supports multi-layer switching
Cons
- No Plug and play options
7. Cheapest Option: TRENDnet TW100-S4W1CA
- INTERFACE: 4 x 10/100Mbps Auto-MDIX ports (LAN), 1 x 10/100Mbps port (WAN/Internet)
- SHARE HIGH-SPEED CABLE/xDSL INTERNET: The broadband router provides the easiest way to share your high-speed Cable/xDSL Internet connection. By sharing just one TW100-S4W1CA 4 Port Router, one IP address, and one Cable/xDSL modem, dozens of network users can surf the Internet simultaneously.
- ADVANCED FIREWALL PROTECTION: The internet router also functions as a firewall for your PC, protecting your computer from hackers by providing a Network Address Translation (NAT) Firewall
- REMOTE MANAGEMENT: The home router allows for easy Web browser configuration and remote management.
- UNIVERSAL PLUG AND PLAY (UPnP): The router instantly recognizes other devices with Universal Plug and Play. Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) and Application Level Gateway support for Internet applications such as email, FTP, gaming, and more.
One of the early releases from TRENDnet, the TW100 brings the basic features to manage the networking requirements of a small family with limited internet activity.
It comes with the requisite firewall, security features, access control filters, and easy PnP features that make it a good standalone device or an essential cog in managing a larger network working in tandem with hubs and switches.
Ports & Connectivity
This TRENDnet router comes with 4 LAN ports and 1 WAN port capable of transmitting data at 100 Mbps. This might not be the fastest wired router out there, but it gives you the possibility of using it as a sole device to route and manage your wired connections, sharing the network with up to 4 devices.
I used this router in the earlier stages of business to allocate a part of the bandwidth to keep the servers running without disruptions. The download and upload speeds were symmetrical, reaching up to 42 Mbps on a half duplex mode, with all the LAN ports of the router fully engaged.
With MAC filters, Universal Plug n Play, access control, and scheduling, you will access the basics of network management and keep up to 4 devices running with no hassles. The support for VPN and easy web-based management keep it simple and utilitarian for minimalist internet users.
Conclusion
If you are tight on budget and looking for a good cheap wired router to make the most out of your 100 Mbps internet, you cannot go wrong with the TRENDnet TW100-S4W1CA. For a family of fewer than 4 members, there is a lot on offer for less than $30.
Pros
- Budget-friendly
- firewall protection
- Web URL filtering
- UPnP
- Remote management
Cons
- No Gigabit speeds
Frequently Asked Questions
A wired router uses a dedicated wired connection to communicate and transfer data from/to the internet to the devices. The device limits rest on the number of LAN ports in the device. A wireless router uses wireless radios to communicate with the devices.
Since the non WiFi router employs a dedicated wired connection, physical or radio interference does not affect the data transfer. The wired routers are a better choice if you have limited devices which require stable internet speeds.
While wireless routers make communication a tad convenient, wired-only routers are the go-to modality in enterprises. There is limited loss of speed in transit. It's stable and more secure than wireless routers.
We might see wired routers as an inconvenience owing to the lack of mobility. Having wired connections for large infrastructure requirements leans on the expensive side and all the wires running around might make things messier.
Verdict
That's a wrap. I hope you liked my recommendations and were able to find the best router for wired connectivity in your home/office/business setting.
If you're still confused about choosing one, find my recommendations for the most common scenarios, where you can make the most out of my top picks:
- If you are looking for a top wired router with solid hardware and mobile app-based management, Ubiquiti Edge 12 is a beast to behold with a capacity to handle over 10 devices and an array of customization to experiment with.
- While the Linksys LRT 214 might look expensive, it is one of the best options to double up as a reliable wired option for small businesses or a household with heavy data usage.
- With a small household with limited internet requirements, and trying to work around a tighter budget, Microtik Hex lite would be the right fit for you.
- TP-Link ER605 is an excellent pick with ease of management, given you have less than 4 devices to cater to.
