Atlantic broadband rebranded itself as Breezeline to depict its geographical reach, along with new plans & improvements. So, whether you’re an existing user or a new subscriber searching for a reliable WiFi router for Breezeline, you’ve come to the right place.
But wait, aren’t all routers compatible with Breezeline, formerly Atlantic Broadband? Well, yes; however, randomly selecting one might end up investing in an inappropriate device that might not serve your internet plan and requirements best.
So what should you do? You don’t need to do anything except read along, as I have taken up the job of testing and reviewing the best-suited options. Besides, trust me when I say this list has included routers for all, irrespective of your needs and budget.
So without further ado, let’s dig in.
6 Best Routers for Breezeline in 2024
How did I prepare this list?
I purchased 12 different potential routers based on Breezeline’s internet plans, different users’ needs, varying features, and budget ranges. Once arrived, I used them with a suitable Breezeline service plan and observed their performance for 2-3 days. Then, I qualify these 6 routers to use with Breezeline internet.
Furthermore, the list is compiled in a way that it starts with a high-end model, moves to mid-range options and gradually ends with a budget pick. So let’s cut the slack and dive right into the detailed reviews.
1. Best for Gigafast: TP-Link Archer AX90
- Wireless Standard: Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
- Suitable Service Plan: Gigafast (1000 Mbps)
- 2.4GHz Speeds: 574 Mbps
- 5GHz Speeds: 4804 + 1201 Mbps
- WiFi Range: Up to 2,500 Sq Ft
- Number of Devices Supported: 40+
- Ports: 1 x WAN + 4 x LAN + 1 x USB 3.1
- Processor: 1.5GHz Quad-Core
- RAM & NAND Memory: 512MB + 128MB
- App Support: Yes
Archer AX90 is one of the best-value routers in the retail space, courtesy of Wi-Fi 6, tri-band, and competent hardware combined with advanced technologies. With major upgrades over TP-Link’s flagship, Archer AX73, there are not many models that perform exceedingly well with Breezeline’s Gigafast internet service.
Why is it suited for Breezeline?
This router can help you reach maximum speeds of up to 6.6 Gbps, in theory. However, the unavailability of such high-speed plans led me to pair a 1 Gbps plan, and the output was something I had never seen before.
On the additional 5GHz backhaul band, download speeds topped about 980 Mbps while the uploads took place at around 265 Mbps. Besides, the speeds were decent with the congested frequency bands. On the other 5GHz band, uploads and downloads averaged around 815 Mbps and 170 Mbps, while for 2.4GHz, respective speeds were 457 Mbps and 85 Mbps.
You might have many in your family streaming 4K at once or engaged in different activities simultaneously. For example, one is watching movies, a few are playing online games while others are uploading a large presentation; the device has covered all.
Wired Connectivity
The router has got one multi-gig WAN port and four Gigabit LAN ports to give you added versatility to create a wired backhaul. On a Gigabit port, my iPhone 13 extracted speeds of around 995 Mbps for downloads and 325 Mbps for uploads. It also has Link Aggregation that lets you experience multi-gigs of speeds, provided you’ve two separate IPs.
WiFi Coverage & Connections Capacity
The TP-Link router has scored ten pointers in this particular area. This tri-band router has got 8 antennas that can dissipate your high-speed internet to an area of up to 2,500 Sq Ft. My entire testing centre of around 2,500 Sq Ft was void of any dead zones, and my team was pretty happy playing lag-free games on their consoles.
Now in terms of connection capability, the device has got technologies like MU-MIMO and OFDMA harmonizing well with the beamforming antennas to give out decent and stable speeds on 35 devices at once.
Security Features
Out of the box, Archer AX90 comes with the latest WPA3 encryption along with a premium Homeshield antivirus powered by Avira. Both of these work well to safeguard your home network and devices from unwanted attacks, malware and viruses. In this way, your devices, irrespective of location, are safe to work on.
It comes with added smart parental controls that let you regulate how your kids use the internet and are not wasting their time browsing social media or other websites.
Conclusion
All in all, Archer AX90 is the best router to pair with Breezeline top-tier internet. It comes with flagship features that take your experience to a whole new level. Besides, its updated firmware keeps your network and devices safe from any unwanted threats. However, it remains in the premium price bracket yet delivers the intended value.
Pros
- Wi-Fi 6 + tri-band combo
- 2.5G WAN Port is included
- Faster wireless and wired speeds
- Stable and reliable performance
- Great security features
- Supports Link Aggregation
Cons
- Premium price
2. Best Runner-Up: Netgear Nighthawk RAX50
- Wireless Standard: Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
- Suitable Service Plan: Gigafast (1000 Mbps)
- 2.4GHz Speeds: 574 Mbps
- 5GHz Speeds: 4804 Mbps
- WiFi Range: Up to 2,500 Sq Ft
- Number of Devices Supported: 25+
- Ports: 4 x LAN + 1 x WAN + 1 x USB 3.0
- Processor: 1.5GHz Triple-Core
- RAM & NAND Memory: 512MB + 256MB
- App Support: Yes
If you scan the market for the best-suited wireless routers for Breezeline or Atlantic Broadband, you cannot overlook this high-performance device by Netgear. With a decent hardware setup and integrated with loads of future-proof specs, this affordably priced comes as a viable and effective upgrade over its predecessor, RAX43.
Why is it suited for Breezeline?
Paired with Breezeline Gigafast, the ISPs 1 Gbps plan, the Wi-Fi 6 router delivered download speeds at around 940 Mbps, and the upload speeds stayed around 250 Mbps. All these were measured on its 5GHz band.
Apart from that, its 2.4GHz band gave out speeds at 175 Mbps for downloading and streaming movies or videos while 65 Mbps for uploading stuff. The speeds I got allowed me to play bandwidth-intensive games like Far cry, Fortnite, Destiny 2, and others without any lags.
Wired Connectivity
You get access to four Gigabit Ethernet LAN ports and one Gig WAN port that lets you connect multiple devices and create an Ethernet backhaul. An advantage was I got an almost 5% improvement in WiFi speeds, taking the download and upload speeds up to 990 Mbps and 260 Mbps. That doesn’t seem much, but the plus point would be similar speeds in all connected devices, which might drop when connecting wirelessly.
WiFi Coverage & Connections Capacity
With Netgear RAX50 in hand, you can get stable internet connections over a decent area. With 4 high-performance antennas installed, this device can cover an area of up to 2,500 Sq Ft. The real-life coverage is a tad lower than the promise, yet it still effortlessly covered a 2,000 Sq Ft area which is not bad.
Other than that, the integration of beamforming technology allowed my team to stream 4K Netflix content on 15-18 devices at once, which might be adequate for most people in residential settings.
Security Features
Besides basic security features, it has got some premium firmware upgrades. Its Netgear 2.0 includes some advanced and helpful security features that keep all of your devices safe and secured from any unwanted or external threats like viruses, malware or ransomware. Besides, it performs an auto-scan every week and warns you of any potential threats.
The ever-so-helpful Netgear 2.0 comes with smart parental controls. Features like manual website blocking, monitoring online activities, and time allow those digital moms to take power in hand and regulate what their kids are doing.
Conclusion
In short, RAX50 is a versatile and efficient router for Breezeline internet. It delivers reliable and stable throughput throughout the day. It has got you covered irrespective of what you are doing, gaming, working, streaming or similar activities. However, a lack of a third band and lesser output pushed it down to the second position.
Pros
- Excellent performance
- Customization potential
- Quick setup
- Decent coverage
- Value for money
Cons
- Lack of link aggregation
3. Best Mesh WiFi Router: ASUS ZenWiFi XD6
Do you live in a fairly large house with WiFi dead spots here and there? If yes, you’re better off investing in a mesh WiFi system suitable for large homes.
- Wireless Standard: Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
- Suitable Service Plan: UltraFast (500 Mbps)
- 2.4GHz Speeds: 574 Mbps
- 5GHz Speeds: 4804 Mbps
- WiFi Range: Up to 5,400 Sq Ft
- Number of Devices Supported: 50
- Ports: 3 x LAN + 1 x WAN
- Processor: 1.5GHz Tri-Core
- RAM & NAND Memory: 512MB + 256MB
- App Support: Yes
Ranked #1 in my list of recommended mesh WiFi systems for thick walls, an aspect that stands it apart from the rest of the routers that work with Breezeline is its capability to send strong signals to every nook and corner of your large house. Besides, it boasts better radios, more ports, and greater coverage than its predecessor, XD4.
Why is it suited for Breezeline?
Internet speeds this ISP deliver is known for consistent throughput and minimal latency. So, it’s recommended to get a networking device that’s as reliable as ASUS ZenWiFi XD6. And testing with Breezeline’s 500 Mbps plan gave me excellent throughput speeds, but you can upgrade to Gigabit speeds if you want.
In the speed tests on the 5GHz band, my Dell laptop reached 475 Mbps for downloads and 150 Mbps for uploads. Besides that, its low-frequency band had respective speeds of around 250 Mbps and 45 Mbps. So trust me when I say that such speeds allow me to stream UHD movies on 20 devices at once or download an HD movie in a minute.
Wired Connectivity
The mesh router integrates three GigE LAN ports and one Gig WAN port on its rear panel. So, the manufacturer isn’t very lenient in terms of ports it offers. However, there’s still an opportunity for you to connect your gaming consoles to get maximum speeds of around 490 Mbps for downloads.
WiFi Coverage & Connections Capacity
To test the device’s capability of forming a mesh network, I tested it in my 3,750 Sq Ft mansion-style house, and the results were impressive. It successfully eliminated the existing dead spots in the extremities and was able to get decent signals in my garage. That’s the maximum I got from any devices on my list.
Now in terms of connections capability, the device has got some in-built technologies like MU-MIMO and OFDMA to deliver similar and constant signals to 25 devices at once.
Security Features
Like coverage, security is also a strong suit of this mesh system. With XD6, you get a lifetime free subscription to AiProtection Pro powered by Trend Micro, including some advanced security and parental control features.
Its security features include performing network scans, blocking malicious websites, isolating infected devices and protecting against DoS (Denial of Service) attacks. Most Breezeline-certified routers on my list require you to pay a monthly or a yearly subscription for similar offerings.
Other than that, the parental controls let you create separate user-based profiles for each family member and assign age-based filters for respective profiles. You can also temporarily pause internet access, add off-time schedules, and monitor the internet activities of each.
Conclusion
ZenWiFi XD6 is a solid and reliable mesh WiFi router to buy for Breezeline internet subscribers living in large homes. Even better, it comes with a lifetime-free security suite. However, lesser speed output than my previous recommendations took it down to the third position.
Want to learn more about this system? Check my full review of the ZenWiFi XD6.
Pros
- Solid throughput
- Long wireless coverage
- Easy installation & management
- Lifetime-free network security
- Supports 50 devices at once
Cons
- Lesser ports
4. Best Modem/Router Combo: ARRIS Surfboard G34
- Wireless Standard: Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
- Suitable Service Plan: UltraFast (500 Mbps)
- 2.4GHz Speeds: 574 Mbps
- 5GHz Speeds: 2402 Mbps
- WiFi Range: Up to 2,500 Sq Ft
- Number of Devices Supported: 30+
- Ports: 4 x LAN
- Processor: N/A
- RAM & NAND Memory: 512MB + N/A
- App Support: Yes
If you have a penchant for minimal setup or your table doesn’t have much space to accommodate the modem and router as separate devices, there’s no better option than Arris G34. It’s a 2-in-1 gateway with the latest technologies like DOCSIS 3.1 and Wi-Fi 6. It is the best replacement for your ISP-rented Breezeline router.
Why is it suited for Breezeline?
The modem-router combo from ARRIS combines a resourceful DOCSIS 3.1 modem and an AX3000 wireless router. This configuration makes it future-proof with any plan above 500 Mbps plans. You may also try out the Gigabit speeds with this device, but there’s a lot you can do with the speeds you’ll get.
The wireless download speeds I got on my Dell laptop were recorded at 455 Mbps, with 120 Mbps as the upload speed. All these speeds were measured for the 5GHz band. Besides, the speeds on its 2.4GHz band were around 50% less, with respective downloads and uploads at 230 Mbps and 60 Mbps.
Wired Connectivity
Arris G34 boasts four Gigabit LAN ports that can get maximum download speeds of 490 Mbps. So as with my previous option, I could stream 4K videos on 15-20 devices, which is quite impressive considering it’s a hybrid device. However, it misses out on an additional USB port.
WiFi Coverage & Connections Capacity
You can’t expect much from this Breezeline-compatible modem router combo regarding coverage. But with 4 high-gain internal antennas, it could cover my friend’s house measuring 2,200 Sq Ft, which has somewhat exceeded my expectations. And he could use over 20 devices without worrying about speed drops.
Security Features
Arris hasn’t made any effort to provide many security features. There are a few basic features like WPA2 and IPv6 that keeps your password and database safe in an encrypted form, which I reckon is sufficient for residential settings. So, if you need more advanced protection on your devices, try installing a Bitdefender-powered antivirus.
Conclusion
Based on the performance tests, it’s safe to say that Arris G34 is the best modem router combo for Breezeline. In such a price bracket, it gives you the best of both worlds and saves you money and space. But a lack of a USB port and lesser speeds than my previous recommendations are what is lacking from other models.
For more information, check my detailed Surfboard G34 review.
Pros
- DOCSIS 3.1 & Wi-Fi 6
- Supports 30+ devices
- Fast wireless speeds
- Great range and throughput
- Versatile device
Cons
- Only basic security
- Don’t have a USB port
5. Best for Home Use: Motorola MR2600
- Wireless Standard: Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
- Suitable Service Plan: Fast (200 Mbps)
- 2.4GHz Speeds: 800 Mbps
- 5GHz Speeds: 1733 Mbps
- WiFi Range: Up to 2,000 Sq Ft
- Number of Devices Supported: 100+
- Ports: 1 x WAN + 4 x LAN + 1 x USB 3.0
- Processor: Dual-Core
- RAM & NAND Memory: N/A
- App Support: Yes
If you plan to subscribe to mid-tier plans, then investing in this budget-friendly yet reliable Breezeline internet router from Motorola makes sense. And if you are a user of its predecessor, then upgrading to it is the best possible option, courtesy of advanced technologies like Wi-Fi 5 and MU-MIMO technology.
Why is it suited for Breezeline?
To start, the maximum supported speed of this router is 2.6 Gbps, but with inferior Wi-Fi 5 support, it makes sense to pair it with the 300 Mbps plan of Breezeline. Going forward, you can upgrade to higher-speed plans if required.
After testing the speeds on my iPhone 13 with the 5GHz band, the download speed scores stayed around 280 Mbps, while upload speeds were around 45 Mbps. However, I didn’t bother testing on the 2.4GHz band due to multiple interferences like concrete walls, many networking devices, and others in my testing area.
Wired Connectivity
If you don’t have many devices to connect, unlike me, consider creating an Ethernet backhaul with the Gigabit Ethernet ports it integrates. I tried the Breezeline Ultafast with it, and the speed outputs exceeded what I expected. The download speeds maxed at 440 Mbps, while it was around 95 Mbps for uploads.
WiFi Coverage & Connections Capacity
Motorola MR2600 delivers a decent WiFi range considering the price it comes in. With its 4 external antennas, you can expect coverage of around 1,800 Sq Ft. My home office was encased with strong signals, which remained constant even after streaming 4K videos on 15 devices concurrently.
Security Features
Like my previous recommendation, there isn’t much in terms of security. However, unlike the previous ones, it includes some unique features such as a firewall and IPv6 support. So, your data is somewhat safe from cyberattacks and virus infestation.
Besides, the device ingrains some basic parental controls like pausing the Wi-Fi and monitoring the overall online time of your kids.
Conclusion
The review shows conclusive proof that Motorola MR2600 is nothing short of a dependable wireless router for Breezeline. So, if you’re planning to subscribe to a non-Gig plan, you should be pretty satisfied with this value-bound device. However, the lack of Wi-Fi 6, advanced security, and lesser speeds have pushed it down to the penultimate position.
Pros
- Includes 1 USB port
- Pocket-friendly price tag
- Seamless Dual-band operation
- Decent speed capacity
- Supports MU-MIMO
Cons
- Not meant for low-ping gaming
- Average Range
6. Best Budget Router: ASUS RT-AC67P
- Wireless Standard: Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
- Suitable Service Plan: Base (100 Mbps)
- 2.4GHz Speeds: 600 Mbps
- 5GHz Speeds: 1300 Mbps
- WiFi Range: Up to 3,000 Sq Ft
- Number of Devices Supported: 12+
- Ports: 1 WAN + 4 x LAN + 1 x USB 3.1
- Processor: MediaTek MT7762N
- RAM & NAND Memory: 128MB + 128MB
- App Support: Yes
Last but not least, ASUS RT-AC67P is the cheapest option on my Breezeline router list. And despite the price, it is one of the most promising Breezeline broadband routers in the retail space. Its long coverage and high-speed USB port make it stand out from others.
Besides, it’s a much bigger upgrade to its older model, RT-AX56U, concerning the speeds, coverage, and reliability.
Why is it suited for Breezeline?
If you’re a loyal Atlantic Broadband user, you might want to give its Base plan a go. Boasting a maximum speed of 1.9 Gbps, it works seamlessly with most entry-level plans of Breezeline/Atlantic, and testing on its 5GHz band got me speeds at around 95 Mbps and 15 Mbps for downloads and uploads.
Wired Connectivity
Besides, you’ll find four GigE LAN ports and one Gig WAN port that make way for a faster connection. You can even upgrade to the UltraFast plan to experience speeds up to 250 Mbps and 35 Mbps. Although on paper, you might find the speeds a tad lower than others, there are many things you can do with it in hand. I could stream high-quality videos on my iPhone 13 without any lags.
WiFi Coverage & Connections Capacity
As mentioned earlier, coverage is the strong suit of ASUS, and with its 4 high-performance antennas, it promises coverage of 3,000 Sq Ft, which takes it on par with most high-end devices. So, irrespective of the speeds you get, the signals are there in every part of your house.
Besides coverage, the device has got adequate connection capability. I could connect over 9 bandwidth-hungry running tasks like online gaming and streaming, which can extend up to 15 devices if on tasks like sending emails, browsing social media or streaming HD music.
Security Features
The Asus RT-AC67P’s security isn’t its strongest suit. You will receive some basic security features, such as WPA2 encryption, which keeps your databases encrypted and provides a reasonable level of security. Regarding parental controls, you can only pause WiFi at any time and monitor the online time of connected devices.
Conclusion
In conclusion, despite boasting inferior hardware and technologies, RT-AC67P still manages to outclass most budget routers out there. And what makes it a viable choice for Breezeline is its support for entry-level plans. However, it’s placed at the bottom with features and output much inferior to others on the list.
Pros
- Decent speed capacity
- Consistent throughput
- It has a USB 3.1 port
- Excellent wireless range
- Affordability
Cons
- Security features aren’t much advanced
Frequently Asked Questions
Breezeline charges around $10 monthly or $120 a year for renting a wireless gateway.
Yes, you can. Unlike cable modems, there is no ISP compatibility factor to consider with routers, so any third-party WiFi router can work with Atlantic / Breezeline. However, make sure your selected device pans out well with your subscribed internet plan.
To get the best wireless router for Breezeline, here are a few things to keep in mind:
– The budget you have or the investments you are willing to make on a router
– Check if the router is powerful enough to perform well with your subscribed plan
– The coverage the router offers. Consider using a mesh router if you have a large area to cover.
– Check that it has adequate security features.
TP-Link Archer AX90 is the most powerful option for Breezeline high-speed plans. It brings Wi-Fi 6, tri-band, and multi-gig ports supporting Link aggregation. And on top of that, it has state-of-the-art security features that keep your home network and connected devices safe and secure.
Breezeline came into existence on Jan 10, 2022. The cable operator now serves more than 1.6 million households and commercial spaces.
Verdict
Breezeline (formerly Atlantic Broadband) is an insanely popular ISP that offers various plans suitable for varied clientele. While the curated list should simplify your investment journey, here are some top picks you can consider.
- If you want a device that performs exceedingly well with Gig internet and is future-proof with even faster plans to come in the future, then look no further than TP-Link’s Archer AX90.
- If there’s a need for a future-proof and reliable router for setting in a busy and large house, consider the Asus ZenWiFi XD6. Being a mesh system with powerful nodes and internal antennas, you could never run in a network-void area.
- Finally, if you don’t have much budget to spend and are subscribed to an entry-level Breezeline plan, I’d recommend going for Motorola MR2600 or ASUS RT-AC67P.
