If you’re running a business and need a reliable wireless router for your VoIP setup, you’re in the right place. With the router market evolving at a breakneck speed, it is difficult to find an ideal match.
For starters, you need a router that has QoS, SIP ALG, VLAN, and robust security. Skimming through all these elements and eventually making a decision might be overwhelming, especially for networking novices.
Worry not, as you need not bang your head into the complexity wall anymore. I have tested as many as 17 routers with different Voice over Internet Protocol setups of my clients and have selected the 7 best options for 2024.
Note: Aside from the router, you also need a VoIP service, phone, or an application.
7 Best VoIP Routers in 2024 [Reviewed]
Besides being great for VoIP and WiFi calling, each device boasts an exclusive trait. By the end of this piece, you should be able to choose the right VoIP wireless router.
The list is sorted in decreasing order of feature sets and prices. The first few choices are the premium, loaded with specifications, and meant for businesses or large individual setups. Next, you’ll find some mid-range and budget options in the end.
Let us get down to the reviews:
1. Best Overall: Netgear Nighthawk AX8 RAX78
- H.323 and SIP Support: Yes
- Wireless Standard: Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
- Frequency: Tri-Band
- WiFi Range: Up to 2,000 Sq Ft
- Ports: 1 x Gig WAN + 4 x Gig LAN + 1 x USB 3.0
- Number of Devices Supported: 30
- App Support: Yes
Netgear Nighthawk AX8 is one of the most powerful WiFi 6 routers, best known for its tri-band capabilities and a robust hardware setup to handle data packets like a pro.
Compared to the ASUS RT-AX88U, the Nighthawk brings a better call experience courtesy of the VoIP-optimized protocols and a highly customizable QoS.
VoIP Connectivity
The Nighthawk AX8 is a great pick for your VoIP needs, led by the H.323 and SIP functionality. Both these protocols are great at firewall traversal, allowing you to establish better VoIP connections.
In addition to that, SIP ALG, also termed the Session Initiation Protocol Layer Gateway, helps improve the call consistency further.
I tested the same in a medium-sized office with my VoIP communication device aligned with the far band of the router. There were no jitters, and the call quality was the highest I’ve got on a wireless network.
Thanks to Quality of Service functionality, I was able to prioritize VoIP applications and experience seamless calling.
Other relevant traits include the support for the 160 MHz channel that ensures VoIP traffic always has the space to move despite network congestion. The 1024-QAM feature is also present, helping you further enhance the call quality.
And finally, there are four Gigabit LAN ports in play, allowing you to get the best VoIP performances in the wired form.
Speeds and Performance
Being one of the top tri-band routers, the Netgear AX8 has a bandwidth capacity of 6200 Mbps. The speed is distributed in each band as follows:
| 5 GHz (1): 4804 Mbps | 5 GHz (2): 960 Mbps | 2.4 GHz: 460 Mbps |
I tested the device with Comcast’s 1 Gbps internet plan at both 20 and 40 feet, experiencing download speeds of 938 Mbps and 662 Mbps, respectively. The upload speeds at 20 and 40 feet max out at 39 Mbps and 27 Mbps, respectively.
Apart from VoIP, I could breeze through 4K streaming, gaming, and much more, all thanks to the powerful 1.5 GHz chipset with a quad-core setup.
WiFi Coverage and Device Capacity
The AX8 is packed with six high-gain internal antennas, which can help you push the coverage to almost 2,500 Sq Ft with ease. The real-world performances, despite multi-floor home and office aesthetics, are top-notch.
In my tests, it could transmit strong and stable signals over a 2,300 Sq Ft area. What works in the router’s favor is the additional DFS (Dynamic Frequency Selection), which is great at lowering the interference.
As far as connection capacity is concerned, the AX8 claims to accommodate 30+ devices. Credit to the MU-MIMO, I paired 27 devices, and all of them performed great.
Security Features
The Netgear AX8 brings in a customizable firewall, keeping malicious traffic at bay. In addition to that, it comes loaded with VPN capabilities and WPA3 encryption as part of its free suite. While you don’t get many advanced features, you have the option to subscribe to Netgear Armor.
Bottom-line
VoIP calls do not require massive bandwidth, as even the internet speed of 10 Mbps is often enough to handle them. But you don’t get a router just for VoIP, and that’s where AX8 stands out. While it is a premium offering, excellent performance and reliability make it my top pick.
Pros
- Dual protocol support
- Tri-Band operation
- Decent WiFi coverage
- Excellent speeds
- DFS channels
- Link Aggregation support
Cons
- Pricey
- Paid advanced security
2. Best Runner-Up: ASUS RT-AX88U Pro
- H.323 and SIP Support: Yes
- Wireless Standard: Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
- Frequency: Dual-Band
- WiFi Range: Up to 3,000 Sq Ft
- Ports: 1 x 2.5G WAN/LAN + 1 x 2.5G LAN + 4 x Gig LAN + 1 x USB 3.2
- Number of Devices Supported: 60
- App Support: Yes
On paper, the ASUS RT-AX88U Pro looks powerful compared to the previously reviewed AX8 from Netgear. While Netgear scores high courtesy of an additional band, wired connectivity is where ASUS comes across as an overall package.
VoIP Connectivity
The RT-AX88U Pro makes a compelling choice for business or a productivity-seeking professional. Firstly, it supports dual VoIP-optimized protocols, including the likes of H.323 and SIP.
The traits enhance VoIP call quality and minimize firewall interference. Apart from that, you get enhanced NAT passthrough support that cuts out every type of VoIP latency and jitter.
Furthermore, this router brings in adaptive QoS for customized traffic prioritization followed by the traffic control feature.
While the above features help optimize VoIP traffic under heavy load, it is the availability of one 2.5G and four 1G LAN ports that steal the show, allowing you to set up wired connections for maximum throughput.
Speeds and Performance
When it comes to the overall speed thresholds, with a total speed capacity of 6000 Mbps, this dual-band router doesn’t disappoint. Here are the band-wise speeds:
| 5 GHz: 4804 Mbps | 2.4 GHz: 1148 Mbps |
When tested at 20-feet and 40-feet distances, ASUS ensures that you get max download and upload speeds of 940 Mbps and 120 Mbps for the near band.
I tested the same with Verizon’s 1 Gbps FIOS plan and indulged in 4K gaming, video conferencing, and Twitch streaming, in addition to managing VoIP-based needs.
WiFi Coverage and Device Capacity
ASUS RT-AX88U Pro promises coverage of up to 2,000 Sq Ft. Per my tests, ASUS lives up to this promise, as I could get speeds of over 5 Mbps on the balcony. Notably, this throughput is still enough for VoIP and HD streaming on a couple of devices.
What works for ASUS is the inclusion of four externally placed antennas. Additionally, there is Beamforming support for a more targeted performance, followed by OFDMA. And yes, while the max device support is set at 25, you can comfortably go up to 15.
Security Features
When it comes to the free security traits, the RT-AX88U Pro brings WPA3 encryption and AirProtection Pro into the mix. While the Pro version requires a subscription, you still get access to basic parental and guest controls.
Apart from that, this router offers the IDP functionality to weed out infected network devices. You also get access to VPN support, Instant Guard, and AiMesh compatibility for maximizing security and performance.
Bottom-line
If you plan on getting a router that wins the wired segment hands-down, the RT-AX88U Pro is the one to get with 2.5G port support. The router app is also interactive, offering tons of resources to work with.
Pros
- Boasts SIP and H.323 protocols
- A 2.5 Gbps multi-gig port
- High-speed Wi-Fi 6 throughput
- Advanced QoS support
- Solid security tools
- Beamforming for a better range
Cons
- Still pricey
3. Best for Businesses: SonicWall TZ270
- H.323 and SIP Support: Yes
- Wireless Standard: Wi-Fi 5 (802.11 ac)
- Frequency: Dual Band
- WiFi Range: Up to 1,500 Sq Ft
- Ports: 2 x Gig WAN + 8 x Gig LAN + 2 x USB 3.0
- Number of Devices Supported: 50+
- App Support: Yes
The SonicWall TZ270 isn’t your standard router but an SMB firewall that supports VoIP functionality, all while focusing on traits like access security, endpoint security, and cloud security. This is a 7-gen device, which brings in traits like dual-band WiFi and Deep Packet data inspection over the 6-gen predecessor.
VoIP Connectivity
Apart from the SIP and H.323 protocols, you get access to built-in bandwidth management support and granular QoS for prioritization, getting enterprise-grade experience with VoIP calls.
I tested the same for making business calls on WhatsApp, and there were no lags whatsoever. As mentioned earlier, the DPI functionality checks VoIP traffic at a deeper level, cutting out intrusions, spam, and viruses, all while interacting with clients.
Speeds and Performance
I tested the same with Comcast’s 400 Mbps business plan, and the results were pretty heartening for a business router or, rather, a firewall.
I even used this device for streaming and file transfers, experiencing maximum download and upload speeds of 200 Mbps and 30 Mbps at 20 feet and 110 Mbps and 12 Mbps at 40 feet.
The Wireless AC Wave 2 support stands out, allowing you to explore wireless capabilities on 2.4 GHz and even the 5 GHz band.
What stands out is the availability of 8 Gigabit Ethernet ports, allowing you to establish ultra-fast wired connections. Then, there are two USB ports, ensuring that this router can double down as a NAS device.
Other aspects associated with this device include the availability of SD-WAN capabilities to expand the built-in storage, followed by VPN support.
Wi-Fi Coverage and Device Capacity
While the coverage hasn’t been specified explicitly by SonicWall TZ270, I could get decent speeds at 1,500 Sq Ft. There are two external antennas to improve efficiency and maximize wireless throughput.
Also, as is an SMB firewall, you can connect over 50 devices with the same. However, if you are on a plan lower than 1 Gbps, I would recommend going for 30 devices at max.
The SonicExpress Application boasts an intuitive UI and the web interface supports the Global Management System for you to experience better device control. Plus, with the app, you get access to analytics and traffic visualization.
And yes, like any other standard router, the SonicWall TZ270 packs some high-end wireless traits, including Fast roaming support, AirTime Fairness, and more.
Security Features
The SonicWall TZ270 excels in the security department, more so as it is a firewall device. While DPI is one of the features, you even get top-notch firewall support.
Then there is TSL 1.3 support for improved data privacy followed by Botnet filtering and GeoIP enforcement, securing the network from a wide range of threats.
Bottom-line
If you plan on setting up a business router that blocks unused ports, supports VPN, prevents intrusion, and offers threat-free VoIP support, the SonicWall TZ270 is the one to consider.
Pros
- Top-tier security tools
- Wide range of ports
- VPN options are versatile
- Dual Band support
- An interactive app
Cons
- Tricky to set up
- Overkill for standalone houses
4. Best WiFi 6E Router: TP-Link Archer AXE75
- H.323 and SIP Support: Yes
- Wireless Standard: Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax)
- Frequency: Tri-Band
- WiFi Range: Up to 2,500 Sq Ft
- Ports:1 x Gig WAN + 4 x Gig LAN + 1 x USB 3.0
- Number of Devices Supported: 80
- App Support: Yes
If you want a router that beats the ASUS RT-AX88U Pro in terms of supported wireless bands, the TP-Link Archer AXE75 is the one to get. This router can handle VoIP connections like a pro, courtesy of an extensive wired setup, exceptional coverage, and built-in traffic prioritization traits.
VoIP Connectivity
As with most routers designed for VoIP, this one also supports SIP and H.323. I tested the same with a 100 Mbps connection, moving my phone across the room and easily seeing the router cover over 1,000 Sq Ft. There were no connection drops or jitters.
The Archer AXE75 also brings in DFS to ensure minimal congestion for VoIP traffic. Then, there is QoS support to ensure proper traffic prioritization.
In case you want to experience VoIP over a wired setup, this router has four Gigabit LAN ports to cover you well.
Speeds and Performance
Regarding speeds, the tri-band support is worth mentioning, courtesy of the band-wise speeds as follows:
| 6 GHz: 2402 Mbps | 5 GHz: 2402 Mbps | 2.4 GHz: 574 Mbps |
When tested with Xfinity 1 Gbps internet plan, I could get speeds of up to 750 Mbps and 40 Mbps (download and upload) at 20 feet. While 40 feet speed test gave 220 Mbps and 25 Mbps.
As for utilities, I tried 4K gaming on the additional 5 GHz bands and even indulged in streaming TV, media consumption, and, obviously, VoIP calling with this router. The feature set, along with the 1.7 GHz quad-core CPU, ensured that there were no lags whatsoever.
Wi-Fi Coverage and Device Capacity
The TP-Link Archer AXE75 can easily cover 3,000 Sq Ft worth of area, courtesy of 6 high-gain antennas. What works is the beamforming coupled with signal or rather range boosting technology to help spread out the speeds more uniformly.
I tested the same in a two-story house, and there were no dead spots despite numerous walls. Another reason for the same could be the high-power FEM for strengthening signal coverage. You can connect over 100 devices. However, I recommend not going higher than 40 to get the most out of this device.
There is Airtime Fairness in play, a feature that improves network efficiency and cuts out excessive occupation of signals.
Security Features
The Archer AXE75 makes way for WPA3 support, an SPI firewall for ensuring VoIP privacy, and VPN support. You can even opt for the HomeShield security suite and get access to the site blocker, IoT protection, and network scanner.
Bottom-line
If you want a router with VOIP support that has an additional band and is affordable, the TP-Link Archer AXE75 is the device to get.
While there are several reasons to include it on the list, the ultra-productive 6 GHz band makes a difference, followed by the customizable QoS settings and parental controls. For more details, read the full review of AXE75.
Pros
- Future-proof 6 GHz band
- Top-notch security traits
- Support over 100 devices
- One of the most interactive apps
- Great WiFi range
Cons
- Overkill
5. Best Security Features: Synology RT2600AC
- H.323 and SIP Support: No
- Wireless Standard: 802.11ac (Wi-Fi 5)
- Frequency: Dual-Band
- WiFi Range: Up to 2,000 Sq Ft
- Ports: 2 x Gig WAN + 3 x Gig LAN + 1 x USB 3.0 + 1 x USB 2.0
- Number of Devices Supported: 25
- App Support: Yes
Not many routers miss out on the SIP protocol but can make up for it with features like intrusion prevention unless it is the Synology RT2600AC you are talking about.
Also, it is quite an upgrade over the RT1900AC, courtesy of a more powerful processor and MU-MIMO support to handle multiple devices without lags.
VoIP Connectivity
What works for VoIP is the top-notch security that ensures that the communication is safe, secure, and enterprise-grade. This is one of the few highly secure routers to offer Layer 7 QoS — a feature that allows advanced control over traffic.
Another underrated aspect of this router has to be the availability of four Gigabit Ethernet ports, ensuring better throughput and minimal interference for your VoIP calls, provided you choose to go wired. A dual WAN port is in play, which can double up as an additional Ethernet port if needed.
I tested the VoIP setup in a 2,000 Sq Ft space, and there weren’t any lags. However, I went wired, but you can always go wireless — I will discuss it below.
Speeds and Performance
As the name suggests, the RT2600AC promises dual band speeds ranging as high as 2600 Mbps. The individual band’s speed share is as follows:
| 5 GHz: 1733 Mbps | 2.4 GHz: 800 Mbps |
I tested the entire setup with Comcast’s 500 Mbps plan, and at 20 feet, the max download and upload speeds were as high as 402 Mbps and 32 Mbps, respectively.
The 40-feet tests did see the speeds drop to 210 Mbps and 19 Mbps, which was still adequate for VoIP, HD streaming, video conferencing, and standard browsing. There is minimal interference regardless of the distance from the router, especially with the dual-core processor in play.
WiFi Coverage and Device Capacity
When it comes to coverage, the Synology RT2600AC boasts a limiting range of 3,000 Sq Ft. There are 4×4 high-gain antennas that help you experience this kind of range.
However, at the farthest point, I saw the download speeds go as low as 10 Mbps, with the 2.4 GHz taking effect. There is beamforming technology in play and support for almost 70 devices on paper.
Yet, I would recommend you pair not more than 30 devices at once, especially if you want to keep experiencing decent speeds. The MU-MIMO functionality with the availability of the 160 MHz band is the game changer here, especially when the device capacity and simultaneous usage are concerned.
Security Features
The RT2600AC excels when router security is concerned. For starters, you get intrusion detection to make VoIP safer. This is immediately followed up by DoS protection, regular updates, and firewall management.
Then, there are built-in parental controls and VPN capabilities to ensure safe browsing and internet access.
Bottom-line
The RT2600AC is easily one of the safest consumer-grade Voice Over Internet Protocol routers in play. While security is the foremost reason, it can even make it to the list courtesy of its widespread port setup, led by two USB ports that can help you use this device as a NAS.
If you want to learn more about this device, read its full review here.
Pros
- Exceptional wireless range
- Steady wired throughput
- An extensive security suite
- Advanced QoS
- Solid customization
Cons
- No support for Wi-Fi 6
- Lacks dedicated H.323 and SIP protocols
6. Best Budget Pick: TP-Link Archer C4000
- H.323 and SIP Support: Yes
- Wireless Standard: Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
- Frequency: Tri-Band
- WiFi Range: Up to 3,800 Sq Ft
- Ports: 1 x Gig WAN + 4 x Gig LAN + 1 x USB 3.0 + 1 x USB 2.0
- Number of Devices Supported: 30+
- App Support: Yes
At close to $100, the TP-Link Archer C4000 is easily one of the better routers for use with VoIP. Despite the budget, it does a number on the Synology, courtesy of an additional gaming band.
Plus, it comes loaded with several innovative traits, including QoS, NitroQAM, and more, making it a well-rounded option.
VoIP Connectivity
The Archer C4000 comes loaded with the standard SIP and the H.323 protocols. You also get access to QoS priority.
The wired setup, featuring one WAN and 4 LAN ports, can further help optimize VoIP performances courtesy of lower interference.
The TP-Link Archer C4000 also supports link aggregation, allowing you to maximize your VoIP productivity by amplifying throughput.
Speeds and Performance
What stands out for the TP-Link C4000 is the cumulative tri-band support and a decent throughput capacity of 4,000 Mbps. The speed is divided as follows:
| 5 GHz (1): 1625 Mbps | 5 GHz (2): 1625 Mbps | 2.4 GHz: 750 Mbps |
When tested with a Gigabit internet plan from Comcast, I could get download and upload speeds of 480 Mbps and 289 Mbps at 20 feet from the router and 41 Mbps and 29 Mbps at 40 feet.
I didn’t just use this router for VoIP but also indulged in online gaming and 4K streaming. Additionally, this is one of the few routers to support NitroQAM — a feature that can boost standard speeds by up to 25% if needed. And TP-Link Archer C4000 achieves all that and more with a 1.8 GHz processor embedded within.
Wi-Fi Coverage and Device Capacity
The C4000 comes equipped with six high-performance antennas. While the advertised range maxes out at 2,500 sq ft, the Beamforming technology ensures that even the farthest of devices get ample wireless juice.
I tested the same at a 3,000 Sq Ft office, and there were hardly any signal drops despite the walls and pillars in between.
You also get access to MU-MIMO functionality and RangeBoost technology, allowing you to get decent speeds even if over 20 devices are connected at once.
Security Features
The WPA3 encryption stands out, followed by integrated parental controls, the ability to set time limits and even content filtering. The Tether application is loaded with features that offer better control over the router.
Bottom-line
Overall, if you are interested in an affordable router to handle your VoIP connection, TP-Link Archer C4000 is the one to get. It offers three bands and massive coverage for a touch above 100 bucks.
And if you are seeking one standout trait, the balance between performance and price puts it at the sixth position on our list.
Pros
- Includes all VoIP protocols
- Offers an additional band
- Interactive and feature-packed app
- Affordable price
- NitroQAM for speed-boosting
Cons
- Average security features
7. Cheapest Option: Linksys EA8300
- H.323 and SIP Support: No
- Wireless Standard: Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
- Frequency: Tri-Band
- WiFi Range: Up to 2,000 Sq Ft
- Ports: 1 x Gig WAN + 4 x Gig LAN + 1 x USB 3.0
- Number of Devices Supported: 30
- App Support: Yes
Linksys EA8300 Max-Stream is the cheapest router on the list that’s good for VoIP. Although they lack H.323 and SIP standards, the tri-band operation, decent range, and versatile port setup make it a compelling choice.
Compared with the EA7500, I noticed that the EA8300 offers better coverage, comes with an additional Ethernet port, and is generally faster.
VoIP Connectivity
What works for VoIP is the built-in QoS functionality, a feature that can easily prioritize VoIP traffic. I tested the router for placing several Whatsapp and Telegram calls, all while moving inside a 1,000 Sq Ft room. And I didn’t experience any sort of connection drop, even once.
As there are four high-speed LAN ports, a concerned user can always set up a wired connection to the PC for handling VoIP traffic.
Speeds and Performance
Combining all three bands, the cumulative speeds can go as high as 2200 Mbps on paper. The individual band-wise speed distribution is as follows:
| 5 GHz (1): 867 Mbps | 5 GHz (2): 867 Mbps | 2.4 GHz: 400 Mbps |
In real-world scenarios, with a 500 Mbps plan from Verizon FiOS at 20 feet, the download and upload speeds were registered at 330 Mbps and 45 Mbps, respectively.
At 40 feet, I could get close to 100 Mbps for downloads and 17 Mbps for uploads — more than adequate thresholds for VoIP, HD gaming, and other tasks.
Wi-Fi Coverage and Device Capacity
The Linksys EA8300 advertises a coverage of 2,000 Sq Ft, but I could see lags, and signal drops after 1,500 Sq Ft. The saving grace, however, was the Beamforming technology that ensured throughput even post the 1,500 Sq Ft mark.
Plus, this router has MU-MIMO and allows you to simultaneously connect 20+ devices on paper. However, you are better off pairing only 7 to 10 devices at once.
Security Features
The Linksys EA8300 isn’t exactly known for its security standards. Yet, there is WPA2 encryption for basic protection followed by parental controls, all of which are accessible via the Linksys app.
Bottom-line
Even though the Linksys EA8300 isn’t the most powerful router in the market, it makes a strong case courtesy of its affordability and tri-band support.
Pros
- Competitive Pricing
- Decent wireless range for the budget
- Additional band for routing VoIP traffic
- An easy device to set up
Cons
- Not meant for 4K gaming
- Doesn’t come with the full VoIP protocol suite
- Lacks an extensive security portfolio
Frequently Asked Questions
While a special router might not be necessary for VoIP, it is advisable to prefer one that supports QoS and built-in VoIP protocols like SIP and H.323. These traits can prioritize VoIP traffic and enhance call clarity during network congestion.
VoIP settings cannot be specifically added to a router unless you tinker with the firmware. However, if the router has QoS built-in, you can optimize the same to prioritize VoIP traffic over everything else. Some users also prefer adding VoIP-optimized gateway devices to enhance the quality of VoIP services.
For accessing VoIP services, you would need an ISP-provided Modem to bring internet to your doorstep and then a router to distribute the same. However, if you plan on setting up VoIP over a wired PC, only a modem with a LAN port would be necessary.
But then, if you want internet for VoIP and other professional and personal tasks, a router with QoS support might be necessary. In case you also want to pair a VoIP device like an analog telephone, there might be a need for some additional hardware like an ATA.
To check VoIP compatibility, the best way would be to look at the datasheet and see if the device supports SIP and/or H.323 protocols. That would determine the quality of VoIP calls. However, even if these protocols are absent, you can access VoIP services easily with QoS support.
Verdict
Each of the reviewed routing devices is good enough to handle VoIP setup in a professional and personal capacity. If you are still unsure as to which one would make sense to you, here are my final suggestions:
- If you plan on setting up an internet space for VoIP, gaming, and other professional yet fun tasks, the Netgear Nighthawk AX8 is a solid choice.
- For a business-only setup where zero frills are preferred, the best option would be the SonicWall TZ270.
- Furthermore, if you are looking for the best price-to-performance ratio, there is nothing as good as the TP-Link Archer AXE75.
- Lastly, Linksys EA8300 is a good option for budget seekers.
