WOW, an abbreviation for Wide Open West is among the country’s top ten service providers that provide a separate landline, TV channels, and a speedy internet connection. Renting a WOW router for $10 a month can be costly, considering its underwhelming features.
After using the ISP-rented equipment for around a week, I was utterly disappointed with its speed, coverage, and other aspects. That’s when I decided to find a reliable third-party wireless router for WOW internet, and let me tell you, it wasn’t easy at all.
There were many options to choose from, and after days of rigorous testing of 19 models, I finally came up with a list of the 8 routers that work best with WOW internet in 2024:
- Best All-Around: TP-Link AX90
- Best For Streaming: Netgear RAX50
- Best Gaming Router: ASUS GT-AC2900
- Best Mesh WiFi System: TP-Link Deco X55
- Best Modem/Router Combo: ARRIS G34
- Best For Home WiFi: Linksys EA8100
- Wi-Fi 6 on Budget: Netgear R6700AX
- Cheapest Option: ASUS RT-AC67P
8 Best Routers for WOW in 2024
Note that this isn’t a random list. All of the 19 models went through detailed testing and observation of their wireless and wired speeds, WiFi coverage, stability, connections capacity, ease of setup and security features.
I also arranged the list in descending order of features and price, with the most feature-packed ones at the top and the least at the bottom. I also tried to cover models compatible with each WOW internet plan and budget so you don’t leave empty-handed.
1. Best Overall: TP-Link Archer AX90
Need a high-end wireless router with top-of-the-line features? Archer AX90 with tri-band and Wi-Fi 6 support has got you covered!
- Wireless Standard: Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
- Suitable Plan: Internet 1.2 Gig
- 2.4GHz Speeds: 574 Mbps
- 5GHz Speeds: 4804 + 1201 Mbps
- Coverage: Up to 2,500 Sq Ft
- Number of Devices Supported: 40+
- Ports: 4 x LAN + 1 x WAN + 1 x USB 3.1
- Processor: 1.5GHz Quad-Core
- RAM & NAND Memory: 512MB + 128MB
- App Support: Yes
TP-Link Archer AX90 has got everything you expect from a router at this lofty price, including a tri-band WiFi, the latest wireless standard, a nice selection of ports, and packed premium security features. Combined with strong wireless and wired performance, it is a major upgrade over its previous version, Archer AX73.
Why is it suited for WOW?
Archer AX90, with an aggregated speed of 6600 Mbps, makes it the best suitable router for WOW Internet’s 1.2 Gig plan. In my test, it got me to download speeds of around 987 Gbps on aggregated bands and 1 Gbps for the 5GHz bands. The presence of an additional backhaul band has resulted in such high speeds.
Besides, the upload speeds for both bands reached 35 Mbps and 27 Mbps, respectively. The signal strength was further boosted by including technologies like MU-MIMO and OFDMA.
Wired Connectivity
Plugging in my MacBook Air M1 to the 2.5G WAN port got me speeds for downloads and uploads at 991 Mbps and 39 Mbps. With such high speeds, playing Red Dead Redemption 2 on my Xbox 360 was a whole new experience for me. It ran at 144 FPS, and I completed the game playing 6 hours straight without any latencies or lags.
Besides, there are 4 LAN ports and 1 USB 3.0 port. And good thing is the device also support Link aggregation so that you can combine two IPs to experience multi-gigs of speeds.
WiFi Coverage & Devices Capacity
The sturdy-looking device sports 8 non-removable antennas that send strong WiFi signals and covered my entire testing center of around 2,500 Sq Ft. Even in the parking area, the smart lights received decent signals and worked fine. Rest, as far as my tests go, the device could handle 30 devices without dropping speeds a tad.
Security Features
As with most TP-Link devices, AX90 comes with a free HomeShield plan for basic network security with scans and strong parental controls. You’ll need to upgrade to the HomeShield Pro plan for more robust security. It includes malicious content filters, network security reports, and DoS protection.
Conclusion
To conclude, Archer AX90 is the best replacement for the WOWWAY router. It uses future-proof technologies and delivers consistent throughput. Besides, you get basic network scans and strong parental controls. So, all in all, it’s a worthy investment if you have the budget to spare.
Pros
- Solid 5GHz band performance
- Quick installation
- Multi-gig LAN/WAN
- Strong parental controls
- Great coverage
Cons
- Expensive
- Some features require a subscription
2. Best Runner-Up: Netgear Nighthawk RAX50
- Wireless Standard: Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
- Suitable Internet Plan: Internet 1 Gig
- 2.4GHz Speeds: 574 Mbps
- 5GHz Speeds: 4804 Mbps
- Coverage: 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
The next router on my list is a powerful Netgear router that delivers high-speed internet and best-in-class security. Nighthawk RAX50 should be a viable companion to any of your high-speed plans featuring substantial upgrades over its previous model, RAX43, in terms of speeds, coverage, and overall performance.
Why is it suited for WOW?
Performance is a strong suit of this device, and with a maximum speed output of 5.4 Gbps, it works with any plan with speeds up to 1 Gbps. So testing with the respective WOW plan at 5GHz allowed me to download UHD movies at 965 Mbps while I could upload my pictures on social media at 34 Mbps.
Similarly, the respective speeds on the 2.4GHz band were 520 Mbps and 22 Mbps. Besides speeds, thanks to OFDMA support, the device excels in terms of consistency. Despite working on many devices simultaneously, there wasn’t any drop in speeds.
Wired Connectivity
RAX50 has a lot to offer in this regard. With 4 GigE LAN ports and 1 WAN port, there’s a possibility of breaking the 1 Gbps barrier. Plugging my iPhone 13 into a LAN port got me download speeds at around 980 Mbps, while the upload speed score stayed at 500 Mbps.
Thanks to such high speed, I could stream the entire season of Lucifer in 4K without any buffering. However, the lack of a 2.5G WAN port knocks off the device’s ability to use Link aggregation, which gives you access to multi-gigs of speeds.
WiFi Coverage & Devices Capacity
With RAX50, your devices can experience stronger and more reliable WiFi coverage indoors and outdoors. Thanks to its 4 high-performance antennas, I could access high-speed internet over an area of 2,200 Sq Ft. It also integrates beamforming which means all your connected devices (maximum 25) get strong signals every time.
Security Features
While the Netgear router has some basic security features like WPA2/WPA3 encryption, it takes steps forward with its premium security features. The Netgear Armor, with features like malware detection and eradication, comes with a one-month trial post which you need to pay a monthly/yearly subscription fee.
Conclusion
Overall, RAX50 is one of the most reliable routers that work with WOW internet and deliver high-speed. So whether you are a professional gamer, a movie enthusiast, or a professional working from home, this device is ideal for everyone. However, the lack of link aggregation and an additional band pushes it into the second position.
Pros
- Stable connection on multiple devices
- Excellent performance
- Customization potential
- Quick setup
- Security upgrade
Cons
- Lack of multi-gig ports
- Free security subscription ends a month
3. Best for Gaming: ASUS ROG GT-AC2900
- Wireless Standard: Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ac)
- Suitable Plan: Internet 1 Gig
- 2.4GHz Speeds: 750 Mbps
- 5GHz Speeds: 2167 Mbps
- Coverage: N/A
- Number of Devices Supported: 25+
- Ports: 4 x LAN + 1 x WAN + 1 x USB 3.0 + 1 x USB 2.0
- Processor: 1.8GHz Broadcom
- RAM & NAND Memory: 512MB + 256MB
- App Support: Yes
ASUS brings you a gaming-friendly router, ROG GT-AC2900, that improves over its predecessor by adding more gaming-oriented features and controls. Besides, further integration of RGB lighting makes the device more alluring for gamers.
Why is it suited for WOW?
To determine if the included features deliver, I tested the performance on both 5GHz and 2.4GHz bands alongside establishing a direct connection through Gigabit ports. And unsurprisingly enough, GT-AC2900 performed well.
On 5GHz, it scored maximum download speeds of 880 Mbps and upload speeds of 354 Mbps, while the respective speeds at 2.4GHz band were 550 Mbps and 175 Mbps. When I paired this router with a gaming modem, I experienced zero lags and latencies in Call of Duty: Warzone. I lost the tournament in the end, but the blame goes to my skills and not the speed output.
Wired Connectivity
While plugging in with one of the 4 Gig-E LAN ports, I could download and upload files at 950 Mbps and 400 Mbps, respectively. There are also 2 USB ports for additional connectivity.
WiFi Coverage & Devices Capacity
Although the WiFi range of this gaming router hasn’t been disclosed, it covered my grandpa’s 2,000 Sq Ft house without leaving any dead spots or network gaps. Even in my garden, I streamed HD music on my phone without any issues.
This is possible only because the 3 external antennas integrate beamforming technology to dissipate strong signals everywhere. Aside from that, these high-performing antennas allow you to stream 4K videos or play online games on 20 devices at once.
Security Features
Security makes this device stand out amongst other routers compatible with WOW internet. Where most manufacturers ask for a price to provide impenetrable security, ASUS offers it for free with its AiProtection Pro. It protects your network from external attacks and threats by neutralizing them before they reach.
Plus, there are other helpful features like manually blocking a website, pausing your WiFi, and monitoring the online time of the connected devices.
Conclusion
With ROG GT-AC2900, you’ve got a powerful gaming router to pair with WOW internet. It shall take your gaming experience to a whole new level. Also, its security feature lets you experience high speeds without worrying about compromising the data. However, the lack of Wi-Fi 6 takes it down in this position.
Pros
- Consistent throughput
- Great speeds and coverage
- Lifetime free security feature
- Budget-friendly
Cons
- Lack of link aggregation
4. Best Mesh Router: TP-Link Deco X55
- Wireless Standard: Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
- Suitable Internet Plan: Internet 500
- 2.4GHz Speeds: 574 Mbps
- 5GHz Speeds: 2402 Mbps
- Coverage: Up to 4,500 Sq Ft
- Number of Devices Supported: 25+
- Ports: 4 x LAN + 1 x WAN + 1 x USB 3.0
- Processor: 1GHz Qualcomm IPQ0518
- RAM & NAND Memory: 512MB + 128MB
- App Support: Yes
Next on my list of WOW-compatible routers is TP-Link Deco X55, typically suited for people looking for a mesh system to cover big houses or workplaces with strong signals. Priced at under $250, it’s on par with many wireless routers and mesh systems in the retail space.
Why is it suited for WOW?
The performance Deco X55 offers can make several other devices a run for their money. Connected to my iPhone 13, the upload and download speeds of the mesh router with the WOW 500 Mbps plan were 485 Mbps and 23 Mbps, respectively.
The real shock was that it performed identically when it was kept 50 feet away from the device with download speeds at around 421 Mbps.
Wired Connectivity
The wired speeds were almost as identical to the wireless connections. Connected to a GigE LAN port, my Dell laptop crossed speeds of 495 Mbps while downloading. Similarly, the upload speeds recorded on the device were around 22 Mbps. This speed allowed me to download massive-sized games within a few minutes while browsing and sending emails simultaneously.
WiFi Coverage & Devices Capacity
Being one of the top-rated mesh WiFi systems, coverage is its strong suit. It has 2 in-built antennas in each unit, forming a signal-boosting array to cover large homes. In my case, it covered the entire house of 4,000 Sq Ft. And with beamforming technology, I received similar network speeds in over 75 devices at once.
Security Features
Like all TP-Link devices, Deco X55 boasts premium cyber security protection with Homeshield Pro. It offers peace of mind to users who transfer data over the network throughout the day. It keeps the data secure and allows you to block any websites or pause the WiFi anytime.
Conclusion
To sum up, Deco X55 is a whole-home mesh WiFi at a great price. With 9 Ethernet ports and Wi-Fi 6 support, you have a fantastic device that provides faster internet in both wired and wireless modes. However, it lacks advanced security features and provides less speed than my previous recommendations.
To learn more, you may check my full review of the Deco X55.
Pros
- Super fast Wi-Fi 6
- Plenty of LAN ports
- Excellent coverage and speeds
- Simple setup
- Security features are powerful enough
Cons
- Premium security features
5. Best Modem Router Combo: ARRIS Surfboard G34
- Wireless Standard: Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
- Suitable Internet Plan: Internet 500
- 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
ARRIS is well-known in the market for its range of modems and modem-router combos. The G34 ingrains advanced features like DOCSIS 3.1 modem and a Wi-Fi 6 router. And compared to SBG8300, it brings many upgrades like a better processor, speed, and a longer WiFi range.
Why is it suited for WOW?
Given its maximum speed of 3000 Mbps, I paired the device with a Gigabit plan to acquire download speeds of up to 902 Mbps on its 5GHz band. While the upload speeds with the same band clocked at 31 Mbps, which is considerably high for a modem-router combo.
Wired Connectivity
The wired speeds of this device are pretty steep, thanks to 4 Gigabit Ethernet ports. Upon connecting with a GigE port, the download and upload speeds on my gaming console were 951 Mbps and 35 Mbps. So, my bandwidth-hogging devices had no issues when connected to the system.
WiFi Coverage & Devices Capacity
Compared to its predecessor, Arris G34 has seen a significant upgrade in terms of coverage. With 4 high-gain internal antennas, it covered my friend’s entire 2,000 Sq Ft house with strong connectivity. And he could connect up to 12 devices without worrying about speed drops.
Security Features
Arris G34 doesn’t offer much in terms of security features. Just some basic ones like WPA2 encryption and VPN-passthrough. So, if you deal with sensitive data, opt for a third-party Bitdefender antivirus that deals with external threats.
Conclusion
Overall, Arris G34 is the best modem router combo for WOW internet that saves your budget. But the best thing about it is that it doesn’t compromise any counterpart’s performance, and you can complete most of your bandwidth-intensive tasks with a breeze. However, lacking security features, this device is ranked fifth.
For more details, check out my dedicated review of the Surfboard G34!
Pros
- Versatile device
- Decent speeds
- Excellent wireless range and throughput
- Supports many devices
- Fast wireless speeds
Cons
- Security features aren’t advanced
6. Best for Home Use: Linksys EA8100
- Wireless Standard: Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
- Suitable Internet Plan: Internet 200
- 2.4GHz Speeds: 800 Mbps
- 5GHz Speeds: 1733 Mbps
- WiFi Range: Up to 1,800 Sq Ft
- Number of Devices Supported: 30
- Ports: 4 x LAN + 1 x WAN + 1 x USB 3.0
- Processor: 880MHz Dual Core MediaTek MIPS1004KC
- RAM & NAND Memory: 256MB + 128MB
- App Support: Yes
Are you on a decent-speed home internet plan, but your devices aren’t getting anything close to the expected speeds? Then Linksys EA8100 can be a good choice. This dual-band Wi-Fi 5 router is Certified Dynamic Frequency Selection (DFS), which can transmit strong signals through network congestion. This makes the router a major upgrade over its older version.
Why is it suited for WOW?
Despite the inferior Wi-Fi 5 support, Linksys EA8100 is a good WiFi router to use with WOW Internet. I tested this device with my Dell laptop to download UHD movies, and the maximum speed clocked at 180 Mbps for the Internet 200 plan. The upload speed for the similar plan was 18 Mbps.
Wired Connectivity
Its Gigabit Ethernet ports reached up to 195 Mbps and 16 Mbps, allowing me to stream Valorant 2 on Twitter without lags. The constant throughput on my devices is due to the inclusion of DNS, which allows signals to travel faster.
WiFi Coverage & Devices Capacity
I tested the device in my grandpa’s 100-year-old 1,500 Sq Ft house, and thankfully its 4 beamforming antennas did a decent job. The signals weren’t powerful in the garden but were enough to light up a smart bulb. Aside from that, all ten connected devices received strong signals and could stream 4K videos without much buffering.
Security Features
Linksys isn’t very lenient in terms of the security features it offers. Besides basic encryptions, you won’t get anything from it, so having a separate antivirus becomes much more critical if installed in commercial settings. However, I can assure you of the viability of these features for the home network.
Conclusion
The EA8100 is a low-cost device that provides dependable and stable connections to your average-sized workspace or home. So, you won’t face slow internet with WOW as you do with their gateway. However, its low output speed and lack of adequate security features push it down the list.
Pros
- 4 GigE ports and 1 USB 3.0 port
- Decent coverage
- Decent speeds
- Stable internet due to Dynamic Frequency Selection
Cons
- Lack of security measures
7. Best Budget Wi-Fi 6 Router: Netgear R6700AX
- Wireless Standard: Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
- Suitable Internet Plan: Internet 200
- 2.4GHz Speeds: 600 Mbps
- 5GHz Speeds: 1200 Mbps
- WiFi Range: Up to 1,500 Sq Ft
- Number of Devices Supported: 20+
- Ports: 4 x LAN + 1 x USB 3.0
- Processor: 1.5GHz Quad-Core
- RAM & NAND Memory: N/A
- App Support: Yes
Didn’t like the previous option because of its older wireless standard? If so, get yourself the Netgear R6700AX. It is a great option to replace the WOW router with your own. All thanks to Wi-Fi 6 support and a good hardware setup. And you won’t need to empty your pocket to afford it.
Why is it suited for WOW?
To test the router’s overall performance (wired and wireless), I paired it with Internet 200 and wasn’t disappointed with the results.
At 5GHz, respective download and upload speeds clocked at 180 Mbps and 19 Mbps. While the 2.4GHz band’s respective values were 144 Mbps and 12 Mbps. On the other hand, wired connections have respect speeds of 190 Mbps and 60 Mbps for downloads and uploads.
Something worth noting is a Smart connect, which combines both bands into a single network and steers your device between any of them, as required. So, I am always connected to the least congested network and enjoy the seamless video and audio streaming.
WiFi Coverage & Devices Capacity
Coverage shouldn’t be very high considering it boasts 3 external antennas, but it easily covered my grandpa’s old 1,200 Sq Ft house. So, it’s safe to install this router in any small-medium apartment. Rest if you don’t have more than 20 devices to connect, you can plug them into your Ethernet ports and experience faster speeds.
Security Features
Like all its sibling products, R6700AX also boasts a premium and advanced security feature, Netgear Armor. With an almost $10-a-month subscription, you won’t have to worry about compromising your sensitive data to potential attackers. You have access to smart parental controls that let you take control over what your kids are watching, how much time they spend online and whether they are safe or not.
Conclusion
R6700AX is one of the few wireless routers below $100 that boasts Wi-Fi 6. Besides that, there are other helpful features like smart connect that qualify it as a helpful and efficient router for WOW connection. However, lesser WiFi coverage, lack of a USB port, and limited device support pushed it into the penultimate position.
Pros
- Wi-Fi 6 support
- Decent speeds
- Budget-friendly
- 4 LAN ports
- Good design
Cons
- Lacks USB port
- Coverage isn’t as great
8. Cheapest Option: ASUS RT-AC67P
- Wireless Standard: Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
- Suitable Internet Plan: Internet 50
- 2.4GHz Speeds: 600 Mbps
- 5GHz Speeds: 1300 Mbps
- Coverage: Up to 3,000 Sq Ft
- Number of Devices Supported: 12+
- Ports: 4 x LAN + 1 x WAN + 1 x USB 3.0
- Processor: MediaTek MT7762N
- RAM & NAND Memory: 128MB + 128MB
- App Support: Yes
ASUS RT-AC67P is the last option on my list of routers good for WOW internet. It’s a budget yet powerful upgrade to your ISP-rented gateway. You can’t expect higher speeds and the latest wireless standard at this price, but coverage is its highlight.
Why is it suited for WOW?
RT-AC67P, although it comes with Wi-Fi 5 support, can support any entry-level WOW plans to deliver high download and upload speeds. Testing with Internet 50 on its 5GHz band has speeds output of around 47 Mbps and 9 Mbps for downloads and uploads.
This might not sound very high, but you can do all kinds of stuff like playing installed games, streaming HD+ Netflix movies and even cloud gaming.
Wired Connectivity
For wired connectivity, 4 GigE LAN ports on its rear panel let you establish an Ethernet backhaul and experience faster speeds. Connecting my Dell laptop directly with the Gigabit ports got me to download and upload speeds of around 48 Mbps and 6 Mbps.
It allowed me to download any of your music albums in less than 15 seconds, and it takes around 4-14 minutes to download a two-hour movie, depending on its quality.
WiFi Coverage & Devices Capacity
As mentioned earlier, coverage is the stand-out feature of this WOW-compatible router. Thanks to the integration of 3 high-performance antennas, my friend’s 2,500 Sq Ft house was sheathed with a strong internet connection. So, irrespective of its speed, you are bound to get that in every corner of your house.
With coverage, you can connect up to 9 bandwidth-hungry devices at once without dropping any speed. And if you’re browsing social media, streaming music, and sending emails, the maximum number of devices you can connect is 15. It is very on par, considering the price at which it comes in.
Security Features
Security isn’t the strong suit of Asus RT-AC67P. You will get some basic security features like WPA2 encryption that keeps your databases in encrypted form and delivers a decent level of security. And talking about parental controls, you only get to pause the Wi-Fi at any time and monitor the online time of connected devices.
Conclusion
In conclusion, ASUS RT-AC67P is a decently powerful WOW internet router that offers decent speeds, great coverage, and other helpful features at a budget price. In terms of coverage, it leaps ahead of other routers in this price bracket, making it a viable upgrade to your traditional and outdated ISP equipment.
Pros
- Decent speeds
- Consistent throughput
- Excellent coverage
- Budget option
Cons
- Security features aren’t much advanced
Frequently Asked Questions
WOW offers two different services aside from its internet: rent its modem-router combo at $14 a month, or get its separate WiFi mesh package by paying $9.99 per month.
Yes, you can. However, if you rented a modem-router combo from your ISP, remember to turn off the gateway router before turning on the router. After that, you can access lightning-fast speeds on all your devices.
Here are a few things to think about before buying the best possible WOW router:
– The amount of money you intend to spend on your router
– Check if the provided router is compatible with your Spectrum internet plan.
– Consider a mesh system if your home is larger than 3,000-3,500 square feet.
– Check that it has adequate security features.
It shouldn’t be too difficult if you’re familiar with these tools or are brand new. Most routers or mesh systems include an app with detailed step-by-step instructions, allowing you to complete tasks quickly.
Verdict
That concludes my discussion of the routers suitable for WOW internet. I hope you found the article informative enough to find your ideal match. However, if you’re still perplexed, here are some of my top picks:
- If you are subscribed to a top-tier WOW Internet plan and have a large house and numerous devices to connect, then you need a feature-packed TP-Link Archer AX90. An additional band, strong antennas, and powerful security make it the best router to use with WOW internet.
- If you are a gamer who needs a powerful device but don’t have much to spend, ASUS ROG GT-AC2900 makes a surprise entry to the list. Costing less than $150, it ingrains some powerful features that take your gaming experience to a new level.
- Last, if you need a cheap router that supports decent speeds, coverage, and other features, most importantly, a major upgrade to your ISP gateway, there is no better option than ASUS RT-AC67P. Its coverage of 3,000 Sq Ft is on par with many high-end options.
