May 2024
Routers: MetaRanking
This page highlights the aggregate summary of routers rankings posted by key online experts, as of May 2024.
Summary
On 2 May 2024, ReviewFinder team examined a total of 75 router endorsements from 10 reputable publishers.
55 routers were endorsed in total, only 17 made it into this month's ranking. (ReviewFinder requires a minimum of 2 endorsements to be included)
As of 2 May 2024, TP-Link Archer AX55 takes the cake as the most critically-acclaimed router with 2 expert endorsements. 1 expert out of 2 recommended it as the '#1 router' this month.
Brand breakdown
-
TP-Link: 17 routers
(#1 is TP-Link Archer AX55)
-
Netgear: 11 routers
(#1 is Netgear Nighthawk RAXE300)
-
Asus: 9 routers
(#1 is Asus ZenWiFi AX XT8)
-
Linksys: 3 routers
(#1 is Linksys Velop MX12600)
-
Google: 2 routers
(#1 is Google Nest WiFi)
Price breakdown
At a glance - May Ranking
| Rank | Change | Price | Router |
PCMag
|
Digital Trends
|
Tom's Guide
|
Wirecutter
|
How To Geek
|
T3
|
Business Insider
|
TechRadar
|
Laptop Mag
|
Lifewire
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1
|
New * | $95 |
TP-Link Archer AX55
|
-
|
-
|
2
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
2
|
- | $296 |
Netgear Nighthawk RAXE300
|
-
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
3
|
-
|
-
|
|
3
|
- | $47 |
Google Nest WiFi
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
5
|
4
|
2
|
-
|
|
4
|
- | $259 |
Asus ZenWiFi AX XT8
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
4
|
-
|
-
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
|
5
|
+13 | $403 |
Asus Rapture GT-AX11000
|
-
|
-
|
3
|
-
|
-
|
6
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
4
|
|
6
|
- | $391 |
Asus RT-AX88U
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
9
|
-
|
|
7
|
- | $493 |
Netgear Nighthawk RAXE500
|
-
|
-
|
8
|
-
|
-
|
8
|
3
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
8
|
- | $219 |
Synology WRX560
|
2
|
-
|
-
|
2
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
9
|
-8 | $125 |
TP-Link Archer AX50
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
2
|
-
|
3
|
-
|
|
10
|
-1 | $60 |
TP-Link Archer A8 AC1900
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
3
|
2
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
11
|
- | $315 |
TP-Link Archer AX6600 AX90
|
-
|
2
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
5
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
12
|
-2 | $180 |
Netgear Nighthawk Pro XR1000
|
-
|
5
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
2
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
19
|
- | $63 |
TP-Link Archer AX10
|
4
|
4
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
20
|
- | $135 |
TP-Link Deco X20
|
-
|
-
|
5
|
-
|
5
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
21
|
New * | $588 |
Netgear Orbi 6 AX6000
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
6
|
5
|
|
22
|
-1 | $499 |
Asus ROG Rapture GT-AXE16000
|
5
|
7
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
23
|
-1 | $980 |
Eero Max 7
|
9
|
-
|
6
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
We ranked TP-Link Archer AX55 #1 in May 2024 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best routers” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked TP-Link Archer AX55 as #1.
Tom's Guide
The best budget Wi-Fi router
|
Excellent range
2-year warranty
Lots of setup options
Small and easy to hide
|
Security software costs extra
Disappointing mid-range speeds
|
We ranked Netgear Nighthawk RAXE300 #2 in May 2024 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best routers” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Netgear Nighthawk RAXE300 as #1.
Digital Trends
The best Wi-Fi router
|
Wi-Fi 6E support
No unsightly antenna with futuristic design
Can be controlled with an app
|
Optional services require subscription
Still expensive
|
TechRadar
The premium wireless router of the future
|
Super-fast Wi-Fi performance
Tri-band support (2.4/5.0/6.0GHz)
Easy to use and set up
|
Expensive
Parental controls require monthly subscription
|
Methodology: combine opinions of key experts
Identify Experts
We identify key publishers and experts that consistently review and recommend routers.
Capture Rankings
For each publisher we find a currently recommended "top 10" list of routers, it must be updated in the last 9 months.
Aggregate Rankings
We put all those lists together and aggregate them. The more frequently a product is recommended, the higher it is in our ranking
Experts chosen for May 2024 ranking
PCMag
Digital Trends
Tom's Guide
Wirecutter
How To Geek
T3
Business Insider
TechRadar
Laptop Mag
Lifewire
We ranked Google Nest WiFi #3 in May 2024 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best routers” rankings.
Business Insider
Best budget mesh
|
Easy to set up and manage, router and points are small and attractive, access points double as smart speakers. reliable performance at range, attractive pricing
|
Wi-Fi 6 upgrade is sorely needed
|
TechRadar
The best mesh router if you want something affordable
|
Excellent design
Smart speaker(s) included
Even simpler controls
|
No major performance gains
Not worth replacing existing mesh
|
Laptop Mag
Best mesh Wi-Fi router system for most people
|
Excellent, reliable coverage
Easy to set up
Built-in Google Home speaker
Smart home functionality
|
Limited ports
Lacks advanced configuration options
|
We ranked Asus ZenWiFi AX XT8 #4 in May 2024 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best routers” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Asus ZenWiFi AX XT8 as #1.
How To Geek
Best Mesh Router
|
Wi-Fi 6
5500 square feet of coverage
QoS for traffic prioritization
|
More expensive than mesh systems without Wi-Fi 6
Not as simple to configure as Google Nest Wifi
|
TechRadar
The best Wi-Fi router overall
|
Great Wi-Fi performance
Good security features
|
Expensive
Limited to two routers
|
We ranked Asus Rapture GT-AX11000 #5 in May 2024 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best routers” rankings.
Tom's Guide
The best Wi-Fi router for gaming
|
Performance improves with distance
Plenty of customization options
Impressive 2.5Gbps WAN port
|
Very large in size compared to other routers
|
T3
A top wireless router for power users and gamers
|
Support for Wi-Fi 6
Powerful software control
Eight Wi-Fi antennas
|
Expensive
Large
|
Lifewire
Best for Gaming
|
Advanced Wi-Fi 6 Support
Extremely fast performance
Cutting-edge game-centric QoS
|
Large footprint
Pricey
|
We ranked Asus RT-AX88U #6 in May 2024 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best routers” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Asus RT-AX88U as #1.
How To Geek
Best Wi-Fi Router Overall
|
Impressive performance
Two 2.5G ports
Wi-Fi 6 connectivity
|
Less number of LAN ports than its predecessor
Not wall mount ready
|
Laptop Mag
Best future-proof Wi-Fi 6 router
|
Fantastic Wi-Fi 6 performance
Solid built-in malware protection
Abundant ports
Easily configurable network options
|
Expensive
Limited Wi-Fi 6 devices still
|
We ranked Netgear Nighthawk RAXE500 #7 in May 2024 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best routers” rankings.
Tom's Guide
The best Wi-Fi 6E router
|
Top speeds with 6GHz band
Very customizable
Security software built-in
|
Throughput declines quickly with distance
|
T3
The best Wi-Fi router if you have a big budget
|
Absolutely packed with features
High-end Wi-Fi 6E support
Lots of customisation options
|
It's going to cost you
|
Business Insider
Best Wi-Fi 6E
|
Supports Wi-Fi 6E, excellent Wi-Fi performance, performance holds up at range, as a 2.5 Gigabit LAN port
|
Large, could use more Gigabit LAN ports for its size
|
We ranked Synology WRX560 #8 in May 2024 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best routers” rankings.
PCMag
A Solid Alternative to the TP-Link Archer AXE75 / Editors' Choice
|
Easy installation
Excellent throughput and signal performance
Built-in parental-control and network-security software
Mesh-ready
Multi-gig WAN/LAN
|
Middling file transfer performance
Top heavy design
|
We ranked TP-Link Archer AX50 #9 in May 2024 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best routers” rankings.
Business Insider
Best budget
|
Good performance at long range, simple setup process, attractive design, compact size
|
Maximum Wi-Fi speeds could be higher
|
Laptop Mag
Best Wi-Fi 6 router for most people
|
Affordable for performance
Solid coverage for single unit
Advanced security options
Reduces battery drain on connected devices
|
Limited USB ports
Max data transfer not as high as some
|
We ranked TP-Link Archer A8 AC1900 #10 in May 2024 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best routers” rankings.
How To Geek
Best Budget Router
|
A solid router at a low price
|
No Wi-Fi 6
1900 Mbps speeds
|
We ranked TP-Link Archer AX6600 AX90 #11 in May 2024 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best routers” rankings.
Digital Trends
The best high-performance router
|
Wi-Fi 6 support
Multi-gig Ethernet ports
Solid performance
|
Relatively expensive
|
T3
A mid-range wireless router with loads of smart features
|
Improves Wi-Fi speed and capacity
Easy to use and manage through the app
HomeShield is free and protects your devices
|
The 2.4GHz channel could be faster
You have to create an account
There’s a subscription fee for the advanced security features
|
We ranked Netgear Nighthawk Pro XR1000 #12 in May 2024 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best routers” rankings.
Digital Trends
The best gaming router
|
Solid Wi-Fi 6 performance
Options catered towards gamers and streamers
Malware protection included
Excellent coverage
|
No multi-gig port or port aggregation
Relatively pricey
|
T3
The best premium wireless router
|
High speed, low ping
Handles congestion well
Automatic optimisation
|
On the expensive side
|
We ranked TP-Link Archer AX10 #13 in May 2024 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best routers” rankings.
PCMag
Best Budget Wi-Fi 6 Router
|
Affordable
Good 5GHz throughput and signal range in testing
|
Doesn't support 160MHz channel width
No anti-malware tools
Lacks USB and multi-gig LAN ports
So-so 2.4GHz performance in testing
|
Digital Trends
The best budget wireless router
|
Affordable price
Four Gigabit LAN ports
Alexa support
Great performance
|
Limited design for coverage
No USB ports
|
We ranked TP-Link Deco X20 #14 in May 2024 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best routers” rankings.
Tom's Guide
The best budget mesh Wi-Fi system
|
Inexpensive
Excellent range
Extra security
Small router and satellites
|
Lack of customization options
No dedicated backchannel for data
|
How To Geek
Best Budget Mesh Router
|
Low-budget Mesh networking
Supports Wi-Fi 6 and earlier devices
Easy to set up and configure
Provides good network coverage
|
Lacks a dedicated backhaul channel (for the 2-pack)
Network speed could be better
|
We ranked Netgear Orbi 6 AX6000 #15 in May 2024 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best routers” rankings.
Laptop Mag
Best high-end mesh Wi-Fi router
|
Excellent range and expandable
Easy to set up
Smart speaker integration
|
Expensive
Overkill for most users
Large footprint
|
Lifewire
Best Splurge
|
Blazing fast performance
Excellent range
2.5Gbps WAN port
|
Pricey
No USB ports
|
We ranked Asus ROG Rapture GT-AXE16000 #16 in May 2024 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best routers” rankings.
PCMag
Best Wi-Fi 6E Wireless Router
|
Fast throughput speeds in our tests
Support for Wi-Fi 6E
Three multi-gigabit ports
Comes with network-security and parental-control software
Can be expanded into a mesh system with additional units
Gamer-friendly settings
|
Very expensive
Huge footprint
Middling file transfer and 5GHz signal range performance
|
Digital Trends
Bleeding edge network performance for gamers
|
Four-band system
Mesh ready
Settings for gamers
Built-in network security
Two 10GbE ports
|
Expensive
Large footprint
|
We ranked Eero Max 7 #17 in May 2024 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best routers” rankings.
PCMag
Best Wi-Fi 7 Mesh System/Editor's Choice
|
Fast performance
Strong signal coverage
Easy to install and manage
Supports Thread, Matter, and Zigbee protocols
10GbE and 2.5GbE ports
|
Pricey
Lacks USB connectivity
Parental controls and network security software require a paid subscription
|
Tom's Guide
The best mesh Wi-Fi system for large homes
|
Simple app
Small AC adapter
Good performance up close
Uses 320MHz ultra-wide data channels
Two 10Gbps and two 2.5Gbps networking ports
|
Performance falls off quickly at distance
Extra security, parental controls and networking stats cost $100 a year
|