Best wireless routers 2018: the best routers for your home network

Have you ever tried to show a friend an awesome video on YouTube, only to have everything stop and that annoying buffering icon pop up? Well, if this happens to you regularly, it may be time to go out and buy a new wireless router, and our list of the best Wi-Fi routers of 2018 can help. After all, no one should have to deal with buffering icons.

However, the first thing many people will do when faced with internet issues like this, is just spend more money to upgrade their internet service. But, even if you have the fastest internet in the world – it’s won’t make a difference for your wireless woes. And, with all the devices that need constant internet connections in 2018, the best thing you can do to improve your internet experience is to go out and pick up one of the best routers. Luckily, TechRadar is here to help you do exactly that.

Unfortunately, when you go out looking for the best wireless routers, you may find yourself confused by the dozens of routers on the market today. But don’t worry, as we have your back – we’ve created this list of the best routers that we’ve got our hands on over the last year or so. No matter what you need to do on the internet, you can be confident you’ll find the best wireless routers right here on this list.

In a lot of ways, Google Wifi is truly the future of wireless routers, and with it, you can finally bid farewell to the days when the only way to achieve wireless freedom was a bunch of unattractive range extenders in all of your power outlets. The premise of Google Wifi is simple – you buy a set of points and place them in key locations around your house. Then you just simply scan a QR code, and you’re done. They’re set up. 

Read the full review: Google Wifi

 

Anyone who’s familiar with Asus, and especially its more gamer-centric products knows exactly what they’re getting themselves into here – especially regarding design. The Asus RT-AC86U looks like the result of a Mountain Dew-fueled deal with the devil, and it will certainly stand out wherever you put it. Underneath that garish design forever, is hardware that, for its price, wholly stands up against its competition. You won’t be paying a premium here for the ‘gaming hardware’ and, if you’re looking for a fast router at a good price, you can’t really go wrong here.

Read the full review: Asus RT-AC86U 

Unlike Google Wi-Fi, the Netgear Orbi wireless mesh system comes with just two units instead of three: a router and a satellite, much like a cell phone signal booster. And, it may be expensive, but it's worth it – its simple setup, requiring little more than being plugged into a modem and a wall adapter, makes the Orbi extremely accessible. Add in its fantastic performance, and it’s easy to see why the Netgear Orbi is one of the best routers you can buy in 2018. 

Read full review: Netgear Orbi

While it may be more expensive than the Google Wifi for similar performance, the Amplifi HD as a clean, modern style that would make Apple jealous. While this may seem like a minor point for some, this aesthetic means that nobody will be ashamed of installing this router in a nice open space – which will only boost it’s already-great performance. In our testing we didn’t notice a difference in performance, whether right next to the main router, or upstairs next to one of the included mesh units. This is one of those routers that matches great performance with great looks – as long as you have the cash to support it.

Read the full review: Amplifi HD 

On the surface, the Linksys WRT32X might not look that different than Linksys’ heavy-hitter, the WRT3200. And, well, that’s not actually that far off. The WRT32X takes all of the successful components of that highly rated router, and puts them in a gamer-centric router with a custom firmware that’s extremely easy to navigate and a very subdued and attractive visual design. You will be paying a premium for this repackaging, but if you’re looking for reliable ping performance that online gaming requires, the Linksys WRT32X takes one of the best routers and tailors it to your needs.

Read the full review: Linksys WRT32X Gaming Router 

 Billion has done it again and delivered the fastest router it’s ever released. Boasting a throughput of 2,400Mbps over both a 2.4GHz and 5GHz band, the BiPac 8900AX-2400 is a beast – even if we wouldn’t consider it aesthetically pleasing. In lieu of a dated interface, this router features a wide range of ports for added storage down the line on top of integrating a state of the art ADSL2+ modem. 

Read the full review: Billion BiPac 8900AX-2400

For those of us still clinging on to those wireless modems rented out by our ISPs, the Starry Station makes Wi-Fi a breeze without handing over piles of cash every month to a greedy conglomerate. Not only is it fast, boasting download speeds that are usually around the same as a Verizon FiOS stock router, but the Starry Station is also beautiful – enough so that you won’t feel the need to hide it away in a cabinet, obstructing its signal. Plus, it manages to avoid those pesky numerical gateways that no one wants to memorize. 

Read the full review: Starry Station

• This product is only available in the US as of this writing. UK and Australian readers: check out a fine alternative in the Linksys Velop.

It’s not everyday you encounter a router that doubles as an NAS, or network-attached storage device – a type of server box that allows you to store and access files over your local internet connection. The Synology RT2600ac, on the other hand, combines the best of both worlds, going as far as to deliver third-party applications such as VPNs and DLNA media servers. There’s even Apple Time Machine support for over-the-air Mac backups.

Read the full review: Synology RT2600ac

While it may look like a relic of some bygone age, the Linksys WRT 3200 ACM is the antithesis of wireless mesh systems. By compromising on looks, Linksys was able to build a versatile wireless router aimed at traditional PC enthusiasts, without compromising on modern performance. Giving you limitless control over your wireless network connections, whether you want to toggle on and off guest connections or prioritize media devices, the WRT 3200 ACM is one of the best wireless routers you can buy today. 

Read the full review: Linksys WRT 3200 ACM

• This product is only available in the US and UK as of this writing. Australian readers: check out a fine alternative in the Synology RT2600ac.

Known for its NAS devices, extenders and powerline adaptors, it’s a wonder Zyxel would ever come out with a dual-band gaming router. Yet, although it’s not nearly as extravagant (or spider-like) in its outward appearances as the Asus RT-5300, the Armor Z2 AC2600 is a solid gaming router debut from Zyxel. Toting Dynamic QoS, otherwise referred to as StreamBoost, for the prioritization of more demanding connected hardware, a configuration app called Zyxel One Touch and MU-MIMO support, this router’s lofty price tag is damn near justified.

Read the full review: Zyxel Armor Z2 AC2600

• This product is only available in the US and UK at the time of this writing. Australian readers: check out a fine alternative in the Linksys WRT32X 

Joe Osborne and Gabe Carey have also contributed to this article

•  We’ve also picked out the best best wi-fi extenders of 2017