Do you have cabled internet that slows down, interruptions that hinder you from playing your games, conducting a video call, or even streaming series and movies? If yes, then perhaps it great time to get yourself a good router for faster internet connectivity. The key to how well a router works is the speed, coverage area, and dependability of the router. Here including the best 10 routers that we tested in 2021 and their prime specifications. Well, let’s go through the realm of high-speed internet connection and determine the most appropriate router for your house or working space!
1. ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AX11000
The ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AX11000 is one of the best gaming routers that can reach an impressive bandwidth of up to 11Gbps, which makes it the fastest router we have seen in 2021. This router offers Wi-Fi 6 tri-band capability to ensure fast data transmission with OFDMA and MU-MIMO standards for average lag-free gaming fun. It also features a 2.5Gbps WAN port and eight Gigabit Ethernet LAN ports for multiple connectivity options. The router also comes with an OLED display and a USB 3.2, allowing storage or sharing of printers.
2. Netgear Nighthawk RAX200
The Netgear Nighthawk RAX200 is another high-speed router that is capable of supporting Wi-Fi 6 and promises speeds of up to 10.8Gbps. This one has eight Gigabit Ethernet ports and a second 2.5Gbps WAN port for physical cable connections. It has special features like Target Wake Time (TWT) and Dynamic QoS, which can enhance gamer performance and improve your video streaming experience with the Nighthawk RAX200. Its sleek appearance and its VIP package of parental controls make this router ideal for a house with multiple connections.
3. Linksys Hydra Pro 6E
The Linksys Hydra Pro 6E is a fantastic router that is compatible with the new Wi-Fi 6E standard to work on the 6GHz channel, and it offers a speed of up to 6.6Gbps. This tri-band router is a great performer with very good coverage, making it suitable for large houses or complexes. It also supports connections from wired devices and comes with a total of six Gigabit Ethernet ports and a 2.5Gbps WAN port. The Linksys Hydra Pro 6E also has a mobile app for more convenient configuration and administration.
4. TP-Link Archer AX11000
Currently, TP-Link has launched the router Archer AX11000, which supports Wi-Fi 6 and tri-band technology to provide a speed of up to 10.8Gbps. It has eight 10/100/1000 Mbps LAN ports and one 2.5Gbps port, which presents a WAN port. Other features it provides include beamforming, Airtime Fairness, and Universal Beamforming, which guarantee connected devices a strong and stable signal connection. It includes HomeCare for Life, which features parental control, antivirus, and much more for your protection, and the Archer AX11000 also has.
5. Asus RT-AX88U
The Asus RT-AX88U is yet another Dual-band Wi-Fi router with Wi-Fi AX technology and a maximum speed of up to 6.9Gbps supported by 8 Gigabit LAN ports. This router also comes with 2.5Gbps WAN ports for enhanced wired connections and other special features of the MU-MIMO and OFDMA. Boasting a modern appearance and highly efficient work, the Asus RT-AX88U is a good model of a router for customers who require a high-quality connection.
6. NETGEAR Nighthawk Pro Gaming XR700
The Netgear Nighthawk Pro Gaming XR700 router is designed specifically as a gaming Router that can operate with up to 7.2Gbps and possesses a 1.7GHz processor. This router supports added technologies such as MU-MIMO and OFDMA, which enhance its data transmission capabilities, and the device boasts eight Gigabit Ethernet ports and a 2.5Gbps WAN port. The Nighthawk Pro Gaming XR700 also has features such as Geo-filtering, which helps reduce the ping rate, and Quality of Service (QoS) for selecting and boosting gaming traffic.
7. Linksys WRT3200ACM
The Linksys WRT3200ACM is a fast router with a data transmission rate of up to 3.2Gbps because of its dual-band links and additional features like MU-MIMO and Tri-Stream 160. This router has a 1.8GHz Dual-core processor and has provision for six Gigabit Ethernet ports suitable for homes that have lots of devices. The Linksys WRT3200ACM has other features, including parental controls, and it is easy to set up and manage due to the interface provided.
8. ASUS RT-AC88U
The ASUS RT-AC88U is a fast router with a throughput of up to 3.2Gbps and additional MU-MIMO and AiProtection Pro that ensures the safety and high quality of the internet connection. With this router, you have eight Gigabit LAN ports and one 2.5 Gigabit WAN port for wired connectivity. The ASUS RT-AC88U also has a GUI interface and complete network control for home network child control.
9. TP-Link Archer A20
Another Router that has gained popularity is the P-Link ArchA2, 02,0, with the capacity to support a maximum speed of 1.8Gbps and operate in multiple frequencies. It also boasts seven Gigabit Ethernet ports and the 2.5Gbps WAN port, as well as beamforming, Airtime Fairness, and Universal Beamforming. This TP-Link Archer A20 comes with TP-Link HomeCare to provide anti-virus, parental controls, and much more, for a lifetime.
10. Netgear Nighthawk X8
It is a top-notch router that has a rate of 3.2Gbps and adopts a 1.4GHz processor for the best results. This comes with six Gigabit Ethernet connections for wired connections and a 2.5Gbps WAN port supporting advanced features like AC2600 Tri-Band WiFi and Dynamic QoS for gaming. The ASUS Nighthawk X8 is also completely equipped with advanced features consisting of powerful parental control, as well as an elegant and easy-to-navigate web interface.
Conclusion
It is often very frustrating to look for an ideal router to use in your home or office since there are so many models on the market. Nonetheless, what is provided above is the review of the 10 quickest routers we came across during the tests in 2021 and guarantees the pipeline enjoyment. Whether you need ann state-of-the-art gaming router with broad coverage, or routers with enhanced security features, the routers on this list all encompass a varied range of options for a consumer. Therefore, no matter if you surf the internet occasionally or you are an avid gamer, you will always be able to choose the right router that will meet all your demands. Happy browsing!
FAQs:
1. What makes a router “fast” and how is speed measured?
A router’s speed is typically measured in megabits per second (Mbps) or gigabits per second (Gbps), representing how quickly it can transfer data to connected devices. However, real-world performance depends on the router's bandwidth, frequency bands (2.4GHz vs. 5GHz or 6GHz), wireless standard (Wi-Fi 5, Wi-Fi 6, or Wi-Fi 6E), and how well it manages multiple simultaneous connections.
2. What are the fastest routers currently on the market?
Some of the fastest routers tested in 2025 include models like the ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AXE16000, Netgear Nighthawk RAXE500, TP-Link Archer AXE300, and Google Nest Wifi Pro. These models support Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 6E, offer multi-gig WAN ports, tri- or quad-band connectivity, and deliver outstanding speeds for 4K streaming, online gaming, and large smart home setups.
3. What’s the difference between Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 6E in terms of speed?
Wi-Fi 6 offers better performance than previous generations by improving efficiency, speed, and latency. Wi-Fi 6E takes it a step further by adding access to the 6GHz band, which is less congested and allows for higher throughput. This means faster speeds and more reliable connections in crowded network environments—ideal for homes with dozens of connected devices.
4. Can I get the full speed advertised by a high-end router?
Not always. While a router may support theoretical speeds of up to 10 Gbps, actual performance depends on factors like your internet plan’s speed, device compatibility, placement of the router, and interference from walls or electronics. For best results, pair a high-speed router with a fast fiber internet plan and Wi-Fi 6/6E-compatible devices.
5. Are gaming routers faster than regular routers?
Gaming routers aren’t necessarily “faster” in raw speed but are optimized for lower latency, reduced lag, and prioritized traffic for gaming devices. Models like the ASUS ROG series or Netgear Nighthawk Pro Gaming routers include QoS settings, dedicated gaming ports, and custom firmware that give gamers a competitive edge.
6. How many bands should a high-speed router have?
For top performance, look for tri-band or quad-band routers. These routers provide one 2.4GHz band and two (or more) 5GHz or 6GHz bands. This allows devices to spread across multiple channels, reducing congestion and ensuring higher speeds for each connected device, especially in multi-user households.
7. Do mesh routers offer fast speeds, too?
Yes, modern mesh systems like the Eero Pro 6E, TP-Link Deco XE75, and Google Nest Wifi Pro offer excellent speed and coverage. They use multiple nodes to distribute Wi-Fi evenly across large homes, eliminating dead zones. Mesh systems also support Wi-Fi 6 or 6E, making them just as fast as many standalone routers.
8. Are there fast routers for small homes or apartments?
Absolutely. If you’re in a smaller space, a dual-band Wi-Fi 6 router like the TP-Link Archer AX55 or ASUS RT-AX3000 may be more cost-effective while still offering excellent speed and performance. These routers can easily handle HD streaming, video calls, and gaming for a few devices without overpaying for advanced features.
9. How important is having multi-gig ports on a router?
Multi-gig Ethernet ports (2.5Gbps, 5Gbps, or even 10Gbps) are essential if you want to future-proof your network and take full advantage of ultra-fast fiber internet plans or NAS setups. Routers like the ASUS GT-AXE16000 and Netgear Nighthawk RAXE500 include these ports, ensuring faster wired connections and less bottlenecking.
10. What’s the best router for both speed and value?
If you're looking for a balance between speed and affordability, the TP-Link Archer AX5400 or ASUS RT-AX82U are strong contenders. They support Wi-Fi 6, deliver fast speeds for streaming and gaming, and include useful features like QoS and parental controls—all at a reasonable price point.
