Top 5 Best WIFI Routers In 2025
Stream, game and browse better with the best Wi-Fi routers
Whether you’re seeking for secure networking equipment for your home or company or powerful, lightning-fast access, finding the best WiFi router has never been more important in our constantly connected world.
By upgrading from an antiquated device, you can minimize bandwidth bottlenecks and speed up access, allowing you to work, stream, or browse uninterrupted.
The Asus ZenWiFi AX (XT8), our top choice, is among the greatest Wi-Fi 6 routers on the market. It offers exceptional speed and coverage in addition to cutting-edge security measures. The Asus RT-AX55 is an affordable Wi-Fi 6 choice that doesn’t sacrifice speed or dependability if money is short.
Investigating the top Wi-Fi extenders can increase signal strength in larger homes for those seeking to remove dead zones. In the meanwhile, anyone looking for an additional degree of security would find a VPN router useful. We thoroughly test every option at TechRadar so you can choose the ideal wireless router for your requirements and price range with confidence.
Table of Contents
best WiFi router overall
1. Asus ZenWiFi AX (XT8)
best budget Wi-Fi 6 router
2. Asus RT-AX55
The premium Wi-Fi router
3. Asus ROG Rapture GT-BE98
best mesh WiFi router
4. Google Nest Wifi Pro
best WiFi router for value
5. Asus RT-AX59U
1. Asus ZenWiFi AX (XT8)
With its impressive selection of Wi-Fi 6 routers, Asus caters to almost every demand and price range. It provides Wi-Fi 6 as a mesh router with the Asus ZenWiFi AX (XT8).
The Asus ZenWifi AX has lightning-fast speeds, but it is one of the priciest alternatives available and only allows you to use two mesh routers. It pushed our 500Mbps Internet connection to its limit throughout our tests—it even managed to reach 570Mbps at one point—and maintained that speed even in areas of our space that were harder to reach.
Additionally, it provides a great deal of setup versatility, including the ability to use the 2.4 and 5GHz bands to create one or two networks. If you’re considering mesh routers, this is a great option because it has great security features.
Some people may not be a good fit for the Asus ZenWifi AX (XT8). However, this Asus router should be at the top of the list for anyone who can afford it and want a mesh network with excellent performance, a powerful software, and some strong security measures.
For those reasons alone, it ranks highest in our list of the best routers. It can compete with the greatest Wi-Fi 6 routers available and is also one of the top mesh router systems.
2. Asus RT-AX55
The Asus RT-AX55 is the greatest option if you’re searching for a low-cost router because it offers Wi-Fi 6 at a reasonable cost without sacrificing functionality or performance. Although its top speed of 1.8Gbps may be modest when compared to more expensive options available, it is still more than sufficient for the majority of household Wi-Fi demands.
If you only require a dependable router for web browsing, music and video streaming, and light gaming, this is a great choice.In our tests, we discovered that it not only provided a wider range than our typical router, but also matched the fastest speeds that our workplace broadband connection could handle. Its 5.0GHz band maintained top Wi-Fi speeds of 100 Mbps with Ookla and 12.5 Mbps for Steam downloads.
However, during our tests, its 2.4GHz band was a bit slower, dropping to 90Mbps with Ookla and 11MB/s with Steam. Furthermore, although the app is user-friendly, the router itself lacks some of the more sophisticated filters and other features found in other of Asus’ more costly routers. However, such compromises are inevitable when choosing a budget alternative.
3. Asus ROG Rapture GT-BE98
Wi-Fi 7 is the newest technology available for routers, and the Asus ROG Rapture GT-BE98 is the quickest of its kind that we’ve encountered. Its performance and features make it incredibly future-proof.
The Rapture GT-BE98 has a maximum speed of 24.4Gbps and quad-band Wi-Fi 7 (2.4GHz, 2 x 5GHz, and 6GHz bands). Our testing revealed that it performed quite well in the real world; the speed of the internet connection it is connected to is probably its only drawback. With 2.5Gb Ethernet connections and even two 10Gb ports (one of which is a priority port specifically for gaming), wired networking is also a strength.
Along with excellent performance, you also get a well-featured router that comes with parental controls to keep the kids safe online. These controls are also free, but some of them now demand a membership.
All of these benefits and the incredible speeds available come at a price, of course, and the Asus ROG Rapture GT-BE98 is a very costly device. On the other hand, it will last you a long time, so in the long run, the investment might prove to be wise. As always, early adopters pay for the privilege, so if you’re prepared to wait a little bit, prices will probably decrease (at least somewhat).
4. Google Nest Wifi Pro
As an established player in the mesh router market, Google’s original Google Wifi product was replaced by the Nest Wifi, which was later replaced by the Nest Wifi Pro.
What is different about this most recent version, then? With compatibility for Wi-Fi 6E, a very fast wireless protocol (though not exactly cutting-edge anymore; that title belongs to Wi-Fi 7), Google’s Nest Wifi Pro increases connectivity from Wi-Fi 5, which was supported by the original Nest Wifi. Additionally, it adds a 6GHz band to the mix and provides tri-band Wi-Fi instead of dual-band.
In summary, this updated Pro version of Google’s mesh router formula offers you higher Wi-Fi performance and more dependable wireless coverage.For those who own smart home devices, Matter support is also included. The other major change is that, rather than having a single main device serving as the primary router and additional satellite units, all of the mesh units are identical and function as standalone routers (linked together, of course).
The trade-off is that, while all of the units now have Ethernet ports, the old Nest Wifi no longer has built-in smart speaker functionality. In comparison to other mesh routers, like our top pick from Asus in this list, Google’s Nest Wifi Pro offers an inexpensive option with a 3-device pack for wider coverage, which is ideal for those with a larger home.
5. Asus RT-AX59U
Another great mid-range choice is the Asus RT-AX59U, which performs admirably and covers all the essentials. It offers a strong 4.2Gbps dual-band Wi-Fi 6 connection and an intuitive app with good parental controls. During our time with it, it has demonstrated that it can easily handle any challenge that our 150Mbps workplace connection may present. Additionally, it will cooperate with other Asus routers to create a mesh network with broader coverage if necessary in the future because it supports Asus’ AiMesh technology.
However, what distinguishes this from the others is its small and straightforward design.The Asus RT-AX59U boasts an exceptionally sleek design that we found to be quite lightweight and compact, in contrast to many routers that are studded with antennae. It’s easy to tuck in somewhere out of sight or attach to a wall.
Although it has certain drawbacks, such as being only dual-band and lacking 2.5G Ethernet connectivity, it is more than sufficient for the majority of homes’ requirements. In fact, we advise purchasing this over our budget option if your spending is a bit more flexible and you have a little extra money to spare.
Which Wi-Fi router is ideal for residential use?
Since every home is unique and has its own set of needs, there is no one-size-fits-all solution.
But for larger homes (or multi-story homes), you should definitely consider a mesh router like the Asus ZenWiFi AX (XT8), which offers great coverage and is strong enough to withstand the demands of a home with plenty of wireless devices and multiple users.
What is the price of a good Wi-Fi router?
Once more, the size of your home, the quantity of wireless devices, and the strain on your network will all affect the response.
High-quality low-cost Wi-Fi routers, such the Asus RT-AX55, are available for relatively low prices in households with more limited uses. They will offer sufficient coverage for daily surfing and media streaming.
Generally speaking, a good budget router should cost no more than £150, and a good mesh system, like the Asus ZenWiFi AX (XT8), should cost around £300.
There are a few considerations to make while choosing a Wi-Fi router. There is no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to upgrading your wireless network.
The kind of router you require should be your first consideration. Generally speaking, you have two options: a conventional single-unit router and mesh Wi-Fi systems, which consist of many devices. One of these often connects to the modem and has two or three satellite units positioned thoughtfully across the house or workplace for greater coverage.
A standard router will more than suffice if your house or office is modest, and it will also be less expensive. However, because mesh routers cover a much broader area, they will be far more effective at getting a strong, consistent signal into every nook and corner of larger homes and offices. Additionally, they are far more adept at removing or reducing weak or dead areas.
Instead of purchasing a more costly mesh Wi-Fi router, you can save a little money by investing in a wireless extender if your current network just lacks the range you require.
After deciding on a router type, check sure it meets your needs in terms of speed. The majority of modern routers should support at least 802.11ac, often known as Wi-Fi 5, or, more recently, Wi-Fi 6. No matter how fast your provider’s connection is or how fast your new laptop can support, a router that uses an outdated and slower standard, such as 802.11n (Wi-Fi 4), will operate as a bottleneck for your network. Wi-Fi 7, a more recent technology, is rapidly gaining traction and is incredibly fast. Choose a router that supports Wi-Fi 7 if you want to secure your network for the future. Just be aware that the price will be significantly higher.