10 Best Routers Versus Modems 2025 in the United States

The TP-Link Deco AX3000 WiFi 6 Mesh System (Deco X55) is a robust choice if you're looking for a product to enhance your home internet experience. It supports Wi-Fi 6, which is the latest standard, ensuring faster and more efficient internet connections. With coverage of up to 6500 square feet, it's ideal for large homes and can eliminate dead zones and buffering, providing seamless coverage throughout your house. The system is also capable of connecting up to 150 devices, making it suitable for smart homes with numerous gadgets like smartphones, computers, security cameras, and gaming consoles.

This makes it more versatile than traditional extenders or boosters. Each unit has 3 Gigabit Ethernet ports, and the system supports Ethernet Backhaul, which can enhance connection speeds if you prefer wired connections. The AI-driven mesh technology helps optimize the network based on your environment. Security is a strong point with TP-Link's HomeShield service, offering basic network security, quality of service, and parental controls included at no additional cost.

One consideration is that while the Deco X55 works with all internet service providers, you will still need a modem for most ISPs. Setup is straightforward using the Deco app, and management is easy, even remotely. However, it’s important to note that it’s a bit heavier and larger compared to some other mesh systems, and those with smaller spaces might find its extensive coverage unnecessary. This system is best suited for users looking for extensive coverage, high performance, and robust security in their home network.

The TP-Link Tri-Band BE9300 WiFi 7 Router Archer BE550 is a high-performance router designed to meet the demands of modern households, especially those requiring robust internet speeds and extensive coverage. It supports the latest Wi-Fi 7 standard, offering impressive speed capabilities with 5760 Mbps on the 6 GHz band, 2880 Mbps on the 5 GHz band, and 574 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band. This makes it an excellent choice for activities like 4K/8K streaming, AR/VR gaming, and ultra-fast downloads, ensuring a seamless experience without lag or buffering.

The router also boasts a coverage area of up to 2,000 sq. ft., which can be extended further with EasyMesh-compatible devices, providing a whole-home network solution free from dead zones. For future-proofing and enhanced connectivity, the BE550 includes one 2.5G WAN port and four 2.5G LAN ports, ensuring high-speed connections for multiple devices. Security is robust with TP-Link HomeShield offering network protection, parental controls, and IoT security, alongside WPA3 encryption for a secure internet experience. VPN support is a notable feature, allowing devices to connect to remote VPN servers without additional software, enhancing flexibility and security.

Users will appreciate the easy setup and management via the Tether App and compatibility with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, adding convenience to its powerful capabilities. It also supports a wide range of Wi-Fi standards, maintaining backward compatibility with older devices. However, it is important to note that this is a standalone router, so an additional modem is required for most internet service providers. While the router is packed with features, it may be more advanced than necessary for users with basic internet needs, and its premium price point might be a consideration for some. The TP-Link Archer BE550 is ideal for tech-savvy users and households with high internet usage requirements looking for a high-performance, future-proof router.

The NETGEAR Nighthawk 6-Stream Dual-Band WiFi 6 Router (RAX54S) is a strong contender for anyone needing a robust and feature-rich router. It supports Wi-Fi 6 technology, providing fast AX5400 gigabit speeds, ideal for uninterrupted streaming, HD video gaming, and web conferencing. This router can handle up to 25 devices and covers a wide area of up to 2,500 sq. ft., making it well-suited for larger homes or offices with many connected gadgets.

The router is equipped with 4 Ethernet ports and a USB 3.0 port, allowing you to connect a variety of wired devices such as game consoles and storage drives, which adds flexibility to your network setup. Security is another strong point, with NETGEAR Armor providing real-time protection against hackers and a one-year subscription to boost security for all connected devices. Automatic firmware updates ensure the router stays up-to-date with the latest safety measures. Managing the router is straightforward with the Nighthawk app, making setup and configuration easy even for non-tech-savvy users.

On the downside, the router is large and might not blend seamlessly into a home’s decor. Additionally, it supports internet speeds up to 1Gbps, which may not fully utilize higher-speed plans, though this is suitable for the majority of users. The router is designed for use in the U.S., which could be a limitation for international users. This router delivers on performance, security, and connectivity, making it a great choice for heavy internet users and those seeking robust security features.