10 Best Wifi Home Routers 2026 in the United States

The NETGEAR Nighthawk RS500 is a cutting-edge WiFi 7 tri-band router designed to deliver ultra-fast wireless speeds up to 12 Gbps, which is about 2.4 times faster than the previous WiFi 6 standard. This makes it ideal for activities like real-time gaming, 4K or 8K streaming, and video calls that require strong, smooth connections. It covers up to 3,000 square feet, which should be sufficient for most medium to large homes, supporting up to 120 connected devices simultaneously. The router features multiple high-performance antennas and offers a tri-band setup, meaning it splits your wireless traffic across three frequency bands to reduce congestion and maintain speed.

Wired connections are also well supported with one 2.5 Gigabit internet port plus three 1 Gigabit LAN ports, allowing faster and stable links for gaming consoles or smart TVs. Security is a strong point, with built-in NETGEAR Armor protecting against malware, hackers, and identity theft, plus automatic firmware updates to keep the router secure over time. However, this router does not include a modem, so you’ll need a separate cable or fiber modem to get online. Also, it is designed specifically for use in the U.S., so it may not work optimally elsewhere. The sleek design is compact, making it easy to place discreetly.

Though the price may be higher than simpler routers, this model is well suited for tech-savvy users or households with many devices and high-speed internet plans who want future-proof performance and robust security.

The eero Max 7 mesh wifi system is designed to deliver exceptional performance for a modern home. With support for Wi-Fi 7 technology, it offers impressive wireless speeds of up to 4.3 Gbps and wired speeds that can reach 9.4 Gbps. This makes it a strong choice for users who stream content, game online, or have multiple smart devices connected simultaneously. The system boasts an extensive coverage area of up to 7,500 square feet and can connect over 200 devices, making it suitable for larger homes or households with many connected gadgets.

One of the key strengths is its advanced mesh technology, known as TrueMesh, which enhances reliability by dynamically optimizing data paths to minimize interference. Additionally, the eero Max 7 acts as a smart home hub, compatible with various devices that use Matter, Zigbee, and Thread protocols, thereby enhancing its utility in smart home setups.

On the security front, the optional eero Plus subscription adds an extra layer of protection against online threats. Setting up the eero Max 7 is straightforward thanks to the user-friendly app, which guides you through the entire process. The need for a subscription for advanced security features may not appeal to all users, particularly those on a tight budget. Additionally, while it is built for high performance, its advanced features may be overwhelming for users who just need a basic, reliable wifi connection without the extras. The one-year warranty may not be as reassuring for those seeking long-term support.

The NETGEAR Nighthawk WiFi 7 Router (BE17000) is a powerful choice for anyone needing very fast and reliable home WiFi, especially if you have many devices or enjoy gaming and streaming in high definition. It uses the latest WiFi 7 technology, which offers speeds up to 17 Gbps—much faster than older WiFi 6 routers—helping reduce lag during gaming and making 4K or even 8K video streaming smooth. The tri-band setup helps manage multiple devices well, supporting up to 150 devices in a coverage area of about 3,300 square feet, which is suitable for most medium to large homes.

The router includes a 10 Gigabit internet port along with four 1 Gigabit LAN ports, allowing for super-fast wired connections where needed. It also comes with security features through NETGEAR Armor, offering good protection against hackers and malware, plus a 30-day trial for extra peace of mind. The setup is user-friendly via the Nighthawk App, and expert support is available if needed.

One drawback is that this router does not include a built-in modem, so you will need to have or buy a separate modem compatible with your internet service. Additionally, it's designed for use in the U.S., which might limit compatibility elsewhere. Given the cutting-edge technology, the price tends to be higher, but this router represents a solid investment for future-proof WiFi with robust speed, coverage, and security for a busy household or gaming setup.