Are you looking for a budget router for your 1500 Sq Ft house without compromising on the features like MU-MIMO and Beamforming? Do you plan to scale your Wi-Fi router to a mesh system in the future? You are in the right place.
Finding a highly suitable router for a 1500 sq ft house can get trickier if you have to get around financial constraints. Layer it over with additional requirements like future-proofing your internet with the latest wireless standards aka Wi-Fi 6 and internet security without additional subscription cost, which can complicate it further.
I have selected the best routers based on the diverse requirements of small to medium-sized households. Ranging from the latest Wi-Fi 6 standards, wired connectivity, QoS priority, and features like OFDMA, Beamforming, and MU-MIMO that deliver signals more efficiently. I have also considered a scenario of a future upgrade to a larger house.
Best Routers for 1500 Sq Ft House in 2023
After a comprehensive analysis of over 50 options, I have handpicked the top 7 routers in the market. The list starts with the top value-for-money routers with the latest wireless features.
I have also listed tri-band routers, the router with advanced QoS to prioritize internet traffic, mesh routers, and a couple of budget choices at the end of the article.
1. Best Overall: Netgear Nighthawk RAX45
In RAX45, Netgear gives an upgrade to its processing and storage unit over its previous model to make it capable of handling higher bandwidth. The processing capacity combined with the advantage of the plethora of the latest wireless features makes Nighthawk RAX45 the best overall router for a 1500 sq ft home.
Speeds & Coverage
With high-speed internet connections, the router can support up to aggregate speeds of 4.3Gbps. Individual top speeds of 480 Mbps, and 3840 Mbps on 2.4GHz and 5GHz, respectively, working in tandem with the latest technology in OFDMA and MU-MIMO equips the router to accommodate over 20 devices spread across 2500 sq ft.
Hardware & Design
The sleek body boasts sharp cuts giving a futuristic feel to the black shade. At 1.25 pounds, the lightweight router measures 11.6 x 8.11 x 2.25-inches in dimensions. With 4 external antennas equipped with beamforming extending its reach, the router offers ample wired connectivity with 4 ethernet ports, 1 WAN port, and a USB 3.0 port.
With three cores clocking at 1.5GHz, Netgear complements the processing capacity with a capable memory duo of 512MB RAM and 256MB storage. The router can ease through the demands of 4K streaming, online gaming, and high-quality Twitch streaming.
App & Security Features
The Nighthawk mobile application gives the edge to RAX45’s utility factor. Ease of faster setups, local and remote management are features of the user-friendly design. Albeit at a subscription, Netgear Armor offers robust real-time protection for people looking for comprehensive internet security for their homes.
Combining its inbuilt VPN support, the security of double firewalls, the latest WPA 3 encryption standards are crucial. The extensive control over the internet exposure of your family members with parental controls sweetens the deal further.
Other Features
A separate guest network access to keep away external infections is a value addition. The support to additional DFS Channels, 160MHz channels offers additional bandwidth and capacity to outmaneuver interference.
Who should consider this router and why?
Netgear RAX45 gives you the requisite features along with the high speeds to handle your network in modern-day tightly packed apartments. The superior processing capability keeps it above the Archer AX50 and at the top of the list.
- Wi-Fi 6 standards
- 1.5GHz Tri-core
- 160MHz channels
- DFS Channels
- OFDMA Support
- Additional subscription for internet security
2. Best Runner Up: TP-Link Archer AX50
TP-Link Archer AX50 tones down its superior powerhouse predecessor AX6000 to accommodate its aggressive pricing. The selection of features that comes with the latest Wi-Fi 6 standards, combined with a robust lifetime security system, keeps this router closer to the top of the list.
Speeds & Coverage
Archer AX50 brings the best in terms of the latest standards of Wi-Fi 6 to achieve top individual speeds of 574 Mbps on 2.4GHz and 2402 Mbps on 5GHz. With the efficiency of MU-MIMO and optimized signal delivery of OFDMA, the router can support up to 40 devices and it easily becomes one of the best routers to cover 2000 sq ft homes.
Hardware & Design
A capable dual-core processing unit on the Intel-based chipset that clocks at a frequency of 800MHz are the core of the routing unit, complemented by 256MB operating memory and 128MB storage. With balanced usage, the router can support high-end graphic gaming, high-quality media streaming and offer work-from-home solutions.
The sleek, glossy black finish of the Archer AX50 adds finesse to its beveled design. 4 external antennas on its rear geared with beamforming extend its reach to multiple devices. TP-Link accommodates 4 LAN ports that support link aggregation, 1 WAN port, and a USB 3.0 port in a router weighing 1.2 pounds & measuring 10.2 x 5.3 x 1.5 inches.
App & Security Features
One of the simplest yet modern tether applications keeps things easier during the initial setups and offers both local and remote monitoring. Lifetime protection from cyber threats at no additional cost at the behest of TP-Link’s Homecare. Create profile-based exposure limits, and inbuilt VPN support with Archer AX50.
Other Features
With the support of 160MHz and DFS Channels, the router helps you avoid congestion. Features like Smart Connect, and airtime fairness ensure, that optimal capacity is shared amongst the devices.
Who should consider this router and why?
Archer AX-50 is your go-to choice if you are looking for a value-for-money routing device for your smart home without compromising on network security. If not for its slightly weaker hardware unit, Archer AX50 would be at top of any list, offering a great selection of features.
- Wi-Fi 6
- HomeCare internet security
- DFS and 160MHz Support
- Link aggregation
- OFDMA
- Large footprint
3. Best Value for Money: Netgear Nighthawk R7350
In R7350, Netgear balances the hardware with a slight downgrade from its previous model to balance price and features. An advanced QoS on the Nighthawk R7350 lets you prioritize bandwidth for a superior gaming and streaming performance appeals to the gaming aficionado in you.
Speeds & Coverage
The router can deliver individual speeds up to 600 Mbps on 2.4GHz and 1733 Mbps on 5GHz bands. With MU-MIMO, the router can transmit data to multiple devices simultaneously and handle up to 25 devices in a household measuring 2500 sq ft.
Hardware & Design
At the behest of a dual-core processing unit, aided by a memory combination of 256MB operating memory and 128MB flash storage, the router rises to the task thrown by most households. With some balanced usage, the router can handle online gaming, high-quality media streaming, remote working solutions, file transfers, etc.
The matte finish black body offers adequate room for ventilation on the sides in a body that measures 11.22 x 7.26 x 1.97 inches and weighs 1.65 pounds. With 3 antennas towering from its rear, and beamforming, the router ensures minimal loss of signal quality. Get adequate wired connectivity with 4 LAN ports, 1 WAN port, and a USB 3.0 port.
App & Security Features
The Netgear brings the comfort of the Nighthawk mobile application to keep installations, customization simple. WPA2 encryption standards, dedicated guest access, firewall protection, parental controls play a crucial role in keeping the home network safe from imminent security threats.
Other Features
An advanced QoS, compatibility to voice assistants like Alexa and Google Assistant, and features like Airtime fairness add more utility value to the already feature-rich router.
Who should consider this router and why?
Netgear R7350 pips Linksys EA8300, credit to all-around utility and an advanced QoS to streamline the traffic for lag-free gaming. Overall, the EA8300 is one of the better routers for small businesses and households with gaming aficionados and also trying to avoid a huge dent in your wallet, R7350 will be value addition.
- Airtime Fairness
- Advanced QoS
- Dual-core processing unit
- Implicit/Explicit Beamforming
- MU-MIMO
- Awkward USB placement
4. Best Tri-Band Router: Linksys EA8300
In EA8300, Linksys keeps most of the design and hardware of its front runner sans a reduced operating memory. Linksys EA8300 offers an additional band and an efficient media, prioritizing engine to offer additional bandwidth for data-intense activities.
Speeds & Coverage
Individual top speeds of 400 Mbps on 2.4GHz frequency and 867 Mbps on its dual 5GHz bands, combined with the efficiency of MU-MIMO in transmitting signals to multiple devices, make it a capable router. It can support 15 devices with ease and cover a home measuring 1500 Sq ft.
Hardware & Design
The quad-core processing unit on a Qualcomm chipset, clocking at 717MHz and a memory unit of 256MB each, can support even multiple instances of data-laden gaming. The standard Linksys design brings ample ventilation for the router in a black chassis that comes in a lightweight of 1.34 pounds, measuring 8.38 x 6.37 x 2.15 inches in dimensions.
Link aggregation lets you combine high-speed internet to complement your activities. Linksys accommodates 4 Ethernet ports and 1 WAN port to get your priority devices connected to the router. The transfer speeds of USB 3.0 come in handy for fast data transfers within the home network.
App & Security Features
Linksys supports networking with a mobile application and a simple web interface to go on about our customizations. For security, Linksys offers dual firewalls, DoS protection, separate guest Wi-Fi access, and WPA 2 encryption standards.
Other Features
Linksys offers Airtime fairness that ensures the bandwidth is distributed efficiently across devices. The smart connect features find the optimal band of operation for the devices in the network, getting the most of the internet at their disposal.
Who should consider this router and why?
Linksys EA8300 offers the advantage of Link aggregation and simultaneous Tri-band operation that keeps it closer to the top end of the list. It makes this an ideal match for families looking for a reliable router for 4K streaming and a dedicated band for data-intensive gaming, remote work solutions, etc.
- Link Aggregation
- Smart Connect, Airtime fairness
- MU-MIMO
- Simultaneous Tri-Band
- Beamforming
- Range
5. Best Wi-Fi 6 Mesh System: TP-Link Deco X20
Deco X20 gets a memory upgrade from its predecessor and equips it with the capacity to handle more devices in an automated home. The easy scalability of the TP-Link Deco X20 mesh system paired with the latest wireless standards stands out in this price range.
Speeds & Coverage
With MU-MIMO and OFDMA, your home gets the efficiency of optimized signal delivery and data transmission to multiple devices that put the best use of individual top speeds of 574 & 1201 Mbps on 2.4GHz and 5GHz respectively. The standalone router unit can handle up to 50 devices and extend its reach to 2200 sq ft.
Hardware & Design
A white cylindrical tower sports a minimalistic design with a groovy top that blend seamlessly into any household. The stand-alone unit weighs close to 2 pounds while measuring 4.3 x 4.3 x 4.9 inches. The 4 internal antennas are geared with beamforming to optimize signal delivery. X20 comes with two auto-sensing LAN/WAN ports.
Deco X20 keeps a quad-core processing unit clocking at 1GHz as the core of the routing device, with an ample 512MB RAM and 128MB flash storage that can ease through data-heavy activities like 4K streaming, online gaming, and support the smart home gadgets simultaneously.
App & Security Features
Deco app carries the trademark design that makes it easier for easy installations and remote management without hassles. Worried about internet security? TP-Link’s Homecare offers lifetime protection from cyber threats. The X20 gets the protection of the latest WPA 3 encryption standards.
Other Features
Extensive parental controls, with time limits and content filtering, make the job easier for parents to keep a tab on their kid’s internet consumption. Inbuilt QoS lets prioritize your bandwidth based on the type of activity.
Who should consider this router and why?
If you are more inclined toward Wi-Fi 6 based mesh routers to blanket your two-story tightly packed smart home, Deco X20 brings a selection of the latest feature to your home. If you are looking to scale your network for a larger home, an additional TP-Link Deco X20 makes your job easier.
If you’re interested in checking out other features and capabilities, check the dedicated review of the Deco X20 mesh system.
- Wi-Fi-6 support
- OFDMA and MU-MIMO
- Homecare Internet security
- Supports up to 100 devices
- Robust parental controls
- Beamforming
- Dual-Band
6. Best for Large Homes: ASUS RT-AC65
RT-AC65 from ASUS gets an enormous boost in its processing capacity compared to its predecessor, qualifying it as one of the highly capable routers to handle multiple devices on a large surface. The overall utility with an efficient processor and features like MU-MIMO & Beamforming makes ASUS RT-AC65 a bargain at the price.
Speeds & Coverage
Aided by MU-MIMO, the router brings the best out of your internet with individual speeds of 450Mbps on 2.4GHz and 1300Mbps on the 5GHz band. It can support over 30 devices and is one of the better routers for 3000 sq ft large homes.
Hardware & Design
A beveled top and multiple shades of black and grey give the Asus router a premium look. At a little over 1.0 pounds, the router stands vertically with 3 external antennas equipped with beamforming towering from them. 4 Ethernet ports, 1 WAN port, and 1 USB port find their place in a router measuring 8.66 x 6.3 x 3.43 inches.
Asus puts together a dual-core processing unit clocking at 1.2GHz in a MediaTek chipset with 128MB of RAM and storage, making it a capable router. Data-intensive activities like online gaming, and streaming fall within the purview of this router.
App & Security Features
Asus router app offers an easy interface that makes installations easier to execute. The WPA2 encryption, and firewalls protect your network from any apparent threats of unauthorized usage.
Other Features
Parental controls are available in place to monitor internet exposure and control the internet consumption of your kids.
Who should consider this router and why?
Do you want a router that delivers a stable internet performance? RT-AC65 offers adequate ethernet ports to guarantee stable internet for priority devices, and has a high-speed USB port to support data sharing within the network.
It offers some of the latest features like MU-MIMO, Beamforming, and an easy interface to manage the router, which places it above DIR-1260.
- Parental controls
- AiRadarBeamforming
- MU-MIMO
- Dual-core processor
- Limited network security options
7. Cheapest Option: D-Link DIR-1260
D-Link DIR-1260 gets a downgrade in its processor to accommodate its budget price. One of the cheapest routers in the market offering a combination of the latest features like MU-MIMO, and WPA3 encryption without leaving a huge dent in your wallet.
Range & Speeds
The router supports individual speeds of 300 & 867 Mbps on 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequencies. Equipped with MU-MIMO, the DIR-1260 can transmit data to devices simultaneously and handle up to 30 devices with optimized usage and cover an area of 1500 sq ft.
Design & Hardware
The matte-black chassis comes with a sleek modern outlook. At 0.72 pounds, the router is among the lightest while measuring 9.37 x 6.14 x 1.22 inches in dimensions. The 4 external antennas play a crucial role in leaving no dead spots at your home. The router comes with 4 LAN ports and 1 WAN port.
At the helm of dual-core processor that clocks at a frequency of 880MHz, the router finds the requisite power to handle instances of data-laden gaming or streaming. The memory duo of 128MB storage and 128MB operating memory may limit the simultaneous instances.
App & Security Features
The D-link Wi-Fi app keeps things easier with installations and management. D-link doesn’t let its price compromise the standard tenets of security. It comes with inbuilt support for VPN, separate guest network access, the latest WPA3 encryption standard, and firewalls to keep the network safe from threats.
Other Features
D-Link DIR-1260 comes with an efficient QoS Engine with varying levels of priority to allocate your bandwidth. Easily scalability to a mesh system, the router offers seamless roaming and a productive band steering to ensure the devices get the best out of your internet.
Who should consider this router and why?
DIR-1260 offers a dual-core processing unit with features that make it punch it above your weight. Go for it if you are looking for a budget router without missing some of the latest features on offer.
- MU-MIMO
- Dual-core processor
- Seamless roaming
- WPA3 Encryption
- Easy mesh compatibility
- No USB connectivity
Frequently Asked Questions
Netgear RAX-45 brings the best overall value with Wi-Fi 6 standards and the advantage of OFDMA for efficient signal transmission, reducing latency. It also offers additional DFS Channels and support to 160MHz, which can be crucial for navigating network congestion.
If you use the latest gaming console from Play Station and a bunch of the latest Apple devices, a Wi-Fi 6 router can be a worthy investment. If you are using a lot of Wi-Fi-5 clients, the latest wireless standards might be overkill.
Yes. It depends on the activities and number of devices. If you are in a household with limited devices, there are multiple budget choices available in the market in different capacities, catered to your requirements and preferences.
No! Not necessarily. If you have plenty of devices performing data-intensive activities sharing the same network, additional bandwidth can come in handy to elicit a stable internet performance.
Verdict
The routers offered here are among the best products in the market, offering the best value for money despite where they stand in the list. Find some of the best devices for different scenarios.
- Netgear Nighthawk RAX45 offers the best overall value for money with the latest wireless standards and efficient data transmission.
- Netgear Nighthawk R7350 offers an additional band that can be dedicated to a data-intensive activity. A good choice for weekend binge-watchers, gamers, or Twitch streamers.
- TP-Link Deco X20 is a mesh system that offers scalability to make it viable for large houses in the future.
- D-Link DIR-1260 offers a plethora of features, punching above its weight despite being one of the cheapest routers available in the market.
For Morton, reviewing a router is just like spending another day at the office. As BCCA’s senior copywriter, Morton believes is explaining every concept concerning routers, networking technologies, and additional routing specs. Also, Morton is our go-to man if we are looking to get the ISP-dependent internet plans tested across devices.