Do you live in a 2 story house and often find yourself complaining that your router’s signals do not penetrate through the floors? Well, no more complaints as this post is all about finding the best router for a 2 story house.
One of the most common complaints that I get from my readers is that while their routers work great on the floor, they are kept in, the floors below or above them just don’t get the right amount of signals or the speed.
When it comes to multistory buildings, choosing the right router can make a world of a difference! Not only can your signal strength be boosted, but you will also get faster speeds across all floors when you get the right device.
The basic router that you get with your ISP’s internet package is never good enough to provide you with appropriate levels of connectivity across multiple floors. Instead of paying them a fixed monthly rental, you should consider getting a compatible router that’ll suit your needs.
To make this easier for you, I reviewed around 17 top-rated long-range routers, and after testing them over a period of 11 weeks, I’ve made up this list of 6 best devices that will help you get better connectivity across both your floors.
7 Best Routers For 2 Story House in 2021
When it comes to getting a good router for a 2 story house, coverage is the key. The routers that I’ve mentioned below are all top-notch devices, with the major difference being the coverage. Those on the top offer maximum coverage, which reduces as you move downwards.
1. Best Overall: Netgear Nighthawk X6 R8000
- Wireless Standard: Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
- Speeds: 600 + 1300 + 1300 Mbps
- Range: Up to 3500 Sq Ft
- No. of Devices Supported: 50
- Ports: 4 LAN + 1 WAN + 1 USB 3.0 + 1 USB 2.0
- App Support: Yes
The Netgear Nighthawk X6 offers an upgrade over its predecessor R7000 with additional offload processors. The upgrade makes the processing unit capable of handling plenty of devices and supports its coverage in a large 2 story house.
Speed, Performance, Coverage
The Gigabit plan from a fiber-optic ISP is an ideal choice for the router. An aggregated speed of 3.2Gbps splits into three frequencies, achieving individual speeds of 600 Mbps on 2.4GHz and 1300 Mbps on its dual 5GHz bands.
The X6 has a 1GHz dual-core processor as its core unit, with three offload processors aiding it for gaming on the Xbox console and streaming on Twitch. The combination of 256MB operating memory and 128MB storage is crucial for supporting up to 50 devices across 3500 sq ft.
Antennas & Ports
A highly ventilated, sleek black body accommodates 6 foldable external antennas, taking its weight close to 2.43 pounds. It measures 11.63 x 8.92 x 2.14-inches in dimensions. With 4 Ethernet,1 WAN, and 2 USB ports, the routers offer ample room for priority devices, shared printers, and storage devices within the home network.
Security Features & Mobile App
The Netgear nighthawk application offers an easy platform to install and manage the network unconstrained by location. The dedicated guest network access, WPA 2 encryption, double firewall, VPN are vital to the secure ecosystem Netgear promises.
On subscription, the Netgear Armor comes with the additional privilege of real-time protection against intrusions and malware. The Circle smart parental controls give you more control over your kid’s screen time and internet consumption.
Final Thoughts?
The Netgear X6 brings adequate bandwidth with smart connect band steering, Beamforming+ that keeps your network optimized for maximum utility. Its capacity to support over 50 devices and cover a large area of 3500 sq ft makes the standalone router a standout choice for large 2 story homes.
- QoS & Netgear Smart Connect
- Supports over 50 devices
- Powerful parental controls
- Dual USB ports
- Compatible with Alexa Voice
- Expensive
- No WiFi 6 support
- Bulky chassis
2. Best Runner Up: TP-Link Archer A20
- Wireless Standard: Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
- Speeds: 750 + 1625 + 1625 Mbps
- Range: Up to 3500 Sq Ft
- No. of Devices Supported: Unspecified
- Ports: 4 LAN + 1 WAN + 1 USB 3.0 + 1 USB 2.0
- App Support: Yes
Next on my list but perhaps the most powerful of all the devices. The TP-Link Archer A20 is quite a beast and can cover every inch of your crowded two-story house, providing high-speed connectivity all over. It is great for any purpose that you can think of and performs data-intensive tasks really well.
Speed, Performance, Coverage
What straight-up separates it from all the other routers on my list is that this router features a tri-band network. There are two bands of 5GHz and one band of 2.5GHz. You get total connectivity of about 4000 Mbps, with each of the 5GHz bands supporting connectivity of 1625mbps and the 2.4GHz band supporting up to 750mbps of speed.
The tri-band connectivity covers up to 3500 sq. ft. which is the ideal coverage for a two-story house. Upon usage, you are bound to find out that, at times, this goes well beyond the promised range too.
Antennas & Ports
The TP-Link AC4000 comes with 4 LAN ports on the back, along with 1 WAN port and two USB ports (1x USB 2.0 and 1x USB 3.0). In addition to these ports, there are six antennas placed on the sides, each of which helps provide a significant boost to the network.
Installation and Security Features
You can set up, manage and control the WiFi using the Tether application, which is available on Android and iOS devices. The app allows you to set up parental controls and manage connected devices. Besides, you can also control the router using voice commands via Amazon Alexa. This router also allows you to create and set up a VPN server at home.
Other Features
The router uses the MU-MIMO technology and ensures that devices are prioritized based on their data consumption. In addition to that, it is also very secure to use as you get a free lifetime subscription to TP-Link HomeCare, which ensures that the network remains secure from any threats. You also get a 2-year warranty and 24/7 customer support.
Final Thoughts?
Summing it up, this is a router for power users and for professionals who want to get the most out of their network connectivity. This is a feature-rich and future-proof device that will last you for years!
- Excellent speeds and range
- Supports Link Aggregation
- MU-MIMO technology
- TP-Link Home Care security
- Netgear Smart Connect feature
- Two USB ports
- No WiFi 6 support
3. Best WiFi 6 Router: Asus RT-AX3000
- Wireless Standard: Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
- Speeds: 575 + 2402 Mbps
- Range: Up to 3000 Sq Ft
- No. of Devices Supported: 30
- Ports: 4 LAN + 1 WAN + 1 USB 3.0
- App Support: Yes
The Asus RT-AX3000 is just the right option for anyone who doesn’t want to go for a multi-device mesh setup but wants to use a single unit to provide WiFi signals to their two-story home.
Speed, Performance, Coverage
This model offers a total connectivity speed of about 3000 Mbps. It features a dual-band system providing speeds up to 2402mbps on the 5GHz band and up to 575mbps on the 2.4 GHz band. The coverage is pretty impressive too.
The router claims to cover 3000 Sq Ft house, but upon usage, you will realize it goes quite a bit beyond that as well. While using it, I was able to get coverage at 3250 sq ft, but I could also get a low key signal on the 3rd floor of my place.
Antennas & Ports
The router is well-angled and features quite an impressive design. There are four antennae, all located on the back. The ASUS RT-AX 3000 is a smart-looking device for a smart home and can support over 30 devices simultaneously. There are four LAN ports and 1 WAN port, as well as a USB 3.0 port located on the back.
Security Features & Mobile App
Asus has also made sure that your connection remains safe and secure with the help of their AiProtect Pro technology in association with Trend Micro. You get regular security and software updates here which keep you protected. The mobile app is also quite simple to use and helps you install the router in just a few taps.
Final Thoughts?
Besides being one of the best routers for 2 story houses, this is also a great router for anyone who is into gaming and 4K video streaming. The network strength is really impressive, and you can perform both these tasks simultaneously on different floors. In conclusion, a great option for anyone looking to get the most out of their internet connection.
- Supports USB 3.0 connections
- Regular security updates
- Great for gaming and streaming
- Easy to set up using the app
- Users report random drops in connectivity
4. Best Mesh Router: TP-Link Deco X20
- Wireless Standard: Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
- Speeds: 600 + 1200 Mbps
- Range: Up to 4000 Sq Ft
- No. of Devices Supported: 100
- Ports: 1 WAN + 1 LAN (on each unit)
- App Support: Yes
Making use of the WiFi 6 standards and an incredible mesh network, the TP-Link Deco X20 ensures that your internet connectivity reaches every corner of your 2 story home. Using this mesh router is a great way to boost connectivity, particularly if you live in a large 2 story house.
Speeds & Performance
A total speed of 1800 Mbps is one of the first things that you notice when you get this dual-band router. Coming to the individual band speeds, the 2.4GHz band gets a maximum of 600mbps, and the 5GHz band provides a maximum of 1200mbps. The AX1800 speed is more than enough for streaming content on Firestick, operating a number of smart devices, and more.
Coverage
Given that this is a router that is best suited for a 2 story home, one of the first things that you are bound to ask for is the coverage. This router covers some 4000 sq. ft. of the area and can cover up to 5 rooms, making it suitable for crowded apartments as well. This is a three-piece unit. Options of getting one and two pieces are also available based on your needs.
Antennas & Ports
There’s a 1 Gig RJ45 LAN/WAN port along with a 1 Gig LAN port on each unit. Something that really baffles us about this is that you don’t get USB connectivity here, which is a must in today’s times. Another baffling thing about this mesh router is that you get only 2 ports per unit.
Installation and Security
This WiFi 6 Mesh router can be controlled using the Deco mobile application, which is a huge plus. The application helps you set up, install and control the devices in just about three steps! There are a number of parental control options also available, which ensure your children remain safe while browsing the web.
Major advantage of using this router is that you get free lifetime security updates and support from Trend Micro. This ensures your privacy is never at a risk.
Final Thoughts?
Summing it up, the TP-Link Deco X20 covers every inch of your home with fast and powerful connectivity, and when it comes to covering large two story homes, this is certainly one of the best options out there.
- WiFi 6 support
- Excellent range of 4000 sq ft
- Easy to set up and manage
- Robust parental controls
- OFDMA and MU-MIMO
- Appealing design
- No USB ports
5. Best for 4K Streaming: Linksys MR9000
- Wireless Standard: Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
- Speeds: 400 + 867 + 1733 Mbps
- Range: Up to 3000 Sq Ft
- No. of Devices Supported: 25
- Ports: 4 LAN + 1 WAN + 1 USB 3.0
- App Support: Yes
The new Linksys MR9000 gets a RAM upgrade over its predecessor, building on its ability to support higher speeds and data-intensive activities. Its improved capacity and easy mesh compatibility are crucial for large duplex and 2 story houses.
Speed, Performance, Coverage
Linksys MR9000 brings the best out of a gigabit fast internet connection with its total speed of 3 Gbps. The devices can reach top speeds of 400 Mbps on 2.4GHz and speed up to 867 Mbps on its secondary 5GHz, and 1733 Mbps on its primary 5GHz frequency.
The quad-core processor works in synergy with 512MB RAM and 256MB flash memory that supports 4K media streaming and online gaming. The router supports multiple devices and covers large homes measuring 3000 sq ft.
Antennas & Ports
MR9000 comes with 4 external antennas equipped with Beamforming in a highly perforated black chassis that weighs close to 1.30 pounds, measuring 8.38 x 6.33 x 2.15 inches. The router has 4 Gig LAN ports, one Gig WAN port, and a USB 3.0 port to offer stable, high-speed wired connectivity.
Security Features & Mobile App
Linksys offers a sophisticated interface to set up and manage your router with ease. Configure a guest network, manage your bandwidth with device prioritization, set up parental controls to manage your kid’s internet exposure, all with the comfort of the mobile application.
The router comes with WPA2 encryption standards, MAC-based access filters, and advanced settings to customize port forwarding to optimize connections.
Final Thoughts?
Linksys MR900 brought excellent bandwidth with its tri-band operation and extended coverage, bestowed with essential features. Its quad-core processor and an adequate memory unit keep the router ahead of its peers in the list.
- MU-MIMO technology
- Advanced Beamforming+
- Alexa Voice compatible
- Easy Mesh scalability
- Limited security options
6. Best Budget-Friendly: TP-Link Archer A7
- Wireless Standard: Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
- Speeds: 450 + 1300 Mbps
- Range: Up to 2500 Sq Ft
- No. of Devices Supported: 50
- Ports: 4 LAN + 1 WAN + 1 USB 2.0
- App Support: Yes
If you are looking forward to buying a good budget router that can provide strong connectivity to your two story house, you have reached the right place. The TP-Link Archer A7 is the most value-for-money product that can help you get optimal connectivity and speed without spending too much.
Speed, Performance, Coverage
With a total connectivity speed of up to 1750 Mbps, the router supports a dual-band network where the 2.4GHz band gets about 450mbps of speed, and the faster, 5GHz network gets about 1300mbps. Together, the two networks help you cover a total area of about 2500 sq. ft. which is the ideal coverage for a home with multiple floors.
Ports
There are 4 LAN ports along with 1 WAN port located on the back of the router. Besides this, the router also features a USB 2.0 port. It would have been better if TP-Link had included a USB 3.0 port. However, at the price point, a USB 2.0 port is also acceptable.
Design
There’s nothing that really stands out about the design of the router. It is just another generic-looking router with a ribbed linear pattern on the top. There are three external antennas on the back, which help give the connection quite a boost.
Features
The TP-Link Archer A7 makes use of the WiFi 5 standards. You can use this router to connect over 50 devices, including Apple ones, for your smart home. This model uses a 750MHz processor to ensure that the connectivity between your router and all the connected devices remains smooth.
Installation and App Support
While TP-Link Tether mobile app isn’t as good as seen in some other routers, one good thing about this TP-Link router is that it can be controlled by voice with the help of Amazon Alexa.
Final Thoughts
Summing up, this budget-friendly router is great for getting all your internet-related tasks done across both your floors. Be it simple mailing and doom-scrolling, or be it streaming content on Firestick, this router does it all for you without being a burden on your wallet.
- Affordable price
- Covers up to 2500 sq. ft.
- Lets you connect over 50 devices
- Easy to setup and manage
- Amazon Alexa voice support
- No support for MU-MIMO
- Underwhelming processor
7. ASUS RT-ARCH12
- Wireless Standard: Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
- Speeds: 300 + 867 Mbps
- Range: Up to 3000 Sq Ft
- No. of Devices Supported: 20
- Ports: 4 LAN + 1 WAN + 1 USB 2.0
- App Support: Yes
In ASUS RT-ARCH12, Asus downgrades its processor, storage memory, and USB port to accommodate its aggressive pricing. If you are looking for a budget router that brings the coverage to keep your house connected, you cannot go wrong with this Asus router.
Speed, Performance & Coverage
The router works better with internet plans ranging from 100 to 300 Mbps, limited by its hardware. It can reach individual speeds up to 300 Mbps on 2.4GHz and 867 Mbps on 5GHz. It can handle up to 20 devices with optimized usage and cover large duplex homes ranging up to 3000 sq ft.
Asus router comes with a single core clocking at 775 MHz, 128MB RAM, and 16MB storage, limiting the data-intense activities like gaming, streaming to a bare minimum.
Antennas & Ports
The glossy chequered black chassis weighs 0.76 pounds and measures 4.92 x 7.56 x 1.18 inches in dimensions. The body has 4 external antennas towering over it. With 4 LAN ports, 1 WAN port, and 1 USB 2.0 port, the router can support multiple devices like TV, gaming consoles, and shared printers in the network.
Security Features & Mobile App
The ASUS router app is amongst the best user-intuitive platform that keeps the router configuration and setup simple. Web interface opens up to extensive customization of your network.
It comes with parental controls, QoS by devices, a dedicated guest WiFi, and a comprehensive network monitoring option., With WPA2 encryption, firewall protection. Access controls, the router keeps unauthorized devices away from the network.
Final Thoughts?
ASUS RT-ACRH12 makes a strong case among its peers, owing to advanced features like MU-MIMO, Beamforming along with and extended coverage. Asus gives a great routing device for your 2 story house without making a dent in your wallet.
- MU-MIMO
- Beamforming
- Guest Wi-Fi
- WPA2 encryption
- Parental controls
- No USB 3.0 port
Frequently Asked Questions
The answer depends upon how big your house is. However, for an average 2 story home, any router covering between 3000 to 4000 sq. ft. should do. If you have a larger house, you might want to go for a router covering even more space.
Keeping the router on the ceiling of the lower floor or on the floor of the upper floor would be the best possible way to ensure maximum connectivity in a 2 story house. Alternatively, you could also have it connected to the staircase that connects the first and the second floor. However, a more center-focused router placement is ideal.
When it comes to providing coverage across a two story house, a mesh system usually does a better job as they tend to create 1500 sq. ft. coverage zones wherever they are placed. You can add another mesh unit to increase the coverage where you feel it is weakening up. However, traditional routers aren’t all that bad either if you place them the right way.
While the routers vary from under $100 to over $250, you will need to shell out anywhere between $150-$250 for the best of the lot. However, the cost isn’t really a metric of how good they are, and you need to check out other features such as coverage, connectivity speeds, ports, etc., to determine if the router suits your needs.
Verdict
Summing up, here are three of the best routers for 2 story houses, based on some specific needs:
- If you are into gaming or high-quality streaming, you must get the Asus RT-AX3000 for the best performance across both floors.
- The TP-Link Deco X20 is the best option for those looking for a mesh system for their two story home.
- If you wish to get a cost-effective router which can cover two floors, ASUS RT-ARCH12 is the best such option for you.
I hope that this list has helped you find just the right router for your 2 story house. If you still have confusion, please comment below or get in touch with me.
