In this world of 4k streaming, it is important to stay updated with technology. As you know, streaming eats a lot of your internet bandwidth and that’s why you’ll need to purchase a wireless router that can keep pace with it.
Basically, you’ll need a router that can prioritize bandwidth according to your tasks and handle multiple devices. If you’re renting a router from an ISP, then you’re likely missing out on a lot of features such as excellent speed and coverage.
Furthermore, if you’re encountering a lot of buffering, screen freezes, screen lags, and WiFi dead zones while streaming FireStick on multiple devices, maybe it’s time to consider buying your own router. Let’s have a look at a few features you must consider while buying the best router for firestick:
- Powerful Processors
What is the first thing that pops into your mind when you think of the word ‘processor’? Probably computer specifications, right? But you’d be surprised to hear that routers have processors too that help them power your everyday operations.
If you want to enjoy seamless 4k streaming, then you must opt for a router with at least a dual-core processor. The latest and the greatest modern-day routers are also equipped with quad-core processors.
- Quality of Service
Several high-end routers today offer the Quality of Service feature that allows you to prioritize your bandwidth traffic and stream on multiple devices simultaneously. It also ensures that you can download and stream videos without any buffering, and interference from other tasks such as gaming. QoS feature is a must-have in a router especially if you love multitasking.
- Wireless Standards
As the need of users for connecting multiple devices to the internet has grown, so has the wireless technology. Some common wireless standards that you’ll notice on your router specs are the 802.11b/g/n and the latest WiFi 6 or the 802.11ax standard. WiFi 6 is fairly new and that’s why only a few wireless routers support this wireless standard.
Most modern-day routers support the 802.11 b/g/n standards. You can enjoy good quality streaming using the 802.11 b/g/n standards but for better user experience, always opt for a router supporting the 802.11ac or WiFi 6 standard. These wireless standards deliver the speed you require for effortless 4k video streaming and can even handle high-end gaming.
- Bands
Routers operate using radio bands such as the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz radio bands. Single-band routers employ only the 2.4 GHz band, dual-band routers employ one 2.4 GHz band and one 5 GHz band and tri-band routers employ one 2.4 GHz band and two 5 GHz bands. It’s important that you opt for dual-band or tri-band routers as they can handle more devices and suffer from lesser co-channel and inter-channel interference.
- MU-MIMO and Beamforming
MU-MIMO technology allows you to connect multiple devices to your wireless network and enjoy lag-free streaming. It enables your router to perform advanced multitasking with ease.
Another feature that accompanies MU-MIMO technology in modern-day routers is beamforming. This feature transmits a stronger wireless signal to all your devices using internal antennas and enables the signal to reach a wider range too.
- Ports
All routers come with Ethernet ports to support wired connections such as gaming consoles, computers, etc. However, in order to connect more devices such as printers, you’ll need USB ports in your routers. My advice would be to choose a router with at least one USB 3.0 port as it can help you connect your latest devices to your wireless router.
- Antennas
Your WiFi range, performance, reliability, MU-MIMO and beamforming features depend on the number of antennas on your wireless router. If you want to enjoy 4k streaming with maximum wireless throughput, go for a router that sports multiple antennas.
- Additional Features
Additional router features won’t necessarily make 4k streaming better for you, but they would certainly make your life easier. Look for additional features such as parental control, cloud access, and airtime fairness in the router you’re buying for the ultimate user experience.
11 Best Routers for Firestick
Now that you’ve mastered the art of picking the best router after understanding the features required for effortless 4k streaming, let’s take a look at the best routers for firestick:
1. Best Overall: Netgear Nighthawk X10 AD7200
- Upload/Download Speeds: 800mbps + 1733mbps + 4600mbps
- Ports: 6x1G LAN Ports + 1x10G LAN Port + 2xUSB 3.0 Ports
- Bands: Tri-Band
- Range: 3,500 sq. ft
- RAM: 1 GB DDR3
Netgear routers have a reputation for providing undefeatable performance and unbelievable technical features. If speed is what you’re looking for, then the Nighthawk X10 AD7200 is an absolute must-have for you.
This beast is nothing but chock-full of technologically advanced features such as MU-MIMO data streaming, circuitry for 60 GHz 802.11ad standard, and 160 MHz WiFi technology. It’s one of the only home routers to support enterprise-level 10G SPF+ LAN port.
It delivers a consistent, durable, and athletic performance with the fastest speed on 5 GHz band that will leave you absolutely astonished. It’s not a cheap purchase, but if you’re willing to pay for a futuristic router that’s ahead of a curve, the X10 AD7200 is totally worth it.
The X10 model delivers a combined maximum speed of 7.2 Gbps. If we talk about individual band speeds, the 2.4 GHz radio band delivers a speed of 800mbps, one of the 5 GHz radio bands delivers a maximum speed of 1733mbps, and the other 5 GHz radio band delivers a maximum speed of 4600mbps.
Furthermore, the router has the latest MU-MIMO technology that can help you stream lag-free videos. With the help of this router, you can stream 24 downstream channels and eight upstream channels.
Also, this Nighthawk router establishes the 802.11ad network in your home that operates using the 60 GHz radio band. However, if you want to enjoy your network connection, you’ll need to use devices that are compatible with the 802.11ad wireless standard.
Unfortunately, there are few. In addition to this, this router also supports 160 MHz channels which are a combination of two 80 MHz channels on the 5 GHz band for faster throughput. Even though the 802.11ad wireless standard is ideal for 4k video streaming and gaming, it has some difficulty penetrating your walls and is therefore limited to a single room.
The router is powered by a strong quad-core processor that clocks in at a frequency of 1.7 GHz. It has a 1 GB RAM space that guarantees you enjoy 4K streaming, gaming, and other tasks without any lags, freezes, or WiFi dead zones. In addition to the 1 GB RAM, it also has a 256 GB flash memory to download extra applications and safety features.
The router is compatible with 24×8 DOCSIS 3.1 high-speed cable modem. This is not a router/modem combination. This firestick tv router has four external adjustable high-performance antennas that send WiFi signals directly to a specific client using their beamforming abilities. When you power up your router, these antennas emit blue light as an indicator that your router has started.
This is a tri-band router that employs one 2.4 GHz band and two 5 GHz bands. The router has an extraordinary range and can cover a maximum range of 3,500 sq. ft. This is perfect for large-sized homes and offices.
The left side of this router is adorned with two USB 3.0 ports. However, at the back of the router, you’ll notice six Gigabit LAN ports, a WAN port, an SPF+ LAN port, and some buttons. In order to increase your data transmission efficiency when working with compatible aggregate devices, this Netgear router lets you combine two LAN ports using Ethernet Port Aggregation.
You can use this feature for devices such as network switches and network-attached storage (NAS) devices. The 10G SPF+ LAN port is usually seen in enterprise-level routers and connects you to 10-Gigabit Ethernet devices. To manage the AD7200 router, you can either use the Netgear web console or the Genie mobile app.
When you open the web console, its home page will inform you about the Basic Internet and Wireless settings. On this page, you can also set up guest networks, find out information about the attached devices, enable ReadyShare storage options, view Amazon Drive backup settings, and control the Plex Media Server.
The advanced settings page displays information about the router, guest network, and WiFi. It also lets you configure advanced wireless controls such as QoS and enable WiFi Multimedia. Unfortunately, the device lacks QoS abilities that allow it to prioritize network traffic.
To enable the parental controls on this router, you’ll have to download the app specifically. Furthermore, the router is very easy to install. First, you need to connect your router to your PC and internet service. After that, go to www.routerlogin.net to access the Setup Wizard that’ll walk you through the router settings and installation.
The router has a remarkable black body with blue accents. It measures 8.81×6.61×2.91 inches and weighs 4.11 pounds. On the front edge of the router, you’ll notice an array of LED indicators. They indicate the status of the wireless bands, internet, power, LAN ports, 60 GHz radio bands, and USB ports. On the front edge itself, you’ll also notice a power button and a WPS button.
Other key features of this router are its ability to support automatic cloud backups and Plex Media Server Support. The latter allows you to manage and share your photos, videos, and audios through a connected USB hard drive.
This device is compatible with fire tv stick and is a must-buy due to its terrific battery life of 60 hours, high-speed USB ports, strong CPU and RAM, extraordinary flash memory, Nighthawk app support, high-speed LAN ports, outstanding coverage, and real-time speeds.
- Outstanding real-time speeds
- High-speed LAN ports and USB 3.0 ports
- Terrific battery life of 60 hours
- Tremendous flash memory
- Powerful CPU and RAM
- Only 90 days complimentary support from NETGEAR
- Sluggish web interface
2. Best for Security: TP-LINK Archer AX6000
- Upload/Download Speeds: 1148mbps + 4804mbps
- Ports: 8x1G Ethernet Ports + 2.4G WAN Port + 2xUSB 3.0 Ports
- Bands: Dual-Band
- Range: 2 meters
- RAM: 1 GB
If you’re on the hunt for a budget-friendly router that supports WiFi 6, then you’ve got to check out the TP-LINK Archer AX6000. It may not be as fast as some of its competitors, but it has the latest security and technological features that can fill your home with data.
This is one of the first routers to support the latest 802.11ax wireless standard. It’s a gargantuan router with multiple connectivity options such as eight LAN ports, one WAN port, and two USB ports. Even though the router supports the latest WiFi 6 technology, it does not have WPA3 encryption which means that it is not WiFi 6 certified yet. WiFi 6 is an upgrade to the 802.11ac wireless standard.
It promises faster throughput performance, increased device handling, more secure home networks, and better battery life. The router can deliver a maximum speed of 6,000 Mbps. Talking about individual band speeds, the router can deliver a maximum speed of 1148 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band and 4804 Mbps on the 5 GHz band.
It has the latest MU-MIMO technology and can support 16 downstream channels and four upstream channels. This router supports eight streams on each wireless band and uses the latest 1024-QAM technology to deliver its theoretical throughput.
The Archer AX6000 is powered by a quad-core processor that clocks in at a frequency of 1.8 GHz to deliver consistent performance. It has a 1 GB RAM space that is sufficient enough to power your basic daily operations, 4K streaming, and high-end gaming on multiple devices simultaneously. It also has a flash memory of 128 MB to install any other apps and security features that you have in mind.
The router is compatible with DOCSIS 3.1 high-speed cable modem. This is not a router/modem combination. The router has eight external adjustable antennas that enhance the performance of this router and help it deliver a stronger signal to every nook and cranny of your apartment.
This is a dual-band router that operates using one 2.4 GHz band and 5 GHz band. It provides excellent coverage of 2 meters and is perfect for medium to large-sized office or living spaces.
The rear panel of this router is adorned with eight gigabit LAN ports, one 2.5 Gigabit WAN port, a power port, a power button, and a reset button. On the left edge of the router, you’ll notice a USB 3.0 Type-A port and a USB 3.0 Type-C port. Also, on the front panel of the router, you have a WPS button, an LED button, and a WiFi button.
The settings of this router can easily be adjusted according to your network requirements using the TP-LINK app that’s available on both Android and iOS devices. However, you’ll need to rely on the web console to configure advanced router settings such as IPv6 settings, DHCP Server, NAT forwarding, and VPN Server. When you open the web console, you’ll see a network page that displays your wired and wireless connection. It also has a speed test button to measure your wireless throughput.
On the left side of the screen, you’ll notice a menu bar, and on the top, you have the Basic, Advanced, and Quick Setup tabs. The Basic Settings allow you to change your password, network name, enable a guest network, and manage USB settings. In the Basic Settings section, you have the Home Care settings that enable you to set up parental controls.
It also offers Trend Micro-powered anti-malware settings that allow you to filter malicious activity or content and enable the Intrusion Prevention System. Another interesting tab that you’ll notice on your screen is the Smart Life Assistant.
This shows you how to configure the Alexa voice control and IFTTT applets on your router. Installing the router is very easy and does not require any technical assistance. You can either connect your PC to the internet and go to the web console to set up the router or use the TP-Link app on your smartphone.
The router has a beefy square design and is available in a beautiful textured black color. It measures 10x12x4 inches and weighs just 3.5 pounds. It is one of the largest routers in the market with a square LED button on top. When everything is working normally, the indicator flashes a blue light, pulses blue if any firmware updates are required, glows orange when it’s connected to the internet but the WiFi is disabled, and a solid red when there is no internet connection.
If you’re craving better throughput speed and performance offered by the 802.11ax wireless standard, then maybe it’s time for you to upgrade your router. But bear in mind that to realize the full potential of this router, you’ll need to use WiFi 6 compatible devices.
If you want to enjoy seamless 4k streaming, then you’ve got to buy this router because of its excellent speed and coverage, BSS Coloring technology, beamforming, and Rangeboost feature for stronger signals, QoS, high-speed ports, advanced security features, robust parental controls, and budget-friendly nature.
- Excellent speed and coverage
- QoS and Beamforming features
- High-speed ports
- Robust parental controls
- Advanced security features
- Hard to remove LAN cables
- Limited app support
3. Best for Large Homes: ASUS RT-AC5300
- Upload/Download Speeds: 2167mbps + 2167mbps + 1000mbps
- Ports: 1x1G WAN Port + 4x1G LAN Ports + 1xUSB 3.0 Port + 1xUSB 2.0 Port
- Bands: Tri-Band
- Range: 5,000 sq. ft.
- RAM: 512 MB
Talking about individual band speeds, the 2.4 GHz band on the router can deliver an unbelievable maximum speed of 1000mbps and each of the 5 GHz bands can deliver a maximum speed of 2167mbps. However, these are only the theoretical speeds of the router. The real-time speed will depend upon factors such as WiFi client devices, interference, range, and software overheads.
The RT-AC5300 has the latest MU-MIMO technology that enables it to support multiple devices simultaneously. It can support up to 16 downstream channels and four upstream channels. It is a 4×4 router that uses four individual streams to transmit and receive data packets.
In addition to this, the router has another unique feature named Smart Connect. This feature automatically chooses the best channel for data transmission to maximize throughput and minimize interference.
This device is powered by the Broadcom BCM7094 chipset that clocks in at a frequency of 1.4 GHz. As the router is adorned with the latest Broadcom chipset, each of its wireless bands support higher bandwidth.
It has a RAM space of 512 MB that can power your daily operations and moderate gaming but is not powerful enough to support high-end multitasking. In addition to the RAM space, the device also has a 128 MB flash memory that can be used to install any extra applications that you desire.
The router is compatible with 16×4 DOCSIS 3.0 high-speed cable modem. This is not a router/modem combination. The Asus router has eight detachable 9dbi high-performance external antennas that make it look like an upside-down spider. This router has the highest number of antennas ever seen on a consumer-level router. All the antennas have beamforming abilities that enable the router to send stronger WiFi signals directly to the client.
This is a tri-band router, which means it operates using one 2.4 GHz band and two 5 GHz bands to deliver game-worthy throughput to multiple devices. Multiple bands allow you to connect your older outdated devices to the 2.4 GHz band and your latest devices to the 5 GHz bands. If either of the 5 GHz bands gets crowded with the incoming network traffic, the other can fully support your gaming and streaming data.
Furthermore, the router has an unbelievable coverage of 5,000 sq. ft that is suitable for large offices and living spaces. If you’re a die-hard gamer, you’ll appreciate the Game Boost feature of this router. This feature offers one-click QoS settings that ensure bandwidth prioritization of gaming traffic. It also provides you a free subscription to WTFast, which is an online game-acceleration service. This automatically routes your gaming data to achieve the optimal bandwidth.
The router has a variety of external ports. It has four LAN ports and one WAN port that can deliver a maximum speed of up to 1,000 Mbps to all your wired connections. It also has one USB 3.0 port and one USB 2.0 port to connect to a printer and an external hard drive.
In case you want to share a 3G or 4G connection with a local network, you can use these ports to connect your cellular dongle. The router has an easy to use network interface. It is equipped with the Asus AiProtection network security services to secure your network from online threats.
The ASUS Router app is the perfect solution to all your router woes as it lets you configure your router according to your requirements and is available on both Android and iOS devices. However, to configure advanced settings on your router, you’ll have to rely on the web console.
In the Advanced Settings menu of the web page, you can configure Wireless MAC Filter and Radius Server Settings. You can even enable MU-MIMO mode, beamforming feature, Smart Connect, and wireless scheduling. Installing this Asus beast is pretty easy.
All you’ve got to do is connect your router to your PC and the Internet. Then open up the Asus Network that takes you straight to the Quick Internet Setup Wizard to check your internet connection.
The router has a square bold and brash design with matte red trim and bevelled edges. It is available in a classic black color. It measures 24.5×6.5×24.5 inches and weighs just 3.21 pounds. Other features of this router that give it an edge over its competitors include – WPA Enterprise and WAP2-Enterprise encryption, VPN Servers, Port Forwarding, Keyword Filtering, and Link aggregation.
This is the perfect router for streaming tv and a must-buy because of its unique game-friendly features, lifetime protection against cyber threats, excellent speed and coverage, beamforming feature, QoS, and high-speed LAN ports.
- High-speed ports
- QoS and beamforming features
- Advanced security features
- Game-centric and streaming-centric features
- Excellent speed and coverage
- You cannot wall mount the router
- Lacks parental controls
4. Best for 4K Streaming: TP-LINK Archer AC1750
- Upload/Download Speeds: 1300mbps + 450mbps
- Ports: 4x1G LAN Ports + 1x1G WAN Port + 2xUSB 2.0 Ports
- Bands: Dual-Band
- Range: 2,500 sq. ft
- RAM: 128 MB
In a world where consumers find themselves getting lost in complicated numbers,TP-LINK Archer AC1750 is indubitably a breath of fresh air. It’s an affordable router that performs just like an expensive one.
Although it has several management settings, its user interface is a little finicky. It is equipped with some serious hardware and software that make your WiFi experience lag and dead zone free.
This router can deliver a maximum speed of 1,750 Mbps. Individually, the 2.4 GHz band can deliver a maximum speed of 450mbps and the 5 GHz band can deliver a maximum speed of 1300mbps. The router has the latest MU-MIMO technology that allows it to support streaming on multiple devices simultaneously. It can support up to eight downstream and four upstream channels.
The Archer AC1750 is powered by the Qualcomm Atheros QCA9588 chipset that clocks in at a frequency of 720 MHz and enables the router to deliver consistent performance throughout your home.
It has a RAM space of 128 MB that is enough to power your basic everyday operations but isn’t suitable for high-end multitasking. In addition to the 128 MB RAM space, the router has an 8 MB flash memory which you can use to install any apps and security features that you have in mind. The router is compatible with the DOCSIS 3.0 high-speed cable modem. It has a maximum downstream speed of 1,000 Mbps and is not a router/modem combo.
The TP-LINK Archer AC1750 has three external and three internal high-performance antennas with beamforming abilities to deliver a stronger wireless signal and cover a wider network range. This is a dual-band router which means it operates using one 2.4 GHz band and one 5 GHz band. Furthermore, the wireless signal delivered by this router can reach every corner of a 2,500 sq. ft living space.
The router features an assortment of external ports. It has four external LAN ports and one WAN port that can deliver a maximum speed of 1,000 Mbps to all your wired connections. It also has two USB 2.0 ports that can be used to connect to other devices such as printers and smartphones.
If you want to control the settings of your router and find out about its real-time features, you can use the TP-LINK app available on both Android and iOS devices. You can also set up this router at your home or your office using the directions stated on the app or web interface of TP-LINK.
The web console of the device lacks certain graphical elements and has an older text-based version. This means that the changes you make in the device don’t get saved immediately. It can take up to 30 seconds for any changes to be registered with the router. That being said, the web console does offer a plethora of basic and advanced settings.
On the left side of the web page, you’ll see the LAN, WAN, wireless, and traffic statistics icons. Each wireless band of the router has a basic wireless SSID mode, WPS, security mode, and MAC filtering setting. You can also configure your network settings using various options such as – WAN, LAN, MAC, Clone, and IPTV.
The web page also allows you to enable Guest Networks and control the bandwidth distribution for each guest client. In addition to this, by enabling the parental controls on the website, you can create access schedules and compile a list of accessible websites for your clients.
You can even create your own network-wide internet access rules using the Access Control option. Furthermore, using the System Tools you can run your network diagnostics, check for firmware updates, and view system logs.
Installing this TP-Link masterpiece is a breeze. All you’ve got to do is connect your router to your PC and internet connection and then log in to the http://tplinkwifi.net. You’ll be directed to the management console that will help you install it without any technical assistance.
The router has a glossy black chassis and measures 9.59×6.32×1.29 inches. It weighs just 14.9 ounces making it ultra-portable. The ports and antennas on the back are joined by an on/off button, a reset button, a WPS switch, and a WiFi button.
The front panel of this router has an array of LED indicators. These include indicators for – power, radio bands, LAN ports, WAN port, and WPS activity. Based on this router’s performance and feature set, you’ll never guess that it costs under $100.
However, I do wish that the interface and file transfer of this router were a little more user-friendly. That being said, it sure is the fastest router in its class. If you want to enjoy 4k streaming at your home using Firestick on tv, then this router is an absolute must-have for you due to its incredible speed, coverage, QoS abilities, beamforming features, and advanced security features.
- Excellent speed and coverage
- High-speed ports
- QoS features
- Beamforming features
- Advanced security features
- Lacks USB 3.0 ports
- Lacks parental controls
5. Best for Multiple Devices: Netgear WiFi Router (R6330) - AC1600
- Upload/Download Speeds: 300mbps + 1300mbps
- Ports: 4x1G Ethernet Ports + 1xUSB 2.0 Port
- Bands: Dual-Band
- Range: 1,200 sq. ft
- RAM: 256MB
In today’s world of ubiquitous smart home devices, you need a good router to make the most of your internet service. Your old router won’t be sufficient enough to handle your desire of connecting multiple devices and enjoying 4k streaming with your friends.
If you don’t want to burn a hole in your pocket while buying a router that can deliver high-speed and consistent performance, then the Netgear WiFi Router (R6330) AC1600 is the perfect choice for you. This router has been designed specifically to connect to multiple devices simultaneously. The router can deliver a combined maximum speed of 1600mbps.
Talking about individual band speeds, the 2.4 GHz band can deliver a maximum speed of 300mbps and the 5 GHz band can deliver a maximum speed of 1,300 Mbps. Furthermore, the router has the latest MU-MIMO technology that enables it to support up to 20 devices simultaneously. It can support 16 downstream channels and four upstream channels.
The router is powered by the Broadcom BCM4708AD chipset that clocks in at a frequency of 880 MHz and enables your router to deliver consistent performance. It has a 256 MB RAM space that can efficiently support your daily tasks and moderate high-end multitasking.
In addition to the RAM space, the router also has a 128 MB flash memory that allows you to install extra applications in this order. This router supports the 802.11n, 802.11b, 802.11g, and 802.11ac WiFi protocols.
It does not support the latest WiFi 6 technology. At the moment it’s not much of an issue as most devices have still not caught up to this technology. However, within the next five to six years, you’ll have to upgrade your router. The router is compatible with 16×4 DOCSIS 3.0 high-speed cable modem. This is not a router/modem combination.
The router has three high-performance external antennas with beamforming abilities to deliver a strong signal in every corner of your living space. Each of these antennas have a separate input and output channel. Because of this, you can enjoy gaming with your friends on multiple devices while still supporting plenty of other tasks on other clients.
Topping up at a maximum speed of 1600 Mbps, this router can cover a maximum range of 1,200 sq. ft. This is just a ballpark figure. Of course, the actual coverage of a router depends on the thickness of your walls, copper piping, furniture restrictions, etc. But don’t worry, if you’ve got devices outside the Netgear WiFi bubble, you’ll still be able to connect them to the router’s 2.4 GHz band.
The router sports a variety of ports on its back surface. It has four external Ethernet ports that can deliver a maximum speed of 1,000 Mbps to your wired connections. It also has two USB 2.0 ports on the far left at the back panel that can be used to connect hard drives, printers, smartphones, etc.
Also, there’s a DC power port at the back to plug in your router. An important office-oriented feature of this router is that you can directly connect a USB-enabled printer to it. The settings of this router can be adjusted by using the NETGEAR app that’s available on both Android and iOS devices. This app allows you to set up a guest network, enable parental controls, compile a list of accessible websites, and filter malicious websites based on Netgear’s algorithm.
You can even pause your wireless connection several times during the day using the app. Setting up this router is super easy as compared to other conventional routers. All you need to do is download NETGEAR’s Nighthawk app on your smartphone and let the network wizard setup your wireless connection.
Also, it supports the latest WPA2 security protocol and DoS (Denial of service) firewall. It’s an important method to prevent intrusion and glitches in your home network. Furthermore, the R6330 also ensures that you can use the VPN of your choice for added security.
The router has a plastic chassis that’s available in black color and measures 12.9×9.9×3.8 inches. It weighs just 1.9 pounds and is a great router to enjoy Firestick streaming in a small living space. You don’t need to store your router in a secret hideaway because its bold and brash design makes a style statement in itself. Its sharp edges give it an enterprise-level router look and make it look great on any desk.
On the top panel of the router, you’ll find the NETGEAR logo and four green LED indicators. These lights indicate your router’s power status, active internet connection, active WiFi connections, and Ethernet status.
Unfortunately, it does not have a separate light for every Ethernet port. In addition to this, the back panel of the router has a WPS button, a power button, and a reset button. Overall, this router has a sleek and smooth finish because all its vents are placed strategically at the back.
It is a must-buy due to its smart parental controls, QoS, Beamforming, robust parental controls, fast wireless performance, and the ability to support up to 20 devices simultaneously. In addition, it also allows you to access the geo-filtering feature to stay connected to the ultimate gamers.
- Fast wireless performance
- Ability to support up to 20 devices simultaneously
- QoS and beamforming features
- Robust parental controls
- Fast-speed wired Ethernet ports
- Lacks USB 3.0 ports
- Below average coverage
6. Best for Video Conferencing: TP-LINK AC4000 Archer A20
- Upload/Download Speeds: 750mbps + 1625mbps
- Ports: 4x1G LAN Ports + 1x1G WAN Port + 1xUSB 2.0 Port + 1xUSB 3.0 Port
- Bands: Tri-Band
- Range: 30 feet
- RAM: 512 MB
The TP-LINK Archer A20 is a tri-band router that combines the power of excellent throughput with a solid performance in one router. When you’ve got the TP-LINK Archer A20 at home, you no longer need to worry about WiFi lags, freezes, and dead zones, especially during video conferencing and zoom calls.
In addition to this, it also sports robust parental controls and three years of free network security powered by Trend Micro. It’s an excellent choice for moving large blocks of data back and forth with its outstanding file transfer performance.
This router delivers a combined maximum speed of 4,000 Mbps. When considering individual band speeds, the 2.4 GHz band can deliver a maximum speed of 750mbps and each of the 5 GHz bands can deliver a maximum speed of 1625mbps. Furthermore, the router has the latest quad-stream MU-MIMO technology that can handle multiple devices simultaneously while streaming or gaming.
The router is powered by the 64-bit dual-core CPU processors that clock in at a frequency of 1.8 GHz. With the 512 MB RAM space of the TP-LINK Archer A20, you can enjoy effortless 4K streaming and gaming in all your wireless connections. In addition to the RAM space, the router also has a flash memory of the size to support any extra applications that you desire.
The Archer A20 establishes the 802.11ac Wave 2 technology in your home. This technology is capable of supporting MU-MIMO streaming, beamforming, and automatic band steering. Band steering automatically connects any client devices to the best frequency band available for maximum throughput performance.
The router is compatible with DOCSIS 3.1 high-speed cable modem. This is not a router/modem combination. The router has six removable external high-performance antennas that can be folded on top of the router according to your requirements. Also, topping at a maximum speed of 4,000 Mbps, the router can cover a maximum range of 30 feet.
The device sports an assortment of ports. It has four LAN ports and one WAN port that can deliver a maximum speed of 1,000 Mbps to all your wired connections. Two of the LAN ports also support link aggregation. This allows you to combine multiple ports in a parallel connection to increase your router’s throughput.
Furthermore, it has one USB 2.0 port and one USB 3.0 port to support your hard drives and other latest devices. If you want to know about the real-time features of your router and configure them according to your requirements, then you can take the help of the Tether app that’s available on both Android and iOS devices. You can even install this router in your apartment or office using the Tether app or web console.
Just like the other TP-Link router web consoles, this one too, displays a network of connected devices when you open it. On top of the page, you’ll notice three tabs – Quick Setup, Basic, and Advanced. On the left side, there’s a plethora of tabs with basic and advanced settings features.
Using the Basic settings tab, you can enable parental controls, establish a guest network, enable USB sharing, switch to the Home Care system, and backup your data using TP-Link Cloud. The Advanced tab on the screen lets you switch to the Operation mode (Router or AP) and control NAT Forwarding, IPv6, VPN Servers, QoS, and System Tools.
In addition to this, there is a separate tab for the Smart Life Assistant. This lets your router respond to Alexa’s voice commands and interact with other devices that IFTTT applets.
This beast of a router has a beefy square body with a glossy black chassis. It measures 7.87×7.87×1.54 inches and weighs just 3.64 pounds. In terms of design, the A20 does not offer much. In fact, it is quite similar to the Archer C3200. The front panel of the router has nine LED indicators. These lights indicate the status of your radio bands, power connection, Ethernet connection, USB ports, and WPS activity.
In addition to the indicators on the front edge, you’ll also notice three buttons, namely – WiFi (on/off), LED (on/off), and WPS button. Also, the rear panel of the router is adorned with a power button, reset button, and a power jack. The TP-Link A20 also comes with a three-year Trend Micro security subscription service with QoS and age-filtered parental controls.
It’s a must-have for streaming firestick especially if you’re located in congested network areas. Its features such as incredible speed and coverage, powerful CPU processor, advanced security features, Range boost technology, QoS, Beamforming, and MU-MIMO technology.
- QoS abilities
- MU-MIMO and Beamforming abilities
- Excellent speed and coverage
- Robust security features
- Powerful CPU and RAM
- Lacks parental controls
- Distracting design
7. Value for Money: Linksys EA7500
- Upload/Download Speeds: 600mbps + 1300mbps
- Ports: 4xEthernet Ports + 1xUSB 3.0 Port
- Bands: Dual-Band
- Range: 1,500 sq. ft.
- RAM: 256 MB
Linksys routers are known in the tech world for their extremely competitive prices that make them a crowd favorite. The Linksys EA7500 is an excellent choice for you if you’re looking for a router to deliver a power-packed performance and fill your home with the 802.11ac WiFi and MU-MIMO technology.
This router can deliver a combined maximum speed of 1.9 Gbps. If we talk about individual band speeds, the 2.4 GHz band can deliver a maximum speed of 600mbps and the 5 GHz band can deliver a maximum speed of up to 1300mbps.
The wireless router has the latest quad-stream MU-MIMO technology which allows you to stream your favorite videos on multiple devices simultaneously. The MU-MIMO technology of the router permits you to connect to 12 devices simultaneously rather than successively. MU-MIMO technology ensures faster throughput performance and responsive feel while using multiple devices. It can support up to 16 downstream and four upstream channels.
The Linksys EA7500 is powered by the Qualcomm Atheros IPQ8064 chipset that clocks in at a frequency of 1.4 GHz. It has a 256 MB RAM space which allows you to enjoy effortless streaming, some moderate gaming, etc. without any lags or screen freezes. Also, it has a flash memory of 128 MB to install any security features and applications you desire.
The router is compatible with DOCSIS cable modem 3.0 and is also back-compatible with DOCSIS 2.0. This is not a router/modem combination. However, this router is capable of working in three modes – router, bridge, and access point modes.
This device has three external high-performance antennas with beamforming capabilities that deliver a stronger wireless signal to every corner of your living space. These antennas are detachable. This feature gives you room to upgrade your router or use an extension cord.
Also, these antennas are lightweight and prevent the router from toppling. This is a dual-band router which means that it employs one 2.4 GHz and one 5 GHz frequency band to fill your home with WiFi. Operating at over 1.9 Gbps, it can cover a maximum range of up to 1,500 sq. ft.
The router has a combination of external ports at its back. It has four 1 Gigabit LAN ports that deliver a speed of up to 1,000 Mbps to wired connections. In addition to the LAN ports, it also has a USB 3.0 port to connect extra devices such as printers, televisions, etc. Also, the USB 2.0 port on the router can be used as a media storage port.
If you want to configure the settings of your router according to your network requirements, you have two options. You can either use the Smart WiFi Mobile app or the Smart WiFi web-based console. When you open the web console, you’ll notice that on the left side of the screen there’s a list of Smart WiFi tools and commonly used settings widgets on the right.
The tools settings have a plethora of tabs that control – Guest Network Access, Parental Controls, Media Prioritization, Network Map, Speed Test, and Storage. Similarly, the Advanced Settings section controls router connectivity, advanced routing, basic network security, and TimeZone settings. For advanced security options, you’ll have to go to the Wireless Settings tab of the web console.
Here, you can configure WPA 2 security mode, enable MAC filtering, create access schedules, VPN Servers, Firewalls, and Internet Filtering. Furthermore, to resolve any router troubleshooting issues, you can view the DHCP client tables. Settings up this router is a breeze.
All you need to do is plug it in and log in to linksyssmartwifi.com. On this page, you need to select the option of Setup Utility to power your router. The Setup Utility analyzes your network connections and walks you through the procedure to set up your password.
The EA7500 router has a gorgeous black plastic body that measures 10.03×7.25×2.19 inches. It weighs about 2.05 pounds. To facilitate cooling of this high gain router, it is performed with numerous slits. The classy design of this router melds with the aesthetics of your room and has a durable plastic body. Also, every single perforation on this router has a small protrusion on the inside for dust collection.
Other than the Linksys Logo LED on the front panel, there aren’t any other LED indicators on this device. Its back panel, however, is adorned with a power switch, reset button, and a WPS button.
It is compatible with firestick and is a must-have because of its QoS features, beamforming abilities, robust parental controls, app support, creating a separate guest network, etc. It’s an excellent router choice that’ll leave its users mesmerized with its MU-MIMO throughput and robust management console.
- Good speed
- Parental controls
- App support
- Affordable
- Separate guest access
- Outdated firmware
- Below average range
8. Best Router-Modem Combination: Motorola MT7711
- Upload/Download Speeds: 600mbps + 1300mbps
- Ports: 4xEthernet Ports + 1xUSB 2.0 Port + 1xUSB 3.0 Port
- Bands: Dual-Band
- Range: 3,000 sq. ft
- RAM: 128 MB
If you don’t want to splurge on a modem and router separately and are looking for a budget-friendly solution that will not only deliver consistent performance but also compliment your home’s modern decor, then you’ve got to buy the Motorola MT7711. This beast of a router can deliver a combined maximum speed of 1,900 Mbps.
If we take into consideration individual band speeds, then the 2.4 GHz band can deliver a maximum speed of 600mbps and the 5 GHz band can deliver a maximum speed of 1300mbps. The router also has the latest MU-MIMO technology that can support 24 downstream channels and eight upstream channels.
The router is powered by the Broadcom BCM3384ZU chipset which enables this router to deliver unbeatable performance. This Broadcom chipset is equipped with advanced security from Denial of Service attacks. It has a 128 MB RAM space which is sufficient for 4k streaming and some mild gaming but not for high-end multitasking.
Also, in addition to the RAM space, the router has an 8 MB flash memory to download any extra applications and security features that you have in mind. In addition to these features, this router also has the Full-Band Capture Digital Tuner. This tuner stabilizes your internet connection and makes it more reliable.
The Motorola MT7711 is compatible with 24×8 DOCSIS 3.0 high-speed cable modem with 24×8 router bonding technology. This means that it has 24 times faster download speeds and eight times faster upload speed. Channel bonding combines the available speed on each channel to retain your high-speed internet connection. This is a router/modem combination.
This machine sports three internal high-performance antennas with QoS and beamforming abilities to enable a stronger wireless signal and bandwidth prioritization.
The AnyBeam beamforming technology of the router extends your wireless coverage area and reduces wireless dead zones. It also makes sure that you have a stable WiFi connection to all times to stream HD videos.
The antennas of this router are also equipped with WiFi amplifiers that boost the wireless signals to a legal limit. This is a dual-band router that operates using one 2.4 GHz band and one 5 GHz band. In case you’re wondering what’s the difference between 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequency bands, let me break it down for you.
The 2.4 GHz band offers a slower speed but converts a larger area. Whereas the 5 GHz band covers a small area but delivers a higher speed due to limited interference. Furthermore, this router has an excellent range of 3,000 sq. Ft and is sufficient for medium to large-sized homes.
This is the first router to sport two RJ-11 ports on its back that help to connect you to Comcast Xfinity Voice.
Moreover, the router also has four external Ethernet ports to connect to gaming consoles, computers, etc. Unfortunately, this router does not come with the app support feature and you’ll have to rely on the web support for the installation of the device and controlling its settings.
This router/modem combination has a sleek design and is available in a black body. It measures 8.25×2.25×9 inches and weighs 3.69 pounds. The Motorola MT7711 is definitely an all-rounder device. It not only establishes wireless connectivity in your home but also offers voice services and Ethernet connectivity.
As this router/modem combination is supported by Comcast, it is the perfect choice for voice services. Also, because of its vertical black chassis, the device takes up minimum space and improves cooling and wireless performance. It’s great for streaming Netflix, firestick tv, etc and is a must-have because of its QoS and beamforming features, phone ports, high-speed Ethernet ports, excellent speed, and incredible coverage.
- Router/modem combination
- Incredible coverage and speed
- 2xRJ-11 phone ports
- QoS and beamforming abilities
- Wireless power boost for better speed
- Lacks USB ports
- Lacks app support
9. Best under 150: D-Link AC2600 DIR-882-US
- Maximum Speed: 800mbps + 1533mbps
- Ports: 4x1G LAN Ports + 1x1G WAN Port + 1xUSB 2.0 Port + 1xUSB 3.0 Port
- Bands: Dual-Band
- Range: 1,800 sq. ft.
- RAM: 256 MB
The D-Link WiFi Router AC2600 delivers a constant performance and strong wireless signal, has four wired Ethernet ports and is an absolute breeze to control and install. It’s a great mid-range router with MU-MIKO technology, beamforming, and automatic band steering.
However, it might leave you disappointed with its lack of parental controls and antivirus protection. This router can deliver a combined maximum speed of 2,600 Mbps. Now let’s talk about the individual speeds of the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz radio bands. The 2.4 GHz band can deliver a maximum speed of 800mbps and the 5 GHz band can deliver a maximum speed of 1533mbps.
Another feature of this router that’s an absolute must-have for streaming is the latest quad-stream MU-MIMO technology that allows you to stream on multiple devices simultaneously. It is capable of combining two 80 MHz channels and form a single 160 MHz channel for wireless transmission.
When an athletic dual-core processor clocking in at a frequency of 880 MHz powers your router, you don’t have to worry about your router’s performance. It has a 256 MB RAM space which is sufficient to support moderate business operations, gaming, and 4k streaming. Also, the router sports an additional flash memory of 128 MB to install other router features you fall in love with.
The router is compatible with DOCSIS 3.0 cable modem and is not a router/modem combination.
If your router goal is to experience a strong wireless signal in every corner of your home, then you’ll surely be impressed with the performance of this router’s four external high-performance antennas.
The automatic band steering feature of the router automatically selects the best wireless band for priority tasks on the basis of network traffic. The router can cover a maximum range of 1,800 sq. ft.
To help you connect to your favorite devices, the router sports four LAN ports and one WAN port at its back that can deliver a maximum speed of 1,000 Mbps. Using the USB 2.0 port and USB 3.0 ports on the router, you can even connect your latest devices directly to the router.
The file transfer speed of this router is pretty impressive too. If you want to manage the settings of this router, then you can take the help of the D-LINK QRS router app that’s available on both Android and iOS devices. This app also allows you to set up this router at your home easily without any additional assistance.
Also, if you don’t wish to install the app, you can switch to the intuitive web-based management console. When you launch the home page of the router website, you’ll see a network map that displays all your wired and wireless connection, internet status, and IP addresses.
Next, you’ll see the Settings tab where you can access the following sections – wireless security, WiFi channel selection, Transmission Power Settings, and Channel width. Using the Internet settings section you can configure the type of internet connection (DHCP, PPPoE, etc.) and also access the IPv6 and WLAN settings. Furthermore, using the Management tab you can enable parental controls, access schedules, and Guest Network.
However, you might be disappointed with the lack of granular control that lets you restrict access to adult-oriented websites, gambling sites, and social media. Also, the router lacks antivirus and malware protection which are available in most mid-range routers.
That being said, this router does offer an easy to use drag and drop Quality of Service engine, firewall settings, port forwarding, and web filtering. You can set up this router by either using the web console (the old school way) or the mobile app. If you go with the former, the network wizard will help you to set up the router and configure its settings within minutes.
The D-LINK router is quite petit and sports an elegant black body that measures 7.2×10.1×1.8 inches. It weighs just 1.5 pounds making it super lightweight. On the top of the router reside six LED activity indicators.
These lights indicate the status of your router for power, internet, radio bands, and USB ports.similarly, the back panel of this router features buttons for power, WPS, WiFi, and reset. If you love streaming firestick, then this router is a must-buy for you due to its affordability, powerful CPU and RAM, quad-stream MU-MIMO technology, creative QoS and beamforming abilities, and smart security features.
- Powerful CPU and RAM
- Good speed
- Intelligent Quality of Service
- Intuitive user interface
- Advanced smart beam
- Outdated firmware
- No parental controls
10. Best under 50: Medialink MLWR-AC1200R
- Maximum Speed: 300mbps + 900mbps
- Ports: 4x1G LAN Ports + 1xUSB 2.0 Port
- Bands: Dual-Band
- Range: 1,500 sq. ft
- RAM: 128 MB
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly and high functional router that can deliver consistent and reliable performance, then you’ve got to check out the Medialink AC1200. Although it might be a tough sell because of its competition with the Asus RT-Arch 13, its intuitive and functional UI leaves you impressed.
The router can deliver a combined maximum speed of 1,200 Mbps. If we take individual band speeds into consideration, the 2.4 GHz band can deliver a maximum speed of 300mbps and the 5 GHz band can deliver a maximum speed of 900mbps. Also, the router has the latest MU-MIMO technology that can support 2×2 streams.
This device is fueled by the Broadcom BCM47189B0 chipset that clocks in at a frequency of 900 MHz. It has a 128 MB RAM that can efficiently power your basic daily tasks and streaming but is unsuitable for high-end multitasking. In addition to the 128 MB RAM space, the router also sports an 8 MB flash memory to install any extra router features that you desire.
The router is compatible with DOCSIS 3.0 high-speed cable modem. This is not a router/modem combination. It has two external antennas with beamforming ability that ensure the wireless signal reaches every nook and cranny of your home. The unique feature of this router is that it delivers the same maximum throughput on both the wireless bands.
Furthermore, the router can cover a maximum range of 1,500 sq. ft and is suitable for small to medium-sized homes. Although the router claims to disseminate the maximum power allowed by FCC, the final result will depend on the layout of your home and thickness of the walls.
The machine has an assortment of ports at its back. It has four external LAN ports that can deliver a maximum speed of 1,000 Mbps to all your wired connections and a USB 2.0 port to connect other devices that you desire.
Unfortunately, the router does not come with any app support. However, you can rely on the Medialink customer care and web support service to help you with the easy installation of the router and other technical difficulties.
The router has a sleek black square body and measures 8.9×7.07×3.02 inches. It weighs just 14.9 ounces making it ultra-portable. It is an absolute must-have for firestick because of its QoS and beamforming features, affordability, robust security features, full parental control access, range extender, and high-speed Ethernet ports.
- High-speed Ethernet ports
- Full parental control access
- Robust security features
- Affordable
- QoS and Beamforming features
- Outdated firmware
- Lacks USB 3.0 ports
11. Best Mesh Router: Amazon Eero Mesh
- Maximum Speed: 350mbps + 550mbps
- Ports: 2x1G LAN Ports
- Bands: Dual-Band
- Range: 1,500 sq. ft.
- RAM: 512 MB
Nowadays, everyone is on the hunt for the best mesh WiFi router for their home that’s easy to install and can deliver reliable performance. The Amazon Eero Mesh was one of the pioneers of mesh technology networks capable of slinging a steady signal to every nook and cranny of your home.
Your dream of having a budget-friendly mesh router can come true with the Amazon Eero Mesh router. It has extraordinary performance and can deliver a maximum combined speed of 550mbps. Even though the mesh router does not come with its throughput specification on the packaging, you’ll still be able to achieve a maximum real-time speed of 350mbps.
You can’t have an out of this world streaming experience if your router does not have the latest quad-stream MU-MIMO technology. Well, lucky for you, the Amazon Eero Mesh can support up to 32 downstream channels and eight upstream channels using the MU-MIMO technology.
Eero uses the proprietary well-developed mesh network named ‘TrueMesh’ to establish a wireless network in your home. If your signal gets interrupted due to any reason, its mesh technology will automatically reroute your network traffic away from blocked access points. Also, to keep the system running smooth and stable, the router delivers a stream of timely firmware updates.
As I mentioned before, to have the ultimate streaming experience, your router needs to have a powerful CPU and RAM. This beast of a router has a dual-core CPU processor that clocks in at a frequency of 700 MHz.
If you want to enjoy effortless streaming on all your devices and also have enough RAM space for gaming and other functions, then you can rely on the 512 MB RAM of this router. In addition to the RAM space, it also has an extraordinary flash memory of 4 GB that allows you to install as many extra router features as you want.
The router is compatible with DOCSIS 3.1 32X8 modem cable. It’s not a router/modem combo but you can use it as a WiFi extender. When you’re buying a router, you expect it to minimize WiFi dead zones as much as possible, and deliver a strong wireless signal that reaches every corner of your home.
Well, this dream of yours can come to life with the beamforming and QoS abilities of the six high-performance internal antennas of this router. The router can cover a maximum range of 1,500 sq. ft while delivering a maximum speed of 550mbps.
No router is complete without Ethernet ports and this router sports two LAN ports that can deliver a maximum speed of 1,000 Mbps to all the wired connections such as gaming consoles, computers, laptops, etc.
Using the Eero app available on both Android and iOS devices, you can easily control the settings of the router and configure them according to your network requirements. Setting up this router is easy as well.
You just need to download the app, connect your Eero unit to a modem via an Ethernet cable, and then to a power source. Once you’re done setting up the device, you’ll be able to set your WiFi password and create an admin.
The Eero app is a very thoughtfully designed masterpiece. When you open the app, you’ll be greeted with a network app that tells you about your wired and wireless connections, radio frequencies being used by devices, and their IP addresses. Also, if you’re a parent, then you’ll appreciate Eero’s ability to block unknown devices with just a click and schedule pauses.
Furthermore, the Eero Labs page delivers timely firmware updates such as band steering. This feature will automatically pick the best wireless radio band for your devices by determining the network traffic on each band. By default, the Amazon Eero Mesh uses the WPA 2 security system.
If there’s any color that’s perfect for modern decor, it’s white. And to complement the aesthetics of your home, the Amazon Eero Mesh router has a stunning white plastic body that’ll amp up the style quotient of your room. It measures 6.25×5.25×5 inches and weighs just 1.5 pounds.
These small and sturdy units take up minimum space and can be fit anywhere in your home. Barring a few teething issues, the Amazon Eero Mesh is superb for amazon firestick. It is a must-have due to its special Alexa support, beautiful design, Eero app-support, beamforming, QoS features, and quad-stream MU-MIMO technology.
- Alexa support
- QoS and Beamforming features
- MU-MIMO technology
- Can be used as a WiFi extender
- App-support
- Lacks USB Ports
- Lacks parental controls
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re experiencing a poor Firestick WiFi signal, then your entire streaming experience can go down the drain. Take a look at the following tips that can help you boost your wireless signal!
Relocate Your Router:
If your router is located in the corner of a room or hidden in a closet, then chances are that you’re experiencing a terrible wireless experience. This is because routers work best if they’re located in a centralized location and at a certain height so that the signals are delivered evenly in your entire home.
Firmware Updates:
We often get so busy with our lives that we forget to check on the firmware updates that our router requires. These firmware updates are essential to keep your router up to date with technology and enhance your user experience.
Switch Radio Bands:
If you have dual-band or a tri-band router at home, then you’re working with both; the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz radio bands. Due to high co-channel and adjacent channel interference, the 2.4 GHz radio band delivers a slower wireless speed and performance. That’s why if you want the ultimate firestick experience, it’s best for you to switch to the 5 GHz band.
Upgrade Your Streaming Device:
If you’re looking to upgrade your firestick streaming device, then go for an HDMI range extender to boost your wireless signal.
Firestick is extremely easy to install. All you’ve got to do is connect your Amazon Ethernet Adaptor to the USB port available on the Fire TV and then plug in an Ethernet cable directly from your newly-bought router.
The best router for streaming online from our list is indubitably the NETGEAR Nighthawk X10 AD7200. It has extraordinary speed, excellent coverage, powerful CPU and RAM, latest MU-MIMO technology, QoS, and beamforming abilities for an ultimate streaming experience.
Verdict
Whether you’re trying to handle 4k streaming or battling with your friends in your favorite game, these high-end routers won’t let you down with buffering. They offer excellent performance and are an absolute must-have for amazon firestick. With these routers at home, you can call your friends for streaming without worrying about encountering buffering, screen lags, screen freezes, and WiFi dead zones.