Moving to a suburb with large spacious homes might be a good reason to look for a router with a long range. Whether you are looking to avoid dead zones in your large house or you are testing the grounds with a budget choice with a plan to upgrade in the future, the article gives you some insights about the choices.
Picking the right router for your large house will allow you to get seamless internet connectivity without dead spots even in a large apartment/house. However, choosing the wrong one can lead to dead spots, speed throttling, packet loss, less coverage, etc. That’s the main reason why I created this article.
Also, you might be confused if you should get a mesh system or use a standalone router with wireless extenders. Well, most of them consider getting a mesh system for large spaces, because of good extended connectivity, however, if your space/home isn’t very large, then you can even consider getting a standalone router and using extenders if you get any dead spots.
After looking into multiple scenarios and diverse budget requirements, I have picked the routers that offer a balance of features, adding value for every dollar invested. Powerful antennas, features like MU-MIMO, OFDMA, and beamforming are crucial to cover large homes and support more devices.
Table of Contents
- 8 Best Routers For Large House in 2023
- 1. Best WiFi 6 Router: NETGEAR Nighthawk RAX50
- 2. Best For Long Coverage: ASUS RT-AC88U
- 3. Best Tri-Band Option: NETGEAR Nighthawk X6S R8000P
- 4. Best Mesh System: TP-Link Deco X20
- 5. Best Value For Money: ASUS RT-AX3000
- 6. Best For 3000 Sq Ft: Linksys MR9000
- 7. Best For 200Mbps Plan: Asus RT-ACRH12
- 8. Cheapest Option: TP-Link Archer A7
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Verdict
8 Best Routers For Large House in 2023
The routers featured here are an end product of scrutiny of over 39 routers in the market. The list starts with the routers that deliver the latest wireless standards and advanced features to accommodate plenty of devices.
The mid-range router choices are utility-centred with more value for money, catering to multiple scenarios. Go to the end of the list, if you are looking for choices that cover the basic requirements and don’t cause a dent in your wallet.
1. Best WiFi 6 Router: NETGEAR Nighthawk RAX50
The NETGEAR RAX50 improves on its predecessor to cover the gap between its high-end versions RAX80 and RAX120. The privilege of the latest standards in WiFi-6, OFDMA, and the support to DFS channels in the price range makes this an ideal match to navigate congested homes.
Range & Speeds
The aggregated speed of 5.4 Gbps translates into individual top speeds of 600 Mbps on 2.4GHz and 4800 Mbps on 5GHz. The router can handle multiple connections up to 25 devices and is one of the better routers to cover a 2500 sq ft house.
Design & Hardware
The chiseled sides on the shiny black leave a semblance of a futuristic device. RAX50 weighs close to 1.25 pounds and stands 11.6 x 8.11 x 2.25 inches in dimensions.
With three cores clocking at 1.5GHz, the router gets the ability to handle high graphic games like The Witcher, Red dead redemption from the memory duo of 512MB RAM and 256MB flash memory.
Antennas & Ports
The 4 external antennas bring the efficiency of OFDMA to multiple devices. Gaming consoles, TVs, Work stations can utilize the high-speed capability of Four Ethernet ports. USB 3.0 port enables faster data sharing through network storage devices.
Setup & Security
Nighthawk mobile application makes the installations easier for the non-tech-savvy crowd. With firewalls, a dedicated guest network access, you can protect the system from unauthorized devices. On subscription, Netgear Armor brings sophisticated real-time internet protection and comprehensive parental controls.
Conclusion
The RAX50 comes as the perfect package to future-proof your internet connection. The presence of support to 160 Mhz and DFS channels at the price range gives the upper hand over RT-AC88U and the other routers in the list.
- Wi-Fi 6
- 160 Mhz Support
- DFS Channels
- OFDMA
- Beamforming
- Dual-Band
2. Best For Long Coverage: ASUS RT-AC88U
In RT-AC88U, Asus adds four additional ethernet ports to its previous model to accommodate more wired connections. Access to the WTFast private gamers network makes this a perfect fit for large households with gaming aficionados.
Range & Speeds
An aggregate speed of 3.2Gbps brings the capability to achieve top speeds of 1000 Mbps on 2.4GHz and 2167 Mbps on the 5GHz bands. The router can support over 25 devices and cover a long range of 5000 sq ft.
Design & Hardware
The shaded-black colored, chiseled chassis measures 11.8 x 7.4 x 2.3 inches in dimensions. It weighs a little over 2 pounds leaning on the heavier side.
Asus puts together a strong processing unit with a dual-core processor clocking at 1.4GHz, 512MB RAM, and flash memory of 128MB to handle the demands of data-intensive high-quality gaming and twitch streaming.
Antennas & Ports
The huge 4 external red and black antennas towering from its rear don’t make it easier to blend into the aesthetics. With 8 Ethernet LAN Ports, you will not run out of room for connecting smart tv and multiple gaming consoles. At the helm of 2 USB ports, one doesn’t have to compromise between a network storage drive or a printer.
Setup & Security
With the Asus router app, users get the luxury of easy setups and remote monitoring ability. The web GUI gives extensive control over the router settings. The lifetime protection of Aiprotection Pro helps with intrusion detection and viruses. Customized parental controls, Dual QoS with a robust monitoring system are a trademark of the Asus ecosystem.
Conclusion
The gaming acceleration boost and WTFast access make this router stand out in offering a seamless gaming environment. With the selection of ports on offer, the router can support multiple gaming rigs simultaneously.
- AiProtection Pro
- AiMesh
- WTFast GPN
- 8 Ethernet ports
- Link aggregation
- Front USB placement
3. Best Tri-Band Option: NETGEAR Nighthawk X6S R8000P
The X6S X6S improves the processing power and RAM of its previous version, augmenting its capacity to support Tri-band operations. The selection of features combined with extended coverage makes this stand-alone router, an excellent choice for smart homes.
Range & Speeds
At the helm of gigabit-speed connections, the router can achieve speeds of 750 Mbps on 2.4GHz frequency and a top speed of 1625 Mbps on both its 5GHz bands. It can support multiple devices up to 55, to be precise in a large household and deliver stable signals across 3,500 sq ft.
Design & Hardware
The flat mesh style design brings adequate heat regulation. Weighing approximately 2.43 pounds, the routing device leaves a large footprint with a dimension of 11.63 x 8.92 x 2.14 inches.
Netgear combines the power of a dual-core processor clocking at 1.8 GHz and three co-processors in a Broadcom chipset. The presence of 512 MB RAM and 128MB Flash storage is crucial in handling smart home gadgets including smart TVs and gaming rigs.
Antennas & Ports
The design finds the space to accommodate 6 collapsible external antennas, vital to its extended coverage. The combination of 4 LAN ports and a pair of USB ports opens up the possibility of wired connectivity and sharing printer/hard drives.
Setup & Security
The initial setup and configurations are completed at the comfort of your palms with the Nighthawk application. Netgear Armor and parental controls are a vital part of the ecosystem in averting security threats. A separate guest network access, VPN support, DoS protection offers an additional layer of security.
Conclusion
The Tri-band operation and its comprehensive coverage, courtesy of 6 amplified antennas, give the router an advantage over its peers and places it above Deco X20. Smart connect band steering plays a crucial role in bandwidth optimization.
- Netgear Armor Internet security
- 6 External Antennas
- MU-MIMO
- Beamforming+
- Tri-Band operation
- Pricey
4. Best Mesh System: TP-Link Deco X20
The Deco X20 brings some upgrades to its predecessor as enhancements to operating and storage memory to improve its capacity in handling plenty of devices. The three-pack runs on the strength of potent hardware extended coverage and robust security.
Range & Speeds
High-speed Gigabit plans would enable the users to exploit the limits of the mesh system. It can achieve speeds of 574 Mbps on 2.4GHz and 1201 Mbps on 5GHz. Coverage of 5800 sq ft while supporting up to 150 devices tilts the balance in its favor as one of the best routers for multi-storeyed homes.
Design & Hardware
The white cylindrical tower eases into the aesthetics of any household. Each unit weighs approximately 2 pounds while measuring 4.49-inches in height and 4.3-inches in width and weighs 2 pounds each.
TP-Link combines the power of four cores clocking at 1GHz with an operating memory of 512MB RAM and flash storage of 128MB. The router can ease through multiple instances of data-heavy media streaming and HD gaming.
Antennas & Ports
With two Ethernet/WAN ports per unit, users can find avenues for wiring priority devices. Every unit comes with 4 internal antennas, creating a network bubble to cover large spaces.
Setup & Security
Deco application brings you the comfort of easy installations and remote management. The real-time security of Homecare protects the network from cyber threats and malicious content. The WPA 3 encryption standards keep the network safe from unauthorized users.
Conclusion
Its ability to support ethernet backhaul to reduce latency, seamless roaming and an auto-connection test to optimized placements give a unique advantage to the WiFi 6 mesh router over other models in the list. The coverage makes this an ideal match for automated homes in a large multi-story setting.
- Quad-core CPU
- WiFi 6
- OFDMA
- HomeCare Internet Security
- Ethernet Backhaul
- No USB connectivity
5. Best Value For Money: ASUS RT-AX3000
In RT-AX3000, Asus brings a step-down version of its predecessor. The processor gets the downgrade to accommodate its price tag. AX3000 brings the latest wireless standards (Wi-Fi 6) and its easy mesh scalability to large homes.
Range & Speeds
A gigabit connection will bring the best out of RT-AX3000. Its merged speed of 3Gbps translates to top speeds of 574 Mbps on 2.4GHz and 2402 Mbps on 5GHz. It gives the power to handle over 30 devices spread across a surface area of 3000 sq ft.
Design & Hardware
RT-AX3000 resembles the front hood of a sports car. The matte-black chassis weighs 1.2 pounds and measures 8.82 x 6.06 x 6.3 inches.
A Tri-core processor clocking at 1.5GHz fuels the routing unit, teaming up with an operating memory of 512MB, and storage of 256MB. The router will ease through data-intense activities like 4K media streaming, Twitch streaming, Wi-Fi calling, online gaming, and remote business solutions.
Antennas & Ports
The 4 external adjustable antennas, equipped with OFDMA, act as a carrier of stable signals across your home. Asus places four Ethernet ports, one WAN, and a USB 3.1 port on the rear side. It offers wired connectivity to home appliances and network storage devices.
Setup & Security
The initial setup and the configuration remain easy for newbie users. The web interface comes with comprehensive customization, a playground for the experts, and the curious kind. AiProtection Pro brings lifetime protection against cyber threats for the devices in the home network.
The extensive traffic monitoring system is a trademark of the ASUS firmware. The access to customizing firewalls, setting up guest network access, compatibility to multiple VPN protocols offers an additional layer of security.
Conclusion
Asus RT-AX3000 brings the advantage of 160MHz channels, commercial-grade internet security, and robust real-time/traffic tracking ability over its peers, making it an ideal choice for households with a diverse age group.
- Wi-Fi 6
- MU-MIMO
- Beamforming
- OFDMA
- Lifetime network security
- Absence of multi-gigabit LAN port
6. Best For 3000 Sq Ft: Linksys MR9000
In MR9000, Linksys amps up the operating memory of the previous model to deliver a router capable of managing high-speed internet activity of multiple devices across a large area. Use it as a standalone router or upgrade it to a mesh system with no hassles.
Range & Speeds
Linksys MR9000 delivers an aggregate speed of 3 Gbps, capable of bringing the best out of a Gigabit connection. Linksys caps the individual top speeds of 400 Mbps on 2.4GHz and 867 & 1733 Mbps on its dual 5GHz frequency. The router can handle over 20+ devices and extends its coverage up to 3000 sq ft.
Design & Hardware
The black ventilated body houses a quad-core processor clocking at 716 MHz, 512MB RAM, and 256 MB of flash memory that makes it strong enough to handle simultaneous online gaming on Xbox One, Nintendo, etc, twitch streaming, and 4K Media downloads.
Contrary to its appearance, the router measuring 8.38 x 6.33 x 2.15 inches keeps itself in the lightweight category at 1.30 pounds.
Antennas & Ports
Linksys puts 4 external antennas loaded with advanced technologies like Beamforming and MU-MIMO to cover large homes. Including four Gig LAN ports makes it easier to accommodate wired connections to your smart TV and gaming consoles. The USB 3.0 port comes in handy if there is a necessity to share hard drives within the network.
Setup & Security
Even the novice users can stop fretting about installations and initial configuration, credit to the simple interface of Linksys. The web interface allows you to set up a guest network, prioritize your bandwidth for devices, limit and control the kid’s screen time with parental controls.
WPA2 encryption standards keep away unauthorized users. With Port forwarding, you can optimize your connections to gaming and streaming servers for a seamless experience.
Conclusion
MR9000 stands out with its simultaneous Tri-band operation and its ability to support plenty of devices. If not for the pricing, the router would rank up closer to the top choices.
- MU-MIMO
- Beamforming+
- Works with Alexa
- Extended Coverage
- Mesh Scalability
- Expensive
7. Best For 200Mbps Plan: Asus RT-ACRH12
This is one of the best 200 Mbps compatible routers in the market.
The Asus RT-ACRH12 is a downgraded version of its predecessor RT-ACRH13. Asus replaced its processor, storage, and its USB 3.0 port to accommodate the price range. However, it doesn’t compromise the coverage and MU-MIMO, making it a budget alternative for larger houses.
Range & Speeds
Internet plans from 100 to 300 Mbps will be ideal for its hardware capacity. An aggregate speed of 1.2Gbps renders top speeds of 300 Mbps, 867 Mbps on 2.4GHz and 5GHz, respectively. The router can ideally manage 20 devices with balanced usage in large areas measuring up to 3000 sq ft.
Design & Hardware
While the glossy grey and black design might look uninspiring, that’s no reason to doubt its performance. The lightweight body weighs close to 0.76 pounds, houses a core unit clocking at 775 MHz, aided by the combination of a 128MB operating and 16MB storage memory.
The entire unit measures 4.92 x 7.56 x 1.18 inches. Asus router can support limited instances of data-intense activities like gaming, streaming simultaneously. It is ideal for large households sharing the network with fewer devices.
Antennas & Ports
The router has 4 external antennas towering from it. The 4 LAN ports come in handy for wired high-speed connectivity for your TV, gaming consoles. A USB 2.0 Port enables sharing printers within the home network or a hard drive if you can tolerate the slower speeds of USB 2.0.
Setup & Security
The installations are simple with the ASUS router app or its guided web interface configuration. Asus has one of the most intuitive platforms on offer with the security of WPA2 encryption and firewalls.
With features like access & parental controls, QoS by devices, guest network access, and a comprehensive internet monitor, users can exert more control over their network.
Conclusion
Despite its limited hardware capacity, the ASUS RT-ACRH12 brings features like MU-MIMO, and Beamforming with adequate coverage. The comprehensive customization and the comfort of the ASUS firmware make this router a great budget alternative for large houses.
- Real-time network monitoring
- Beamforming
- WPA2 encryption
- Parental/Access control
- MU-MIMO
- Lack of fast USB connectivity
8. Cheapest Option: TP-Link Archer A7
The Archer A7 brings the voice commands compatibility that was missing in its predecessor. The higher speed limits make it easier to handle multiple smart gadgets in your congested apartment.
Range & Speeds
Archer works well with internet connections up to 300 Mbps. A consolidated speed of 1.7Gbps bifurcates into top speeds of 450 Mbps on 2.4GHz and 1300 Mbps on 5GHz, giving the ability to accommodate 50 devices and cover large areas measuring 2500 sq ft.
Design & Hardware
The router comes with a single-core processor in a Qualcomm chipset clocked at 750MHz, a 128MB operating memory, and 16MB flash memory. TP-Link accommodates the hardware in the glossy black body weighing 0.90 pounds and measuring 9.6 x 6.4 x 1.3 inches in dimensions.
TP-link router, owing to its hardware capacity can handle limited data-intense activities like HD streaming and online gaming. Optimizing usage offers adequate bandwidth for multiple devices to operate seamlessly without stressing the processing unit.
Antennas & Ports
The lightweight body has 3 external antennas attached to its rear. Archer finds room for 4 LAN ports that can accommodate high-speed wired connectivity at your home, 1 WAN port, and a USB 2.0 port that allows sharing printers within the home network.
Setup & Security
Assurance of TP-Link’s easy initial setup applies to the design and usage of tether applications. The guided setup and the intuitive interface keep local and remote management uncomplicated. The web interface opens up comprehensive control over the router setting.
A dedicated guest network to isolate external devices, VPN support, MAC-based access control filters, DoS protection, and firewalls keep the router safe from vulnerabilities. With parental controls and QoS priority by devices, parents can control kid’s screen time and overall internet consumption.
Conclusion
The Archer A7 finds its place above the Asus router despite its lack of advanced features, owing to its high-speed capacity and the ability to accommodate more devices. The comfort of the TP-Link interface, easy scalability, and price make this a suitable device for large homes.
- QoS by device
- Tether Application
- Alexa compatibility
- Profile-based parental controls
- No USB 3.0 Port
Frequently Asked Questions
Netgear RAX50 brings the advantage of high-speed internet on the back of powerful hardware. Adequate coverage complemented by OFDMA, the support for 160MHz and DFS channels makes this an ideal choice for delivering stable signals and avoiding network congestion in large households.
The placement of the router plays a crucial role in WiFi coverage. Avoiding physical and radio interference improves the quality of the signal. Using a WiFi extender can substantially increase the coverage. Mesh systems offer a feature like seamless roaming, Ethernet backhaul, and routing algorithms to optimize your network and signal quality.
The ideal position to put your router is in a central location. If you are in a two-story house, closer to the ceiling, better the signal transmission. It is better to avoid hiding routers behind physical objects and placing them close to the floor.
The choice of the router depends on the type of your home. Mesh router works well for multi-story houses, buildings with annexes, garages, and automated homes. Stand-alone routers are adequate for single-floor large houses and ranch-style homes.
Verdict
The understanding of one’s preferences and requirements is paramount in leading you to the right product. Grouping multiple requirements into packages, the recommendations target the most common demands of large households.
- Netgear RAX50 offers a better overall value with a balance in the latest standards, coverage, wired connectivity, and congestion avoidance.
- Deco X20 brings the comfort of a three-pack mesh system, easy placement, extensive coverage, and a robust user interface to automated multi-storeyed large houses.
- ASUS RT-AC88U is the best stand-alone router for gaming enthusiasts and streamers for a single-floor ranch-style house.
- TP-Link Archer A7 and Asus RT-ACRH12 are amongst the best budget-friendly routers in the market.
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