11 Best Routers For WiFi Calling in 2021 [Not VOIP]

WiFi calling allows you to use your broadband connection to make/receive calls. It will come in handy in case of non-existent or weak cellular network coverage, be it indoors or away from the city. It can play a part in keeping a tab on your mobile bills (on account of roaming charges) or providing cover for a dodgy cellular network, but not without a proper router on the back of it.

Although most of the modern routers are capable of wireless calling on apps like Skype, Zoom, WhatsApp, etc. However, having an efficient device can help you with long and uninterrupted calling sessions.

Be it a household or an office, a load of multiple requests on a router can cramp the bandwidth, with the call quality going for a toss. An efficient router can offer an optimal performance based on priority and usage.

Certain features ensure the router can handle the demands while offering a high-quality WiFi calling experience:

• A router with at least an 802.11ac adapter can handle higher data transfer speeds, enhancing your call quality. (You can consider the latest WiFi 6 802.11ax, but they could be costly and overpowered for call-purposes alone.)
• Routers with inbuilt QoS features can prioritize the bandwidth for voice over multi-media usage.
• Beamforming improves the signal quality by focusing the wireless signal towards the paired devices rather than spreading it around.
• With multiple input multiple output support, routers can optimize the data transfer speeds for various connections simultaneously.

The ability to utilize WiFi calling is contingent upon the device and network carrier. It allows people to use their number/identity, contact-list and saves them the trouble of installing additional applications.

Applications like WhatsApp, Viber, Skype, Zoom, Google Meeting, support voice calling over WiFi/internet. It has been around for years. Their usage is conditional to both the caller and receiver using the same application. On the contrary, WiFi calling is an inbuilt feature among the recent Android/iOS powered smartphones.

11 Best Routers for WiFi Calling

Let us now get straight to the business. Here’s I’ll be reviewing 11 best wifi routers that can aid for video and voice calls over the internet. Know that below are your best bet. What makes me say that?

Well, I did an extensive research especially for this purpose, clocking a whopping 243 hours extended over weeks, testing more than 72 models from various brands. Hence the reviews are based on detailed research and you are sure to get your purpose fulfilled.

1. Best Overall: ASUS RT-AC88U AC3100

The Asus RT-AC88U is a premium, 4×4 stream, dual-band 802.11ac standalone router using the state-of-art MU-MIMO technology to deliver high data transfer speeds for multiple devices. The NitroQAM Technology boosts the signal strength for a seamless, low latency gaming performance.

While the actual transfer rates may vary depending on ISP and environmental factors, the router can achieve a throughput of up to 1000 Mbps in 2.4GHz and 2167 Mbps in the 5GHz band, which is more than enough for simultaneous HD quality Voice/WiFi calling.

A 1.4Ghz dual-core processor, on a Broadcom Chipset, powers the RT-AC88U router. The firmware sits on a 128MB NAND (Flash Memory). The DDR3 512 MB RAM accommodates the OS, IP Tables and other processes to handle the multiple demands of gaming, WiFi calling, media streaming without lags.

The uber-customizable, traditional mode QoS allows you to prioritize bandwidth in tune with your preferences (voice/WiFi calling over gaming/streaming or vice versa.)

The RT-AC88U comes with 4 dual-band, detachable antennas that can deliver high speeds. While it boasts coverage of 5400 Sq ft, the walls & doors can affect signal quality. But AiRadar beamforming ensures a stable, high-speed data transfer to devices for your Wi-Fi calls.

With 8 Ethernet LAN Ports, 1 WAN port, USB 2.0 and the support for port aggregation (Dual WAN), you will rarely run out of ports for high-speed wired connections. The USB 3.0 port can connect any compatible device (printer, hard disk, or an additional internet dongle). The manufacturer has come up with an easy-to-setup interface with a plethora of control (via devices/time limits) over content and access. All this without the necessity to log in to a PC.

A bulky matte-finish router with a multitude of color-coded aesthetically placed LAN/WAN/USB/Power ports all around it. The user-friendly and easy ASUSWRT/Router UI setup is loaded with content filter features to manage parental controls, AiProtection and QoS settings.

The MU-MIMO coupled with Nitro QAM, QoS, AiRadar beamforming and a plethora of features including VPN, GPN makes a strong case favoring Asus RT-AC88U AC3100, only if you can afford it.

Note: It is standalone router that requires a modem recognized/installed by ISP.

2. Best for HD Calls: Netgear Nighthawk X10 AD7200 R9000

The Nighthawk X10 is a premium and expensive router that can support a 4×4 spatial stream at 802.11ac standards. It can also offer ultra-high speeds with 802.11ad compatible devices.

Subject to ISP and compatibility, the router can support up to 800 Mbps in 2.4 GHz, 1733 Mbps in 5 GHz, 4600 Mbps in 60 GHz. While the speed limits are more than enough for basic high quality video conferencing, there are a lot of other things this equipment is capable of such as network intensive games.

The X10 runs on the efficiency of a quad-core processor capable of clocking at a speed of 1.7GHz. The processing power in tandem with a 1GB RAM can handle the requirements of simultaneous streaming (MU-MIMO), the Dynamic QoS bandwidth allocation, Address resolution, etc. The firmware with its inherent settings sits cozy in a 512MB flash storage.

This Netgear router comes with a 10G SFP+ port that can make the best use of the speed that a DOCSIS 3.1 (up to 10 Gbps/1 Gbps) standard modem has to offer. It can handle a lot more than Wi-Fi calling and streaming.

The four antennas help to enhance signals and minimize interference to operate at three frequencies (2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, 60GHz) and handle up to 45 devices. The 60 GHz band is not backward-compatible, which limits the speeds only to devices with 802.11 ad support.

The ultra-high speeds offered at 60 GHz is possible only if the device stays within the line of sight, but that is more than sufficient to support WiFi calling, VR – gaming and media streaming. The router can cover up to 2500 sq ft with beamforming, boosting the range of connections at 2.4 & 5 GHz bands.

With 6 Gigabit LAN ports, one WAN port, an SPF+ LAN port and 2 USB 3.0 Ports enhanced by link aggregation(Linking 2 Gigabit LAN port) suffices for handling faster file transfers, streaming, WiFi calling simultaneously. The router is easy to install with its Nighthawk Application and the web interface but has a limitation concerning the customization of features.

At 4.11 lbs, Nighthawk X10 has a discernable presence with four antennas surrounding its rear. The front side has the LEDs (capable of turning off) showing the status of power, data transfer in 2.4GHz, 5GHz, and 60GHz bands, etc.

The Netgear Nighthawk X10 AD7200 with compatible devices puts you ahead of the curve with its high-end speed capacity to handle 4K streaming, HD WiFi calling with ease. One for the future and that comes with a price.

3. Best for Home: D-Link DIR-882-US AC2600

With MU-MIMO, intelligent QoS optimization, DLNA support at its helm, this D-Link DIR-882 can deliver high speeds up to 800 Mbps, 1733 Mbps at 2.4GHz and 5GHz to keep us entertained and connected.

The power of a dual-core processor clocking at 880MHz and 128MB RAM allows the router to cope with the demands thrown at it by online gaming, multimedia streaming, voice calls, etc. The 16MB flash memory provides room for the firmware and its future updates. The low RAM and flash memory can limit the number of simultaneous connections.

The synergy of four big antennas, MU-MIMO and AC smart beam beamforming can make this dual-band router deliver high-speed internet to all your devices (up to 10) and unlock the dead spots at your medium-sized home (1000 sqft). A WiFi calling solution to shaky cellular networks and a lot more.

The 4 Gigabit Ethernet LAN, 1 Gigabit WAN can take care of wired connections and two USB (one 3.0 and one 2.0) ports will tackle the media/printer sharing requirements. Using either the D-LINK’s QRS mobile or Web UI is easier, but any changes to the settings may test your patience.

At 1.25 lbs, the router has a compact plastic body with 4 big antennas, barely noticeable LED lights and an awkwardly placed USB 3.0 port. At a moderate price, the DIR-882 makes up for the design with a performance that can give a tough competition for other expensive routers.

4. Best with Long Range: ASUS RT-AC87U (RT-AC87R) AC2400

The Asus AC2400 RT-AC87U Dual-band Wireless Gigabit Router can deliver fast Wi-Fi speeds (800 mbps in 2.4 GHz and 1733 mbps in 5 GHz) over a large surface area.

The powerful antennas disperse the signal boosted by TurboQAM technology. AiRadar Beamforming and MU-MIMO ensure no dead spots are inhibiting your Wi-Fi calling experience. The router comes with the security to keep your network safe from viruses and malware, along with a plethora of features to manage your internet.

With 1 GHz dual-core processor in a Broadcom Chipset and a dedicated dual-core processor for the 5 GHz band, this Asus RT- AC87U can handle multiple tasks (online gaming, wifi-calling, media streaming, downloads). It has 256 MB RAM and 128 MB Flash memory to support its operations.

This dual-band Asus router comes with four detachable high-gain antennas to deliver high-speed internet in a 4×4 spatial stream for up to 20 devices covering a surface area of 5000 sq ft.

The router accommodates 4 Ethernet ports, 1 WAN port, 1 USB 2.0 & 1 USB 3.0 and the WPS, power, reset buttons. The robust ASUS web & app interface offers a multitude of options to customize your settings. The initial setup has never been easier.

Weighing 1.65 lbs, with four antennas at its rear and a large surface area; the AC87U is tricky to hide. The router comes with plenty of features including AiCloud, Beamforming, Adaptive QoS, VPN support, AiProtection security and a powerful processor to back up the performance. The price can be the only limiting factor. ASUS RT-AC87U can take your home WiFi experience to the next level.

5. Best Under $100: Linksys EA8300 AC2200

A quad-core processor aided by beamforming, MU-MIMO, link aggregation can pack powerful performance and achieve high internet speeds of 400 Mbps in 2.4 GHz and 867 Mbps in dual 5 GHz bands on Linksys EA8300.

The airtime fairness and smart connect, make sure there is enough bandwidth across the devices to handle wifi calling, media streaming/downloading and online gaming.

A 716 MHz quad-core processor on a Qualcomm IPQ 4019 chipset, supported by three offload processors with sufficient operating and storage memory of 256MB each, can handle the overload of a household with a high number of devices.

The 4 adjustable antennas boosted by amplifiers coupled with Beamforming and SmartConnect band steering optimizes the internet usage for over 15 devices in a surface area of around 1500 sq ft. While the coverage area seems to be less than its competition, the tri-band router compensates by providing stable high-speed internet.

With 1 Gig WAN, 4 x 1 Gig LAN ports and one USB 3.0 port can handle the wired high speed and data sharing requirements in a medium-sized household. The Linksys mobile application and the web interface offers in-depth control over the settings. Even a non-tech-savvy person can breeze through the initial installation and put the router to test in a matter of a few minutes.

The bulky antennas surround the router in a generic Linksys design with a small yet bright display screen on top of the body that weighs 1.35 lbs in total. If you want a $100 router that offers stable high-speed internet distributed to a few devices with plenty of customization and control, this Linksys EA8300 will be a keeper.

6. Value for Money: Netgear Nighthawk AC1900 R7000

The Netgear Nighthawk AC1900 R7000 comes with an impressive array of features with NETGEAR security to bring the best out of your internet connection and achieve maximum speeds of 600 Mbps, 1300 Mbps in 2.4 GHz & 5 GHz, respectively.

The dual-core 1GHz processor on a Broadcom chipset along with a 256 MB RAM can find enough power to handle the load, a midsize household would throw. The operating system finds its space in a 128MB Flash memory.

This Nighthawk R7000 is a standalone router which requires an external modem or internet subscription. With 3 geared antennas broadcasting WiFi signals at 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands, the router can power up to 30 devices across a surface area of 1800 sqft. The beamforming and MU-MIMO technology ensure the speed remains consistent and stable for media streaming and voice calling.

The 4 Gigabit Ethernet port and the two USB (3.0 and 2.0) ports allow you to have high speed wired connections along with shared hard drives or printers. One can use the user-friendly, intuitive nighthawk application to finish the initial setup in less than five minutes.

At 1.6 lbs, the router is solid, bulky yet wall-mountable. With stable throughput in both 2.4 and 5 GHz bands along with beamforming, QoS, MU-MIMO, VPN support, this router becomes a strong contender to keep your home powered with stable internet.

7. Best for Multiple Devices: TP-Link Archer A7 AC1750

Be it voice/wi-fi calling or online surfing or media streaming this TP-Link Archer A7 AC1750 can handle the requirements with ease in a home setup. It doesn’t boast of MU-MIMO or Beamforming technologies, but it can deliver maximum speeds of up to 450 Mbps in 2.4 GHz & 1300 Mbps in 5 GHz. It has an easy interface to maintain control over parental/access settings and QoS priority.

A single core 750 MHz processor on a Qualcomm chipset with 128MB RAM and 16 MB flash memory can take care of the basic demands of a small household. The three antennas towering from its rear end can disperse WiFi signals at 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz up to a maximum of 50 devices with optimal load across a surface area of 2500 sq ft.

The Archer A7 has a standard 4 Gig Ethernet LAN and 1 Gig WAN to handle wired connections. The USB 2.0 port can facilitate a shared network printer or a hard drive within your home network. The TP-LINK Tether application has a breezy interface to help a novice set up the router in less than a few minutes.

A traditional black TP-link design weighing approximately 0.90 lbs has got its basics right with extensive parental and access controls, QoS, VPN and easy to manage Tether mobile application at a wallet-friendly budget.

8. Best with Parental Controls: D-Link WiFi Router AC1900

The D-Link Wi-Fi AC1900 has a dual-core processor with built-in QoS engine, beamforming technology, and customizable parental controls. Either as a standalone or as a part of a mesh WiFi system, this router with support of MU-MIMO can deliver high transfer rates to multiple devices at a maximum speed of 600 Mbps in 2.4 GHz and 1300 Mbps in 5 GHz.

A powerful dual-core 1.25 GHz processor and 128MB RAM offer sufficient performance boost to achieve consistent throughput speeds for all the devices. The firmware and its subsequent updates can fit into a 128MB flash memory.

While a 128 MB RAM can be a limiting factor with a load of additional smart devices, it can easily support voice/wi-fi calling, media streaming and online gaming. The four antennas help to deliver and focus the wifi signal at dual bands to multiple devices (up to 20) over a surface area of 1500 sqft.

The 4 Gig LAN and 1 Gig WAN port bring enough capacity for wired connection and unrestrictive wi-fi/voice calling experience. The lack of a USB port may restrict the media sharing within the network. D Link Wi-Fi application and intuitive web interface get the router running in a few minutes.

At 0.91 lbs, the DLINK router is lightweight with power, WPS, reset buttons, ethernet ports at the rear and four LED lights at the front. In its price range, the routers support MU-MIMO, beamforming with the security of WPA 3 encryption standards outweigh the limitations of low RAM and absence of USB ports.

9. Easy Setup: Netgear R6230 - AC1200

The Netgear R6230 router offers speeds up to 300 Mbps in 2.4 GHz, 900 Mbps in 5 GHz, but it would be sufficient for a small/medium household with basic internet requirements. It has an inbuilt QoS to manage bandwidth allocation and supports media sharing with DLNA enabled devices.

The single-core 880 MHz processor and 128 MB RAM can handle the requirements of a medium household like voice/WiFi calling, media streaming, printer sharing. It has a 128 MB NAND Flash memory to keep the firmware, and the settings associated with it.

This Netgear AC1200 router has 2 amplified antennas to broadcast signals at dual 2.4GHz & 5 GHz bands. Netgear claims the router has a coverage area of up to 1200 sqft and handles up to 20 devices simultaneously, which makes a strong case for its capacity to handle multiple WiFi calling and media downloading activities.

With 4 Gig LAN and 1 WAN Ethernet ports to take care of your wired connections, it also has a USB 2.0 port to take care of your shared printer/storage devices. The Nighthawk App and the pre-programmed SSID/Key make the initial setup a cakewalk.

Weighing 0.75 lbs, this lightweight, shiny black, simplistically designed router from Netgear makes an interesting case with its decent dual-band throughputs, aided by inbuilt advanced QoS and secure firewall protection without making a dent in your wallet.

10. Budget Option: ASUS RT-AC1200 V2

The ASUS RT-AC1200 V2 is dual-band entry-level-router that offers a budget solution for your networking requirements. While Asus claims maximum speeds of 300 Mbps in 2.4 GHz, 867 Mbps in 5 GHz, but the LAN capacity can limit it.

But it compensates with an easy setup, a user-friendly interface with adequate controls and stable performance in 2.4GHz/5GHz to smoothen your WiFi calling experience. The 580 MHz single-core processor in the MediaTek chipset, along with 64MB RAM and 16MB flash memory, can take care of your basic internet requirements.

This dual-band ASUS router comes with four antennas at its rear half operating at 2.4GHz and 5GHz. While it has a large coverage area of 2000 sq ft and can handle an ample number of devices, the limited speed ethernet port can restrict its performance.

The color-coded 4 LAN ports and 1 WAN port at the rear can handle speeds up to 100 Mbps, which is sufficient for WiFi/voice calling, surfing and downloads. The ASUS Router App and the web interface make the initial set up very simple. It offers a good deal of customization options to manage your internet settings.

The Asus RT-AC1200 V2 is a compact, lightweight router weighing 0.59 lbs with all ports placed in the rear and the LED lights occupying the front inconspicuously. Ultra-fast internet speed is not among its features.

It does come with an easy-to-use mobile application with customizable QoS, parental controls and Dual-WAN capability to handle the minimal requirements like voice/wi-fi calling and media downloads. All this comes at a very affordable price.

11. Best for VPN: TP-Link AC1200

The TP-Link AC1200 is a dual-band router with a user-friendly interface to control parental, access, VPN and QoS settings. The security of the WPA-2 encryption standard keeps the network safe. It can achieve a maximum speed of 300 Mbps in 2.4 GHz band and 867 Mbps in 5 GHz.

A single core 900 MHz processor in a Broadcom Chipset with 128 MB RAM powers operations of TP-link AC1200. It confines the firmware and its updates to a 16 MB Flash Memory. A setup that can handle the load of voice/WiFi calling, surfing and media streaming.

This dual-band router comes with three fixed antennas and beamforming technology to focus wifi signal towards the devices in a medium home up to 1000 sqft. This model also has 4 LAN ethernet ports, 1 WAN port and a USB 2.0 port to take care of the wired connection and media sharing requirements.

The quick setup wizard makes the installation easy, and the device is up within a few minutes. The Web UI and T-Link Tether app go easy on the eyes with its simple design. The tether app gives you control over the settings, although it is not as exhaustive as the web interface.

Sporting a minimalistic design and weighing 2.3 lbs, the router has three antennas attached to its rear, placed amongst the power button, USB, and color-coded Ethernet ports. TP-Link Archer C1200 is an entry-level model that brings along an array of features that can take care of your basic networking requirements at an affordable price.

Frequently Asked Questions

Verdict

Most of the routers mentioned in the list can handle the demands of Wi-Fi calling. It is the personal preferences that decide if a router is a perfect fit or not.

• The Asus RT-AC88U and Netgear Nighthawk X10 come with a comprehensive set of features that can support smart homes.
• The TP-Link AC1200 and ASUS RT-AC1200 V2 are entry-level models with sufficient features to back their price tags.
• One cannot expect the support of MU-MIMO, beamforming technology and a powerful processor in a budget router. The D-Link DIR-882-US AC2600 finds the optimal balance between price and the features with MU-MIMO and Beamforming.

Still haven’t found the perfect router for your needs? Contact us or comment below!