Have you recently moved to the Midwest or are fancying setting up a Smart Home network of sorts? Due to wide coverage in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Ohio, etc, a lot of people prefer WOW! Internet over other internet service providers.
Finding the right router can be a challenge as you need to rely on a device that can help you scale above the existing pain points, including network congestion, lack of app support, inadequate Gigabit Ethernet ports, lack of QoS, no app support, subpar security, and even throttling caused by overheating.
In the subsequent sections, I shall enlist the top-rated routers that work with WOW internet and can explicitly take care of these bottlenecks, whilst making your internet usage experience far more productive and dynamic.
Table of Contents
- 8 Best Routers For WOW! Internet in 2023
- 1. Best Overall: Netgear Nighthawk RAX50
- 2. Best for Gaming: Asus RT-AX82U
- 3. Best for Streaming: TP-Link Archer AX50
- 4. Best for Apartment Owners: Asus RT-AX3000
- 5. Best for Home Use: Linksys E8450
- 6. Best Modem-Router Combo: Motorola MG7550
- 7. Best Mesh Router: TP-Link Deco X20
- 8. Best for Internet 200 Plan: ASUS RT-ACRH12
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Verdict
8 Best Routers For WOW! Internet in 2023
This discussion is all about putting together a list of WOW compatible routers. As someone trying to set up a home or office-bound internet network at the earliest, you should expect this list to have each of your diverse expectations covered.
Also, I have made it a point to segregate products based on the cumulative internet speeds, coverage, frequency bands, port availability, app support, existing security safeguards, Beamforming+ support, pricing, and other crucial factors.
Finally, you can find the top-rated routers at the start of the list, followed by a few mid-range products and the budget variants at the end.
1. Best Overall: Netgear Nighthawk RAX50
It seems that you have already made up your mind to go with the Gig internet plan from WOW. In this case, it is advisable to invest in the Netgear Nighthawk RAX50. Also, this router is a major upgrade to the older RAX43, courtesy of the better coverage and one additional spatial stream for establishing better connections.
WOW Compatibility (My Experience)
Purchasing the Nighthawk RAX50 for the WOW Internet 1000 plan makes a lot of sense as this router strikes the perfect balance between wired and wireless capabilities.
This means, on one hand, you can get the best 2.4GHz and 5GHz band speeds with this router installed and on the other, you can simultaneously connect high-bandwidth smart devices like TVs and gaming consoles like Xbox, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation to make use of the highest possible speed limits.
Note: If budget isn’t an issue and if you’re looking for the best router to use with WOW! Internet, then you shouldn’t avoid this one!
Frequency Bands, Speed & Coverage
Despite having only two bands, it is the 6×6 spatial-streaming support that allows you to reach maximum speeds of up to 600Mbps on the 2.4GHz band and almost 4800Mbps on the 5GHz band, for the LAN connections.
If you are concerned about the WAN setup where you are actually connected to the internet, the Nighthawk RAX50 allows you to reach download and upload speeds of 980Mbps and 42Mbps respectively on the 5GHz band.
This product also offers coverage of up to 2500 sq ft, courtesy of the excellent 2.4GHz bandwidth allocation. The 5GHz band, however, accommodates the 160MHz channel for getting prior tasks handled at speeds greater than 1Gbps.
Design & Build Quality
As far as the structure is concerned, the rugged Nighthawk RAX50 fits in 4 external and 2 internal antennas is a 1.25-pound chassis. The dimensions at 11.65 x 8.11 x 2.25 inches are in line with our expectations and this product also supports heat dissipation to avoid heat-induced throttling.
App Support & Security Features
Setting up this Wow router cannot be any easier as it is compatible with the Netgear app. This form of sustenance allows you to experience remote access, manage parental controls, and even handle Alexa compatibility with ease.
The security safeguards pertaining to this router are top-notch, including support for Netgear Armor, VPN integration, standard 128-bit encryption, guest network monitoring, and support for auto firmware updates.
Hardware & Port Management
This product comprises a triple-core chipset for cutting through any kind of network congestion. Plus, the processor works in tandem with 512MB RAM for faster transmission and 256MB of flash memory for keeping the network details handy.
Port-wise, you have one high-speed WAN port for the modem to feed into the device, two GigE ethernet ports for establishing direct connections, and one 2.5G port for supplying bandwidth to the most demanding device in the room. You also get access to one USB 3.0 port for sharing data across LAN and WAN networks.
Other Features
If you are into VR-ready online gaming, 4K streaming, and other demanding tasks, you cannot miss out on the Netgear Nighthawk RAX50. Also, as compared to other products on the list, this router performs better, owing to the Beamforming+ range enhancing support and Dynamic Frequency Selection channels for minimizing network interference.
- Excellent collection of ports
- Top-rated processing hardware
- Intuitive app interface
- 5GHz band with 160MHz transmission channel
- Advanced security safeguards
- Pricey
- Can heat up during heavy usage
2. Best for Gaming: Asus RT-AX82U
The Asus RT-AX82U is arguably the most beefed-up router on the list, boasting a dedicated gaming port, an impactful processing setup, and lifetime internet security with AiProtection Pro.
As compared to the more expensive RT-AC5300 from the same company, the RT-AX82U comes forth as better value and supports the latest wireless standards while compromising on the range part.
Why is it suited for WOW ISP and which plan is it compatible with?
Consider this router for the WOW Internet 1000 plan if your consumption is more than significant. Purchasing this router makes sense if you are into gaming and planning to scale beyond the traditional routing devices, in search of an additional gaming resource for streaming on Twitch, YouTube Gaming, Periscope, etc.
Frequency Bands, Speed & Coverage
While the overall speeds are somewhere in the 5400Mbps range, I could churn out WAN speeds of almost 1000Mbps for downloads and 50Mbps for uploads, over the primary 5GHz band. The coverage, however, is limited to 2000 sq ft.
Design & Build Quality
This black-colored router features a mesh-like layout and measures 10.96 x 7.26 x 6.5 inches to be exact. Plus, the hardened plastic chassis weighs 1.57 pounds to be exact and fits in 4 external antennas for facilitating amplified coverage.
App Support & Security Features
This product can be installed and managed using the ASUS Router app or even the ASUSWRT web interface. Plus, when it comes to security, the router comes with the AiProtection Pro plan which offers lifetime free internet security. It also supports the latest WPA3 security standards. It features a dedicated gaming port with QoS support to prioritize your gaming consoles and enjoy low-latency gaming.
Hardware & Port Management
When it comes to processing setup, there is a 1.5GHz triple-core processor for cutting through congestion and making online gaming and 4K streaming even more productive. As far as ports are concerned, there are 4 Gig Ethernet slots to work with followed by one WAN port and one USB 3.0 slot.
Other Features
In addition to the mentioned traits, the RT-AX82U also brings home AiMesh compatibility, 160MHz channel support, RGB aura light, Mobile game mode, and more. These traits make it an instant buy over some of the other products on the list.
- Wi-Fi 6
- Dedicated gaming port
- Mobile Game mode
- AiProtection Pro security
- 160MHz channels
- MU-MIMO & OFDMA
- Still expensive
3. Best for Streaming: TP-Link Archer AX50
The TP-Link Archer AX50 is one of the better routers to invest in if mitigating congestion-specific threats is your priority. Plus, this product is an appropriate upgrade if you have previously been using the Archer AX21 as the former offers better coverage, high speeds, and a wide range of parental controls.
WOW (Wide Open West) Compatibility Test
If you are actually looking for a router to work alongside the mid-range WOW internet plans, the TP-Link Archer AX50 seems like the best possible choice, courtesy of the excellent 5GHz band speeds and even extended coverage courtesy of Beamforming support.
Frequency Bands, Speed & Coverage
This dual-band router works on 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands, respectively, whilst making way for 160MHz, a wide channel for lowering near band interference further. While the cumulative LAN speeds are limited to 3Gbps, I would recommend pairing this with the WOW’s internet 500 plan to experience near band WAN speeds of up to 485Mbps.
In addition to the lower latency exhibited by this router, it also offers exceptional coverage of 2500 sq ft, making it a suitable router for 2 story houses and corporate offices.
Design & Build Quality
This router is meticulously structured, assuming 1.23 pounds in terms of heft and 12.99 x 9.65 x 2.95 inches when it comes to dimensions. Also, this product comes in black and features four external antennas for interference coverage.
App Support & Security Features
The Archer AX50 can be set up and configured using a dedicated smartphone and iOS app. Also, when it comes to security safeguards, you have robust and reliable parental controls, better device prioritization with QoS, and an integrated antivirus for keeping online threats at bay.
Hardware & Port Management
In addition to the standard Intel-specific processor, this WOW compatible router also comes equipped with 256MB RAM for cutting through congestion. The port arrangement is equally diversified, with TP-Link making room for 4 LAN, 1 WAN, and a solitary USB port for faster-wired connections and data sharing, respectively.
Other Features
The TP-Link Archer AX50 is an easy-to-manage router, adequately power-efficient. It even allows you to connect multiple devices at once, courtesy of OFDMA support. However, if you are looking for USPs, this product is your best bet as compared to others when it comes to using the internet in crowded apartments and congested neighborhood.
- Supports high LAN speeds
- A wide range of parental controls
- Wi-Fi 6 router
- Power-efficient
- Excellent design
- Minimal latency
- Selective backward compatibility
- The app interface isn’t the most intuitive
4. Best for Apartment Owners: Asus RT-AX3000
If nifty app support and compatibility are what you seek, the Asus RT-AX3000 is one of the better routers to invest in. Plus, this product gives you an edge over the RT-AX58U from the same company, courtesy of the more stable and responsive Broadcom chipset as opposed to an Intel-specific chipset on the latter.
Why is it suited for WOW ISP, and which plan is it compatible with?
If you are frequented by guests and have a basic to mid-range WOW internet plan at home, you might want to remain in control of the home network to minimize throttling. This is where the RT-AX3000 comes in as the best resource, courtesy of the intuitive application. Plus, as per the speed and coverage-specific considerations, it is better to use this for the Internet 500 plan from WOW.
Frequency Bands & Speed
Coming to the bands and relevant throughput, the RT-AX3000 offers 575Mbps of theoretical speed limits for the 2.4GHz band and 2.4Gbps over the 5GHz band. However, it is the 1024-QAM support and 160MHz channel width that ensures better real-time speeds for the near band.
Coverage, Design & Build Quality
As far as the coverage is concerned, the RT-AX300 can span across a 3000 sqft house whilst connecting over 30 devices at once. This wireless device comes in black and exhibits a standard router design with dimensions fixed at 8.82 x 6.06 x 6.3 inches. Also, the chassis is made of plastic, comprises accurate LEDs, and weighs 1.18 pounds.
App Support & Security Features
As mentioned previously, the Asus App is quite effective when it comes to customizing the network and even activating the diverse security specs, including the network security, parental controls, and the AiProtection Pro, in case you want to use this router as one element of a larger mesh.
Hardware & Port Management
The dual-core Broadcom processor is a significant inclusion followed by 512MB RAM and 256MB of flash storage space. While the processing hardware is good for minimizing network congestion, you can set up ultra-fast wired connections with the 4 LAN and one WAN port at Asus’s disposal.
Other Features
The Asus RT-AX3000 also comes equipped with one USB 3.1 port for sharing data across networks. While there are several innovative features to rely on, the high-speed data sharing port and MU-MIMO support make it stand out as compared to other products on the list.
- Excellent coverage
- Top-rated processing hardware
- 160MHz channel support
- Intuitive app
- Excellent security safeguards
- Adaptive QoS supported
- Fast USB port
- No dedicated gaming band
- Overkill for low bandwidth connections
5. Best for Home Use: Linksys E8450
The E8450 from Linksys is one of the more balanced routers on the list, best suited for users who want to future-proof their home network with a Wi-Fi AX-compatible product. Also, if you are interested in a comparative analysis, I ended up appraising this top-self router against the Linksys MR7350, which is more of a mesh router.
As per my inference, the E8450 is way faster, courtesy of the more powerful processor, and even offers a better wireless range.
Why is it suited for WOW ISP and which plan is it compatible with?
I would recommend the Linksys E8450 for its exceptional 2.4GHz throughput, which is primarily responsible for eliminating a majority of dead zones from your home network. As far as the plans are concerned, you can consider this router for the Gig Internet and the Internet 500 plans from WOW.
Frequency Bands & Speed
This dual-band wireless router is capable of assuming maximum speeds of up to 800Mbps and 2400Mbps, theoretically for the 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands, respectively. However, if you end up pairing it with WOW’s Gig internet plan, you can expect download speeds of up to 950Mbp and 120Mbps, for near and far bands, respectively.
Coverage, Design & Build Quality
The vertically designed, black-colored modem covers a 2500 sq ft area, weighs 1.41 pounds, and measures 6.14 x 8.66 x 3.03 inches to be exact. Plus, it is quite durable and not as massive as some of the other gaming routers that I have already enlisted.
App Support & Security Features
The Linksys E8450 doesn’t offer dedicated app support but allows you to manage setup and configuration via the web interface. The quickest possible setup is followed by advanced security safeguards, including standard 128-bit encryption and an entire gamut of parental controls.
Hardware & Port Management
The marquee hardware setup is worth mentioning as the 1.4GHz processor and 512MB RAM can help the router cut through any form of network congestion. Plus, you also get 128MB of flash memory for sheltering the firmware details.
As far as the ports are concerned, there are 4 GigE slots in play followed by a standard WAN port and a USB 2.0 slot for languid data sharing.
Other Features
The Linksys E8450 also paves the way for DoS security, SPI firewalling, and MU-MIMO support for connecting almost 25 devices at once. But then, it is the quality of the hardware setup and diversified parental controls that add to the speeds and consistency, thereby placing it a cut above the rest.
- 5 Ethernet ports
- Support automatic firmware updates
- Excellent range
- Diversified security specs
- 512MB RAM for faster processing
- Sluggish USB port
- No app support
6. Best Modem-Router Combo: Motorola MG7550
Assuming you had to pay separately for a modem while procuring one of the mentioned routers from the list, I have come up with the Motorola MG7550; a reliable modem-router combo and easily one of the more affordable bets for WOW internet.
Also, if you have already used the older combo from Motorola i.e., the MG7315, you would want to switch over to the MG7550 simply for better internet speeds and 8 additional downstream channels in play.
Why is it suited for WOW ISP, and which plan is it compatible with?
This modem-router combo is good enough for accommodating any internet package under 375Mbps, and this is why I would recommend the MG7550 for the Internet 200 and Internet 100 plans from WOW.
Frequency Bands, Speed & Coverage
When it comes to the supported frequency bands, this router allows you to achieve respectable speeds across 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands. This dual-band combo can reach theoretical speeds of up to 600Mbps and 1.3Gbps for the near and far bands. In contrast, the actual speeds experienced upon using the 200Mbps plan average out at 180Mbps and 50Mbps, respectively.
The 2000 sq ft coverage is good enough for the given price point, followed by other aligned capabilities, including AnyBeam Beamforming support, MU-MIMO compatibility, and inclusion of power boost amplifiers.
Design & Build Quality
This WOW combo comes in black and features 10 accurate, status-reporting lights. As far as dimensions are concerned, this product measures 2.5 x 8.5 x 9 inches, which is in line with user expectations. Finally, when it comes to the build quality, the hardened plastic-clad chassis is adequately durable.
App Support & Security Features
Configuring this device requires access to the web interface. Also, once you log into the settings, it becomes easier to access standard parental control and device encryption to ward off online threats. In addition to these, you get access to a DoS attack prevention setup and advanced firewalling support.
Hardware & Port Management
The MG7550 fits in a standard Broadcom processor, which is good enough for handling networking congestion with ease. The port arrangement is equally intuitive, with Motorola making room for 4 LAN ports.
Other Features
This modem-router combo features the DOCSIS 3.0 networking standard and 16×4 channel bonding support for getting the best internet speeds across, which is the reason for including this one on the list over any other standard router.
- 4 Gig Ethernet ports
- Excellent coverage
- A wide array of LEDs
- DOCSIS 3.0 modem tech
- Compact aesthetics
- Not meant for the Gig internet plans
- No app support
7. Best Mesh Router: TP-Link Deco X20
Nothing works like a Wi-Fi 6 mesh router when it comes to increasing the coverage and throughput of any given WOW internet plan that you are currently on. While standard routers are often good enough, bridging and repeating connections are often highly underrated requirements that can only be fulfilled by the likes of TP-Link Deco X20.
If you end up comparing it with the standard Deco S4, the Deco X20 comes forth as a better bet, owing to the latest wireless standards, faster internet speeds, and reasonable price.
Why is it suited for WOW ISP, and which plan is it compatible with?
The high-speed Wi-Fi 6 transmission standard qualifies the Deco X20 Mesh as one of the better choices for WOW internet plans. However, if you are into specifics, purchase it for the mid-range and low-bandwidth plans, including the Internet 500, Internet 200, and even the Internet 100 packages.
Frequency Bands & Speed
The dual-band mesh system is capable of concurrent transmissions. However, you must understand that the AX1800 routing setup is about achieving 1.8Gbps in the standard LAN format, and it can only handle true internet speeds of up to 500Mbps.
Coverage, Design & Build Quality
The coverage, however, is the USP as TP-Link ensures an extensive range of up to 4000 sq ft with 2 pack unit. This Mesh wireless setup comes draped in white, with each unit measuring 4.33 x 4.33 x 4.49 inches. Plus, the entire setup is made of hardened plastic, with each unit weighing less than a pound.
App Support & Security Features
The AX1800 mesh system forgoes the web interface and brings an all-inclusive Deco app instead. Its features make Wi-Fi setup easier and help you explore a wide range of security safeguards, including built-in antivirus, parental controls, content filtering, time limits, and more.
Hardware & Port Management
A standard quad-core processor works in tandem with 512MB RAM to keep the speed and coverage as per the promised limits. It also has 128MB of flash storage space for exploring network-specific data sharing in its entirety. As for the ports, the router itself brings in two Gig Ethernet slots on each unit.
Other Features
Overall, the Deco X20 allows you to make the best use of the Deco app for setting up an expansive smart home setup. However, despite extensive coverage, there are no speed and connection drops, which scale this product above any other option on the list.
Also, check the comprehensive TP-Link Deco X20 Review.
- WiFi 6 support
- Easy to configure & manage
- Powerful parental controls
- Extensive coverage
- Supports up to 150 devices
- Not meant for Gig plans
- No USB port
8. Best for Internet 200 Plan: ASUS RT-ACRH12
If you are on the lookout for a budget router that comes equipped with almost every essential feature or even more, there is nothing better in the retail arena as compared to the ASUS RT-ACRH12.
Why is it suited for WOW ISP, and which plan is it compatible with?
The cost-to-ownership ratio is what makes the RT-ACRH12 good enough for WOW internet. Plus, I would recommend using it with the 200 Mbps internet plan to make the most of the router technology and existing features.
Frequency Bands, Speed & Coverage
This dual-band router is capable of assuming maximum speeds of up to 1200Mbps when 2.4GHz and 5GHz band throughputs are combined. The actual internet speeds with a 200 Mbps plan are restricted to 150Mbps, for the near band. Also, the far band consistency translates into 3000 sq ft of internet coverage, courtesy of the strong amplifiers in play.
Design & Build Quality
A standard-looking router features three external antennas and overall measurements that read 4.92 x 7.56 x 1.18 inches. Also, the product comes in black and weighs 0.80 pounds.
App Support & Security Features
The RT-ACRH12 allows you to configure the device via the ASUS Router app. Also, the app allows you to access a wide range of security specs, including parental controls, guest access, and more.
Hardware & Port Management
At the core, you have a standard 775MHz MIPS processor, coupled with 128MB of RAM and 16MB of flash storage support. Also, you get access to 4 GigE ports, one WAN port, and a resourceful USB 2.0 slot for data sharing.
Other Features
The ASUS RT-ACRH12 is one of the few routers to support mesh compatibility, depending on the preferences. However, it is the value for money that automatically makes it a better bet as compared to other products on this list.
- Affordable price
- Ease to configure
- Excellent range
- 4 High-speed ports
- Zero buffering
- App-based support
- Design
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can, but you need to see if it is compatible with the modem provided by the ISP or the one you have purchased to save the rental obligations. Therefore, you should first appraise the modem and the associated technologies before checking for router compatibility.
WOW, internet is all about consistent speeds. Therefore, any Wi-Fi AC router seems compatible with the diverse ISP plans. But then, if you want to future-proof the setup, I would recommend a Wi-Fi 6 router with at least 4 Ethernet ports and Beamforming support to make transmission faster and consistent.
If the router has an app-based interface, setting it up in a matter of minutes is possible. However, for web-based interfaces, you might need to get the grunt work done for at least 10 to 15 minutes, provided you know your way around a router.
Mesh wireless setups do not depend on the WOW internet plans you are using but the area you want it to cover. Therefore, for basic, small-sized apartments, only a standard Wi-Fi 6 router would suffice. However, for multistoried setups, where daisy-chaining multiple routers isn’t an option, you can opt for a mesh system, but only for Gig and 500 Mbps plans.
Verdict
Every router on this list is capable of handling WOW internet plans with precision and utmost consistency. However, if you are still finding it hard to take a pick, here are some of the hand-picked selections, as per specific use cases.
- For inclination towards gaming and 4K streaming over WOW gig internet plan, the Netgear Nighthawk RAX50 is the best router to purchase.
- If extended coverage and robust parental controls are on your mind, you can consider the TP-Link Deco X20 as your go-to router. It’s a WiFi 6 based mesh system that can handle your home network with ease.
- Finally, if you are interested in an affordable router that has every essential port to work with, buying the ASUS RT-ACRH12 makes a lot of sense.
Apart from these curated selections, you can also pick any other router from the list, as per preferences, technologies, security safeguards, and obviously, the budget.
