Portable air conditioner 500 sq ft | | Best Wi-Fi Router 2023

Figuring out what the best router for your needs can be complicated. We've tested the top Wi-Fi router brands so you can find the right one for your needs.

Take a look at this list: https://quizience.com/best-wi-fi-routers-for-2022/

TP-Link Archer AX21
Best budget router

Wi-Fi Standard

Wi-Fi 6

Speed Rating

AX1800

Range

Up to 2,500 sq. ft.

Wireless Networking Security

WPA3

Bands

Dual-Band (2.4 and 5GHz)

Available for $100 (or less if you catch a sale), the TP-Link Archer AX21 is an entry-level, dual-band Wi-Fi 6 router that supports top speeds of up to 1,201Mbps (1.2Gbps) on its 5GHz band. It's nothing fancy, but it offered near flawless performance for small- to medium-size homes in our tests, and it's a cinch to setup and use thanks to TP-Link's Tether app.

Best of all, when tested against other, similar routers from names like Asus and Netgear, the AX21 held its own with faster download speeds, better range, and low latency, too. Add in a functional bandsteering mode that automatically steers you between the 2.4 and 5GHz bands within a single network, plus guest network controls and even a quality of service engine for prioritizing traffic to the most important devices on your network, and you're looking at a decent home networking upgrade that's as simple and affordable as it gets. It isn't powerful enough to max out speeds on a gigabit network, but it can still hit consistent close-range speeds near 700Mbps or so, which is more than enough for most households. Read our TP-Link Archer AX21 review.

Linksys Hydra Pro 6 (MR5500)
Best midrange router

Wi-Fi Standard

Wi-Fi 6

Speed Rating

AX5400

Range

Up to 2,700 sq. ft.

Wireless Networking Security

WPA2, WPA3

Bands

Dual-Band (2.4 and 5GHz)

If you've already got a budget router running your network and you're ready to upgrade to something more powerful, the Linksys Hydra Pro 6 belongs high on your list. With a dual-band, AX5400 build, full support for Wi-Fi 6, and 160MHz channel support for moving data more efficiently, it was an excellent performer in my speed tests, even managing to outperform flashier picks like the also great Asus RT-AX86U.

The Hydra Pro 6 is a touch pricey as dual-band routers go, but the steady, consistent performance makes it a standout. Try and catch it on sale if you can, but if you just want a reliable, no-frills router that can keep up with gigabit speeds, look no further. Read our Linksys Hydra Pro 6 review.

TP-Link Deco W7200
Best mesh router overall

Wi-Fi Standard

Wi-Fi 6

Speed Rating

AX3600

Range

Up to 5,500 sq. ft. (two devices)

Wireless Networking Security

WPA2, WPA3

Bands

Tri-Band (2.4 and two 5GHz)

For the best performance from your mesh router, you'll want to prioritize getting one with support for Wi-Fi 6, plus a tri-band design that includes three separate bands of traffic: the usual 2.4 and 5GHz bands, plus an additional 5GHz band that the system can use as a dedicated wireless backhaul for transmissions between the router and its satellites. Most mesh routers like that cost at least $300 or even $400, but the TP-Link Deco W7200 gets you there for less than $250.

That's the best deal I've seen for a tri-band mesh router with support for Wi-Fi 6 -- and sure enough, it's an excellent performer, as well. In fact, the only system that managed to outperform it outright in my at-home speed tests is the AX6000 version of Netgear Orbi, which costs more than three times as much (keep reading for more on that one). On top of that, TP-Link's setup process is about as easy as it gets, with satellite extenders that automatically join the mesh as soon as you plug them in. Read our TP-Link Deco W7200 review.

Asus RT-AX86U
Best gaming router

Wi-Fi standard

Wi-Fi 6

Speed Rating

AX5700

Range

Up to 2,500 sq. ft.

Wireless Networking Security

WPA3

Bands

Dual-Band (2.4 and 5GHz)

Gaming routers promise high performance and low latency for die-hard gamers, and it isn't uncommon to find them selling for $300 or even $400. At about $270 or less, the Asus RT-AX86U dual-band router isn't inexpensive either, but it's a strong value relative to routers like those -- and the performance it delivers as a gaming router is flat-out great.

Most noteworthy is the router's latency management. In fact, it leads all of the routers I've ever tested, gaming or otherwise, with the lowest average latency across all of my tests, which online gamers will definitely appreciate. Something else you'll appreciate: An excellent mix of app-based controls and features, including a mobile boost mode, that lets you prioritize gaming traffic to your phone at the touch of a button.

Gaming features aside, the RT-AX86U offers full support for Wi-Fi 6, with strong, stable speeds and good range. If you need additional range, you can add other Asus "AIMesh" devices to your home network to make it the centerpiece of a mesh.

That checks off all of the boxes that most people want from a good gaming router, and it gets you there at a price that isn't too painful for us to recommend. Even if you aren't a gamer, this is still one of the best Wi-Fi 6 routers you can buy right now. Read our list of the best gaming routers.

I live in a brand new townhouse and the aircon broke. Waiting on repairs for over a month. The entire top floor is unbearable because there are no eaves, the entire outside is clad in black cement sheeting, and it's oriented incorrectly, and with black blinds. It's a dressed up shitbox oven. Either council needs to impose sustainability requirements on developments (actual good ones) or the RTA needs to recognise that modern houses are ONLY designed with aircons in mind. We have a sheet hanging in the stairwell to stop the hot air and cold air mixing and have been sleeping in the lounge. On days where it's been 35 degrees it's probably been 40 degrees upstairs. Now of course, it's not the real-estate agents fault on the delay and replacement parts so any reduction will most likely be $10 a week or whatever, but on these instances the entire aircon unit should just be replaced as an emergency! I've already been to Qcat twice the past 18 months with this agent and it doesn't iustify the stress going to Qcat when it'll likely only be $50 a week and the lodgement fee is $150. Why isn't aircon an emergency repair? It's no longer a nice to have when buildings are not designed for QLD climate! If shitty developers design a building that relies on aircon for a home to be habitable then as far as I'm concerned it's an emergency. This is unliveable. I don't want sympathy because some people don't have aircon at all, I want someone out there to recognise that poor design relies on aircon and for it to be considered an emergency repair. I'm not paying $500+ for a portable unit when it won't be reimbursed by the real estate (when it should).

Figuring out what the best router for your needs can be complicated. We've tested the top Wi-Fi router brands so you can find the right one for your needs.

Take a look at this list: https://quizience.com/best-wi-fi-routers-for-2022/

TP-Link Archer AX21
Best budget router

Wi-Fi Standard

Wi-Fi 6

Speed Rating

AX1800

Range

Up to 2,500 sq. ft.

Wireless Networking Security

WPA3

Bands

Dual-Band (2.4 and 5GHz)

Available for $100 (or less if you catch a sale), the TP-Link Archer AX21 is an entry-level, dual-band Wi-Fi 6 router that supports top speeds of up to 1,201Mbps (1.2Gbps) on its 5GHz band. It's nothing fancy, but it offered near flawless performance for small- to medium-size homes in our tests, and it's a cinch to setup and use thanks to TP-Link's Tether app.

Best of all, when tested against other, similar routers from names like Asus and Netgear, the AX21 held its own with faster download speeds, better range, and low latency, too. Add in a functional bandsteering mode that automatically steers you between the 2.4 and 5GHz bands within a single network, plus guest network controls and even a quality of service engine for prioritizing traffic to the most important devices on your network, and you're looking at a decent home networking upgrade that's as simple and affordable as it gets. It isn't powerful enough to max out speeds on a gigabit network, but it can still hit consistent close-range speeds near 700Mbps or so, which is more than enough for most households. Read our TP-Link Archer AX21 review.

Linksys Hydra Pro 6 (MR5500)
Best midrange router

Wi-Fi Standard

Wi-Fi 6

Speed Rating

AX5400

Range

Up to 2,700 sq. ft.

Wireless Networking Security

WPA2, WPA3

Bands

Dual-Band (2.4 and 5GHz)

If you've already got a budget router running your network and you're ready to upgrade to something more powerful, the Linksys Hydra Pro 6 belongs high on your list. With a dual-band, AX5400 build, full support for Wi-Fi 6, and 160MHz channel support for moving data more efficiently, it was an excellent performer in my speed tests, even managing to outperform flashier picks like the also great Asus RT-AX86U.

The Hydra Pro 6 is a touch pricey as dual-band routers go, but the steady, consistent performance makes it a standout. Try and catch it on sale if you can, but if you just want a reliable, no-frills router that can keep up with gigabit speeds, look no further. Read our Linksys Hydra Pro 6 review.

TP-Link Deco W7200
Best mesh router overall

Wi-Fi Standard

Wi-Fi 6

Speed Rating

AX3600

Range

Up to 5,500 sq. ft. (two devices)

Wireless Networking Security

WPA2, WPA3

Bands

Tri-Band (2.4 and two 5GHz)

For the best performance from your mesh router, you'll want to prioritize getting one with support for Wi-Fi 6, plus a tri-band design that includes three separate bands of traffic: the usual 2.4 and 5GHz bands, plus an additional 5GHz band that the system can use as a dedicated wireless backhaul for transmissions between the router and its satellites. Most mesh routers like that cost at least $300 or even $400, but the TP-Link Deco W7200 gets you there for less than $250.

That's the best deal I've seen for a tri-band mesh router with support for Wi-Fi 6 -- and sure enough, it's an excellent performer, as well. In fact, the only system that managed to outperform it outright in my at-home speed tests is the AX6000 version of Netgear Orbi, which costs more than three times as much (keep reading for more on that one). On top of that, TP-Link's setup process is about as easy as it gets, with satellite extenders that automatically join the mesh as soon as you plug them in. Read our TP-Link Deco W7200 review.

Asus RT-AX86U
Best gaming router

Wi-Fi standard

Wi-Fi 6

Speed Rating

AX5700

Range

Up to 2,500 sq. ft.

Wireless Networking Security

WPA3

Bands

Dual-Band (2.4 and 5GHz)

Gaming routers promise high performance and low latency for die-hard gamers, and it isn't uncommon to find them selling for $300 or even $400. At about $270 or less, the Asus RT-AX86U dual-band router isn't inexpensive either, but it's a strong value relative to routers like those -- and the performance it delivers as a gaming router is flat-out great.

Most noteworthy is the router's latency management. In fact, it leads all of the routers I've ever tested, gaming or otherwise, with the lowest average latency across all of my tests, which online gamers will definitely appreciate. Something else you'll appreciate: An excellent mix of app-based controls and features, including a mobile boost mode, that lets you prioritize gaming traffic to your phone at the touch of a button.

Gaming features aside, the RT-AX86U offers full support for Wi-Fi 6, with strong, stable speeds and good range. If you need additional range, you can add other Asus "AIMesh" devices to your home network to make it the centerpiece of a mesh.

That checks off all of the boxes that most people want from a good gaming router, and it gets you there at a price that isn't too painful for us to recommend. Even if you aren't a gamer, this is still one of the best Wi-Fi 6 routers you can buy right now. Read our list of the best gaming routers.