In today’s digital age, a reliable router is essential for seamless streaming experiences, whether you’re binge-watching your favorite shows, enjoying online gaming, or participating in video calls. With the increasing demand for high-definition content and multiple devices connected to the internet simultaneously, having the right router can significantly enhance your streaming quality and reduce buffering.
From best speed and range to most advanced features such as Quality of Service (QoS) and MU-MIMO tech, picking the ideal router for streaming is necessary for the best performance. In this guide, we'll be reviewing the top routers on the market and which ones would suit the needs of avid streamers, leaving you to choose the perfect router for your home network.
Which Is The Best Router For Streaming TV?
1) TP-Link AX5400 WiFi 6 Router (Archer AX73)- Dual Band Gigabit Wireless Internet Router
- Gigabit WiFi for 8K Streaming – Up to 5400 Mbps WiFi for faster...
- Full Featured WiFi 6 Router– Equipped with 4T4R and HE160...
- Connect More Devices – Supports MU-MIMO and OFDMA to reduce...
- Extensive Coverage - Enjoy stable WiFi connections, even in the...
- More Vents, Less Heat – Improved vented areas help unleash the...
I highly recommend the TP-Link AX5400 WiFi 6 Router (Archer AX73) for anyone looking to upgrade their home network to support high-speed internet and multiple connected devices.
The TP-Link Archer AX73 is a powerful router that leverages the latest WiFi 6 technology to deliver impressive speeds and capacity, perfect for households with multiple users and devices. It serves as a reliable and secure internet connection with both dual band capabilities and security features that exceed expectation.
I give TP-Link AX5400 (Archer AX73) WiFi 6 Router thumbs up for its excellent performance, easy management and future ready features that secure your network into the future.
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2) NETGEAR Nighthawk 12-Stream WiFi 6E Router
- Coverage up to 2,000 sq. ft. for up to 25 devices
- Fast AX4200 Gigabit speed with WiFi 6 technology for...
- Connects to your existing cable modem and replaces your WiFi...
- Plug in computers, game consoles, streaming players, and more...
- NETGEAR Armor software provides an automatic shield of security...
I have always liked Netgear gadgets because of their versatility. Firstly, to ensure problem-free installation, Netgear has made it exceedingly simple to set up the router. Furthermore, after I tested it, I realized it has incorporated all of the fantastic protection features and the latest Wi-Fi technology to ensure online safety and reliable streaming.
I can operate all my TVs (I have 3), stream to smart home devices, work from home and do a lot more simultaneously. My internet provider allows me to use the maximum bandwidth throughout my entire home. Additionally, I went around the block just to test the bandwidth, and I was connected to my home network 2 doors down. Past that distance, it would get spotty, but I'm still elated.
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3) ASUS Wi-Fi Gaming Router-AC5300 Gaming And Streaming
- Tri band (Dual 5 GHz, single 2; 4 GHz) with the latest 802; 11AC...
- Mu memo technology enables multiple compatible clients to connect...
- Built in ACCESS to Waist gamers private network (GPN) of route...
- A protection powered by Trend Micro provides multi stage...
- ASUS Smart Connect delivers consistent bandwidth by dynamically...
If you want the best router for streaming TV, ASUS will never disappoint. I was not surprised that the AC5300 is designed to let you enjoy undisturbed streaming and gaming with its tri-band, which makes it provides a wi-fi network with high speeds. Of course, the dual 5 GHz frequencies and single 2.4 GHz frequencies provide a total speed of 5334 Mbps. With such speed, I can easily stream whatever I feel like watching without interruption.
Additionally, the MU-MIMO technology also makes it possible to connect to multiple streaming devices, with each device attaining its maximum streaming speed. In addition, trend Micro powers my online protection, ensuring I can stream safely and that my data is protected. Of course, with the Adaptive QoS, I can also boost streaming bandwidth to prioritize streaming easily.
ASUS AC5300 features four gigabit LAN ports to connect up to four ethernet-compatible devices all at once. Other smart home devices can also have their exclusive ports. In addition, you can easily control what your kids watch and do online and how much time they have access to the internet with parental controls.
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4) GL.iNet GL-SFT1200 (Opal) Secure Travel WiFi Router
- 【AC1200 Dual-band Wireless Router】Simultaneous dual-band with...
- 【Pocket-friendly】Lightweight design(145g) which designed for...
- 【Full Gigabit Ports】Gigabit Wireless Internet Router with 2...
- 【Keep your Internet Safe】IPv6 supported. OpenVPN & WireGuard...
- 【Repeater for Public WiFi】Convert a public...
The GL.iNet GL-SFT1200 (Opal) Secure Travel WiFi Router is designed to deliver fast, reliable, and secure internet connections while on the go. Whether you're traveling or simply need a router that ensures smooth streaming at home, the Opal router offers an excellent solution for keeping your devices connected with minimal interruptions.
If you’re a traveler, digital nomad, or anybody requiring a secure and reliable router to stream TV shows, movies, or gaming, The GL.iNet GL-SFT1200 (Opal) is perfect for you. It’s also great for users who want to connect several devices to one WiFi network but still want the privacy and security.
Looking for a high performance, secure travel router that will ensure reliable streaming and internet wherever you go, the GL.iNet GL-SFT1200 (Opal) is a perfect blend of portability and performance. Easy set up, secure connections and versatile streaming support make this a great companion for the business traveler or the leisure traveler.
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5) WAVLINK AC1200 WiFi Router Dual Band (2.4GHz+5GHz)
- ✅【Gigabit WiFi Router】With a combined speed of 867Mbps on...
- ✅【Patented Touchlink Technology】WAVLINK AC1200 WiFi router...
- ✅【Stable Wired Connections】WAVLINK wireless router with 1 x...
- ✅【Secure and Stable Home WiFi Router】Enjoy safe and secure...
- ✅【Easy to Setup】This wifi router is easy to set up, and if...
This is one of the best routers for streaming TV and connecting other internet-connected devices. After the initial setup, I was pleased by the blazing fast speeds and 5GHz internet bandwidth. Additionally, this powerful wireless router has patented Touchlink technology to make sharing data and streaming content easy. Of course, I also like to use a Wi-Fi extender to connect my security and camera system.
Furthermore, it has very fast and efficient connection speeds, so no devices connected lag. The reliable performance was a nice touch since this particular router had some negative comments. However, none affected me since I realized I simply had to connect all my streaming devices with an ethernet cable into the 4 port switch that’s integrated into the router. I get the best results 100% of the time, even with multiple users.
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What Should You Consider When Getting The Best Router For Streaming TV?
a) Range
Image Source: newegg.com
When you buy a router, you expect it to provide wi-fi coverage for the whole house. Therefore, if you have a big house, you may need a router with a wider range. The best Wi-Fi router will provide you with good coverage to ensure you have wireless internet in most places and not just in the room where the router is placed. This is a crucial factor to consider because you will need an internet connection in other rooms too.
If you are using wired connections, it’s important to make sure everything you are plugging a cable into on the network can support a minimum of 100mbps.
b) Dual-Band Or Tri-Band
Image Source: coolblue.com
Single-band routers are history now. If you need a wi-fi router with fast-speed internet connections, you should get at least a dual-band router. What does dual-band mean? It means that the router broadcasts the signal on two frequencies. On the other hand, a tri-band router means that the router broadcasts the signal on three frequencies.
2.4 GHz is usually one of these frequencies, and the best thing about it is that it is compatible with old networking devices and it also has a wide range of coverage. However, its major problem is that it is not as fast and always has congestion.
The other frequency is 5 GHz which is faster than the 2.4GHz and uses modern wi-fi standards. As a result, its coverage area is shorter, making it less likely to experience congestion. Dual-band routers have 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz, while tri-band routers have 2.4 GHz and two-5 GHz.
c) Multi-Core Processor And RAM
Image Source: zdnet.com
The processor and RAM are important features of your router. This is because the router needs more processing data as you use the internet to stream, download files and play online games, which causes a lot of data to be transferred to and from the internet.
A dual-core or quad-core processor can deal with more data than a single-core processor. Therefore, a router with a higher number of cores performs better than that with a lower number. Therefore, please get a multi-core processor wi-fi router because you need better performance.
d) Speed
Speed is a crucial factor when it comes to choosing a wi-fi router for streaming TV. The real-life speed you get when using a router is what matters the most. You may read a product description of a certain router with a high speed only to buy it and get a slow speed. Therefore, before buying a wireless router, check its real-life speed. You can get that by asking friends; reading other customers’ reviews may also help. Product description usually has only the speed taken during lab tests with the ideal networking equipment.
e) Advanced Quality Of Service
Image Source: thenewyorktimes.com
Most routers have plain QoS which is used to determine how much bandwidth each device gets. Most users don’t apply it. However, some routers have advanced features of the QoS, including adaptive QoS, and dynamic and intelligent QoS.
These advanced QoS may be named differently by manufacturers, but they manage to split the bandwidth automatically. The bandwidth is split depending on smart algorithms with little to no involvement of the user. Advanced QoS is important to you as you stream TV because it will give you an easy time by splitting the bandwidth automatically.
f) Other Advanced Features
Image Source: highspeedinternet.com
Some of the best wireless routers have other advanced features like antivirus, VPN, and other security features that protect your wi-fi router from outside attacks and malware. However, other cheaper routers have the same features, but their hardware is too weak to run them well. So, before shopping for a router, you’d rather not go for the cheapest. Instead, buy something that will give you good service.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Router for Streaming TV
i) What size router do I need for streaming?
The size doesn’t matter as long as the Wi-Fi router for streaming works as it’s supposed to. However, if you live in a small apartment or a home that’s a maximum of 1,500 square feet, choose a router that supports 802.11ac (also called Wi-Fi 5) and operates on the 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands.
ii) What router speed do I need for streaming?
So if you’re just getting into cord-cutting, you want a powerful, wireless internet connection. Netflix and Hulu don’t require a lot of internet bandwidth, even if you are streaming in 4K. To stream Netflix in HD you need about 5Mbps, and to stream in 4K, you’ll want about 25Mbps.
iii) What Size Router Do I Need For Streaming TV?
The size of the router you buy highly depends on the number of devices that will be connected. For example, if you have a small household with a smart TV and other streaming devices, you can use high-speed connections like 100-300mbps. However, if your household has multiple TVs, smart appliances, and gaming consoles, you will need higher-speed connections like 500 Mbps.
iv) How Do I Optimize My Router For Streaming TV?
To optimize your router for streaming, you can assign a high-priority bandwidth allocation in QoS to the streaming devices. You can also enable WMM on your router to improve streaming. Also, use multiple SSID and connect your TV to the least congested band. Another way to increase the streaming quality is by using wired connectivity to reduce the loss of bandwidth.
v) What Does Tri-Band Mean?
Tri-band routers are a kind that broadcasts three separate bands. For example, a tri-band router broadcasts a 2.4 GHz band and other two 5 GHz, bands. It is like having three networks in a single device.
The Bottom Line
We have highlighted the best Wi-Fi routers for streaming in the market. A high-performance router be it for streaming Tv or gaming devices will prove itself over the test of time. Furthermore, all the routers we have mentioned above will give you strong bandwidth in an around your home.
