Having a slow and spotty home network can be a frustrating experience. You want your system to reach every nook and cranny of your home, but you still get dead spots no matter where you place your Wi-Fi. This can be even more frustrating if you work from home or have important online meetings and video conferences to attend, which is literally what many people are doing thanks to 2022 being what it is. However, there’s a solution in the form of the best long-range WiFi router.
While it’s true that interference can lead to network issues, poor wireless performance often boils down to your router’s capacity. The routers usually provided by ISPs are too basic to handle today’s internet needs. Upgrading to a better WiFi router may be all you need to solve your network problems.
So, how do you choose the ideal router for long-range? Not to worry; we’ve reviewed ten of the best products you can choose right now below. And to make things easier for you, we’ve also added a guide to help you understand the necessary factors to look at when choosing a wireless router. So without further ado, let’s get right to it:
- The 10 Best WiFi Router for Long Range
- TP-Link AC4000 Archer A20 Smart WiFi Router
- Asus ROG Rapture GT-AX11000 WiFi Router
- TP-Link Archer A7 Smart WiFi Router
- NETGEAR Orbi RBK50 Tri-band Mesh WiFi System
- Asus RT-AX88U AX6000 Dual-Band Wifi Router
- Amazon eero Pro mesh WiFi System
- TP-Link WiFi 6 AX6000 Smart WiFi Router
- NETGEAR Nighthawk AX12 12-Stream WiFi 6 Router
- D-Link AC1300 DIR-1360-US WiFi Router
- Linksys WRT AC3200 Dual-Band Open Source Router
- Factors To Consider When Choosing The Best Long-Range Router
The 10 Best WiFi Router for Long Range
| Award | Design | Retailer | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best Long-Bow WiFi Router |  | Check Price | |
| Best Gaming Long-Range Router |  | Check Price | |
| Value for Money |  | Check Price | |
| Best Tri-Band Mesh Wi-Fi System |  | Check Price | |
| Best Long Range Router For Video Streaming |  | Check Price | |
| Compact and Reliable |  | Check Price | |
| Best Dual-Band Long Range Router |  | Check Price | |
| Best For Speed |  | Check Price | |
| Best Budget Long-Range Wi-Fi Router |  | Check Price | |
| Best Technical Long Range Wireless Router |  | Check Price |
TP-Link AC4000 Archer A20 Smart WiFi Router
Best Long-Bow WiFi Router
The first product on our list is the TP-Link AC4000 Archer A20 Wi-Fi Router. It’s one of the most sophisticated long-range routers anyone can buy. This router is a tri-band router perfect for streaming 4K videos and playing online games. Powered by a quad-core 1.8GHz 64-bit processor, this long-range router can deliver speeds of up to 1625Mbps on both 5GHz bands and 750Mbps on the 2. 4 GHz band.
The 512MB RAM allows for faster processing, making it a fantastic option as a gaming router. The brand also included MU-MIMO in this device’s build, allowing you to connect more devices while simultaneously accelerating loading times. It features the Range Boost technology, dedicated to ensuring Wi-Fi coverage for long-range.
Capable of working with Windows, Mac, and Linux operating systems, this router comes with 1 WAN and 4 LAN Gigabit Ethernet ports, allowing you to enjoy maximum speed. To make things even better, TP-Link offers a lifetime security subscription to this device’s users for free. The security subscription includes a free antivirus, QoS, and an extensive parental control system.
| Protocol | 802.11ac |
| Band Type | Tri-Band |
| Ports | Ethernet and USB |
| Number of Antennas | 6 |
Pros
- Free lifetime security subscription
- Excellent long-range performance
- Functions well as a gaming router
- Features beamforming and MU-MIMO technologies
Cons
- The instruction manual could be better.
- It’s huge and would require a bit of space.
Asus ROG Rapture GT-AX11000 WiFi Router
Best Gaming Long-Range Router
If the reason why you’re looking to buy a long-range wireless router is to play games without experiencing lags and buffers, the ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AX11000 is the best option you can choose. The ASUS ROG lineup of devices is dedicated to gamers, and as such, they come with top-tier features. This also goes for the GT-AX11000. Sitting in the $500 price range, this router comes with a triple-level game acceleration technology. This tech helps prioritize gaming traffic, ensuring that you get nothing but a seamless gaming experience. Just like the AC4000 Archer above, the ASUS ROG Rapture GT AX11000 is powered by a 1.8GHz quad-core CPU, but it also features a 2.5G gaming port so users can get the most optimal performance.
Do you have a mesh network, and you’re worried about setting it up with your long-range router? Don’t worry, as the GT-AX11000 Router is compatible with AiMesh, allowing you to get the best wireless network performance for your entire home. This router features Wi-Fi 6, otherwise known as the 802.11ax protocol. And since Wi-Fi 6 is backward compatible with other protocols, you’ll have no problem pairing this router with your ISP’s modem.
You get the ASUS AiProtection security system to help neutralize outside attacks and a built-in VPN system to enhance your security even further without dragging your network gameplay down. If you’re looking to rank in your league, enjoy lag-free games, get better coverage for your home while remaining secure, the ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AX11000 Wireless Router is the best router to choose.
| Protocol | 802.11ax |
| Band Type | Tri-band |
| Ports | Ethernet, USB |
| Number of Antennas | 8 |
Pros
- Next-gen WiFi 6 protocol
- Compatible with Alexa
- Extremely fast and stable
- Offers excellent customization options, including easy port forwarding
Cons
- Expensive
- Big and heavy
- Best for dedicated gamers, overkill for simple users.
TP-Link Archer A7 Smart WiFi Router
Value for Money
The TP-Link Archer A7 is a router dedicated to providing you with long-range coverage without taking too much out of your pockets. Sporting a price in the $80 range, the Archer A7 isn’t what you’d call fast. However, it’s reliable and budget-friendly. This router can cover about 2,500 square feet while offering a reliable Wi-Fi signal. It’s a dual-band device endowed with the 802. 11ac protocol. You get a total of 1750Mbs from both bands, with the 2.4GHz band offering up to 450Mbps and the 5GHz band providing speeds up to 1300Mbps. This long-range router also comes with antennas for network stability and range.
While the TP-Link Archer A7 might not be as fast as the GT AX-11000 above, it’s still ideal for streaming 4K content and playing games. You get to enjoy the TP-Link Tether app, which allows you to control and manage your home network remotely. This router also features four LAN ports so you can enjoy a faster gaming experience. The USB port also doubles as a media server, allowing you to share media content via USB. If you want something light, easy to set up, and affordable, the Archer A7 is one of the best long-range routers you can choose.
| Protocol | 802.11ac |
| Band Type | Dual-band |
| Ports | Ethernet and USB |
| Number of Antennas | 3 |
Pros
- Antennas are positionable
- Inexpensive and reliable
- Great for 4K video stream
- Will work with a mesh Wi-Fi system
Cons
- Low max speeds
NETGEAR Orbi RBK50 Tri-band Mesh WiFi System
Best Tri-Band Mesh Wi-Fi System
Is your home layout challenging? Or maybe you have a huge home and don’t know how to make your WiFi network cover your entire space? Not to worry, the Netgear Orbi RBK50 Mesh WiFi System is a router system that can help resolve that problem. With this tri-band Wi-Fi system, you’ll be able to extend your network by 5, 000 square feet. To make things more convenient, you can get an additional satellite to make the total coverage area 7,500 square feet as one of these routers cover 2,500 square feet.
This system is compatible with all ISPs, including satellite, fiber, DSL, and more. Just like the ASUS ROG AX-11000, this mesh Wi-Fi system features four Gigabit Ethernet ports capable of providing up to 3Gbps. This means that you’ll be getting enough speeds for your gaming, Netflix, YouTube, and more. Parental controls are huge on this device as well. The Orbi RBK50 comes with an intuitive interface where you can pause device access, filter websites, check usage history, and more via the parental control settings.
However, you’ll need to shell out about $5 every month to use this service. Additionally, this long-range mesh wifi system comes with Netgear Armor, a security feature that acts as antivirus and anti-malware. While you get to enjoy a 30-day free trial on activation, you’ll have to pay about $70/yearto use this feature.
With that being said, this long-range wireless router still features some impressive solutions, including a VPN, Beamforming, multi-user multiple input, and many other technologies. If you’re keen on getting the best wi-fi coverage possible, this mesh router is one of the best options you can choose.
| Protocol | 802.11ac |
| Band Type | Tri-band |
| Ports | USB and Ethernet |
| Number of Antennas | None |
Pros
- Easy to set up and manage
- Offers wide Wi-Fi coverage
- MU-MIMO capabilities
- Features a dedicated frequency band for maximum speeds
Cons
- Comes with USB 2.0
- Bigger than other mesh routers
- Subscription-based anti-virus and parental controls
Asus RT-AX88U AX6000 Dual-Band Wifi Router
Best Long Range Router For Video Streaming
The ASUS RT-AX88U is simply one of the best long-range routers you can buy. This dual-band Wi-Fi 6 router is fast, efficient, and stable. It has a price tag in the $300 range and comes with the 802.11ax protocol, making it a next-gen router. This device is capable of providing speeds up to 6000Mbps, even in the busiest of networks. You get Gigabit Ethernet ports and four antennas to provide you with high Wi-Fi signal coverage and more convenience.
On the security front, this long-range router houses the AiProtection technology powered by Trend Micro. With this technology, your router will be safe from outside attacks. The ASUS RT-AX88U long-range router can also work with mesh Wi-Fi systems. This wireless router uses the brand’s AiMesh technology to provide a seamless home network experience for users. You also get Quality of Service (QoS) on this wireless router, ensuring that you enjoy a smooth gaming experience.
Whether it’s video streaming or playing games, you’re sure to get the best speeds possible. You get up to 1,148Mbps on the 2. 4Ghz band while the 5GHz band provides up to 4,804 Mbps. With its MU-MIMO technology, adaptive QoS, WTFast routing technology, and GameBoost settings, you’re surely going to have a great time with this long-range router.
| Protocol | 802. 11ax |
| Band Type | Dual-band |
| Ports | Ethernet and USB |
| Number of Antennas | 4 |
Pros
- Robust QoS settings
- Speedy performance
- Comes with eight LAN ports
- Features built-in malware protection
Cons
- It’s expensive
Amazon eero Pro mesh WiFi System
Compact and Reliable
The Amazon eero Pro Mesh Wi-Fi System is one of the best long-range mesh Wi-Fi systems for large homes. Compact and easy to set up, this mesh router for long-range can cover up to 5, 000 square feet, just like the Netgear Orbi RBK-50 above. It’s a 3-pack whole-home system that encompasses your entire house, providing an excellent coverage area and the best network speed possible. This mesh router is compatible with Alexa, which means that you can easily manage wireless access for individuals and devices in your home via your voice.
Setting it up is relatively easy as there’s a step-by-step guide integrated into the router’s mobile app. Powered by a quad-core processor, the Amazon eero Pro Mesh WiFi System comes with six Gigabit LAN ports -two on each device. This dual-band Wi-Fi router is best for networks with speeds up to 350Mbps. You also get to enjoy Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity as well as support for Apple HomeKit. It’s a user-friendly device that you’re bound to love even if you’re not tech-savvy.
Additionally, you can combine this mesh system with Eero beacons to get the best range and coverage for your home. With the connectivity options, speed, and versatility of these wireless network routers, you’ll enjoy better video streaming and gameplay. If you’re keen on fixing all the dead zones in your home, this is one of the best long-range WiFi routers you can choose.
| Protocol | 802.11ac |
| Band Type | Dual-band |
| Ports | USB, Ethernet |
| Number of Antennas | None |
Pros
- Perfect for large homes
- Intelligently routes traffic to avoid congestion.
- Voice control when paired with Alexa.
- Gets automatic update to help enhance security
Cons
- The software could be better.
TP-Link WiFi 6 AX6000 Smart WiFi Router
Best Dual-Band Long Range Router
The TP-Link WiFi 6 AX6000 is another long-range router that’s ideal for large homes. It comes with the Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) protocol, allowing for more speeds and reliability. Thanks to its Wi-Fi 6 protocol being backward compatible, you can connect the AX6000 to devices with b, g, n, and ac protocols. It’s highly efficient and comes with four times OFDMA throughput in high-density scenarios when compared to Wi-Fi routers with the ac protocol. Since it’s a dual-band device, you get a 2. 4GHz band and a 5GHz band, with the 2. 4 GHz channel featuring speeds of up to 114MBps and the 5GHz channel dispensing speeds up to 4804Mbps.
The AX6000 also comes with eight different antennas to help with long-range gain while ensuring a reliable wireless network. You’ll have a strong signal throughout your home, while its BSS color technology eliminates every interference from walls and radio waves. You also get to enjoy beamforming capabilities as well as Rangeboost technology.
These two come together to provide a robust and far-reaching wireless network. A quad-core processor powers the AX6000, and it features two co-processors that help enhance stability while eliminating latency. On the port side, you get two USB 3. 0 ports, 8 Gigabit Ethernet ports, and 1 WAN port capable of delivering up to 2.5GBps. This device is simply one of the best Wi-Fi routers you can choose for large homes.
| Protocol | 802.11ax |
| Band Type | Dual-band |
| Ports | Ethernet and USB 3. 0 |
| Number of Antennas | 8 |
Pros
- Allows support for multigigabit wired connections
- Offers great security
- Features the Wi-Fi 6 protocol
- Fast and efficient for both long-range and short-range
Cons
- It’s expensive
NETGEAR Nighthawk AX12 12-Stream WiFi 6 Router
Best For Speed
The Netgear Nighthawk AX12 is a device that will satisfy your need for speed. This is one of the best Wi-Fi routers for video calls, movies, and games. It comes with the capability to cover over 3,500 sq ft while providing a reliable network speed. Unlike the Netgear Orbi, the AX12 comes with only two bands, with both bands offering up to 6Gbps. You get four 1 Gigabit Ethernet ports and one 2.5/5G Ethernet port. It also comes with two USB 3. 0 ports, and it works with all ISPs, including cable, DSL, satellite, and more. The AX12 features the MU-MIMO technology, allowing you to enjoy better range and coverage on multiple devices.
This high-end wireless device is also easy to set up. The Netgear app comes with an intuitive interface and is relatively easy to navigate. This app also allows you to track your network speed, monitor your data usage, switch bands, and more. The AX12 supports LAN port aggregation, allowing you to combine two Ethernet ports to get higher speeds. All of these features don’t come at a low price, though.
You need to ensure that you need them before opting for this high-end device. If you have a small home or the devices on your network aren’t much, you should go for an affordable option. However, if you have a large house and want the best range, 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands, MU-MIMO technology, and other bells and whistles, this is one of the best long-range routers you can buy.
| Protocol | 802.11ax |
| Band Type | Dual |
| Ports | USB and Ethernet |
| Number of Antennas | 8 |
Pros
- Features port aggregation for higher speeds
- Covers up to 3,500 sq ft
- Multiple input multiple output technology
- Supports Alexa voice control
Cons
- It’s pricey
D-Link AC1300 DIR-1360-US WiFi Router
Best Budget Long-Range Wi-Fi Router
The D-Link AC1300 is an excellent option for users looking to get value without spending too much. Featuring a Wi-Fi 5 protocol, this device offers mesh wireless speeds while using automatic QoS optimization to eliminate lag, enhance slow Wi-Fi, and provide a buffer-free experience. It’s endowed with an 880MHz dual-core processor that helps it handle everything you throw at it. You get up to 400Mbps on its 2. 4GHz band and up to 867Mbps on the 5GHz channel.
The AC1300 sits in the $70 price range and still offers robust parental control options. You’ll be able to keep your kids safe from the dangers of the internet while overseeing how they use their internet. The parental control setting allows you to set up profiles for your kids for easy monitoring and management.
Additionally, you get MU-MIMO technology on this router, which means that each device in your network will be able to enjoy the same speeds simultaneously. Easy to set up and manage, this is simply one of the best budget long-range Wi-Fi routers on the market.
| Protocol | 802.11ac |
| Band Type | Dual |
| Ports | USB and Ethernet |
| Number of Antennas | 4 |
Pros
- Easy to set up
- Inexpensive
- Robust parental control settings
- Features MU-MIMO
Cons
- The speeds could be better.
Linksys WRT AC3200 Dual-Band Open Source Router
Best Technical Long Range Wireless Router
The Linksys WRT AC3200 is a long-range Wi-Fi router ideal for users who love customizing their devices. This Wi-Fi router comes with open-source firmware, allowing you to customize your device as much as you want. That is why it’s one of the best long-range routers for developers, engineers, and technical users who love customization. You can use packages from distributions like DD-WRT and OpenWrt to customize your device. Some of the customizations you can do include creating and managing hotspots, turning your router to a server, detecting network intrusion, and more.
This wireless device comes with a 1.8GHz dual-core processor and is compatible with Mac, Windows, and Linux machines. The Linksys WRT AC3200 features two bands, the 2. 4GHz channel and the 5GHz channel, with a combined speed of 3.2Gbps. You get up to 600Mbps on the 2.4Ghz channel, allowing you to enjoy lighter internet services with no lags or buffers. The 5GHz channel, on the other hand, comes with 2.6Gbps, making it ideal for video streaming and online gaming.
You also get to enjoy the Tri-stream technology, a technology that doubles your 5GHz channel allowing for higher speeds and reliability. You get an exclusive smart app for control and MU-MIMO for stability and simultaneous network dispensation across all devices. On the port side, you have the USB 3. 0, eSATA, and Gigabit LAN Ethernet ports. If you’re all about customizing your routers or you simply want to enjoy incredible speeds, this is one of the best dual-core long-range routers you can choose.
| Protocol | 802.11ac |
| Band Type | Dual |
| Ports | USB, Ethernet, eSATA |
| Number of Antennas | 4 |
Pros
- Allows for customizations
- Parental controls and device prioritization
- Tri-stream 160 technology
- DFS Certified
Cons
- Setup isn’t straightforward.
- Ideal for technical users
- It may be unstable and unreliable.
Factors To Consider When Choosing The Best Long-Range Router
Wireless Protocol
Wireless protocols are a specific set of features related to a class of wireless equipment. Routers utilize protocols known as WiFi standards. Amongst many other things, these standards identify the data transfer speed of a router. Until recently, routers operated on the 802.11, b, g, and n protocols. They used a single band and were able to provide data speeds between 11 and 300Mbps. However, most of the routers currently on the market come with the 802.11ac protocol, delivering speeds in the gigabit domain.
There are even more advanced routers that use Wi-Fi 6, otherwise known as the 802.11ax protocol. This is currently the most advanced wireless protocol available, and it allows devices to support more connections, become more efficient, and provide even higher speeds.
Wireless Bands
Routers used to work on only one band, broadcasting a single frequency -the 2. 4GHz frequency. But as the internet of things (IoT), smart homes, and connected devices started to expand, routers began sharing that bandwidth with mobile devices and other radio waves, such as Bluetooth and microwaves. To deal with the increase in traffic, modern router manufacturers resorted to expanding bandwidths by making their routers dual and tri-band.
Dual-band routers feature a 2. 4 GHz bandwidth as well as a 5GHz bandwidth. Tri-band routers, on the other hand, come with one 2. 4 GHz band and two 5GHz bands. While tri-band routers are often more expensive than dual-band routers, they offer more features and are the best for heavy usage. So if you stream movies and audio, play online games, or have a large number of devices in your home, buy a tri-band router.
- On a budget? Check out the best gaming router under $100
- Check out the best WiFi adapters for gaming
- See also the best modem router combo for gaming
Ports
You want to ensure that your long-range router features an adequate number of ports. Different routers come with varying numbers of ports for you to connect your wired devices. While most devices will be connected over Wi-Fi, ports for wired connections are essential, especially if you stream a lot or play online games. You may also need to connect to an Ethernet or USB port to avoid crowding your network hub.
Antennas
Antennas are another critical factor to consider when choosing the best long-range WiFi router. Basically, the bigger the antenna and the higher the number of antennas, the better the signal. This is why you see some of the world’s most powerful routers featuring antennas that make them look like spiders. Many routers with antennas come with omnidirectional antennas that help them send out signals in multiple directions.
But this is fast becoming an old tech as there are now routers that can send signals to specific areas of your home. This feature is known as beamforming, and it allows you to cover dead spots while enhancing your signal strength.
Conclusion
Getting the best router for gaming, your business and streaming activities shouldn’t be challenging. That is why we’ve carefully selected the best routers on the market. Whether you’re using it in a large home, small home, or your office space, the long-range routers we’ve selected above are bound to help improve your network coverage, stability, and reliability.
Some of our top recommendations include the Archer AC4000, ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AX11000, Netgear Orbi, and the TP-Link AX6000. Are you confused about the necessary factors to look out for? Our short but informative guide above will help you out.If you liked our article on wifi router for long range, please share and comment below what your favorite product is.
