The perfect routers for Verizon Fios of 2023

As tens of millions of individuals modify to distant work, a dependable dwelling community is extra necessary than ever—and, due to this fact, so is a dependable router. A constant connection that may deal with Zoom conferences, video uploads, and streaming displays with out buckling below the excessive bandwidth. Typically, when your private home community fails to ship the speeds your ISP promised, a brand new and improved router might help fairly a bit. The router you will get from Verizon Fios pales compared to one of the best routers in the marketplace. When you want a approach to make the service be just right for you, one of the best routers for Verizon Fios can ship increased speeds throughout many extra gadgets and will assist as a lot as upgrading your plan.

How we selected one of the best routers for Verizon Fios

Earlier than turning into a part of Widespread Science’s commerce group, I lined devices and kit, together with routers, for websites like TechnoBuffalo, XDA Builders, and CNN Underscored. I’ve arrange a number of routers and mesh networks for work through the years, together with many on Fios, which has been my dwelling web service supplier since 2016.

To make our alternatives, I drew on that have, in addition to PopSci’s many guides to purchasing one of the best routers proper now. After all, I additionally cross-checked every suggestion for compatibility with Fios, thought of trade guides, and browse below impressions to raised perceive what’s accessible.

Understanding Verizon Fios

Fios is the house web division of Verizon and runs solely on fiber-optic cable. Fiber optics use pulses of sunshine to ship information via tiny strands of clear materials like glass or plastic, carrying information on to your machine. Fiber’s typically thought of superior to cable as a result of it’s extra resilient to lag and buffering.

Relying in your location, Fios affords as much as 940 Mbps obtain speeds and 880 Mbps add speeds, which ought to permit for a really related dwelling to do plenty of streaming for work or play, gaming, and handle a community of good dwelling gadgets. Typically the draw back to Fios is availability. Although it’s accessible nationally, Fios isn’t accessible in every single place. You possibly can at all times go to the Fios web site to see if you will get service in your house or to request it.

The perfect routers for Verizon Fios: Opinions & Suggestions

The perfect routers for Verizon Fios ought to have the ability to deal with no matter you throw at them, whether or not you’re taking all-day video calls, watching 4K films, or taking part in video video games on-line. All of those routers supply a considerable improve over the usual Fios router, however that efficiency comes at a premium.

Greatest total: Asus ROG Rapture GT-AX11000

Purchase it used or refurbished: Amazon

Why it made the minimize: Asus masses up on options, together with Wi-Fi 6E, RGB lighting, and extra with the superb ROG Rapture GT-AX11000.

Specs

• Velocity: 11000 Mbps
• Wired LAN Ports: 4
• USB Ports: 2
• Bands: 3

Execs

• Wi-Fi 6E assist
• Loads of ports
• Tri-band assist

Cons

The Asus ROG Rapture GT-AX11000 has each fashionable characteristic that you may want from a top-of-the-line router. That includes assist for Wi-Fi 6E and a plethora of ports, this tri-band router will guarantee your community offers quick Wi-Fi to your whole gadgets with out interruption. 

The Rapture GT-AX11000 additionally helps a quad-core CPU to assist preserve issues working easily and options that prioritize on-line gaming for decreased latency and higher ping charges. It additionally encompasses a design that minimizes the gap between the motherboard connectors and the antennas, which helps optimize the sign power in each route. In true gaming router vogue, it’s lined in RGB lighting, although it isn’t only for present—you’ll be able to configure the router to glow completely different colours to point community standing, efficiency dips, and extra.

When you’re trying to cowl a big area, the GT-AX11000 may function a mesh community entry level when paired with different Asus routers. It could be overkill for some, however the Asus ROG Rapture GT-AX11000 offers you large protection over a wide selection of high-demand networking situations.

Greatest dual-band: Asus RT-AX86U Wi-Fi 6 gaming router

Purchase it used or refurbished: eBay

Why it made the minimize: The RT-AX86U from Asus offers customers with one of the best options of Wi-Fi 6 and extra.

Specs

• Velocity: 5700 Mbps
• Wired LAN Ports: 4
• USB Ports: 2
• Bands: 2

Execs

• Mesh community assist
• Nice for gaming
• Simple set up via net browser or app

Cons

• Vertical orientation antennas make for a very tall router

When you’re searching for a strong router that gives an excellent steadiness of velocity, expertise, and options, the Asus RT-AX86U is hard to beat. This dual-band router options Wi-Fi 6, 4 Gigabit Ethernet ports, and helps mesh networking, so you’ll be able to simply create a whole-home Wi-Fi community that reaches each room of your private home. 

The Asus RT-AX86U additionally helps a cellular app to simply management settings, three amplified antennas, beamforming, and adaptive QoS (High quality of Service), which lets customers prioritize particular community site visitors, like streaming video and gaming. Talking of gaming, the router features a devoted gaming port that robotically prioritizes any wired gadgets related to it. When you play on-line multiplayer video games, it is a good way to make sure you get the quickest, most constant connection.

Greatest for gaming: Asus AX6000 Wi-Fi 6 Gaming Router (RT-AX88U)

Purchase it used or refurbished: eBay

Why it made the minimize: The Asus AX6000 affords extensive protection, as much as 6 Gbps bandwidth, and superior options like QoS for no-lag gaming.

Specs

• Velocity: 6000 Mbps
• Wired LAN Ports: 8
• USB Ports: 2
• Bands: 2

Execs

• 8 wired LAN ports
• Helps Wi-Fi 6
• Highly effective safety features

Cons

Recreation consoles and PCs require a powerful, secure connection, so it is smart to wire them up should you can. The Asus AX6000 affords a whopping eight Gigabit Ethernet ports, so you’ll be able to wire up each close by console and PC with out a difficulty. For every part else, the dual-band router can transfer as much as 6 Gbps bandwidth, overlaying a 5,000-square-foot dwelling. It’s a router for a giant dwelling community.

The AX6000 additionally affords superior options, together with AiProtection Professional, which blocks malicious web sites and protects your gadgets from malware and spam. If the system detects {that a} machine has been compromised, it can forestall your machine from making an outbound connection to transmit your delicate info.

Lastly, the AX6000 options adaptive QoS and prioritizes particular gadgets, like your recreation consoles and PC. That means, your video games will nonetheless run easily in case your community will get quickly overloaded.

Greatest for streaming: TP-Hyperlink Archer A20 (AC4000)

Purchase it used or refurbished: eBay

Why it made the minimize: The TP-Hyperlink Archer A20 is a good router for dwelling with plenty of gadgets due to its three frequency bands, 4 Gigabit Ethernet ports, and sufficient bandwidth to transmit 4 Gbps of knowledge.

Specs

• Velocity: 4000 Mbps
• Wired LAN Ports: 4
• USB Ports: 2
• Bands: 3

Execs

• Tri-band
• Beamforming and MU-MIMO assist
• Constructed-in antivirus
• Companion app and Amazon Alexa assist
• Very reasonably priced

Cons

For individuals who spend nights and weekends binge-watching exhibits on Netflix and HBO Max, the TP-Hyperlink Archer A20 must be in your wishlist. The tri-band router helps as much as 4GB bandwidth and 4 Gigabit Ethernet ports, giving customers loads of flexibility to plug in TVs, gaming consoles, and set-top containers. The Archer A20 additionally encompasses a 1.8 GHz processor, 512GB of RAM, which helps preserve every part working easily. It additionally options “vary enhance” expertise that gives a extra constant, lag-free connection within the far corners of your private home. 

The TP-Hyperlink Archer A20 additionally helps beamforming expertise, which focuses wi-fi indicators towards a selected receiving machine. It additionally options MU-MIMO, or “multi-user, multiple-input, multiple-output” expertise to facilitate communication with a number of gadgets concurrently. These options make the Archer A20 nice for properties filled with streaming gadgets, guaranteeing nobody has to undergo via lengthy bouts of buffering.

Greatest Wi-Fi 6E: Netgear Nighthawk Wi-Fi 6E Router (RAXE500)

Purchase it used or refurbished: eBay

Why it made the minimize: If you wish to put together for the way forward for Wi-Fi, the Netgear Nighthawk Wi-Fi 6E affords 6 GHz assist, which can open the door for fast close-range connections in new gadgets quickly.

Specs

• Velocity: 10800 Mbps
• Wired LAN Ports: 4
• USB Ports: 2
• Bands: 3

Execs

• Can join as much as 60 gadgets
• Helps as much as 10.8 Gbps bandwidth
• Helps new 6 GHz band

Cons

That includes assist for the brand new 6 GHz band and protection of as much as 3,500 sq. toes, the Netgear Nighthawk RAXE500 is likely one of the most future-proof routers you should purchase proper now. The Wi-Fi 6E router helps as much as 10.8 Gbps bandwidth and a whopping 60 gadgets, which is ideal for properties with a number of good dwelling devices. It contains 4 Gigabit Ethernet ports, a single 2.5G Multi-Gig port for supporting speeds between 10 Mbps to 2.5 Gbps, and a quad-core 1.8 GHz processor with 1GB of RAM. There’s additionally a Nighthawk app for straightforward setup and entry to parental controls and superior safety features to maintain your family protected. Fittingly, Netgear’s futuristic router encompasses a futuristic design, giving it a glossy look to match the highly effective options.

Greatest price range: TP-Hyperlink Archer A7

Purchase it used or refurbished: eBay

Why it made the minimize: The TP-Hyperlink Archer 7 can cowl a 2,500-square-foot dwelling, helps as much as 1.75 Gbps, and has an app for deep parental controls.

Specs

• Velocity: 1750 Mbps
• Wired LAN Ports: 4
• USB Ports: 1
• Bands: 2

Execs

• Nice protection for the value
• As much as 1750 Mbps of bandwidth
• App assist for parental controls

Cons

• No beamforming or MU-MIMO
• No Wi-Fi 6 assist

The TP-Hyperlink Archer A7 is spectacular for a sub-$100 router. It helps as much as 1.75 Gbps of bandwidth throughout 2,500 sq. toes. This provides customers loads of flexibility to stream over Wi-Fi and hardwire gadgets which may profit from a extra constant connection, like a PC or gaming console. The TP-Hyperlink Archer A7 additionally options an app for extra granular management over the expertise and TP-Hyperlink OneMesh assist, permitting customers to shortly arrange a mesh community for whole-home protection. Sadly, the Archer A7 doesn’t assist extra superior options like beamforming and MU-MIMO, however the router nonetheless affords loads of worth for the value.

Issues to think about when shopping for one of the best routers for Verizon Fios

Like most web service suppliers, Verizon will fortunately give you a router, which doesn’t require an additional free in your month-to-month invoice. There’s nothing that claims it’s important to use that router although. The truth is, should you’re keen to pay some cash upfront, one of the best routers supply a a lot better vary and assist for extra gadgets.

Technically, any router must be appropriate with Verizon’s web hookup. With the intention to be sure you can get essentially the most out of Fios’ greatest plan, we appeared for routers that may assist as much as 1 Gbps of bandwidth. We additionally thought of dual-band and tri-band routers that assist newer Wi-Fi 5 and Wi-Fi 6 requirements.

Selecting one of the best routers for Verizon Fios can get difficult shortly. Router specs lean closely on trade jargon. It may be complicated and irritating for even essentially the most seasoned technophiles. We’ll stroll you thru the fundamentals, so you’ll be able to choose the suitable router to your dwelling setup.

Velocity and wi-fi protocol

When you’re going to pay for gigabit web, you’ll desire a router that may benefit from these speeds. In any other case, you’re losing cash paying for a service plan you’ll be able to’t use. If attainable, we suggest shopping for a router with a most bandwidth properly excessive velocity it’s best to obtain out of your plan. This provides you some flexibility should you resolve to improve to a quicker plan down the highway. 

You must also pay shut consideration to what wireless-fidelity protocol your router helps. There are numerous variations of Wi-Fi, that are famous by numerous wi-fi protocols or, extra lately, by the numbered Wi-Fi normal. The protocol determines your router’s vary and throughput, which measures information speeds in your native community, together with different updates and optimizations. The wi-fi protocol is written out because the quantity 802.11, adopted by a string of numbers and letters. (You actually solely want to fret concerning the letters.) The Wi-Fi normal, which is available in less complicated variations like “Wi-Fi 5” and “Wi-Fi 6,” signifies the identical set of specs and optimizations.

Newer, dearer routers are normally able to supporting the most recent variations, Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 6E, however additionally, you will possible discover older fashions on the market restricted to older, slower variations. Networking requirements are backward appropriate, so a Wi-Fi 6 router will hook up with gadgets designed with older Wi-Fi requirements in thoughts. Right here’s just a little breakdown of what the newer requirements supply:

11ax (Wi-Fi 6E): Wi-Fi 6E opens assist for the 6 GHz band, which guarantees even quicker speeds and fewer community congestion over brief distances. As soon as Wi-Fi 6E turns into extra widespread throughout dwelling networks and private gadgets, it’s best to by no means run into buffering throughout a Zoom name once more.

11ax (Wi-Fi 6): Wi-Fi 6 is the most recent normal and delivers speeds as much as 10 Gbps, which not many gadgets and web connections assist. Wi-Fi 6 additionally options enhancements that assist it keep increased speeds throughout many gadgets without delay. Earlier Wi-Fi generations typically wrestle to remain speedy when a number of gadgets are streaming concurrently. For extra on the fundamentals of Wi-Fi protocols, take a look at our Wi-Fi 6 explainer.

11ac (Wi-Fi 5): That is the usual present in most fashionable routers and helps speeds as much as 3.5 Gbps. 

11n (Wi-Fi 4): That is the slowest normal and helps speeds as much as 600 Mbps. It was the primary to permit each 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequencies (extra on that beneath).

If attainable, we suggest shopping for a router that helps one of many latest Wi-Fi requirements. Not solely will you get the absolute best connection, however Wi-Fi 6 routers are higher outfitted to deal with congested networks, which regularly slows down dwelling networks.

Frequency bands and channels

Frequency bands are a variety of radio wavelengths that transmit information over a wi-fi spectrum. With regard to wi-fi routers, frequency bands are successfully communication channels to your router to transmit information between your modem and gadgets.

Most routers characteristic 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequency bands; the upper the frequency, the quicker the info transmission fee. Sadly, increased frequency bands characteristic shorter sign ranges, so it is advisable to be nearer to your router for the quickest, most dependable connection.

Utilizing 2.4 GHz frequencies sends information just a little slower, however affords a greater vary (150 indoors and 300 toes outdoor). At 5 GHz, information strikes quicker, over a shorter vary. The connection can also be extra inclined to interference from partitions and different stable objects. New high-end Wi-Fi 6E routers additionally supply a 3rd frequency band, 6 GHz, which affords even quicker speeds, on the expense of stability and vary.

Most routers characteristic both dual-band or tri-band radio performance, giving your gadgets both two or three channels to make a connection. Twin-band routers normally characteristic a 2.4 GHz band and 5 GHz band, guaranteeing they’ll hook up with any Wi-Fi machine. Tri-band routers normally add a second 5 GHz channel, minimizing congestion over the quicker frequency.

We suggest a tri-band router for giant dwelling networks with many gadgets that keep related to the web across the clock. The additional band will permit extra gadgets to connect with your community with none noticeable dips in velocity. Be warned: Tri-band performance is a luxurious characteristic usually reserved for dearer routers.

Vary

Extra highly effective routers cannot solely deal with extra gadgets and meet newer requirements, however in addition they push their wi-fi indicators additional. Wi-Fi indicators are at their strongest if you end up near a router, with no bodily objects getting between it and your machine. Begin transferring away, or placing partitions and doorways between you and the router, and your connection will begin to degrade. Excessive-end routers typically supply the next most vary, which, in flip, results in extra stability at longer distances.

Shopping for a router with the next most distance can enhance sign power in your house, however it isn’t at all times one of the best answer. When you’re having bother getting a connection in a selected room or space of your private home, a Wi-Fi extender can enhance your sign simply sufficient to enhance that particular problem. If it is advisable to cowl a really massive space, or expertise connection points even while you’re comparatively near your router, you could profit from utilizing a mesh Wi-Fi system, which generates Wi-Fi from a number of gadgets.

Earlier than shopping for any new gear, it’s best to attempt repositioning your router to a centralized location in your house, on an open shelf away from any partitions. (Don’t disguise your router in a cupboard or TV stand!) Relying on the state of affairs, you could discover that optimizing your setup improves issues sufficient to make an improve superfluous. Additionally, changing your router received’t assist that a lot should you’re hiding it in a closet.

Connectivity

Within the age of Wi-Fi, counting on an Ethernet port might sound old-fashioned, however a wired connection offers a constant, uninterrupted connection on the highest attainable velocity. As such, we expect it’s necessary to get a router with loads of further Ethernet ports so you’ll be able to join your most necessary, bandwidth-hungry gadgets straight. (I take advantage of Ethernet for my PlayStation 5 and Apple TV, for instance.) Trendy routers sometimes supply 4 Ethernet ports, so you could not need to look too onerous. Nonetheless, we thought it was necessary sufficient to spotlight, notably should you plug in your laptop for work.

FAQs

Remaining ideas on one of the best routers for Verizon Fios

Regardless of which router you select, it ought to present a constant connection that doesn’t buckle below the calls for of recent residing. There’s sufficient to emphasize over whereas working remotely, and we don’t need your web to be considered one of them. Whether or not you go along with a 1 Gbps plan on Verizon Fios or one thing just a little slower, the above routers will guarantee your Wi-Fi can deal with back-to-back video conferences, high-resolution media, and streaming your favourite exhibits on Netflix.