Last Updated on
As you’re looking for the best router for gigabit internet, we have you covered right here. In terms of internet speed and connectivity, we have come a long way. Routers and internet providers today support speeds of more than 1 Gbps. To make the most out of your high-speed internet plan, you need a router that runs on the latest WiFi standards, supports multiple connections, and offers adequate security.
With that being said many routers deliver speeds of more than 1000 Mbps. To help you get the right router for you, we have researched and rounded up what we think are the best Gigabit routers.
-
Best router for gigabit internetNetgear Nighthawk WiFi 6E Router (RAXE300)
- Standard: WiFi 6E
- Frequency bands: 2.5 GHz, 5 GHz, 6 GHz
- Max speed: 7.8 Gbps
- LAN ports: 1 x 2.5 Gbps, 4 x 1 Gbps
-
Best budget Gigabit routerTP-Link AX1800
- Standard: WiFi 6
- Frequency bands: 2.4 GHz, 5 Ghz
- Max Speed: 1.8 Gbps
- LAN ports: 4 x 1 Gbps
-
Best mid-range Gigabit routerASUS RT-AX3000
- Standard: WiFi 6
- Frequency bands: 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz
- Max speed: 2.4 Gbps
- LAN ports: 4 x 1 Gbps
How we picked the best router for gigabit internet
To find the best routers for gigabit internet we used our expertise to select items based on key specs – like speeds, wireless standards, security, and additional features. We’ve also delved into and weighted market sentiment and user views, to ensure our selections are in line with what users experience from these products.
We continue to refine our selections and recommendations, so this guide may change as new products are considered. If you’re after a top 1gb router then we’re confident you’ll find an option that works for you below. However, if you’re making your selection based on combo devices, also check out our best modem router combo options. For security, read our best secure router guide, as well as our article on the best parental control routers.
- Standard: WiFi 6E
- Frequency bands: 2.5 GHz, 5 GHz, 6 GHz
- Max speed: 7.8 Gbps
- LAN ports: 1 x 2.5 Gbps, 4 x 1 Gbps
- Up to 7.8 Gbps speeds
- Covers up to 2,500 sqft
- Connects up to 40 devices
- Paid security subscription
- Not ideal if you want a budget option
If you want the best Gigabit router, then you should check out the Netgear Nighthawk RAXE300 router, which we think deserves to be one of the best WiFi 6E routers.
As this is a WiFi 6E router, it has three bands, which, together, give up to 7.8 Gbps speeds. With this speed, you should be able to stream 4K and 8K videos, game online, and do other activities. Plus, this router is compatible with any Internet Service Provider plan up to 1 Gigabit, which includes DSL, fiber, and more.
…you can keep your smart home devices connected without any issue.
PC Guide
As far as coverage is concerned, the router promises to cover an area of up to 2,500 sq. ft. Plus, you can keep up to 40 devices connected simultaneously, which means you can keep your smart home devices connected without any issue. And with OFDMA and MU-MIMO, you should be able to get stable internet speeds on several devices. As far as wired connectivity is concerned, you get four 1G ports and one 2.5G port, so you can plug in PCs, consoles, and other wired devices.
For security, Netgear offers a 30-day free trial for Netgear Armor and Netgear Smart Parental Controls. If you’d like to continue using these services, you will have to pay for the subscription. In addition to this, the router WPA2/WPA3 wireless security protocols, firewall, VPN, and other features for better security.
What users say
On Amazon, users are generally happy with the use and set up of the RAXE300. One user comments: “Setup was mostly simple, with some minor trial and error. Overall, my internet speeds have been solid and I am very happy.”
- Standard: WiFi 6
- Frequency bands: 2.4 GHz, 5 Ghz
- Max Speed: 1.8 Gbps
- LAN ports: 4 x 1 Gbps
- Good value for many users
- Solid mesh compatibility
- No extra features beyond standard network options
If you are on a budget but still want to make the most of your high-speed internet connection, then you should check out the TP-Link (Archer AX21) router. In fact, we think that it deserves to be on the list of the best routers under $100.
The WiFi 6 router has two bands, which combine to give you a speed of 1.8 Gbps. With these speeds, you can game, stream, and do other activities without any issues. Further, the WiFi router is compatible with Xfinity, Cox, Verizon, Spectrum, and other popular ISPs. So all you need is a high-speed plan and a cable modem.
…with beamforming, the router should strengthen the signal based on your location.
PC Guide
As far as coverage goes, the TP-Link router has four external antennas, which should provide decent coverage. Further, the router has OFDMA, which should let you connect multiple devices. Plus, with beamforming, the router should strengthen the signal based on your location. In case you want to extend coverage, you always make use of mesh compatibility.
What users say
Value is key to reviews of the AX21 by users on Amazon. One owner comments: “…it’s affordable, has tons of options, and doesn’t have performance issues that ISP-supplied routers do”.
- Standard: WiFi 6
- Frequency bands: 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz
- Max speed: 2.4 Gbps
- LAN ports: 4 x 1 Gbps
- Speeds of up to 1.8 Gbps wired
- Asus AiMesh compatible
- Has MU-MIMO and OFDMA support
- Might be a bit pricey for some
- Can take some fine-tuning for top performance
If you want a router that comes loaded with useful features and at a reasonable price, then you should check out the Asus RT-AX3000 router.
This is a dual-band WiFi 6 router that can give you a total (combined) speed of 3000 Mbps. With this speed, you should be able to game online, stream, and make the most out of your high-speed internet plan.
As far as coverage goes, the router promises to cover up to 3000 sq. ft. area, which should be sufficient for a small to medium-sized house. Plus, much like some of the best routers for multiple devices, this one has MU-MIMO and OFDMA, so you should be able to connect multiple devices simultaneously. And in case you’d want to extend coverage in the future, then this router is AiMesh compatible, so all you need to do is add other AiMesh units.
…in case you’d want to extend coverage in the future, then this router is AiMesh compatible…
PC Guide
Coming to security, the Asus router offers subscription-free network security, which is a big plus. You get protection for all your devices as well as parental controls, which should give you more control over your WiFi network. Plus, with the ASUS Router App, you can customize your experience even more.
What users say
One owner of the RT-AX3000 gave it 4 out of five stars, commenting: “I don’t do gaming but do a lot of streaming and moving the TV and the ROKU ultra to the 5Ghz band of this has made all those streaming glitches go away. My internet provider is 1Gbps, which I see on wired connections, but I use this for wireless and I am happy with it.
How to pick the best router for gigabit internet
In addition to gigabit speed, here are a few things to consider:
WiFi standard
Since a new router is an investment, you should look for a router that runs the latest WiFi standard. At the moment, you should look at WiFi 7, WiFi 6 and WiFi 6E routers, which are the most recent generations of routers.
However, note that as WiFi 7 is newest WiFi 6 routers are more common, and most devices would be compatible. And WiFi 6E isn’t as common. If you have new devices, then you might want to take advantage of that third 6GHz band.
Coverage
The goal here is to get a stable WiFi connection throughout your house or office and eliminate dead zones. To do this, you will have to get a router that can reach every corner. Most routers mention the area they cover in square footage, so you get a fair idea.
Additional features
In addition to this, you should look for features like MU-MIMO, OFDMA, and beamforming if you want to connect multiple devices. If you are into gaming, then you might want to go for a router that offers QoS.
