The best router for streaming

Editor's choice

NETGEAR Nighthawk X4S Smart WiFi Router

Best router overall

With wi-fi coverage up to 2,500 feet away from the router and 45 device compatibility, what's not to love about this router? We appreciate how advanced the technology is yet how simple it is to use.

This router is fit for a full family of people that love to stream content with the highest quality possible. It can pair with up to 45 devices, including phones, computers, gaming systems, tablets and much more. The router can be managed through an app, where you will set it up and then also use the app for other purposes, such as managing Wi-Fi access for younger members of the family. For example, you can moderate permitted websites and devices, plus pause Wi-Fi to limit screen time as needed.

The router is Firewall protected and there's a safe, secure, and reliable guest network, plus a VPN, so this router really is the full package.

Extra bonuses include four wired high-speed Ethernet ports you can use to deliver high speed streaming to your favorite devices. Plus, the quality of the device is amplified by four powerful antennas, a dual core processor, and Alexa compatibility.

Together, all these factors are why we're loving this router so much. For the best streaming on the market, this might be the best bet for you and yours.

Key Features

  • Wi-Fi coverage up to 2,500 feet away from the router
  • Can pair up to 45 devices
  • Speed up to 1733 Mbps
Most high-tech

Linksys EA7300 Dual-Band Wi-Fi Router

Advanced technology saves the day

Equipped with advanced technology that will deliver focused signal to all of your devices with impressive speed and zero lag, Linksys stole the show with their router fit for all streaming needs.

This router can only cover 1,500 square feet as opposed to other models that cover a wider range of space, but don't let that deter you from considering this router!

What we love about it is the high-tech features that solidify the router as worthwhile. For example, you can rely on equally high speed internet to multiple devices at once thanks to MU-MIMO technology. This technology, according to Linksys, offers double the speed of non-MU-MIMO wireless connections. Plus, beam forming technology sends a focused signal to all devices using the Wi-Fi across the board. That means that devices won't be prioritized over others, so you can count on all your device streaming content well.

We love that this router is built to deliver high speeds without a lag on many devices at once. Also, setup is easy—just use the Linksys app.

Key Features

  • Uses beam forming technology
  • Speed up to 1.7 Gbps
  • MU-MIMO technology ensures quality is the same across devices
Best for families

TP-Link AC1750 Smart Wi-Fi Router

The more devices, the merrier

With comprehensive family locks as well as space for up to 50 devices, this router is ideal for families or large groups of people.

If you have kids to keep an eye on, this router is an excellent choice for you. It's super family-friendly because the router offers superb parental controls. The router can offer insights into what devices are searching, modify time limits on devices, show user profiles and filter levels. This is all managed through an app you can download on any phone or tablet so you can keep an eye on your kids as frequently as you want to.

The router can connect over 50 devices ranging from phones to gaming systems to other streaming services. It has three external antennas for long range Wi-Fi you can count on. An added bonus is an integrated USB port that acts as a media server.

Best of all, TP-Link won the JD Power Award for highest customer satisfaction in wireless routers in both 2017 and 2019. This router is the real deal, clearly!

Key Features

  • Covers up to 2,500 square feet
  • Connects over 50 devices to the Wi-Fi
  • Speeds up to 1750 Mbps
Most reliable

D-Link Wi-Fi Router

High speeds you can count on

D-Link's router is a good choice because of four high-powered antennas, MU-MIMO technology, and plenty of other features that optimize streaming to an impressive degree.

We love D-Link's dual core process that delivers speeds up to 2533 Mbps. It utilizes MU-MIMO technology, so streaming on multiple devices at once won't have a lag or be lower quality. There's also advanced smart beam technology that tracks connected devices and improves Wi-Fi around your home.

Another perk is two USB ports that offer high speed data transmission through the USB. Smooth video, fast speeds, and minimal congestion on the network are what you can rely on with this router.

Plus, for something as basic as a router, the four antennas and pocked black exterior look pretty cool and futuristic.

Key Features

  • Speeds up to 2533 Mbps
  • Dual core processor
  • Two USB ports assist with high speed data transmission
Easiest setup

Medialink AC1200 Wireless Router

Simple and straightforward

If you don't feel like dealing with the hassle of learning a new router and want the setup process to be as easy as possible, Medialink has you covered.

This router is as easy as 1, 2, 3. Setting it up is as simple as touching a button and voilà—you're ready to start using your router. On the back of the router, there's four spaces to plug in devices like computers, plus one USB for further wired connection. The wireless component of the router can connect up to 20 devices.

It has intense security and firewall plus a guest network so you shouldn't have to worry about a hacker using your Wi-Fi. Technology that enhances the quality of the router includes two high-powered antennas that transmit a signal to your devices in various spots around your house.

For super uncomplicated router experience, this might be the best bet for you!

Key Features

  • Speeds up to 1,000 Mbps
  • Two high powered antennas
  • Can connect up to 20 devices

Before committing to one router or another, we broke down a few terms that might guide your decision.

MU-MIMO Technology

Multiuser multi-input multiple output (MU-MIMO) is an excellent feature to have in a router if you're planning to stream on several devices at once. This technology allows your router to simultaneously work with multiple devices at once, offering high quality speeds to several devices. Thus, MU-MIMO is good for big groups of people who are clustered together yet want to stream games or TV at the same time.

Beam Forming Technology

Beam forming allows your router to send direct, focused signals to devices, thus sharpening quality and minimizing signal interference.

Mbps

This is a form of measuring Internet speeds. It stands for megabits per second. The higher the number, the faster the Internet speeds.

Alaina Strollo

Alaina is a writer and editor for the TravelAwaits team. Between her love for delicious food, hidden gems and niche destinations, and binge-watching travel series on Netflix, Alaina loves writing most of all. She is a storyteller at heart with a passion for sharing stories with the world.