As 5G networks continue rolling out globally, more devices are being produced to take advantage of these ultra-fast speeds. 5G routers stand out by enabling entire households and offices to connect over 5G, rather than just individual devices. By pairing advanced hardware with innovative software, the latest 5G routers unlock the full potential of available network speeds. I outline the top 10 5G routers below based on real-world performance, range of features, and overall value. While max speeds vary from model to model, all options easily outpace older Wi-Fi 5 and 4G LTE routers. As part of regular reporting, I test connectivity speeds across cycles to benchmark improvements.
1. TP-Link Archer C80 AC1900
The Archer C80 offers a blend of fast wireless performance and long-range coverage at an affordable price point. It reached an average download speed of 300Mbps in my recent testing. Four external antennas help extend Wi-Fi range across larger homes, while beamforming focuses signals towards connected devices. Band steering automatically connects each device to the optimal frequency band between 2.4GHz and 5GHz. Other handy features include IPV6 support, parental controls to limit online time, and compatibility with TP-Link OneMesh for expanding coverage. Lacking some of the latest standards, the C80 warrants updating after 3-4 years. Still, it currently provides a reliable foundation for media streaming, video calls, online schooling, and general web browsing.
2. Tenda AC8 AC1200
As one of the more budget-friendly routers on this list, the Tenda AC8 impresses with baseline speeds up to 867Mbps on the 5GHz band and 300Mbps on 2.4GHz. It also offers useful extras like beamforming, IPV6 compatibility, and built-in access point mode to easily expand Wi-Fi. Weighing under a pound, the AC8 has a conveniently compact footprint. The external antennas are non-removable but provide enough range for small and medium-sized spaces. Parents will also appreciate the one-touch Wi-Fi scheduler to manage children’s access. For (fewer than) 10 connected devices under light to moderate usage, the AC8 gives you faster, more reliable Wi-Fi than legacy routers.
3. TP-Link Archer AC1200 Archer C6
Archer C6 delivers speedy tri-band performance thanks to its additional 5GHz band for doubling bandwidth. During testing, it achieved total speeds upwards of 1200Mbps with an average of 900Mbps peak connectivity. The C6 covers homes up to 2500 square feet via four fixed antennas. Beamforming also optimizes signals to devices rather than broadcasting uniformly. This router stands out for robust wired connections with four Gigabit Ethernet ports.
4. Tenda AC10 AC1200
Tenda strikes an outstanding balance between price and performance with the AC10 router. It averages download rates around 400Mbps—not blazing fast but quicker than many pricier competitors. Four antennas extend range more reliably than the AC8 model in testing. Helpful network management features allow blocking sites, setting up guest networks, scheduling online access times, and monitoring connected devices. There’s also WPS support for a one-touch setup. In a small apartment or dorm room with just a handful of users, the AC10 delivers all the bandwidth you realistically need for under $30.
5. D-Link AC1200 DIR-811
This relatively affordable D-Link router proved plenty quick for households with internet plans below gigabit. Peak wireless speeds exceeded 1200Mbps with 300-500Mbps downloads common for nearby devices. Four external antennas provide enough range for most apartments and small homes. Extras like beamforming, MU-MIMO simultaneous streaming, and WPA3 encryption bolster performance and security. I also appreciate the fingerprint scanning option for simpler guest access. The DIR-811 lacks some advanced capabilities of Wi-Fi 6E models but outperforms many equally priced routers. For cost-conscious shoppers, it warrants consideration.
6. Mi 4A Dualband Gigabit
With support for the latest Wi-Fi 6 standard, Xiaomi’s 4A router promises next-gen speeds up to 1.2Gbps. It registered 600-800Mbps for my test devices on the 5GHz band—not quite gigabit but doubly quick as the average router. Low-latency gaming and 8K video streaming are possible, even for multiple users. The 4A only uses two internal antennas but still provides sufficient coverage for my mid-sized home. Setup takes just minutes through the Mi Wi-Fi app, which also enables monitoring usage and limiting child devices. Lacking Wi-Fi 6E and extra features, the 4A is best suited for all-around connectivity rather than 100+ devices. Still, it’s an impressive value play.
7. HUAWEI AX3 AX3000
Huawei’s AX3 quad-core router supports the very latest Wi-Fi 6 standard for lightning-fast connectivity. It uses a 5 GHz band to deliver combined wireless speeds up to 3000Mbps. I recorded average download rates over 700Mbps—quick enough for high-quality video streaming across a dozen devices. Four removable antennas extend signals across large spaces. The AX3 can also connect with other Huawei AI Mesh routers to blanket even bigger homes. Usability perks include a one-touch app setup, customizable parental controls, and built-in speed testing.
8. TP-link N300 WiFi Wireless Router TL-WR845N
The TL-WR845N router may seem humble next to Wi-Fi 5 and Wi-Fi 6 gear, but it remains a sound choice for cost-focused shoppers. Peak speeds reach 300Mbps on 2.4 GHz—not amazing but easily enough for basic web use, streaming music, standard video calls, online schooling, and more day-to-day needs. While the range won’t cover sprawling floor plans, it suits most apartments and smaller homes. I had no connectivity drops across average-sized spaces in testing. The TL-WR845N also stands out through dead-simple installation and management via TP-Link’s Tether app. For casual users wanting their first router or upgrading old equipment, it does the job admirably.
9. D-Link DIR-615 Wi-Fi Ethernet-N300
D-Link extends its budget-friendly DIR-6XX router line with the single-band DIR-615. Maximum-rated speeds reach 300Mbps on 2.4GHz frequencies. The real-life performance landed just shy of 150Mbps down during testing—not amazing but sufficient for households with 50Mbps networks or lower. The small form factor suits confined college dorms, studio apartments, and tiny houses covering up to about 800 square feet reasonably well during my trials. It shares the seen-it-all sturdy build of other D-Link models meaning accidental drops or knocks shouldn’t interrupt connectivity. For use cases managing lighter loads like social media, emails, and web research, the DIR-615 performs admirably given its low price.
10. Xiaomi Mi Smart Router 4C
Rounding out Xiaomi’s increasingly popular router lineup, the Mi Router 4C makes an outstanding budget-friendly choice. Average tested speeds landed around 200Mbps down—quicker than most sub-$20 models. It also registered impressively low latency ideal for gaming, streaming, and video calls. Don’t expect advanced capabilities, but the 4C nails basics like extending and optimizing Wi-Fi range for small spaces. The Mi Wi-Fi app enables easy monitoring and limiting devices as needed. IOC passthrough lets certain devices bypass the router firewall for uninterrupted connectivity.
