Best WiFi Routers for Streaming of 2026

Mike Davis Avatar
Mike Davis
Last Updated: Jan 11, 2026

* We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

WiFi routers for streaming are essential for those who enjoy streaming movies, TV shows, and music on their devices. These routers provide a strong and stable internet connection that allows for uninterrupted streaming. They come in various sizes and speeds, with some even offering advanced features such as parental controls and guest networks. Many popular brands offer WiFi routers specifically designed for streaming, such as Netgear, TP-Link, and Asus. These routers have become increasingly popular as more and more people turn to streaming as their primary source of entertainment.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

TP-Link AXE5400 Tri-Band WiFi 6E Router Cover #TOP 1
TP-Link AXE5400 Tri-Band WiFi 6E Router
ftb score rating icon 9.9
TP-Link AX5400 WiFi 6 Router (Archer AX73) Cover #TOP 2
TP-Link AX5400 WiFi 6 Router (Archer AX73)
ftb score rating icon 9.8
TP-Link AX1800 WiFi 6 Router (Archer AX21) Cover #TOP 3
TP-Link AX1800 WiFi 6 Router (Archer AX21)
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 WiFi Routers for Streaming

TP-Link AXE5400 Tri-Band WiFi 6E Router

Archer AXE75
Black, White, Gray
TP-Link AXE5400 Tri-Band WiFi 6E Router Cover
TP-Link AXE5400 Tri-Band WiFi 6E Router (Archer AXE75), 2025 PCMag Editors' Choice, Gigabit Internet for Gaming & Streaming, New 6GHz Band, 160MHz, OneMesh, Quad-Core CPU, VPN & WPA3 Security

The TP-Link AXE5400 Tri-Band WiFi 6E Router (Archer AXE75) is a powerful router that offers up to 5400 Mbps WiFi for faster browsing, streaming, gaming and downloading. It features a 1.7 GHz Quad-Core CPU and 512 MB High-Speed Memory, and is equipped with OFDMA and OneMesh technology to increase capacity and create a seamless whole-home coverage. It also supports VPN Server and Client (OpenVPN/PPTP/L2TP) and TP-Link HomeShield for enhanced security. It is compatible with all internet service providers.

What We Like
Excellent coverage and range
Tri-band Wi-Fi performance
Handles many devices easily
Seamless setup and management
Strong signal through walls

TP-Link AX5400 WiFi 6 Router (Archer AX73)

Archer AX73
Black
TP-Link AX5400 WiFi 6 Router (Archer AX73) Cover
TP-Link AX5400 WiFi 6 Router (Archer AX73)- Dual Band Gigabit Wireless Internet Router for Streaming, Long Range Coverage

The TP-Link AX5400 WiFi 6 Router (Archer AX73) is a dual-band gigabit wireless internet router that offers up to 5400 Mbps WiFi for faster browsing, streaming, gaming and downloading. It is equipped with 4T4R and HE160 technologies on the 5 GHz band to enable max 4.8 Gbps ultra-fast connections, and supports MU-MIMO and OFDMA to reduce congestion and 4X the average throughput. It also has improved vented areas to help unleash the full power of the router, and a USB 3.0 port for easy media sharing and private cloud storage. Plus, TP-Link HomeShield provides premium security services to keep your home network safe.

What We Like
Steady signal on both bands
Long-range coverage
Smooth setup with TP-Link's Tether app
Compatible with older devices
Works with Spectrum internet service

TP-Link AX1800 WiFi 6 Router (Archer AX21)

Archer AX21
Black
TP-Link AX1800 WiFi 6 Router (Archer AX21) Cover
TP-Link AX1800 WiFi 6 Router (Archer AX21) – Dual Band Wireless Internet, Gigabit, Easy Mesh, Works with Alexa - A Certified for Humans Device, Free Expert Support

The TP-Link AX1800 WiFi 6 Router (Archer AX21) is a dual-band wireless internet router with a USB port that works with Alexa. It offers next-gen 1.8 Gbps speeds, extensive coverage, and is certified for humans for easy setup. It is compatible with all internet service providers, and features VPN server and client, OFDMA technology, Beamforming technology, and 4 high-gain antennas.

What We Like
Strong WiFi signal
Easy setup process
Reliable performance
Advanced security controls
Wide coverage area

ASUS AX1800 WiFi 6 Router (RT-AX1800S)

RT-AX1800S
BLACK
ASUS AX1800 WiFi 6 Router (RT-AX1800S) Cover
ASUS RT-AX1800S Dual Band WiFi 6 Extendable Router, Subscription-Free Network Security, Parental Control, Built-in VPN, AiMesh Compatible, Gaming & Streaming, Smart Home

The ASUS AX1800 WiFi 6 Router (RT-AX1800S) is a dual-band gigabit router that offers ultra-fast WiFi speeds and increased capacity and efficiency. It features MU-MIMO and OFDMA technology, four Gigabit ports, AiProtection and Parental Controls, and WPS. It is compatible with 802.11ax, 802.11b, 802.11a, 802.11ac, and 802.11g devices, making it an ideal choice for home use.

What We Like
Stable and reliable performance
Good range coverage
Easy mesh setup
Cost-effective over time
Strong security features

NETGEAR R6700AX WiFi 6 Router

R6700AX-3AZPAS
Black
(NEW) 1.8Gbps
NETGEAR R6700AX WiFi 6 Router Cover
NETGEAR 4-Stream WiFi 6 Router (R6700AX) – Router Only, AX1800 Wireless Speed (Up to 1.8 Gbps), Covers up to 1,500 sq. ft., 20 Devices – Free Expert Help

The NETGEAR WiFi 6 Router offers strong wireless coverage for up to 1,500 square feet, making it ideal for homes with multiple devices. It supports up to 20 devices simultaneously, so you won’t have to worry about slow connections when many gadgets are online. With fast AX1800 speeds powered by WiFi 6 technology, you can enjoy smooth streaming, high-quality gaming, and reliable video calls without interruptions. Keep in mind, this router doesn’t include a built-in modem, so you’ll need a separate cable modem to connect to the internet. It works well with any internet provider up to 1 Gbps, giving you flexibility for your setup.

What We Like
Strong coverage area
Supports multiple devices
Fast WiFi 6 speeds
Compatible with various ISPs

TP-Link Archer BE230 Wi-Fi 7 Router

Archer BE230
Black
Compact
TP-Link Archer BE230 Wi-Fi 7 Router Cover
TP-Link Dual-Band BE3600 Wi-Fi 7 Router Archer BE230 | 4-Stream | 2×2.5G + 3×1G Ports, USB 3.0, 2.0 GHz Quad Core, 4 Antennas | VPN, EasyMesh, HomeShield, MLO, Private IOT | Free Expert Support

The TP-Link Wi-Fi 7 Router offers advanced features to enhance your home network. With Wi-Fi 7 technology, you can experience faster speeds and increased reliability, making streaming and gaming smoother than ever. The dual 2.5 Gbps ports allow you to maximize your internet speed, ensuring that your devices connect seamlessly. Powered by a quad-core processor, this router manages high data loads effortlessly, minimizing lag. Additionally, four high-performance antennas extend your Wi-Fi coverage, providing strong signals even in hard-to-reach areas of your home.

What We Like
Easy setup and management
Strong, reliable Wi-Fi coverage
Fast speeds, gigabit capable
Convenient mobile app
Good value for the price
#TOP 7

TP-Link Archer BE6500 Wi-Fi 7 Router

Archer BE400
Black
TP-Link Archer BE6500 Wi-Fi 7 Router Cover
TP-Link Archer BE6500 Dual-Band Wi-Fi 7 Router (Archer BE400) | Dual 2.5 Gbps Ports USB 3.0 | Covers up to 2,400 Sq. ft and 90 Devices | Quad-core CPU| HomeShield, Private IoT, Free Expert Support

The TP-Link Archer Router features the latest Wi-Fi 7 technology, which means you can enjoy faster and more reliable connections on new devices like the iPhone 16 Pro or Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra. With dual-band support and six data streams, it delivers impressive speeds up to 6.5 Gbps, making it perfect for smooth 4K or 8K streaming and lag-free gaming. It also covers a large area of up to 2,400 square feet and can handle up to 90 devices at once, so everyone in your home can stay connected. Plus, with ultra-fast wired ports, you get speedy and stable connections for your high-demand devices, ideal for work or entertainment.

What We Like
Exceptional wireless speed improvements
Easy and intuitive setup
Excellent range and coverage
Strong build quality
App integration and management
#TOP 8

TP-Link AC1900 Smart WiFi Router (Archer A8)

Archer A8
Black
TP-Link AC1900 Smart WiFi Router (Archer A8) Cover
TP-Link AC1900 Smart WiFi Router (Archer A8) -High Speed MU-MIMO Wireless Router, Dual Band Router for Wireless Internet, Gigabit, Supports Guest WiFi

The TP-Link AC1900 Smart WiFi Router (Archer A8) is a dual-band router that offers 600 Mbps on the 2.4GHz band and 1300 Mbps on the 5GHz band. It is compatible with all internet service providers and has 4 x Gigabit LAN and 1 x Gigabit WAN ports. It also has parental controls and OneMesh compatibility to form a seamless WiFi connection with TP-Link OneMesh WiFi Extenders. Customers have praised its easy setup, good signal, and fast throughput.

What We Like
Compatible with all internet service providers
OneMesh compatibility for seamless WiFi connection
Parental controls and 4 x Gigabit LAN and 1 x Gigabit WAN ports
Easy setup and good signal
Fast throughput
#TOP 9

NETGEAR Nighthawk RS90 WiFi 7 Router

RS90-100NAS
Black
NETGEAR Nighthawk RS90 WiFi 7 Router Cover
NETGEAR Nighthawk Dual-Band WiFi 7 Router (RS90) – Router Only, BE3600 Wireless Speed (up to 3.6 Gbps) - Covers up to 2,000 sq. ft., 50 Devices – 2.5 Gig Internet Port - Free Expert Help

The NETGEAR Nighthawk WiFi 7 router offers blazing fast wireless speeds up to 3.6 Gbps, making it ideal for gaming, streaming, video calls, and other entertainment needs. With WiFi 7 technology, it delivers about 20% faster speeds than WiFi 6, ensuring your devices perform at their best. This model is a router only, so you'll need a separate modem to connect to your internet provider. Its compact design and powerful antennas provide reliable coverage for up to 2,000 square feet, so you can enjoy strong WiFi signals throughout your home or office.

What We Like
Fast WiFi 6/7 performance
Easy setup and installation
Strong multi-device connectivity
Compact size, minimal footprint
Stable and reliable connection
#TOP 10

NETGEAR Nighthawk RS140 WiFi 7 Router

RS140-100NAS
Black
NETGEAR Nighthawk RS140 WiFi 7 Router Cover
NETGEAR Nighthawk Dual-Band WiFi 7 Router (RS140) - Router Only, BE5000 Wireless Speed (up to 5.0 Gbps) - Covers up to 2,250 sq. ft., 80 Devices - 2.5 Gig Internet Port – Free Expert Help

The NETGEAR Nighthawk WiFi 7 router offers incredibly fast wireless speeds of up to 5.0 Gbps, making it ideal for gaming, streaming, video calls, and other entertainment needs. It uses the latest WiFi 7 technology, which is about 20% faster than WiFi 6, so you get better performance across all your devices. Keep in mind, this is a router only and doesn’t include a modem, so you’ll need a separate modem to connect to the internet. Its compact design with powerful antennas provides strong WiFi coverage up to 2,250 square feet, ensuring a reliable connection throughout your home or office.

What We Like
Ultra-fast WiFi 7 speeds
Improved performance over WiFi 6
Compact design with strong coverage
Supports many devices simultaneously
Buying Guide Image

The Best WiFi Routers for Streaming to Buy Right Now

How to Choose WiFi Routers for Streaming

If you're someone who enjoys streaming movies or TV shows, then finding the right WiFi router is crucial to ensure a smooth streaming experience. With so many options available in the market, it can be overwhelming to choose one that fits your needs. Here are some factors to consider when selecting a WiFi router for streaming.

Speed

The first thing to consider is the speed of the router. The faster the speed, the better your streaming experience will be. Look for routers that offer speeds of at least 300 Mbps or higher. This will ensure that your videos load quickly and stream without buffering.

Range

The range of the router is another important factor to consider. If you have a large home, then you'll need a router that can cover a larger area. Look for routers with a range of at least 1,500 square feet or more. This will ensure that you can stream from any room in your home without any issues.

Bandwidth

The bandwidth of the router is another crucial factor. If you have multiple devices connected to your network, then you'll need a router that can handle the bandwidth demands. Look for routers that offer at least 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequencies. This will ensure that your network can handle multiple devices and still provide a smooth streaming experience.

Security

Security is also an important factor to consider. Look for routers that offer WPA2 encryption to ensure that your network is secure. This will prevent unauthorized access to your network and ensure that your personal information is protected.

Brand

When it comes to brands, there are many options available in the market. However, not all brands are created equal. Look for reputable brands such as Netgear, TP-Link, or Asus. These brands are known for their quality and reliability.

Final thoughts

Choosing the right WiFi router for streaming is crucial to ensure a smooth and uninterrupted streaming experience. Consider factors such as speed, range, bandwidth, security, and brand when selecting a router. By keeping these factors in mind, you'll be able to find a router that meets your needs and provides a seamless streaming experience.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What kind of router is best for streaming?

5 best Wi-Fi routers for streaming. Linksys EA7500: Our pick.TP-Link Archer AX10: Budget pick.NETGEAR Nighthawk AX12: Splurge pick.TP-Link Archer AX6000: Wi-Fi 6 pick.ASUS RT-AC5300: Multitasking pick.

2. Will a better router help with streaming?

Investing in better tech truly might solve your streaming problems. Consider spending a few extra bucks for a dual band router, as it provides a 5 GHz network with the extra bandwidth suitable for watching movies online.

3. What is a good router speed for streaming?

(Netflix recommends a 25 Mbps speed for streaming 4K, while Amazon says you'll need at least 15 Mbps for the highest-quality video.) That means many homes with multiple active streamers will need internet service that can provide at least 50 Mbps speed.

4. What WiFi routers do streamers use?

NETGEAR Nighthawk Pro Gaming XR500 WiFi Router The Netgear XR500 is another gamer-friendly router with a built-in geo-filter to ensure that you connect to the closest servers possible.

Editor's Notes

During our wifi router for streaming research, we found 24 wifi router for streaming products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 319,353 customer reviews through our big data system to write the wifi routers for streaming list. We found that most customers choose wifi routers for streaming with an average price of $115.34.

The wifi routers for streaming are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of wifi routers for streaming, including TP-Link, ASUS, NETGEAR. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 384 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Mike Davis Avatar

Mike Davis is a professionally trained electrician with six years of working experience in the electronics industry. He has written an array of web and mobile-based articles for e-magazines and blogs. He loves trying out some novel and popular gadgets and his expertise is in the areas of electronics and computers which is built over many years of working and personal experiences.