How do you know if you need a long-range router?

Dead zones, dropped connections, choppiness on video calls, and buffering issues are indicators that it’s time to get a new router, and possibly a long-range router. One way to help find the best router for your needs is to use a network analyzer such as Netspot , a free tool that can help you get a map of your Wi-Fi coverage and identify dead spots or areas prone to interference.

Should you get a long-range router or a Wi-Fi extender?

If you’re having problems getting wireless coverage in one specific area in your home, Wi-Fi extenders can be a quick and cost-effective alternative to replacing your entire router. However, you’ll almost always be better off getting a long-range router if you can afford it to expand the coverage in every direction, making things easier in the long run.

Do faster routers provide better range?

Not necessarily. You'll get the fastest possible speeds from any router when you’re sitting beside it, but those speeds can quickly fall off as you move farther away if the router can't deliver a strong, focused signal. The best long-range routers create a powerful signal that can travel farther around your home while clearing obstacles such as walls and floors.

Should I buy a mesh network instead?

Traditional long-range routers rely on sheer brute force signal strength to cover a wide area. On the other hand, a mesh network uses multiple routers broadcasting the same signal to create one extensive network with faster speeds than traditional Wi-Fi extenders—since they're designed to work together for maximum performance. They also allow for future expansion if necessary. However, mesh networks are more expensive.

The Best Long-Range Routers

Netgear Orbi 970 mesh router system in black — Photo:
Netgear

The best long-range routers resolve pesky dead zones in your space, covering much more area. In our research, mesh systems, or standalone routers with mesh-system compatibility, offer the best results.

These are our recommendations for most people.

Note: Prices are subject to change.

Our Top Picks

Just Buy This (All Around Best):

Netgear Orbi 970 at Amazon $2,000

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Also Great (Plus, 15 percent off right now):

ASUS RT-AX86U Pro at Amazon $227

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Easiest on the Budget (Get it for under $100):

SALE

TP-Link Deco Mesh AC1900 at Amazon ~~$130~~ $100

Jump to Review

Just Buy This (All Around Best)

Netgear Orbi 970

$2,000 $1,999 at Amazon

TL;DR: Perfect for the multi-level home, the Netgear Orbi 970 delivers up to 10,000 square feet of coverage, quad-band frequencies, and a whole lot more.

Why We Recommend It

If you have a big, multi-level home and require the biggest possible coverage, the latest-generation Netgear Orbi 970 is hard to overlook. While it requires an investment, you get a lot for the buy-in.

This quad-band system offers blazing-fast Wi-Fi 7 up to 27Gpbs and quad-band (6GHz, 5GHz, and 2.4GHz) frequencies.

Pros

Supports Wi-Fi 7
Massive 10,000 square foot coverage
Expandable with additional nodes
Supports 10 Gigabit Ethernet wired connectivity

Cons

Very expensive
Limited number of Wi-Fi 7 devices

The Orbi 970's dedicated 5GHz and 6GHz backhaul channels can support up to 200 devices on the network simultaneously.

This system also delivers speedy wired networking with a 10-Gigabit Ethernet port on every node and four additional 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet connectors.

A single node covers 3,300 square feet, so buying one unit at a time can be a way to spread out the expense while still adding more coverage.

The setup we recommend is the three-pack configuration, which offers up to 10,000 square feet of coverage to start—and is expandable with more nodes.

While the Orbi 970 could be cost prohibitive, if you want the best whole-home coverage for big spaces, not much competes with this model.

Who else recommends it? Publications like TechRadar, Tom’s Guide, PCMag, and How-To Geek agree that this system is at or near the top of its class.
What do buyers say? Nearly 4,900 Amazon customers have rated the Orbi 970 an average 4.3 out of 5 stars. Fans love its seamless setup and operation and speedy performance.

Also Great (Plus, 15 percent off right now)

ASUS RT-AX86U Pro

$227 at Amazon $236 at Newegg.com

TL;DR: Spend a little less for excellent Wi-Fi 6 coverage and the option to expand into a mesh system.

Why We Recommend It

If you prefer a standalone router with the option to expand it into a larger system, the Asus RT-AX86U Pro could fit the bill.

This dual-band Wi-Fi 6 router offers fast enough speed for file transfers, Gigabit Ethernet, and capably reduces network congestion.

This router also supports AiMesh, so you can expand your network range with an additional compatible router.

Pros

Fast Wi-Fi 6 connectivity
Easily covers 2,000-square-foot homes
Wired 2.5Gbps Ethernet for fast and stable gaming
Easily expandable through AiMesh system

Cons

Lacks latest 6GHz band
Lacks Wi-Fi 7
External antennas can be an eyesore

The RT-AX86U Pro's single 2.5Gigabit Ethernet port, a rarity on most standalone routers, is deal for ultra-fast networking and even competitive gaming. This unit also comes with four additional Gigabit Ethernet ports.

As is typical on routers with external antennas, you can adjust them to direct your Wi-Fi signal—though the look might not be for everyone.

Other bonuses include VPN connection and strong quality of service traffic routing, which prioritizes low-latency connections—great for gaming.

Who else recommends it? Wired, CNET, PCMag, and Tom’s Guide also recommend this router for its range and gaming features.
What do buyers say? The Asus RT-AX86U holds an average 4.5-star rating on Amazon, where buyers praise the easy setup and performance.

Easiest on the Budget (Get it for under $100)

TP-Link Deco Mesh AC1900

$130 $100 at Amazon

TL;DR: A whole-home mesh system for a lot less than more premium options.

Why We Recommend It

If you're seeking an affordable mesh system with great coverage, the Deco Mesh S4 from TP-Link is worth your time.

For far less than our top pick, the three-pack Deco Mesh S4 system delivers up to 5,500 square feet of Wi-Fi 5 coverage, Gigabit-speed internet, and support for up to 100 devices.

Pros

Very affordable for three nodes
Strong performance with Wi-FI 5
Massive potential 5,500-square-foot coverage
Dual-band connectivity helps avoid congestion

Cons

Lacks Wi-Fi 6 and WI-Fi 7 speeds
Lacks newer 6GHz frequency band

The Deco app makes setup intuitive and fast, with easy step-by-step guidance and Alexa support. And the web interface is just as easy to use for tools like content restrictions with parental controls.

Although they don’t support the latest Wi-Fi standards and frequency bands, the units work with all other Deco models, which makes upgrading over time convenient and cost effective.

Who else recommends it? Wired, PCMag, and CNET agree that this router is a favorable choice for mesh system shoppers on a budget.
What do buyers say? This Amazon fan-favorite has over 28,200 reviews and a global 4.5-star rating. The app and signal strength earn a lot of points from happy buyers.

How We Chose

To select the best long-range routers for most people, we used our research to narrow the list to models with strong buyer and third-party reviews earning an average 4-star rating or higher.

As for specifications, we looked at the following factors, and selected models that excel in the following areas:

Wi-Fi generation
Band frequencies
Quality of Service support
Backend interfaces
Ease of setup
Device support
Price and value for money

What to Look For

When considering a long-range router, we think mesh systems are the best options for wider coverage—especially in multi-level and larger homes.

Mesh systems also provide a lot of expandability, allowing you to purchase a router with one or two satellites and add more later—or use it with compatible routers and Wi-Fi extenders.

As with any router, we also recommend looking at:

Wi-Fi generation support: Wi-Fi 7 is the newest and fastest, but Wi-Fi 5 is plenty for Gigabit internet connection speeds.
Ethernet ports: Models with Ethernet ports can be ideal if you want to hook up PCs and gaming consoles for top speed and stability.
Administrative controls: The usability of administrative panels and apps can also make a difference in how easy device management and customization is, including parental controls.

Long-Range Router Brands We Considered

We looked at products from the biggest names in the long-range router space, including:

Asus
Google
Linksys
Netgear
TP-Link

FAQ

How do you know if you need a long-range router?

Dead zones, dropped connections, choppiness on video calls, and buffering issues are indicators that it’s time to get a new router, and possibly a long-range router. One way to help find the best router for your needs is to use a network analyzer such as Netspot, a free tool that can help you get a map of your Wi-Fi coverage and identify dead spots or areas prone to interference.
Should you get a long-range router or a Wi-Fi extender?

If you’re having problems getting wireless coverage in one specific area in your home, Wi-Fi extenders can be a quick and cost-effective alternative to replacing your entire router. However, you’ll almost always be better off getting a long-range router if you can afford it to expand the coverage in every direction, making things easier in the long run.
Do faster routers provide better range?

Not necessarily. You'll get the fastest possible speeds from any router when you’re sitting beside it, but those speeds can quickly fall off as you move farther away if the router can't deliver a strong, focused signal. The best long-range routers create a powerful signal that can travel farther around your home while clearing obstacles such as walls and floors.
Should I buy a mesh network instead?

Traditional long-range routers rely on sheer brute force signal strength to cover a wide area. On the other hand, a mesh network uses multiple routers broadcasting the same signal to create one extensive network with faster speeds than traditional Wi-Fi extenders—since they're designed to work together for maximum performance. They also allow for future expansion if necessary. However, mesh networks are more expensive.