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If you are looking for the best router for multiple devices, then you have landed on the right page. Now, a WiFI router can accommodate anywhere from 10 to 300 and even more devices – it all depends on the kind of router that you get. Mostly, these routers are useful for large homes, large office spaces, or if you want to keep multiple devices connected (for example, a smart home system with several devices).
At the moment, if you look at the available routers on the market, you will find several WiFi 6 routers that support multiple simultaneous connections. Plus, with technologies like MU-MIMO, OFDMA, and beamforming, the router can deliver stable, steady connections on all the connected devices.
With that being said, there are quite a lot of routers for multiple devices available in the market, and the key to finding the right one isn’t simply selecting one of the best wireless routers. Instead, you need to carefully look at the specs, range, capacity, and compatibility of the router. To save you time on research, we have rounded up what we think are the best WiFi routers for multiple devices.
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BEST WIFI ROUTER FOR MULTIPLE DEVICESNETGEAR Nighthawk RAXE500
- Standard: WiFi 6E
- Frequency band: 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, 6GHz
- Max speed: 10.8 Gbps
- LAN ports: 4 x 1 Gbps
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BEST STARTER WIFI ROUTER FOR MULTIPLE DEVICESTP-Link AX1800
- Standard: WiFi 6
- Frequency bands: 2.4 GHz, 5 Ghz
- Max Speed: 1.8 Gbps
- LAN ports: 4 x 1 Gbps
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BEST MID-RANGE WIFI ROUTER FOR MULTIPLE DEVICESTP-Link Deco XE75
- Standard: WiFi 6E
- Frequency band: 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, 6 GHz
- Max speed: 2402 Mbps
- LAN ports: N/A
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BEST GAMING WIFI ROUTER FOR MULTIPLE DEVICESTP-Link Archer GX-90 AX6600
- Standard: WiFi 6
- Frequency band: 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz
- Max speed: 6,579 Mbps
- LAN ports: 3 x 1 Gbps
How we selected the best WiFi router for multiple devices
For this guide, we have researched and looked at several different routers, compared them, and selected the ones that we think are the best WiFi routers for multiple devices. The routers have been selected based on specs like speed, coverage, and capacity to connect to multiple devices simultaneously. In addition to the research, we keep adding new products to our lists, so check back for new updates.
Best WiFi router for multiple devices
- Standard: WiFi 6E
- Frequency band: 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, 6GHz
- Max speed: 10.8 Gbps
- LAN ports: 4 x 1 Gbps
- Up to 10.8 Gbps speeds
- 3,500 sq. ft. coverage
- 60+ devices
- Good option for smart home with many devices
- Paid security features
If you want the absolute best router for multiple devices, then you should check out the Netgear Nighthawk RAXE500 router, which we think is one of the best WiFi 6E routers available. As mentioned, this is a WiFi 6E router, which means it has that additional 6GHz band, so you can connect compatible devices and get faster speeds. The tri-band router gives up to 10.8 Gbps speeds, which should be more than sufficient to stream 4K or 8K videos, play games, and for other usage.
As far as coverage goes, the router covers about 3,500 sq. ft. of area, which translates to a house with around five bedrooms. So, as long as you’re within this range, you should be able to get a stable WiFi connection.
Now, coming to multiple connections, the router promises to keep about 60 devices connected, which means you should be able to keep all your smart devices running. Plus, the router offers features like MU-MIMO and OFDMA, which should help you get stable connections on multiple devices. And with beamforming, you should be able to get strong signals based on your location. As far as security is concerned, you get a 30-day free trial for Netgear Armor and Netgear Smart Parental Controls. And if you want to continue these services, you will have to get a paid subscription.
What users say
From our research into Amazon user reviews, this product’s easy setup steals the show. Customers praise the clear instructions and smooth installation process. Wide coverage across large homes and impressive performance with strong speeds are winning points too. While value and connectivity get mixed reviews, this router shines for those seeking a user-friendly experience and reliable coverage. One user stated that this router “stands as a towering testament to what the future of internet connectivity can and should look like”.
- Standard: WiFi 6
- Frequency bands: 2.4 GHz, 5 Ghz
- Max Speed: 1.8 Gbps
- LAN ports: 4 x 1 Gbps
- Up to 1800 Mbps speeds
- Coverage up to 2,500 sq. ft.
- Linksys app
- No fancy features
- Not recommended for offices with 30+ devices
If you are on a budget or just starting out, then you should look at the TP-Link Archer AX21, which happens to be one of the best budget routers currently available in the market. The dual-band router gives you up to 1800 Mbps speeds, which is sufficient for online gaming, streaming, and other activities. Plus, as it has two bands, you should be able to experience lesser congestion and faster speeds.
As far as coverage is concerned, this router promises to cover an area of up to 2,500 sq. ft., which should be sufficient for a 3-bedroom house. Plus, it is compatible with mesh, so you can just add extenders to the system if you want to extend the coverage. These extenders can eliminate deadzones in your house or office as they help the signals in reaching every corner.
Now, coming down to the most important part; connectivity. Even though it is a budget router, the Archer AX21 can still connect with up to 30 devices at the same time. Although you shouldn’t anticipate flawless performance once it reaches full capacity, it should still deliver satisfactory performance when numerous devices are connected. This means you should be able to get WiFi on your mobiles, tablets, laptops, PCs, and even smart home devices.
Coming to installations and settings, you can use the Linksys app to configure your network. The app lets you set up a guest network, prioritize devices with QoS, change passwords, and do much more. Overall, it is one of the best routers for multiple devices if you’re tight on a budget.
What users say
According to user reviews on Amazon, the TP-Link is priced perfectly for budget-conscious Wi-Fi upgraders, this router boasts clear and user-friendly setup instructions. Customers rave about its flawless performance, tripling their living room Wi-Fi speeds, and appreciate its extensive coverage and intuitive interface. However, a few reviewers encountered connectivity issues.
- Standard: WiFi 6E
- Frequency band: 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, 6 GHz
- Max speed: 2402 Mbps
- LAN ports: N/A
- WiFi 6E mesh
- Coverage of up to 5,500 sq. ft.
- 200+ devices
- Expansion can be expensive
Now, if you want a router that provides decent coverage and connects multiple devices within a reasonable price range, then you should check out the TP-Link Deco XE75 mesh routers. Each Deco unit has three bands – 6GHz (2402 Mbps), 5GHz (2402 Mbps), and 2.4GHz (574 Mbps). You should get enough speed for streaming, gaming, and other online activities. And as this is a WiFi 6E router, you get the 6GHz band, which should reduce the overall congestion.
The variant we have selected has two Deco units that provide coverage of up to 5,500 sq. ft. Now, if you want more coverage, then you can simply add more units. On the contrary, if you want lesser coverage, you can go for just one Deco unit that would double up as a router.
If you go for two Deco units, you should be able to connect around 200 devices simultaneously, so you should be able to keep all of your devices connected without any issues. You can manage your WiFi network with the Deco app, even when you are away from home. Plus, the routers support Alexa, so you should be able to control the routers easily with voice commands. In case you want to explore more mesh systems, we recommend checking out our top picks for the best mesh routers.
What users say
Users on Amazon praise the TP-Link Deco XE75’s strong wifi signal throughout the house and the easy setup process. However, opinions are divided on signal strength consistency, the app, and overall value. If you prioritize extensive coverage and a user-friendly setup, this router is worth considering, but be sure to research yourself for a well-rounded perspective.
- Standard: WiFi 6
- Frequency band: 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz
- Max speed: 6,579 Mbps
- LAN ports: 3 x 1 Gbps
- Can connect with up to 100 devices simultaneously
- Tri-band functionality
- WiFi 6
- Supports speeds up to 6,579 Mbps
- Dedicated gaming features
- 2.5G port
- Overkill if not primarily used for gaming
- 2.5G port not useful if not paired with a high speed plan
If you’re looking for a router that not only delivers exceptional performance in gaming but can also connect with plenty of devices at the same time, we’d recommend you check out the TP-Link Archer GX-90. This router ticks all the boxes of a premium router, which is why it is one of the best gaming routers and the best TP-Link routers.
To begin with, just as what you’d expect from a high-end router, the GX-90 offers a tri-band functionality, meaning it comes with an additional 5 GHz band for better performance. On top of that, it supports speeds of up to 6,579 Mbps, so you can pair it with a high-speed plan.
As far as connectivity is concerned, the GX-90 promises to connect with up to 100 devices simultaneously. And as it boasts a 1.5GHz quad-core processor, it should be able to perform well under load. This makes it a great choice for large homes with too many devices, such as laptops, PCs, smart devices, and more.
You can also connect your devices directly to the router using an Ethernet cable. For this, you get three Gigabit LAN ports, one Gigabit WAN/LAN port, and one 2.5G multi-gig WAN/LAN port. There are also two USB ports in case you want to connect your storage devices to share files over the network.
Considerations for the best WiFi router for multiple devices
As the market is filled with routers, picking up the right router for multiple devices can be tricky. To help you out, we’re going to discuss some factors to consider before making a final purchase.
WiFi technology
Considering that you would be using the new router for quite a while, it makes sense to get a product that uses the latest technologies. As of today, you can get a WiFi 6 router, as it is commonly used, and most of your devices would be compatible with it. Some of the best WiFi 6 routers are capable of connecting with more than 30 devices, which makes them a decent choice.
However, you can also choose to go with a WiFi 6E router, as it comes with a 6GHz band, which can reduce congestion – a feature that can be useful if you are planning to connect multiple devices. The only possible “con” here would be compatibility, as only newer devices are likely to have WiFi 6E.
Coverage
The “right” coverage for you would depend on how big your house or office is. For example, if you have a 3 or 4-bedroom home, then 2500 sq ft. to 3500 sq ft coverage would be enough for you. However, some of the best routers for large homes cover up to 6000 sq ft. or more area to deliver steady and stable internet connection throughout the house.
Connectivity
If you’re planning to connect multiple devices directly to the router using an Ethernet cable, we’d recommend getting a router with at least four Gigabit ports. On top of that, if you have a high-speed Internet plan, one that offers speeds of more than 1 Gbps, it would be wise to opt for a router with a multi-gig port.
Dedicated app
These days, you can find routers for multiple devices with dedicated apps. These apps let you control the entire router from a single mobile phone. So, make sure the router you’re getting comes with a dedicated app, as this will make things easier for you. For instance, the Netgear Nighthawk routers come with the Nighthawk app. Similarly, TP-Link users can control their routers using the Tether app.
Features
Assuming that we will be connecting multiple devices at once, you should look for features like MU-MIMO, OFDMA, beamforming, and QoS. To understand how these features can help you, here’s a quick brief on each one.
- MU-MIMO: With Multi-User Multiple In Multiple Out, a router can connect with multiple devices simultaneously
- OFDMA: With Orthogonal Frequency-Division Multiple Access, the router can create sub-streams within a frequency for more efficient performance
- Beamforming: Much like the name suggests, Beamforming creates a “beam” which strengthens WiFi signals in the users’ direction
- QoS: Quality of Service allows you to prioritize certain devices over others to dodge congestion
FAQs
Does a better router help with multiple devices?
A better router definitely helps with multiple devices. Routers that come with the latest WiFi standards and offer better speed and range can easily handle more devices simultaneously. They are also designed to perform well under load, so you can connect your PCs, laptops, and smart devices without worrying about performance issues.
How many devices can you have on a WiFi router?
It depends on the router. Some of them are designed to handle only ten devices, while others have the capacity to cater to around 300 devices at the same time. However, routers with a bigger capacity come with a bigger price tag, so keep this in mind.
