If you’re on the hunt for the best router for Starlink, we’ve got you covered right here. Starlink has its own router, but most people are not a fan of it. This is because, compared to other routers in the market, the official one lacks many features and options. However, you don’t have to stick to the official router, as you can find many third-party routers for the ISP.
To get the most out of your internet plan, you can get a third-party router and enjoy a seamless connection without any hiccups. Plus, it is fairly easy to hook a third-party router to Starlink, but make sure you have the brand’s Ethernet Adapter and “bypass the official router” option in the app.
However, choosing a router isn’t just about picking up one of the best wireless routers in the market, as you need to consider a lot of factors, such as compatibility, WiFi standards, speeds, and more.
These days, you can find Starlink-compatible routers that support WiFi 6 and WiFi 6E technologies. On top of that, these routers come with plenty of features, such as QoS, parental controls, and much more. To help you kick off the search in the best possible manner, we’ve selected some options that we think are the best routers currently available in the market.
Products at a glance
- Best router for Starlink overall
ASUS ROG Rapture GT6 – 1 Pack, White
- Standard: WiFi 6
- Frequency Bands: 2.4GHz, 5GHz x2
- Max Speed: 10Gbps
- LAN Ports: 3x 1Gbps
- Best mesh router for Starlink
Netgear Orbi RBKE963B WiFi 6E Mesh Black
- Standard: WiFi 6E
- Frequency Bands: 2.4GHz, 2x 5GHz, 6GHz
- Max Speed: 10.8Gbps
- LAN Ports: 1x 2.5Gbps, 3x 1Gbps (Router & Satellites)
-
Best budget router for StarlinkNetgear R6700AXS
- Standard: WiFi 6
- Frequency band: 2.4GHz, 5GHz
- Max speed: 1,800 Mbps
- LAN ports: 4 x 1Gbps
- Best high-end router for Starlink
Netgear Nighthawk RS700S WiFi 7 (BE19000)
- Standard: WiFi 7
- Frequency Bands: 2.4GHz, 5GHz, 6GHz
- Max Speed: 19Gbps
- LAN Ports: 1x 10Gbps, 4x 1Gbps
How we selected the products
For this guide, we have looked at several routers from various brands, which includes Netgear, Asus, and more. After comparing specs, we selected the routers that we thought would work well with your Starlink service. Plus, we also scanned the customer reviews on Amazon to see what the users had to say about the products.
Further, we went that extra mile and reviewed the routers in our office to give you better insights into real-world performance. Now, please note that while we tested these products hands-on, we didn’t test them with Starlink internet. But considering that Starlink works with most third-party routers, compatibility shouldn’t be an issue.
- Standard: WiFi 6
- Frequency Bands: 2.4GHz, 5GHz x2
- Max Speed: 10Gbps
- LAN Ports: 3x 1Gbps
- WAN: 1x 2.5Gbps
- CPU: 1.7GHz tri-core
- Memory: 256MB Flash, 512MB DDR4 RAM
- USB: 1x 3.2Gen A-type
- Dimensions: 172.3 x 78.1 x 176.75 mm
- Weight: 880g
- Multi gig WAN port for those with fast ISPs
- Strong signal and good coverage
- Compact and sleek design
- Design may not appeal to everyone
- Maybe expensive for casual users
Right at the top, we have the ASUS ROG Rapture GT6, which is a WiFi 6 router that we have reviewed in our office – and we liked it. It is a mesh-compatible router, so you can integrate more units to expand coverage.
As we mentioned, this is a WiFi 6 router, so you get 5GHz and 2.4GHz bands. Now, this might seem slightly limiting if you compare it to WiFi 6E or WiFi 7. However, these standards haven’t been widely adopted yet, so WiFi 6 would be sufficient for now.
We tested the ROG Rapture GT6 in-house, and we found out that the router can deliver a steady signal over long distances.
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We tested the ROG Rapture GT6 in-house, and we found out that the router can deliver a steady signal over long distances. With 2.4GHz, we got a range between -36dBm and -68dBm. And with 5GHz speeds, we got a -48dBm and -89dBM range – all of which is quite good.
As you might have noticed, the ROG Rapture has a “gamer” aesthetic to it, which may not appeal to everyone. That said, the router is quite compact, sleek, and does not have any external antennas – so it shouldn’t be too difficult to find space for it.
What users say
On Amazon, the ASUS ROG Rapture GT6 has a rating of 4.5 stars, and over 3,600 users have reviewed the product. As per the reviews, most people were happy with the product. They mentioned that the router was easy to set up, and the accompanying app offered great customization and good connectivity.
- Standard: WiFi 6E
- Frequency Bands: 2.4GHz, 2x 5GHz, 6GHz
- Max Speed: 10.8Gbps
- LAN Ports: 1x 2.5Gbps, 3x 1Gbps (Router & Satellites)
- WAN: 1x 10Gbps (Router)
- CPU: Quad-Core 2.2GHz (Router & Satellites)
- Memory: 512MB NAND Flash and 1GB RAM (Router & Satellites)
- USB: None
- Dimensions: 279.4 x 190.5 x 76.2mm (11 x 7.5 x 3in)
- Weight: 1.36kg (3.0lbs)
- Easy to install
- Intuitive app
- Great performance and range with multi-gig connectivity
- Lots of features need a subscription
- Lacks USB connection on any device
If you have a vast area to cover or have multiple floors, then the best solution is setting up a mesh network. For this, we think that the Netgear Orbi RBKE963B is a good pick.
To start with, this is a WiFi 6E device, which means you’d be future-proofing your network a bit with the 6GHz band. Now, the latest WiFi standard is WiFi 7 – but it hasn’t become widely used yet, so you won’t be missing out on much.
As per the official product description, the 3-unit pack of this mesh system can give you speeds up to 10.8Gbps and coverage up to 9,000 sq. ft. The router comes with a 10Gbps WAN port, a 2.5GHz LAN port, and three 1Gbps LAN ports.
It is a handy app and makes the installation process a lot easier.
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In our review, we found out that the Orbi mesh system delivered strong signals at 2.5Gbps and 5Gbps, as we could get coverage all over our office. Plus, it had low latency and was more or less on par with other similar routers.
While testing this mesh system, we had to use the Netgear app. Now, it is a handy app and makes the installation process a lot easier. Plus, you can change network settings, set up QoS, use VPN, and do more. However, Netgear offers
What users say
The Netgear Orbi RBKE963B mesh has a rating of 4.2 stars on Amazon, and over 680 people have rated the product. As per the reviews, the mesh router can be set up easily, it provides coverage on multiple floors and delivers great performance overall. However, a few users had mixed opinions on the cost of the product.
- Standard: WiFi 6
- Frequency band: 2.4GHz, 5GHz
- Max speed: 1,800 Mbps
- LAN ports: 4 x 1Gbps
- Affordable
- Can connect to 20+ devices simultaneously
- Dual-band
- Advanced security features require a subscription
If you’re looking for the best budget router for Starlink, we recommend the Netgear R6700AXS. It strikes the perfect balance between price and performance and packs just enough features for most homes without breaking the bank. For instance, the router can handle speeds of up to 1,800 Mbps (2.4GHz + 5GHz) – a very good number for the price.
As far as range is concerned, it has a coverage of around 1,500 sqft and can connect with over 20 devices simultaneously, but you shouldn’t expect it to perform flawlessly with so many devices connected to it at the same. However, this is already expected from a router when it is under load.
As for wired connectivity, you get 1x Gigabit WAN port and 4x Gigabit LAN ports.
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As for wired connectivity, you get 1x Gigabit WAN port and 4x Gigabit LAN ports. This configuration is quite standard for most budget routers, and we don’t expect a multi-gig port here anyway, as some of the best budget routers also don’t boast it.
Going over the security features, this is the only disappointing part of the R6700AXS. Sure, the router has top-notch parental controls and advanced security features, but they require a subscription. Other than that, there is nothing to complain about the Netgear R6700AXS.
What users say
According to users on Amazon, this router’s app makes connecting your devices a breeze. Plus, users rave about the powerful Wi-Fi signal, experiencing speeds up to 3x faster than their old router. For example, in a 5-star review, one customer stated “Overall, the ASUS WiFi 6 Router (RT-AX3000) is an excellent router that offers fast and reliable wireless speeds, advanced features, and easy setup and configuration.”
- Standard: WiFi 7
- Frequency Bands: 2.4GHz, 5GHz, 6GHz
- Max Speed: 19Gbps
- LAN Ports: 1x 10Gbps, 4x 1Gbps
- WAN: 10Gbps
- CPU: Quad-core 2.6GHz
- Memory: 512MB NAND Flash and 2GB RAM
- USB: 1x USB 3.0 Type-A
- Dimensions: 281.7 x 124.0 x 142mm (11.1 x 4.9 x 5.6in)
- Weight: 1.635kg (3.61lb)
- Coverage of up to 3,000 sqft
- Can connect with up to 30 devices at the same time
- A very good suite of security features
- No multi-gig port
If you want to future-proof your networking needs, then you can consider upgrading to a WiFi 7 router. This is why we have the Netgear Nighthawk RS700S on our list here.
The highlight of this router is that it comes with WiFi 7, which is the latest WiFi standard. Now, while it hasn’t become common yet, it will future-proof your network for quite a few years. With WiFi 7, you get speeds of up to 19Gbps. But this router also lets you split that into 6GHz, 5GHz, and 2.5GHz.
Next, the router offers a lot of ports. You get a 10 Gig WAN and LAN port. Plus, there are four LAN ports of 1Gbps each, which makes it quite appealing. And you also get a USB 3.0 port for storage.
On the inside, the router comes with a quad-core 2.6Ghz processor with 2GB of RAM and 512MB of NAND Flash.
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We reviewed the Netgear Nighthawk RS700S in-house, and we were blown away by it. We got strong signals at 10 feet, 30 feet, around 60 feet with a wall in between, and around 90 feet with two rooms in between. You can read more about this in the review.
On the inside, the router comes with a quad-core 2.6Ghz processor with 2GB of RAM and 512MB of NAND Flash – so it’s a powerful processor that can handle loads.
Now, Netgear does have a dedicated app for routers, which makes installation and network management easier. However, most of the useful features need to be paid for.
What users say
On Amazon, the Netgear Nighthawk RS700S router has a rating of 4.5 stars, and more than 140 people have reviewed it. As per the reviews, customers liked the router’s speed and performance. They also mentioned that it looked good. However, customers have mixed opinions about the cost, with some saying that it is expensive.
Considerations for the best router for Starlink
Choosing a router for Starlink isn’t a straightforward task, as you have to find one that is compatible with satellite internet. Here are a few things to consider before purchasing a router.
Satellite internet capability and WiFi standard
The most important thing you need to check is whether the router is compatible with satellite internet connections or not. Not every router is suitable for such a connection, so make sure to check the compatibility of the one you’re getting before purchasing it.
Also, make sure the router comes with the latest WiFi standard. You can check out our top picks for the best WiFi 6 routers and the best WiFi 6E routers for more options.
Gigabit Ethernet ports
Ensure that the router you’re getting comes with Gigabit ethernet ports. This is because Starlink dishes typically connect to the router via an Ethernet cable. And as Starlink offers high-speed connections, you’d want to go with a router that has either a Gigabit Ethernet port or something better.
For instance, some powerful routers, especially the ones meant for gaming, come with 2.5G and 10G ports. These can help reduce latency and improve the data transfer rates.
Coverage
If you want a router for a small home or office, you’ll be fine with a router that covers an area of around 2,500 sqft. But for large homes or offices, especially the ones with multiple floors, you’d want to go for a router that offers a range of at least 5,000 sqft.
For this, we also recommend setting up a mesh system, as some of the best routers for mesh networks offer great coverage. Most of the routers you’ll find in the market for Starlink are compatible with mesh extenders, so you should have no problem setting them up.
Security features
Make sure the router you’re getting comes with robust security features. You can find routers that offer a firewall that can protect your devices from online threats. On top of that, some routers are also compatible with VPNs, which you can use to hide and keep your personal information safe while browsing the internet.
These security features can be easily accessed through the dedicated application of the router, so make sure the router you’re getting comes with one.
Can I use Starlink with my own router?
If your current router supports Starlink, then you can ditch the official router and use your own. However, if you have a high-speed plan, make sure your router can handle such speeds. If it can’t, you’re better off with the official router.
