Best router for Verizon FIOS in 2024 – our top picks

If you are looking for the best Verizon FIOS routers, then we have you covered right here. With Verizon FIOS, which is a 100% fiber-optic network, you can expect to get faster internet speeds and more stable internet connections. What’s more, to make the most out of your high-speed plan, you need a capable router that can deliver those speeds across various devices.

Now, Verizon’s Fios service does come with a free router, which technically means you don’t have to splurge out getting a new one. However, these routers might lack some of the advanced features that power users or heavy consumers are looking for. Plus, it’s actually easier than you’d think to use your own router with Verizon FIOS – all you have to do is plug the router into the ONT box provided.

Products at a glance

How we picked the best routers for Verizon FIOS

For this guide, we have looked at several routers from several of our favorite manufacturers, including TP-Link, Netgear, and ASUS, compared them, and chose the ones that we thought were the best up to the task of handling fiber optic speeds. Of course, we also drew on our in-depth topic knowledge of networking, and our experience in putting together similar buying guides – such as one that specifically looks at the best router for fiber internet.

These routers have been cherry-picked based on key factors like their speeds, bands, and coverage, but much more importantly, their market sentiment and user reviews. Across the board, we’ve chosen routers that have Amazon reviews of higher than 4.4 stars, so you can rest assured that you’re making a suitable investment. Plus, we are always on the lookout for new products, so check back here for more updates.

Best router for Verizon FIOS in 2024 – our top picks

If you want the best router for your Verizon FIOS connection, then you should check out the TP-Link Archer AX73 router. This router works with most of the ISPs, including Verizon.

The WiFi 6 router has two bands that combine to give you speeds of 5400 Mbps, with which you can stream 8K content, download quickly, and game online. Considering the speeds, the router is also suitable for Verizon’s high-speed plans.

Further, the router has six antennas, which should give you long-range coverage. Plus, you get features like MU-MIMO and OFDMA, so you should be able to connect multiple devices and reduce traffic congestion. The router also offers beamforming, so you

For security, you get TP-Link HomeShield, which gives you basic network protection, QoS, and parental controls for free. If you want, you can unlock more features with the premium version.

What users say

With the majority of users awarding the TP-Link Archer AX73 5 stars on Amazon, reviews for this router are a testament to its solid signal and reception reach. One user compliments how the router “supports large wifi coverage and good signal strength to all devices”, and another praises how it is “super fast”, and “reaches all over a multi-story house”. So, not only is it speedy, but it’s versatile too – highlighted by this review which comments that it’s “fast enough to perform bandwidth demanding tasks such as large file transfers over the network or Ultra High Definition streaming on your local home network”.

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Netgear Nighthawk WiFi 6E Router (RAXE300)

Specifications

• Standard: WiFi 6E
• Frequency bands: 2.5 GHz, 5 GHz, 6 GHz
• Max speed: 7.8 Gbps
• LAN ports: 1 x 2.5 Gbps, 4 x 1 Gbps

Reasons to Buy

•  Speeds up to 7.8Gbps
•  2,500 sq. ft. coverage
•  Connect up to 40 devices

Reasons to Avoid

• Premium power comes with premium pricing
• Doesn’t seem to come with a warranty

• Shop on Amazon

If you want a good router for your high-speed gigabit Verizon plan, then you should look at the Netgear Nighthawk RAXE300 router. In fact, we think it deserves to be one of the best WiFi 6E routers.

The tri-band router can give you speeds up to 7.8Gbps, which should be more than enough for uninterrupted gaming, streaming, and browsing. Plus, you get that additional 6GHz band, to which you can connect compatible devices and enjoy less traffic congestion.

As far as coverage goes, the router offers up to 2,500 sq. ft., which should be suitable for small to medium-sized houses. Plus, you should be able to connect around 40 devices, which means you can keep your smart home devices connected. And with OFDMA and MU-MIMO, you should have no trouble connecting multiple devices.

Coming to wired connections, you get four 1G ports and one 2.5G port, so you should be able to connect consoles, PCs, and other devices.

For security, you get a 30-day free trial for Netgear Armor and Netgear Parental Controls, which help you safeguard your network and promote healthy internet habits. If you wish to continue using these services, you will have to pay for a subscription.

What users say

Across Amazon reviews, buyers of the Netgear Nighthawk RAXE300 highlight some of the things you most want to hear when you’re considering a new router – and that’s the ease of installation and quality of performance. Firstly, one user praises how “NETGEAR’s Nighthawk app simplifies setup and management, making it accessible even for those less technically inclined”, and another testifies to this notion by mentioning that “the setup was a breeze. The instructions were clear, and I had the router up and running in no time”. However, its value does get a bit of a mixed reception, with one review saying “if there is any downside worth mentioning, it would be its slightly higher price point”.

If the budget is a constraint, then you should have a look at the Asus RT-AX57 router. The device comes loaded with useful features, and we think it deserves to be one of the best routers under $150.

The WiFi 6 router comes with two bands, which combine to give you around 3000 Mbps of speed, which should be sufficient for most online activities. Plus, with this speed, you should be able to make the most out of high-speed Verizon plans.

As far as coverage goes, the WiFi has four antennas, which should give you decent coverage. Plus, to keep multiple devices connected simultaneously, you get OFDMA and MU-MIMO. In case you want to expand the area covered, you can use AiMesh devices with the router.

For security, the Asus router offers AiProtection for your network. Plus, you also get Asus Instant Guard, which is one-click VPN access for better privacy.

What users say

On the whole, users on Amazon praise the coverage, quality, and ease of use of the Asus RT-AX57 networking router, yet there are some mixed views on the stability of VPN usage, as well as some trouble with tech support. If you prioritize extensive coverage alongside a user-friendly setup, this router is truly worth considering; but be sure to research yourself too for a more well-rounded perspective that touches on all bases.

How to pick the best Verizon FIOS routers

The first thing you should be looking for is the router’s compatibility wth Verizon, as not all routers would be compatible. Plus, it is very likely that you will have to get a modem, so bear that in mind as well.

In addition to that, here are a few things to consider –

Wireless standard

Since you will be using your new WiFi router for a few years, consider it as an investment. While buying a router, you should go for one of the latest standards, that is, WiFi 6 or WiFi 6E.

Now, WiFi 6E does give you that new 6GHz band. However, it might not be compatible with older devices, so check whether a 6E router would benefit you or not.

Coverage

The goal here is to get stable internet connections all over your house without any dead zones. To achieve that, you need to get a router that can reach all the corners of your house. Thankfully, most routers mention the area covered in their product description in square footage, which should give you a better idea of what to buy.

For instance, some of the best routers for large homes can cover up to 6000 sq. ft. or more. Or, if you have multiple floors, then you might want to look at some of the best WiFi mesh routers.

Security

In addition to this, you should check for basic security features like WPA3, regular network scans, guest profiles, and more. Some routers also offer VPN, QoS, and other security features – so get the ones that meet your needs.

Does any router work with Verizon FIOS?

According to Verizon, yes – you can use your own router with Verizon FIOS. There are many reasons why you might feel inclined to do this, including wanting more control over your home network, and the possibility of getting even better performance from your router and WiFi plan. Luckily for you, if this is something you’re seriously considering, Verizon has a detailed page explaining how to use your own router with Verizon FIOS for you to refer to.

Does a Netgear router work with Verizon FIOS?

Yes, your Netgear router should work with Verizon FIOS, which is good news since many of the best Netgear routers are some of the top products on the market today for speed, connectivity, security, and more.