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 to get 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
- Best router for Verizon 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 WiFi 6E router for Verizon
ASUS ROG Rapture Wifi 6E Router (GT-AXE16000)
- Standard: WiFi 6E
- Frequency bands: 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz-1, 5 GHz-2, 6 GHz
- Max speed: 16000 Mbps
- LAN ports: 2x 10Gbps (WAN/LAN), 4x 1Gbps
- Best mesh router for Verizon
Amazon Eero Pro 6
- Standard: WiFi 6
- Frequency band: 2.4GHz, 5GHz
- Max speed: 4200Mbps
- LAN ports: 2 x 1 Gbps
- Best WiFi 7 router for Verizon
Netgear Nighthawk RS700S WiFi 7 (BE19000)
- Standard: WiFi 7
- Frequency Bands: 2.4GHz, 5GHz, 6GHz
- Max Speed: 19Gbps
- LAN Ports: 1x 10Gbps, 4x 1Gbps
- Best budget router for Verizon
GL.iNet GL-AXT1800 (Slate AX)
- Standard: WiFI 6
- Frequency Bnads: 2.4GHz, 5GHz
- Max Speed: 1800Mbps
- LAN Ports: 2x Gigabit
How we picked the best routers for Verizon FIOS
We looked at several routers from different manufacturers and chose the ones we thought were the best for handling fiber optic speeds. We also drew on our in-depth knowledge of networking and our experience putting together similar buying guides, such as one that specifically looks at the best router for fiber internet.
However, that’s not all. We also have a strict procedure for selecting and reviewing all the products we recommend, such as CPUs, GPUs, motherboards, laptops, and more. The routers we’ve listed have also been tested in-house. If you’re interested in learning more about our process in detail, head over to the PC Guide Testing Lab. That said, we’re always on the lookout for new products, so check back here for more updates.
- 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
- Great software support
- Intuitive app
- Compact and sleek design
- RGB design may be flashy for some
For your Verizon connection, we think that the ASUS ROG Rapture GT6 is one of the best picks out there overall. We tested this router for our ROG Rapture GT6 review and it had excellent range and performance.
The ROG Rapture is a WiFi 6 router, so you get two bands—2.5GHz and 5GHz. Now, this is limiting compared to WiFi 6E or WiFi 7, but these two standards are not widely used yet, so you’re not missing out on much.
With that being said, this router is more than enough for most of the high-speed internet plans. As per the official description, the router can handle speeds of up to 10,000 Mbps and provides coverage of up to 5,800 sq. ft. So if you’ve got a gigabit or multi-gigabit internet plan or want a router that could cover a large area, the GT6 shouldn’t disappoint.
In general, the ROG Rapture GT6 offers a more compact yet still gamer-focused design as a router. Focusing on the mesh capabilities to improve the range and speed it has a lot of features to take advantage of.
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As for its performance, we found that this router delivered excellent signal strength despite the fact that it doesn’t have external antennas. Plus, it managed to give us good speed even over longer distances. The latency was also low for both 2.4GHz and 5GHz. The 2.4GHz band’s latency ranged from 14 to 32ms, while the 5GHz band had better results at 7 to 17ms. So, you should be able to stream, work, or game comfortably while connected with their frequency.
When it came to download and upload speeds for the two frequencies, the 2.4 GHz ranged from 59.4 to 0 Mbps download with 40 to 0 Mbps upload. The speeds for 5GHz were better with download ranging from 213 to 51.8 Mbps and upload ranging from 290 to 12.9 Mbps. So, a wireless connection with either band shouldn’t disrupt any activity you’re doing.
As far as design is concerned, the ROG Rapture router has a “gamer” look to it, which might appeal to some people. Further, it has a compact and sleek design, so making space for it shouldn’t be a problem.
What users say
On Amazon, the Asus ROG Rapture GT6 has a rating of 4.5 stars, and it has been reviewed by more than 3,600 people. Most reviews were positive, and according to those reviews, the router has a lot of customization options, is easy to set up, and delivers good performance.
- Standard: WiFi 6E
- Frequency bands: 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz-1, 5 GHz-2, 6 GHz
- Max speed: 16000 Mbps
- LAN ports: 2x 10Gbps (WAN/LAN), 4x 1Gbps
- WAN: 1x 2.5Gbps, 2x 10Gbps (WAN/LAN)
- CPU: 2.0GHz quad-core processor
- Memory: 256MB NAND flash and 2GB DDR4 RAM
- USB: 1x USB 3.2 Gen 1, 1x USB 2.0 Port
- Dimensions: 354 x 354 x 193mm
- Weight: 2425g
- Strong performance
- Lots of ports available
- Easy to use app with many features
- Might be expensive for casual users
- The gamer aesthetic might not appeal to everyone
If you want a more advanced WiFi setup for your Verizon internet, then the ROG Rapture GT-AXE16000 is a good pick. When we were testing this router for our GT-AXE16000 review, it showcased excellent signal strength, range, and performance.
This is a WiFi 6E router – so along with 2.5GHz and 5GHz bands, you also get that additional 6GHz band, which aims to deliver fast internet speeds with mininal interruptions. The router comes with two 10 Gbps ports (WAN and LAN) that can tackle demanding tasks with ease. You also get a 2.5G WAN port and a USB port.
On the inside, the router has 2.0GHz quad-core processor along with 256MB NAND flash and 2GB DDR4 RAM, so it handle demanding workloads well. Plus, it delivers good speeds across a wide area and has low latency. For deeper insights, you should check out the review.
It offers a fast connection for LAN and WAN with 10Gbps options as well as USB ports for plenty of good connectivity options. Bringing in 6GHz you get on a faster newer band so you can get a whole lot of bandwidth that’s less likely to be interrupted.
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During our test, we also had the opportunity to use the Asus’ app for setting up the network and adjust it. And we were quite impressed with it. The app is easy to use and has a lot of customization options available. You can set up guest networks, change password, use VPN, and do much more.
Regarding its actual internet speed, the 2.4 and 5GHz bands were able to connect to the farthest distance of 90 feet, which has two rooms and four walls between the device and the router. The 2.4GHz band managed download and upload speeds of 71.4 to 0 Mbps and 66.3 to 0 Mbps, respectively. Since it was barely able to connect until the 90-ft mark, the download and upload speeds weren’t great.
As for the 5GHz, the download speed ranged from 244 to 47.8 Mbps, and the upload speeds were recorded at 280 to 9.8 Mbps. So, the 5GHz clearly performs better, even at the 90ft mark. As far as design is concerned, this router can seem bulky. It has a “gamer” aesthetic and a mirror design on the top—which can attract fingerprints. Plus, it has eight antennas protruding out. Overall, it would take up some space.
What users say
On Amazon, the Asus ROG Rapture (GT-AXE16000) has a 4.4-star rating, and over 800 people have rated the product. As per the reviews, customers seemed to like that the router is easy to install, has easy network management, and looks good.
“I have never spent this much on a router, but you only live once, and this is definitely worth it,” one of the customers wrote in a review. With that being said, customers had mixed opinions about the price of the product.
- Standard: WiFi 6
- Frequency band: 2.4GHz, 5GHz
- Max speed: 4200Mbps
- LAN ports: 2 x 1 Gbps
- WAN: Same as LAN
- CPU: 1.4 GHz quad-core processor
- Memory: 1024MB RAM, 4GB flash storage
- USB: N/A
- Dimensions: 139 x 139 x 52.6 mm (5.5 x 5.5 x 2.1 inch)
- Weight:
- Easy to install and setup
- Far-reaching and strong signal
- Compact and clean design
- Lacks wall mount options
- Lots of features have to be paid for
If you want to cover a larger area or multiple floors, then you’d benefit from a WiFi mesh system – and we think that Amazon Eero Pro 6 is one of the best options for that job. In our Amazon Eero Pro 6 review, it has great signal strength and performance.
To start with, the Amazon Eero Pro 6 is a WiFi 6 router so you get dual bands – 5GHz and 2.4GHz, which might be sufficient for your Verizon plans. If you want something more advanced, then you can consider going for the 6E units.
The Amazon Eero Pro 6 is a simple and easy-to-use mesh router. With a good range out of even one, it is a good solution for coverage. Along with the ease of use of the app and the ability to use integrated Zigbee and Matter smart hubs it a great solution.
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We got average performance at 60ft with the 5GHz frequency. However, it managed to maintain the connection even at 90 feet. Further, we also got good speed and decent latency. The download speeds ranged from 260 to 2 Mbps, while the upload speed was 288 to 0 Mbps.
The product we have linked here is a 3-pack, which can provide coverage up to 6,000 sq. ft. To increase this, you have to add another satellite unit to it. The whole set up is easy, but it can get pricy as you add more and more unit.
In terms of appearance, the Eero has a clean and minimalistic design. It is quite compact and has no external antennas either. To be precise, it comes in a size of 139 x 139 x 52.6 mm, so you can fit it in anywhere.
What users say
On Amazon, the Amazon eero Pro 6 mesh Wi-Fi 6 system has a rating of 4.4 stars, and over 4,500 people have rated the product. Most of the reviewers seemed to be satisfied with the router’s performance, installation process, and the accompanying app. However, the opinions were mixed about the price of the product.
- 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)
- Excellent performance across the board, including USB
- Good size that fits in many places including in design, plus can turn off blinking lights
- Future proof standards for WiFi, and 10Gbps WAN and LAN ports
- Over-the-top expensive that means it’s definitely not for everyday users
- Still not too much support for the standard so can be better to get a 6E choice
If you have a high-speed Verizon internet plan and want to experience top speeds via wireless or wired connection, we recommend checking out the NETGEAR Nighthawk RS700S. This is a WiFi 7 router with excellent performance, as we found out in our RS700S review.
This router is jam-packed with excellent features, and with the latest WiFi standard, it has top-notch speed and bandwidth. It features 2.4GHz, 5GHz, and 6GHz frequencies, meaning you can easily separate networks for different usage. For example, one frequency can be dedicated to smart devices while another is set up for guests. This should add a layer of protection and separate the network for your home, avoiding congestion issues.
Besides that, it features one 10Gbps and four 1Gbps LAN ports and one 10Gbps WAN port, meaning you can have a wired connection supporting multi-gigabit internet plans without any issues. So, with this router, you’re future-proofing your home or office network. That being said, it has a combined maximum speed of 19Gbps, so you can easily upgrade your internet plan to the fastest package.
Even on its ports, it makes sure that you get the max out of it, with both a 10 Gig WAN and LAN port, you can make sure your router isn’t limiting the available speed at your house. As well as the USB on it being 3.0 and the other 4 LAN ports being 1 Gbps make it a fast pick, including being able to aggregate multiple sources from those ports.
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On top of that, it measures 281.7 x 124.0 x 142mm (11.1 x 4.9 x 5.6in) and has a sleek design, so it doesn’t look out of place in a living room or a professional setting. There is also the option to turn off the LEDs, giving it almost a stealth mode-like appearance.
Regarding its performance, the 2.4GHz managed to connect to 60ft while the 5GHz frequency was able to connect up to the 90ft mark, which has four walls or two rooms between the router and the device. The 2.4GHz band had a download speed of 103, 78.4, and 5.6 Mbps with 62, 50, and 22 Mbps upload speeds. 5GHz managed 273, 269, 117, and 25.5 Mbps downloads and 239, 227, 131, and 8 Mbps uploads.
So, it has excellent range and performance and is overall an excellent router. However, it comes with a heavy price tag but should be a worthwhile investment in the long run as WiFi 7 devices become commonplace. Also, with features like port aggregation, VPN, and other security protocols, it’s a complete package.
What users say
According to Amazon reviews, this router is reliable, provides a stable connection, and performs great. One reviewer said: “I would say that this is one of the most powerful Wifi I’ve had! The 2.4ghz range is quite insane and I’ve had quite a bit of Asus product to compete with. I would defiantly recommend this product if you need a bit of simplicity when it comes to security in your home!”
- Standard: WiFI 6
- Frequency Bnads: 2.4GHz, 5GHz
- Max Speed: 1800Mbps
- LAN Ports: 2x Gigabit
- WAN: 1x Gigabit
- CPU: IPQ6000 1.2GHz Quad-core Processor
- Memory: DDR3L 512MB / NAND Flash 128MB
- USB: 1x USB 3.0
- Dimensions: 125 x 82 x 36mm
- Weight: 245g
- Great VPN and protection options, great for public use
- Incredible signal strength, latency, and download speeds
- Strong value proposition for the price-to-performance
- Not the fastest USB connection for connectivity
- Can get quite hot to the touch after a while of work
If you’re looking for a router that has excellent performance, doesn’t cost a lot, can be used on the go, and can handle your Verizon internet plan, check out the GL.iNet GL-AXT1800. This is an exceptional router that brings extreme value to the tablet, and after we reviewed it for our GL.iNet GL-AXT1800 review, it got a 5/5 rating from us.
This is a WiFi 6 router, which means you only get 2.4 and 5GHz frequencies, but it has an 1800 Mbps maximum speed, meaning you can easily use it with a gigabit connection and enjoy fast speeds via wired or wireless connections. That being said, it also features two gigabit LAN ports and one gigabit WAN port.
The GL.iNet GL-AXT1800 Slate AX router gave us quite a surprise. With the small device focused on mobile usage, we weren’t expecting all the performance and features behind it to be available.
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It measures 125 x 82 x 36mm and is easy to set up. This makes it a great travel router as well, and with the WireGuard and OpenVPN features, your safety is ensured while enjoying fast speeds. According to GL.iNet, it can support over 30 VPNs, but with WireGuard and OpenVPN, you should get speeds of 550 and 120 Mbps, respectively.
We check a router’s range by connecting to it at different distances. The first is 10ft, followed by 30 and 60ft, and the last is 90 ft, which has two rooms in between the router and device. So, this router’s 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequencies were able to connect up to the 90ft mark.
The 2.4GHz managed 119 to 8.9 Mbps download speed while the uploads ranged from 95.1 to 2.5 Mbps. The 5GHz managed 271 to 197 Mbps download speeds while the uploaded were 293 to 137 Mbps at the farthest distance. This is excellent performance, especially considering its budget nature.
What users say
According to Amazon reviews, this router has great portability, performance, speed, and functionality. One reviewer said: “The attractive features of this router include that it’s compact, very reliable, has all the settings features you’ll ever need in a router (e.g. home DNS with static IPs and hostname assignment), with Ethernet and WiFi6 (802.11ax) connectivity.”
Features and considerations
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 their service. 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, the company 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.
