Most routers are modern enough to handle video streaming. However, if you find that yours doesn’t give you what you need, it’s a good idea to choose another one.
We are talking about the best router for streaming. Therefore, it is fast enough for all of your bandwidth-hogging activities, and you don’t experience the buffering.
Buyer’s Guide
It’s important to get the best Wi-Fi routers for streaming. To do that, you need to know what to look for when buying Wi-Fi routers. We’re going to help you learn what features you need to get the best router for all of your streaming requirements.
What to Look for in the Wi-Fi Router
Streaming eats a lot of bandwidth all day long, so you’ve got to buy the right equipment and services to sustain those needs. First, you need an internet plan that gives you a high data cap and enough bandwidth to support your preferred streaming habits. That way, you get a great experience.
You’ve also got to have the best Wi-Fi router that handles all that bandwidth and can work with multiple devices simultaneously to prioritize traffic and prevent lag.
Most internet service providers provide you with wireless routers when you sign up with them. They can often handle basic streaming, but that router is likely to lack the advanced features you want to help facilitate your streaming on multiple devices at the same time without a problem.
If you notice stutters, buffering, or freezing when you stream video or play games, it’s best to buy your own router that uses Wi-Fi.
Quality of Service (QoS)
Most high-end routers offer QoS (Quality of Service) features so that you can prioritize traffic and devices on the network. This means those data streams that are important to you, such as Netflix, get the bandwidth they need.
Therefore, you get a smoother video playback without interferences from gaming, downloads, and other activities that might also be happening in the home while you stream. If your house has more simultaneous internet usage than others, look for QoS features with your router.
The Processor
We all know that computers use processors, but routers do too. The best routers out there use dual processors, so they can process the instructions and data quickly. As a result, the user gets a smooth connection without any delays or pauses.
The Band
Routers use radio frequencies (bands). If you’ve got a single-band router, it only supports 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz. New routers usually offer dual-band capabilities, so they can communicate with your devices on both frequencies.
Advanced routers feature tri-band functionality. They have two 5 GHz bands with one 2.4 GHz frequency. This means you get three bands to increase upload and download speeds, which reduces the chance of Wi-Fi signal interference.
What Are MU-MIMO and Beamforming Technology?
MU-MIMO means that the wifi router offers multiple outputs and inputs and works for various users. Most of the new standalone routers use MU-MIMO technology because it keeps your internet speeds steady, even if many people are using the network and divvying up the bandwidth.
In a sense, multi-user MIMO is like your router’s ability to perform advanced multitasking things. It makes a huge difference. If your household regularly has more than two devices active at once, make sure you consider it.
Beamforming actually accompanies the MU-MIMO technology. It uses receivers and transmitters that are compatible with MU-MIMO to increase the wireless range and throughput.
Your transmitter beams the Wi-Fi signal to the internal antenna of your device, which forms the home network. From there, it supports high-end streaming. This means you get a more powerful signal with a longer range for your connected devices.
What Are Mesh Routers?
A mesh router features the main router connected to your modem with a series of nodes or satellite modules that get put around the home for better Wi-Fi coverage. The mesh network ultimately gives everyone in the house an internet connection.
Reviews
Linksys EA7500 Max-Stream AC1900 Wireless Router
Those who want the best performance for their devices may wish to consider the Linksys Max-Stream. You’re going to appreciate features, like a reasonable price and three external antennas. This dual-band router can handle your 4K streaming needs and allows you to be online without worrying about stalls and problems.
We like the network management app because it helps you prioritize each device. You can set all your bandwidth to be dedicated to your special binge-watching marathon or a special game.
You’re going to appreciate the parental controls, as well. Know what the kids are doing and determine where they can go. If that weren’t enough, you can connect to multiple devices and get the same high speed you need for streaming.
Pros:
- Capacity for more than 12 connected devices
- Easy to set up with a smartphone app
Cons:
- Only offers dual-band Wi-Fi
TP-Link Archer A7 AC1750 Smart WiFi Router
Those who want the best router are sure to focus on performance. If you’re low on money, the TP-Link Archer A7 is a budget-friendly choice that still outperforms the competition.
Just because the router is cheaper than others doesn’t mean you aren’t getting quality. It can upgrade you to 1750 Mbps of high-speed internet, which is fast enough for many households.
We do feel that it lacks some of the advanced features that the other router options have. Still, if you want 4K streams and are on a budget, this is the one to get.
Plus, it still offers parental controls, and you have access to four gigabit LAN ports.
Pros:
- Alexa integration available
- Great price
Cons:
- Low max throughput
Netgear Nighthawk AX12 Wi-Fi 6 Tri-Band Wireless Router
With maximum speeds of about 10.8 Gbps and a long range, this wireless tri-band router has the performance you want for all of your devices.
The Netgear Nighthawk is wireless, and the router allows you to connect up to 40 devices. Though it might be slightly overkill, you can’t go wrong with it. If you want something that’s top-of-the-line and handles your 4K gaming, streaming, and other internet activities, this is the product for you.
It features a quad-core processor, which is better than the dual-core WiFi system. Plus, it works fast and has two USB ports.
You’re going to appreciate that it only weighs 3.2 pounds, and it has a unique appearance. All in all, it’s a great router for those who have a little extra money and want the best money can buy.
Pros:
- Ethernet port aggregation for multiple gigabits
- Wi-Fi 6 abilities
Cons:
- Higher price than others
TP-Link Archer AX6000 Wi-Fi 6 Router
Everyone wants a router that offers high-performance rates and boosts the WiFi signal. With the TP-Link Wi-Fi 6, you’re going to get everything you need.
Though it can’t match the Nighthawk’s maximum speeds, we think it’s still an excellent choice. Plus, it even comes with the Wi-Fi 6 speeds. You get eight antennas to provide a full range, and there are tons of advanced features.
You’re going to appreciate the beamforming and Mu-MIMO abilities of this Wi-Fi 6 router. We think it looks like a spider, but it’s definitely unique for your home. Plus, there are four ethernet ports and the USB 3.0, which is much faster than the USB 2.0 system.
Pros:
- Compatible with Alexa
- 2.5 Gbps WAN port
Cons:
- Can’t disable QoS features
ASUS RT-AC5300 Tri-Band Wi-Fi Gaming Router
The ASUS RT is unique because it’s optimized for gaming performance. However, it does work for all purposes, and some of the features for gaming, such as adaptive QoS, works for any streams. Though it’s not like the ROG Rapture, it still offers an exceptional range because it’s large and has a unique design for the antenna.
You can connect multiple devices to this router with ease. There are four ethernet ports and two USB ports.
Pros:
- Wi-Fi coverage of about 5,000 square feet
- Online gaming optimization
Cons:
- No multiple-gigabit ethernet ports
- Much larger than other router options
Conclusion
It is important to get the most out of your WiFi routers. You want top-level performance at all times so that your devices run smoothly. Most routers come with the basic features, and the TP-Link brand might be the best. Those on a budget can choose the lower-priced model and still get what they want.
If you have more to spend on your router, consider the Archer AX6000. You aren’t going to be disappointed with the performance of either product. However, just note that the less-expensive model doesn’t come with beamforming and advanced technology.
Now, you never have to fear that your video streams aren’t going to come in strong. Whether you’re on a PC, laptop, or smart device, stream to your heart’s content.
