What’s The Best Router For Smart Home Automation?

Despite what your ISP might say in their marketing blurb, the default WiFi router you got bundled with your package is likely not the best router for smart home use.  Your router has the important task of connecting together all your smart home appliances and devices. In short, it needs to be up to the job.

When you get into smart home integration, you will definitely make life easier if you do a bit of research and pick a decent smart WiFi router. In this new guide, we’ll be asking exactly what is the best router for smart homes?

Help me find the best router for smart home use!

Lets jump straight in and look at some of the best new smart home routers out there. There are a growing number of these and the big brands, such as Linksys, Asus and Netgear, all have their own smart router products that do something slightly different. But which one is right for your smart home automation?

The TP-Link AX6600 Tri-Band Wi-Fi 6 Gaming Router is a powerhouse for seamless online gaming and streaming. With incredibly fast internet speeds of up to 6600Mbps and tri-band technology, it ensures multiple devices can connect without lag. The router boasts 4 gigabit Ethernet ports, 1 2.5Gbps WAN/LAN port, and 2 USB ports for lightning-fast wired connections and easy connection of external storage devices. Its powerful quad-core CPU guarantees smooth performance even under heavy network traffic. The user-friendly interface and TP-Link Tether app make setup and network management a breeze. Additionally, it provides excellent WiFi coverage for a 4-bedroom house and operates in the 5GHz upper band for critical WiFi needs.

What we liked:

The Tp-link AX6600 Tri-Band Wi-Fi 6 Gaming Router offers incredibly fast internet speeds and seamless connectivity for gamers and streaming. It provides excellent WiFi coverage and a user-friendly setup.

What we didn't like:

However, there are challenges with WiFi settings stability and specific network configurations, such as limited channel selection and poor WiFi signal on 5GHz-1 for some devices.

How does it compare to similar routers?

Compared to similar routers, the TP-Link AX6600 Tri-Band Wi-Fi 6 Gaming Router stands out for its impressive internet speeds, excellent WiFi coverage, and user-friendly setup. However, it faces challenges with WiFi settings stability and specific network configurations.

Verdict: Is it worth a buy?

The TP-Link AX6600 Tri-Band Wi-Fi 6 Gaming Router is ideal for gamers and streaming enthusiasts who prioritize fast internet speeds and seamless connectivity. Despite some challenges with WiFi settings stability, its impressive performance makes it a worthwhile investment for those seeking reliable and high-speed internet connections.

The ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AX11000 Tri-Band WiFi 6 Extendable Gaming Router offers an impressive array of features that cater to the needs of a smart home. With its fast Wi-Fi speeds and easy setup, it ensures high-performance networking. The router also boasts excellent coverage, making it suitable for multi-floor homes.

What we liked about the ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AX11000:

The router impresses with its fast Wi-Fi speeds, easy setup, and excellent coverage, making it suitable for multi-floor homes. Its future-proof design supports Wi-Fi 6 protocol and offers a high level of customization. Additionally, it comes with robust security features and ample LAN ports for wired connections.

What we didn't like about the ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AX11000:

However, some drawbacks include limited range, unattractive design, and potential firmware issues. Users also reported Wi-Fi signal inconsistency and mesh limitations, which may impact the overall experience.

How does it compare to similar routers?

When compared to similar routers, such as the eero 6+ Whole Home mesh Wi-Fi 6 router system, the ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AX11000 stands out with its gaming-oriented features, higher Wi-Fi speeds, and robust hardware, making it a suitable choice for gaming enthusiasts and smart home users.

Verdict: Is it worth a buy?

The ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AX11000 offers fast Wi-Fi speeds, excellent coverage, and robust security features, making it ideal for multi-floor homes and gaming enthusiasts. However, potential drawbacks such as limited range and design preferences should be considered. Overall, it caters to users looking for high-performance networking with a focus on gaming and smart home applications.

The TP-Link AXE5400 router stands out with outstanding performance and a wide range of features, making it an excellent choice for smart home setups. With impressive WiFi speeds and auto optimization scans for optimal performance, this tri-band WiFi6E model offers a dedicated and fast connection, perfect for high-performance devices. The Tether app simplifies network management, and the easy setup streamlines the installation process, saving time and effort. Additionally, the router provides improved signal strength, making it suitable for LAN game streaming and enhancing connectivity for smart home devices. One of the standout features is the unbeatable performance with BT Fibre, significantly outperforming ISP-supplied routers. However, some users have reported memory issues and concerns about firmware updates. While the 6GHz 6E capability is a valuable addition, some users found its performance disappointing compared to older routers. Moreover, there were concerns about the limited throughput and potential for better alternatives, prompting questions about the value of the upgrade. Compared to similar routers, the TP-Link AXE5400 offers exceptional performance and a feature-packed Tether app. However, users should consider the reported memory issues, limited 6GHz 6E capability, and potential alternatives for a comprehensive evaluation. In summary, the TP-Link AXE5400 router delivers outstanding performance and fast WiFi speeds, making it suitable for smart home setups and tech power users. However, potential buyers should consider the reported issues and alternatives before making a purchase decision.

What we liked:

The Asus RT-AX86S (AX5700) Dual Band WiFi 6 Extendable Gaming Router offers a superb combination of great hardware and UI functions. It provides excellent Wi-Fi coverage and stability, making it an ideal choice for smart home networking. The router's intuitive user interface functions and fast, solid Wi-Fi with excellent range make it a top choice for users.

Furthermore, the ASUS RT-AX86S (AX5700) Router is a great upgrade for gaming, offering stable and prioritized gaming connections. The easy setup process, along with options for customization and advanced settings, enhances the user experience. It also boasts impressive Wi-Fi range and multiple network options, suitable for large properties or multi-floor setups.

What we didn't like:

While the ASUS RT-AX86S (AX5700) Router offers numerous benefits, it does have some drawbacks. The device is not secure by default and requires manual security setup. Additionally, certain settings need manual adjustment for optimal performance, and there are occasional issues during the setup process, such as keyboard input issues and lack of wall mount option.

How does it compare to similar routers?

Compared to similar routers, the ASUS RT-AX86S (AX5700) stands out for its excellent hardware, wide Wi-Fi coverage, and prioritized gaming connections. It offers comprehensive features for advanced users, including mesh capabilities and internet security filters. However, it may require additional security configuration and manual adjustment for optimal performance.

Verdict: Is it worth a buy?

The ASUS RT-AX86S (AX5700) Dual Band WiFi 6 Extendable Gaming Router is a top choice for those seeking reliable and feature-rich smart home networking solutions. With its seamless setup, prioritized gaming connections, and extensive Wi-Fi coverage, it is suitable for users looking for a stable and high-performance router with advanced features.

The Linksys EA8300 Max-Stream AC2200 Tri-Band Wi-Fi Router provides an array of features tailored for smart homes. We found that the improved signal strength and range compared to ISP-provided routers instantly enhanced Wi-Fi coverage throughout the house. The network map feature allows for easy visualization and management of connected devices, making network traffic monitoring a breeze. Additionally, the router offers parental controls and guest access, giving us control over internet access and the ability to provide temporary Wi-Fi passwords for guests. The media prioritization feature ensures lower latency by allowing the prioritization of devices and applications for seamless performance. With USB drive support for onboard storage, sharing files across the network without cloud upload becomes convenient. The router's intuitive menu system and modern design provide a user-friendly interface and easy navigation. Moreover, the wireless scheduler enables smart network management, allowing the scheduling of wireless network access based on specific days, ideal for parental control. The port forwarding functionality caters to specific needs such as downloading torrents or hosting game servers. However, we encountered some limitations, including the router going into continual reboot mode after a day of use, leading to product failure. Additionally, the refund under warranty did not cover postage costs, resulting in additional expenses for product return. Some users also reported initial setup issues, requiring a replacement. Furthermore, the limited language support may hinder accessibility for non-Spanish speakers, and there are potential long-term reliability concerns. The Linksys EA8300 Max-Stream AC2200 Tri-Band Wi-Fi Router offers enhanced signal strength, comprehensive network management features, and seamless setup. However, the recurring reboot issues and potential long-term reliability concerns warrant cautious consideration. Overall, this router is suitable for individuals seeking improved Wi-Fi coverage, robust network management, and convenient setup for their smart homes. As professional tech reviewers, we have thoroughly tested the TP-Link AC1200 Gigabit Smart WiFi Router and have found it to be a reliable and feature-rich option for smart homes. The router impresses with its advanced features, easy setup, and reliable performance. It offers a wide range of features for advanced networking needs, making it a versatile choice for various smart home applications. The installation process is straightforward and user-friendly, ensuring a hassle-free setup experience for users. One of the standout features of this router is its excellent Wi-Fi coverage and strong signal strength, providing reliable connectivity throughout the smart home environment. Additionally, the router delivers high-speed internet connectivity, especially on the 5 GHz frequency, supporting seamless streaming and online activities. However, some limitations have been noted, such as subpar Wi-Fi coverage compared to other routers and issues with NAS protocols, including inconsistent file transfer speeds. The absence of a dedicated WPS button may also be inconvenient for connecting devices. In comparison to similar routers in its category, the TP-Link AC1200 Gigabit Smart WiFi Router stands out for its extensive feature set and reliable performance. While it may have some limitations, it remains a solid choice for those seeking a high-performing router for their smart home setup. In summary, the TP-Link AC1200 Gigabit Smart WiFi Router offers advanced features, easy setup, and reliable performance, making it a suitable option for smart home environments. Its excellent range and speed make it ideal for various applications, although users should be mindful of potential limitations in Wi-Fi coverage and file transfer speeds.

What we liked:

The Netgear AC2600 Smart WiFi Router offers quick setup and faster speeds during installation, providing reliable performance with good coverage on multiple floors. It is a good value for the price compared to other routers, with improved wireless speed and consistent performance. The router is also efficient for a single-floor house with good coverage.

What we didn't like:

However, there are some drawbacks to consider. The misleading listing as a certified refurbished product instead of new may deter potential buyers. Additionally, the router forces users to sign up for a Netgear account for setup and has limited coverage range, especially for larger homes. Inconsistent band switching during heavy WiFi saturation and the potential hindrance of the Smart Connect feature on wireless speed and efficiency are also concerns.

How does it compare to similar routers?

Compared to similar routers, the Netgear AC2600 Smart WiFi Router stands out for its quick setup, improved wireless speed, and reliable performance, making it suitable for single-floor homes. However, the listing as refurbished and limited coverage range are notable considerations for potential buyers.

Verdict: Is it worth a buy?

The Netgear AC2600 Smart WiFi Router offers quick setup, improved wireless speed, and reliable performance, suitable for single-floor homes. However, the listing as refurbished and limited coverage range are concerns for potential buyers.

What we liked:

The Tri-Band Wireless Gigabit Router impressed us with its easy setup, stable connectivity, and feature-rich software. Its strong signal strength, high speeds, and versatile usage as a modem or extender make it a valuable addition to any smart home setup.

What we didn't like:

Unfortunately, we encountered some drawbacks, such as misleading installation info and poor customer service. We also noticed signal range limitations and unreliable failover performance. Annoying WiFi behavior, where the router automatically turns WiFi back on after disabling it, was also noted.

How does it compare to similar routers?

Compared to similar routers, the Tri-Band Wireless Gigabit Router stands out with its impressive speed, strong signal coverage, and feature-rich software. However, it falls short in terms of customer support and signal range limitations, which may impact its overall appeal.

Verdict: Is it worth a buy?

The Tri-Band Wireless Gigabit Router offers easy setup, stable connectivity, and feature-rich software. It provides strong signal strength, high speeds, and good value for money. However, the drawbacks, such as misleading installation info and poor customer service, detract from its overall appeal. Overall, it's a suitable choice for those seeking reliable and fast connectivity for their smart home setup.

As experts in the field of smart home technology, we understand the critical role of a reliable router in ensuring seamless connectivity and optimal performance for all our smart devices. The ASUS RT-AXE7800 Tri-band WiFi 6E Extendable Router has consistently impressed us with its top-notch features and capabilities.

What we liked:

The ASUS RT-AXE7800 offers exceptional signal strength and improved connection speed compared to standard ISP modems, ensuring stable Wi-Fi even in older buildings with thick walls. It significantly enhances home coverage and speed, delivering high download/upload speeds and stable performance. The router provides extensive configuration options, robust security features, and seamless integration with other ASUS routers for wide coverage, making it a user-friendly and reliable choice.

What we didn't like:

Some concerns we noted include limited compatibility with legacy devices for the new 6 GHz spectrum, potential mixed reviews on ASUS AI Mesh functionality, and a relatively higher price point, which may not be suitable for all users despite the advanced capabilities of the router. Initial hesitance regarding perceived complexity in setting up the router was also reported, despite the actual ease of configuration and use.

How does it compare to similar routers?

Compared to other routers in its category, the ASUS RT-AXE7800 stands out with its superior functionality, stability, and speed, along with robust security features and extensive configuration options. However, potential users may need to consider its compatibility with legacy devices and the mixed reviews on ASUS AI Mesh functionality for comprehensive network coverage.

Verdict: Is it worth a buy?

The ASUS RT-AXE7800 impresses with its excellent signal strength, stable performance, and extensive configuration options, making it a reliable choice for users seeking robust network control and wide coverage. However, concerns about legacy device compatibility and ASUS AI Mesh functionality may warrant additional consideration for potential users.

What we liked:

The ASUS TUF Gaming AX3000 V2 impressed us with its straightforward functionality, stable connectivity, and excellent hardware at a competitive price. The router offers high performance at a reasonable price point and comes with a fast CPU and hardware. It provides flexibility and ease of use for setup through the app or web interface, making it user-friendly for all levels of users.

Furthermore, the router's build quality is robust and durable, ensuring reliable wireless connectivity across different frequency bands. It also offers transparency and customization options for advanced users through open-source base software.

For non-technical users, the ASUS TUF Gaming AX3000 V2 offers a very simple and quick setup process. Additionally, it comes with multiple plugs for UK and Europe, making it convenient for users in different regions. The router also provides clear visual indicators for monitoring, thanks to the LEDs for main functions.

What we didn't like:

While the ASUS TUF Gaming AX3000 V2 offers robust features, there are areas that need improvement. Providing a detailed PDF version of the manual would enhance user support, and some options for filtering outbound traffic should be grouped under one section to improve user experience, especially for parental control features.

Enhancements in filtering settings for URL, MAC, and IP filtering, as well as additional settings for DHCP lease and managing dropped packets, would benefit smart parents and advanced users. The option for emailing an alert message when a rule is triggered would also further improve network security and management.

How does it compare to similar WiFi 6 routers?

Compared to similar WiFi 6 routers, the ASUS TUF Gaming AX3000 V2 stands out with its stable operation, durable build quality, and competitive pricing. While it offers impressive features, it could benefit from enhancements in filtering and notification settings to elevate its appeal to both novice and advanced users.

Verdict: Is it worth a buy?

The ASUS TUF Gaming AX3000 V2 Dual Band WiFi 6 Router impresses with its straightforward functionality, stable connectivity, and excellent hardware at a competitive price. It is suitable for users seeking reliable wireless connectivity and robust features, with the potential for further enhancements through firmware updates.

The TP-Link AX5400 Wi-Fi 6 Router, also known as the Archer AX72 Pro, has made a significant impact in the market for smart home routers. We found that this router provides outstanding performance for game streaming, robust signal strength across multiple floors, and seamless compatibility with various devices. It delivers high-speed connectivity for demanding tasks such as game streaming and high-definition content, making it a top choice for smart home enthusiasts.

What we liked:

The router's outstanding performance for game streaming and its ability to provide robust signal strength across multiple floors impressed us. Additionally, its seamless compatibility with various devices, advanced features, and great Wi-Fi coverage are noteworthy.

What we didn't like:

However, limitations in the USB 3.0 port speed, incompatibility with specific connections such as Sky FTTP, and inconsistent performance in larger homes are notable drawbacks that potential buyers should consider.

How does it compare to similar routers?

Compared to similar routers, the TP-Link AX5400 Wi-Fi 6 Router stands out for its outstanding performance for game streaming and robust signal strength across multiple floors. However, potential buyers should carefully consider its limitations in USB 3.0 port speed and compatibility with specific connections.

Verdict: Is it worth a buy?

The TP-Link AX5400 Wi-Fi 6 Router, also known as the Archer AX72 Pro, is a top choice for those seeking outstanding performance for game streaming and robust signal strength across multiple floors. However, potential buyers should carefully consider its limitations in USB 3.0 port speed, incompatibility with specific connections, and inconsistent performance in larger homes.

What we liked:

The Linksys WRT1900AC router offers easy installation, reliable range, and comprehensive software. The auto-installation disk obtained cable modem settings, making the setup seamless. Its reliable range provides full 11Mb rate throughout a modern 3-bedroom semi, even without an external aerial. Additionally, the router comes with versatile connectivity, allowing the connection of external USB hard drives for media sharing and NAS drive compatibility.

What we didn't like:

Despite its strengths, the router has its drawbacks. It faces wireless compatibility issues with devices needing to connect at 802.11g, causing frequent dropouts and disconnections. The guest access feature can only be managed via specific software, limiting customizations. Moreover, the lack of seamless OpenWRT support poses challenges for advanced users.

How does it compare to similar routers?

Compared to similar routers like the eero 6+ Whole Home mesh Wi-Fi 6 router system, the Linksys WRT1900AC offers a cost-effective solution with reliable range and versatile connectivity. However, it may lag in terms of seamless OpenWRT support and guest access management. Users seeking a plug-and-play solution with reliable performance may find the Linksys WRT1900AC suitable for their needs.

Verdict: Is it worth a buy?

The Linksys WRT1900AC Dual-Band Wi-Fi Router offers easy installation, reliable range, and comprehensive software, making it suitable for users who prioritize fast and stable performance. However, it may pose challenges for non-tech users and those requiring seamless OpenWRT support.

Let me know in the comments down below how your smart home is coming along. Did you use any of these smart WiFi routers? Which smart internet router are you using that you think our readers will love?