Getting a standard router may not be enough for those that have high streaming needs. You need to look at a lot of crucial factors to ensure the best value for your money. These can include speed and performance. The main focus for streaming needs, however, is connectivity.
Without proper research, you may end up with a low-quality router. To prevent it, we prepared a list of the best routers that you can look into. In the next sections, we’ll talk about five brands and their specs. By the end of reading, you can expect to come up with the router that will best suit your needs.
Best Routers for Streaming Multiple Devices
What to Consider in a Router for Multiple Devices?
We already know that getting a router for streaming can be hard. It can get even harder if you’re looking for one that can support multiple devices. To help you, here are some factors that you should consider in a unit:
- Number of maximum connected devices
- Speed
- Coverage
The specs above will have an effect on the router’s overall performance. You should also take a look at the additional features that a brand may offer.
1. NETGEAR Nighthawk C7800
To start our list, we have the NETGEAR Nighthawk C7800. This unit is primarily for high streaming needs.
If you mainly stream games or play 4K videos, then the C7800 is your best choice. What’s more, it actually offers both a modem and router in one device.
Here are the technical specs of the said model:
- Maximum Connected Devices: 45
- Speed: Up to 3200 Mbps
- Coverage: 3,000 square feet
- Modem Technology: DOCSIS 3.1 + 32×8 Channel Bonding
When we combine 45 devices, 3200 Mbps, and 3,000 square feet coverage all in one sentence, you can expect a very high-end router. Because it also runs a modem, you can save a lot more. It means that you won’t have to rent a separate one yearly.
The only problem is that this model does not support all internet providers. You can only use C7800 if you use Xfinity, Spectrum, and COX. Any other provider is not compatible with the unit.
All in all, if your internet provider is above, then the router is a good candidate for your needs. However, because it’s from NETGEAR, expect a hefty price. It will be worth the investment, though.
Moreover, if you’re not satisfied with the speed, then you can upgrade the model. To be specific, you should check out AX4200 (4000 Mbps) and AX6000 (6000 Mbps).
2. Gryphon AC3000
Next up, we have a very distinct router. The Gryphon AC3000 is a tri-band mesh router.
It comes with a unique design. Instead of coming as a classic box, it looks more like a speaker.
It’s because of its vertical and twisted shape. Apart from the design, you can also expect advanced features.
Below is a list of what you can get from the AC3000:
- Maximum Connected Devices: 250
- Speed: Up to 3000 Mbps
- Coverage: 3,000 square feet
- Parental Controls
- 4×4 MU-MIMO Technology
With the specs, you won’t believe that the AC3000 is just in the same price range as the NETGEAR C7800. It also assures an easy setup with the use of the Gryphon App.
With the same app, you will also be able to control and monitor parental controls.
Because of the router’s MU-MIMO tech, it’s perfect for both game and video streaming. The number of maximum devices is also worth taking note of.
The device’s security feature is already good. However, if you want a higher level that comes with malware protection, you will need to avail yourself of Gryphon’s advanced protection.
A con is that it can get pricy because it’s a yearly subscription. Anyhow, the Gryphon AC3000 will probably give you the best value for your money.
3. ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AC5300
Of course, ASUS also has an entry in this list. In this section, we will focus on the ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AC5300. This model is a tri-band router designed for gaming needs.
Hence, it means that it will also have an equally good offer for multiple streaming devices.
For reference, here are the specs of the GT-AC5300
- Speed: Up to 5334 Mbps
- Coverage: 5,000 square feet
- VPN Fusion
- Game IPS Technology
- MU-MIMO Technology
Note that the brand doesn’t specify the exact number of maximum connected devices. However, considering that it’s a tri-band with more than 5000 Mbps, it’s probably higher than Gryphon’s.
The general specs and features of the GT-AC5300 are for gaming. Taking it into account, you can expect nothing but a high-end performance.
Let’s add the fact that it has very vast coverage. Needless to say, this unit has one of the highest specs that you may encounter in its price range.
The disadvantage of the router lies in its price. Although it’s valid, it still doesn’t make it ideal for those on a budget. On the flip side, if you need to stream a great number of devices, then you should consider investing in the GT-AC5300.
4. LinkSys AC2200
If you’re going to stream no more than 20 devices, then the LinkSys AC2200 is a good solution for you.
It’s a tri-band router whose features will greatly help with streaming needs.
Here are the features that come with the unit:
- Maximum Connected Devices: 20
- Speed: Up to 2200 Mbps
- Coverage: 2000 square feet
- MU-MIMO Technology
- Built-in Mesh WiFi Tech
One of the best things about the unit is its expandable coverage. You can simply download the Velop Mesh WiFi app.
It will instantly let you increase the router’s scope.
An issue that you should know, though, is that the unit does not work with LinkSys’ past router models. Hence, it’s not an ideal choice if you’re looking into an additional unit for your existing LinkSys system.
The specs are pretty average if you put it alongside the previous brands. Still, you should consider the AC2200 if you don’t have that many requirements.
Its speed and coverage are also enough to support 4K streaming. Moreover, it’s one of the most budget-friendly options for the range.
5. TP-Link AC1900
The last router that we’ll talk about is another budget-friendly choice. It’s a dual-band router mainly for video streaming.
You will know more about why once you view the specs. Nevertheless, this unit is one of the most innovative ones in the market.
Below are the offers of the AC1900:
- Maximum Connected Devices: 30
- Speed: Up to 1300 Mbps
- Coverage: 2,900 square feet
- Brainforming Technology
- MU-MIMO Technology
- Voice Control
The TP-Link AC1900 is probably the cheapest one on this list. Like the previous one, it has average offers. It has wide connection support, but it won’t be ideal if you stream very high-graphic games due to the speed. Anyhow, it’s an affordable choice that you should look into if you’re satisfied with its features.
Factors to be considered before buying WIFI router for multiple Devices – Buying guide
Number Of Devices
How many devices can your router support? It’s important to consider the number of connected devices and their bandwidth needs when choosing a new wireless access point.
It’s true that some routers will work for most people without affecting too much internet speed, but cheaper models may not be as fast at supporting more than two or three connections simultaneously.
Having a good router is the key to an enjoyable home network. When you have a range of devices that need internet connectivity, it’s important for your chosen router to be able to support them all. This includes gaming consoles, computers, phones, and tablets.
Coverage
It’s important to consider the coverage of your chosen router! There’s no point in spending all that money on a quality product if it only covers part of your home. A good majority of routers will be able to cover an entire house and save you from having two separate devices for this purpose, which can get expensive fast.
How much square footage does your chosen device cover? That’s an important question to ask when looking at all the features of a Wi-Fi router. A good indicator for how many antennas are on board will also be helpful, as more antennae generally mean better coverage area in terms of distance from various points within one’s house or home office space.
Internet Speeds
You might be tempted to purchase a router that offers incredibly fast speeds. If you want to get the most out of your internet, don’t buy a router just because it has faster speeds. You’ll be limited by what package and plan that your ISP offers.
Beamforming
Beamforming is a great way to improve your wifi reception, reduce interference and strengthen the signal. It allows for optimized broadcasting in order that each device gets its own specific bandwidth which means faster speeds. Make sure that your brand new router supports this feature.
MU-MIMO
MU-MIMO was created to solve the congestion problem that can occur when multiple users are trying to access a router at once. When one person makes use of it, other people’s requests wait in line until there is space for them. This might be long lines if you’ve got smartphones and tablets on your hands along with computers or notebooks too. MU-MIMO helps by allowing more devices to get what they need without waiting forever; though these tiny delays can add up over time. The best wifi router for multiple devices must support MU-MIMO to make sure you can always get the fastest internet connection.
Dual or Tri Band
A router for streaming needs to be able to handle multiple devices at once, especially in multi-person households. Dual-band and tri-band routers are better equipped to handle multiple devices connected at the same time and can maintain high-speed connections even with multiple people streaming in the same house.
DOCSIS
You may have heard of Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification, or DOCSIS. This is an industry-standard for the internet and allows you to transfer data at high speeds over coaxial cable systems. DOCSIS can range from 1.0 to 3.1, but for streaming multiple devices you should look for modems with the latest version of DOCSIS 3.0 or higher.
Lifespan
If you want your smart appliances and gadgets to work properly, then make sure that the router can handle all of this workload. Routers with short lifespans tend to have connectivity issues within a few month’s time after use.
Range
It is important to purchase a router with excellent connectivity. A strong signal should be able to reach throughout your home, so place it strategically in spots you know will get an ample amount of speed and coverage for the whole house.
Multicore Processor
Routers with dual-core processors offer the best performance. Don’t buy single-core processors, they won’t be able to handle all your pressure if you have multiple devices connected all at once. With more power in these routers, there are fewer crashing and loading times when streaming movies or gaming online.
User Friendly
When you’re looking for a new router for streaming, it’s worth checking out how easy they are to connect. Old routers were a pain. You had to connect them up with your PC or laptop in order to make any changes, but now they can be connected through apps on your smartphone.
Protective Features
The best way to keep your devices safe from intruders is with a router that comes equipped with advanced protective features such as antivirus applications, VPN and firewall.
FAQ
How many devices is too many for a router?
If you have too many devices connected to your wifi, it can cause signal issues. Many home networks are advertised as supporting 250 user connections but in reality, this is not ideal and will likely result in slow internet speeds for everyone on the network. The general rule for most homes is limiting it to 45.
What is a good router speed for streaming?
Netflix recommends a 25 Mbps speed for streaming 4K, while Amazon says you’ll need at least 15 Mbps to enjoy high-quality video. Homes with multiple active streamers will require internet service that provides at least 50 Mbps speeds in order to stream smoothly without buffering or laggy connection issues.
What size router do I need for 10 devices?
If you have a router with the 2.4GHz band and can max out at 300Mbps, 10 devices will only receive an average of 30Mbps. For anyone in a crowded home or office where multiple internet-connected devices are present, it is recommended that they purchase dual-band routers for even better performance.
Will multiple devices slow WiFi?
Bandwidth can be eaten up by multiple users downloading large files or streaming HD videos. If you want to avoid any online congestion, it’s important that the right internet speeds are allotted for different types of activities so each user does not take up all available space with their usage.
Do smart devices slow down WiFi?
Yes, it is true that smart devices can slow down your WiFi and overall network. When you start using multiple gadgets simultaneously all at once, the speed on any given internet connection will decrease significantly as more people use their own personal technology throughout a single household–meaning those with big families might have trouble streaming videos or downloading large files without experiencing buffering issues.
How do I increase the number of devices on my WiFi?
Installing an additional WiFi Router helps diffuse strain from heavy use in areas where multiple users are connected simultaneously such as workspaces in home offices.
Can I have 2 routers?
It is possible to use two or even more than two routers on the same home network. Having one router will have a limited number of connections, while the second provides more open Ethernet ports so that additional computers can join together. Installing a wireless router to your home network can provide an easy way for you to connect Wi-Fi devices while still allowing the remaining connections on Ethernet. In order to accommodate far-away devices, you can have a second wireless router added. This will extend the reach of your existing Wi-Fi network by creating extra coverage for those who are not within range or connected directly to it.
What router speed do I need?
If you have a home with three or four people, the average speed between 50 Mbps and 100Mbps should be enough. If it’s primarily used for streaming 4K video and competing in online games then speeds closer to 100Mb (megabits) would better suit your needs.
How do you tell if your router is overloaded?
You can usually tell that you’re experiencing overload if there are slower speeds and downloads are taking longer than usual. It can be a major inconvenience, especially when you have deadlines to meet. This would negatively affect your productivity level which is just something nobody wants.
Can the router increase Internet speed?
Purchasing a new router is the perfect way to get a faster, more robust Wi-Fi connection. But just because you’ve purchased one doesn’t mean your internet plan will increase in speed.
Is 300 Mbps good for working from home?
We recommend a minimum of 50 to 100 Mbps download speeds for working from home, and at least 10Mbps upload speed if you want to upload large files fast.
Can I just use a router without a modem?
You can use a router without the modem and ISP, but you’ll need them if you want to access the internet.
How often should you replace your router?
Upgrading to a new router every 3-4 years is generally recommended.
What’s the difference between a cheap and expensive router?
The more expensive router of a particular model will generally offer better WiFi coverage, faster speeds at longer distances and be able to support more wireless users without slowing down.
Summary: Best Routers for Streaming Multiple Devices
If you need to stream multiple devices, expect that you need a high-performing router. You can’t settle for a standard or budget-level one. Doing so will only lead to poor streaming performance. Ultimately, it also means that you wasted your money.
If you want the most affordable, then you should check out the TP-Link AC1900. However, I recommend the GRYPHON AC3000. It is pricey, but it’s the most cost-efficient one. It has high-end features and allows up to 250 devices with 3000 Mbps.