Best Router for Streaming Media – Buyer Guide

Here’s what to Consider before deciding which is best Router for Streaming

Our list of best router for streaming media

	Product Name	Standard	Max Speed	Ports
#1	Netgear Nighthawk AC1900 R7000	802.11ac	1300Mbps	1x Gigabit WAN 4x Gigabit LAN ports 1x USB 3.0 1x USB 2.0	Check Price
#2	TP-LINK AC5400	802.11ac 802.11ad	4600Mbps (802.11ad) 1733Mbps (802.11ac)	1 x Gigabit WAN 4 x Gigabit LAN ports 2 x USB 3.0	Check Price
#3	Linksys AC1900 EA7500	802.11ac	1300Mbps	1x Gigabit WAN 4x Gigabit LAN ports 1x USB 3.0 1x USB 2.0	Check Price
#4	ASUS RT-AC88U	802.11ac	2167Mbps	1x Gigabit WAN 8x Gigabit LAN ports 1x USB 3.0 1x USB 2.0	Check Price
#5	TRENDnet AC2600	802.11ac	1733Mbps	1x Gigabit WAN 4x Gigabit LAN ports 2x USB 3.0	Check Price

#1. NETGEAR Nighthawk AC1900 Wi-Fi Gigabit Dual Band Router (R7000)

NETGEAR is one of the brands whose routers compete effectively with other models in its class. It is a dual-band router which will reduce interference on both the 2.4GHz at 600Mbps and 5GHz at 1300Mbps. Although it cannot possibly reach such high speeds in real life, you can tell it’s not a slow router. Built for streaming videos and game consoles, it has QoS settings so that you can prioritize any service especially streaming video.

It uses a 1GHz dual-core processor for enhanced performance. With the help of beamforming technology, it can communicate with your PC or smart TV directly, creating a solid signal, and having nearly 100% home coverage. It eliminates lags in communication since it signal is concentrated. It performs with excellence as it incorporates the 11AC wireless technology which gives its high-speed Wi-Fi.

You will not only enjoy watching HD movies with it, but you can also optimize it on your Xbox gaming console. With three antennas, it can extend the coverage to multi-story houses which need high-performing Wi-Fi network, that’s why it is our first choice on the list of best router for streaming. With the open VPN Connect App, you can access this router’s network remotely, like say in the office when you need to access some documents stored in a NAS device at home.

This router also comes with a USB 3.0 port to enable access to media fast when you connect directly. Another unique feature is that it has automatic backup software for computer devices.

#2. TP-Link AC5400 Tri-Band Wireless Wi-Fi Gigabit Router

This next generation multi-band, high-end router could not have hit the market at a better time. The TP-Link AC5400 is what you are looking at if you want to enjoy crazy Wi-Fi speeds. This router hits the 5.4Gbps to give all your PlayStations and video streaming devices quite a clear run.

It boasts advanced tech with eight uniquely designed antennas to improve coverage over every corner of your large house. It does not go over walls, but it comes with a new form of beamforming technology which chooses the clearest path to transmit the Wi-Fi signals. You’ll have a device that eliminates lags 100% and improve speed for the heaviest Wi-Fi traffic device.

The CPU uses a dual-core 1.4GHz processor. It can handle multiple functions simultaneously, especially the Multi-User Multiple Input Multiple Output function where multiple data streams can be processed. 

Nevertheless, you’ll be able to transfer large files of data, better than you would ever have with Gigabit Ethernet. Operating it does not need much technical knowledge. You have LED indicators to let you monitor the activities regarding the connectivity, and buttons for the Wi-Fi and WPS. You are set to take video streaming and gaming to a whole new level.

In our thoughts, 802.11ac is the future of Wi-Fi, hence the TP-Link AC5400 is absolutely one of the best router for streaming media

#3. Linksys AC1900 Max Stream EA7500 Dual Band Wireless Router

Get value for your money with the Linksys AC1900. It is a super-efficient router with settings that are easy to configure when installing. You can establish passwords to protect your PC plus it has a guest network so that you can create a separate network for your visitors and you won’t have to share private information with other people.

This router achieves a reliable range connection with dual-band radio communication. This way, PCs and TVs can have a clear signal which eliminates buffering and slow speeds. We like that it also utilizes Multi-User technology to ensure each device receives the same priority using the same speeds. In fact, it can connect up to 12 devices playing HD movies.  It is just perfect for homes with high Wi-Fi traffic.

Not to mention, it supports the highest video quality of 4k by having the total bandwidth of up to 1900mbps. This means that every other video you want to watch will be in clear HD without having to endure any out-of-sync videos. It is also great with wired connections as it comes with four-gigabit ports. This makes it faster to stream or watch live videos than when you are connected wirelessly from the second floor of your house.

#4. ASUS RT-AC88U – Best router for Streaming and Gaming

The ASUS RT-AC88U router fulfills the most expansive Wi-Fi connections at around 5000 square feet. This means that it has coverage for every corner of the house and even when you are in your backyard. It is a good choice for gaming and streaming as it supports high bandwidth and high-volume needs. It uses a 1.4GHz processor for its radio communication to enhance the signal performance for gamers and Netflix lovers.

Besides having the 1.4GHz processor, it has 512MB memory to eliminate any lags that may be a result of having many intertwined functions. You have eight Gigabit Ethernet ports and USB 3.0 and 2.0 ports for corded connections. All these capabilities allow for ease on Wi-Fi traffic, so you won’t have any of your family members complaining that their PC has delays.

This router is also optimized for gaming functions. It has an inbuilt WTFast Game Accelerator which can lower latency and reduce packet loss for online gaming through the router. We say if the gaming seconds really matter, you have to look for a matching router which you’ve got right here.

This router provides a series of security systems for your PCs and smartphones. There’s a regular Wi-Fi protected password protection and AiProtection system. It keeps your gadgets safe from malicious access and blocks all suspicious sites that may transmit malware to your devices. It uses the ASUSWRT user interface for installation so that you won’t be hassling with the setup process.

#5. TRENDnet AC2600 Wireless Gigabit Router

The TRENDnet AC2600 is a feature-rich router which delivers strong throughput via its 2.4GHz and 5GHz radio bandwidths. It supports Multi-User MIMO streaming technology. This way, everyone can have the exact consistency on their Wi-Fi connection when gaming and viewing HD movies or videos. It is ideal for homes with vast network needs as it uses beamforming technology to create a strong signal around the house.

This is a medium sized router which suits small spaces without looking out of place. It has four superior antennas to enhance coverage, but they can also be removed when you want to have a sleek router sitting among other low-profile gadgets. More so, you can have wired connections over the all-gigabit ports to give you a solid signal without speed interferences.

What’s more, the router ramps up its specs for low-latency gaming and streaming needs using StreamBoost. It has latency prioritization which prevents stutter on your internet provider route hence every live game is in real time and videos are not choppy. The router can establish two quad-stream Wi-Fi networks at 800Mbps on 2.4GHz and 1.7Gbps at 5GHz and multiple device access. It is the remedy for heavy Wi-Fi traffic for all busy medium-sized homes. If you are looking for a best router for streaming media at home, why not pick this one?

	Product Name	Standard	Max Speed	Ports
#1	Netgear Nighthawk AC1900 R7000	802.11ac	1300Mbps	1x Gigabit WAN 4x Gigabit LAN ports 1x USB 3.0 1x USB 2.0	Check Price
#2	TP-LINK AC5400	802.11ac 802.11ad	4600Mbps (802.11ad) 1733Mbps (802.11ac)	1 x Gigabit WAN 4 x Gigabit LAN ports 2 x USB 3.0	Check Price
#3	Linksys AC1900 EA7500	802.11ac	1300Mbps	1x Gigabit WAN 4x Gigabit LAN ports 1x USB 3.0 1x USB 2.0	Check Price
#4	ASUS RT-AC88U	802.11ac	2167Mbps	1x Gigabit WAN 8x Gigabit LAN ports 1x USB 3.0 1x USB 2.0	Check Price
#5	TRENDnet AC2600	802.11ac	1733Mbps	1x Gigabit WAN 4x Gigabit LAN ports 2x USB 3.0	Check Price

Conclusion

The right router makes your internet connection enjoyable as it eliminates speed limits, buffering and low network coverage. All the routers on this list span on different price levels and the most important is they are the best router for streaming. The Linksys AC1900, for example, is a router dedicated for streaming and gaming mostly because it clears gaming path routes for the network. The other routers are pretty nice, all having dual bandwidths and latest 802.11ac standards which is a must for streaming media. We do believe you’ll find one best suited for streaming videos and movies at any place you need.

Finally, if you are facing slow Internet at home, please double check your modem first. Too old or broken modem is a problem for streaming media purposes, in that case, just pick one from this list of best cable modem.