Fiber-optic internet has become the gold standard for home connectivity. Fiber connections provide fast speeds, ultra-low latency, and exceptional reliability.
But to truly unlock its full potential you need the best router for fiber internet. With the optical technology delivering unprecedented bandwidth, your Wi-Fi router becomes the critical gateway for managing and directing this super-fast connectivity to your various devices.
Naturally, a question comes to mind. Which is the best router for fiber-optic internet? To answer this, we will discuss the top 5 contenders for 2024 and guide you through crucial factors to consider when choosing one. We will also discuss whether you should buy your own router or rent it from fiber internet providers.
Top 5 Wi-Fi Routers for Fiber-Optic Internet
Fiber internet plans often come with impressive download and upload speeds, typically ranging from 300 Mbps to a staggering 50 Gbps or more. At the heart of this high-speed is a capable Wi-Fi router. Here is a list of the 5 best Wi-Fi routers for fiber internet.
ASUS ROG Rapture Wi-Fi 6E Router (GT-AXE16000)
The GT-AXE16000 is one of the top selections on our list. This beast can reach speeds of up to 16,000 Mbps, which is a lot faster when compared with other routers in the same price bracket. Such a speed is possible because it uses the 6 GHz frequency in addition to the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz.
Another noteworthy feature of this router is the MU-MIMO technology. This feature enables all your devices to receive a strong signal at once.
Netgear Nighthawk RAXE50
The Nighthawk RAXE500 must be the top choice for people seeking the best raw speed and performance. It supports the latest Wi-Fi 6E standard, which utilizes the less congested 6 GHz band for the absolute maximum speeds.
On the downside, this router does not have a multi-gigabit port. So, you cannot get an internet connection of more than 1 Gbps.
ASUS RT-AX86U
The Asus RT-AX86U is a powerful dual-band Wi-Fi 6 router, well-suited for gamers and streamers. The device supports Wi-Fi 6. It can deliver speeds up to 5,700 Mbps, much faster than most older routers.
The RT-AX86U supports internet speeds of up to 2 Gbps. In addition to this, the device provides commercial-grade security with the ASUS AiProtection Pro.
TP-Link AX1800 Wi-Fi 6 Router (Archer AX21)
The TP-Link Archer AX21 stands out as one of the best routers for fiber internet and a budget-friendly option without compromising performance. It supports Wi-Fi 6 and provides a stable and fast connection, suitable for most homes and small offices.
AX1800 supports internet speeds of up to 1.8 Gbps. This next-generation router is equipped with advanced beamforming technology and consists of 4 antennas to provide the best coverage.
ASUS Zen WiFi AX6600
The ASUS Zen WiFi AX6600 is a mesh system. It is designed to eliminate dead zones and provide extensive coverage throughout larger homes. It ensures that each corner of your space has a strong signal, making it ideal for multi-story houses or complex layouts.
Best Gaming Router for Fiber-Optic Internet
For online gamers, even a millisecond of lag can spell disaster. Fiber internet’s low latency is perfect for gaming. But to truly optimize your experience, a router (specifically designed for gaming) should be considered. While there are a lot of gaming routers available on the market, the following two are the most preferred by users.
ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AX11000 – Best For Gaming
The ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AX11000 is a top-tier gaming router that stands out in the market. It has a 1.8 GHz quad-core processor and a tri-band network that includes a dedicated 5 GHz band for gaming.
It also offers extensive customization options, QoS (Quality of Service) for prioritizing gaming devices, built-in VPN support, and more. However, this high-performance machine can cost quite a bit and is only suited for those that do heavy gaming.
ASUS RT-AX86U – Cost-Effective Gaming Router
For gamers, the most cost-effective router for fiber internet is the RT-AX86U. It offers excellent Wi-Fi 6 speeds for most home internet plans and typical gaming needs. It can support speeds of up to 5,700 Mbps, thanks to its latest Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) standard and 160MHz channels.
However, it lacks the dedicated band for gaming traffic that the GT-AX11000 has. It can lead to congestion if you have many devices on the network.
Key Considerations – Choosing a Fiber Internet Router
If you are not tech-savvy, choosing the best routers for fiber internet can be a little confusing. Here are some factors that you should consider before buying your device.
Speed
It is a no-brainer. Speed is probably the first factor to consider when choosing a fiber internet router. Always choose routers that use standards like Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 6E. Plus, ensure that the device you are getting supports multigigabit internet so you can enjoy 5 or 8 Gig speeds.
Coverage
Consider the size of your home. The coverage area of your home plays a part if you have a large house and want to get good signals everywhere. As a general rule of thumb, try to get a router that can provide at least 150 feet of coverage indoors and 300 feet outdoors. Also, opt for a mesh router system, which offers superior coverage by blanketing your entire home with a consistent Wi-Fi signal.
Number of Devices
How many devices will be connected to your network simultaneously? If you have a large household with numerous smartphones, laptops, tablets, smart home devices, etc., a router with features like MU-MIMO technology (Multi-User, Multiple-Input, Multiple-Output) is beneficial. Get a device that can support at least 10 devices at once.
Features
Some routers offer additional features that may be appealing depending on your needs. These can include parental controls, guest network capabilities, Quality of Service (QoS) for prioritizing bandwidth for specific devices, and compatibility with smart home ecosystems.
Purchasing a Fiber Internet Router vs Renting From Your ISP
One of the decisions you must make when setting up your home Wi-Fi network will be whether to buy your router for fiber-optic internet or rent it from your ISP. Both options are good and have their ups and downs.
Buying your router might feel like a heavy upfront cost. However, in the long run, it can be more cost-effective. Plus, you can choose a router with the performance capabilities and features that best suit your needs. Getting a router of your own gives you complete control over your network settings and the ability to customize your setup.
On the other hand, renting a router from your ISP is more convenient. All the installation, maintenance, and technical issues are handled by your service provider. However, the downside of renting the device is that you have to pay a monthly fee. It can accumulate over time and surpass the original price of the router. Additionally, you won’t always get a device with your desired features and specifications.
Final Take – Best Router for Fiber Internet
Getting a reliable and high-performance router is essential to get the most out of your fiber internet. The best router for fiber internet depends on your specific needs and budget. However, you can make an informed decision by considering the factors outlined above and exploring the options we have presented.
