10 Best Routers for Streaming TV

Over-the-top (OTT) platforms have become very popular in today’s day and age. If you are a fan of movies and TV shows, not a day goes by without you logging into Netflix, or Prime Videos, or Disney+.

Any type of media always looks better on the big screen of our TV. However, to stream on TV, you need a good and stable internet connection. Today, we look at the best routers for streaming TV!

There are millions of WiFi routers available on the market. However, not every router might suit your needs. Choosing the best router for streaming TV can be a very difficult task. Therefore after thorough research and tests we have compiled a list of 10 Best Routers for Streaming TV based on various factors.

We have chosen the products based on their features and even provided an in-depth review of each. So, let’s check out the list of best routers for streaming TV and see which one fits your needs perfectly.

Things to keep in mind before buying the Best Router for Streaming TV

Look for the below things while handpicking the best router for streaming TV if you want it to last long without facing any hiccups along the way.

Data Transfer Speed:

One of the most important factors while choosing the best router for streaming TV is its Data Transfer Speeds. The data transfer speed depends on the frequency at which your WiFi router operates.

Not everyone requires the fastest speeds available. Depending on your usage, you must determine the speed that you require. For example, streaming heavy footage such as 4K videos requires fast speeds; otherwise, you will face a lot of buffering while watching your favorite movie! Moreover, other heavy tasks, such as gaming, also require high speeds.

As mentioned, the data transfer speed depends on the frequency of operation. There are two frequencies at which the router operates, a 2.4 GHz band and a 5 GHz band. You can get maximum theoretical speeds of 450 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band.

On the other hand, a 5GHz band can push speeds as high as 1700 Mbps. Of course, the real-world speeds can differ vastly. Usually, you can expect speeds of 150 Mbps and 700 Mbps on the two bands, respectively.

If you plan to stream high-quality videos or play games every now and then, choose a router that supports higher speeds. Conversely, if you are content with lower TV quality and wish to use the internet for normal usage, a slower data speed router might be the way to go.

Range: 

Another important factor while choosing the best router for streaming TV is its range. Like with the data transfer speed, the frequency band of your router can determine the range it can provide.

The higher the frequency, the closer is the wireless waves it generates. It should be noted that 2.4 GHz routers generate waves that are much taller and spread out.

As a result, they have a much better range as compared to waves from a 5 GHz band. Moreover, they dissipate less energy when they strike surrounding molecules. Hence, they can travel easily through walls and other obstacles as well.

Now the question arises, how do you decide which type of router is better for you? If your tech devices are always close to the router and not moved much, a 5 GHz router is the better choice.

Not only does it reduce congestion, but you will also get higher speeds. Moreover, activities that require high bandwidths can also be carried out without any problems.

If you have a larger home, you might be more inclined to get a 2.4 GHz router. These routers have a much better range and can even penetrate through solid objects easily. You can carry your devices and still get good data speeds in different rooms of your house.

Quick read – 10 Best WiFi Extenders for Fios

Beamforming and MU-MIMO:

When choosing the best router for streaming TV, you need to consider its Beamforming capabilities as well.

Beamforming is a signal processing technique used to improve directional signal transmission. In layman’s terms, this technology focuses the signal on the device. As a result, the network signal which the device receives is much faster and stable as well.

If your router does not support Beamforming, there is a high chance of network signals getting dispersed in its range. Not only is the strength of the signal low, but the connection may drop now and then.

MU-MIMO stands for multi-user, multi-input, multi-output. MU-MIMO is the technology responsible for a steady internet connection. The technology does this by multitasking; it divides the bandwidth among the multiple users on the same network.

Coupled with Beamforming, these technologies can give very strong, stable, and long-range network connections.

Device Connectivity:

The best router for streaming TV must have good device connectivity capabilities. Apart from providing a fast internet connection for your TV, it should also be able to connect to other devices as well.

If you have few devices that require an internet connection, you can go for smaller routers that have low device connectivity. However, if you do have a lot of devices, you might want to stay away from the smaller routers.

With the bigger routers, you get more LAN ports with which you can make wired connections. Additionally, you can connect devices like printers and scanners, which lack a WiFi chip.

You also have the option of connecting storage devices, such as external hard drives. Furthermore, you can use them as NAS or a modem to connect to 3G and 4G networks. As our dependence on technology increases, it might be safer to go for a router with good device connectivity capabilities.

Wireless Standards:

The wireless standard supported by your WiFi router determines other features such as data speeds and range. Some of the common wireless standards are 802.11n, 802.11ac, and WiFi 6.

The most common wireless standard is the 802.11ac. 802.11ac provides support for high-quality data streaming. WiFi 6 is the newest wireless standard and supports much faster speeds than the 802.11ac. Routers that support these wireless standards can handle 4K streaming like a charm.

Bands:

Earlier, we mentioned that the current frequency bands available are the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. You can also classify routers depending on the number of frequency bands that they have.

Single-band routers support only one of the frequency bands. Dual-band routers can communicate on both frequency bands. The upside is that you can get much faster data speeds with these bands.

The costlier routers have Tri-band capabilities. This means that they use two 5 GHz bands and one 2.4 GHz band. So not only do you get the fastest data speeds possible with these routers, but they can also cut down on signal interference and congestion.

When choosing the best router for streaming TV, you might want to consider a dual-band router. They support 4K streaming at an affordable price. If budget is not a concern, you can also go for the more powerful Tri-band routers.

Price:

Whether we like it or not, most of us have to adhere to a budget while purchasing a product. The same goes for wireless routers as well. However, not everyone needs all the bells and whistles that come with the costliest WiFi routers on the market.

While choosing the best wireless router for streaming TV, consider its price to performance ratio. Some routers might have a specific feature that you require, which may not come with other devices.

We have compiled the list of the best routers for streaming TV based on their price to performance ratio!

10 Best Routers for Streaming TV

1. Best Overall: Linksys EA7500 Dual-Band WiFi Router

Dual-Band Wi-Fi Router for Home

• Good signal strength

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The first product on our list of the best routers for streaming TV is the Linksys EA7500. As the name suggests, it’s a dual-band router and has dimensions of 10.03 x 7.25 x 2.19 inches.

This wireless router provides a range of up to 1500 square feet. With the help of MU-MIMO technology, it can provide WiFi connectivity to more than 15 devices without a drop in speed. With the help of its Dual-Band design, you can access speeds of 600 Mbps and 1300 Mbps on the 2.4GHz band and 5 GHz band, respectively. With both combined, you can get maximum speeds of 1900 Mbps!

The router is compatible with Internet Explorer 8 and above, Safari 5 and newer, and Google Chrome. Setting up the product for the first time is very simple. In fact, you can set it up with your existing modem with the help of the Linksys App.

Courtesy of its impressive features, the Linksys EA7500 is one of the best WiFi router for gaming and 4K streaming. Not only does it support heavy data loads, but it is also very seamless at doing it. As a result, it is our pick for the best overall wireless router for streaming.

Specifications:

• Dimensions: 10.03 x 7.25 x 2.19 inches
• Weight: 2.05 pounds
• Range: 1500 square feet
• Frequency Bands supported: Dual-Band
• Wireless Communication Standard: 802.11ac
• Maximum Speed: 1900Mbps

2. Best Premium: Netgear Nighthawk 12-Stream AX12 WiFi 6 Router

Tri-Band Wireless Speed Wifi-6 Router

• 2,500 sq. ft. Coverage

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No WiFi router list would be complete without the inclusion of a product from Netgear. The Netgear Nighthawk is widely acclaimed for being the best Netgear router for streaming TV!

This WiFi 6 router has a range of 2500 square feet, which is one of the highest ranges provided by any home router.

Moreover, it can provide a seamless and secure connection to more than 12 devices, thanks to MU-MIMO and Beamforming+ technologies. The Tri-Band router can also provide an incredible maximum speed of 11000Mbps!

Setting up the router is very easy. First, you have to download the Nighthawk application, which helps you easily manage the router settings.

It comes with smart parental controls and is compatible with most operating systems. Furthermore, it even works on older OS such as Unix and Linux!

The Netgear Nighthawk has the best speeds and range that technology can provide. The AX12 version is one of the best WiFi 6 router for streaming TV!

Specifications:

• Dimensions: 11.7 x 3.07 x 8.3 inches
• Weight: 3.20 pounds
• Range: 2500 square feet
• Frequency Bands supported: Tri-Band
• Wireless Communication Standard: 802.11x/a/g/n/b
• Maximum Speed: 11000Mbps

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3. Best Dual-Band: TP-Link AX6000 WiFi 6 Router

8-Stream WiFi Router

• 8 Gigabit LAN Ports

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This wireless router offering from TP-Link is one of the best router for video streaming. The router has dimensions of 10 x 12 x 4 inches. It has also received many awards, such as the JD Power Award – The highest in customer satisfaction!

The Dual-Band WiFi 6 router has very good speeds. The 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands can provide data speeds of 1148 Mbps and 4804 Mbps, respectively. Combined, you can get maximum speeds of 5952 Mbps.

In addition, it also has a very good range, courtesy of its 8 high-gain external antennas. Also, it has powerful processors which reduce latency and provide a stable, strong, and reliable wireless connection.

With the help of the Tether app, you can set up this wireless router. You can connect more than 16 devices to this router at the same time.

It is compatible with Google Chrome 20.0 and newer, Safari 4.0 and above, and Firefox 12.0 and above. Moreover, it is also compatible with Windows 98 and newer.

Not only does this wireless router support high data speeds, but it also ensures that the connection is very secure. These features make it one of the best WiFi router for gaming and 4K streaming.

Specifications:

• Dimensions: 10 x 12 x 4 inches
• Weight: 3.5 pounds
• Frequency Bands supported: Dual-Band
• Wireless Communication Standard: 802.11n/ax/b/ac/g
• Maximum Speed: 5952Mbps

4. Best Compact: Google WiFi System

Whole Home Coverage Router

• 1200 Megabits Per Second

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Fresh from Google is the Google WiFi system. Despite being a tad bit too heavy, the product has dimensions of 4.17 x 4.17 x 2.7 inches. It can work with your existing modem and internet connection.

With the help of three WiFi points, the device can provide a maximum range of 4500 square feet. With additional WiFi points, you can further increase the device’s coverage. It supports both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands and can provide maximum data speeds of 1200 Mbps.

Also, this smart router can choose which frequency to connect to for the best network speeds, making it one of the best router for audio streaming!

Setting up this Google router is very easy. The google app helps you install the router. Moreover, you get security updates now and then. You can also set parental controls and even prioritize devices on the WiFi network. The Network Assist technology ensures a fast and stable connection.

These impressive features coupled with regular software updates make it one of the best modem router for streaming TV! In addition, it has good connectivity, which also makes it one of the best router for streaming multiple devices.

Specifications:

• Dimensions: 4.17 x 4.17 x 2.7 inches
• Weight: 11.8 pounds
• Range: 4500 square feet
• Frequency Bands supported: Dual-Band
• Wireless Communication Standard: 802.11a/b/g/n/ac
• Maximum Speed: 1200Mbps

 5. Best Budget: TP-Link WiFi 6 AX1500 Smart WiFi Router

2.4G/5G Dual Band Wireless PCI Express Adapter

• 1300 Megabits Per Second

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Another excellent WiFi router for streaming is the TP-Link WiFi 6 AX1500 router. This affordable router has dimensions of 10.24 x 4.96 x 1.3 inches.

On the 2.4 GHz band, this router can provide a maximum data speed of 300 Mbps. On the other hand, you get maximum data speeds of 1500 Mbps. Together, you can get speeds of 1500 Mbps by using both frequency bands.

With the help of Beamforming, this router can provide more coverage with lesser interference, making it one of the best wireless router for streaming Netflix to TV!

Like other TP-Link routers, you can set up this device with the Tether app. It offers very good device compatibility and can be used with Windows 98 and newer.

It also works with Safari 4.0 and newer, Firefox 12.0 and newer, and Google Chrome 20.0 and newer. Also, you can enable Wireless Radio and WMM functionality!

This device from TP-Link has outstanding processing power and can reduce lag in the network connection. Moreover, with the help of OFDMA, it can further reduce lag and provide better connections to multiple devices. Indeed, it is one of the best router for 4K streaming!

Specifications:

• Dimensions: 10.24 x 4.96 x 1.3 inches
• Weight: 0.84 pounds
• Frequency Bands supported: Dual-Band
• Wireless Communication Standard: 802.11ax/b/ac/n/g
• Maximum Speed: 1500Mbps

6. Best Technology: Asus AC1300 WiFi Gaming Router

Dual Band Gigabit Wireless Router

• Lifetime Internet Security

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The Asus AC1300 WiFi Gaming Router is another powerful 4G router for live streaming. With dimensions of 30 x 6.5 x 18.8 inches, this router is one of the bulkiest products on our list.

With the help of the QAM technology, this router can provide speeds of 1000 Mbps and 2100 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands, respectively. Combined together, you can get speeds as high as 3167 Mbps. Moreover, the 4T4R design helps it achieve a range of 5000 square feet.

The Smart Connect feature available with this router helps choose the best frequency band for fast wireless connections. In addition, you get the ASUS protection which also makes the connection safe and secure. The ASUS Router app and ASUSWRT UI make this device very easy to use. Setting it up for the first time also works like a charm!

It is a certified gaming router, it is one of the best router for gaming and streaming. It is also a candidate for the best router for twitch streaming!

Specifications:

• Dimensions: 30 x 6.5 x 18.8 inches
• Weight: 2.60 pounds
• Range: 5000 square feet
• Frequency Bands supported: Dual-Band
• Wireless Communication Standard: 802.11ac
• Maximum Speed: 3167Mbps

7. Best Tri-Band: Asus ROG Rapture WiFi 6 Gaming Router

Tri-Band 10 Gigabit Wireless Router

• 2.5 G gaming port for ultimate performance

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Another Asus router is the ROG Rapture WiFi 6 Gaming Router. This device weighs 4.1 pounds and has dimensions of 11.3 x 4.74 x 14.86 inches.

This WiFi router is primarily meant for gamers. One of the best router for live streaming, the triple-level game acceleration helps increase gamer traffic. Moreover, there is also an increase in in-game packet and game saver prioritization.

Thanks to its Tri-Band capabilities, you can also achieve maximum data speeds of 11000 Mbps! You can also use it for VR and other futuristic games.

Asus has also included their AiMesh technology with this product. This feature helps create a home WiFi network with other Asus routers. Moreover, this technology is very flexible and powerful, which also gives seamless and reliable network connectivity!

The router also has a very intuitive user interface. The point-and-click control feature also offers a lot of customization and optimization options. As a result, it is one of the best router for game streaming and one of the best router for VR streaming. 

Specifications:

• Dimensions: 11.3 x 4.74 x 14.86 inches
• Weight: 4.1 pounds
• Frequency Bands supported: Tri-Band
• Wireless Communication Standard: 802.11ac/ax
• Maximum Speed: 11000Mbps

 8. Best Smart Features: TP-Link AC1750 Smart WiFi Router

Dual Band Gigabit Wireless Internet Router for Home

• Works with Alexa

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TP-Link has made one of the best smart routers with the AC1750. One of the lightest products on our list, this router has dimensions of 9.59 x 6.32 x 1.29 inches.

This Dual-band router works with both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. The wireless network speeds are 450 Mbps and 1300 Mbps, respectively. Moreover, you can combine the two networks to get high speeds of 1750 Mbps.

You can also get fast wired connections with the help of 4 LAN ports. These ports also allow you to connect multiple devices to the router at the same time!

The TP-Link Tether app also helps you set up the router easily. Moreover, you also get remote connectivity which is a huge plus point. One of the best internet router for streaming, it is compatible with Amazon’s Alexa.

Additionally, you can set up parental controls, which open up a lot of new features such as insights and time limits.

The 3 antennas offer a very sleek and simple design. More importantly, you also get reliable and robust data speeds and good range. You can also connect more than 45 devices, making it the best WiFi router for streaming multiple devices!

Specifications:

• Dimensions: 9.59 x 6.32 x 1.29 inches
• Weight: 0.39 pounds
• Frequency Bands supported: Dual-Band
• Wireless Communication Standard: 802.11g/b/n/ac
• Maximum Speed: 1750Mbps

9. Best Portable: Google Nest WiFi Router

Mesh WiFi System

• Handle up to 200 connected devices

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The Google Nest WiFi router is a very capable router system with dimensions of 4.33 x 4.33 x 3.56 inches. You get 2 router units that can connect to create a mesh network. It is one of the best home router for streaming TV!

Out of the two routers, one is used to connect to the internet, while the other extends the WiFi connection. The Dual-Band connectivity feature also helps it achieve maximum data speeds of 220 Mbps.

Setting up the router for the first time is very easy. Not only does the Nest WiFi app help with the setup, but it also creates a guest network that increases the functionality of the device.

This wireless router has incredible device connectivity and can connect with up to 200 devices. Moreover, you can also connect with other Google devices. You can also add more Nest WiFi routers for a better range. Also, the router comes with ethernet ports for wired connections.

With a small and compact design, this powerful router is one of the best portable WiFi router for TV streaming.

Specifications:

• Dimensions: 4.33 x 4.33 x 3.56 inches
• Weight: 1.7 pounds
• Range: 4400 square feet
• Frequency Bands supported: Dual-Band
• Wireless Communication Standard: 802.11ac
• Maximum Speed: 22000Mbps

10. Best Durable: Netgear Nighthawk Pro Gaming XR500 WiFi Router

Pro Gaming Wi-Fi Router with 4 Ethernet Ports

• Wireless Speeds Up to 2.6 Gbps

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Rounding off our list is the Netgear Nighthawk Pro Gaming XR500 WiFi router. One of the best Nighthawk router for streaming, the XR500 has dimensions of 2.2 x 12.7 x 9.6 inches.

The Dual-Band router can combine both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz network bands to give maximum speeds of 2600 Mbps. The dual-core processor also ensures that you get high-speed wired network connectivity from the four ethernet ports.

High-quality streaming works very well with this device due to optimized low pings. You can set up the router with the Nighthawk app.

Moreover, you can also manage internet access from within the app itself. Additionally, you can also control the device with your voice as it works with Alexa.

The Nighthawk Pro XR500 provides fast, stable, and secure wireless connections. It also works well with Virtual Private Networks, making it one of the best VPN router for streaming!

Specifications:

• Dimensions: 2.2 x 12.7 x 9.6 inches
• Weight: 3.71 pounds
• Frequency Bands supported: Dual-Band
• Wireless Communication Standard: 802.11ac
• Maximum Speed: 2600Mbps

Conclusion

In our opinion, the best router for streaming movies is the Linksys EA7500. You get multiple device connectivity along with good signal strength, all for an affordable price.

On the other hand, the best Netgear router for gaming and streaming is the 12-Stream AX12. It offers high speeds and other top-end features. If high speed is your priority, you can also go for the Asus ROG Rapture WiFi router. With its Tri-Band capabilities, it can provide very high speeds!

Still, thinking about which router for streaming TV I should buy?

We have listed the 10 best routers for streaming TV, and one can easily choose any one of them as per their requirements. Hope it will help you in the best possible way to choose a good router for streaming!

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