The best routers for 4K streaming on the market.
Nowadays, our houses are full of various devices and gadgets that use a Wi-Fi connection. Technology makes our life simpler and more convenient, so more and more people install Wi-Fi routers at home. These devices allow you to share photos, videos and other files. You can also watch online content using your smartphone, laptop, PC and even TV.
Today, people like spending their free time indoors watching some movies online, browsing the Internet, chatting with friends. To enjoy this time, they need a powerful Wi-Fi router that delivers a strong and stable signal.
Not all Wi-Fi routers are equally powerful, and not every model can provide a stable connection to all devices without affecting the speed of the Internet. If your router is not powerful enough, you will experience a slow Internet connection and some annoying lags, that is why it is better to opt for a reliable 4K WiFi router.
Speed: 2600 Mbps | Connectivity: Wired and Wireless | Features: Advanced Smart Beam | Item Weight: 1.50 lbs
The D-Link DIR-882-US AC2600 MU-MIMO Wi-Fi Wireless router is a powerful device that ensures premium performance, which is enough for fulfilling even such heavy tasks as HD streaming, gaming, etc. Besides, it can provide a connection to multiple devices.
Delivering speeds of up to 2,533 Mbps, this router for 4K streaming and gaming has numerous advanced features, like a high-efficiency CPU with two processors, AC Smart Beam Technology, Intelligent Quality of Service, 4 external antennas for greatest wireless range, an updated UI, etc. The DIR-882-US is a perfect device as it is easy to use and delivers great wireless performance.
Speed: 1750 Mbps | Connectivity: Wired and Wireless | Features: Works with Alexa | Item Weight: 0.93 pounds
The TP-Link AC1750 is widely regarded as the best router for 4K streaming as it delivers 3x faster speed than other models. Thanks to dual-band Wi-Fi support, this model ensures a stable connection for multiple devices at the same time.
Besides, the router uses the robust WPA/WPA2 wireless encryption for secure Internet surfing. It also offers parental control and guest access options. Moreover, you can use a user-friendly Tether app for a trouble-free installation. This application is also great for configuring your Wi-Fi at home or through the cloud.
Speed: 5334 Mbps | Connectivity: Wired and Wireless | Features: 1.8 GHz Quad-Core processor | Item Weight: 7.08 pounds
The ASUS gaming router utilizes unique AiMesh technology that can be used with different ASUS router models. There is no need to throw away old devices. To expand the coverage area or the functionality of the AiMesh system, simply add a new ASUS router from the list of compatible models to it.
Another noticeable advantage of this router is a 1.8GHz 64bit quad-core CPU that is powerful enough for handling heavy tasks. Besides, it has the unique VPN Fusion feature allowing you to maintain a secure connection.
Speed: 1200 Mbps | Connectivity: Wired and Wireless | Features: TP-Link tether app | Item Weight: 1.73 pounds
Use the router’s Gigabit Ethernet port for connecting your gaming consoles, smart TV or other devices to the Web for a stable and speedy connection. Take advantage of a handy and free Tether app for easy management of the TP-Link AC1200 and adjusting its settings.
The app is compatible with various platforms, including Android and iOS. By using a special Access Point Mode, you can connect your devices to the wireless network. The TP-Link AC1200 is probably the best router for 4K streaming as it provides a reliable Wi-Fi connection in any part of your home.
Speed: 2.2 Gbps | Connectivity: Wired and Wireless | Features: Works with existing modem | Item Weight: 1.59 pounds
The Linksys Mesh AC2200 is a tri-band router that delivers great performance. This model is a perfect choice for all your entertainment needs, including streaming and gaming. The router ensures a stable and great Internet connection in every part of your home.
That is why many users consider the Linksys Mesh AC2200 to be the greatest router for 4K streaming and gaming, as well as for video calls. This model can also serve as a traditional Wi-Fi router, delivering high speeds and a reliable connection.
Speed: 5952 Mbps | Connectivity: Wired and Wireless | Features: JD Power Award | Item Weight: 3.50 pounds
Fitted with a 2.5Gbps WAN port, the Archer AX6000 delivers a stable Internet connection with speeds of up to 1 Gbps and great overall bandwidth. It is the best router for 4K streaming as it has USB Type C, USB 3.0 and 8 GB Ethernet ports. Besides, this router utilizes a 1.8 GHz 64-bit quad-core CPU with dual co-processors and 1 GB of RAM for maximum performance.
These powerful features make the router capable of supporting numerous heavy applications. The TP-Link AX6000 comes with eight antennas that deliver a strong Wi-Fi signal. Besides, this model utilizes BSS Color technology that eliminates connection interference and accounts for extensive coverage.
Speed: 5334 Mbps | Connectivity: Wired and Wireless | Features: Powered by Trend Micro | Item Weight: 3.21 pounds
The ASUS RT-AC5300 is a wireless router for 4K streaming with an app that features an intuitive and user-friendly interface. With this app, you can easily configure settings, manage network traffic, diagnose connection issues.
Besides, you won’t need to boot up a computer to perform all these actions. Equipped with 4 GB LAN ports, the router allows connecting up to four devices at the same time. The devices that do not support a Wi-Fi connection, like game consoles, Smart TVs, media players, can be connected via dedicated ports.
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D-Link WiFi Router AC2600
Our Choice
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CHECK PRICE → | |
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TP-Link AC1750
Compact
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CHECK PRICE → | |
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ASUS Gaming Router
High quality
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CHECK PRICE → |
Wireless communication is possible thanks to bands that can be defined as the paths for data. Earlier models of routers, including 802.11g, only utilized the 2.4GHz band, whereas the more recent versions, like 802.11n, 802.11ac and 802.11ax, operate 5GHz bands.
Those routers that only support 2.4GHz radio are called single-band, and those models that support both bands (2.4GHz and 5GHz) are called dual-band. The higher-frequency band accounts for a higher speed.
However, the 5GHz band has some drawbacks as well. The strength of its signal decreases because of such obstacles as walls, furniture, etc. However, dual-band routers are better for online gaming and streaming.
When selecting the best router for 4K streaming, you should consider its Wi-Fi standard as well as other specifications that will allow you to define the actual capacity of the device. If you think that the AC1200 can deliver the top rate of 1,200Mbps, you are mistaken. An AC1200 router will feature a 2.4GHz band with the greatest speed of 300 Mbps and a 5GHz band with the highest speed of approximately 867 Mbps.
Even these values may differ when it comes to real-time performance. So keep in mind, that by purchasing the AC5000 router, you can expect a single 600 Mbps 2.4 GHz band and two 2,166 Mbps 5 GHz bands. Let’s also take an AX6000 Wi-Fi 6 router as an example. In this case, you can count on up to 1.2 Gbps on the lower frequency band and 4.8 Gbps on the higher frequency band.
If you live in a large household, your Wi-Fi router may fail to provide a stable and consistent connection to all devices. This is a common issue for 5 GHz band devices. For smaller houses, you can choose a single router with solid antennas. Do not be in haste when selecting a router for 4K streaming and gaming, but make sure to read online reviews before making a purchase.
Do not buy one big router for serving large houses or apartments, opt for mesh Wi-Fi kits instead. These units provide the greatest possible Wi-Fi coverage up to thousands of square feet. The kits are easy to install and are gaining more popularity these days. Mesh Wi-Fi kits are also great for small spaces.
Various streaming services have their minimum requirements for 4K streaming without lags or other issues. Such providers as Netflix, iTunes, Amazon Video require at least 25 Mbps Wi-Fi for steaming high-resolution content. Pay attention to this fact while selecting the greatest wireless router for 4K streaming.
The minimal requirement for streaming videos without any lags and interruptions is a download speed of 3 Megabits per second. This speed is enough for watching content in standard definition. HD streaming requires a minimum speed of 5 Mbps. For watching videos in 4K resolution online, your bandwidth should start from at least 25 Mbps.
Yes, of course. A highly capable router has better coverage and provides a stronger signal. An upgraded router might also offer a 5 GHz band for better connectivity and performance.