Top Models for Fast Internet

The vast majority of households today can no longer do without the internet. From using streaming services and surfing the World Wide Web to using smart home gadgets – a modern home simply needs access to the global data highway. The basic requirement for this is a functioning Internet connection and a router connected to it. But not all routers are the same. We asked ourselves which is the best router and picked out a few recommendations for you to buy.

The best router 2025: Routers for everyday use

Whether streaming, home office or smart home – you need stable internet for everyday life. All-rounders are the best choice here.

AVM Fritz!Box 5690 Pro

• Wi-Fi 7 triband (2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, 6 GHz) with up to 18,490 MBit/s
• Multi-link operation (MLO) for more stable and faster connections
• 2.5 Gigabit WAN/LAN + 4x Gigabit LAN for flexible network connection
• USB 3.1 port for fast storage integration
• Integrated telephone system with DECT base and a/b port
• Smart home control center with Zigbee and DECT ULE support

The FRITZ!Box 5690 Pro is a powerful router for fiber optic and DSL connections and brings the latest network technology into the home. Thanks to Wi-Fi 7 and multi-link operation, it enables extremely high speeds and a particularly stable connection.

In addition to powerful WLAN, it offers versatile connections, including a 2.5 gigabit WAN/LAN port and an integrated telephone system. It also functions as a smart home control center that supports both Zigbee and DECT ULE. This makes it the perfect choice for high-speed internet, telephony and smart networking in one device.

ASUS RT-AX58U

• Wi-Fi 6 standard (802.11ax): Supports 160MHz bandwidth and 1024-QAM for faster connections.
• Total network speed: Up to 3,000Mbps – 574Mbps in the 2.4GHz band and 2,402Mbps in the 5GHz band.
• OFDMA and MU-MIMO technology: Increases network capacity and efficiency.
• AiProtection by Trend Micro: Lifetime free protection for all connected devices.
• Compatible with ASUS AiMesh: Easy integration into a mesh Wi-Fi system for seamless coverage.

The ASUS RT-AX58U is a dual-band Wi-Fi router that supports the latest Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) standard, providing high speeds, improved efficiency and wider coverage. With a total speed of up to 3,000Mbps, it is ideal for data-intensive applications such as 4K streaming or online gaming.

Thanks to OFDMA and MU-MIMO technology, the router can efficiently serve multiple devices simultaneously, which is particularly advantageous in households with many networked devices. The integrated AiProtection from Trend Micro ensures comprehensive network security, while ASUS AiMesh compatibility enables flexible expansion of the home network.

TP-Link Deco BE85

• Wi-Fi 7 Tri-Band Mesh System: Provides combined speeds of up to 19 Gbps.
• 6 GHz band: Enables 320 MHz bandwidth for faster data transmission.
• 10G Multi-Gigabit Connectivity: Equipped with two 10 Gigabit ports for ultra-fast wired connections.
• Seamless AI roaming: Ensures uninterrupted connections throughout the home network.
• TP-Link HomeShield: Provides comprehensive security features to protect your network.

The TP-Link Deco BE85 is an advanced tri-band mesh Wi-Fi 7 system designed to deliver ultra-fast and reliable internet connections throughout your home. With an impressive combined speed of up to 19 Gbps and utilizing the new 6 GHz band with 320 MHz bandwidth, it ensures all your devices operate at peak performance. The two integrated 10 Gigabit ports enable lightning-fast wired connections.

This makes the Deco BE85 ideal for bandwidth-intensive applications such as 8K streaming or online gaming. Thanks to seamless AI roaming, your devices automatically switch to the strongest signal without interruption, while TP-Link HomeShield protects your network with advanced security features. With the ability to connect up to 200 devices simultaneously, the Deco BE85 is the ideal solution for modern homes with high demands on speed and connectivity.

AVM FRITZ!Box 6690 Cable

• DOCSIS 3.1 cable modem: Supports gigabit speeds for ultra-fast Internet.
• Wi-Fi 6 (WLAN AX): Provides combined data rates of up to 6,000 Mbps (4,800 Mbps in the 5 GHz band and 1,200 Mbps in the 2.4 GHz band).
• WLAN Mesh technology: Ensures seamless coverage throughout the entire home network.
• Versatile connection options: 1 x 2.5 Gigabit LAN, 3 x Gigabit LAN and 2 x USB 3.0 for fast connections.
• Integrated telephone system: DECT base station for up to 6 cordless telephones and support for analog telephones.

The FRITZ!Box 6690 Cable from AVM is a powerful router that has been specially developed for cable connections. Thanks to the integrated DOCSIS 3.1 cable modem, it enables impressive download speeds and is backwards compatible with EuroDOCSIS 3.0. With Wi-Fi 6, the FRITZ!Box 6690 Cable offers higher speeds and improved efficiency, even with multiple devices active at the same time. Wi-Fi Mesh technology ensures optimal coverage throughout the home by connecting all FRITZ! devices into one intelligent network.

The router also has versatile connection options, including a 2.5 Gigabit LAN port, three Gigabit LAN ports and two USB 3.0 ports for fast and flexible connections. The integrated telephone system with DECT base station supports up to six cordless telephones and offers connections for analog telephones, answering machines or fax machines. With the FRITZ!Box 6690 Cable, you get a comprehensive solution for high-speed Internet, telephony and home networking.

Synology RT6600ax

• Tri-band Wi-Fi 6: Supports the 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz and 5.9 GHz bands for optimized performance and range.
• Combined data rate: Reaches up to 6.6 Gbps for ultra-fast connections.
• 1.8 GHz quad-core processor: Ensures smooth management and fast data processing.
• 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet port: Configurable as a WAN or LAN port for flexible high-speed connections.
• Support for at least 200 simultaneous devices: Ideal for environments with many connected devices.

The Synology RT6600ax is a powerful tri-band Wi-Fi router that supports the latest Wi-Fi 6 standard, providing a combined data rate of up to 6.6 Gbps. Thanks to the additional 5.9 GHz band, freer 80 and 160 MHz channels can be used, resulting in more reliable and faster networks. The router is equipped with a 1.8 GHz quad-core processor that ensures smooth management and fast connections, even with multiple devices active at the same time.

A 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet port can be flexibly configured as a WAN or LAN port to enable super-fast Internet connections or the connection of high-performance devices. With the ability to support at least 200 devices simultaneously, the RT6600ax is ideal for homes or offices with a high density of devices. The user-friendly Synology Router Manager (SRM) operating system also offers comprehensive security features. These include parental controls, web filtering and data flow control to optimally protect and manage your network.

The best router 2025: Gaming router

Every millisecond counts when playing multiplayer games. That’s why for many gamers, a LAN connection from a PC or console is usually the only option. However, it is now also possible to celebrate success via WiFi connections. This is made possible by specialized gaming routers that have been designed to meet the requirements of gamers.

TP-Link Archer GE800

• Tri-Band Wi-Fi 7: Offers combined speeds of up to 19 Gbps.
• Two 10 Gigabit ports: For ultra-fast wired connections.
• Four 2.5 Gigabit LAN ports: For high-speed connectivity of multiple devices.
• 6 GHz band support: Enables 320 MHz bandwidth for faster data transfer.
• Optimized gaming performance: Specially designed for low latency and stable connections.

TP-Link’s Archer GE800 is an advanced tri-band Wi-Fi 7 gaming router designed to provide gamers with an unparalleled online experience. With combined wireless speeds of up to 19 Gbps and support for the new 6 GHz band with 320 MHz bandwidth, the Archer GE800 ensures that even the most demanding online games run smoothly and without lag.

The equipment with two 10 Gigabit ports and four 2.5 Gigabit LAN ports makes it possible to connect several devices simultaneously at maximum speed. This is particularly beneficial for gaming setups with multiple consoles or high-performance PCs. Thanks to the latest Wi-Fi 7 technology, users benefit from lower latency, higher capacity and overall improved network performance. The Archer GE800 is therefore the ideal choice for gamers who place the highest demands on the speed and stability of their network.

ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AX11000

• Tri-Band Wi-Fi 6: Provides combined speeds of up to 10 Gbps.
• 1.8 GHz quad-core processor: Ensures high performance and smooth gaming.
• 2.5G gaming port: For ultra-fast wired connections.
• Three-stage gaming acceleration: Optimizes traffic from the device to the game server.
• AiMesh support: Enables integration into a mesh Wi-Fi system for seamless coverage.

The ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AX11000 is a tri-band Wi-Fi 6 router designed specifically for gamers. It delivers impressive combined Wi-Fi speeds of up to 10 Gbps. Powered by a powerful 1.8 GHz quad-core processor, it ensures stable and fast network performance, even during intense online gaming sessions. The integrated 2.5G gaming port offers extremely fast wired connections. This makes it ideal for competitive gamers who rely on low latency times. The three-stage gaming acceleration optimizes data traffic from the device to the router to the game server.

In addition, the GT-AX11000 supports ASUS’ AiMesh technology. This makes it possible to connect several compatible routers to a mesh network and thus ensure seamless WLAN coverage throughout the entire home. For maximum security, AiProtection Pro protects your network from external threats while maintaining the privacy of all connected devices. With its striking design and outstanding performance features, the ROG Rapture GT-AX11000 is the perfect choice for gamers who don’t want to compromise.

NETGEAR Nighthawk XR1000

• Wi-Fi 6 technology (802.11ax): Faster speeds, more capacity and lower latency.
• DumaOS 3.0 software: Enables comprehensive network control and optimization for gamers.
• Nighthawk XR1000 with 2.5 Gigabit ports: Fast and stable wired connections.
• Superior gaming experience: Optimized to reduce latency and lag in online gaming.
• Advanced security features: Protects the network from threats and attacks.

The Netgear Nighthawk XR1000 is a router that has been specially developed for gamers. With the latest Wi-Fi 6 technology (802.11ax), the router delivers pleasingly fast connections and can support more devices simultaneously. The DumaOS 3.0 software in turn enables advanced network control. Thanks to this software, users can optimize their connection to minimize latency and prioritize gaming traffic – for the best possible gaming experience without lag.

The router has a 2.5 Gigabit port connection that provides a fast and stable wired connection. By integrating advanced security features, the Nighthawk XR1000 protects your network from threats and attacks. It ensures that all connected devices remain secure. With its powerful design and specialized gaming optimization, the Nighthawk XR1000 is the perfect choice for those who demand the highest levels of network speed and security.

TP-Link Archer AX55

• Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax): Enables higher speeds and more capacity for multiple devices.
• Combined Wi-Fi speed of up to 3,000 Mbps: 2,402 Mbps (5 GHz) + 574 Mbps (2.4 GHz).
• Powerful 1.5 GHz dual-core processor: Ensures efficient data processing and stable connections.
• Four Gigabit LAN ports: Provide ultra-fast wired connections.
• USB 3.0 port: For sharing files and printers on the network.
• HomeShield security features: Advanced protection measures for your home network.

The TP-Link Archer AX55 is a powerful dual-band Wi-Fi 6 router that offers fast and reliable connections with a combined Wi-Fi speed of up to 3,000 Mbps. The 5 GHz band delivers up to 2,402 Mbps, while the 2.4 GHz band offers a speed of 574 Mbps – perfect for homes and small offices with multiple devices. With a 1.5 GHz dual-core processor, the router ensures stable performance even during intensive use, such as streaming or online gaming.

Thanks to the four Gigabit LAN ports and the Gigabit WAN port, an ultra-fast wired connection is guaranteed at all times, while the USB 3.0 port makes it easy to share files or printers on the network. For added security, the integrated HomeShield technology offers additional protection features such as real-time IoT protection, malicious website blocking and an Intrusion Prevention System (IPS). This makes the Archer AX55 an excellent choice for users looking for high speed, security and reliable performance in one router.

The best router 2025: Mobile router with 5G or LTE

Whether it’s a building site, vacation home or garden – many people want to use fast Internet on the move. There are practical routers that have been specially designed for mobile use.

Acer Connect ENDURO M3 5G

• 5G connectivity: Supports 5G NR & LTE dual connectivity for fast and stable connections.
• Wi-Fi 6: Provides IEEE 802.11ax standard for fast and efficient wireless networks.
• Rugged design: MIL-STD-810H and IP54 certified for use in demanding environments.
• Powerful battery: 6500 mAh battery for long-lasting use without frequent charging.
• Virtual SIM support: Integrated vSIM technology for flexible network usage.

The Acer Connect ENDURO M3 5G is a rugged mobile hotspot designed specifically for demanding environments. With 5G connectivity and Wi-Fi 6, it provides ultra-fast connections and supports up to 16 devices simultaneously. Thanks to MIL-STD-810H and IP54 certification, it is shockproof, dustproof and splashproof – ideal for outdoor use or construction sites.

The powerful 6500 mAh battery lasts a long time, while the 2.4-inch touch display enables intuitive operation. In addition, vSIM technology facilitates flexible network usage without the need for a physical SIM card. Compact, durable and powerful – the perfect companion for on the go.

NETGEAR Nighthawk M6 Pro

• 5G Connectivity: Supports 5G Sub-6 for ultra-fast mobile data connections.
• WiFi 6E technology: Provides AX3600 speeds for up to 32 devices simultaneously.
• Compact design: Dimensions of 105 x 105 x 21.5 mm and a weight of 256 g including battery.
• Powerful battery: 5185 mAh lithium-ion battery for long-lasting use.
• Easy management: 2.8-inch color touch screen for intuitive operation.

The Nighthawk M6 Pro from NETGEAR is a mobile router that combines cutting-edge 5G and WiFi 6E technologies to ensure a premium internet connection on the go. With support for 5G Sub-6, it offers impressive download speeds of up to 4 Gbps, while WiFi 6E functionality enables a wireless connection with a maximum speed of 3.6 Gbps. This makes the M6 Pro ideal for data-intensive applications such as HD streaming, online gaming or professional use in the home office.Despite its powerful features, the M6 Pro remains compact and portable. With dimensions of 105 x 105 x 21.5 mm and a weight of 256 g including battery, it fits easily into any pocket.

The 5185 mAh lithium-ion battery ensures long-lasting use so that you always stay connected, even on longer trips. Managing the router is easy thanks to the 2.8-inch color touchscreen, which allows you to easily control settings and connections. The Nighthawk M6 Pro is compatible with all common 5G and 4G LTE network operators and enables the simultaneous connection of up to 32 devices. Whether smartphone, laptop or tablet – all your devices benefit from a stable and fast Internet connection. With the M6 Pro, you are relying on future-proof technology that offers you maximum flexibility and performance, no matter where you are.

ZTE MU5001

• 5G & Wi-Fi 6: Up to 3.8 Gbps download and 1,800 Mbps wireless speed
• Compact & lightweight: 133 × 73 × 18.5 mm, only 220 g weight
• Powerful battery: 4,500 mAh for up to 8.5 hours of use
• User-friendly: 2.4-inch touchscreen for easy control
• Flexible connections: USB-C 3.0 and LAN port for versatile use

The ZTE MU5001 is a powerful 5G router that offers modern high-speed Internet on the go. With Wi-Fi 6, it supports up to 32 devices simultaneously and ensures a stable, fast connection – ideal for streaming, home office or gaming.

Thanks to its compact design, it fits easily into any pocket, while the 4,500 mAh battery enables up to 8.5 hours of use. The 2.4-inch touchscreen ensures intuitive operation, and the router can be flexibly connected to various devices via USB-C 3.0 and the LAN port. Whether you are traveling, in the office or at home – the ZTE MU5001 offers maximum connectivity wherever you need it.

Huawei E5586-326

• Fast 4G LTE connectivity: Download speeds of up to 195 Mbps and upload speeds of up to 105 Mbps.
• Support for multiple devices: Simultaneous connection of up to 16 devices.
• Compact and portable design: Dimensions of 110 x 11.8 x 55 mm and a weight of 81 g.
• Long-lasting battery: 1,500 mAh for up to 6 hours of operation.
• User-friendly interface: LED indicators for signal strength, battery status and SMS.

The Huawei E5586 is a powerful 4G LTE mobile hotspot that offers fast and reliable internet connections on the go. With download speeds of up to 195 Mbps and upload speeds of up to 105 Mbps, it enables smooth streaming, efficient working and fast internet browsing. With support for up to 16 simultaneous connections, the E5586 is ideal for use with multiple devices or in small groups.

Its compact design with dimensions of 110 x 11.8 x 55 mm and a weight of only 81 g makes the E5586 a perfect companion for on the go. The integrated 1,500 mAh battery offers an operating time of up to 6 hours, so you can stay connected even on longer journeys. The user-friendly interface with LED indicators for signal strength, battery status and SMS informs you about the current status of the device at all times.

The best router 2025: Important information

There are many factors to consider when buying a new router. In addition to pure Internet speed, functions, security aspects and modern Wi-Fi standards also play a decisive role. In this section, you can find out which functions a router should have, which Wi-Fi technologies are currently available and what you should look out for when buying.

The best router: functions and requirements

A Wi-Fi router plays a central role in every home network. It not only connects your devices to the internet, but also ensures a stable, fast and secure connection. Modern routers offer numerous additional functions that can be particularly useful depending on the intended use:

• Integrated firewall and security functions: Many routers have a built-in firewall that protects your network from unwanted access. Some models also offer additional security features such as regular firmware updates, virus protection or WPA3 encryption for greater security.
• MU-MIMO & OFDMA: These technologies enable the router to efficiently supply multiple devices with data at the same time instead of serving them one after the other. This improves overall performance, especially with many connected devices.
• Quality of Service (QoS): With QoS, you can determine which devices or applications have priority for bandwidth. This is particularly useful for gamers or streaming fans who need a stable connection without interruptions.
• Mesh functionality: If you have a larger apartment or house, a mesh router system can be useful. Several devices are connected to each other to ensure comprehensive Wi-Fi coverage without dead spots.
• Gigabit LAN and USB connections: If you want to connect wired devices, you should make sure you have enough Gigabit LAN ports. USB ports make it possible to connect printers or external hard drives to the network, for example.
• VPN support: Some routers offer the option of setting up a VPN connection directly on the device so that your entire network runs securely via a VPN.
• Adaptive Wi-Fi technology: AI-optimized signal control for better performance and less interference.
• Smart home support: Integration with Alexa, Google Assistant & HomeKit for easy control
• Cloud management & app control: Manage routers via app, conveniently control guest networks & updates.

Depending on your personal requirements, a router with specific additional functions may be worthwhile. While standard users should pay attention to a solid price-performance ratio, certain features are particularly important for gamers, streamers or smart home users. For example, if you run a household with many networked devices, you should opt for Wi-Fi 6E or Wi-Fi 7 to achieve optimum performance.

The best router: Wi-Fi technology and standards

Wi-Fi technology is constantly evolving to enable faster and more stable connections. Choosing the right Wi-Fi standard is crucial to achieve optimal performance.

Development of WLAN standards

WLAN standards are developed and continuously improved by the IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers). Here is an overview of the most important versions:

• Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n, 2009): The first standard to support MIMO technology and enable bandwidths of up to 600 Mbps. Now obsolete, however.
• Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac, 2014): Offers higher speeds in the 5 GHz range and supports MU-MIMO. Maximum speed is around 3.5 Gbit/s.
• Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax, 2019): Reduces latency, increases network capacity and enables data rates of up to 9.6 Gbit/s. Particularly suitable for households with many networked devices.
• Wi-Fi 6E (extension of Wi-Fi 6, 2020): Uses the new 6 GHz frequency band for less interference and higher speeds.
• Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be, 2024/2025): Enables significantly higher data rates, lower latency and more efficient use of networks. Particularly interesting for virtual reality, 8K streaming and high-performance gaming setups.

Frequency bands and their significance

Modern routers work with several frequency bands to enable better performance and a more stable connection:

• 2.4 GHz: Provides long range but slower speeds. Ideal for simple internet applications and smart home devices.
• 5 GHz: Higher speed but lower range. Ideal for streaming, gaming and fast downloads.
• 6 GHz (Wi-Fi 6E): Even less interference and more bandwidth for demanding applications.

For a powerful home network, a router that supports dual-band or even tri-band is worthwhile to enable optimum distribution of devices.

Future developments and what they mean

With the introduction of Wi-Fi 7, there are some exciting innovations on the horizon:

• Extended channel bandwidth: Wider channels of up to 320 MHz will significantly increase speeds.
• More simultaneous connections: Improved technologies such as Multi-Link Operation (MLO) allow multiple frequency bands to be used in parallel for more stable connections.
• Even lower latencies: Ideal for cloud gaming, VR and high-resolution streaming.

For users who are already looking for a powerful router today, Wi-Fi 6E is a future-proof choice, while Wi-Fi 7 is particularly interesting for tech-savvy users.

The best router 2025: buying guide

Before you decide on a router, you should analyze your individual needs. Here are some important buying criteria:

Adjust internet speed and tariff

A fast router is of little use if your internet connection can’t keep up. Therefore, check the maximum speed of your tariff and choose a router that supports it. For gigabit internet connections, a router with Wi-Fi 6 or higher is recommended.

Coverage and range

The range of a router depends on the number and strength of the antennas and the design of your home. If your Wi-Fi signal is weak in some rooms, a router with a long range or a mesh system could be the solution.

Number of connected devices

In a modern household, many devices are often online at the same time – from smartphones to smart TVs and smart home devices. If you use a lot of devices, you should opt for a powerful router with MU-MIMO and OFDMA technology.

Special requirements (gaming, streaming, smart home)

• For gamers: A router with low latency, QoS function and gaming optimizations can minimize delays.
• For streamers: A stable connection with high bandwidth is important – a tri-band router with Wi-Fi 6E could be worthwhile.
• For smart home users: Routers with high device capacity and stable signal coverage are essential.

Security functions and updates

A good router should receive regular software updates to close security gaps. WPA3 encryption and an integrated firewall provide additional protection.

The best router 2025: Price-performance ratio

When buying a WLAN router, the price-performance ratio should also be considered in addition to the technical features. Here are some important aspects:

• Budget options: Entry-level routers with solid basic functions are already available for under €100. These are well suited for small households with few connected devices and simple applications such as surfing or e-mails.
• Energy efficiency and operating costs: High-quality routers often consume less power thanks to optimized chipsets and energy-saving modes. An energy-efficient router can save electricity costs in the long run and be more sustainable.
• Comparison of router features: Expensive models often offer better antenna technologies, higher speeds and advanced features such as VPN, mesh or AI-powered optimizations. If you don’t need these features, you can also achieve a stable internet connection with cheaper models.

If you are looking for good value for money, you should look out for offers and weigh up which features are really necessary. Mid-range routers are often the best choice for a balanced mix of price and performance.

The best router 2025: Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

1. how do I find out which WLAN standard my current router supports?

You can usually find this out in the manual or on the back of your router. Alternatively, you can look up the model number online.

2. is a router with Wi-Fi 6 worthwhile or should I wait for Wi-Fi 7?

Wi-Fi 6 is currently the standard and offers clear advantages over older versions. Wi-Fi 7 will be faster, but is not yet widely used.

3. what can I do if my Wi-Fi signal is too weak?

You can expand your Wi-Fi with a mesh system or use repeaters. The optimal placement of the router can also help.

4. is an expensive router always better?

Not necessarily. The important thing is that the router meets your needs. Expensive models often offer many functions that not everyone needs.

5. how often should I update my router?

Regular firmware updates are important for security. It can also be worth buying a new router every 4-5 years to keep up with the latest technologies.

The best router 2025: Conclusion

The best router for you depends on your individual needs. While standard users will be well served by a solid Wi-Fi 6 router, gamers, streamers and smart home enthusiasts will benefit from more powerful models with additional features. Make sure you have the latest Wi-Fi standards, sufficient range and security functions to equip your home network optimally.