Have you ever wanted to binge-watch a TV show by streaming on Netflix or completing an online gaming marathon on your Xbox live but never got to finish because you have a weak signal? A good router combined with the correct Internet plan can solve your problem.
Most people are unwilling to put in the time and effort to know about routers before purchasing a random one from the market. This ultimately leads to regret and frustration when the loading screen pops up every 5 seconds and interrupts one’s streaming session. Most routers can handle regular streaming, but if you want to experience the best picture quality, you must be careful when purchasing your router.
This article will take a gander at what things you should look for when buying the best routers for 4k streaming and later look at our top 5 router picks and finally provide a comparison table to help you choose the best in your budget.
Our List Of Top Routers for 4K Streaming
Comparison Table For Top Routers for 4K Streaming
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PRODUCT
TP-LINK AX6000 WiFi 6 Router
- Wireless protocol: 801.11ax
- Frequency band: Dual band- 2.4Ghz and 5GHz
- Data transfer rate: 1 Gbps
- Eight external performance antenna, beamforming
Gryphon Mesh WiFi Router
- Wireless protocol: 801.11bgn
- Frequency band: Tri-band- 2.4Ghz and 2x 5GHz
- Data transfer rate: 3 Gbps
- 4 x 4 MU-MIMO, Beamforming, no external antenna
Google Nest WiFi
- Wireless type: Bluetooth
- Frequency band: Dual band- 2.4Ghz and 5GHz
- Data transfer rate: 2200 Gbps
- Nest WiFi, no external antenna
Google WiFi System
- Wireless protocol: 2×2 802.11ac Wave 2 + BLE
- Frequency band: Dual-band- 2.4Ghz and 5GHz
- Data transfer rate: 1200 Mbps
- Network assist technology, no external antenna
TRENDnet AC2699 Wireless Router
- Frequency band: Dual-band- 2.4Ghz and 5GHz
- Data transfer rate: 1733Mbps WiFi AC
- 4 External Antenna
- Quad stream, MU-MIMO, and beamforming technology
Motorola MG7700 WiFi Router
- Wired and Wireless connection
- Dual-band- 4 GHz and 5Ghz
- Data transfer rate: 1 Gbps
- 4 x Gigabit Ethernet LAN ports
D-link VPN Router DSR-150
- Wired Connection
- Data transfer rate: 100 Mbps
- 8 LAN ports, 1 WAN port
D-Link WiFi Router AC2600
- USB and WLAN connection
- Data transfer rate: 2533Mbps
- Frequency band- Dual Band: 800 Mbps on 2.4 GHz and 1733 Mbps on 5Ghz
- Dual-Core processor with Smartbeam technology
Linksys EA6900 AC1900 WiFi Router
- Wired and Wireless connection
- Frequency band- Dual Band: 2.4 GHz and 5Ghz
- 4 x Gigabit Ethernet ports
ASYS RT-ACRH 12 AC1200 WiFi Router
- Connection: WiFi ready
- Data transfer rate: 1167Mbps
- Frequency band- Dual Band: 300 Mbps on 2.4Ghz and 867 Mbps on 5Ghz
- MU-MIMO, VPN
Best Routers for 4K Streaming Reviews
1. TP-Link AX6000 WiFi 6 router | Best Router for Streaming Multiple Devices
We start with our hottest pick, the TP-LINK AX6000. With one look, anybody would be tempted to buy this spider-like, or as most say, drone-like router because it has a sleek black design with eight high-gain performance antennas that are planted externally to deliver robust WiFi signals through a large area. This means you can stream your favorite movie in 4K even from the darkest corner of your mansion.
This router is equipped with the latest generation WiFi protocol, the 802.11ax, also known as the WiFi 6. This means increased throughput speed, decreased network congestion, improved range performance, and 4X capacity for devices than the previous model, 802.11ac. So rest assured, no force will interrupt your 4K streaming experience when this router is at your home!
Stable performance is guaranteed because the router has a 1.8 GHz Quad-core CPU installed, and the presence of the dual bands (2.4GHz and 5GHz), which are reinforced by 1024QAM, means that no matter how many users at your home, you will be provided the high wireless speed of up to 5952 Mbps: 4804 Mbps (5GHz) and 1148 Mbps (2.4GHz). And any internet user knows that a fast WiFi speed is the most satisfying.
Alongside all that, this splendid router has a 2.5Gbps WAN port, 8-gigabit ethernet ports that provide ten times faster connection speed than standard ethernet, and two USB 3.0 ports with Type A and Type C. These superior features add to the perks of having this router. This router, quite evidently, is built to attend to all your streaming needs.
Highlighted Features
- Wireless protocol: 801.11ax
- Frequency band: Dual band- 2.4Ghz and 5GHz
- Data transfer rate: 1 Gbps
- Eight external performance antenna, beamforming
2. GRYPHON – Mesh WiFi Router | Best Router for Live Streaming
Next on the list is one of the safest routers out there. The Gryphon’s Mesh WiFi router is best known for the security it provides. But before that, what you should know is that the router is Tri-band meaning there are three bands for multiple users to hop on, which reduces signal interference and ensures more throughput. So you need not worry about losing signal when streaming your favorite movie in 4K or connecting to an online gaming service.
This router, however, does not look like a typical one; it has a WiFi mesh network system without extended performance antennas. What this means is that you will likely not need to purchase a WiFi extender because this impressive technology offers to fill wireless dead zones in your home. It can therefore single-handedly cover up to 3000 sq ft. This will give you the liberty to stream from your kitchen or maybe even from the terrace!
What makes this router unique is its security features. This router is remarked as the protector of a digitally connected home because of its unmatched protection system. With the griffin smartphone app, you can have all the parental controls in your hands and secure all connected devices from hackers. Its clever intrusion detection and Malware protection technology makes the internet connection at your home the safest.
Aside from that, the router has six high-powered internal antennas installed along with $x$ MU-MIMO and Beamforming technology, which cumulatively promises a 3Gbps throughput. The wireless protocol 802.11bgn and operation on three frequencies further makes it an excellent choice to satisfy your streaming needs. You might likely never see the loading screen once you purchase this router.
Highlighted Features
- Wireless protocol: 801.11bgn
- Frequency band: Tri-band- 2.4Ghz and 2x 5GHz
- Data transfer rate: 3 Gbps
- 4 x 4 MU-MIMO, Beamforming, no external antenna
3. Google Nest WiFi | Best Router for iptv
In the simplest of designs, Google Nest WiFi is built as a small device with immense potential. The router has a nest system, and you know what that means! Robust and consistent connection to as many as 200 devices. The router has been tested to bear the capability to handle multiple 4K streaming simultaneously, which is a brilliant feature for a house with many streamers.
One of these can cover up to 2200 square feet without any hurdles. Installing two will cumulatively secure your entire home, covering up to 4400 square feet of no buffering zone. So feel free to stream in 4K from any corner of your house.
The router also offers ethernet ports for a seamless, wired, and reliable connection to any device. It acts as a fail-safe if one LAN connection goes down. It does its best to ensure a fast, uninterrupted signal at all times so nothing will get in your way as you finish completing your online gaming or streaming your favorite TV show.
What most users cherish is that this Nest WiFi is not at all complicated to set up in the app. You can have all the controls at the tip of your fingers, create a guest network and even prioritize network signals across devices of your choosing alongside the parental controls.
The router is dual-band, meaning there are two bands for devices to hop on. It also gives the admin the authority to assign bands to devices, which alleviates the load on both the bands, ensuring a fast and stable connection with minimal signal interference. Thus you are guaranteed concurrent performance across both bands and a frustration-free streaming session.
Highlighted Features
- Wireless type: Bluetooth
- Frequency band: Dual band- 2.4Ghz and 5GHz
- Data transfer rate: 2200 Gbps
- Nest WiFi, no external antenna
4. Google WiFi System | Best Router for Streaming 4k
Presenting another round-shaped aesthetic WiFi system with impressive features: the Google WiFi. Replacing your router with one of these connected systems can transform 1500 sq ft of your home into a rich WiFi zone. To install as many as you wish to extend your coverage and get rid of WiFi dead zones at your home.
The WiFi has a spectacular throughput speed of 1200 MBPS but what’s all the more interesting is the built-in network assist technology that works on keeping the connection as fast as possible at all times. It controls WiFi channel selection where the WiFi constantly monitors that the device is connected to the least congested channel. This will ensure that your 4K streaming remains uninterrupted- even when you move from room to room.
It has a 2×2 802.11ac wave two + BLE WiFi protocol and provides a dual-band connection. This means there are two radios to hop on, which minimizes latency and signal interference. You will also have the authority to assign bands to devices as you need. This will prevent downloading to never get in the way of streaming your favorite TV show.
This system is designed for your home’s complex WiFi needs. Not only does it work to cover every corner of your home, but it also notifies you to enhance performance by switching the access point to a different location,
Android and IoS compatible Google WiFi apps will help you set up the WiFi without the break of sweat and prioritize network authority and parental controls.
Highlighted Features
- Wireless protocol: 2×2 802.11ac Wave 2 + BLE
- Frequency band: Dual-band- 2.4Ghz and 5GHz
- Data transfer rate: 1200 Mbps
- Network assist technology, no external antenna
5. TRENDnet Router | Best Router for Gaming
Last but not the least, a magnificently sleek black router- The TRENDnet. This router is designed and equipped with features that make it a perfection if you are looking for a high-performance router to stream movies in 4K or connect to your Xbox live.
With concurrent dual bands that operate on 2.4Ghz and 5Ghz, reducing interference and network traffic and Quad-stream tech, you will be promised throughput up to 1733 MBPS WiFi AC and 800Mbps WiFi N bands. This speaks volumes on why streamers highly recommend this router– it ensures the complete elimination of buffering.
An average home has streamers ranging from kids to grandparents, in today’s era, be it Youtube or Netflix. This calls for a router that can process multiple data streams simultaneously. With MU-MIMO technology installed, TRENDnet guarantees high performance across multiple users at the same time. Thus you can stream all you want, even during a family or friends gathering.
This easy-to-setup router additionally comes with four high-speed Gigabit Ethernet ports to provide a seamless wired connection to devices at your discretion. It also consists of a USB 3.0 port to connect and share content across the network.
Strong WiFi signals are also secured by the presence of four external performance antennas that increase coverage along with an advanced beamforming technology that helps direct wireless signals towards the location you prioritize. Pre encryption with password and access to parental controls add to the router’s capabilities, making it an all-rounder as a router to attend to your streaming needs.
Highlighted Features
- Frequency band: Dual-band- 2.4Ghz and 5GHz
- Data transfer rate: 1733Mbps WiFi AC
- 4 External Antenna
- Quad stream, MU-MIMO, and beamforming technology
Top Routers for 4K Streaming Buyer’s Guide
If you’ve been on a hunt for routers, you must’ve witnessed that the router market is overflowing with routers of many shapes, sizes, and names you’ve never heard of. Not all routers, however, have the same capabilities. It’s prudent to consider many factors before choosing the best 4k streaming router that will satisfy your needs. Below is a comprehensive list of features you must look for:
- Connectivity- The top-tier routers are the ones that deliver seamless connection allowing devices to connect in the blink of an eye.
Routers with the latest WiFi protocols such as the WiFi 6 are built to enable many simultaneous connections and minimize latency.
Powerful processors also play a considerable part; thus latest routers possess dual processors that process data and instruction at full tilt, which results in consistent connection.
- Speed- Nobody wants their head-spinning along with the loading symbol.
The latest wireless standards, such as the WiFi 6, offer increased throughput speeds. Most present-day routers have MU-MIMO (multiple users, multiple input-multiple outputs) technology installed, which maintains a consistent, high internet speed for long durations across multiple devices.
- Frequency- Routers operate on frequencies that are referred to as bands.
A dual-band or a tri-band router is favored for 4K streaming or connecting to online gaming platforms. A dual-band router utilizes two radios- one that works on the 2.4 GHz band and works on the 5Ghz band. The 5Ghz band is less congested and offers greater throughput with minimal signal interference.
A tri-band router has three frequencies, one 2.4Ghz, and two 5Ghz bands to hop on, further reducing traffic and ensuring zero interference with reliable and consistent signal and speed. Dual and tri-band routers also give you the power to assign bands to specific applications and devices, which mitigates load on both bands.
- Performance- The next driving factor to look for is performance. No routers will promise you the impossible, so the claims are often very near the actual performance.
High-performance routers come with a higher price. Routers with features such as MU-MIMO technology and flexible performance antennas that can be positioned towards the area you prioritize are considered high-performance routers because they can make a world of difference.
- Other attributes- Modern-day routers will claim to solve a lot of your problems through many fancy named features.
As a minimum, consider routers that have
- at least 4Gigabit ethernet ports that will allow for stable wired connection to devices such as your PC.
- At least one type A or C USB port to connect and share data across devices.
- Removable antennas to position according to your priority
- A router with parental controls, quality of service (QOS) options, and guest network features to have greater control over your router.
- WiFi protected access, WPA or WPA2 to provide secure internet connection.
As far as features go, the more you are offered, the more you will be charged. Look for routers that only have features that will satisfy your needs without costing you a fortune.
Final Word
Picking a router to cater to your 4K streaming needs can get challenging in a market rampant with routers of all kinds. Take into consideration value for the price, available features, and how much area of your home you plan to cover with the WiFi signal.
You would want to sit back and enjoy your quality streaming session without a trace of buffering, so outfitting your home with the best Routers for 4K Streaming will never disappoint.