7 Best Routers for 1000 Mbps in 2023 [Gigabit Speed]

Many routers claim to handle 1000 Mbps internet, but not all of them do it efficiently. Also, it’s not just a speed capacity that matters. The device must have reliable, stable, and powerful hardware and firmware to work smoothly.

To find you the best possible Gigabit router, I took 17 different devices of varying price ranges and used them for various activities, including browsing on multiple devices, gaming on PS5, streaming TVs, and more over the past two months.

After detailed testing, I’ve identified the top 7 routers that can handle true 1000 Mbps throughput.

Note: You’ll also need a gigabit cable modem to experience this internet speed at its full potential without any speed dips.

7 Best Routers for 1000 Mbps in 2023

The below-reviewed options are sorted on their speeds, coverage, and other features, with the top performer staying on the top and gradually moving on to ones with below-par performance.

Also, I have included options of different types: router, modem-router combo, and mesh router, so you have plenty of options to choose from based on your preferences, needs, and budget.

1. Best Gigabit Router: TP-Link Archer AXE75

I am kicking off my list with TP-Link Archer AXE75, an ideal router for 1000 Mbps. It brings the latest Wi-Fi 6E standard with an additional 6 GHz band, a tri-band setup, six powerful antennas, and multi-device handling capacity.

With these, the manufacturer has made a considerable leap from its predecessor, TP-Link Archer AX73.

Speeds & Performance

Archer AXE75 boasts a massive throughput capacity of 5400 Mbps, which is split over its tri bands as follows:

6 GHz: 2402 Mbps

5 GHz: 2402 Mbps

2.4 GHz: 574 Mbps

On a close proximity test with the Spectrum Gigabit plan, AXE75 garnered download speeds at around 936 Mbps, while uploads were carried out at the rate of 32 Mbps. And in the 40-foot test, the router’s score of 767 Mbps for downloads surpassed others.

With such speeds, my life got much easier and fun-filled as I could watch 4K movies with my family, attend video calls on Zoom, and complete high-gigabit downloads in a jiffy. Aside from that, the gaming performance was also top-notch, with high-end games like Warzone 2.0 and Escape from Tarkov clocking values of 16ms and 75 FPS.

WiFi Coverage & Devices Capacity

Boasting a six-antenna setup, AXE75 is tagged as one of the top picks for 2,500 Sq Ft houses. I performed the test accordingly with the NetSpot, an app that analyzes the signal strength in a particular area. And to put it into numbers, the AXE75 roughly covered around 2,300 Sq Ft of space with ease.

Moving on, technologies like beamforming, MU-MIMO, and OFDMA work wonders when it comes to multi-device balancing capability.

I had only 65 devices available, including laptops, gaming consoles, smart TVs, mobile devices, and others, and I received almost four bar signals every time. Trust me on this, you can further add 40-45 devices to the bandwidth.

Security Features

Security-wise, this AXE75 does a great job. With HomeShield basic, you have features like guest access that provides safe and secure internet access for guests and VPN for remote browsing.

It also has WPA3, which keeps the transferred data encrypted, and a feature that automatically installs the newest firmware version when available.

Besides, it provides strong parental controls, including age-based filters, blocking internet access for individual users, and monitoring how long a device stays online. You can also set time limits and reward your kids with additional time when they complete their homework or help with chores.

Conclusion

Ease of use, 6 GHz WiFi, and fast performance make the Archer AXE75 a smart 1000 Mbps router choice for users looking to future-proof their home network. Its impressive speeds, great coverage, and strong parental controls put it on top of the list.

To learn more, check out my dedicated TP-Link AXE75 review.

2. Best Runner-Up: Netgear Nighthawk RAX50

Next on my list is Nighthawk RAX50 which combines high speeds, great security, and a decent signal range. Taken over RAX43, it significantly improves overall performance by upgrading certain aspects like throughput capacity, antenna capacity, and others.

Speeds & Performance

The RAX50, with its dual-band setup, is designed for high performance with a maximum throughput capacity of 5400 Mbps, distributing the bands as follows:

5 GHz: 4804 Mbps

2.4 GHz: 574 Mbps

I used my staple Spectrum Gigabit connection and my Dell XPS laptop to determine how well it fares in real life.

Its throughput of around 932 Mbps and 30 Mbps for downloads and uploads can be tagged well enough to theoretically handle up to 35 bandwidth-hungry clients. At 40 feet, however, throughput dipped sharply, with downloads clocking at 759 Mbps.

However, RAX50 passed my saturation test to support a 4K movie, UHD videos on iPhone 13, listening to HD music on my tablet, and heavy gaming on my PS4. The sound and video were skip-free, without jitters, drop-outs, or freezes.

WiFi Coverage & Devices Capacity

This Netgear router achieved decent scores in its range, which was quite expected with its theoretical coverage of 2,500 Sq Ft. Its four-antenna setup actually performed decent results, with numbers faring out at around 2,400 Sq Ft, making it a suitable companion for any two-bed apartment.

The router lags out a tad when it comes to its device-handling ability. The maximum number of connections it can establish is around 35. But what sets it out is the stability of connections, which is possible because of the in-built technologies like MU-MIMO, OFDMA, and beamforming.

Security Features

Security-wise, Netgear RAX50 is a tad behind my previous recommendation. Features like guest access, WPA3, VPN, and auto-firmware update provide basic network security. But its parental controls aren’t as good as AXE75, as it only has basic features like checking the online time and restricting network usage for particular users.

Conclusion

Netgear’s RAX50 combines fast Wi-Fi 6, powerful antennas, and other technologies to emerge as a powerhouse device. It’s one of the most reliable WiFi routers to use with 1000 Mbps internet connections. However, it lacks somewhat in device handling capacity & free security features, putting it down to the runner-up position.

For more in-depth details, check out my complete review of the RAX50.

3. Best for Gaming: ASUS GS-AX3000

Moving on, I have ASUS GS-AX3000, one of the top gaming routers on a budget that establishes a perfect balance of price and features. Aside from its Wi-Fi 6 and four-antenna setup, this aesthetically pleasing router encases gaming-centric features like 1024-QAM, mobile boost, RGB lights, powerful chipset, and more.

The router shares the same hardware specs with its predecessor, ASUS RT-AX58U but adds gaming-specific features for improved performance.

Speeds & Performance

GS-AX3000 is a powerful router designed especially for gaming, with a speed rating of AX3000. The speeds are distributed over two bands, as follows:

5 GHz: 2401 Mbps

2.4 GHz: 574 Mbps

When testing the GS-AX3000 with the Spectrum Gigabit plan, on the 5GHz mode, at 15 feet distance, I could get speeds of around 914 Mbps for downloads. At the same time, uploads are valued at 29 Mbps.

The speeds were enough to stream videos or easily run heavy-paced games. But being tagged as a gaming device, it has pretty much to offer. Plus, features like game boost, dedicated gaming port, and 1024-QAM take your gaming experience to a new level.

That’s pretty indicative when Destiny 2 ran at a 12ms ping value and 72 frame rates per second.

WiFi Coverage & Devices Capacity

Although it gets a subpar score in this department with a theoretical coverage of 2,000 Sq Ft, which, courtesy of its four antennas, can extend only up to 1,800 Sq Ft. The router might perform better than many in this range, going too far over this left me with almost no signals.

But there’s an AiMesh support to somewhat compensate for that. You can establish a mesh network by pairing it with another AiMesh-enabled router or extender.

The limitations in the antenna also reflect from its device handling capacity, as the maximum it can take is around 25. It might be enough for any residential setup with multiple gaming consoles, smart TVs, laptops, and smartphones.

Security Features

This is where ASUS ousts other gigabit wireless routers on the list. It offers AiProtection with advanced security features without charging any penny.

You’ll find security assessments, firewalls, malicious site blocking, eliminating any infected devices, and others to strengthen your security feature. However, parental controls are too basic for concerned parents.

You can only block pre-defined categories like instant messaging, adult content, and others, which means something might get left out. Besides, there’s a time schedule/management feature to cut off the internet for specific users, but it doesn’t let you block any specific website as such.

Conclusion

Asus GS-AX3000 is one of the better gaming routers for 1 GB of internet. Its limited range is its sole limitation, but with AiMesh support, it lets you pair with any compatible router and extend its coverage by a few thousand square feet. Overall, its features are well justified for its price.

4. Best Modem/Router Combo: ARRIS SURFboard G34

In search of the best modem router for your Xfinity 1000 Mbps connection? ARRIS Surfboard G34 is your best bet!

An efficient modem-router combo is great to think about, especially with Xfinity, and ARRIS G34 is an excellent option. Aside from DOCSIS 3.1 modem technology and 32 x 8 channel bonding, it packs dual-band Wi-Fi 6, great coverage, and a powerful setup. These are much better upgrades to its predecessor, SB8200.

Speeds & Performance

With an AX3000 speed rating, the speed split for both bands is as follows:

5 GHz: 2401 Mbps

2.4 GHz: 574 Mbps

To test out, I paired the 2-in-1 device with the Xfinity Gigabit plan, and courtesy of its excellent wireless capabilities, the 5 GHz result was super impressive.

At 907 Mbps, downloading a 5 GB file would take less than 10 minutes, while uploads clocked out at around 26 Mbps. Such speeds should be enough to get your bandwidth-hungry devices, like gaming consoles, laptops, and others, up and running.

And in real life, the performance was on par with my expectations, as UHD streaming glides through my smart TV, and still, there was more than enough bandwidth left for any of my internet-bound activities.

WiFi Coverage & Devices Capacity

Despite being a modem-router combo, the numbers at 3,000 Sq Ft were more than decent in the range. So I had the trust and installed it in my client’s 2,800 Sq Ft space. There were a few weak network spots left in the corner, so the numbers stay at around 2,400 Sq Ft in real life, which is on par with the most 1 gig WiFi routers on this list.

Barring its coverage, the modem-router combo didn’t perform well regarding its device-handling capacity. At a stretch, numbers could go as high as 25, which is not great, especially for smart homes with many gadgets. But any traditional home with four to five members should get the most out of it.

Security Features

Security is where the device lags majorly when you keep it behind the standalone routers suitable for 1000 Mbps internet. Aside from WPA3 encryption and VPN for keeping the network datasets and your identity secured, there isn’t anything on offer.

Moving on, tracking online time and pausing the internet are the only features regarding parental controls. So, you might be left wanting more in this department.

Conclusion

In conclusion, besides being a functional device that delivers more than decent throughput performance and takes the signals far away, ARRIS G34 saves much of your money upfront. It’s definitely a much better upgrade for an xFi gateway. But ARRIS could add more security features.

5. Best Value For Money: Linksys MR9610

Continuing on with my series of value-for-money 1-gigabit routers that give the best performance, I have Linksys MR9610 on my list. At just around $120, it offers a range of handy features like dual-band Wi-Fi 6, a 3,000 Sq Ft range, and a multi-port setup.

And if you’re a loyal Linksys user, you’d know the number of upgrades MR9610 brings over its predecessor, MR9600.

Speeds & Performance

The Linksys router with the latest wireless standard is rated at a maximum speed of 6000 Mbps, with individual band-wise speeds as follows:

5 GHz: 4800 Mbps

2.4 GHz: 1200 Mbps

And paired with a Spectrum 1 Gbps plan, I found the MR9610 router pretty much competent. With throughput values of 925 Mbps and 29 Mbps, respectively, at 15 feet for downloads and uploads.

At the same time, shifting the testing device 35 feet away from the router recorded a speed drop of around 30%. Its performance in the wall penetration test wasn’t great, considering the advertised strength of its antennas.

Nevertheless, with its excellent throughput value at a near distance, I could use the router for many tasks like streaming music and movies, playing games online, and gathering email. It passed my week of intense use with flying colors, as videos and games came through without any freeze-ups, stutters, and buffers.

WiFi Coverage & Devices Capacity

As mentioned earlier, the router couldn’t fulfil its maximum range capacity of 3,000 Sq Ft, despite entailing four external antennas. At a maximum, the numbers could go as high as 2,600 Sq Ft, which still is enough for your two-bed apartment.

The inculcation of technologies like beamforming and MU-MIMO performed well when multiple devices were connected to a single bandwidth. In my tests, the maximum number could be 35, including laptops, mobile devices, gaming consoles, and others.

Security Features

Linksys MR9610 slightly leads to my previous recommendation, ARRIS G34. Although you still don’t have access to advanced features, you get additional ones like guest access for safe browsing of temporary connections, auto-firmware updates, and access control. Your home workspace should stay secured with this device installed.

The features are, however, almost similar regarding parental controls. However, it also has a time reward feature that lets you give your kids extra time in exchange for completing their homework or household chores.

Conclusion

MR9610 is probably the best value router with gigabit throughput. Despite being priced $50 to $80 lower, it can handle most of your network-intensive tasks, including gaming, streaming, and video conferencing, making it suitable for online learners and individuals who work remotely.

6. Best Parental Controls: Gryphon Tower

If you are in the market for an affordable mesh router for a large space, Gryphon Tower is a great choice. Aside from its above-par performance regarding speeds and coverage, it offers a phalanx of parental controls and security tools to keep users’ digital entities and data safe.

Speeds & Performance

Boasting a powerful Qualcomm chip and 4GB storage, the Gryphon tower is rated at AC3000. It entails a tri-band setup, with individual speeds on each band as follows:

5 GHz (1): 1700 Mbps

5 GHz (2): 866 Mbps

2.4 GHz: 400 Mbps

On my staple Dell XPS laptop with Spectrum 1 Gbps plan connected, the mesh router excelled with 901 Mbps and 23 Mbps available for downloads and uploads at 10 feet distance. At 40 feet, the downloads fell short with 664 Mbps, which is still good.

The best part is it tore through the concrete walls, and the devices in other rooms were well within reach of the router. I played 4K and HD videos on my smart TVs and iPad pro tablets, besides moving around the house with my iPhone 13. The results were excellent, and signal dropouts also were a few.

WiFi Coverage & Devices Capacity

To test out how well the Gryphon tower is in real life, I installed the single unit in my 2,500 Sq Ft test lab. And it glided through my entire network setup and reached every corner.

Gryphon tower also bettered my previous recommendation by boosting its device handling capacity. Courtesy of MU-MIMO and OFDMA, I could establish connections on up to 45 devices at once without failing down. You can add a few more to it if the activities are less bandwidth-consuming.

Security Features

Security and parental controls are the features where Gryphon tower tops most routers that work with Gigabit Internet. The best part is it doesn’t charge anything for it.

Features like advanced firewall blocks most unwanted threats like malware, viruses, and other intrusions. Other than that, basic features like VPN, WPA3, guest access, and others give added protection to your network.

The router’s parental controls are also top-notch, with features like age-based filters, an internet dashboard, remote management, age-based filters, and bedtime. This is why it’s tagged as the best router with strong parental controls.

Conclusion

To sum up, Gryphon Tower is a tri-band mesh router that prioritizes value and ease of use. It achieves a harmonious blend between its price, speed, and coverage. Its exceptional security and parental control features set it apart, safeguarding your network and children from potential threats.

7. Best Mesh WiFi for Gigabit Internet: TP-Link Deco X55

Ending my list with another TP-Link device, Deco X55, which is a go-to mesh WiFi for Gigabit connections. Its standout aspect is a massive coverage of 6,500 Sq Ft, making it the best fit for any network setup.

Aside from that, its decent port setup and throughput capacity make it a much better device than its previous model, the Deco X50.

Speeds & Performance

Sporting the Wi-Fi 6 standard, Deco X55 boasts a maximum theoretical capacity of 3000 Mbps, with two bands operating simultaneously:

5 GHz: 2400 Mbps

2.4 GHz: 574 Mbps

Upon testing the mesh system with Comcast’s Gig internet plan, I could yield great results, with downloads raking at around 919 Mbps while uploads maxed out at 28 Mbps. With that, I could stream 4K movies on Netflix on the first floor without any jitters, and my video meetings could continue pause-free.

WiFi Coverage & Devices Capacity

Being a mesh system, each node encases two beamforming antennas, and its coverage caps at 4,500 Sq Ft, provided you have two units installed. And its device handling capacity tops 150, including all of your smart devices.

Geared with the latest features like OFDMA and MU-MIMO, the numbers could max out at 65 if you’re into streaming or gaming tasks, beyond which the inconsistencies were clearly visible.

But tasks like video calling or music streaming could ease through the network, and with AI-mesh tech, the signals stay strong in the corners of my 3,700 Sq Ft house.

Security Features

The free version of the HomeShield is quite enough for any residential setup. With it, users can access some basic yet effective tools like QoS, WPA3, VPN, a home network scanner, and monthly network usage reports. These should get most of the data transmitted within your devices and network protected from any unwanted agents.

Aside from that, it has some basic parental controls like scheduled access, data tracking, and pausing the internet. Without the pro subscription, your kids and network get decent protection from dangerous stuff available online.

Conclusion

It’s clear that TP-Link Deco X55 is a great mesh router suitable for Gig speed for people encountering issues of dead or weak network spots in corners of their large houses. To learn more about it, you may read my full review of the Deco X55.

Frequently Asked Questions

Verdict

We all need a speedy connection, whether playing video games, streaming media, or balancing multiple devices. And to accommodate that, you need an efficient router.

I hope the curated list helped you make an informed choice and get you a router that gets most of your internet-bound tasks within a click. But if you still are scratching your head, here’s a list of the best options:

• If the best is what you need and you care less about the budget, TP-Link Archer AXE75 is your go-to option.
• If budget is a bit of a concern, but you don’t want to compromise much on the features, then look at the Asus GS-AX3000.
• Finally, if you want a budget yet reliable router with Gigabit throughput, Linksys MR9610 is the best you have got.

With that comes an end to my recommendations. Feel free to ask any queries you have regarding these devices. Lastly, do mention which one you’ve opted for.