8 Best Routers for Optimum in 2023 [Expert Picks]

Optimum charges $10 monthly for its Gateway 6, which is useless if you need more speeds, extended WiFi coverage, and better control. So, if you have been looking for a reliable third-party router for Optimum internet, you’ve come to the right place.

As a techie nerd, I have spent thousands of dollars on networking devices to test them against each other. Although the ISP compatibility factor isn’t applicable for wireless routers, finding an ideal replacement for your Optimum router is still very confusing.

And if not looked at properly, you might end up with a device that doesn’t support the speeds you’ve subscribed to or one with mediocre abilities to handle your internet requirements. No worries, I’ve researched thoroughly and individually tested 19 routers with Optimum internet plans and came up with these 8 best options for 2023:

• Best For Optimum 2 Gig: TP-Link AX90
• Best Gaming Router: ASUS RT-AX82U
• Best Router/Modem Combo: ARRIS G34
• Best Mesh Router: Amazon Eero 6+
• Best For Optimum 1 Gig: Netgear RAX43
• Best For 500 Mbps: TP-Link Archer AX55
• Best For Home Internet: Linksys EA8100
• Best For Optimum 300: Netgear R6700AX

Since you’ve decided to eliminate the ISP-rented gateway, if you haven’t already, you must also get a modem compatible with Optimum. It shall help send data packets faster, which means your new router will get better speed & throughput.

8 Best Optimum Compatible Routers of 2023

The featured models have been checked and vetted intricately for 3-4 days against several aspects like speeds, coverage, device handling capacity, and security features. And based on respective specs, I paired them with various speed plans, ranging from the highest 2 Gig to the lowest 100 Mbps plan.

Upon assuring the effectiveness, I listed them in a way such as getting details of what you get from them. Furthermore, keeping in mind the varying preferences of users, I sorted the routers compatible with Optimum in descending order of the features and prices.

So, without further ado, let’s dig in!

1. Best For Optimum 2 Gig: TP-Link Archer AX90

Kicking off my list with a tri-band WiFi router with loads of features like multi-gig ports, strong security, and faster throughput speeds. TP-Link has taken leaps forward with these features over its previous dual-band Archer AX73 router. And despite being a premium model, its advanced features qualify it as a value-added investment.

Why is it suited for Optimum?

TP-Link Archer AX90 is best suited for top-tier Optimum plans with speeds up to 2 Gbps. In proximity tests, aggregated download and upload speeds at the 5GHz bands were recorded at 1.7 Gbps and 945 Mbps. While measured speeds for the 2.4GHz band averaged 690 Mbps and 250 Mbps.

On the other hand, devices 30 feet from the router had download speeds of around 1.3 Gbps and 400 Mbps for the respective bands.

The tri-band support and incredible speeds make AX90 the best WiFi router for Optimum that can be installed in a professional gaming setup. Further integration of OFDMA ensures all devices’ online games run smoothly at higher fps and zero lags.

Port Setup & Wired Connectivity

Besides wireless connectivity, this device is a holy grail for those looking to set up lightning-fast wired connectivity in their space. It boasts a 2.5Gig WAN port and 4 Gigabit LAN ports which allows connecting multiple devices and experiencing faster speeds. Connecting my Dell laptop got me respective download and upload speeds of around 1.9 Gbps and 1.1 Gbps.

That’s not it. These ports support Link aggregation, which implies you can get multi-gigs of speeds by linking them and combining two high-speed plans.

WiFi Coverage & Connections Capacity

Thanks to the 8 external antennas testing the router at my test centre, with an area of around 2,500 Sq Ft, felt like a breeze. All my 35 devices, like gaming consoles, mobile and smart home devices, received faster internet despite being separated by thick walls and other networking interferences.

Thanks to the beamforming antennas, I got signals in the extremities of the house, including the gardens and garage.

Security Features

Out of the box, Archer AX90 comes with WPA3 security and a premium Homeshield antivirus powered by Avira. Combined, your devices stay safe from any virus infestation or unauthorized access, thereby delivering an additional layer of security.

Furthermore, premium parental controls offer you complete control over your family’s internet usage, from inhibiting access to malicious websites to monitoring their online activities.

Conclusion

In conclusion, AX90 is undoubtedly the best router for Optimum, known for its wireless stability and performance. An additional 5GHz band allows you to stay connected to more devices, and its monthly-subscription based firmware is very reliable and no-nonsense with a robust parental control feature.

2. Best For Gaming: ASUS RT-AX82U

ASUS RT-AX82U is probably the coolest-looking router for gaming enthusiasts seeking low-latency gaming. Besides the design, it has got a lot going in terms of features, be it a powerful processor, Wi-Fi 6, faster speeds, and greater coverage. These features take the router miles ahead of its older model, RT-AX86U.

Why is it suited for Optimum?

Consistency is the key feature of this router, thanks to its powerful hardware that couples with good software to deliver the best performance to everyone, especially gamers. I carried out the proximity and distance test of its 5GHz network on my iPhone 13. However, I didn’t bother testing the 2.4GHz network due to the high 2.4GHz interference in my location.

In the proximity test, the maximum download and upload speeds on my iPhone 13 clocked at 950 Mbps and 350 Mbps. On the other hand, the distance test (30 feet from the router) resulted in around 870 Mbps and 300 Mbps for the respective devices.

Port Setup & Wired Connectivity

In terms of ports, there is a discernable lack of a 2.5Gig Ethernet port and support for link aggregation, which won’t let you experience multi-gigs of speeds. But by connecting my devices with 4 GigE LAN ports, I got download speeds of around 1 Gbps and upload speeds at 500 Mbps, much greater than wireless speeds.

WiFi Coverage & Connections Capacity

My friend uses this router in his 1,700 Sq Ft apartment and has no complaints regarding dead zones or network drop-outs. This is possible only due to 3 high-performance antennas that can send strong signals through multiple interferences.

These antennas utilize beamforming technology to form direct connections with 20 connected devices. Plus, technologies like MU-MIMO and OFDMA eliminate most network congestion, and your devices receive lag-free internet throughout the day.

Security Features

Asus devices are well-known for their advanced security protection and are still leading the way in that respect. Its AiProtection is a lifetime security protection feature that tracks malicious or virus-infested websites, blocks access, and prevents external attacks. Besides, its parental control feature gives you the power to handle your kids’ online activities.

Conclusion

RT-AX82U is an excellent gaming router that offers stable throughput, which is probably the most important while gaming. Besides, several optimizations boost the speed during gaming sessions. Despite these, the lack of an additional band and support for an inferior internet plan compared to my previous recommendation pushed it down to the second position.

To learn more, you may check out the ASUS RT-AX82U review.

3. Best Modem Router Combo: ARRIS Surfboard G34

Don’t want to handle two different networking devices, i.e., a modem and a router? Get a 2-in-1 combo that replaces your Optimum WiFi router with much better performance.

Arris Surfboard G34 is a versatile device to pair with high-speed Optimum internet. Being a modem-router combo, it does two tricks at a time, where you no longer need an Optimum router. Besides, compared to its previous model, it has more antennas, better Wi-Fi tech, and faster speeds and coverage.

Why is it suited for Optimum?

Surfboard G34 combines a DOCSIS 3.1 cable modem and a Wi-Fi 6 dual-band router with a speed capacity of 3000 Mbps. So, it supports most Optimum plans, be it 1Gig or 300 Mbps, and my tests with the 1Gig plan delivered satisfactory results.

The speed score on my iPhone 13 for the respective 5GHz and 2.4GHz bands was 800 Mbps and 300 Mbps. Aside from that, the distance test on the same bands has resulted in 600 Mbps and 150 Mbps speeds. These speed test values are way beyond the grandpa’s rented equipment, and he would watch 4K movies with peace of mind.

Port Setup & Wired Connectivity

You have got a decent arrangement of ports with Arris G34. There are 3 gigabit Ethernet LAN ports and 1 gigabit Ethernet WAN that, despite lacking a USB port and Link Aggregation support, can offer Gigabit speeds when plugged in directly.

So, I could create an Ethernet backhaul connecting my Dell laptop to get speeds around 900 Mbps and 350 Mbps for downloads and uploads.

WiFi Coverage & Connections Capacity

The Optimum-approved router modem combo can cover a 1,800 Sq Ft house with high-speed internet, so my friend’s house had no network dead spots. Besides, integrating 2 x 2 OFDM/OFDMA support simultaneously promises congestion-free data transmission to multiple devices. The number can go up to 20, which should be enough for most standard households.

Security Features

Arris G34, a modem router combo for Optimum, doesn’t offer a whole range of security features. So, you need to install a third-party antivirus to deliver added protection to your mesh network. However, it has a built-in wireless manager that ingrains basic parental controls like monitoring your kids’ online time and pausing the network anytime.

Conclusion

To sum up, ARRIS G34 is the best modem router combo for Optimum available in retail. Features like Wi-Fi 6 and the presence of other technologies let you experience faster speeds with top-tier plans. But link aggregation and lesser speeds than my previous recommendations are lacking from my previous models.

If you want to learn more, read the full review.

4. Best Mesh WiFi System: Amazon Eero 6+

Do you have a fairly large workspace or house which makes it difficult to penetrate strong WiFi signals through walls? You’re better off establishing a mesh network!

Amazon Eero 6+, a major upgrade over the Eero 6, introduces new 160MHz channels with faster and stable throughputs. Featured at #5 in my list of top-rated mesh systems, there’s no question regarding the coverage it offers, but besides, there are other helpful features that are sure to deliver value.

Why is it suited for Optimum?

Wi-Fi 6 utilizes the high-frequency 5GHz band to deliver quicker throughput rates along with greater bandwidth and reduced latency than the busier 2.4GHz band. And the best part is supporting any mid-tier Optimum plans below 500 Mbps speeds.

At 3 feet, the performance of the Eero 6+ mesh router was unsurprisingly better with the Optimum fiber 500 plan, and its 5GHz band had a speed output of 478 Mbps. While at 15 and 50 feet, speeds are reduced by 10-30%, valuing at around 430 Mbps and 320 Mbps, respectively.

With such speeds, I could download UHD movies within seconds, play online games, and attend video conferences without any visible lags.

Port Setup & Wired Connectivity

This mesh system doesn’t offer much in terms of wired connectivity. There’re only 2 Gig ethernet ports where one is plugged in with the modem, thereby not allowing you to create an Ethernet backhaul. But, like me, you can connect any one of your bandwidth-hungry devices to clock speeds at around 495 Mbps for downloads and 145 Mbps for uploads.

WiFi Coverage & Connections Capacity

Being a mesh system, coverage is its stand-out feature. With the other unit operating as a satellite, the device can cover any space of around 2,500-3,000 Sq Ft. I installed this in my home office, where I work with 45 devices at once, and thanks to its MU-MIMO support, there weren’t any visible lags or network drops.

Security Features

Concerning security, you need to pay a subscription fee every month to get access to much-advanced options like malware blocking, threat detection, and others like 1Password and Encrypt.me VPN. Nevertheless, there is WPA3 and VPN-passthrough that keep your data safe and secured.

Besides, the premium subscription gives you access to advanced parental controls like scheduling online time, blocking age-inappropriate websites, and monitoring your kids’ online activities.

Conclusion

In conclusion, despite offering lesser speeds by being compatible with mid-tier plans, it’s one of the most reliable mesh routers that work with Optimum. However, the lack of advanced features and compatibility takes it down to the fourth position.

Want to learn more about this system? Check out my full review.

5. Best for Streaming: Netgear Nighthawk RAX43

Netgear Nighthawk series of routers are causing quite a stir in the tech world, and its mid-tier offering Nighthawk RAX43 is my subject of scrutiny today. Besides flaunting a cool spaceship look, it boasts a powerful processor, more ports, faster speeds, and better coverage, an upgrade over its older model, RAX40.

Why is it suited for Optimum?

Nighthawk RAX43 is a reliable Optimum internet router that works well with most of their plans. Testing it with a 1Gig plan, speeds averaged 857 Mbps from 3-7 feet apart, 545 Mbps from 25 feet, and 472 Mbps from 50 feet using the 5GHz band.

On the other hand, speeds for 2.4GHz at respective distances clocked at 450 Mbps, 254 Mbps, and 187 Mbps.

Port Setup & Wired Connectivity

RAX43 provides multiple connectivity options with 4 gigabit LANs, 1 Gigabit WAN, and 1 USB 3.0 port. So whether you want to connect networking devices to experience Gigabits of speeds or non-networking devices, it has options for everything.

I established wired connections with my gaming console, iPhone 13, and my Dell laptop and was blown away by the speeds they got. Measuring on the Netgear app, the values reached 950 Mbps and 350 Mbps for downloads and uploads, respectively.

The speed outputs were pretty good, especially how the router performed even at a distance. I could stream 4K movies and videos on 10 devices at once.

WiFi Coverage & Connections Capacity

Besides speed, the Wi-Fi 6 router is also ideal for medium-large apartments. Thanks to 4 high-performance beamforming antennas, the signals from the router cover an area of up to 1700 Sq Ft, better than many mesh systems on the market.

However, given the price, the router should have been integrated with features like MU-MIMO and QoS support. So connecting many devices far away simultaneously might cause some inconsistencies or instability.

Security Features

Like most Netgear routers, it integrates Netgear Armor, which offers advanced features like blocking malicious websites, unauthorized access, and others for a 1-year free trial, which you need to pay a minimal subscription fee. Besides, it has some premium parental controls that let you fully control your kids’ internet activities.

Read my Netgear Armor review for more details and find out if it’s worth it.

Conclusion

So, is the Nighthawk RAX43 worth it to replace the Optimum Gateway 6? Yes, without a doubt. Despite some inconsistencies, it’s one of your most dependable options. However, the absence of critical features such as MU-MIMO, QoS, and multi-gig support places it in fifth place.

6. Best Value for Money: TP-Link Archer AX55

TP-Link Archer AX55 is an incredible choice for those looking for multiple connection options and incredible speed to handle the network needs of a typical household. It brings many upgrades over its predecessor Archer AX50, like a better processor, RAM, and overall performance.

Why is it suited for Optimum?

Archer AX55 is the best pick for those with a limited budget but still looking for a Wi-Fi 6 router. In proximity testing with Optimum’s 500 Mbps plan, download and upload speeds averaged 375 Mbps and 75 Mbps, respectively. While taking the testing device 45 feet away, the router reached respective speeds of 250 Mbps and 40 Mbps.

Port Setup & Wired Connectivity

Despite being affordable, Archer AX55 doesn’t compromise on its port arrangement. It sports 4 gigabit LAN ports, 1 gigabit WAN port, and 1 high-speed USB 3.0 port.

The wired connections had respective speeds of around 410 Mbps and 100 Mbps. These performances are amazing considering the price tag and are ideal for anyone looking to upgrade their network without spending much.

WiFi Coverage & Connections Capacity

With 4 high-performance antennas, it transmits strong signals anywhere around 2000-2,200 Sq Ft. My client was ecstatic with the performance, and now he could work anywhere in his house without worrying about network dropdown. Besides, he can work with 7-8 devices at a time, each running different tasks simultaneously.

Security Features

Similar to other TP-Link routers, this also offers an option to upgrade your security by paying a minimal yearly subscription fee. The features are advanced enough to keep your devices and home network safe and secure. Plus, its parental controls let you handle your kids’ online activities and make them focus on their studies.

Conclusion

Archer AX55 is a versatile and reliable Optimum-compatible router that offers decent coverage and speeds. Although some advanced security features require a subscription, the router offers great value for people who are into gaming, streaming, or other network-intensive activities.

7. Best for Small Homes: Linksys EA8100

The penultimate product on my list is from a reliable and well-known company, Linksys, which mostly offers high-grade networking products. While EA8100 might not be the best router to use with Optimum, it features good speeds and enough coverage for a small house. Besides, the model has outclassed its previous version in terms of performance and coverage.

Why is it suited for Optimum?

Linksys EA8100 is more of a decent-performing router with an Optimum 300 Mbps plan. At 5 feet, the speeds averaged 278 Mbps, while at 30 feet, the score reached 209 Mbps. Both results were obtained for the high-frequency 5GHz band. On testing with the 2.4GHz band for both distances, respective speeds clocked at 74 Mbps and 35 Mbps.

Port Setup & Wired Connectivity

When establishing wired connections, its rear panel has a decent arrangement of ports. You get 1 WAN port and 4 GigE LAN ports to provide you with the versatility to create an Ethernet backhaul, experience download, and upload speeds up to 300 Mbps and 50 Mbps. Besides, a USB 3.0 port connects to your flash drive to transfer faster data.

WiFi Coverage & Connections Capacity

The router boasts a 4 external antenna setup, allowing it to sheath your 1000-1100 Sq Ft area with a stable internet connection. And thanks to DNS, you won’t notice any speed drops despite connecting 15 devices at once. So, any decent-sized apartment could install this router without any worries.

The best thing about this router is that it’s Dynamic Frequency Selection (DFS) certified. With that in place, the router scrutinizes the channels and routes the signals automatically through the less-congested ones. In this way, your device gets consistent throughput throughout the day.

Security Features

Linksys EA8100 doesn’t have much to offer in this regard. You get some basic and outdated features like WPA2 and VPN-passthrough, which do a decent job of keeping your databases and user credentials encrypted. I reckon in a residential setting where I am staying, this should be enough.

But if you require more advanced features, you must get a subscription to third-party security software that protects all of your devices from unauthorized attacks, viruses, or ransomware.

Conclusion

To summarize, the EA8100 is a good router for Optimum that provides dependable and stable connections to your average-sized workspace or home. However, its low output speed and lack of adequate security features took it to the seventh position.

8. Best Budget Option: Netgear R6700AX

Netgear R6700AX is probably the cheapest router with Wi-Fi 6 support and is fast enough to handle your bandwidth-hogging tasks easily. You can’t expect advanced features from this device at such a price, but with a quad-core processor, and max speeds of 1800 Mbps, it’s definitely an upgrade over Netgear RAX20.

Why is it suited for Optimum?

If you are on Optimum plans with speeds at 300 Mbps or below, you’re in luck. Priced at less than $100, you’ll get plenty out of your subscribed plan.

Upon testing the 300 Mbps plan with the 5GHz band, the router gave out download speeds at around 240-260 Mbps, while its 2.4GHz band had speeds near 70-80 Mbps. On the other hand, upload speeds for respective bands stayed at 280-300 Mbps and 90-100 Mbps.

I tested the speeds by playing Fortnite on my Xbox 360 and watching Netflix in UHD, and it worked out really fine. Besides some minor inconsistencies, the device delivered really fine.

Port Setup & Wired Connectivity

I was quite impressed by the wired speeds it offers. There are 4 GigE LAN ports in its rear panel to which I directly connected my bandwidth-hogging devices like Xbox and laptops to get download speeds up to 301 Mbps. While for uploads, the speeds reached around 50 Mbps. However, it misses out on a USB port.

WiFi Coverage & Connections Capacity

As the promised coverage of this router is 1,500 Sq Ft, I tested it in my home office, but I was disappointed a tad. The devices received no signals in the extremities, like in the conference room. But, as far as my tests go, with 3 antennas, I can assure you that the device to span up to 900 Sq Ft at a stretch.

Security Features

The R6700AX offers a premium Netgear Armor with advanced security features like protection from viruses or other external agents, preventing access to hackers or attackers, and conducting weekly scans. Furthermore, its pro parental controls give you control over what your children watch, how much time they spend online, and whether or not they are safe.

Conclusion

To conclude, R6700AX is a versatile and budget-friendly router that delivers decent speeds with any entry-level Spectrum plan. It’s a bigger upgrade over your rented Spectrum router but not as big as those premium feature-packed routers. This is why it’s placed in the final position of the list.

Frequently Asked Questions

Verdict

With that comes an end to the list of wireless routers suitable for Optimum. I hope you can make an informed decision. However, if you still are confused, here are a few of my personal favorites:

• If you need a top-tier, feature-packed, high-performing device to pair with the highest speed plan, get TP-Link Archer AX90. It’s a costly model but is worth the money you pay.
• Next, if you’re looking for a reliable option that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg, Netgear Nighthawk RAX43 should be an ideal purchase. It costs less than $200 and boasts some quality features like Wi-Fi 6 support, compatibility with faster speeds, and others.
• Finally, for those searching for budget options, go for TP-Link Archer AX55. With such a price tag, it offers decent speeds and coverage.

With that, I’d bid adieu. Tell me in the comments below about your chosen router, or you can mention any queries or doubts regarding these.