8 Best WiFi Routers for Multiple Devices in 2023

Do you have many devices in a large house or commercial setting, and your current router cannot cope with them? Looking for a reliable wireless router that can handle multiple devices? You’ve arrived at the right place.

Many models claim to support 50, 100, and even 200 devices. But most of them don’t live up to the claims. So, don’t go gaga over the numbers mentioned on the spec sheet. Things can change drastically in real-world usage.

That’s why I researched, selected 16 models, and individually tested them in my 3,700 Sq Ft two-story house with a bunch of gadgets requiring WiFi access. While the main focus was on multi-device connectivity, I also evaluated them for other important aspects.

After detailed testing of over three months, I’ve picked the 8 best options for 2023 that didn’t hinder multiple connections. Here they are:

1. Best All-Around: Netgear RAXE500
2. Best Gaming Router: ASUS GT-AX11000
3. Best from TP-Link: TP-Link AX90
4. Best Under $200: ASUS RT-AX86S
5. Best Wi-Fi 6E Mesh: TP-Link Deco XE75
6. Best for Standard Homes: Linksys MR9610
7. Best for 2-Story House: Google Nest WiFi
8. Cheapest Good Option: D-Link EXO

Features To Consider When Selecting a Router for Multiple Devices

• Multi-User Multiple In Multiple Out or MU-MIMO allows a router to communicate with multiple devices simultaneously.
• Orthogonal Frequency-Division Multiple Access or OFDMA allows a router to create multiple sub-streams within a given frequency.
• QoS, or Quality of Service, enables the router to prioritize certain traffic in network congestion situations.
• Most routers work in dual-band or tri-band, where each band represents the frequency at which each router operates. More bands mean devices can connect to WiFi at the same time.
• An ample RAM and a powerful processor allow routers to maintain the data flow and ensure the connected devices receive consistent signals.
• Combined with these, speed capacity and powerful antennas dictate the overall ability of a multi-device router.

8 Best Routers for Multiple Devices in 2023

To cater needs of a varied user base, I segregated my selection into various categories, ranging from high-tier to budget options.

1. Best Overall: Netgear Nighthawk RAXE500

In search of the most powerful router with a long-range and multi-device handling capability? Consider getting the RAXE500 from Netgear.

Netgear is a well-known name in the world of networking, and its latest offering Nighthawk RAXE500 is supposedly the best in terms of features and technologies it offers. Some notable features include Wi-Fi 6E with 6 GHz support, a multi-gig port, a cutting-edge processor, and others, which translates to its overall performance.

Although you won’t find many notable upgrades here compared to RAXE450 except throughput capacity, it’s a much better router for large homes.

Why is it suited for Multiple Devices?

Encasing a 1.8GHz Quad-Core processor, the latest and clearer 6 GHz band, and networking technologies like MU-MIMO and OFDMA make this routing device battle-ready for lots of devices.

Connecting and running nearly 55 devices, including laptops, gaming consoles, and others with the 6 GHz band, was a smooth experience. All devices worked fine without any throttles or network dropdowns. Similarly, the maximum device capacity with 5 GHz and 2.4 GHz bands were 45 and 36, respectively.

Wireless Speeds & Coverage

With a tri-band Wi-Fi 6E standard and cutting-edge processor, RAXE500 boasts a top speed of 11000 Mbps, with band-wise distribution as follows:

2.4 GHz: 1.2 Gbps

5 GHz: 4.8 Gbps

6 GHz: 4.8 Gbps

With such a throughput capacity, it seemed only fair to pair the routing device with the available 2 Gig Xfinity plan, and the results were impressive. The download speeds over respective 6 GHz, 5 GHz, and 2.4 GHz bands were 1.96 Gbps, 1.76 Gbps, and 987 Mbps, while the upload speeds averaged 147 Mbps, 134 Mbps, and 117 Mbps.

Note: All the speeds were measured over a 5 feet distance.

At the same time, placing the client devices 35 feet away from the router had a 5% drop in speeds. Courtesy of eight highly-amplified antennas, the signals could travel farther, which is the reason behind the least speed drops over long distances. With a coverage range of 3,500 Sq Ft, it’s ranked #1 in my list of top routers for a 3,000 Sq Ft house.

Wired Speed

Nighthawk RAXE500 had an excellent performance when it came to wired speeds. It gets multi-gig speeds available through its 2.5G port or one Gig port with link aggregation support. The latter is only achievable through a combination of two separate IPs.

However, you can connect your bandwidth-hungry devices to its 2.5G port to experience speeds of up to 2.1 Gbps and 1.1 Gbps for downloads and uploads, respectively. That’s enough to satiate the hunger for high bandwidth-consuming devices like gaming consoles, laptops, computers, and mobile devices.

Security Features

The Wi-Fi 6E router achieved middling scores in this department. Despite being a premium product, it ingrains only basic features like VPN support, guest network access, guest network access, WPA3 security protocol, and standard-based WiFi security, and basic parental controls like managing online time also come along.

But there’s an option to upgrade to advanced security with features like malware protection, malicious website identification, and elimination at a monthly subscription to Netgear Armor.

Conclusion

When connecting multiple devices at once, things get only better with Netgear RAXE500. The latest wireless standard, powerful processor, and networking technologies enable it to deliver stable and consistent signals over lots of devices.

Aside from that, its powerful processor, an additional 6 GHz band, and powerful antennas boost the experience. For more, read my dedicated Netgear RAXE500 review.

2. Best Runner-Up: ASUS ROG GT-AX11000

Did you find Netgear RAXE500 expensive and need a similar configuration at a discounted price? Check out ASUS GT AX-11000.

Gaming routers are generally more powerful for handling throughput and latency. And Asus ROG GT-AX11000 is among the best ones. Wi-Fi 6 tri-band support, speed capacity of 11000 Mbps, multi-gig WAN port, Quad-Core processor, and ample storage to connect many devices on the network without throttle.

Besides, it takes a leap forward to its preceding model, ROG GT-AX6000, in terms of throughput capacity, performance, and security features, making it the best router for streaming multiple devices.

Why is it suited for Multiple Devices?

Its suitability comes from the Wi-Fi 6 technology, gaming-ready 1.8GHz processor, and advanced networking technologies like MU-MIMO and OFDMA. Its theoretical capacity stands at 100+ devices, but in real-life scenarios with existing interferences, the number stands at around 87 for the 5 GHz (2) band and 56 for the other two.

That includes devices pinned down with high and low-bandwidth tasks. However, the number might change when you connect bandwidth-hungry devices like gaming consoles and vice versa. The only thing I can assure you of is the stability and consistency of connections.

Wireless Speeds & Coverage

Despite not featuring Wi-Fi 6E technology, ROG RT-AX11000 boasts a top speed of 11000 Mbps, with respective band speeds as follows:

5 GHz (1): 4804 Mbps

5 GHz (2): 4804 Mbps

2.4 GHz: 1148 Mbps

As you can see, there’s an additional 5 GHz band that frees up the channels for data transfer, thereby, faster network connectivity. Testing the same with the Xfinity 2 Gbps plan, respective scores for downloads and uploads on both the 5 GHz band were around 1.95 Gbps and 176 Mbps.

At the same time, the scores for the 2.4 GHz band were around 1.05 Gbps and 137 Mbps. These were the results when the router was 5 feet away from the client devices but moving to a room two walls away, devices experienced a 10% speed drop.

This demonstrates the device’s ability to cover a house of up to 2,500 Sq Ft, thanks to eight powerful antennas. And with AiMesh support, you can double its coverage by pairing it with another compatible and similar router.

Wired Speed

RT-AX11000 shares a similar arrangement of ports to RAXE500, with one 2.5G WAN port and four GigE LAN ports with Link Aggregation support. If you don’t have multiple IPs to connect, its multi-gig port is here for your top-tier plans and delivers maximum speeds of 2.05 Gbps and 1.1 Mbps, respectively, for downloads and uploads.

Security Features

Unlike my previous recommendation, security is a strong USP of this router. You get a lifetime free subscription to AiProtection. The suite includes malware protection, malicious website identification and blocking, and firewalls alongside WPA3 and VPN.

Plus, it’s one of the best routers with parental control, such as scheduled pausing and age-based filters, allowing digital mothers to guide their kids in the right direction.

Conclusion

To conclude, Asus RT-AX11000 is a fairly versatile device that excels in all aspects, including throughput capacity, coverage, hardware setup, and security. Besides, courtesy of networking technologies like MU-MIMO and beamforming makes it the best router for gaming and multiple devices.

However, having an additional 5 GHz band instead of 6 GHz, it’s put in the second position.

3. Best for Many Devices: TP-Link Archer AX90

TP-Link products are known to offer excellent value for the money, and Archer AX90 is no different.

If you’re a fan of TP-Link like me, you will find Archer AX90 an intriguing option. It is an upgrade to Archer AX73 with a better processor, higher throughput capacity, a multi-gig internet port, and ample storage.

So, you can expect better connectivity, faster speeds, greater coverage, and, most importantly, the ability to support multiple connections.

Why is it suited for Multiple Devices?

This Wi-Fi 6 tri-band router works harmoniously with beamforming, MU-MIMO, and QoS to send stable and consistent signals over all connections. With the ability to support 64 on its 2.4 and 128 devices on its two 5 GHz bands, Archer AX90 is undoubtedly one of the best routers for many devices.

Wireless Speeds & Coverage

AX90 has a maximum speed capacity of 6600 Mbps, with band-wise speeds as follows:

5 GHz (1): 4804 Mbps

5 GHz (2): 1201 Mbps

2.4 GHz: 574 Mbps

To test out how they pan out in real life, I paired the router with Xfinity 2 Gbps plan. At five feet, the highly efficient 5 GHz band delivered 1.85 Gbps and 867 Mbps as download and upload speeds.

On the other hand, the lesser 5 GHz and 2.4 GHz bands recorded download speeds of 1.1 Gbps and 540 Mbps and respective upload speeds of 525 Mbps and 267 Mbps.

Placing the router 40 feet away from client devices reduces band-wise speeds by 18%. Although it claims to cover 2,500 Sq Ft homes, the signals could travel only up to 2,000 Sq Ft. However, the devices within the range could engage in lightning-fast downloads, heavy gaming, stock trading, and whatnot.

Wired Speed

Wired speeds with Archer AX90 can outstretch up to 1.98 Gbps for downloads and 915 Mbps for uploads, courtesy of its 2.5G and Ethernet ports with link aggregation support. So, get your most bandwidth-consuming device to the router and experience seamless connectivity and speeds.

Security Features

Security includes WPA3, VPN, guest access, auto-firmware update, and Network security scan. You can also access parental controls, schedule WiFi usage, and monitor your kids’ online activities. For more advanced security, you can upgrade to the HomeShield Pro.

Conclusion

Like most TP-Link routers, AX90 is a reliable and versatile router that can handle multiple connections. It scores 9/10 in most parameters. However, its range could see a tad of improvement, and you have to pay a few extra dollars to access some advanced network security tools.

4. Best Router for 100 Devices: ASUS RT-AX86S

Do you have over 100 devices that need to be connected to the WiFi network? ASUS RT-AX86S has got you covered!

Next on my list is yet another gaming router that can handle 100 devices. Asus RT-AX86S brings hardware and technological-related advancements over its preceding model to deliver a much better performance.

The device inculcates gaming-centric improvements like game boost, 1024-QAM, and others to boost your gaming experience.

Why is it suited for Multiple Devices?

Theoretically, its device handling capacity can go above 100 devices, courtesy of features like a 1.8GHz processor and Wi-Fi 6 support, combined with MU-MIMO and OFDMA.

However, the average number in real life was 52 for the 5 GHz bands and 45 for the 2.4 GHz. Combined, it’s enough for residential settings and a bang average for large businesses or workspaces.

Wireless Speeds & Coverage

The cutting-edge hardware setup, along with Wi-Fi 6 support, takes its maximum throughput capacity to 5700 Mbps, with speed distribution as follows:

5 GHz: 4804 Mbps

2.4 GHz: 574 Mbps

At 5 feet speed tests with the Xfinity 1 Gig plan, the near band recorded a speed of 987 Mbps for downloads, while file uploads took place at 37 Mbps. The speeds for the 2.4 GHz band were around 527 Mbps and 24 Mbps.

At the same time, moving 35 feet from the router recorded a 25% speed drop on both bands, indicating its not-so-strong antennas.

Measuring its coverage in a 2,000 Sq Ft house with thick walls, the device performed decently well. It almost covered the entire space but left a few network weak spots here and there, taking its average range to around 1,800 Sq Ft.

So, hear me on this, and install this router in your two-bed apartment without thinking much. Its gaming-centric features are there to improve your gaming experience.

Wired Speed

Compared to my previous recommendations, RT-AX86S lacks a multi-gig port, so there goes an option to access multi-gig speeds down the drain. There are still Ethernet ports, but you need two separate IPs for such speeds. But you still can connect your gaming consoles to the GigE ports to experience speeds as high as 1015 Mbps and 515 Mbps, respectively, for downloads and uploads.

Security Features

RT-AX86S, like its elder sibling, excels in this department with AiProtection. Malware removal, malicious website blocking, and more make it an ideal router for security. Besides, the availability of parental controls like monitoring online activities, creating profiles, age-based filters, and others lets you make sure your kids are safe online.

Conclusion

To summarise, Asus RT-AX86S is a versatile router for gaming and multiple clients. It delivers reliable performance without burning a hole in your pocket. With a high-end processor, decent WiFi technology and other networking technologies simultaneously translate to better performance over multiple devices.

But lack of multi-gig ports and lesser coverage pushed it down this position.

5. Best Mesh WiFi System: TP-Link Deco XE75

TP-Link’s Deco XE75 is a top-rated mesh system with WiFi 6E support. It’s capable of handling 200 devices and can extend its range over 7,000 Sq Ft.

The next device on my list of wireless routers for multiple devices is a mesh WiFi system, suitable for large homes equivalent to or above 6,000 Sq Ft. Compared to its older model, you’ll find upgrades in processing ability, wireless range, and stability.

Additionally, Deco XE75 Pro is also out which comes with slight upgrades.

Why is it suited for Multiple Devices?

As per the spec sheet, Deco XE75 has a maximum handling capacity of 200 devices, probably the highest any router can offer.

It might be unachievable unless establishing an ideal setup, and in my tests, it extended up to 135 devices over the 6GHz band. Similarly, the 5 GHz exhibited a maximum handling capacity of 96 devices, which is still massive.

That’s possible only because it has everything a mesh system must have, including beamforming, MU-MIMO, and OFDMA.

Wireless Speeds & Coverage

The Wi-Fi 6E support with an additional 6 GHz band combines a powerful processor to take its maximum throughput capacity to 5400 Mbps, with band-wise speeds as follows:

6 GHz: 2402 Mbps

5 GHz: 2402 Mbps

2.4 GHz: 574 Mbps

Connected to the Xfinity Gigabit plan, the device, separated by 5 feet, downloaded 150GB file in six odd minutes, with 954 Mbps, while upload speeds stayed at around 32 Mbps. At the same time, moving the device 35 feet away had a 15% speed drop, the lowest in the lot.

The tests mentioned above were carried out over the 5 GHz bands. Similar tests over the 2.4 GHz band had a speed value of 515 Mbps and 23 Mbps, respectively, for downloads and uploads, while the speeds over 35 feet were reduced by almost 15%.

So, you can experience faster and more stable throughput sitting anywhere in your large house. In my client’s 5,000 Sq Ft workspace, none corners were left void of signals, and all connected devices ran almost at a similar speed.

Wired Speed

This is the department where this mesh system delves into a setback. With three Ethernet ports, where one is occupied connecting to the modem, you have the space to connect only two devices.

Nevertheless, these are Gigabit ports, and connecting directly could get you a maximum throughput of around 992 Mbps and 38 Mbps for downloads and uploads.

Security Features

Like most TP-Link devices, Deco XE75 also gets basic HomeShield security. It includes features like guest access, automatic firmware update, VPN, SPI firewall, WPA3, and others you get in its elder sibling. However, parental controls are smarter with features like manual website blocking, age-filter, and creating profiles.

Conclusion

If you’re ready to ride the 6 GHz bandwagon, TP-Link XE75 is probably perfect to start with. With affordable pricing, the tri-band mesh system gets some extra brownie points. However, it’s void of any USB ports, and you need to subscribe to the HomeShield Pro if you need advanced security features.

Read my full review for more.

6. Best Value for Money: Linksys MR9610

Need an affordable yet value-for-money Wi-Fi 6 router to use with multiple devices? Check out Linksys MR9610.

Next, presenting you with an affordable yet reliable router to buy for multiple devices, Linksys MR9610. The Wi-Fi 6 resonates well with the powerful 1.8GHz quad-core processor, delivering Gigabit speed.

Why is it suited for Multiple Devices?

Linksys MR9610 integrates MU-MIMO and OFDMA that operate harmoniously with Wi-Fi 6 and a powerful processor to simultaneously send stable and consistent signals to a multitude of devices.

In my tests, the 5 GHz and 2.4 GHz band support around 35 and 20 devices, respectively, making it a perfect fit for residential and small office setups.

Wireless Speeds & Coverage

Talking about the speeds, Wi-Fi 6-enabled Linksys MR9610 has a maximum throughput limit of 6000 Mbps, with band-wise speed distribution as follows:

5 GHz: 4804 Mbps

2.4 GHz: 1147 Mbps

In a real-life scenario, average download speeds over 5 GHz and 2.4 GHz bands with 1 Gbps plan were around 902 Mbps and 831 Mbps, while uploads happened at about 29 Mbps and 26 Mbps, respectively. Such were the speeds when devices were 5 feet apart.

And when the distance was increased to 70 feet, speeds fell by almost 58%. Although the theoretical range is claimed to be at 3,000 Sq Ft, in real life, signals could extend up to a mere 2,200-2,500 Sq Ft. And the devices present within the range could handle any online games like Valorant, Destiny 2, CS: GO or Call of Duty: Warzone.

Wired Speed

Linksys MR9610 boasts a decent arrangement of ports with one Gig-E WAN and four Gig-E LAN ports on its rear panel. Although there’s no support for link aggregation, connecting your gaming consoles to the Ethernet ports could result in a speed output of 914 Mbps and 39 Mbps for downloads and uploads.

A tad boost in speeds over wireless connections reduced the ping value from 6ms to 5ms and increased the fps value from 95 to 100, thereby creating faster and latency-free gaming.

Security Features

Linksys is not known for its security features. And router ingrains basic security features like WPA3 WiFi protocol, guest network access, device prioritization, automatic firmware update, and a VPN server. No premium upgrades are available, but its basic features keep your residential network ecosystem safe and secure.

Conclusion

Priced below $150, Linksys MR9610 is one of the best Wi-Fi 6 routers for multiple devices on the market. It has a high throughput capacity and fast far-band speeds. However, its security features could be more advanced, and there aren’t any upgradeable options available, so placed at the bottom.

7. Best for 2-Story House: Google Nest WiFi

If you’re a fan of Google products and looking for a reliable mesh system without spending much, its Nest WiFi is worth considering. WiFi 5 is still relevant to date, and this device, with a powerful processor, ample storage, and decent throughput capacity, should get you the desired performance.

This Google mesh system is the first of the Nest series and has brought in a range of upgrades over Google WiFi AC1200.

Why is it suited for Multiple Devices?

Its WiFi 5 dual-band support and a 1.4GHz quad-core processor work harmoniously with MU-MIMO and beamforming to get decent connectivity. The device support on the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands stay at around 35 and 54, respectively. So, any small workspace setup should get this mesh system without bogging their minds much.

Wireless Speeds & Coverage

Despite featuring an inferior wireless standard, Google Nest WiFi boasts maximum speeds of 2200 Mbps, and the speed distribution is as follows:

5 GHz: 1733 Mbps

2.4 GHz: 400 Mbps

In my throughput tests, I paired the system with the Cox Gigablast plan and tested the speeds for the separate bands. Over the 5 GHz band, respective speeds fared out at around 847 Mbps and 30 Mbps, while the 2.4 GHz speed test was valued at around 372 Mbps and 19 Mbps.

And in my stress tests with Xbox 360, laptops, and smart TVs, the device performed decently well, but connecting a few more devices resulted in slight buffering and network drops.

The performance was also decent over a distance, with speeds dropping by 35% over 45-55 feet. It suggests the powerful coverage of the device with a score extending up to 4,500 Sq Ft.

Wired Speed

Concerning wired speeds, there isn’t much to explore with three Gigabit Ethernet ports, with one occupied from connecting with the modem. So, you just got two ports to connect your device and get speeds as high as 957 Mbps and 412 Mbps, respectively, for downloads and uploads. One benefit of such is there aren’t any visible lags or latencies on your gaming devices and smart TVs.

Security Features

Google has always been hell-bent on the security of its products, and nothing is different with Nest WiFi. Guest access, VPN, WPA3, automatic firmware update, and SPI firewall make your home network safe and secure. Besides, some helpful parental controls include pausing WiFi, restricting explicit content, and managing online time.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Google Nest WiFi is best for a two-story house with a decent number of devices in its ecosystem. And with decent throughput capacity, it can easily handle most bandwidth-intensive tasks.

But in the age when companies are bringing Wi-Fi 6E, a Wi-Fi 5 device might catch a few eyes. Read my in-depth Nest WiFi review for more details.

8. Best Budget Option: D-Link EXO DIR-X5460-US

In search of the best home WiFi router that can support multiple devices? Take a look at D-Link EXO DIR-X5460-US!

If you are here for a budget router with Wi-Fi 6 and technologies like MU-MIMO and OFDMA to transmit bandwidth to your multiple-device setup, then D-Link EXO DIR-X5460-US is probably the best bet. The device has a multi-port setup to inculcate your devices with a few extra Mbps. All these features combine to get you a reliable performance every time.

Why is it suited for Multiple Devices?

DIR-X5460-US, despite the budget option, comes with a Wi-Fi 6 that works along with MU-MIMO and OFDMA to boast a theoretical capacity of around 30. In my testing over the separate 5 GHz and 2.4 GHz bands, the number turned out to be around 20 and 27, which I reckon is adequate for any household setup.

Wireless Speeds & Coverage

As per the manufacturer, the D-Link router boasts a maximum throughput capacity of 5400 Mbps, probably one of the highest in this price range. Its speeds distribution is as follows:

5 GHz: 5400 Mbps

2.4 GHz: 600 Mbps

Now that’s only achievable in ideal settings, and in my grandpa’s 1,500 Sq Ft home, the device had a decent performance.

Over the 5 GHz band with the Xfinity 500 Mbps plan, the speeds were around 472 Mbps and 19 Mbps, respectively, for downloads and uploads. At the same time, respective speeds with the 2.4 GHz band averaged 447 Mbps and 14 Mbps.

All the speeds mentioned above were obtained from 5 feet away. In comparison, the speeds over a 60-foot distance were pretty lackluster. It indicates the lesser powerful antennas and, in turn, lower range. At most, this device could cover up to 1,800 Sq Ft.

Wired Speed

D-Link EXO DIR-X5460-US boasts a decent arrangement of ports on its rear panel, with 4 GigE LAN and 1 GigE WAN port. With a similar plan, the devices could reach a speed value of up to 948 Mbps and 427 Mbps, respectively, for downloads and uploads. That’s much higher than the wireless connections and stable too.

Security Features

Regarding security, the DIR-X5460-US has limited features and customization options, making it unsuitable for offices and large residential spaces. While features such as guest network access, auto-firmware update, WPA2 personal, and AES link encryption can protect many devices.

Conclusion

In conclusion, DIR-X5460-US might not be the best WiFi router to handle multiple devices, but features like Wi-Fi 6, high throughput capacity, and a decent arrangement of ports make it worth investing in. But lesser coverage and lack of advanced security tools have pushed it to the bottom.

Frequently Asked Questions

Verdict

When buying a good router for multiple devices, consider the two most important factors: coverage and connectivity. There’s no point in spending money on a product that can’t cover your entire home or doesn’t have enough LAN or WAN ports.

With that in hand, I hope you choose a fitting choice router that can satiate the hunger of most devices you have. If you still can’t, here’s my list of the best ones:

• Asus ROG GT-AX11000, with great device handling capacity and powerful specs, should be at the top of your list.
• If you need a value-for-money option, TP-Link Archer AX90 is the best pick, with the ability to handle a maximum of 128 devices at a stretch.
• Talking about the cheapest option, Linksys MR9610 is probably the best to get.

Saying that, I’d like to end my recommendations on wireless routers for multiple devices. Let me know in the comment if you have any queries or suggestions. Also, do not forget to share which router model you have gone for.