Selecting the best secure router is one of the best ways to protect your online presence at home or in a small business environment in the current digital era.
The best secure router provides more than just fast Wi-Fi; it also protects your connection from unauthorized access and cyber threats. There are various options, including routers with VPN capabilities, and new advanced security standards have been introduced.
Prioritize routers based on your internet speed needs, coverage, and ease of installation. Get a router that integrates in-built cybersecurity characteristics, and perhaps you can find one that comes with an app for more control over the network.
Our router Picks
Best Overall: TP-Link Archer C5400 v2
It is generally the best secure router overall as it performs extremely well and has a good stable connection specifically. The Archer C5400 v2 is recommended only for those who need serious usage.
While the AC5400 class can offer some great speeds, up to 2167 Mbps on the 5 GHz bands and 1000 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band, it was later expanded with NitroQAMTM and 4-Stream technologies. Ultimately that sparked a 25% rise in its efficiency.
Specifications:
- Wi-Fi Speed: AC5400 (5 GHz: 2167 Mbps x 2, 2.4 GHz: 1000 Mbps)
- Processor: 1.4 GHz Dual-Core CPU
- Ethernet Ports: 1× Gigabit WAN Port, 4× Gigabit LAN Ports, Static Link Aggregation (2× LAN ports)
- USB Support: 1× USB 3.0 Port, 1× USB 2.0 Port
- Wi-Fi Technologies: Tri-Band, MU-MIMO, NitroQAM™, 4-Stream
Who Is It For?
The TP-Link Archer C5400 v2 is a network device perfect for large homes and offices where the internet is used intensively.
This “router” can efficiently support several devices at once and manage network traffic. This device is great for gamers, 4K/8K video streamers, and people working remotely at home who need high speed and coverage to work with the internet intensively.
Also, advanced security features make networking safe and protect user data. It is suitable for home automation systems and smart devices, as it copes well with the needs of a modern smart home.
Given the price and size, this model is suitable for tech enthusiasts and high-performance people.
Best for WiFi 6: Asus RT-AX88U Dual-Band Wi-Fi Router
The model is most appropriate for tech enthusiasts and those with high-performance needs. The model is, however, bigger and more expensive.
The design is in reaction to the growing demand for increased wireless frequencies in modern houses and small offices. It is thus perfect for fast internet, streaming, and play. Its high-tech functionality makes the client experience sterner and more proper.
Specifications:
- Network Standard: IEEE 802.11a, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11ax (WiFi 6)
- Product Segment: AX6000 ultimate AX performance: 1148+4804 Mbps
- WiFi Data Rate: 802.11a: up to 54 Mbps, 802.11b: up to 11 Mbps, WiFi 6: up to 4804 Mbps
- Antenna: External antenna x 4
- Transmit / Receive: 2.4GHz 4×4
- Processor: 1.8 GHz quad-core processor
- Memory: 256 MB Flash, 1 GB RAM
Who Is It For?
The Asus RT-AX88U is perfect for tech enthusiasts and professionals who need a router for heavy high bandwidth tasks.
It is an ideal option for multiple device homes since the WiFi 6 technology offers a stable and fast network for streaming, gaming, and downloading.
The router’s quad core processor is powerful enough to handle extensive network activities such as small office operations or smart home devices.
Moreover, if you are a gamer or a streamer, the high-speed performance and additional features will come in handy.
Furthermore, due to the high cost and complexity in setting up, the router may not be the best option for non-professional multiple-device users.
In conclusion, the Asus RT-AX88U is a great choice if you are looking for a router to provide the best performance and ensure future technologies.
Best Business: Meraki Go Router Firewall Plus
Meant for small- to medium-sized organizations, this router ensures the essential combination of performance and simplicity. This way, the Meraki Go Router Firewall Plus makes sure that the business has impeccable and safe internet access. This tool is perfect for secure networking and a comprehensive business environment with possible dangers.
Specifications:
- Stateful Firewall: Provides advanced network security.
- Client VPN Support: Enables secure remote access.
- Port Forwarding: Facilitates specific network requests.
- DHCP Services: Manages network IP address allocation.
- 500Mbps Throughput: Ensures high-speed internet connectivity.
- 1 WAN / 4 LAN Interfaces: Offers multiple connection options.
- Physical Dimensions: 1.1 x 5.1 x 9.4 inches, compact and efficient.
- Power Supply: 18W DC, energy-efficient operation.
Who Is It For?
If you have a small to medium-sized business and are unsure which router to purchase, look no further than the Meraki Go Router Firewall Plus. This router has the ability to satisfy all your security and speed needs.
One of its distinguishing characteristics is its scalability from amateurs to experts, which distinguishes it as the most appropriate device for such a work environment. For a business that values its network security and unparalleled speed, the Meraki Go Router Firewall is the router of choice.
The device also features a stateful firewall to protect the company’s sensitive data. It is an excellent alternative for any small business that has many growing networking needs.
Best Mesh: Eero Home Wi-Fi System
The Eero Home Wi-Fi System is the Best Secure Mesh solution. Few other options prioritize the security features that this system does – and yet the Eero system resembles a regular router in every respect.
Indeed, its strong feature is that the system is tuned to support many devices without slowing down the speed of the Internet. Thus, people who additionally prefer a secure connection that focuses on the stability and reliability of their network would benefit from the Eero system.
Specifications:
- Wi-Fi 5 & Wi-Fi 6
- Tri-Band
- MU-MIMO Support: Yes
- Beamforming Support: Yes
- Wireless Security: WPA2
- Bluetooth: 4.2 LE
- Dual-Band Connectivity: Yes
Who Is It For?
In my opinion, the Eero Home Wi-Fi System is an ideal choice in case you are looking for the best solution for your family, the home which requires high security levels, and when a lot of gadgets must be connected to the same network.
The Best Secure Mesh ensures not only the speed but also the security from outer sources, which is important for me. The wide coverage poses it as the best option even for big houses or places where strength is vital.
Even though the setup is more complex compared to routers, it pays off with stability and high security levels.
The system is also good for geeks who understand the importance of current Wi-Fi developments, which include MU-MIMO, beam-forming, and the router role.
Overall, it is the best solution if you are looking for the top-tier system balancing the speed, security, and the definition.
Best Armored: Netgear Nighthawk Smart WiFi Router AC1900 (R7000)
Best Armored router: Netgear Nighthawk Smart Wi-Fi Router AC1900 The Netgear Nighthawk Smart Wi-Fi Router AC1900 is a competent and well-rounded armored router.
It is the best option for individuals who need their internet connection to be faster while also ensuring sufficient protection. This router is perfect for streaming, gaming, and large footage transfers.
Specifications:
- WiFi Technology: 802.11ac Dual Band Gigabit
- WiFi Performance: AC1900 WiFi (600+1300 Mbps)
- Processor: 1GHz Dual Core
- Memory: 256 MB RAM
- Bandwidth Prioritization: For streaming videos or music
- USB Ports: ReadyCLOUD® USB Access
- Ethernet Ports: 4 x 1G
- Security: Advanced features for lag-free gaming
- Coverage: Up to 1800 Sq Ft
- Device Capacity: Supports up to 30 devices
Who Is It For?
The Netgear Nighthawk Smart WiFi Router AC1900 is ideal for a large cross-section of internet users, especially those who value high internet security protocols and performance.
It is mainly a router for families that need to connect multiple devices to the router while keeping internet-enabled ventures secure.
Additionally, the router is ideal for Gamers and streamers as it uses bandwidth prioritization to ensure that there is no lag during both activities.
Further, it is an ideal router for a small business. Small businesses may prioritize the router’s high internet security features and wide range of coverage to use it in a professional setting.
However, the router’s advanced features might do more than a casual user would need, making it more suited for tech gurus or people who use the internet and internet-enabled devices a lot.
Also, though setting up the router is a bit complicated, it is a worthy investment owing to features and security protocols.
What makes a router secure?
Enabling automatic updates for the latest security patches, using strong passwords for the admin interface and Wi-Fi network, and having a built-in firewall will ensure the router’s security.
Strong encryption can be achieved by using the latest Wi-Fi security protocols, which include WPA2 or WPA3.
Other measures, such as disabling features that are not needed, changing the default SSID, and having VPN compatibility, should also be considered.
This will ensure that a router is secure to use as it protects the network from external threats and unauthorized access.
What is a firewall and why is it important?
A firewall is a network security hardware device that examines and controls traffic flowing in and out of a network based on pre-established safety rules.
It creates a buffer between a network that can be trusted and one that may not, such as the internet.
Firewalls are essential for cybersecurity as they establish a network’s first line of protection against external dangers, including internet hackers and other forms of malware attacks.
Firewalls inspect traffic to exclude suspicious or useless data, ensuring that connections are safe and legit.
Meeting of this requirement is essential results in securing critical information and preserving that network’s trustworthiness.
Routers, for instance, are used in a home network settings with integrated or regular firewalls thus offering an extra level of safety in the customer’s protection from any cyber threats.
Thus, firewalls are important in both personal and professional cyber protection strategies.
What I Wish I Knew Before I Got a Router?
- Compatibility – if the router is compatible with devices being used and equipped with the latest Wi-Fi standards.
- Performance needs – whether the router meets one’s current needs for Internet speed and is capable of handling the Internet usage of a household.
- Ease of use and set up – presence of a user-friendly interface.
- Firmware updates – regular update of the firmware is essential for security, thus it is recommended to verify if the router has the feature of automatic firmware updates.
- Brand reputation – purchase the product of a recognized brand and manufacturer in order to ensure the good quality and relevant customer support.
- VPN support – as privacy may be a significant concern, it is reasonable to verify if the product would be compatible with VPN.
- Guest network capabilities – it is more secure to use the router which allows setting up two networks instead of enabling access only with one network key.
