If you’re ready to upgrade your 4K online movie experience, the most important decision you’ll ever make is to find the best wireless router for streaming. However, the task is easier said than done as you’ll be faced with a mind-boggling array of options to choose from. Couple with the techspeak that not everyone is familiar with, choosing the right one becomes increasingly difficult.
But fret not, we got you covered. We present this short list of routers that are the best in their respective niches. There are products for those who only want the basic requirements for 4K streaming while there are also routers that contain all the works. Take a look at this selection and you’ll likely find a router that’s perfect for you.
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ASUS Wireless-N300
Cost-Effective Pick
Upgrading your movie experience on a budget
Rated by: OnRampWireless
ASUS AC2900
Best Overall Pick
All that you can possibly want in a streaming router
Rated by: OnRampWireless
D-Link EXO AC2600
GREAT OPTION
Contains optimization features to get the best setup for streaming
Rated by: OnRampWireless
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You’ve probably encountered MU-MIMO in router descriptions a lot of times before. And you should if you’re looking for the best wireless router for streaming.
It stands for Multiple-User Multiple-Input and Multiple-Output, which allows routers to simultaneously serve several gadgets without compromising on WiFI speed. Thankfully, the D-Link DIR-878 AC1900 router has that exact technology.
In terms of speed, the AC1900 router can deliver up to 1.9 Gbps, which is composed of 600 Mbps from the 2.4 GHz band and 1300 Mbps from the 5 GHz band. Such network speed is more than enough to handle bandwidth intensive processes like 4K/HD video streaming or online gaming. And because of MU-MIMO, you and your family can simultaneously watch movies with greater clarity.
Other outstanding features include Advanced Smartbeam that tracks and focuses WiFi signal to your devices for greater signal quality and enhanced range. The router also supports WPA/WPA2 encryption to strengthen your home network security. There is also a separate guest network for visitors
The D-Link AC1900 Wireless WiFi Router (DIR-878) is powered by a dual-core processor for faster data speeds. There are one WAN port and 4 Gigabit LAN Ethernet ports for fast wired connections.
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If you want a little more network speed and have a little more cash to spare for purchasing the best wireless router for streaming, then the D-Link DIR-882 EXO AC2600 router is right for you.
With a combined speed of up to 2533 Mbps, the router can easily handle 4K streaming and online gaming bandwidth requirements for you, your family and even your visiting friends.
The D-Link EXO AC2600 MU-MIMO Wi-Fi Router – 4K Streaming and Gaming, With USB Ports (DIR-882), is a more upscale version which explains why it is a bit pricier than the latter. But the slight price increase is totally justifiable as the DIR-882 comes with a drastically increased network speed and other features to make you enjoy your 4K movie viewing and online gaming even more.
As a dual-band router, D-Link AC2600 DIR 882 gets a top speed of 800 Mbps in the 2.4 GHz band and another 1733 Mbps from the 5 GHz band. The combined 2533 Mbps wireless speed, coupled with the router’s MU-MIMO technology ensures every device connected to the network will enjoy lag-free gaming and movie streaming without buffering thanks to the 4 x 4 data streams from its 4 high-performance external antennas.
Devices that require wired connections are also included in on the fun. Aside from a WAN port, the D-Link router also sports 4 Gigabit LAN Ethernet ports for ultra-fast wired connection. There are two USB ports that you can use for storage, file sharing or network printer connection.
Range and signal quality is greatly enhanced by its Advanced AC SmartBeam technology. Band steering will automatically assign the right band to your devices improving network efficiency. You can also prioritize gaming by tweaking its QoS.
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Each buyer has different expectations on what a perfect wireless router for streaming should offer. For some buyers, such a router should have the highest speeds possible so they could simultaneously run bandwidth-intensive applications across numerous devices.
For other users, who may not have a ton of devices and are only looking forward to watching a good old 4K movie after work, such feature might be viewed as too extravagant.
If you belong to the second category of users, then the ASUS Wireless N300 RT-N12 is the best wireless router for streaming that’s perfect for you.
It has a top data speed of up to 300 Mbps that, while not exactly on par with dual-band models, is more than enough to give you lag-free gaming and, more importantly, 4K/HD movie streaming that is free from buffering.
It also sports 2T2R MIMO Technology which makes it ideal for placing VoIP calls and performing other essential internet tasks. Customization is possible where you can limit the bandwidth for each account as well as restrict access to certain websites.
There are 4 LAN ports for wired connections. However, the router has no USB port.
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One look at this router and the first thing you’ll notice is its stunning design with its aesthetically pleasing bright red lines contrasting with its predominantly black casing.
But the beauty of this router goes beyond mere skin-deep appeal. After all, this is an 802.11ac router equipped with the latest MU-MIMO and AiMesh technologies.
In your quest for the best wireless router for streaming, you’ve probably heard about AiMesh or mesh systems in general by now. It is actually not uncommon for some home networks to run into some unexpected problem – the presence of WiFi dead spots within the home. Thankfully, mesh systems such as the ASUS AC2900 WiFi Dual-band Gigabit Wireless Router RT-AC86U are specifically designed to prevent this situation from happening.
The ASUS AiMesh is a feature that lets you connect as multiple ASUS routers to create a seamless network without dead spots. This feature makes use of most of your old ASUS routers to expand your network so nothing is really wasted when you upgrade.
This router is also very powerful with its 1.8GHz 32bit Dual-Core processor. WiFi speed can reach up to 2917 Mbps thanks to the router’s NitroQAM (1024-QAM) technology. With WTFAST Game Accelerator and Adaptive QoS, you can further enhance performance for bandwidth heavy processes such as UHD/4K streaming or online gaming.
Security is provided 24/7 by AiProtection powered by Trend Micro, which insulates your network from external attacks and threats by stopping them before they reach your network. There are 4 Gigabit LAN Ethernet ports a WAN port, a USB 3.0 and a USB 2.0 port.
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The TRENDnet AC2600 TEW-827DRU has the potential to be the best wireless router for streaming.
As revealed by its description, it is specifically designed for extreme 4K streaming and lag-free gaming.
With quad-stream, the TRENDnet TEW-827DRU is capable of super-fast network speeds of up to 2533 Mbps, a combination of the 1733 Mbps from the 5 GHz band and 800 Mbps from the 2.4 GHz band.
Wired devices will also get a piece of the high-speed action via its 4 high-speed Gigabit LAN port. Sharing huge files across your home network is a breeze as well with the USB 3.0 port.
The router also boasts of MU-MIMO and beamforming technologies to augment range and improve signal quality. For security, it has the guest network feature that offers an isolated space for your visitors.
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The Belkin AC1900 F9K1119 router offers a cheaper way to upgrade your home network to optimized 4K video streaming.
With combined speeds of up to 1.6 Gbps, it’s fast enough for HD movies without buffering and online games without lagging making it a potential candidate for the best wireless router for streaming spot.
The F9K1119 is able to unleash speeds of up to 1600 Mbps since it is a dual-band router. It gets up to 300 Mbps from the 2.4 GHz band and another 1300 Mbps from the 5 GHz band.
You’ll get expended WiFi coverage and improved signal from its MultiBeam technology. For a totally enjoyable 4K streaming experience, you can even prioritize video streaming over other processes via its Intellistream, Belkin’s own QoS technology.
There are 4 LAN Ethernet ports for wired connections. There is also a USB port for network printer or other network functionality.
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Hootoo’s AC1200 router promises instant movie streaming and smooth lag-free gaming. To movie lovers, such claim just might make it the best wireless router for streaming.
The dual-band router can deliver wireless speeds of up to 1.166 Gbps, a combination of the maximum 300 Mbps from the 2.4 GHz band and 866 Mbps from the 5 GHz band.
It has a USB 3.0 for faster file sharing within your network. Unfortunately, it does not have any LAN port so getting this router is out of the question for those who have devices that need to be connected by wire.
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The movie lovers, the best wireless router for streaming should be able to run 4K/UHD video streaming on multiple devices simultaneously without a hitch. Such feat is within the capability of TP-Link’s Archer C1900 high power wireless WiFi Gigabit router.
Its simultaneous dual-band feature can deliver up to 600 Mbps from the 2.4 GHz band and another 1300 Mbps from the 5 GHz band.
Combined, this amounts to 1.9 Gbps data transfer speed and is certainly fast enough to take on any video streaming, online gaming or any bandwidth-heavy processes without lagging.
It is powered by a 1 GHz dual-core processor that enables it t handle multiple devices at the same time. WiFi coverage is maxed with its three dual-band antennas with built-in amplifies. Signal quality and the range is further enhanced by its beamforming technology.
For wireless connections, there are 4 Gigabit LAN Ethernet ports. Rapid file sharing is possible with its USB 3.0 port while an additional USB 2.0 port can be used to attach a network printer.
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So you’ve finally come to your senses and discovered that there is such a thing called 4K video streaming. But your old router might be pushed beyond is capability if you, along with the other members of your household, all simultaneously try to watch HD movies online or play one of those bandwidth-hungry online games that’s becoming increasingly popular nowadays.
This situation leaves you no choice but to upgrade your home network and buy a new router powerful enough to do the job. But how do you exactly choose the best wireless router for streaming among the multitude of options glutting the market? You need some form of strategy and here are some tips to help you get started.
Choose an 802.11ac router. The 802.11ac might not ring a bell to you but to the world of wireless connection, it is currently the reigning standard. It means that the router has Gigabit WiFi support and is, therefore, capable of supporting bandwidth-heavy activities like 4K streaming or online gaming.
It’s called the 5th generation in wireless connectivity. It’s predecessor, the 4th generation 802.11n, only maxes at data speeds of up to 600 Mbps. It simply is a no-brainer – go for 802.11ac.
WiFi Network Speeds. Do not always go with the WiFi network speeds declared by manufacturers. Simply put, these are mere theoretical maximums; there could be some variation in the actual performance of the router. It pays to read reviews from buyers who have actually used the product so you’ll have a rough idea on how it performs in the actual world.
Be sure you get it from a retailer that allows returns. You’ll need the assurance that you can return the product for valid reasons. It is impossible for manufacturers to come up with a product that works a hundred percent in all possible scenarios. Since your home differs from the testing environment of the router in ways manufacturers could never anticipate, it is possible that it won’t work as advertised in your place. Thus, you’ll need that leeway that allows you to, at least, have it replaced by a similarly priced model.
Choosing the best wireless router for streaming is not as difficult as it appears. Aside from budget, the most important thing to consider is to honestly understand your home network needs and work out from there to come up with the specs you need from your new router.