The unrivaled internet speed and reliability are the reasons that draw people into paying for fiber internet. However, you will not fully enjoy the benefits of fiber if you use an old or the wrong router. Fortunately, you can easily find the best router for fiber broadband in your price range.
You will need a new router if you transition from a different internet service to fiber or subscribe to the internet for the very first time. The big question is which router will suit your needs best.
Before getting into the meat of the review, here are the top picks.
- TP-Link Deco Mesh WiFi System (Deco M5)- Editor’s Pick
- ASUS ROG Rapture WiFi 6 Gaming Router- Best Value
- TP-Link AC1900 Smart WiFi Router (Archer A9)- Best Budget
Best Router for Fiber Broadband Reviewed
With the summary out of the way, let’s take an indepth look into the best fiber broadband routers the market has to offer.
1. TP-Link Deco Mesh WiFi System (Deco M5)- (B06WVCB862)
Make the most of your fiber internet with the TP-link Deco S4, capable of providing a solid connection on up to 5500 sq ft home. This reasonably priced mesh WiFi router improves your fiber wireless coverage by bouncing signals from one unit to another. This eliminates dead spots and minimizes your router’s load.
Deco M5 provides a robust connection even though it focuses more on delivering better coverage rather than high throughput. Moreover, it uses Adaptive Routing Technology (ART) which automatically picks every device’s fastest path and offers a better placement compared to a satellite system.
With this router, you get a free TP-Link HomeCare lifetime subscription featuring reliable parental controls, Next-Level Antivirus, and quality of service. In addition, it supports MU-MIMO and wired ethernet backhaul to provide better speeds.
You can use this router with every ISP, including Spectrum, AT&T, Frontier, Xfinity, Cox, RCN, CenturyLink, and Verizon Fios. However, signal losses occur if you link the units together wirelessly
Pros
- Excellent performance
- Built-in antivirus
- Easy to setup
- Robust wireless connection
Cons
- A bit slower at close range
2. ASUS ROG Rapture WiFi 6 Gaming Router (GT-AX11000)- (B07MRD1LDZ)
This router comes with nearly every feature you could think of, including extended wireless coverage, the latest router technologies, and a high-performing processor. Also, since it is a gaming router, it has many gaming-centric features that help it deliver a solid connection that can handle your gaming needs.
GT-AX11000 is ideal for fiber internet because the 1.8GHz chipset and powerful hardware work well with WiFi 6 and tri-band to give you impeccable speeds. This router delivers excellent speeds and handles network congestion effortlessly.
Moreover, it has ports for establishing wired connections, thus leaving enough bandwidth for wireless internet connections. This router encases every corner of your home with stable, fast internet. Its eight external antennas ensure every connected device receives powerful signals.
It has beamforming and OFDMA technologies, free AiProtection, and parental controls. It can comfortably support 60 devices.
Pros
- Multigig internet speed
- Powerful hardware
- A lot of customization
- It offers extended coverage
Cons
- Costly
- Big
3. TP-Link AC1900 Smart WiFi Router (Archer A9)- (B07NF3K74H)
Are you looking for a powerful router for fiber internet for less than $100? The Archer A9 is an excellent choice. It has beamforming, dual-band, and MU-MIMO technologies to give high fiber internet speeds on the 5GHz and 2.4GHz bands.
Other beneficial features include a guest network, parental controls, a firewall, and gigabit ports. You will receive close to perfect internet speeds in the same room as the router. However, the speeds will likely drop a bit when you move away.
The Archer A9 is perfect for an apartment or a small house with a few people. Therefore, you are better off with a different router designed for extensive coverage if you live in a large or-story home. Besides not being the best for heavy internet networking, this router also has a single USB 2.0 port.
Pros
- Affordable
- It supports OpenVPN
- Compatible to Alexa
- Current security features
Cons
- Not ideal for heavy internet consumption and big houses
4. NETGEAR Orbi Tri-band Whole Home Mesh WiFi System (RBK50)- (B01K4CZOBS)
This router is a worthy option for anyone looking for a high-quality mesh WiFi system. It can comfortably handle multiple devices because it is fitted with beamforming technology and MU-MIMO capabilities. You can connect up to 25 devices simultaneously.
The RBK50 is an excellent router for fiber internet connection and is also ideal for other internet services. You get a satellite and router to comfortably provide internet in large houses, up to 5000 sq ft. moreover, every unit has many ethernet ports to provide secure wired connections.
Since it is a tri-band system, it provides network prioritization for better speeds. In addition, the security of your network is enhanced because this router has granular in-app controls. It has protection against data theft and a built-in antivirus.
Setting it up is also pretty straightforward despite not having the best associated smartphone application.
Pros
- A clean design
- High performance
- It allows the browser or in-app setup
- Impressive coverage
Cons
- USB 2.0 port
How To Pick the Best Router for Fiber Broadband
Ideally, you want a router that will help you realize the increased throughput speeds and bandwidth. For this reason, ensure the router you pick supports a minimum of dual bands. You will benefit from a tri-band system because it offers an additional band.
Also, pick WiFi 6 router if you can afford it, require its power, and have sufficient devices that can support it. A WiFi 6 is ideal for large homes or if you subscribe to a high-speed internet plan. Otherwise, a WiFi 5 will suffice.
Upgrading to a mesh WiFi system is an excellent idea if you want proper coverage throughout your home.
Conclusion
Realize the power, speed, and reliability of fiber broadband by investing in any of the routers discussed above. When choosing the router that will suit you best, consider the price, the router’s features, and your bandwidth requirements. While the above routers are high performing, the best part is that they are suitable for fiber optic connections.