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If you’re on the hunt for the best wired router, you’ve come to the right place. Whether you’re a competitive hardcore gamer who wants minimal latency, a small business owner who requires multiple stable connections, or someone who wants the fastest possible speeds at all times, a wired router is the way to go.
Unlike their wireless counterparts, which transmit signals through the air, wired routers offer a more consistent and secure connection. They boast faster speeds, making them ideal for activities demanding quick data transmissions, such as gaming, streaming, and a lot of professional use cases.
To help you save time, we’ve rounded up some options we think are the best wired routers available in the market today. These routers have been selected on the basis of their performance, connectivity, and the value for money they offer. After all, we don’t want you to waste your money on a poor router. In case you’re looking for WiFi routers as well, check out our top picks for the best WiFi 6 routers and the best WiFi 6E routers.
Products at a glance
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BEST WIRED ROUTERTP-Link ER605 V2
- Max speeds: 1 Gbps
- LAN ports: 2 Gigabit WAN/LAN Ports +2 Gigabit LAN Port
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How we picked the best wired routers
Overall, we’ve used our expertise and in-depth topic knowledge of routers to explore the market and find the best wired options currently available. When you’re a bit more secure in the fact that you’re getting faster and more stable connection, it gives you the scope to explore more of the additional features you can squeeze out of your router: hence, user-friendly interfaces and seamless integration with emerging IoT ecosystems were also pivotal factors in our decision-making.
Beyond technical specifications, we delved into the reliability and reputation of each manufacturer, emphasizing long-term support and firmware updates, as you want to make sure you’re buying a router that’ll last. Of course, we wouldn’t recommend routers that didn’t have solid user reviews, so we’ve done our fair share of research into what buyers think on Amazon.
What’s more, we’re also constantly looking for new routers to add to our list, so make sure to check back here soon for more options. However, if you’ve got other specific requirements you need from your router, we’ve got you covered with our wide range of router buying guides, for those that need the best secure router guide, as well as our article on the best parental control routers.
Best wired router in 2024 – our top picks
- Max speeds: 1 Gbps
- LAN ports: 2 Gigabit WAN/LAN Ports +2 Gigabit LAN Port
- 3x WAN ports
- Secure VPN
- Excellent security features
- No multi-gig port
- Some users have difficulty with the setup process
If you’re looking for a wired router that delivers great performance and comes with several ports, you’d want to check out the TP-Link ER605 V2. We think it is one of the best wired routers because of its versatile use case and top-notch reliability.
First up, you get 5x Gigabit ports, which are more than enough for most people. Furthermore, the most impressive feature of the connectivity options is that it supports up to 3x WAN ports, meaning you get unparalleled load balancing and stability.
It would have been better to see a multi-gig port, but if your internet plan does not support a multi-gig connection, then no need to worry about it. Apart from that, you also get advanced VPN support to keep all of your devices safe and secure, and this can help you browse the internet while keeping your identity hidden.
On the topic of security, the router is filled to the brim with abundant security features, including a powerful firewall, IP/MAC/URL filtering, IP-MAC binding, DoS defense, and so much more. In short, if you are after a jack-of-all-trades wired router that has got your back in all scenarios, the TP-Link ER605 V2 is a very good option, and we think it deserves to be one of the best TP-Link routers.
What users say
Amazon user reviews are a testament to the performance and reliability of the TP-Link ER605 V2, as well as its value. One user in particular says that “the performance of this router is outstanding. With its gigabit Ethernet ports, I have experienced lightning-fast internet speeds and seamless streaming of high-definition content”. Another review ties it all together nicely, commenting that “considering the performance, security features, ease of use, and reliability, the TP-Link ER605 V2 Wired Gigabit VPN Router is an exceptional value”.
- Max speed: 1 Gbps
- LAN ports: 5 x 1 Gbps
- Compact form factor, so you don’t need to clear up a lot of space for it
- Solid performance with dual-core CPU
- 5x Gigabit ports
- Configuration can be a bit difficult
- If you want an aesthetic router, this isn’t for you
If you are a gamer looking for high speeds with utmost reliability, the MikroTik hEX S is for you.
The best thing about this router is its dual-core 880 MHz CPU which comes with 256MB RAM. This gives the router all the room to make the most out of its RouterOS capabilities. On top of that, the processor is powerful enough to help it operate smoothly even under load, especially when multiple devices are connected to it.
As far as connectivity is concerned, which is the most important aspect of a wired router, you get 5x Gigabit ports as well as an SFP port. This means that the router is ideal for a home or small office with few devices. The overall design of the router is also pretty compact, and you can easily store it in a tight place without any worries.
The processor is powerful enough to help it operate smoothly even under load, especially when multiple devices are connected to it
PC Guide
All things considered, this MikroTik hEX S is a very good option for gaming. However, it has one slight downside: the configuration. If you are not into the networking jargon, the overall setup might come off a bit difficult for you. It can be handled with some research and watching a couple of YouTube videos, but it is a point worth noting. But aside from that, we think it is the best wired router for gaming. You might want to check out some of the best routers for gaming in case you want to explore options with WiFi.
What users say
The MikroTik hEX S has gotten quite a good rep on Amazon, with the majority of reviewers rating the router 5 stars. One particular reviewer solos out the hEX S, saying that “this particular model is great, it is fast, has an SFP for fiber modules or a 6th copper ethernet port), has USB and an SD slot”.
However, a recent comment serves as a reminder that the setup process might not be all that beginner friendly: “Keep in mind that this router not suitable for novices and home users without (advanced) knowledge in networking”.
- Max speed: 300 Mbps
- LAN ports: 4 x 1 Gbps
- Has an impressive breadth of features (IPv4, IPv6 including Prefix Delegation, traffic analytics, etc)
- Clean user interface
- Has VPN solutions
- A bit higher than budget pricing
- Some users report having issues with tech support
Last up, we’ve got our choice that’s more suited to a work-focused environment: the TP-Link ER7206 stands out as one of the premier choices for businesses or professionals seeking a high-performance wired router solution.
Engineered with a focus on reliability and scalability, this robust router offers enterprise-grade features tailored to meet the demanding requirements of modern business networks. According to TP-Link, there should be support for up to 700 clients &150,000 associated devices, which should be more than sufficient for a growing workforce. Additionally, with its advanced security features, including integrated VPN support and intrusion prevention system (IPS), the ER7206 provides professionals with peace of mind knowing that their network is secured against cyber threats or attacks.
Moreover, the TP-Link ER7206 excels when it comes to both versatility and flexibility, making it an ideal choice for professionals across various industries. Its dual WAN ports allow for seamless failover and load balancing, ensuring uninterrupted connectivity even in the face of network outages. Additionally, advanced Quality of Service (QoS) capabilities enable more efficient traffic management, prioritizing your preferred critical applications, as well as optimizing overall network performance.
Whether deployed in a small office environment or as part of a larger enterprise network infrastructure, the TP-Link ER7206 stands as a testament to its commitment to delivering reliable, high-performance wired routing solutions tailored to the needs of professionals.
What users say
Across Amazon reviews, users seem to be pretty satisfied with the functioning of their TP-Link ER7206. One user commented on the versatility and value of this router, mentioning that “For the price, I’m impressed with the breadth of features this unit has”, and further that “it also includes dual power supply which is usually a premium feature on way more expensive boxes”.
Features and considerations for choosing the best wired router
As the market is filled with wired routers, it can get challenging to choose the best one. To help you out, we’ve listed a few important points you should keep in mind while making a purchase.
Speed and performance
Check the router’s speed specifications, usually measured in Mbps or Gbps, to make sure it’s fast enough for your internet plan. A good router should be able to deliver great speeds to provide you with a seamless internet experience. Also, make sure that the router can operate smoothly under load, even when multiple devices are connected to it at the same time.
Number of ports
If you have multiple devices, make sure to get a router with multiple ports. Some routers may offer only three to four ports, while others might feature more than eight ports. This all depends on whether you’re planning to get a router for a small home or a large organization.
Security features
As the internet is filled with dangers, it’s better to go with a router that comes packed with security features. Some routers come with firewalls that can act as a barrier against online threats. On top of that, they also offer support for VPNs, thanks to which you can browse the internet without worrying about your personal data getting leaked.
QoS
If you’re a gamer or a streamer, you’d want to go for a router that offers Quality of Service. This feature can help you prioritize the bandwidth to the most important device, such as your PC, laptop, or console. This way, you won’t have to worry about facing any lags or other hurdles while gaming or streaming.
