Best WiFi Router For ATT: Reviews And Buyer’s Guide
Due to the recent advancements in technology, you no longer have to stay in the same room where your router is in order to carry out online tasks and activities. With WiFi routers, you can enjoy the flexibility of working anywhere in your home regardless of the location of the router. Given the current pandemic situation, this advancement is a blessing, and with more improved routers, you can enjoy even more benefits of high-speed internet.
If you have an AT&T u-verse or fiber internet plan, you will want to get a strong router that will provide you with top-notch performance. The standard router rented to you by AT&T can be weak and might not be able to provide you with consistent internet connections in large homes and apartments. But thankfully, some manufacturers create Wi-Fi routers compatible with ATT fiber, which you can make use of for a better internet connection.
So read on below to learn about these routers and how to choose one.
Guide For Buying Best WiFi Router For ATT
If you are buying the best WiFi router for ATT and do not know where to start, we have you covered. Before you go ahead and grab the first router you see, you must know the features you need to look out for. So read on below to learn about buying the best WiFi router for ATT and make an informed decision.
Dual Strength
Many standard routers make use of a frequency range of 2.4Ghz, and phones, Bluetooth gadgets, and other electronics all operate on this frequency range. This can sometimes lead to weak signal strength and congestion, which is why a dual-band router is better. It helps with weak signals. A dual-band router that supports 5Ghz is even better. Compatible laptops and phones can connect with 5GHz, whereas others can connect to 2.4GHz.
Number Of Connected Devices
Another thing you need to look out for before you consider buying a new Wi-Fi router for ATT is the number of connected devices. A router has a specific number of devices that it can support without a problem. You need to compare that number to the number of devices you have at home. You also need to consider the devices you are thinking of buying in the future. Do not forget to count the IoT devices at home, such as smart door locks, lights, switches, and other items. All of these will make use of the same network and drain the bandwidth.
Online Activity
You also need to keep in mind what you do on the internet. This means you need to determine if you simply use the net for browsing or for heavy games and other streaming activities. If you use it for casually browsing, you do not need an expensive internet setup, but if you carry out heavy streaming, your router needs to be able to handle it. You also need to keep in mind your family member’s activities because all of this uses the bandwidth and can lead to congestion.
Range
External antennas present on the router help increase the overall range of your internet. A good range is essential when you live in a home with glass doors or solid walls. But if you want to cover a big area or multiple floors, you should opt for a mesh system since it can cover more area.
Mesh System
Mesh systems are becoming the hype nowadays and for the right reason. A standard router is able to cover around 3000 square feet, but a mesh system can cover double the area without any issue in performance. Some routers have this system installed, whereas some manufacturers prefer to keep the router and mesh Wi-Fi system separate. Some even add mesh Wi-Fi capabilities to their routers and allow you to use it together with other products and create a mesh system, which is always the better option.
Budget
Apart from keeping in mind the features mentioned above, you also want to focus on your budget. There are routers that have basic features and can cater to your needs, but they are not very durable, so they won’t last you long. There are also high-end routers with features such as antivirus protection, VPN servers, a built-in firewall, and other security features that keep your Wi-Fi protected.
However, as good as these well-protected routers are, they can be expensive, so if you do not have a budget for them, you can instead opt for a reasonable router with a few security features. Make sure you do not overspend on the router and focus only on your needs, not on the features that won’t be of use to you.
Why Should You Purchase Your Own Router Instead Of Renting It From AT&T?
Before you go ahead and buy the best WiFi router for ATT, you may think, is that really necessary? AT&T usually provides consumers with their own router equipment that they can rent, so the question is, why should you go through the entire process of buying your own router in the first place? Well, even though AT&T does give you a router, having your own router has its perks, such as:
Better Internet Speed
If you live in a joint household, your family members may get new devices every other day, which can put a burden on the router. The rental router that AT&T provides is good, but it can handle limited devices, and if the load increases, the connection will become weak.
On the other hand, buying your own router allows you to get better internet speed since you will buy it keeping the number of devices and workload in mind.
More Control
A major concern for people with private data and kids at home is security, and rental routers have limited security features. This is when your own router can help; when you buy a router, you keep all your concerns in mind, which provides you with more control. You can get all the features you need along with better settings. Some routers even have a connected app, so you can alter the settings, set up parental control, and even restrict some websites if you like.
Better Coverage
Most rental routers usually work on the 2.4GHz frequency, but it can get easily congested if you have thick walls and other gadgets connected to the same router. However, when you buy your own router, you can get one with a dual-band width, so it can work on both 2.4GHz and 5.0GHz. This keeps interference at a minimum and allows continuous connection all the time.
Review Of The Best WiFi Router For ATT
With the above information, you can deduce what features you need in your router and how to shop for the perfect one. However, even after knowing all that, shopping can be difficult due to the numerous options present in the market.
To help you make the right decision, we have reviewed the 7 best Wi-Fi routers for ATT below, so keep on reading and find out.
Our Favorites
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| PHOTO | PRODUCT | |
|---|---|---|
#1 Top Pick  | NETGEAR 4- Stream WiFi 6 Router The NETGEAR R6700AX (aka RAX10) is considered one of the best Wi-Fi routers for ATT. This router has numerous excellent features that make it ideal for your networking needs. Netgear RAX10 supports speeds of around 1200 Mbps on the 5Ghz band and measures around 9.27 x 7.26 x 2.25 inches. | Check Price → |
Most Budget-Friendly  | TP-Link AC1750 Smart WiFi Router TP-Link is well-known for creating exceptional Wi-Fi devices without any issue, and the TP-Link Archer A7 is no exception. This router is proof that a quality router does not cost you your entire paycheck. It is a very budget-friendly device with excellent features. | Check Price → |
Best Durable Wi-Fi Router  | NETGEAR Nighthawk 5 Stream WiFi 6 Router Netgear RAX43 is a very powerful router with adequate speed to keep your internet usage uninterrupted. It is very well-built, can stand the test of time, and guarantee users that it can withstand rough conditions and usage easily. | Check Price → |
Best High-Speed Data Transfer  | TP-Link Archer AX73 WiFi 6 Router TP-Link Archer AX73 is another best WiFi router for ATT due to its features and capabilities. It provides you with a solid performance and an interesting design. The AX73 features a large rectangular plastic case with a matte black finish all around except the top, which is glossy black. | Check Price → |
Most Feature-Rich WiFi Router  | Tenda AC1200 Dual-Band WiFi Router Tenda AC1200 is a feature-rich and affordable router that you can get for your AT&T connection. It is a very elegant and simple-looking router that comes in a compact design and has 3 Ethernet ports. The router is made with a polycarbonate material, which makes it very lightweight. Plus, you can mount it on the wall or place it on a flat surface easily. | Check Price → |
Best Smart Wi-Fi Router Present  | Speedefy AC2100 Smart WiFi Router The Speedefy AC1200 is another ideal Wi-Fi router that you can get for your AT&T internet package. It is very basic-looking and comes in a white color, which is very stylish. You can install this router within fifteen minutes, and the set-up can be carried on your smartphone or your browser. | Check Price → |
Most Attractive Router  | ASUS AX5400 WiFi 6 Gaming Router The ASUS AX82U is one of the coolest and most stylish-looking routers and is designed especially for gamers. It has a striking design along with a vibrant, customizable RGB lighting effect that goes very well with any gaming set-up. It has an angular design with a textured top and LED activity indicators for WAN, power, and radio bands. | Check Price → |
1. NETGEAR 4- Stream WiFi 6 Router– Best Overall
The casing of this router is plastic, but the glossy black finish gives it a very premium look. It has a very smart design with two sections of ventilation present on the router. This keeps the internal temperature optimum. It also has vents on the bottom and rear side, which ensures that the router doesn’t heat up regardless of prolonged usage sessions.
On top of that, this router has five large LED lights for Power, internet connection, Wi-Fi for 5GHz and 2.4GHz networks, Ethernet, and WPS. Moreover, the three antennas ensure strong connections and allow you to carry your internet tasks without weak signals.
When it comes to the features, this router has great features such as it uses a 1.5GHz processor, has a built-in VPN, and supports WPA3, all of which keep your Wi-Fi connection secure. Moreover, the back of this router has four gigabit Ethernet jacks along with a WAN port. Even though it lacks a USB port, it is pretty much expected considering the price point. Plus, not a lot of people need to use the USB.
Furthermore, this router supports 1024-QAM along with beamforming technology, which allows you to keep congestion and interference at a minimum. You can connect 20+ devices on this router and enjoy coverage of over 1500 square feet. If you have a small home or an apartment, this Netgear router is ideal.
Pros
- Good for both Wi-Fi 5 and 6
- Case prevents overheating
- Has excellent features such as beamforming technology that you can enjoy
- Well-built
Cons
- Doesn’t have a power button
2. TP-Link AC1750 Smart WiFi Router – Most Budget-Friendly
The design of the Archer A7 comes with three internal and three external high-gain antennas, measuring 9.6 x 6.4 x 2.3 inches, and they help increase the signal of your Wi-Fi. As a result, you get a stronger connection that reaches every single corner of your home and covers a range of around 1500 square feet.
This router comes with a glossy-black color and a plethora of features, some of which include four Gigabit LAN ports, a USB 2.0 port, a Gigabit WAN port, a powerful CPU, and a very simple set-up that you can do on your own.
The front of the router has LED indicators that allow you to keep track of power, WAN and LAN ports, WPS activity, and radio bands. Inside the TP-Link AC1750 dual-band router is the powerful Qualcomm Atheros Wi-Fi chip along with 128MB RAM and a 750 MHz processor. But that’s not all! This device also has an additional 16MB of flash storage, which stores the firmware and device’s setting software.
The maximum throughput of the 2.4GHz band is 450 Mbps and 1.3 Gbps of the 5GHZ, which is not short of impressive. The Archer A7 is integrated with beamforming technology which perfectly balances performance and price.
This router also has bandwidth prioritization along with QoS technology. Both of these features ensure that you enjoy a smooth experience and excellent speed. You can connect a maximum of 50 devices with this router and still feel no congestion at all. If you are looking for a budget-friendly and high-quality router for a normal-sized home, this is the one for you.
Pros
- Very easy to set it up on your own via the Tether App
- Covers around 1500 square feet and keeps congestion away
- Ensures parental control
- Smart router; works perfectly well with Alexa
Cons
- Few options for QoS
3. NETGEAR Nighthawk 5 Stream WiFi 6 Router – Best Durable Wi-Fi Router
Netgear RAX42 is a spectacle to behold and is one of the best Netgear routers you can own today. It comes with an excellent speed that keeps you online without interruptions and ensures you have quick access to anything they want.
Whether you want to casually browse the internet or have heavy-duty work to do, this modem is up for the task. It is a dual-band router and is compatible with both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. While 2.4GHz is a more commonly used frequency, it can get overcrowded. This is when the Nighthawk switches to 5GHz and provides you with less interference, better noise immunity, and more channels to make use of.
That’s not all!
The Netgear Nighthawk also has 512 MB RAM and 256 MB flash storage, along with the ability to provide service for five different streams. This makes it a great router to own and helps users in handling all their work without any interruptions.
Moreover, RAX43 also has six Wi-Fi routers and is integrated with the latest firmware that supports IPv6 protocol that routes traffic through the net and provides location systems and identification for computers connected to the network.
This router also has OpenVPN support with an SSL VPN solution.
Pros
- Reliable and efficient Wi-Fi performance
- Excellent for guest connection
- Plenty of network features
- Easy to set up and connect via the mobile app
Cons
- Is pricey
4. TP-Link Archer AX73 WiFi 6 Router – Best High-Speed Data Transfer
The bottom and top parts of the router also have a pattern on them, along with numerous ventilation cut-outs to keep the internal temperature in check. This keeps overheating at bay and doesn’t make the router warm during its functioning.
Moreover, this router has four silicone feet that ensure it stays in place. It also has holes through which you can mount the device on the wall. You should know that this router is not compact. It measures 10.7 x 5.8 x 1.9 inches and has many antennas surrounding it, so keeping it on the desk won’t be ideal. The Archer router has six antennas, with four on the back and two on the left and right sides of the modem. These antennas are not detachable, which can be a drawback for some people.
This router model is exceptional in performance and supports OneMesh. It can create a mesh network by using different TP-Link routers, creating an optimized path for data. Apart from this mesh capability, TP-Link AX73 also has a unique feature, which is the OFDMA. This feature splits the bandwidth of the channel into multiple different resource units (RUs) that vary in size. These units are then allotted for communicating with different gadgets at the same time.
But that’s not all!
With these features, the router handles and provides complete network usage and less interference. It has a maximum speed of 5400 Mbps and a DFS function that makes the modem use additional channels in the 5GHz range. All these features ensure excellent performance at a consistent pace and make it easy for you to connect 20+ devices without a problem.
Pros
- Ensures high-speed data transfer
- Integrated with modern features to improve your signal
- User-friendly web interface and mobile application
- Prevents overheating away with adequate ventilation
Cons
- Doesn’t have a compact design
5. Tenda AC1200 Dual-Band WiFi Router – Most Feature-Rich WiFi Router
With AC2100, you get four detachable antennas, and you can use them to extend the range of the signal. It has four status LEDs on the front that allow you to know the status of the LAN, WAN, Wi-Fi, and system on or off.
When it comes to setting and running the Tenda router, the process is very straightforward. You simply have to attach an Ethernet cable from the modem to the router and connect it to the mains. Once the device is turned on, simply head on to the Tenda app or website and set up the entire thing.
The router also supports dual-channel, which includes 2.4 GHz and 5GHz, both on different devices. The 5GHz provides a download speed of 27.1 Mbps and an upload speed of 30.4 Mbps, whereas on the 2.4GHz network, the download speed is 26.2 Mbps and upload speed is 32.4 Mbps. During the set-up, you can provide names for both these channels and set a password so that there is limited access to your device.
In addition, if you find any unknown device gaining access to your Wi-Fi, you can kick them out easily and also apply parental control if you want. Other control features you can make use of are setting up homework hours and a filter for web content. The web content feature allows you to set a list of approved and blocked sides, and you can set it through the Tenda Wi-Fi app or desktop app.
But that’s not all!
The Tenda app also allows you complete content access to external USB hard drives, and you can even create a temporary guest network. So if you do not want to share your password with everyone who comes over, this feature is very handy.
Pros
- Has many features that you can make use of
- Compact design
- Supports dual-channel with 2.4GHz and 5.0GHz band
- Ensures no interference with the connection
Cons
- Limited range
6. Speedefy AC2100 Smart WiFi Router – Best Smart Wi-Fi Router Present
This router has a bandwidth of 2100 Mbps, supports both 5GHz and 2.4GHz, and provides you with a coverage of 2500 square feet. With this coverage, Speedefy is great for medium and small houses and has seven antennas that you can make use of.
But that’s not all!
The application for this router allows you to set power levels, check for firmware updates, and also set up parental control. You can set these controls by clicking on your kids’ device and creating a list of restricted and allowed websites. You can also set a schedule to keep after-hour usage to a minimum. This router also supports 4×4 MU-MIMO and makes it easy to handle multiple devices at the same time easier. Plus, you won’t even have to rely on the round-robin technique. This MU-MIMO feature also makes this router exceptionally good for smart home devices.
To aid with this feature, this router also has a dual-core CPU, which enables you to get fast processing. This means that there will be less lagging, buffering, and almost zero latency for streaming and gaming. Speedefy has a good speed and range and is ideal for modern and internet-of-things rich homes. If you do a lot of streaming and play heavy games, this router is perfect for you.
Pros
- Quick setup
- Very good wireless speed
- Allows guest network and parental control
- User-friendly app and browsing interface
Cons
- Doesn’t support WiFi 6
7. ASUS AX5400 WiFi 6 Gaming Router – Most Attractive Router
This router measures 2.1 x 10.2 x 7.0 inches and has four adjustable but not removable antennas.
At the back of this product, you get 4 gigabit LAN ports, a WAN port, a USB 3.2 port, a power switch, a power jack, a reset button, and a WPS button. The best part about this router is that one of the LAN ports is designed for gaming, so when you connect a gaming console or your PC to it, it automatically prioritizes it and ensures your gaming needs are met.
This router also supports the latest Wi-Fi 6 technology along with other exceptional features that allow it to work great. It also has a great balance between an easy-to-use set-up for beginners and advanced features that gamers and more advanced users can enjoy.
This router also has an excellent security feature known as the AiProtection; it not only monitors your network for viruses but prevents your system from hacking attempts.
The best part is that this security feature is absolutely free. The performance provided by this reasonably priced router is excellent, and its gorgeous design makes it an even great purchase.
Pros
- Very stylish looking
- Has great parental control and strong security features
- Easy to set up and use
- Allows you to enjoy heavy gaming software and features without congestion
Cons
- Default Wi-Fi network does not come with password protection
FAQs
Can you use any WiFi router with ATT?
Yes, any router can work with ATT, but there will be some restrictions that you will have to face. This is why you should choose the best WiFi router for ATT that fits the criteria.
Can I replace my AT&T router?
AT&T internet requires the use of special equipment provided by AT&T only. You can make additions to the router but cannot replace the router on your own.
Can I buy my own router for AT&T?
In order to access the net, you have two options. You can rent AT&T compatible modems or purchase your own router and modem for it. If you do not want to rent the modem and router, you can choose the option for “purchase your own equipment” and get your router yourself.
Conclusion
If you are choosing AT&T as your internet service provider, getting your own Wi-Fi router is a cost-effective and smarter decision since it works better and even saves you more money in the long run.
However, shopping for the best WiFi router for ATT can be confusing, especially due to so many options present. But with the help of the information above, you can easily find the router more suited to you and also learn how to make the right decision. So what are you waiting for? Start exploring and get the best router for your AT&T connection.
