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Best Long-Range Routers for Extended Wi-Fi 2023

We dodged traffic and stood across the street to see which routers still had decent speeds.

  • Best overall
    Front image of TP-Link Archer AX11000 router
    TP-Link Archer AX11000
    • $278.00*
    • Free antivirus
    • Loaded wired connectivity
    • No real gaming tools
  • Best for budgets
    Reyee RG-E5
    • $129.99*
    • Excellent long-range speeds
    • Free cloud management
    • No VPN tools
  • Best for speed
    RAXE500 Hero image for Best Routers
    NETGEAR Nighthawk RAXE500
    • $414.99*
    • Best wireless speeds
    • Three Wi-Fi bands
    • Subscription-locked features
  • Best for gamers
    Front shot of ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AX11000 router with antennas up
    ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AX11000
    • $329.00*
    • Multi-gig internet
    • Real gaming tools
    • Hefty price tag
  • Best for mesh
    Front shot of Gryphon AX mesh router
    Gryphon AX
    • $279.00*
    • IoT device isolation
    • Free basic parental controls
    • No multi-gig support

Our pick: Which long-range router is best?

The TP-Link Archer AX11000 is our top pick long-range router. It checks all the right boxes in terms of features and beams great speeds when we test it while standing outside and across the street (120 feet). But if you’re more about speed than the extras, then the NETGEAR Nighthawk RAXE500 fits the bill just right. It has the fastest speeds we’ve recorded to date, plus it’s the only router in our inventory that registers throughput at 160 feet.

How we test routers

We vigorously test routers to see how well they stack up against the competition in speed and range. We also evaluate the setup process and dig into the web and mobile apps to see if they’re easy to use. Check out our methodology section for more information.

The 5 best long-range routers

Compare long-range router speeds and prices

Best forModelMax throughputTested speed
@ 40 ft.
Price*Get it
Best overallTP-Link Archer AX1100011,000Mbps692Mbps$278.00View on Amazon
Best for budgetsReyee RG-E53,200Mbps636Mbps$129.99View on Amazon
Best for speedNETGEAR Nighthawk RAXE50011,000Mbps693Mbps$414.99View on Amazon
Best for gamersASUS ROG Rapture GT-AX1100011,000Mbps642Mbps$329.00View on Amazon
Best for meshGryphon AX4,300Mbps469Mbps$279.00View on Amazon

What should you look for in a long-range router?

Look at the router’s size to get an idea of its range. Routers need larger processors and loads of extra memory to handle high speeds at long range. This extra hardware generates more heat, requiring more ventilation and larger router designs.

Also, look at the antennas on a router. External ones are best used to puncture objects and push oval-shaped Wi-Fi coverage in one long-range direction. Routers with internal antennas are more about equal coverage in every direction (spherical), shortening the range.

Do you have the best internet speeds to go with your long-range router?

If not, be sure to enter your zip code below to see what options are available to you.

Best overall—TP-Link Archer AX11000

Best overall

Front image of TP-Link Archer AX11000 router
Kevin Parrish | HighSpeedInternet.com

The best multi-gig centerpiece for the buck

Score:

4

out of 5

The Archer AX11000 has incredible value. It’s ready for multi-gig internet, plus it includes free Trend Micro security and lots of wired connectivity.

 

   Pros    Cons
  • Free security and profile controls
  • Multi-gig internet compatibility
  • Built-in VPN server
  • Repetitive web interface settings
  • No VPN client

Price: $278.00*

 

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Read Our Full Review

Expand for product details and ratings

Category Score* Summary
Performance 4 Provides great Wi-Fi 6 speeds in our tests, even at 120 feet.
Features 4 Includes free antivirus from Trend Micro and easy client profile controls.
Design 4 Packs a 2.5Gbps internet port, plus eight Gigabit Ethernet ports for wired devices.
Setup 4 Gets your network running quickly, whether you use a browser or the Tether app.
Ease of use 4 Employs the best interface of all the TP-Link routers we’ve tested.

 

What we like about it: We tested a 282Mbps average on a single device at 120 feet (outside and across the street), which is excellent. Other callouts include free Trend Micro security, basic parental controls, and Multi-Gig internet support.

What we wish it did better: TP-Link needs to split the setup process into Basic and Advanced options so novice users get up and running quickly.

Why do we recommend it? The Archer AX11000 is an excellent value for the money. It has good speeds at 120 feet based on our tests, three bands to better manage your traffic, and probably more wired connections than you’ll ever need. The free Trend Micro security and parental controls are a nice bonus.

Alternative: The Archer AX6000 is a cheaper two-band version if you want to save a little money.

 

Tested speeds at a glance

5 GHz max speed 2 feet 40 feet 120 feet
1,200 860 692 282

 

Wi-Fi specs Wired specs
  • Standard: Wi-Fi 6
  • Max throughput: 11,000Mbps
  • Antennas: 8
  • Streams: 12
  • Bands: 3
  • WAN ports (1–2.5Gbps): 1
  • LAN ports: 8
  • USB 3.2 ports: 2
  • Max internet speed supported: ~2,370Mbps

Best for budgets—Reyee RG-E5

Best for budgets

Kevin Parrish | Highspeedinternet.com

A budget-oriented router with an amazing range

Score:

3.8

out of 5

The Reyee RG-E5 feels like a business-first router at first glance. But underneath the pro exterior is a decent set of features backed by an incredible range.

 

   Pros    Cons
  • Free cloud management
  • Mesh networking support
  • No multi-gig internet support
  • No built-in VPN tools

Price: $129.99*

 

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Category Score* Summary
Performance 4 Has the best long-range speeds for a router under $150.
Features 3 Provides an ARP Guard and free Ruijie Cloud account.
Design 3 Lacks USB ports and multi-gig internet support.
Setup 4 Has one of the fastest setups we’ve tested to date.
Ease of use 4 Requires the web interface and mobile app to use fully.

 

What we like about it: Believe it or not, the Reyee RG-E5 has the highest speed average at 120 feet based on our tests (330Mbps). That’s crazy good for the price, plus you get free security features and basic parental controls.

What we wish it did better: The RG-E5 lacks many features you can get from other routers at this price, like USB connectivity and built-in VPN tools.

Why do we recommend it? The Reyee RG-E5 has an incredibly long range for a router at the $150 price point. It also supports mesh networking, so you can pair multiple routers for an even wider range. The free security and basic parental controls are good to have too.

 

Tested speeds at a glance

5 GHz max speed 2 feet 40 feet 120 feet
1,200 843 636 330

 

Wi-Fi specs Wired specs
  • Standard: Wi-Fi 6
  • Max throughput: 3,200Mbps
  • Antennas: 8
  • Streams: 8
  • Bands: 2
  • WAN ports (1Gbps): 1
  • LAN ports (1Gbps): 4
  • Max internet speed supported: ~940Mbps

Best for speed—NETGEAR Nighthawk RAXE500

Best for speed

RAXE500 Hero image for Best Routers
Kevin Parrish | HighSpeedInternet.com

An expensive speedster with an incredible range

Score:

4.2

out of 5

The RAXE500 has the fastest speeds we’ve tested to date. In fact, it has the longest recorded range of all the routers we have in stock.

 

   Pros    Cons
  • Super long range
  • Fastest tested speeds
  • Subscription-locked features
  • High price

Price: $414.99*

 

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Read Our Full Review

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Category Score* Summary
Performance 5 Outpaces all gaming and non-gaming routers we’ve tested to date.
Features 3 Requires subscriptions to use the parental controls and security fully.
Design 4 Includes a third band and multi-gig internet support.
Setup 4 Has one of the fastest setups we’ve endured.
Ease of use 3 Provides a better experience in the app than the web interface.

 

What we like about it: The RAXE500 and its cheaper sibling, the RAX200, are the only routers in stock with recorded averages at 160 feet (by the mailboxes across the street). They have some of the best averages at 120 feet too.

What we wish it did better:  The RAXE500 and RAX200 require subscriptions to get the most out of them, including security and parental controls.

Why do we recommend it?  If long range is what you need, then you can’t beat the RAXE500 and RAX200 routers. They’re speed demons too at close range, plus the RAXE500 model gives you access to the 6 GHz band for more attainable real-world Gig+ wireless speeds.

Alternative: The Nighthawk RAX200 is a cheaper version if you want to save a little money. It swaps out the third 6 GHz band for a 5 GHz one.

 

Tested speeds at a glance

5 GHz max speed 2 feet 40 feet 120 feet
1,200 878 693 285

 

Wi-Fi specs Wired specs
  • Standard: Wi-Fi 6
  • Max throughput: 11,000Mbps
  • Antennas: 8
  • Streams: 12
  • Bands: 3
  • WAN ports (1Gbps): 1
  • LAN ports (1Gbps): 4
  • WAN/LAN ports (1–2.5Gbps) 1
  • USB 3.2 ports: 2
  • Max internet speed supported: ~2,370Mbps

Best for gamers—ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AX11000

Best for gamers

Front shot of ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AX11000 router with antennas up
Kevin Parrish | HighSpeedInternet.com

A feature-packed router anyone can use

Score:

4.1

out of 5

The GT-AX11000 may be a high-dollar router, but it packs everything you need and then some. It has a great long-range speed average too.

 

   Pros    Cons
  • Free security and parental controls
  • Multi-gig internet compatibility
  • Hefty price
  • Fewer Ethernet ports

Price: $329.00*

 

View on Amazon

Read Our Full Review

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Category Score* Summary
Performance 4 Has some of the best Wi-Fi 6 speeds we’ve tested to date, even at 120 feet.
Features 5 Includes free antivirus, parental controls, and built-in VPN tools.
Design 4 Packs three bands, a pair of USB ports, and multi-gig internet connectivity.
Setup 4 Requires more time to set up all the extra features you normally don’t get on a standard router.
Ease of use 4 Provides a better experience in the web interface than the mobile app.

 

What we like about it:  We recorded a single-device average of 260Mbps at 120 feet. That’s a little less than some of the other routers on this list, but you’ll never notice the difference. It’s the most feature-packed of them all, though, offering free security, parental controls, and more.

What we wish it did better:  Some of the antennas refused to stay upright no matter how hard we tightened them into the router.

Why do we recommend it?  The GT-AX11000 is not just a great router for gamers—it’s an excellent centerpiece for any home network. It’s packed with a few real gaming tools, free antivirus, decent parental controls, VPN tools, and multi-gig internet support.

 

Tested speeds at a glance

5 GHz max speed 2 feet 40 feet 120 feet
1,200 848 642 260

 

Wi-Fi specs Wired specs
  • Standard: Wi-Fi 6
  • Max throughput: 11,000Mbps
  • Antennas: 8
  • Streams: 12
  • Bands: 3
  • WAN ports (1Gbps): 1
  • WAN/LAN ports (1–2.5Gbps): 1
  • LAN ports: 8
  • Max internet speeds supported: ~2,370Mbps
  • USB 3.2 ports: 2

Best for mesh—Gryphon AX

Best for mesh

Kevin Parrish | HighSpeedInternet.com

A great mesh networking solution for parents

Score:

4

out of 5

We tested the Gryphon AX as a standalone router and recorded great speeds. But it’s meant to be a part of a multi-device system and lacks many features typically offered on standalones.

 

   Pros    Cons
  • IoT device isolation
  • Free basic parental controls
  • No multi-gig support
  • No 160 MHz channels

Price: $279.00 (1-pack)*

 

View on Amazon

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Expand for product details and ratings

Category Score* Summary
Performance 4 Outperforms other mesh routers we’ve tested to date.
Features 4 Includes some free parental controls and IoT management.
Design 4 Has three Wi-Fi bands geared for mesh networking.
Setup 4 Leads you through a quick and easy process.
Ease of use 4 Categorizes everything neatly in the mobile app.

 

What we like about it:  The Gryphon AX has good speeds for the money. We tested a single-device average of 146Mbps at 120 feet, which isn’t bad. Plus, it includes a few notable features like IoT device isolation, ad blocking, and YouTube restriction.

What we wish it did better:  The Gryphon AX doesn’t support multi-gig internet. You also need a subscription to get the most out of this system.

Why do we recommend it?  The Gryphon AX has some of the fastest speeds we’ve seen in a mesh working router. It’s ideal if you want the most out of free parental controls without paying an annual fee.

 

Tested speeds at a glance

5 GHz max speed 2 feet 40 feet 120 feet
1,200 855 469 146

 

Wi-Fi specs Wired specs
  • Standard: Wi-Fi 6
  • Max throughput: 4,300Mbps
  • Antennas: 6
  • Streams: 8
  • Bands: 3
  • WAN ports: 1
  • LAN ports: 1
  • Max internet speed supported: ~940Mbps

Long-range router specs and features

Here’s a little disclaimer: standalone routers with external antennas generally have a long range. You’re bombarded by neighboring networks every day, which cause interference and lower-than-expected speeds. But what should you look for to get the best speeds when mowing the grass or washing the car? Here are some things to consider.

Wi-Fi 6

Get a router with Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 6E. You won’t see blazing fast speeds at 120 feet—even less so if doors and walls block your view of the router—but the newer specification enables higher speeds than Wi-Fi 5 at long distances. Even the 2.4 GHz band gets a slight speed boost.

Router size

Yes, the overall size of a router affects its performance and range. Why? Because you need a powerful CPU to deliver the top speeds at the longest range possible. You also need plenty of system memory for the CPU to use as a scratchpad while it manages the firmware, antennas, and other router components. Bigger processors and added memory generate more heat and require more ventilation. Small routers can’t output the same speeds at a long range as the larger ones, like the RAXE500.

Antennas

Technically, you only need one antenna per band. Routers use multiple antennas for features like MU-MIMO and beamforming (see below). The more you have, the better.

But when we talk about long range, external antennas radiate signals in mostly one direction perpendicular to their position. Their coverage is more like a donut or an oval if you will. In contrast, internal antennas create a sphere around the router. You get less long range but a more even coverage in every direction.

Other general router stuff

Here’s an additional list of features you should keep in mind that are not directly related to long range.

Bands – Nearly all routers have two bands: 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. The latter is where you get the most speed. We suggest tri-band routers packing a third 5 GHz for better load balancing or a third 6 GHz radio to access more obtainable Gig+ wireless speeds.

Streams – Get a router with a high stream count. Most wireless “client” devices have a two transmit-two receive configuration (2×2), so you’ll want a single band to have a 4×4 configuration at the least to handle two devices at full speed simultaneously or four at half-speed. Technically, routers can handle dozens and dozens of devices, but the ideal scenario is having shorter lines of devices waiting their turn to transmit and receive.

MU-MIMO and Beamforming – These are common features found in modern routers, but we’ll briefly explain them anyway. Multi-user, multiple-input, multiple-output (or MU-MIMO) enables a router to transmit data to multiple devices simultaneously. Beamforming refers to how the router changes the power and timing of specific antennas, so the signals converge where the router believes your wireless device sits within the area. Both are must-haves in any router.

Our verdict

The TP-Link Archer AX11000 is a steal. It has free security, free parental controls, a long port count, and support for multi-gig internet. It has an incredibly low price compared to similar routers on the market. And while it doesn’t include the 6GHz band for more reliable Gig+ wireless speeds, there’s plenty of throughput to be had while you’re outside lounging by the pool or sawing down that monster vine you mistook for a tree.

Methodology

We test router speed by setting up each router in an office and connecting it to a local test server. Then, we transmit test data between our wireless devices and the server, taking numerous measurements to account for fluctuations in Wi-Fi speeds.

The first tests occur close to the router, without obstructions—so the Wi-Fi is as strong and fast as it’s gonna get. We repeat the process straight out at 10, 20, and 30 feet, with only a glass door obstructing our view of the router. The same glass door and an exterior door blocks our path when we test outside at 40 and 50 feet.

We also run tests in a hallway to the left of the TV room and office—where there’s a glass door, three walls, and an air handler unit blocking our view of the router. The dining room, another testing point, sits to the right of the kitchen, TV room, and office—two walls and a glass door block the path in this test.

To test video streaming, we connect a fast storage device to the router and stream a 4K video to six wireless devices simultaneously—two phones, three tablets, and a laptop—connected to the same wireless band.

Client devices used in testing

iPhone 12 Pro MaxGoogle Pixel 3
Wi-Fi specificationWi-Fi 6Wi-Fi 5
Stream configuration2 x 22 x 2
Max 5 GHz speed (AX)1,200Mbps
Max 5 GHz speed (AC)866Mbps866Mbps
Max 2.4 GHz speed (AX)195Mbps
Max 2.4 GHz speed (AC)195Mbps144Mbps

Router benchmarks

Here are the average 5 GHz speeds recorded for each router. Wi-Fi speeds fluctuate significantly, so these numbers reflect at least three tests taken at each 10-foot interval.

TP-Link Archer AX11000

iPhone 12 Pro MaxGoogle Pixel 3
2 feet860658
10 feet848645
20 feet768572
30 feet745453
40 feet692330
120 feet (across street)282175

Reyee RG-E5

iPhone 12 Pro MaxGoogle Pixel 3
2 feet843695
10 feet842692
20 feet789656
30 feet725646
40 feet (porch)636445
120 feet (across street)330143

NETGEAR Nighthawk RAXE500

iPhone 12 Pro MaxGoogle Pixel 3
2 feet878701
10 feet841698
20 feet792576
30 feet755530
40 feet (porch)693421
120 feet (across street)285184

ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AX11000

iPhone 12 Pro MaxGoogle Pixel 3
2 feet848652
10 feet827644
20 feet755529
30 feet729462
40 feet (porch)642308
120 feet (across street)260169

Gryphon AX

iPhone 12 Pro MaxGoogle Pixel 3
2 feet855684
10 feet789607
20 feet695588
30 feet584442
40 feet (porch)469255
120 feet (across street)14685

Other routers we tested

We tested over a dozen standalone routers and mesh kits to determine which routers were ideal for long-range Wi-Fi speeds. Here are the tested Wi-Fi 6 models we do and don’t recommend.

Other routers we recommend for long-range Wi-Fi

ModelSummaryPrice*Get it
TP-Link Archer AX90The AX90 is a great tri-band router if you need VPN tools and basic parental controls.$199.95View on Amazon
TP-Link Archer AX20The AX20 is a cheaper dual-band version of the AX90 that drops multi-gig internet support.$85.37View on Amazon
ASUS RT-AX68UThis dual-band router is loaded with features for the money, like free security and free parental controls.$139.00View on Amazon

Other routers we don’t recommend for long-range Wi-Fi

ModelSummaryPrice*More details
NETGEAR Orbi RBK752The RBK752 is a barebones mesh networking system with decent speeds, but you need two subscriptions to get the most out of it.$279.99View on Amazon
NETGEAR Nighthawk XR1000We’re on the fence with this one because it has good speeds at long range but we’re not keen on its subscription requirements.$244.95View on Amazon

FAQ about long-range routers

Which Wi-Fi connection has the best range?

Technically, the 2.4 GHz band has the longest range, with up to 150 feet indoors and 300 feet outdoors. The 5 GHz band has a shorter range at up to 75 feet indoors and 150 feet outdoors. Range really depends on the router’s hardware and where you place it.

But when we think about the “best range,” speed at a specific distance comes to mind. The 5 GHz band excels in that department, as we can record 330Mbps at 120 feet—but absolute zero speed at 120 feet when we test again on the 2.4 GHz band.

That said, go with the 5 GHz band to stream 4K content in your neighbor’s yard. Use the 2.4 GHz band for your new smart lock installed on the garage door.

Which antenna is best: External or internal?

Here’s the thing. Routers with external antennas broadcast Wi-Fi outwards and perpendicular to the antenna’s position. So, if all antennas stand vertically, the end result is a donut or oval shape extending out horizontally. If you reposition any of the antennas, thinking you’ll have better coverage upstairs, you’re changing the shape of the donut and thereby creating connection problems on the main floor. Truth be told, external antennas are ideal for outdoor use, and that’s where internal antennas come into play.

Internal antenna configurations attempt to create a perfect sphere. They are ideal for indoor use and are almost always used in mesh networking systems. You don’t get a long range because the designs are usually compact, but you can emulate a long range by daisy-chaining a mesh router and compatible satellites. Rather than push through walls and objects like routers with external antennas, mesh routers and satellites are usually placed within sight of each other to beam Wi-Fi around corners, push signals through doorways, and dodge furniture.

The bottom line is external antennas are ideal for high speeds at a very long range. Internal antennas have a shorter range but are great for shooting Wi-Fi into the attic.

What is the best router for a two- or three-story home?

Routers and satellites with internal antennas are better equipped to broadcast Wi-Fi evenly in all directions, including the attic and basement. Your best bet is to get a mesh networking system or a standalone mesh router along with a few compatible mesh extenders. Check out our article about mesh routers vs. Wi-Fi extenders for more information.

Disclaimer

Author -

Kevin Parrish has more than a decade of experience working as a writer, editor, and product tester. He began writing about computer hardware and soon branched out to other devices and services such as networking equipment, phones and tablets, game consoles, and other internet-connected devices. His work has appeared in Tom’s Hardware, Tom's Guide, Maximum PC, Digital Trends, Android Authority, How-To Geek, Lifewire, and others. At HighSpeedInternet.com, he focuses on network equipment testing and review.

Editor - Rebecca Lee Armstrong

Rebecca Lee Armstrong has more than six years of experience writing about tech and the internet, with a specialty in hands-on testing. She started writing tech product and service reviews while finishing her BFA in creative writing at the University of Evansville and has found her niche writing about home networking, routers, and internet access at HighSpeedInternet.com. Her work has also been featured on Top Ten Reviews, MacSources, Windows Central, Android Central, Best Company, TechnoFAQ, and iMore.