Whether it is for gaming, streaming 4K content or connecting multiple devices, you would need a good router. Depending on your budget and needs, there are numerous options out there and many features that might confuse you. To help you with your search, we’ve created a list of our five best routers for 4K streaming.

 This is our take on the five best routers for 4K video streaming:

# Image Product Price
1 Netgear $80
2 TP-Link $234
3 D-Link $105
4 Netgear $499
5 Gryphon $210

1. Netgear Nighthawk S8000 Switch

  • Ethernet only (8 Gigabit ports)
  • One-click setup
  • Perfect for gaming and 4K HD media streaming
  • Has mobile support
  • Built-in QoS and network prioritization
  • 4 Gbps (Link Aggregation)
  • Gaming, Media Streaming and Standard presets
  • Faster backups (more than 470MB/s)
  • IGMP snooping support (multicast)
  • Great design
  • Three-year warranty
  • Cheap

When it comes to streaming 4K content it is important that your connection is stable and WiFi routers sometimes struggle to deliver, especially on multiple devices. If you’re not going for a wireless-enabled option, then the Netgear S8000 is our best choice for you. It comes with a premium zinc alloy housing for increased durability and improved appearance. On the device, you will find eight Gigabit Ethernet ports, 7 of which dedicated for LAN.

Moreover, the S8000 can provide up to 4 Gbps to link aggregation-enabled devices. It comes with a built-in Quality of Service (QoS) and network prioritization features that ensure top performance for your desired tasks. There are three QoS presets, namely for Gaming, Media streaming as well as Standard operations. The S8000 comes with a three-year warranty.

[Data Sheet] 

2. TP-Link AC5400

  • AC5400 Tri-Band WiFi Router
  • IEEE 802.11ac Connectivity
  • 256MB RAM
  • 5 Gigabit ports (4 LAN), 1 USB 3.0 and 1 USB 2.0
  • Eight-antenna design
  • Built-in QoS
  • 1.4GHz dual-core processor with 3 x co-processors
  • Amazing wifi performance
  • Alexa support
  • TP-Link HomeCare integration
  • Pricy
  • Ugly design
  • Up to 5,334 Mbps

But as we know, most of us prefer wireless for the countless benefits it offers — especially devices such as the TP-Link Archer C5400.

This tri-band wireless router supports 2.4GHz and dual 5GHz streams for ultimate 802.11ac connectivity and to supports streaming. It features NitroQAM technology which enables you to utilize all three frequencies and their bandwidth simultaneously for at least 25% faster connection.

When it comes to range, you can be sure to expect the best coverage you could possibly want due to its eight specialized antennas. Moreover, it comes with an amazing built-in QoS that is easily controllable through TP-Link’s intuitive GUI. The only downsides we find in the AC5400 are its high price and ugly design. Otherwise, it is truly one of the best routers for 4K streaming.

[Data Sheet]

3. D-Link EXO AC2600

  • Dual-band WiFi Router
  • IEEE 802.11 ac/n/g/b/a wireless LAN connectivity
  • Built-in QoS
  • Dual-core
  • 5 Gigabit ports (4LAN), 1 USB 3.0 and 1 USB 2.0
  • Four-antenna design
  • AC Smart Beam Technology
  • MU-MIMO technology
  • Guest Zone support
  • VPN Passthrough
  • Up to 2,533 Gbps

The D-Link Exo AC2600 is another great option if you’re looking to keep things budget-friendly and you don’t want to compromise on wireless functionality as well as internet speeds. With its dual-band design and four specialized antennas, the AC Smart Beam and the MU-MIMO technologies, the device’s signal reaches pretty far away and delivers incredible speeds to multiple devices simultaneously.

On the back of the device, you will find five Gigabit Ethernet ports, four of which dedicated for LAN as well as two USB ports (1x 3.0 and 1x 2.0). It comes with a guest zone feature and a VPN passthrough setting for complete flexibility. With maximum speeds of up to 2,533 Gbps, the Exo AC2600 is truly one of the best wifi routers for 4K streaming.

 [Data Sheet]

4. Netgear Nighthawk Pro XR700

  • 802.11ad connectivity
  • Built-in QoS
  • Geo-filter for a local game host
  • Intuitive GUI
  • Features AD7200 Quad Stream Wave2 wifi
  • MU-MIMO support
  • 1.7 GHz Quad-core processor
  • Has 10 Gigabit SFP+ port
  • Link aggregation support
  • 8 Gigabit ports
  • Four-antenna design
  • Two USB 3.0 ports
  • OpenVPN Connect app support
  • Up to 4.6 Gbps

Another great wireless device, again from Netgear and in the Nighthawk lineup is the Pro XR700. When it comes to QoS, internet speeds and software optimization — there is no better than Netgear and this beast is proof of their superior technology. The XR700 comes with state-of-the-art software that gives you the complete customization of your internet connection that you deserve. Something you definitely need in case there are many devices connected to your source at once.

Just as the rest products, the XR700 features the MU-MIMO technology which ensures the best speeds on all connected devices. It comes with a geo-filter function that lets you limit the maximum distance from the server you’re connected to. On the back of the device, there are 8 Gigabit Ethernet ports, 7 of which are dedicated to LAN. There are two USB 3.0 ports for file sharing while the OpenVPN app support gives you privacy — something that appears irrelevant in our connected society.

[Data Sheet]

5. Gryphon Mesh Router

  • Tri-band WiFi router
  • 802.11AC Connectivity
  • Has security software
  • No USB port
  • Expensive
  • Spacious (4.5 x 4.5 x 9.5 inches)
  • 400Mbps for 2.4GHz; 1.7 Gbps for 5GHz
  • 866MHz over Secondary 5GHz support
  • 512MB RAM
  • 4GB of flash chips
  • MU-MIMO Support
  • Qualcomm Wi-Fi Self Organizing Network (SON)
  • Available in a pack of two

If you are a parent or you just want the best security for your home, all while having the best connectivity at all ends of your house then the Gryphon mesh router has got you covered. It is quite pricy and spacious but it does come with a tri-band design. There is no USB port or file sharing, although it does feature pretty decent speeds and quite robust security software.

The Gryphon device comes with 4GB of flash chips, 512MB of RAM and comes with the MU-MIMO as well as Qualcomm’s WiFi Self Organizing Network technologies. If you live in a big enough home, then you can choose to purchase it in a pack of two to ensure that all corners of your house get the best internet connection possible.