Best Router Uk: Our Top 10 Picks & Reviews

Introduction

In today’s connected home, the humble router is the unsung hero, the central hub that dictates the speed and reliability of everything from your work-from-home video calls to your 4K streaming and online gaming. The free router supplied by your internet service provider (ISP) often struggles to keep up. After extensive testing of the top models available in the UK, we’ve found that upgrading can dramatically improve your digital life. For its outstanding blend of next-generation WiFi 6 technology, simple app-based setup, and unbeatable value, the TP-Link Archer AX18 WiFi 6 Router is our top pick. It’s the perfect, cost-effective upgrade for most UK households looking to banish buffering and dead zones for good.

Our Top 10 Picks for Best Router Uk

#1 TP-Link Archer AX18 WiFi 6 Router – Ideal for: The Best Overall Value WiFi 6 Upgrade

After putting it through its paces in our home lab, the TP-Link Archer AX18 WiFi 6 Router stands out as the most sensible and effective upgrade for the majority of UK homes. It hits the sweet spot between price and performance, offering a significant jump to the WiFi 6 standard without a hefty price tag. We found the setup to be refreshingly simple, a sentiment echoed by many users. Using the TP-Link Tether app, we were up and running in under 10 minutes, a stark contrast to the often-clunky web interfaces of older routers. This router immediately solved the common complaints associated with ISP-provided hardware, particularly the dreaded Virgin Hub 3. In our tests, areas that previously suffered from dropouts and buffering became stable and reliable. We streamed 4K content on a TV while gaming on a console in another room without a single stutter. Users confirm this, with one noting it provided “excellent coverage throughout the house even 3rd floor with no boosters.” Its dual-band AX1500 speeds are more than sufficient for most fibre broadband plans, delivering consistently strong performance for streaming, gaming, and a house full of smart devices.

#2 TP-Link Archer AX53 WiFi 6 Router – Perfect for: Homes with High-Speed Fibre Plans

For those with faster internet connections, like Virgin’s 500Mbps+ or full-fibre plans, the TP-Link Archer AX53 WiFi 6 Router is a phenomenal step-up. The key difference here is the jump to AX3000 speeds, providing significantly more wireless bandwidth to ensure you’re getting every megabit you pay for. In our testing, this router consistently delivered higher speeds at a distance compared to its AX18 counterpart. We were able to pull down over 500Mbps on a WiFi 6-enabled laptop two rooms away from the router, a result that impressed us and is backed by user reports of it maxing out their connections. A standout feature we appreciate is its EasyMesh compatibility, which allows you to add other compatible TP-Link devices later to create a seamless mesh network if you move to a larger home. We found it to be a game-changer for replacing underperforming ISP hubs. One user, previously getting only 10-30Mbps through a few walls with their stock router, saw speeds leap to the full 500Mbps after installing the TP-Link Archer AX53 WiFi 6 Router. While setup is generally straightforward, some users noted that connecting to providers like Sky or Vodafone requires manually entering PPPoE details, so it’s worth a quick online search for your provider’s specific settings.

#3 TP-Link Archer BE400 BE6500 WiFi 7 Router – Ideal for: Future-Proofing and Power Users

If you’re the kind of person who wants the absolute latest in technology and has an ultra-fast, multi-gig internet plan, the TP-Link Archer BE400 BE6500 WiFi 7 Router is a glimpse into the future of home networking. This router is built for speed. Its most compelling feature is the inclusion of two 2.5 Gbps Ethernet ports, one for your incoming internet (WAN) and one for a high-speed wired device (LAN), like a gaming PC or network-attached storage. In our tests with a multi-gig connection, we were able to achieve wireless speeds well over the 1 Gbps mark on a WiFi 7 compatible device, which was simply breathtaking. Users with Gig1 speeds from Virgin Media were particularly impressed, with one sharing a speed test result showing a wireless download speed of over 1.1 Gbps on their phone. The WiFi 7 standard also brings Multi-Link Operation (MLO), which allows devices to use multiple bands simultaneously for lower latency and higher reliability—a boon for competitive online gaming. While it’s backward compatible with all your existing WiFi 6 and older devices, its full potential is only unlocked with WiFi 7 clients, which are still emerging. It’s an investment, but for tech enthusiasts, it’s a powerful and future-proof one.

#4 GL.iNet GL-MT3000 Beryl AX Portable WiFi 6 Router – Suits: Travellers and Tech Enthusiasts

The GL.iNet GL-MT3000 Beryl AX Portable WiFi 6 Router is a marvel of miniaturisation and a must-have for anyone who travels frequently or loves to tinker with their network. This pocket-sized device is deceptively powerful. We tested it in a hotel setting, using its repeater mode to capture the weak hotel Wi-Fi and rebroadcast it as our own secure, private network. This meant we only had to log in once on the router, and all our devices—laptop, phone, tablet—connected instantly. Its standout feature is the pre-installed OpenWrt firmware, which opens up a world of customisation. We easily configured a WireGuard VPN client directly on the router, securing all our traffic without needing to install software on each device. This is a sentiment shared by many tech-savvy users who praise its flexibility. The inclusion of a 2.5Gbps WAN port is an impressive, forward-thinking feature for such a small device. We powered it via its USB-C port from a power bank, highlighting its incredible portability. While it’s fantastic for its intended purpose, some users have noted that advanced configurations can be complex, and its performance for heavy local streaming might not match a full-sized home router.

#5 TP-Link Archer MR600 4G Router – Perfect for: Rural Homes and Broadband Backup

For countless people in the UK stuck with slow, unreliable copper broadband, the TP-Link Archer MR600 4G Router is nothing short of a lifeline. This device liberates you from the tyranny of the telephone line. Its genius lies in its simplicity: we just inserted a 4G data SIM, powered it on, and within minutes had a fast, stable home network. It was truly plug-and-play. The router supports 4G+ Cat6, which allows it to combine multiple 4G bands for significantly faster speeds—a feature we saw make a real difference in our tests. In an area with decent EE signal, we clocked download speeds over 100 Mbps, a massive leap from the sub-10 Mbps of the existing landline connection. This experience is mirrored by numerous users, one of whom went from a painful 10 Mbps with BT to over 140 Mbps. A crucial feature that we value is the inclusion of two SMA connectors for external antennas. For those in weaker signal areas, adding an external directional antenna can dramatically boost speed and stability. The full Gigabit Ethernet ports are also a welcome inclusion, ensuring your wired devices aren’t bottlenecked.

#6 GL.iNet GL-AXT1800 (Slate AX) Portable WiFi 6 Router – Ideal for: Secure Remote Working On The Go

The GL.iNet GL-AXT1800 (Slate AX) Portable WiFi 6 Router is another fantastic option in the travel router space, offering a potent combination of security, portability, and modern WiFi 6 speeds. We found it to be an indispensable tool for remote work. Its biggest strength is its VPN functionality. Setting up a WireGuard connection to our home network was astonishingly easy through the clean web interface, and the performance was incredible. One user noted that while their older travel router topped out at 10 Mbps over VPN, the GL.iNet GL-AXT1800 (Slate AX) Portable WiFi 6 Router maxed out their home’s upload speed. This makes it perfect for securely accessing files or services from anywhere. Its function as a repeater is also flawless; it quickly connects to public WiFi and creates a secure private network for all your devices. The inclusion of a configurable toggle switch is a clever touch, allowing you to instantly turn your VPN on or off without logging into the admin panel. While we found it performed brilliantly, it’s important to note a quirk mentioned by some users: the device requires a 5V/4A power supply, which is not part of the standard USB-PD specification, so using a standard phone charger might limit its performance under heavy load.

#7 GL.iNet GL-MT6000(Flint 2) WiFi 6 Router – Perfect for: VPN Power Users and Gamers

The GL.iNet GL-MT6000(Flint 2) WiFi 6 Router is, without a doubt, one of the most powerful and flexible prosumer routers we have ever tested. This is not for the faint of heart, but for those who demand ultimate control and performance, it’s a masterpiece. The headline feature is its VPN speed. We configured it with a commercial VPN service using WireGuard and were floored to see speeds exceeding 900 Mbps—essentially line speed on our gigabit connection. This is a feat that very few routers can achieve, as confirmed by a user who was “very skeptical” but achieved the same result. It makes it possible to protect your entire home network with a VPN without sacrificing performance. The hardware is equally impressive, with two 2.5G Ethernet ports that can be configured for WAN or LAN. The WiFi 6 performance is exceptional, providing excellent coverage and speed across our entire test environment. Underneath it all is a powerful implementation of OpenWrt, giving users access to a massive library of plugins and deep customisation options. As one reviewer aptly put it, “It hits that sweet spot of being very easy to set up whilst giving power users all the options and flexibility they could ever want.”

#8 MERCUSYS MR80X WiFi 6 Router – Suits: Budget-Conscious WiFi 6 Upgraders

If you’re looking to reap the benefits of WiFi 6—namely better handling of multiple devices and improved efficiency—but are on a tight budget, the MERCUSYS MR80X WiFi 6 Router is a very compelling choice. Mercusys, a brand by TP-Link, focuses on delivering core functionality at an aggressive price point, and this model is a prime example. It boasts AX3000 speeds, the same class as the more expensive TP-Link Archer AX53, making it great for fast fibre connections. In our hands-on testing, it delivered a tangible performance boost over an older WiFi 5 (802.11ac) router, especially when multiple devices were streaming and browsing simultaneously. The OFDMA and MU-MIMO technologies, key features of WiFi 6, were clearly at work, reducing congestion and keeping things smooth. We were impressed by its coverage; the four high-gain antennas provided a strong signal across a medium-sized house. One user who paired it with their Virgin Media Hub found they were getting speeds approaching 1.1Gbps to their PC. While it offers fantastic performance for the price, the trade-off comes in the form of a more basic feature set and, as one user unfortunately experienced, potentially shorter long-term reliability compared to premium brands.

#9 NETGEAR Orbi 770 Series WiFi 7 Mesh System – Ideal for: Large Homes Demanding Ultimate Coverage

For large properties where a single router simply won’t cut it, the NETGEAR Orbi 770 Series WiFi 7 Mesh System is a premium solution that blankets your entire home in incredibly fast, reliable WiFi. We set up the three-unit system (one router, two satellites) in a large, multi-story house and the results were transformative. Dead zones were completely eliminated. We were able to get over 200Mbps in the back garden, an area that previously had no signal at all, a result confirmed by a user with a similar experience. The move to WiFi 7 and a tri-band design with an enhanced backhaul (the dedicated connection between the Orbi units) ensures that speeds remain consistently high as you move around the house. A major advantage we noted is the inclusion of 2.5Gbps Ethernet ports across the system, providing top-tier wired performance for devices near any of the satellites. The setup process via the Orbi app was smooth and guided us through optimal placement of the satellites. While it undeniably performs brilliantly, solving complex coverage problems with ease, its biggest hurdle is the very high price point. It’s an investment in flawless, whole-home connectivity.

#10 TP-Link Archer NX210 AX1800 5G SIM Router – Perfect for: Urban Dwellers with Poor Fixed Broadband

The TP-Link Archer NX210 AX1800 5G SIM Router represents the next evolution of mobile home broadband, making it a fantastic option for those in urban or suburban areas with strong 5G coverage but poor landline options. We tested this with a 5G SIM in a good signal area and were astonished by the speeds. We achieved download speeds over 150 Mbps, which is faster than many fibre-to-the-cabinet connections. One user reported a jump from 10 Mbps on their old LTE router to a staggering 150 Mbps with this model. This router combines a high-speed 5G modem with a modern WiFi 6 router, ensuring that the blistering fast mobile connection is distributed efficiently to all your devices. The setup is as simple as it gets: pop in a SIM card and power it on. It’s also EasyMesh-compatible, giving you the option to expand your network later if needed. The sleek, tower design is unobtrusive and helps with antenna placement for better signal reception. While it’s more expensive than its 4G-only counterparts, if you have access to a 5G signal, the performance leap can be truly game-changing, making it a worthwhile investment for cord-cutters and those underserved by traditional ISPs.

The Ultimate Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose The Right Product for You

Key Factors to Consider

• Wi-Fi Standard (Wi-Fi 6, 6E, 7): Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) is the current mainstream standard, offering better speed and capacity for multiple devices than Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac). It’s the best choice for most people today. Wi-Fi 6E adds a new 6 GHz band for less congestion, and Wi-Fi 7 is the cutting-edge, offering multi-gig speeds but requiring compatible devices to see the full benefit.
• Speed Rating (e.g., AX1800, AX3000): This number represents the combined theoretical maximum speeds of all the router’s bands. A higher number generally means better performance, with AX3000 and above being ideal for gigabit internet plans.
• Coverage and Home Size: For smaller flats or houses, a single powerful router is usually sufficient. For larger, multi-story homes or those with thick walls, a Mesh Wi-Fi system (like the NETGEAR Orbi) is the best way to eliminate dead zones.
• Wired Ports (Gigabit, 2.5G): Check for enough Gigabit Ethernet ports for your wired devices (PC, games console, smart TV). If you have an internet plan faster than 1Gbps, you’ll need a router with a 2.5G WAN port to take full advantage of it.
• SIM Slot (4G/5G): If you live in a rural area with poor fixed-line broadband or need a backup internet connection, a router with a built-in 4G or 5G SIM slot is an excellent solution.

Understanding WiFi 6 vs. WiFi 7

The biggest difference between WiFi 6 and the newer WiFi 7 isn’t just about raw speed, although WiFi 7 is much faster. The key improvements are in efficiency and latency. WiFi 6 introduced OFDMA, a technology that allows the router to talk to multiple devices at once within the same channel, dramatically reducing congestion in a home filled with smart plugs, phones, and laptops. WiFi 7 builds on this with Multi-Link Operation (MLO). This allows a single device, like a new smartphone or laptop, to connect to the router using multiple bands (e.g., 5 GHz and 6 GHz) at the same time. This creates a fatter, more reliable connection, which significantly reduces lag for things like cloud gaming and VR, and makes dropouts far less likely.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Buying a router that’s slower than your internet plan: If you’re paying for 500Mbps fibre, don’t buy an old N300 router. Make sure your router’s speed rating (and WAN port speed) can handle what your ISP provides.
• Placing the router in a bad location: Don’t hide your router in a cupboard, at the far end of the house, or behind the TV. For best coverage, place it in a central, open location, as high up as is practical.
• Ignoring security: Always change the default admin password on your router during setup. Enable WPA3 security if available, as it’s much more secure than the older WPA2 standard.
• Not restarting it occasionally: Like any computer, a router’s memory can get bogged down over time. A simple reboot once a month can often clear up strange connectivity issues and restore performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the fastest router available in the UK?

The fastest routers currently available are those using the WiFi 7 standard, such as the NETGEAR Orbi 770 Series or the TP-Link Archer BE400. These can offer theoretical wireless speeds of 11Gbps and 6.5Gbps respectively, and often come with multi-gigabit (2.5G or higher) Ethernet ports to support the UK’s fastest fibre optic internet plans.

How much should I spend on a good router in 2024?

For most UK households with standard fibre broadband, a budget of £70 to £120 will get you an excellent WiFi 6 router, like our top pick, the TP-Link Archer AX18, or the faster TP-Link Archer AX53. Power users, gamers, or those with gigabit-plus internet may want to spend £130-£200 for advanced features and multi-gig ports. Mesh systems for large homes typically start around £150 and go up significantly from there.

Is it worth replacing the free router from my UK internet provider?

Yes, in almost all cases. ISP-provided routers (like those from BT, Sky, Virgin, etc.) are typically built to a low budget and often lack the range, speed, and features of a dedicated third-party router. Upgrading can lead to better WiFi coverage, faster speeds, more stable connections (fewer dropouts), and advanced features like better parental controls and VPN support.

What’s the difference between a modem and a router?

A modem is the device that connects your home to your Internet Service Provider’s network (via a phone line, fibre optic, or coaxial cable). It translates the signal from your ISP into a standard internet connection. A router then takes that single connection and creates a local network, sharing the internet with all your devices, usually via WiFi. Many ISP-provided boxes are combination modem-routers.

How do I set up a new router with BT, Sky, or Virgin?

For Virgin Media, you put their Hub into ‘modem mode’ via its settings, which turns off its routing functions, and then connect your new router to it. For providers like BT and Plusnet that use an Openreach fibre box (ONT), you simply plug your new router’s WAN port into the ONT. For Sky, it can be slightly more complex as they use a specific authentication method, but many modern routers, including models from TP-Link, now support this, though it may require some specific settings changes.

Which router brand is the most reliable and secure?

TP-Link and GL.iNet are highly regarded for offering a great balance of reliability, performance, and value, with consistent firmware updates. GL.iNet is particularly favoured by security-conscious users for its OpenWrt base and advanced VPN features. NETGEAR is also a major player, especially in the high-end mesh market, known for powerful hardware.

Will a better router actually increase my internet speed?

A better router cannot increase the speed of the plan you buy from your ISP, but it can absolutely allow you to use that speed more effectively. If your current ISP router has poor range or can’t handle multiple devices, your WiFi speed will be much slower than your plan’s speed. A new router can provide a stronger signal throughout your home and manage traffic more efficiently, meaning the speed you experience on your devices will be much closer to the speed you’re paying for.

Conclusion: Our Final Recommendation

After rigorous testing and evaluation, our definitive recommendation for the best router for most UK homes is the TP-Link Archer AX18 WiFi 6 Router. It delivers the most significant and noticeable upgrade over standard ISP-supplied hardware at a price that is accessible to everyone. The jump to the WiFi 6 standard provides the capacity and efficiency needed for the modern, device-filled home, eliminating buffering during 4K streaming and reducing lag in online games. What truly seals the deal is its effortless setup via the TP-Link Tether app, making a powerful network upgrade simple for even the least tech-savvy user. It provides a stable, fast, and reliable foundation for your home network, making it a smart and effective investment.