What is the Best Wifi Router For Streaming Netflix? Netflix is without a doubt one of the most popular video streaming services available, but there are few things more irritating than excessive buffering while streaming. That is why, in order to stream Netflix to TV, you must have the best wireless router in your home.
You should begin your search by determining which features you require for effective streaming, such as MU-MIMO, bandwidth, and router speeds.
Top 3 Best Wifi Routers to Buy on Amazon
- Best Wifi Router for Gaming – Asus ROG Rapture AX11000
- Best Wifi Router for Long Range – Linksys EA9500
- Best Wifi Router for Multiple Devices – Gryphon AC3000
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While many routers claim to have reliable streaming capabilities, you must understand which routers can actually meet the needs of your network.
This article will give you a full and detailed review of the best wireless router for streaming.
The Best WiFi Router For Streaming?
Video streaming is supported by the majority of modern routers.
However, if you want the best 4K streaming experience possible, we recommend the Linksys EA8300 Max-Stream router. It has fast enough speeds to support streaming, gaming, and other bandwidth-intensive activities without buffering.
Naturally, different home networks have different requirements. So, to keep you connected, here are our top five router recommendations.
1. Asus ROG Rapture AX11000 Wifi Router for Gaming
Perfect for Netflix
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Router Asus ROG Rapture AX11000
If you’re looking for a router that can provide better performance while still allowing you to stream Netflix, consider the Asus Rapture AC11000. This is an impressive router that is most likely unlike any other you’ve seen.
Let’s start with the AX11000’s design. It is completely unique, but it may be an eyesore. It is quite large and takes up a lot of room. The router is flat on a surface and has eight high-powered antennas extending from each side. The reach is enhanced as a result.
The router also has a 2.5 G gaming port for maximum, high-speed performance. When you combine that with the Asus AiProtection security, you’ll see that this router has thought of everything.
As an added bonus, the ROG-themed Gaming Center interface provides simple point-and-click control over everything you need to set up or do with your router. This router is designed for speed.
Aside from Netflix streaming, the AX11000 supports triple-level game acceleration, as well as game package and game server prioritization. The triple-level acceleration will increase game traffic while decreasing ping and latency for a better overall experience.
This is an excellent option if you or anyone in your network plays a lot of video games. All of those fantastic gaming features are carried over for dependable and quick connectivity to your TV.
When it comes to streaming, you should have no problems, especially since this router is tri-band, with one 2.4 GHz band and two 5 GHz bands.
2. Netflix Linksys EA9500 WiFi Router for Long Range
Very Powerful for Netflix
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Netflix Linksys EA9500 WiFi Router
When you first look at the Linksys EA9500, you will notice that it is a large router that is difficult to conceal. It also has several multi-directional antennas that are high-gain and powerful but stick straight up and are unsightly.
The router has four 1-Gigabit Ethernet ports for connecting any devices, as well as a USB 3.0 port for super-fast speeds. This router will be able to work with more than one device as a result of these changes. This is a high-performance router designed to keep you running smoothly.
To begin, this router supports over 25 wired devices connected at the same time, which is ideal for the average modern home with a large number of streaming devices. It also has a range of up to 3,000 square feet.
Not only is 4K HD streaming excellent for Netflix, but it is also excellent for online gaming. The Linksys EA9500 router supports MU-MIMO technology and 4K HD streaming at speeds of up to 5.3 Gbps. This will make streaming and gaming on this router a breeze.
The Linksys EA9500 router also has Airtime Fairness, which ensures that WiFi is distributed evenly to different devices. This can help reduce overall lag, especially if another device starts streaming while you are still streaming.
3. Mesh WiFi Router Gryphon AC3000 for Multiple Devices
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Mesh WiFi Router Gryphon AC3000
When you have a space that is spread out or shaped differently, you need a router that can travel long distances without issue. We recommend the Gryphon AC3000 for extended coverage while watching Netflix. The Gryphon router is unlike many other routers, particularly in terms of design.
This router is tall and white, as opposed to the traditional black and horizontal router. It has six high-powered internal antennas that help the signal travel throughout your network.
The Gryphon router includes parental controls as well as an easy-to-use smartphone app that allows you to filter control, screen allowed time, and even the times of day that it will be available to connect to. It does not allow you to restrict access to specific devices, which may be a deal-breaker in some homes.
The Gryphon has a coverage area of up to 3,000 square feet. What’s most intriguing about this high-powered router is that it also functions as a mesh network. You can always add more points to your coverage to make it more comprehensive.
The 3,000 square feet is typically adequate for the average home network, so you may not require more than one Gryphon to provide the coverage you require. In any case, the more Gryphons you have, the farther your signal will be able to travel.
The Gryphon router has a throughput of up to 3Gbps when using its simultaneous tri-band radios. In addition, the Gryphon has 4×4 MU-MIMO and antenna Beamforming, which improves overall coverage.
That means it can support multiple devices streaming at the same time, which is exactly what you wanted from your Netflix router.
4. Netgear Nighthawk R7000 WiFi Router-Best Router For Netflix Streaming
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The Netgear Nighthawk R7000 is our pick for the best wireless router for streaming Netflix to TV. The R7000 is a standard router with all of the features you’d expect from a modern router, such as security protocols and fast performance.
The R7000 is a horizontal router equipped with three high-gain antennas that can be directed toward the devices that require them the most. The design is large and will take up a lot of space on your desk or in your room.
The router supports WPA2 wireless security protocols, as well as guest WiFi, a firewall, a VPN, and DoS protection. Under a paid subscription, Netgear Armor will protect your network from malware and viruses.
The R7000 connects to the OpenVPN Connect app, which gives you remote access to your network to see what’s going on. If you have any Amazon devices in your home, the router will also use Amazon Alexa voice controls.
Aside from the USB 3.0 port, there are four 1 Gigabit Ethernet ports. The R7000 has a 1 GHz dual-core processor as well as a Beamforming+ feature that increases the power of your antennas. This also broadens the reach of your network.
Another feature of this router is dynamic QoS, which allows you to prioritize which devices should receive the most bandwidth.
The R7000 can connect up to 30 devices at once, which should be enough for most homes. The ReadySHARE Vault, which provides an automatic backup to your USB 3.0 port, is also included with the router.
5. Motorola MG7540 Router for Cox, Comcast, Xfinity
Modem Router Combo for Netflix
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Modem Router Combo Motorola MG7540
The Motorola MG7540 is our pick for a modem/router combo unit for streaming Netflix. It consists of a DOCSIS 3.0 modem and a dual-band wireless router. Because this is a cable modem, it will only function if you have cable internet.
To begin, the MG7540 has a tower design, which is advantageous because tower devices stay cooler, resulting in a longer lifespan. They’re also much easier to hide.
This device has four 10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet LAN ports, allowing you to wire whatever devices you have that require it. It also includes a Broadcom cable modem chipset to protect against Denial of Service attacks. This device provides dependable performance from the modem and the router.
The modem is a cable modem that supports DOCSIS 3.0. The modem has a maximum speed of 375 Mbps, which isn’t the fastest available, but it gets the job done. The router has a 2.4 GHz and a 5 GHz band, allowing you to direct your signal to devices that perform better on each band.
Make sure your Netflix-streaming device is using the 5 GHz band, which has less traffic. It has a maximum total speed of 686 Mbps, which is comparable to the average cable internet plan. The MG7540 also has AnyBeam Beamforming, which can help boost the router’s signal and extend its overall range.
This works on both frequencies to improve overall performance. It can also operate on WiFi DFS frequencies, making it less susceptible to neighbor interference if you live in close proximity.
6. TP-Link AC1750 Smart WiFi Router (Archer A7)
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TP-Link AC1750 Smart WiFi Router (Archer A7)
If you’re looking for a router, TP-Link is a name you’ve probably heard of. This TP-Link router has a lot of features, such as a larger capacity and excellent coverage. It also has four ethernet ports and a 2.0 USB port.
It has a sleek and modern design. It also has three external antennas, which contribute significantly to the network’s stability. There are numerous security features, so you don’t have to be concerned about the security of your network or data.
There are two bandwidths available: 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. At 2.4 GHz, the speed is 450 Mbps, while at 5 GHz, it is 1750 Mbps. The Tether app allows the user to easily monitor and customize the network. Any smart device within a 2500 sq. ft. range can connect to the wifi.
It is also compatible with Alexa. It is a versatile router because it can meet all of your internet needs. The performance of this router has impressed the buyers. It was extremely simple to set up and use.
The app simplified the task of monitoring the wifi. There is no inconsistency in the wifi signal. As a result, it is everything that a good router should be. This router is compatible with a wide range of operating systems, including MAC OS, NetWare, Windows 98SE, 2000, 7, XP, NT, Vista, UNIX, and Linux.
How To Boost Netflix Internet Speeds?
Follow these six tips to avoid buffering, drop-outs, and annoying pauses while watching TV.
1. Increase Your Internet Speed
This is, without a doubt, the most obvious, but when was the last time you asked your provider how fast its current offerings are? For 4K streaming, you’ll need at least 15Mbps download speeds, but you’ll want much more.
It’s also possible that new providers or services from other companies will emerge. When I first moved into my house, the phone company offered the best option: a fairly fast DSL connection that was far superior to the local cable provider.
Now, said cable company offers six times the speed for half the price. I was able to significantly increase my internet speed while saving money. This is unquestionably the best place to begin.
If you stick with the same provider, they should be able to flip the proverbial switch without having to send a technician to your house. You’ll have faster internet after that.
If you switch providers, say from cable to fiber, they’ll almost certainly have to send someone to your house to install it, which most companies won’t be able to do right now.
2. Change To Ethernet
Wi-Fi, while convenient, can be quite slow on some networks, especially if multiple people are streaming at the same time. Though running wires is inconvenient, it provides the most dependable connection. If you’re still cooped up at home, it’s a good weekend project.
Check your device if you want to use a wire. Most streamers lack the Ethernet port needed for a wired connection, but $15 USB adapters for Google Chromecast, Amazon Fire TV Stick, and Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K are available.
Regrettably, Roku does not sell an official adapter. Streamers with built-in Ethernet, which do not require an adapter, are generally more expensive, but they may be worthwhile if you want a simpler hook-up or prefer Roku’s system.
The Roku Ultra ($100) and Apple TV 4K ($180) are our favorite Ethernet-enabled streamers. Other options include the Roku Ultra LT, Apple TV, and the Nvidia Shield TV. Ethernet is also available on the majority of smart TVs and game consoles.
3. Things Must Be Moved
I don’t mean your television, but moving your Wi-Fi router could be very beneficial. You could be limiting the signal and speed without even realizing it if it’s on or near the ground, in a closet, or at the far end of your house.
Wi-Fi can pass through walls, but being higher up and with fewer walls between the router and the streamer will help. If the router has antennas, properly positioning them can also help (one vertical and one horizontal). The same is true on the other end of the spectrum.
It doesn’t help if you keep the streamer in a cabinet. In an ideal world, the streamer and router would have a direct line of sight. Of course, this isn’t required, but anything between the two of them reduces the signal and, potentially, the speed.
An alternative would be to purchase a Wi-Fi booster or connect Ethernet to a second Wi-Fi router (or the mesh option listed above). There are many options if your house is long or large, which are beyond the scope of this guide.
4. Smack The Kids (Off The Wi-Fi)
Consider your internet connection to be a water pipe. There is only so much water in the world. If you try to stream in the living room while the rest of the family is streaming in other rooms, there may not be enough “water” to go around.
Everyone will have problems. In that case, I’ll leave it up to you to decide who gets priority. I’m not going near that one. However, switching some devices to wired rather than wireless may improve that aspect of your home network’s overall performance.
When a shaky internet connection prevents streaming, you could try downloading your favorite shows and movies to devices like phones and tablets to watch around the house.
5. Analyze Your Results
An internet speed tester, such as Speedtest or Netflix’s Fast.com, can help you figure out what you’re up against right now. To get the most accurate result, use the Android or iOS version and place the phone or tablet near the streaming device.
Test again after each change to see how it affects the signal. Many streaming issues can be solved using the steps I’ve outlined. The key is to provide the device with the fastest internet connection possible, by any means necessary.
6. Improve Your Router Or Hub
The free Wi-Fi router provided by your internet provider is most likely subpar. I upgraded my router the day before my new internet service was installed, and that alone resulted in a 20% increase in speeds.
Many providers even charge for crappy routers, so you could save money in the long run by purchasing a good one outright and lowering your monthly bill a little. With an upgraded router, you’ll also likely get better range and signal throughout your home. If you’ve always had a bad connection in the back of the house (or wherever), a better router could help.
A new or different router may also allow you to connect via the 5GHz band (“normal” Wi-Fi is 2.4GHz). 5GHz is generally faster and less susceptible to interference from other devices. It does not, however, penetrate walls as well.
READ MORE: How To Troubleshoot Xfinity Router Blinking Orange? (7 Easy Methods To Try)
How To Use A New WiFi Router To Access Netflix?
Because most home networks in the modern era stream, most routers that you can buy will come standard with the ability to stream. However, in some cases, routers may have firewalls in place that prevent Netflix from being accessed.
These denials may need to be addressed within the router’s configuration. In general, your security settings must be correctly configured in order for you to stream at all.
To begin streaming on your device, you must first log in to Netflix and ensure that your device is properly connected to your router. If you’re experiencing slow speeds, check your router settings to see what’s hogging the bandwidth.
CONCLUSION On Best Router For Streaming
When it comes to the best wireless router for streaming Netflix to TV, we discovered that the Netgear Nighthawk R7000 is the best option. This router will provide you with fast speeds and features to ensure that your streaming is uninterrupted.
If a high-performance router is preferable, the Linksys EA9500 router is the one for the job. It is extremely powerful in a variety of ways and will be able to handle streaming from multiple devices without issue. It all comes down to how many devices require Netflix streaming and how many people are using your bandwidth.
FAQs About The Best Router For Netflix
Is a wireless router required for Netflix?
You can use wireless Internet to access Netflix content if you have a Netflix Watch Instantly membership. If you buy a wireless router, all you have to do is connect it to your modem via an Ethernet cable and go through the router’s initial setup.
Why does my television keep buffering?
If the stream runs out of data, it will pause the video and you will have to wait again while more data downloads.
How fast of a connection do I need for Netflix?
A good broadband speed for streaming is at least 1.5 megabits per second (Mbps) for standard streaming services like BBC iPlayer, or 2.8Mbps for HD quality. For Netflix, the minimum required speed is approximately 3Mbps for standard streaming and 5Mbps for HD streaming.
