Best Wired Router for 2023

Best Overall: TP-Link ER605 V2 Wired Gigabit VPN Router

The TP-Link ER605 V2 Wired Gigabit VPN Router is a feature-rich networking device that offers reliable connectivity and advanced security features. With its five Gigabit ports, including three WAN ports and two LAN ports, it optimizes bandwidth usage and provides flexibility in network configurations. The USB WAN port also allows for mobile broadband via 4G/3G modem, serving as a backup option.

One of the standout features of this router is its integration into the Omada SDN platform. By leveraging Omada's Software Defined Networking, users can control and manage network devices, such as gateways, access points, and switches, through different control options like the Omada Hardware Controller, Omada Software Controller, or the Omada Cloud-based controller. This centralized cloud management enables easy monitoring and configuration of the entire network from anywhere at any time.

The TP-Link ER605 V2 also offers robust security functionalities. It includes advanced firewall policies, DoS defense, IP/MAC/URL filtering, and speed tests to safeguard your network and data. Moreover, it supports highly secure VPN connections, including LAN-to-LAN IPsec, OpenVPN, L2TP, and PPTP VPNs, ensuring secure remote access and data transmission.

In terms of compatibility, the TP-Link ER605 V2 is suitable for home use and is compatible with personal computers. It comes with the necessary components, including the Gigabit VPN Router ER605, power adapter, RJ45 Ethernet cable, and a quick installation guide.

Overall, the TP-Link ER605 V2 Wired Gigabit VPN Router offers a reliable and secure networking solution for home users. With its multiple WAN and LAN ports, integrated Omada SDN platform, and advanced security features, it provides the necessary tools for efficient network management and protection. Backed by TP-Link's limited lifetime protection and 24/7 technical support, this router is a solid choice for users seeking a dependable and secure wired router for their home network.

Best Budget: Linksys EA7300 Max-Stream: AC1750 Dual-Band Wi-Fi Router

The Linksys EA7300 Max-Stream AC1750 Dual-Band Wi-Fi Router is a reliable and high-performing networking device that offers excellent coverage and fast Wi-Fi speeds. With its dual-band functionality and MU-MIMO technology, it provides a seamless internet experience for multiple devices simultaneously.

The router offers up to 1,500 square feet of Wi-Fi coverage, making it suitable for medium-sized homes or offices. It supports connectivity for over 10 wireless devices, ensuring that you can connect and use multiple devices without any compromise in performance.

Setting up the Linksys EA7300 is hassle-free, thanks to the simple setup process facilitated by the Linksys App. The router works with your existing modem, making it easy to integrate into your network infrastructure. The compatibility with various browsers, such as Internet Explorer, Safari, Firefox, and Google Chrome, ensures smooth configuration across different platforms.

One of the standout features of the Linksys EA7300 is its ability to handle bandwidth-intensive tasks such as 4K HD streaming and gaming without buffering. With dual-band Wi-Fi speeds of up to 1.7 Gbps (450 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band and 1300 Mbps on the 5 GHz band), it delivers fast and reliable connectivity for demanding applications.

MU-MIMO technology is another notable feature of this router. It allows for simultaneous Wi-Fi connections to multiple devices at high speeds, ensuring a lag-free experience for all connected devices.

Additionally, the Linksys EA7300 comes with an exclusive extended 18-month warranty, which provides peace of mind and reassurance regarding the product's durability and reliability.

In conclusion, the Linksys EA7300 Max-Stream AC1750 Dual-Band Wi-Fi Router is a powerful networking solution suitable for home use and small offices. With its wide coverage, fast Wi-Fi speeds, and MU-MIMO technology, it delivers a seamless internet experience for multiple devices. The simple setup process and compatibility with existing modems make it user-friendly, while the extended warranty adds an extra layer of protection. If you're looking for a reliable and high-performing Wi-Fi router, the Linksys EA7300 is a solid choice.

Best Value: Linksys Mesh Wifi 6 Router, Dual-Band, 1,700 Sq. ft Coverage

The Linksys Mesh WiFi 6 Router (MR7310) is a powerful and advanced networking device that provides excellent coverage, high-speed connectivity, and enhanced security features. With its intelligent mesh technology and compatibility with the latest WiFi 6 standard, this router delivers a seamless and efficient networking experience.

With a coverage of up to 1,700 square feet, the MR7310 can handle 25+ devices simultaneously without compromising performance. Whether you're streaming content, gaming, or working on multiple devices, this router ensures a smooth and lag-free experience.

The intelligent mesh technology allows you to expand your WiFi coverage easily. By adding additional compatible Linksys mesh devices, you can create a unified mesh network that provides full-speed WiFi coverage throughout your home or office.

The MR7310 also prioritizes security. With automatic updates, parental controls, and a guest mode feature, you can have peace of mind knowing that your network is protected and your data is secure. The Linksys App enables easy setup and control of your network from anywhere, making it convenient to manage your network settings and monitor connected devices.

Additionally, the MR7310 comes equipped with a USB 3.0 port, allowing you to share files and add external storage devices across your network.

The Linksys Mesh WiFi 6 Router (MR7310) offers a reliable and advanced networking solution for users seeking high-speed connectivity, expanded coverage, and enhanced security features. With its intelligent mesh technology, easy setup through the Linksys App, and compatibility with the latest WiFi 6 standard, this router provides a future-proof solution for all your networking needs.

It is worth noting that the MR7310 comes with an exclusive extended 18-month warranty, further ensuring the quality and reliability of the product.

In conclusion, if you're looking for a high-performance WiFi 6 router that offers excellent coverage, advanced security features, and easy expandability, the Linksys Mesh WiFi 6 Router (MR7310) is an excellent choice. Its robust features and user-friendly interface make it a reliable networking solution for homes and offices.

Editor's Choise: Gryphon Tower Super-Fast Mesh WiFi Router 2-Pack – Advanced Firewall Security

The Gryphon Tower Super-Fast Mesh WiFi Router 2-Pack is a powerful and comprehensive networking solution that offers secure and efficient connectivity for your entire home. With its advanced features, including firewall security, parental controls, and content filters, it provides a safe and reliable internet experience for your family.

The Gryphon Tower is designed to deliver fast and dependable mesh WiFi coverage, ensuring that all your smart devices stay connected seamlessly. With its tri-band technology and AC3000 speeds, it can provide coverage of up to 3,000 square feet off a single router, making it suitable for large homes.

One of the standout features of the Gryphon Tower is its comprehensive parental controls. With active content monitoring, app and website blocking, individualized time limits, and usage insights, parents can create a safe internet experience for their children and have better control over their screen time.

In terms of security, the Gryphon Tower offers advanced features to protect your devices and data. It includes modern malware and ransomware protection, intelligent intrusion detection to guard against hackers, and automatic protection from phishing scams. This ensures that your network and connected devices are safeguarded against potential threats.

Setting up the Gryphon Tower is simple, and it can be easily controlled through the Gryphon Connect app. The app provides a single solution for managing your WiFi network, parental controls, device access, and app usage. This makes it convenient and user-friendly for controlling and monitoring your network from your smartphone.

In conclusion, the Gryphon Tower Super-Fast Mesh WiFi Router 2-Pack is an excellent choice for users seeking secure and reliable connectivity for their entire home. With its advanced security features, comprehensive parental controls, and easy smartphone control through the Gryphon Connect app, it provides a comprehensive solution for managing your network and ensuring a safe internet experience.

Efficiency and Velocity
One of the primary considerations when selecting a wired router is its efficacy and speed capabilities. To ensure rapid data transmission, search for routers that support high-speed Ethernet connections, such as Gigabit Ethernet. Additionally, the router should be able to handle intense network traffic without degrading performance.

Safety Measures
Security is of utmost importance when it comes to networking. Ensure that the wired router you choose includes advanced security features like firewall protection, VPN support, and intrusion detection systems. These features will assist in protecting your network from cyber threats and preserving the confidentiality of your data.

Port Availability
Assess the number and type of available interfaces on the wired router. Consider the devices that will be connected to the router and ensure that there are sufficient interfaces. Additionally, seek out routers with USB interfaces to facilitate file sharing and printer connectivity.

User-Friendliness and Setup
Choose a wired router with an intuitive interface and simple installation. Look for routers with user-friendly web-based configuration interfaces or mobile apps that enable you to easily configure settings and manage your network.

Reputation of the Brand and Customer Service
Choose a wired router from a well-known manufacturer of dependable networking equipment. Investigate client reviews and ratings to evaluate customer satisfaction overall. Ensure that the manufacturer provides prompt and dependable customer service in the event that you encounter problems or require assistance.

Budget Considerations
It's crucial to have a budget in mind while considering all the essential features. Determine how much you are willing to spend on a wired router and search for a model that offers the greatest value. Consider that a higher price does not always indicate superior performance, and evaluate the features against the price.

Can a wired router be used for wireless connections?

While wired routers focus predominantly on wired connections, many models also support wireless connections. Look for routers with both conventional and wireless capabilities if you need flexibility in network configuration.

How do I configure an Ethernet router?

Typically, installing an Ethernet router is straightforward. Using an Ethernet cable, attach your modem to the router's WAN port, and then connect your devices to the LAN ports. Follow the manufacturer's configuration instructions for any additional steps.

Can the firmware of my Ethernet router be upgraded?

Yes, the majority of wired routers support firmware upgrades to improve performance, add new features, or patch security flaws. Check the manufacturer's website for firmware updates and adhere to their upgrade instructions.

What is the average lifetime of an Ethernet router?

The lifespan of a wired router can vary dependent on the device's build quality and maintenance. The average lifespan of an Ethernet router is between 3 and 7 years. Regular firmware updates and proper maintenance can extend the life of a device.

Are hardwired routers more secure than their wireless counterparts?

In general, wired routers offer greater security than wireless routers. The absence of wireless signals makes wired connections more secure, as it reduces the risk of unauthorised access. However, regardless of the router type, it is essential to implement the appropriate security measures.

Choosing the best wired router for your network is a decision that shouldn't be taken lightly. By considering factors such as performance, security features, port availability, ease of use, brand reputation, and budget, you can make an informed choice. Remember to conduct thorough research and read customer reviews to ensure you find a wired router that meets your specific requirements. With a reliable wired router, you can enjoy fast and secure internet connectivity for all your networking needs.