Surprisingly, streaming content online doesn't demand much bandwidth. Most streaming platforms like Netflix, Disney+, Apple TV+, and Max recommend a minimum speed of 25 to 50Mbps for 4k HDR content. Nearly all of the 60+ routers we bought and tested deliver speeds that are more than suitable for multiple devices streaming content simultaneously, as long as your internet plan's maximum speed isn't the bottleneck. Still, a better router can provide better network coverage and faster speeds at longer distances, which is especially important if you have a big house or like to stream movies in your backyard under the stars. Read on to see our picks for the best routers for streaming.
If you want more router recommendations, check out our picks for the best budget and cheap routers, the best long-range routers, or the best Wi-Fi 6 routers. If you're also in the market for a VPN, check out our article on the best VPN services.
Since we started reviewing them in 2024, we've tested over 60 routers. We maintain complete editorial independence and impartiality by purchasing each router ourselves, which ensures we aren't testing specially selected review units. Rather than casually assessing performance by throwing on Netflix and seeing if it works, we rigorously evaluate each router on a standardized testing platform, providing you with all the data you need to compare different models.
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Best Router For Streaming
Apartment/Condo8.8Multi-Level House8.5Speed8.9Range8.5Wi-Fi Version:Wi-Fi 7 (be)See all our test resultsTest Configuration:Dual Node MeshIf you live in a very large home or notice that a standalone router leaves you staring at the Netflix buffering animation in some rooms, a mesh Wi-Fi system might help. We recommend the TP-Link Deco BE63 as the best router for streaming. This tri-band Wi-Fi 7 router has a sleek design, so it won't look jarring in your living space, and its small footprint means it's easy to slot into your home's decor. It offers great range performance, and since it's designed to be easily expandable, you can purchase additional units for better coverage if you have an especially large home or some pesky dead zones. If you're unsure, you can always start by buying a single unit and getting a second later if you need the extra coverage. Speed performance is no problem either, as it can more than handle multiple devices streaming 4k HDR content, no matter what room they're in.
TP-Link's Deco app makes it easy to get your mesh network up and running quickly. You can configure and monitor your network, see the number of connected devices, and access settings like the channel widths each band operates on. By default, you have access to several basic parental control features where you can set profiles for specific devices and block certain sites or categories. Unfortunately, more precise parental controls like time management, as well as additional security features like a network-wide antivirus, are behind TP-Link's HomeShield monthly subscription service.
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Best Mid-Range Router For Streaming
Apartment/Condo8.5Multi-Level House8.0Speed8.8Range7.8Wi-Fi Version:Wi-Fi 7 (be)See all our test resultsTest Configuration:StandaloneIf you want to spend a little less, or don't think you'll need a mesh system, the best mid-range router for streaming we've tested is the TP-Link Archer BE550, a tri-band Wi-Fi 7 router with 2.4GHz, 5GHz, and 6GHz bands. It delivers speeds more than capable for multiple people simultaneously streaming high-bitrate 4k HDR content. The range performance for multi-level homes is also excellent, so you can take full advantage of a gigabit internet connection. All five of its Ethernet ports are rated for 2.5Gbps, so there won't be bottlenecks for your high-bandwidth wired devices like a gaming PC or NAS. If your home suffers from connection dropouts due to dead zones, don't worry; this router is compatible with TP-Link's EasyMesh functionality, allowing you to create a mesh network with other compatible routers or range extenders for better coverage.
If you have newer devices compatible with Wi-Fi 6E or Wi-Fi 7, you'll benefit from this router's blazing-fast 6GHz band. But since Wi-Fi 7 is a new standard, it'll likely be a while before you upgrade all your other devices to take advantage of its serious performance promises. You can see if the new devices you're shopping for are Wi-Fi 7 certified by consulting the product finder on the Wi-Fi Alliance's website. With that in mind, this router's biggest downside is its range performance on the 5GHz band. While it still delivers speeds suitable for most high-bandwidth uses like fast downloads at 100 feet away, a mesh solution like the TP-Link Deco BE63, our top pick, would be a better option.
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Best Budget Router For Streaming
Apartment/Condo7.7Multi-Level House7.8Speed7.9Range7.9Wi-Fi Version:Wi-Fi 6 (ax)See all our test resultsTest Configuration:StandaloneIf you're on a tighter budget, we recommend the TP-Link Archer AX55 as the best budget router for streaming that we've tested. It's a dual-band Wi-Fi 6 router with a conventional design and a small footprint that won't take up too much space. This router really shines in its range and speed performance; at close range, it can saturate an internet connection up to 750Mbps and maintain consistently fast speeds up to nearly 100 feet away. With speeds like that, it has no problem handling high-speed downloads and multiple users streaming 4k HDR content at the same time.
This router has impressive range that's suitable for most apartments and small to medium-sized homes. If your home is especially large and you can't place the router centrally because of where your internet cable enters the house, it's compatible with both OneMesh and EasyMesh, meaning you can create a mesh network with compatible routers and range extenders. If you have a lot of cutting-edge Wi-Fi 6E or Wi-Fi 7 devices, then this router's biggest drawback is that it's a Wi-Fi 6 device, so you'll lose out on access to the 6GHz band for faster speeds.
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Best Cheap Router For Streaming
Apartment/Condo7.2Multi-Level House7.3Speed7.6Range7.2Wi-Fi Version:Wi-Fi 6 (ax)See all our test resultsTest Configuration:StandaloneIf you want to spend as little as possible and just want something that does the job, we recommend the TP-Link Archer AX10. It's a Wi-Fi 6 router that offers good speed and decent range. At close range, it can hit speeds of up to 600Mbps, and it still delivers solid performance at distances of around 100 feet. That's plenty for everyday browsing, large downloads, or streaming 4k video, even when several people are online at the same time. If you need extra coverage, you can pair it with any OneMesh-compatible range extender to expand your network.
The Archer AX10 features a standard design with four external antennas and a compact size, making it easy to fit into most homes, though it won't win any style points. Its biggest limitation is the lack of support for DFS, meaning it can't access DFS-only channels that can help boost performance in crowded wireless setups like apartment buildings.
Notable Mentions
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eero Max 7:
The eero Max 7 is the fastest router we've tested. It's a Wi-Fi 7 mesh router that's incredibly fast and maintains gigabit speeds nearly 100 feet away. However, it's incredibly expensive and overkill for streaming, and the TP-Link BE63 delivers enough range and performance for most people, at a much lower cost.
See our review -
ASUS RT-BE96U:
The ASUS RT-BE96U is a Wi-Fi 7 router that delivers immense top speeds that are the fastest we've measured. It's huge, has an over-the-top aesthetic, and is incredibly expensive. Hence, the TP-Link Archer BE550 is a better choice since it still delivers excellent performance for considerably less.
See our review
Recent Updates
Feb 05, 2026:
We've made a few changes to this article to better reflect the current market. The TP-Link Deco BE63 is now our top pick, while we've made the TP-Link Archer BE550 our mid-range pick. We've also made the TP-Link Archer AX55 our budget pick and added the TP-Link Archer AX10 as our cheap pick.
Apr 18, 2025:
We've mentioned the TP-Link Deco BE63 in our 'Best Mesh Wi-Fi System For Streaming' section as an alternative to the eero Pro 6E when it's not on sale.
Mar 06, 2025:
We've verified our recommendations are available and represent the best options.
Feb 05, 2025:
We've verified our recommendations are available and represent the best choices. We also made edits for clarity throughout.
Jan 08, 2025:
We've audited this article and ensured all picks remain relevant and consistently available.
All Reviews
Our recommendations above are currently the best routers for streaming for most people, whether you're looking to upgrade to the latest Wi-Fi standard, replace your ISP-provided router, or even get a better connection in your backyard. We factor in the price (a cheaper router wins over a pricier one if the difference isn't worth it), feedback from our users, and availability (no routers that are difficult to find or almost out of stock everywhere).
If you'd like to choose for yourself, here's the list of all our router reviews. Be careful not to get too caught up in the details. While no router is perfect, nearly all of them are more than good enough for streaming 4k HDR content, even with multiple simultaneous users.