In the world today, our homes are getting smarter by the day. This means that you are likely to find several smart devices in every home today as compared to none 10 years ago. However, as always stated, there is an unrecognized device for this automation; so what is the best router for home automation/ smart home?
All you need to automate your home is a powerful smart home router that will give you excellent service. Having a smart home makes your life better and more enjoyable and solves several related issues.
A smart home supports all your home appliances such as computers, smart Tv, smartphones, tablets, iPhones, and gaming devices. In short, your router should be equal to the task to serve without failure.
In addition, most smart homes require a wide coverage router because some devices may be stationed in the lobby or the gardens. These devices may include smart bulbs and smart sprinklers among others.
Let’s dig deeper into assessing the routers and identifying the one that will perfectly serve you as the best router for your smart home.
Best router for home automation/ smart home in 2023 and beyond
Router | Specifications | Features | Check it out |
Amazon Eero Pro 6 Mesh system | Best mesh router for home automation | Triband, Has gigabit speeds, Range of up to 6000 sq. ft for 3 piece Devices: 75 Special: built-in Zigbee smart home hub | CHECK IT OUT |
Netgear R8000 Nighthawk X6 Router | Best router for home automation | Tri-band, WiFi Speed: Up to 4000 Mbps, Range: Up to 3500 Sq. Ft, Devices: Up to 55 | CHECK IT OUT |
ASUS RT-AC88U Router | Best for wide coverage | Dual-band, Speed: up to 3100Mbps, Devices: up to 35 devices, Range: up to 5000 sq. ft., 8 Gigabit LAN ports. | CHECK IT OUT |
Netgear Nighthawk X4S R7800 Router | Best for serving several devices | Dual-band Speed: up to 2600Mbps Devices: up to 45 devices Range: up to 2500 sq. ft. | CHECK IT OUT |
Linksys Tri-band WiFi AC2200 Router | Best budget tri-band router for home automation | Tri-band, Wi-Fi speed: Up to 2200 Mbps, Devices: 15 devices, Range: Up to 1,500 sq. ft, Special: Has MU MIMO | CHECK IT OUT |
D-Link AC3000 router | Best router for features for your smart home | Tri-band, Speed: up to 3000Mbps | CHECK IT OUT |
TP-Link Archer VR2800 modem router | Best DSL modem router for home automation | Dual-band, Speed: Up to 2800 Mbps, 4 Ethernet ports, VDSL2 Modem Router | CHECK IT OUT |
ASUS AC2600 Wireless modem router combo | The best modem router combo for home automation | Dual-Band router, DOCSIS 3.0, 32×8 Cable Modem, Speed: 2600Mbps | CHECK IT OUT |
TP-Link AC900 Smart router | Best Budget router for home automation | Dual-band, Speed: Up to 900Mbps, | CHECK IT OUT |
Amazon Eero pro 6 Mesh system
Do you have a smart home with lots of devices? Then you should look no further when looking for the best router for home automation. This is because Amazon Eero Pro 6 router offers a performance, connection to multiple devices, and a range like no other.
The router gives high-speed internet to over 75 devices simultaneously. Thus, this router can cover all the smart home devices and will ensure all the users can get the best performance for their needs.
The router gives internet speeds up to a Gigabit. These speeds are extremely good for gaming, 4K streaming, and other internet intense activities. In addition, each node has 2 Ethernet ports for high-speed connection to your wired devices.
Furthermore, the router has a wide coverage of up to 6,000 square feet for the 3-piece unit. More appealing for this device is that the coverage can be expanded using a compatible eero device. Therefore, if you have a large home you can add a node to expand the coverage.
Moreover, the router is excellent for homes with thick concrete walls or story buildings.
Configuration and security
The setup is very easy. You follow the prompts as guided through the eero app for set-up within minutes. In addition, you will get all round-the-clock support from eero customer care.
The router comes with a built-in Zigbee smart home hub. The hub connects all the Alexa-enabled devices without the need to set up Zigbee hubs for all the devices. Thus, you can control all the devices in your home with your voice.
Finally, the best router for a smart home will ensure your users and data are safe and protected. This is because it offers advanced security features and automatic updates to take care of new threats.
Comparison with other mesh home automation AX routers
The Amazon Eero Pro 6 is a superior mesh home automation router. It offers excellent WiFi speed, a wide signal range, and easy connectivity in your house or small business thanks to its three-tiered system that includes an internet gateway as well!
The app’s simple design makes creating new networks quick and painless – perfect for when you want more control over how devices connect wirelessly throughout the building space kicking it all back with no lag whatsoever on any level (even gameplay streaming).
The Asus Zen WiFi AX XT8 is our Editors’ Choice winner for Wi-Fi 6 mesh systems. The $150 cheaper mesh router offers superior performance and comes with lifetime parental controls (unlike eero pro 6), network security software to protect your home from cyber attacks as well as a multi-gig LAN port in addition to a USB connection so you can easily connect devices such as smart TVs or game consoles without any problems at all!
Pros
- Connect up to 75 devices simultaneously with high-speed internet
- Offer an expandable excellent range of up to 6,000 square feet
- Offers a high performance
- Built-in Zigbee smart hub
- It is easy to set up
- Compatible with all the Alexa enabled devices
- Offers the best internet security
Cons
- It is a bit expensive but is worth every penny
- The router has no free advanced parental controls
- Customization of devices prioritization on QoS is challenging
Recommendation
The Eero Pro 6 is our mesh home automation router of choice. With excellent WiFi speed and wide signal range, the Amazon device makes connecting every corner of your house or small business easy- breezy! You can also use it for those large homes that require more Coverage Area than one single wireless access point would provide.
The result is better coverage with less interference because there are no dead zones where signals will always be weak due to a lack of line of sight between nodes on different floors. Moreover thanks to an intuitive mobile app designed specifically for managing networks created by this product line for ways of connection and configuration. In addition, it features the Zigbee smart home hub!
The router does not offer free parental controls and the ability to set the QoS setting. Thus, if you want a router that will support your smart home without the need for many configurations, this is a masterpiece.
Netgear R8000 Nighthawk X6
Are you looking for a smart home router with the best technological features that will boost your browsing speed? Netgear R8000 is a perfect choice for you. Coming with channels that receive and send data simultaneously, you will enjoy excellent gaming and browsing.
The router has six antennas that send signals to all corners of your home. You will enjoy internet usage within a range of 3500 square feet. With a tri-band of 600+1300+1300Mbps. Within the field, the speed is quite fast.
Moreover, the router’s speed is highly boosted by the 1GHz dual-core processor, Dynamic QoS smart connect, and the Amazon Alexa that offers voice controls. Two 3.0 USB ports give you a chance to connect USB devices.
You can plug in several devices to the router, including computers, streaming players, and gaming tools with the Ethernet port. The router supports up to 50 devices and works perfectly when there are 35 connected devices.
You do not need to get worried about cybersecurity for your users and your children. The router has a premium Netgear armor that has several security features to protect your network.
Controlling your children’s activities in this Netgear home automation router is more technical. You can view the history of browsing, pause a device, limit internet usage, and filter websites. Setting a schedule for all these tasks is simple.
Pros
- Excellent technological features including speed, range, and number of devices connected
- The Netgear home automation router offers a tri-band connection
- Ease of use
- Guaranteed safety
- Compatible with various devices
Cons
- The Netgear’s customer support is not the very best and it is availed free for one year only
ASUS RT-AC88U Router
Are you in need of a router for a smart home that will handle many devices simultaneously with the best quality? ASUS RT-AC88U is here to offer exactly that. The router comes with a powerful combination of a dual-core processor and beamforming technology that makes accommodating many devices effortlessly.
The router has four antennas that make it reach a more comprehensive wireless range. The 4 transmit, 4 receive (4T4R) antenna technology enables this router to transmit high-speed Wi-Fi signals to a range of up to 5,000 square feet. This is, therefore, one of the widest coverage routers.
You will enjoy the fastest speed of up to 1000Mbps when using 2.4 GHz data rates and 2167Mbps for 5GHz. A built-in gaming accelerator makes you have maximum enjoyment with a smooth, uninterrupted flow.
Moreover, the router easily connects to wired devices. It has 8 Gigabit LAN ports that increase the number of connected devices, thus rivaling all the other best routers for wired devices. You can also connect your PC and Os devices effortlessly. The 1.4 GHz dual-core processor improves the speed of the network lowering delays.
MU-MIMO technology ensures that all connected devices enjoy high-speed internet. You will, therefore, have latency-free live streams and powerful gaming. In addition, the gaming experience is further enhanced by the adaptive QoS.
This best router for a smart home gives you control of the network using the ASUS app over your smartphone. You can offer parental control easily and triple the network strength easily.
Security features
The Asus RT-AC88U is a great option for VPN services due to its built-in features that include TrendMicro’s security and malware detection. However, an external hard drive like Western Digital My Cloud Mirror Gen 2 NAS Storage Server coupling does not do well due to its awkward placement of the USB port. It gives the router an average storage media capability for NAS drives.
The best feature about this router? The ability to protect your devices from online threats by using it as a NordVPN router, for ExpressVPN, or any other service you choose (including Protect Your Privacy). With all these benefits combined into one device – what more could someone ask from their internet connection?
Comparison with other home automation routers
The Asus RT-AC88U router is a top-shelf performance-oriented WiFi device that excels in many aspects. It doesn’t compromise on performance, delivering fast data rates and stable signals at all times.
The sleek and appealing exterior may be enough for some people but even better than looks? A stable wireless signal with fast data rates! Moreover, it performs even better than more costly AC5300 routers such as Netgear X8 or Asus’s own AC5300 model. The two can deliver excellent speeds on 5GHz Wi-Fi bandwidth and 2.4 GHz networks all at once.
Thus the Asus RT-AC88U offers an amazing online experience without any lag whatsoever. This means you get your money’s worth with this product because it offers so much for what they charge – don’t overlook these deals when shopping around.
Pros
- One of the widest Wi-Fi coverage
- Fast connection
- Connects 8 wired devices
- Beamforming technology
- Dual-core processor
- Gives the best gaming experience
- Compatible with many devices
Cons
- This router is a bit expensive even though it is worth the money
- The router has only 1 USB port
Recommendation
The Asus RT-AC88U router is a perfect fit for those who are looking to set up their smart home network and connect multiple devices. With eight fast Gigabit LAN ports, you can stream 4K video with no problem!
It also has an easy web interface which makes using the device even more fun than it sounds – just imagine controlling your entire WiFi experience from one screen!
One of its best features includes Trend Micro’s robust parental controls system that will keep your kids safe on their own personal network from all sorts of harmful websites.
Netgear Nighthawk X4S R7800 Router
Looking for a router that offers you the best simplicity in control with a powerful connection? Get the Netgear X4S R7800-100UKS. Netgear routers are known as some of the best routers in the world.
This smart router will make your home an entirely automated place. It has the potential of reaching all the dead corners with the four powerful antennas that push signals even through stone walls. This is because it has a range of up to 2,500 square feet.
It has gigabit Wi-Fi speeds of up to 2,600Mbps on dual-band connections. The 2.4GHz band can give you speeds of up to 800Mbps while the 5GHz band gives you up to 1,733Mbps. You can also add additional channels of 5GHz without a single interference.
In addition, this router supports 4 wired devices in your home with high-speed gigabit internet. This means that you can connect your gaming consoles, computers, and other wired devices easily. It is truly one of the best routers for a smart home.
One great thing about this Netgear home automation router is that it allows you to store your data in the cloud and access it anywhere. You can connect to the network using windows, and many other browsers without experiencing any connection challenges.
Controlling and setting up the router is another simplified task. You can enjoy parental controls and guest networks using a mobile app. Setting up the network is quite simple as the connections are straightforward.
Pros
- Easy to setup
- Simplified controls
- Beamforming technology
- Offers excellent Wi-Fi speeds
- Has 4 Ethernet ports and 2 USB ports
- The Netgear home automation router supports many devices (45 devices)
Cons
- Low speed when connected to many devices
Linksys AC2200 router
Are you looking for a router that will offer you seamless entertainment? Get this router.
With a Wi-Fi coverage of 2000 square feet. You will enjoy streaming and gaming at high speeds. It comes with tri-band connections and an excellent 4K HD streaming. It is ideal for gaming and Livestream watching.
The router has four antennas that ensure that the Wi-Fi signal reaches a broader range. It can support more than 20 devices without experiencing latency. When integrated with the mesh system, you will enjoy more range coverage.
The tri-band router ensures that you enjoy the fastest speeds of up to 2.2 Gbps +400 mbps+867 Mbps+867 Mbps. Such a high speed makes the router an excellent choice for HD watching and streaming.
Moreover, the router will support setups using Linksys app that enables you to control the router anywhere. Setting the speaker up is also not a complicated process. You can always use an existing modem to set the router. Bluetooth devices of IOS and android will make your setup process more simplified and quick.
Pros
- Easy to set up and control
- High speeds
- Many devices connection
- No latency
- Works with existing modems
- 5 Ethernet ports
Cons
- Latency when too many devices are connected.
D-Link AC3000 router
D-Link AC3000 is a smart home router compliant with 802.11a/b/g/n/ac wireless standards. It offers a broader range of connections with multi-Mimo technology. It is a tri-band router that gives you the best internet connection.
The router has a USB port, 4 Gigabit ports, and six external antennas that make connections more robust. Having the USB and Ethernet ports makes the router compatible with other devices. Links are through a simple plugin.
The router takes care of the future expansion of the network because of the advanced mesh. It uses the Ethernet connection technology that makes its signal compelling. Several people can enjoy using the router because of the 400+866+1733MBps speed that also supports other devices.
Setting up and connecting the router is done by using the D-Link app that you can install on your smartphone.
Furthermore, you will enjoy advanced parental controls and other operations without necessarily touching your control gadgets. The router works perfectly with Alexa and googles assistant that offers you simplified control.
This is an excellent router for an apartment because of these exceptional features that enable it to handle Wi-Fi interference while also covering your whole apartment with high-speed Wi-Fi.
Pros
- Easy to set up and control
- Voice controls
- MU-MIMO technology
- Stable connection
Cons
- Low speed when connected to many users
TP-Link Archer VR2800 router
TP-Link AC2800 is an extra fast router with a built-in ADSL modem and the latest Wi-Fi standards. The router is four times faster than the old version routers. It easily connects to devices with its four antennas offering the best stability and quick support.
This best router for a smart home is a very excellent choice for places that have several devices. If your home has several people with various devices, then they won’t complain. It offers stable support for streaming to your devices with a maintained speed of 2800Mbps supported by MU-MIMO technology.
The DSL modem router is compatible with ADSL2, VDSL2, ADSL1, and ADSL. It has two 3.0 USB ports and Ethernet ports that connect the router to several devices simultaneously.
For excellent performance, it has a 1GHz dual-core CPU with two fast processors that make it achieve its peak without facing delays. The processors not only improve the data transfer rate but also boost multitasking.
Are the features making you afraid of the initial setup process? Don’t worry. You will quickly set up the router using a mobile and a free tether app. the router allows for excellent adjustment of the settings to meet your needs.
You can also create a guest network and parental control for easy network maintenance.
Pros
- Very quick
- Guest network and parental controls
- Sharing data within systems is fast and straightforward
- Built-in modem
- Multi-MIMO technology
- Detachable antennas
Cons
- May need frequent setting
ASUS AC2600 Wireless modem router (CM-32)
You are looking for a router that works with Amazon Alexa? This modem router is the gadget for you. It comes with an eye-catching design that adds decoration to your home. With its multiple connection bands, you will enjoy fast streaming with support to various devices.
The device combines a DOCSIS 3.0 modem and an AC2600 router for the best internet connection for a smart home. It is compatible with all the major ISPs thus ensuring you will get the best connection at home.
The modem router combo has powerful and latest Wi-Fi technology that supports the use of multiple devices. It offers fast Wi-Fi speeds of up to 2,600Mbps, thus ideal for gaming and live streaming. The rate is maintained even when several appliances are using the network through Wi-Fi or on the 4 Gigabit Ethernet ports.
The modem router has 4 high-performance antennas coupled with AiRadar beamforming technology for an extra range. Your whole home will be covered with high-speed Wi-Fi. In addition, it has MU-MIMO to connect several devices simultaneously.
Internet safety is one of the things that everyone is afraid of nowadays. ASUS AC2600 is a safe router that allows you to adjust settings to protect your users and children. Blue Cave technology offers advanced settings to filter harmful content and cyber threats.
We cannot talk about simplicity without speaking of the setting up of the router. You can use your smartphone, tablet, or pc to control the network. You will get instant notifications for security reports and network activity.
Pros
- Extra fast connection
- Gaming and streaming support
- Offers wide coverage Wi-Fi connection
- Latest Wi-Fi technology
- Modem router combo- no need for a separate modem
- Excellent network safety
Cons
- Not the latest modem technology
TP-Link AC900 Smart router
TP-Link AC900 is a high-speed Multi-MIMO router that offers smart connect with Alexa. When used to automate your home, the router will deliver the best services ever.
The router has three antennas through a broader range of wireless connections. It has a speed of 600+1300Mbps, which is maintained with all its connected devices. The beamforming technology boosts the Wi-Fi coverage making streaming more efficient.
The MU-MIMO technology helps the router to offer three simultaneous streams that make the router’s performance excellent. Smart connect technology also directs users to the less congested bands hence lowering latency.
In terms of security, the router is an excellent protector for cybercrime and parental controls. It has VPN and WPA3 that make browsing safe. You can also choose what your children will do with the internet and also offer guest Wi-Fi.
Setting the router up and controlling its activities is very simple. You will use a TP-Link tether app to set up and manage your network. The router perfectly works with Alexa. You can, therefore, opt to use voice controls.
Pros
- Easy to set up and use
- Beamforming technology
- MU-MIMO technology
- Alexa
- Parental controls
Cons
- Lower speed on many devices
Buyers guide for home automation router
A home automation router is not just any router that will offer you a network. You need a router that will probably support all your devices and provide a stable connection.
Several features come with home automation routers that make them ideal for the talk. Look at the following features when getting your router.
MU-MIMO Technology
When getting a home automation router, consider getting one with MU-MIMO technology. MU-MIMO means Multiple in, multiple out. This technology helps the router to handle a lot of traffic and have it solved.
A router with this technology will serve many devices at high speed. Most of the routers reviewed in this article have this technology and thus can be able to handle all the home devices.
Modem router combo or separate
A modem is a bit that connects the router to the internet. It can either be inbuilt or bought separately.
Getting a router with a built-in modem makes installation easy hence you can straight away begin to use it. However, getting a modem router combo has its own disadvantages including having to replace the whole equipment when one is broken. You can read more about modem router combos here.
You can get information about the modem in the router’s user manual.
Built-in CPU power
A CPU plays a significant role in maintaining your internet speed. The processor determines the speed at which information is processed by your router.
The processor regulates the speed measured in GHz. Getting a router for a smart home with a powerful processor will guarantee you a faster rate.
Compatibility
Your smart router should be compatible with many devices and technologies. You should be able to connect both wired and wireless devices to the router. The presence of ports determines compatibility.
You should also check on the number of users and devices that the router can support.
What are the dream smart router specifications?
Wi-Fi 6 connection
These are the current Wi-Fi standards. Also referred to as 802.11AX standards. These standards give you better Wi-Fi speeds, connection to multiple devices, and better security features among other features which are all the needs of a smart home.
These are the future standards for Wi-Fi connections.
What the protocol gives you is the ability for several devices to upload and download data simultaneously.
However, as of today, not all devices are Wi-Fi 6 compatible. Therefore, if you have an 802.11ac router, you can still retain it for some time if you do not have so many devices.
Tri-band radio
Because you have a smart home, you require a router that can handle all the devices seamlessly. A tri-band router has an additional 5GHz band on the dual-band router’s 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands.
Since the 5GHz band has faster speeds, less interference, but a shorter range, your devices will enjoy faster speeds when connected to the router.
Prioritization of the band and the frequency gives you better connections when you have a tri-band router.
However, if you have a good dual-band router and your home does not have higher than normal internet requirements, you can retain a dual-band router.
Smart speaker integration
We are discussing a smart home, right? Most smart homes have smart speakers and getting a router with a smart home integration makes your home better.
Since most router manufacturers are recognizing the importance of smart speakers in our home, so many of the routers are offering integrations with Amazon’s Alexa and Google’s Home Assistant.
The integration offers you voice control over your router’s network. This helps in setting parental controls, regulating devices connected to your network, locating misplaced devices, and enable Guest Wi-Fi among other functions.
All these features are exceptional for every home with smart devices. Imagine even restarting your router using voice commands!
Mesh Wi-Fi
Mesh Wi-Fi is exceptional for a smart home. This is because of the range, number of devices, sharing login details in the whole network, and the beauty among others.
If you have a large home and are experiencing dead spots, then you should consider getting mesh systems.
Even though they are more costly, they offer a seamless network extension. This is because a mesh router has a node (router) connected to the modem or ONT box but you can add nodes/ satellites seamlessly to extend the network.
Advanced security
What is more important is the security and privacy of our homes. We have so many online predators looking to prey on your weak point.
For security purposes, so many routers these days have the current security standards as defined by WI-Fi protocols. These include antivirus in addition to/or firewall protection.
However, some models even have better security features in that they have integration to TrendMicro and McAfee virus protection.
What happens is that if you get these routers, you are assured that your home will very safe.
Final verdict
Home automation is a precious thing. However, getting the best router for this home automation is ever the best thing.
We have looked at the best router for home automation. Picking one from here will make you satisfied. It is valuable to follow what the guide has stipulated to get the perfect router.
Smart Home Routers FAQs
Which is the easiest router to set up?
Most of the routers with an app or web user console are easy to set up. In our test, Amazon eero Pro 6 Mesh system and Asus RT-AC88U are the easiest routers to set up. You can use the respective apps to set up the routers within minutes. Extension of the network for Amazon Eero Pro 6 is extremely easy when using the app.
Which is the best router for smart home devices?
Smart home devices require an intelligent, reliable, fast, and long-range internet connection. With this in mind, Amazon Eero Pro 6 system gives you gigabit internet speeds, long-range coverage, connection to more than 50 devices, and compatibility with all home devices.
Which smart home devices require integration with the routers?
To ensure you get the best smart home, some devices need to be integrated with your router. The devices include smart speakers, smart home managers, thermostats, smart lights, smart door locks, and others. However, smart home managers and smart speakers are really crucial devices for integration.
Do I get a wired or wireless router for home automation?
Wired routers give you reliable connections and fast internet but are limited on the number of devices you can connect and the movement with your devices. Wireless (Wi-Fi) connections on the other hand are slower especially as you move away from the router but can connect multiple devices and you can move with the devices. For the best result, you can pick a wireless router with multiple Gigabit Ethernet ports such as ASUS RT-AC88U Router (8 Ethernet ports).