Best Routers for Xfinity 2024
We selected the best five out of a dozen tested routers we think are ideal for Xfinity’s cable internet.
Aug 26, 2024 | Share
Best Routers, Brand Guides
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Best overallTP-Link Archer AX11000
- $289.95*
- Free antivirus
- Multi-gig internet support
- No real gaming tools
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Best for multi-gigTP-Link Archer AX6000
- $169.99*
- Free antivirus
- Multi-gig internet support
- No third band
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Best for budgetsTP-Link Archer AX20
- $44.99*
- Free antivirus
- Great low price
- Limited features
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Best for rangeNETGEAR Nighthawk RAX200
- $549.95*
- Blazing Wi-Fi speeds
- Multi-gig internet support
- High cost
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Best for meshTP-Link Deco X55
- $169.98*
- Great look
- Decent speeds
- Subscription features
*Amazon.com prices (as of 8/26/24 13:25 MST). Read full disclaimer.
Our pick: Which router for Xfinity is best?
The TP-Link Archer AX11000 is our pick for the best router you can use with Xfinity’s cable internet service. It’s not the fastest router we’ve tested to date, but it’s great for a busy home and packs loads of extra features like free antivirus, free parental controls, and plenty of ports for wired connections. If you want a router with a bit more speed, the Archer AX6000 is a great alternative.
How we test routers
We vigorously test routers to see how well they stack up against the competition in speed and range. We also evaluate the setup process and dig into the web and mobile apps to see if they’re easy or difficult to use. Check out our methodology section for more information.
The 5 best routers for Xfinity
- Best overall: TP-Link Archer AX11000
- Best for multi-gig: TP-Link Archer AX6000
- Best for budgets: TP-Link Archer AX20
- Best for range: NETGEAR Nighthawk RAX200
- Best for mesh: TP-Link Deco X55
Compare gaming router speeds and prices
Model | Max throughput | Tested speed @ 40 ft.† | Price* | Order online | |
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Best overall | TP-Link Archer AX11000 | 11,000Mbps | 692Mbps | $289.95 | View on Amazon |
Best for Multi-Gig | TP-Link Archer AX6000 | 6,000Mbps | 605Mbps | $169.99 | View on Amazon |
Best for budgets | TP-Link Archer AX20 | 1,800Mbps | 470Mbps | $44.99 | View on Amazon |
Best for range | NETGEAR Nighthawk RAX200 | 11,000Mbps | 691Mbps | $549.95 | View on Amazon |
Best for mesh | TP-Link Deco X55 | 3,000Mbps | 339Mbps | $169.98 | View on Amazon |
* Amazon.com Prices (as of 8/26/24 13:25 MST). Read full disclaimer.
† Speed recorded using a Wi-Fi 6 client and an 80 MHz channel.
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Answer 6 questions and get your personalized results!
How many people in your household use the internet/WiFi on a daily basis?
How many devices in your home connect to the internet, including tablets, gaming consoles, and smart devices?
How many people in your household work from home?
What video quality do you use for streaming TV and movies?
How intensely does your household participate in online gaming?
Does your household download large files from the cloud or via the internet?
What should you look for in a router for Xfinity?
Unlike cable modems, you don’t need a specific router for Xfinity’s cable internet. But if you have Xfinity’s Gigabit Extra (or just Gigabit, depending on where you live) plan, you need a router with a 2.5Gbps WAN port or one that supports link aggregation for a 2Gbps connection to the modem. Which method you choose to use depends on the modem you have now, but both methods support Xfinity’s 1.2Gbps cable internet speeds.
We also prefer Wi-Fi 6 over the older Wi-Fi 5 standard, as it supports more devices, enables faster Wi-Fi speeds, and handles data more efficiently. Newer client devices like smartphones, tablets, and laptops support Wi-Fi 6, but even if you have a Wi-Fi 5 device now, you’ll have a Wi-Fi 6 router ready with faster speeds when you eventually upgrade.
Best overall—TP-Link Archer AX11000
Kevin Parrish | HighSpeedInternet.com |
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The best solution for multi-gig cable internet |
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Score:4out of 5 |
You can’t go wrong with the Archer AX11000, even if you aren’t a gamer. It’s rather bold in appearance, sure, but it has decent speeds, free antivirus and parental controls, and enough wired options to free up the airwaves tablets, smartphones, and laptops. |
Pros | Cons |
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Price: $289.95*
*Amazon.com price (as of 8/26/24 13:25 MST). Read full disclaimer.
Expand for product details and ratings
Category | Score* | Summary |
Performance | 4 | Falls behind the Archer AX6000 and Archer AX90, but it’s on par with the similar ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AX11000. |
Features | 4 | Includes a freeTP-Link HomeCare subscription for the life of the router. |
Design | 4 | Provides loads of wired connectivity, multi-gig internet support, three bands, and plenty of streams to help relieve congestion. |
Setup | 4 | Has a quick and easy setup, so your network is online in no time. |
Ease of use | 4 | Employs a decent easy-to-use web interface but a better experience through the Tether app. |
*out of 5 points
What we like about it: This wasn’t the fastest router in our tests— it fell slightly behind TP-Link’s own Archer AX6000 and AX90 models. But there’s a lot to love here for the price: free antivirus and parental controls, a 2.5Gbps WAN port, link aggregation if your modem doesn’t have a 2.5Gbps port, and loads of wired connectivity.
What we wish it did better: It’s missing a few features offered by the similar ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AX11000: a VPN client, printer sharing, support for Google Assistant, and real gaming tools.
Why do we recommend it? Sure, the AX11000 caters to gamers, but we also list this router as our top pick for other categories. You get a lot of bang for your buck, and it’s a great alternative to the Nighthawk RAX200 if you don’t want to spend that kind of money on a router.
Tested speeds at a glance
5 GHz max speed | 2 feet | 40 feet | 120 feet |
1,200 | 860 | 692 | 282 |
* Speeds in megabits per second (Mbps) using a Wi-Fi 6 client and an 80 MHz channel.
Wi-Fi specs | Wired specs |
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Best for multi-gig—TP-Link Archer AX6000
Kevin Parrish | HighSpeedInternet.com |
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A great alternative for multi-gig internet |
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Score:3.9out of 5 |
The AX6000 is an awesome router for the money, although it lacks the third band and extra streams offered with the Archer AX11000. It has great Wi-Fi speeds, great range, and plenty of wired ports, so you can give your smartphones and tablets more Wi-Fi room to breathe. |
Pros | Cons |
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Price: $169.99*
*Amazon.com price (as of 8/26/24 13:25 MST). Read full disclaimer.
Expand for product details and ratings
Category | Score* | Summary |
Performance | 4 | Has some of the fastest Wi-Fi 6 speeds to date, falling behind NETGEAR’s Nighthawk RAX200 and the Archer AX90. |
Features | 4 | Includes a VPN server, printer sharing, and a free subscription to HomeCare for the life of the router. |
Design | 4 | Packs a 2.5Gbps WAN port, loads of wired connectivity, and link aggregation. |
Setup | 3 | Takes longer than it should compared to the tested setup times on competing routers. |
Ease of use | 4 | Offers a better experience through the Tether app than the web interface. |
*out of 5 points
What we like about it: This router had better Wi-Fi 6 speeds than our top pick in testing but fell behind the Archer AX90 and NETGEAR’s Nighthawk RAX200 powerhouse. Like the Archer AX11000, this router has loads of wired connectivity, a 2.5Gbps WAN port, and TP-Link’s free HomeCare suite, but it lacks the third Wi-Fi band.
What we wish it did better: We didn’t choose this router as our top pick only because it’s limited to two Wi-Fi bands and eight streams. We also wish the web interface had a dark mode, but that’s true for all TP-Link routers, not just this one.
Why do we recommend it? It’s a great alternative to the Archer AX11000. It’s faster and adds a few extra features, plus it has a great range—a tested 360Mbps at 110 feet outside across the street.
Tested speeds at a glance
5 GHz max speed | 2 feet | 40 feet | 120 feet |
1,200 | 849 | 605 | 280 |
* Speeds in megabits per second (Mbps) using a Wi-Fi 6 client and an 80 MHz channel.
Wi-Fi specs | Wired specs |
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Best for budgets—TP-Link Archer AX20
Kevin Parrish | HighSpeedInternet.com |
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A good, speedy solution for under $100 |
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Score:3.8out of 5 |
You don’t normally get a ton of features for under $100, but the Archer AX20 has plenty to offer. It has decent Wi-Fi 6 speeds for the money, but the low stream count and solo gigabit WAN port limit your total bandwidth. |
Pros | Cons |
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Price: $44.99*
*Amazon.com price (as of 8/26/24 13:25 MST). Read full disclaimer.
Expand for product details and ratings
Category | Score* | Summary |
Performance | 4 | Has the lowest Wi-Fi 6 speeds in our standalone router tests, but that’s expected for the price. |
Features | 4 | Includes a built-in VPN server and client along with basic parental controls. |
Design | 3 | Lacks more than two streams per band, so congestion is an issue. |
Setup | 3 | Gets your network running quickly, but could be faster. |
Ease of use | 4 | Provides a better experience through the Tether app than it does through the web interface. |
*out of 5 points
What we like about it: The AX20 is an upgrade to the cheaper and slower A10 model, and it offers decent speeds for the money based on our data and video tests. It doesn’t support TP-Link’s free HomeCare suite, but you get parental controls, a built-in VPN server and client, and Amazon Alexa support.
What we wish it did better: The 5 GHz band needs four streams at least, as the more devices you add to the band, the more latency and slower speeds you see. Unfortunately, options at this price point are limited.
Why do we recommend it? The AX20 is a good router for the money, especially for homes with very few devices. The built-in VPN and client components are a plus, and the free parental controls help keep your kids safe online.
Tested speeds at a glance
5 GHz max speed | 2 feet | 40 feet | 120 feet |
1,200 | 809 | 470 | 244 |
* Speeds in megabits per second (Mbps) using a Wi-Fi 6 client and an 80 MHz channel.
Wi-Fi specs | Wired specs |
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Best for range—NETGEAR Nighthawk RAX200
Kevin Parrish | HighSpeedInternet.com |
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The best Gigabit-ready speed demon you can get |
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Score:4.2out of 5 |
If speed is what you need, the Nighthawk RAX200 delivers. It has the fastest Wi-Fi 6 speeds we’ve tested to date—even at long range up to 160 feet. Plus, it supports internet connections up to 2.5Gbps. |
Pros | Cons |
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Price: $549.95*
*Amazon.com price (as of 8/26/24 13:25 MST). Read full disclaimer.
Expand for product details and ratings
Category | Score* | Summary |
Performance | 5 | Outpaces all gaming and non-gaming routers we’ve tested to date. |
Features | 3 | Requires subscriptions to use the parental controls and security fully. |
Design | 4 | Includes a third band and multi-gig internet support. |
Setup | 4 | Has one of the fastest setups we’ve endured. |
Ease of use | 3 | Provides a better experience in the app than the web interface. |
*out of 5 points
What we like about it: The RAX200 is the fastest router we’ve tested to date, which also recorded a 20Mbps average outside by the mailbox (160 feet). You can set it up for 2.5Gbps internet via the WAN/LAN port or 2 Gbps internet using link aggregation. You can also use two other ports for a 2Gbps LAN connection to a NAS or local gaming server.
What we wish it did better: We don’t like paying a lot of money for a router only to pay even more each month for services we can get for free on other routers. That’s our only complaint here.
Why do we recommend it? If speed and long range are what you need, then this is the router to get. The price is lower now that you can get the newer RAXE500 mode, making the RAX200 even more enticing if you’re willing to shell out the big bucks.
Tested speeds at a glance
5 GHz max speed | 2 feet | 40 feet | 120 feet |
1,200 | 880 | 691 | 285 |
* Speeds in megabits per second (Mbps) using a Wi-Fi 6 client and an 80 MHz channel.
Wi-Fi specs | Wired specs |
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Best for mesh—TP-Link Deco X55
Kevin Parrish | HighSpeedInternet.com |
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An attractive mesh alternative with decent speeds |
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Score:3.8out of 5 |
The Deco X55 is an attractive, affordable mesh kit that does a good job filling your home with Wi-Fi. But unlike TP-Link’s standalone routers, some features require a subscription. |
Pros | Cons |
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Price: $169.98*
*Amazon.com price (as of 8/26/24 13:25 MST). Read full disclaimer.
Expand for product details and ratings
Category | Score* | Summary |
Performance | 4 | Falls behind the Amazon Eero Pro 6 in Wi-Fi 6 speed, and behind Google Wifi in Wi-Fi 5 speeds. |
Features | 3 | Locks notable security and parental controls behind the HomeShield Pro subscription. |
Design | 4 | Features a gorgeous design that looks good in any environment. |
Setup | 3 | Requires a TP-Link ID account to set up and use this kit. |
Ease of use | 4 | Employs an intuitive app interface once you understand how it works. |
*out of 5 points
What we like about it: The Deco X55 doesn’t match the speeds of the Eero Pro 6, but it’s also substantially cheaper, which we like. The three Ethernet ports are a plus. You can use one as a backroad to increase throughput on the two satellite units.
What we wish it did better: We wish it had the same three-band setup as the Eero Pro 6 for better speeds, but that would increase the price. This kit also would benefit from the free features of HomeCare instead of locking security and parental controls behind the HomeShield Pro subscription.
Why do we recommend it? The Deco X55 is an attractive kit with decent speeds for a decent price. It has a few shortcomings, sure, but it’s far cheaper than Amazon’s Eero Pro 6 and faster than the more expensive Google Wifi kit.
Tested speeds at a glance
5 GHz max speed | 2 feet | 40 feet | 120 feet |
1,200 | 739 | 339 | No response |
* Speeds in megabits per second (Mbps) using a Wi-Fi 6 client and an 80 MHz channel.
Wi-Fi specs | Wired specs |
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Xfinity router specs and features
You don’t need a router with specific features for it to work with Xfinity’s cable internet. The only roadblock you might see is with Xfinity’s Gigabit plan and the type of modem or gateway you have.
Wi-Fi 6
We’ll always tell you to choose Wi-Fi 6 over Wi-Fi 5. The newer standard offers better battery longevity, better data management, and faster speeds on compatible devices.
Wi-Fi 6 supports more devices simultaneously too, providing up to eight or more streams one way, so your devices do less bandwidth sharing. Beamforming directs those beams to your device, so you’re not waving it around like a flag for better reception.
Multiple wired ports
The more wired ports you have, the better, and here’s why.
Imagine a smart TV, four gaming consoles, an Apple TV media streamer, Chromecast Ultra, Echo Dot, Google Home Mini, a couple of smartphones, a laptop, and maybe a tablet. That’s a lot of devices, right? I just described my TV room, and every device wants access to the 5 GHz Wi-Fi band.
Now let’s add all the other devices in the home: smartphones, smart appliances, media streamers—they all pile onto the 5 GHz band like a mob of zombies. Speed decreases, and latency increases for each wireless device. We already know you don’t need a lot of speed for gaming, streaming video and music, but all those devices and their bandwidth needs over Wi-Fi add up.
By offsetting devices like consoles, media streamers, and smart TVs to wired connections, you clear the airwaves for devices that don’t support wired, like smartphones and tablets. Everything still munches on your overall internet bandwidth, but your Wi-Fi connections won’t have to share streams when you binge-watch TikTok, Stranger Things season 4, and The Mandalorian (guilty).
Multi-gig ports
For Xfinity’s Gigabit cable internet plan, you’ll need a router with one of the following:
- A single 2.5Gbps internet port (WAN) or
- A router that links a standard 1Gbps WAN port with a 1Gbps LAN port.
For example, NETGEAR’s Nighthawk RAX200 supports both configurations. If you have a modem that supports 2Gbps using link aggregation, you pair the WAN port with LAN 1 on the router. If the modem has a 2.5Gbps port, use the router’s dedicated 2.5Gbps port (LAN 5)—just make sure it’s set to that speed and purpose in the interface.
Three Wi-Fi bands
The typical router provides one 2.4 GHz connection and one 5 GHz connection, each with a 2×2 stream configuration at the very least. Every device you add to the 5 GHz connection increases the load on the radio used to transmit and receive on that band.
A third band adds more Wi-Fi bandwidth, reducing the congestion and load caused on dual-band routers. By default, some routers have one 5 GHz band configured for lower channels (20 MHz, 40 MHz) and a second 5 GHz band with higher channels (80 MHz, 160 MHz).
On Wi-Fi 6E routers, the third connection uses the 6 GHz band instead of 5 GHz, enabling faster speeds but at even shorter distances. But you need a compatible Wi-Fi 6E client device to access this band—Wi-Fi 6 devices can’t see it.
Our verdict
We love the TP-Link Archer AX11000 for various categories, so it shouldn’t be surprising that we list it here as our top pick. It packs three bands, 12 streams, eight LAN ports, a 2.5Gbps internet port, and the free HomeCare security suite. It’s not exactly cheap, we get it, and it’s not the fastest router we’ve tested to date, but there’s a lot here to love for the money. The AX6000 model is slightly faster for less money, but you lose that third band offered on the AX11000. Decisions decisions.
Methodology
We test router speed by setting up each router in an office and connecting it to a local test server. Then, we transmit test data between our wireless devices and the server, taking numerous measurements to account for fluctuations in Wi-Fi speeds.
The first tests occur close to the router, without obstructions—so the Wi-Fi is as strong and fast as it’s gonna get. We repeat the process straight out at 10, 20, and 30 feet, with only a glass door obstructing our view of the router. The same glass door and an exterior door blocks our path when we test outside at 40 and 50 feet.
We also run tests in a hallway to the left of the TV room and office—where there’s a glass door, three walls, and an air handler unit blocking our view of the router. The dining room, another testing point, sits to the right of the kitchen, TV room, and office—two walls and a glass door block the path in this test.
To test video streaming, we connect a fast storage device to the router and stream a 4K video to six wireless devices simultaneously—two phones, three tablets, and a laptop—connected to the same wireless band.
Client devices used in testing
iPhone 12 Pro Max | Google Pixel 3 | |
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Wi-Fi specification | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 5 |
Stream configuration | 2 x 2 | 2 x 2 |
Max 5 GHz speed (AX) | 1,200Mbps | — |
Max 5 GHz speed (AC) | 866Mbps | 866Mbps |
Max 2.4 GHz speed (AX) | 195Mbps | — |
Max 2.4 GHz speed (AC) | 195Mbps | 144Mbps |
Router benchmarks
Here are the average 5 GHz speeds recorded for each router. Wi-Fi speeds fluctuate significantly, so these numbers reflect at least three tests taken at each 10-foot interval.
TP-Link Archer AX11000
iPhone 12 Pro Max | Google Pixel 3 | |
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2 feet | 860 | 658 |
10 feet | 848 | 645 |
20 feet | 768 | 572 |
30 feet | 745 | 453 |
40 feet (porch) | 692 | 330 |
120 feet (across street) | 282 | 175 |
* Speeds in megabits per second (Mbps) using an 80 MHz channel.
TP-Link Archer AX6000
iPhone 12 Pro Max | Google Pixel 3 | |
---|---|---|
2 feet | 849 | 621 |
10 feet | 832 | 576 |
20 feet | 782 | 459 |
30 feet | 721 | 413 |
40 feet (porch) | 605 | 251 |
120 feet (across street) | 280 | 123 |
* Speeds in megabits per second (Mbps) using an 80 MHz channel.
TP-Link Archer AX20
iPhone 12 Pro Max | Google Pixel 3 | |
---|---|---|
2 feet | 809 | 620 |
10 feet | 741 | 540 |
20 feet | 653 | 415 |
30 feet | 542 | 327 |
40 feet (porch) | 470 | 200 |
120 feet (across street) | 244 | 92 |
* Speeds in megabits per second (Mbps) using an 80 MHz channel.
NETGEAR Nighthawk RAX200
iPhone 12 Pro Max | Google Pixel 3 | |
---|---|---|
2 feet | 880 | 703 |
10 feet | 864 | 671 |
20 feet | 833 | 538 |
30 feet | 750 | 511 |
40 feet (porch) | 691 | 464 |
120 feet (across street) | 285 | 184 |
* Speeds in megabits per second (Mbps) using an 80 MHz channel.
TP-Link Deco X55
iPhone 12 Pro Max | Google Pixel 3 | |
---|---|---|
2 feet | 739 | 611 |
10 feet | 680 | 573 |
20 feet | 613 | 509 |
30 feet | 565 | 443 |
40 feet (porch) | 339 | 262 |
120 feet (across street) | No response | No response |
* Speeds in megabits per second (Mbps) using an 80 MHz channel.
Other routers we tested
We tested more than a dozen routers and mesh kits to determine which ones are best for gaming. Here are other tested models we do and don’t recommend.
Other routers we recommend for Xfinity
Model | Summary | Price* | Shop online |
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ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AX11000 | Rivals the Archer AX11000 in speed, connectivity, and free features, but at a higher cost. | $299.99 | View on Amazon |
TP-Link Archer AX90 | Provides great Wi-Fi 6 speeds, three bands, and free security and parental controls. | $199.99 | View on Amazon |
*Amazon.com prices (as of 8/26/24 13:25 MST). Read full disclaimer.
Other routers we don’t recommend for Xfinity
Model | Summary | Price* | More details |
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Amazon Eero Pro 6 | Packs notable features behind a subscription despite its high price. | $199.99 (one unit) | View on Amazon |
TP-Link Archer A10 | Has a cheapr price than the newer model but fewer streams. | $115.00 | View on Amazon |
* Amazon.com prices (as of 8/26/24 13:25 MST). Read full disclaimer.
FAQ about routers for Xfinity
Which modem works with these routers?
Do these routers work with Xfinity gateways?
Are these routers better than Xfinity’s new xFi gateway?
Do these routers work with Xfinity’s fiber internet?
Disclaimer
Amazon.com Prices as of 8/26/24 13:25 MST. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. HighSpeedInternet.com utilizes paid Amazon links.
CERTAIN CONTENT THAT APPEARS ON THIS SITE COMES FROM AMAZON. THIS CONTENT IS PROVIDED ‘AS IS’ AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE OR REMOVAL AT ANY TIME.
Author - Kevin Parrish
Kevin Parrish has more than a decade of experience working as a writer, editor, and product tester. He began writing about computer hardware and soon branched out to other devices and services such as networking equipment, phones and tablets, game consoles, and other internet-connected devices. His work has appeared in Tom’s Hardware, Tom's Guide, Maximum PC, Digital Trends, Android Authority, How-To Geek, Lifewire, and others. At HighSpeedInternet.com, he focuses on network equipment testing and review.
Editor - Rebecca Lee Armstrong
Rebecca Lee Armstrong has more than six years of experience writing about tech and the internet, with a specialty in hands-on testing. She started writing tech product and service reviews while finishing her BFA in creative writing at the University of Evansville and has found her niche writing about home networking, routers, and internet access at HighSpeedInternet.com. Her work has also been featured on Top Ten Reviews, MacSources, Windows Central, Android Central, Best Company, TechnoFAQ, and iMore.