Best Routers for AT&T 2024
We tested a batch of routers to see which ones complement to your existing AT&T equipment.
Mar 29, 2023 | Share 
Equipment Guides, Internet Speed Guides
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Best overall
TP-Link Archer AX11000- $229.99*
- Free antivirus
- Ready for Multi-Gig internet
- No real gaming tools
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Best for budgets
Reyee RG-E5- $149.99*
- Great speeds at long range
- Free cloud management
- No built-in VPN tools
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Best for gamers
ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AX11000- $349.99*
- Multi-Gig internet support
- Free security
- Hefty price tag
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Best for 2 Gbps
TP-Link Archer AX6000- $209.99*
- Free antivirus
- Ready for multi-gig internet
- No third band
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Best for mesh
Amazon Eero Pro 6- $199.99*
- Good Wi-Fi 6 speeds
- Three bands
- Hefty price tag
*Amazon.com prices (as of 3/29/23 08:49 MST). Read full disclaimer.
Our pick: Which router for AT&T is best?
AT&T probably wants us to refrain from suggesting routers over its own equipment. In most cases, store-bought routers are an added customer support headache. But if you absolutely need full control over your home network, get TP-Link’s Archer AX11000 standalone router. It works with all plans up to 2 Gbps and includes free features you generally pay more for on competing products
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 AT&T
- Best overall: TP-Link Archer AX11000
- Best for budgets: Reyee RG-E5
- Best for gamers: ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AX11000
- Best for 2 Gbps: TP-Link Archer AX6000
- Best for mesh: Amazon Eero Pro 6
Compare router speeds and prices
| Best for | Model | Max throughput | Tested speed @ 40 ft.† | Price* | Order online |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best overall | TP-Link Archer AX11000 | 11,000Mbps | 692Mbps | $229.99 | View on Amazon |
| Best for budgets | Reyee RG-E5 | 3,200Mbps | 636Mbps | $149.99 | View on Amazon |
| Best for gamers | ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AX11000 | 11,000Mbps | 642Mbps | $349.99 | View on Amazon |
| Best for 2 Gbps | TP-Link Archer AX6000 | 6,000Mbps | 605Mbps | $209.99 | View on Amazon |
| Best for mesh | Amazon Eero Pro 6 | 4,200Mbps | 332Mbps | $199.99 | View on Amazon |
* Amazon.com prices (as of 3/29/23 08:49 MST). Read full disclaimer.
† Speed recorded using a Wi-Fi 6 client and an 80 MHz channel.
What should you look for in a router for AT&T?
AT&T may already provide the best equipment for your connection, but if you’re dead set on having your own, look for a router with a multi-gig internet port for all plans under 5Gbps. We say this, especially to customers of the 500Mbps plan or slower in case you upgrade to a faster plan later.
You’ll likely want to go with a Wi-Fi 6 router, too. It has faster speeds and better multi-device support over the older Wi-Fi 5 standard. Or better yet, go with a Wi-Fi 6E router if you have devices supporting it, as they can tap into the new 6 GHz band for even more speed.
Do you have the best AT&T plan to go with your router?
If not, enter your zip code below to see what options are available to you.
Best overall—TP-Link Archer AX11000
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The best multi-gig centerpiece for your network |
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Score:4out of 5 |
The Archer AX11000 gives you a lot of bang for your buck: free Trend Micro security, loads of wired connectivity, and Wi-Fi 6 speeds. It’s also ideal if you have a multi-gig internet connection. |
| Pros | Cons |
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Price: $229.99*
*Amazon.com price (as of 3/29/23 08:49 MST). Read full disclaimer.
The TP-Link Archer AX11000 includes multigig internet and wired LAN support. 
You can easily turn Wi-Fi off with the press of a button on the TP-Link Archer AX11000. 
The Archer AX11000 has loads of connectivity for wired devices and file sharing. 
Each antenna plugs into the main unit, but you can’t adjust them like you can on other routers. 
The Archer AX11000 has one of the coolest web interfaces we’ve seen to date.
Expand for product details and ratings
| Category | Score* | Summary |
| Performance | 4 | Competes with the Nighthawk RAX200 in speed but doesn’t have the range. |
| Features | 4 | Includes free antivirus from Trend Micro and easy parental controls. |
| Design | 4 | Provides a 2.5Gbps internet port, plus eight Gigabit Ethernet ports for wired devices. |
| Setup | 4 | Gets your network running quickly, whether you use a browser or the Tether app. |
| Ease of use | 4 | Employs the best interface of all the TP-Link routers we’ve tested. |
* out of 5 points
What we like about it: The Archer AX11000 has good Wi-Fi speeds equal to the ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AX11000 but falls behind NETGEAR’s Nighthawk RAX200 powerhouse—which isn’t surprising at this price. The free Trend Micro security and parental controls are a huge plus if you manage a house full of youngins, as are the eight Ethernet ports. Multi-gig internet? Yes, please!
What we wish it did better: It needs a shorter setup process. Why can’t we name the networks, set the passwords, and move on with life? Plus, for a gaming router, there are no real gaming tools here. Instead, you’ll get redressed settings you typically find on non-gaming routers like port forwarding, parental controls, and data prioritization.
Why do we recommend it? The Archer AX11000 is one of the least expensive gaming routers we’ve tested to date, but there’s nothing cheap about it. It packs several great features into one affordable price. Not a gamer? Doesn’t matter. The Archer AX11000 is ideal for anyone wanting a great router at a great price.
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 budgets—Reyee RG-E5
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A business-class router you can use at home |
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Score:3.8out of 5 |
The Reyee RG-E5 is a business-first router, but it’s also an affordable solution for homes. It has great long-range speeds plus free access to a cloud management platform. |
| Pros | Cons |
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Price: $149.99*
*Amazon.com price (as of 3/29/23 08:49 MST). Read full disclaimer.
The Reyee RG-E5 provides your basic connections with gigabit wired speeds. 
The Reyee RG-E5 antennas don't detach, but you can rotate them 90 degrees. 
The Reyee RG-E5 includes a WPS button on top for fast device pairing. 
The Reyee RG-E5 has great range for offices and homes. 
The Reyee RG-E5 is one of the easiest routers we’ve used to date.
Expand for product details and ratings
| Category | Score* | Summary |
| Performance | 4 | Has the best long-range speeds for under $150. |
| Features | 3 | Provides an ARP Guard and free Ruijie Cloud account. |
| Design | 3 | Lacks USB ports, multi-gig internet support, and VPN tools. |
| Setup | 4 | Has one of the fastest setups we’ve tested to date. |
| Ease of use | 4 | Requires the web and mobile app to use fully. |
* out of 5 points
What we like about it: The RG-E5 has great long-range speeds at this price. Moreover, it has some of the best speed consistencies we’ve seen to date, meaning you don’t see a dramatic speed dropoff as you move away from the router.
What we wish it did better: The RG-E5 is the only Wi-Fi 6 router we have in-house that doesn’t support the latest security standard, WPA3. Plus, it lacks in many other areas like VPN and USB connectivity.
Why do we recommend it? The Reyee RG-E5 is a high-performance router you should get if you’re willing to spend $150. It lacks in some areas, sure, but if consistent speed is what you need across a long range, this is the router for you.
Tested speeds at a glance
| 5 GHz max speed | 2 feet | 40 feet | 120 feet |
| 1,200 | 843 | 636 | 330 |
* 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 gamers—ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AX11000
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A full-featured solution anyone should love |
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Score:4.1out of 5 |
The GT-AX11000 is similar to the Nighthawk RAX200, but you don’t need multiple subscriptions to get the most out of it. However, the tradeoff is a slightly lower Wi-Fi 6 speed based on our tests. |
| Pros | Cons |
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Price: $349.99*
*Amazon.com price (as of 3/29/23 08:49 MST). Read full disclaimer.
You don’t need to be a gamer to appreciate everything the Rapture GT-AX11000 has to offer. 
The Rapture GT-AX11000 has some of the fastest Wi-Fi speeds we’ve tested to date. 
The Rapture GT-AX11000 has eight antennas you screw into place, but they can fall over time. 
The Rapture GT-AX11000 has wired speeds up to 2.5 Gbps. 
The ROG Rapture GT-AX11000 has one of the best web interfaces we’ve used to date.
Expand for product details and ratings
| Category | Score* | Summary |
| Performance | 4 | Falls short of the RAX200 in Wi-Fi 6 speed but is one of the fastest we’ve tested. |
| Features | 5 | Includes free antivirus, parental controls, and a built-in VPN server and client. |
| Design | 4 | Supports six wireless devices at full speed; 12 at half speed. |
| Setup | 4 | Takes longer due to all the extras you normally don’t get on a standard router. |
| Ease of use | 4 | Provides a better experience in the web interface than the mobile app. |
* out of 5 points
What we like about it: This router definitely has a lot to love. Its biggest selling point is capacity: three bands and 12 streams. The free antivirus, parental controls, and VPN components also sweeten the deal.
What we wish it did better: We found the antennas problematic—at least on the model we purchased. No matter how hard we screwed the antennas into place, some of them fell over time.
Why do we recommend it? The GT-AX11000 is a great router for gamers—or anyone for that matter. You get free antivirus, decent parental controls, multi-gig internet support, and VPN tools to keep you safe online. It’s ideal for households with lots of devices if you can handle the price.
Tested speeds at a glance
| 5 GHz max speed | 2 feet | 40 feet | 120 feet |
| 1,200 | 848 | 642 | 260 |
* 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 2Gbps internet—TP-Link Archer AX6000
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A fully-featured router at a great price |
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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: $209.99*
*Amazon.com prices (as of 3/29/23 08:49 MST). Read full disclaimer.
The Archer AX6000 is one of the fastest routers we’ve tested to date. 
The TP-Link logo signals an internet connection or outage. 
You can’t remove the antennas, but you can rotate them up to 90 degrees. 
The Archer AX6000 provides plenty of wired connectivity and multigig internet support. 
The Archer AX6000 web interface isn’t bad, but it’s not great, either.
Expand for product details and ratings
| Category | Score* | Summary |
| Performance | 4 | Has some of the fastest Wi-Fi 6 speeds we’ve tested to date, even at long range. |
| 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 two USB ports. |
| Setup | 3 | Takes longer than it should when 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: Our tests show this router falls behind the Archer AX90 and NETGEAR’s Nighthawk RAX200 powerhouse in speed. Like the Archer AX11000, this router has loads of wired connectivity, a 2.5 Gbps WAN port, and TP-Link’s free HomeCare suite—but it lacks the third Wi-Fi band.
What we wish it did better: At this price, we’re wondering why TP-Link didn’t add a VPN client to complement the built-in server. We also wish the web interface had a dark mode, but that’s true for all TP-Link routers, not this one only.
Why do we recommend it? It’s a great router overall for the money, packing support for 2.5 Gbps internet and loads of Wi-Fi 6 speed—even at a long range. You simply can’t go wrong with this one.
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 mesh—Amazon Eero Pro 6
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The best mesh networking kit you can get |
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Score:3.9out of 5 |
Amazon’s Eero Pro 6 packs a punch, and it’s easy to set up and manage. But the overall price may force you to consider a less expensive, more powerful standalone router. |
| Pros | Cons |
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Price: $199.99*
*Amazon.com prices (as of 3/29/23 08:49 MST). Read full disclaimer.
The Eero Pro 6 includes a built-in Zigbee smart hub to manage your IoT devices. 
The Eero Pro 6 locks the most notable features behind a subscription. 
You can use the Eero Pro 6 Ethernet ports for a wired backhaul or any wired device. 
Each Eero Pro 6 unit is a router—there are no Eero Pro 6 extenders like the Eero 6. 
Amazon’s Eero app is extremely easy to use.
Expand for product details and ratings
| Category | Score* | Summary |
| Performance | 4 | Outperforms all other mesh kits we’ve tested to date. |
| Features | 3 | Locks premium security and parental controls behind a subscription. |
| Design | 4 | Includes a third wireless band for better throughput. |
| Setup | 4 | Provides one of the fastest and easiest setups we’ve experienced to date. |
| Ease of use | 4 | Requires the Eero mobile app for quick and easy network management. |
* out of 5 points
What we like about it: The Eero Pro 6 is the fastest mesh kit we’ve tested to date, but it’s more of a wide-range solution than a long one. We love that it includes a fast third Wi-Fi band to help better balance all your devices and optimize traffic flow between all Eero Pro 6 units.
What we wish it did better: Amazon needs to take a cue from Google and incorporate smart speakers into each unit. Including speakers would add voice command support without needing an additional Amazon Alexa-compatible device.
Why do we recommend it? It’s the fastest mesh kit we’ve tested to date, plus it’s easy to set up and manage. It supports Amazon Alexa but is not a smart speaker/networking node combo like the Google Nest Wifi kit.
Tested speeds at a glance
| 5 GHz max speed | 2 feet | 40 feet | 120 feet |
| 1,200 | 802 | 332 | Not tested |
* 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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Router for AT&T specs and features
AT&T’s newest gateway at the time of this writing is the ARRIS BGW320. It’s an ONT and router combo with support for fiber and 10 Gbps Ethernet internet inputs. What’s notable is that it has a 5 Gbps Ethernet output (LAN) where you can connect any router if you don’t want to use the gateway’s built-in Wi-Fi. Here are some router features to look for:
Multi-gig Ethernet
A router needs a multi-gig Ethernet port to fully support plans between 1Gbps and 5Gbps. We mention the 1Gbps plan here because the typical Gigabit Ethernet port delivers real-world speeds of around 940–980Mbps, but a 2.5Gbps Ethernet port or faster unlocks the extra speed.
Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 6E
We actually suggest Wi-Fi 6E over Wi-Fi 6 if you have devices supporting it. Both specs are nearly the same except for the 6 GHz band, which you can only get from Wi-Fi 6E. There’s no radar interference on the new band, as seen with 5 GHz and Wi-Fi 6. The lack of interference translates to more obtainable real-world sub-2Gbps wireless speeds—perfect for your multi-gig internet plan.
Streams
We like to harp on streams because they dictate how many devices can download at a given moment—and how fast. Nearly all wireless devices support two transmit and two receive streams (2×2). So, if a 5 GHz band has four streams on a single band, the router can only handle up to four devices simultaneously: two devices at full speed or four at half speed. The more streams you have on any given band, the more devices the router can download to simultaneously.
Streams
When your router receives a single data stream from the modem, it divides the data into multiple streams and broadcasts them through the antennas. The signals bounce around until they reach your wireless device, which pieces it all back together into one usable data stream.
Multiple streams and antennas are a faster way to send and receive data than just one. Nearly every wireless device supports two incoming and two outgoing streams.
So, if you have a small home, a router with two transmit streams and two receive streams (2×2) may be just fine. If you have a busy home full of wireless devices that hog the internet, you may want to consider an 8×8 configuration.
Our verdict
The TP-Link Archer AX11000 is a solid choice if you want to add a third-party router to your AT&T equipment. It has great speeds, free security and parental control features, and a Multi-Gig internet port that can handle 2.5Gbps and slower. Plus, it supports TP-Link’s OneMesh technology, so you can add a compatible extender to create a mesh Wi-Fi network—like AT&T’s new system.
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 possible. 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 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 | |
|---|---|---|
| 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 (N) | 144Mbps | 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 | |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Reyee RG-E5
| iPhone 12 Pro Max | Google Pixel 3 | |
|---|---|---|
| 2 feet | 843 | 695 |
| 10 feet | 842 | 692 |
| 20 feet | 789 | 656 |
| 30 feet | 725 | 646 |
| 40 feet (porch) | 636 | 445 |
| 120 feet (across street) | 330 | 143 |
* Speeds in megabits per second (Mbps) using an 80 MHz channel.
ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AX11000
| iPhone 12 Pro Max | Google Pixel 3 | |
|---|---|---|
| 2 feet | 848 | 652 |
| 10 feet | 827 | 644 |
| 20 feet | 755 | 529 |
| 30 feet | 729 | 462 |
| 40 feet (porch) | 642 | 308 |
| 120 feet (across street) | 260 | 169 |
* 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.
Amazon Eero Pro 6
| iPhone 12 Pro Max | Google Pixel 3 | |
|---|---|---|
| 2 feet | 802 | 675 |
| 10 feet | 739 | 641 |
| 20 feet | 690 | 584 |
| 30 feet | 674 | 536 |
| 40 feet (porch) | 332 | 242 |
| 120 feet (across street) | Not tested | Not tested |
* Speeds in megabits per second (Mbps) using an 80 MHz channel.
Other routers we tested
We tested over a dozen standalone routers and mesh kits to determine which routers are ideal for AT&T’s internet. Here are the tested models we do and don’t recommend.
Other routers we recommend for AT&T
| Model | Summary | Price* | Shop online |
|---|---|---|---|
| NETGEAR Nighthawk RAXE500 | Has the fastest speeds we’ve tested to date: 1,550 Mbps in real-world Wi-Fi speed. | $499.99 | View on Amazon |
| TP-Link Archer AX90 | Includes a few goodies like VPN tools and three bands. | $199.99 | View on Amazon |
*Amazon.com prices (as of 3/29/23 08:49 MST). Read full disclaimer.
Other routers we don’t recommend for AT&T
| Model | Summary | Price* | Mode details |
|---|---|---|---|
| NETGEAR Orbi RBK752 | Requires a subscription to get everything this system offers. | $279.99 | View on Amazon |
| NETGEAR R6700AX | Lacks some features you can get from other routers at this price. | $89.99 | View on Amazon |
*Amazon.com prices (as of 3/29/23 08:49 MST). Read full disclaimer.
FAQ about routers for AT&T
Why don’t you list routers with 5Gbps support?
We will add routers that support AT&T’s 5Gbps plan to this article when the service becomes more widely available to AT&T customers.
Do I need to enable IP Passthrough?
You may want to enable IP Passthrough on your AT&T gateway—at least with the ARRIS BGW320. IP Passthrough reassigns your public IP address from AT&T’s gateway to your third-party router. In doing so, you disable the gateway’s Wi-Fi. Plus, your third-party router connects to the internet directly versus passing through the gateway’s firewall.
What is OneMesh?
OneMesh is TP-Link’s name for its family of products with mesh technology. These products include specific routers, extenders, and powerline adapters. For more information, TP-Link provides a complete list of OneMesh products.
Disclaimer
Amazon.com Prices as of 3/29/23 08:49 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.
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