Watch movies or binge-watch web series if you like to spend your time watching them. You should also enjoy it in the best possible picture quality, such as 4K resolution. How do you get started streaming 4K content? Unless you upgrade your router along with the internet plan and purchase one of the best 4K streaming routers at the same time, simply upgrading your internet plan to deliver Gigabit speeds will not work. To help you unlock the full potential of your internet plan, we’ve compiled a list of the top routers for streaming 4K content online. Furthermore, you will be able to take advantage of some great features such as broad coverage.
We have also included a detailed buying guide below in this article that outlines some of the essential factors to consider when buying a new router. Let’s jump straight into the list of the Best Routers for 4K Streaming without any further ado.
8 Best Routers For 4K Streaming
So, if you are in a hurry, here is our list of the 7 best routers for streaming 4K.
1. Netgear Nighthawk R9000 WiFi Router
2. Linksys EA9500 Tri-Band AC5400 Max-Stream WiFi Router
3. NETGEAR Nighthawk Pro Gaming XR700 WiFi Router
4. Zyxel Armor Z2 Wireless Router
5. TP-LINK ARCHER C5400X
6. TP-Link Archer A7 Smart WiFi Router
7. Netgear Nighthawk RAX40 Router
1- Netgear Nighthawk R9000 WiFi Router – Overall the best router for streaming 4K
When it comes to 4K streaming, there’s no better router than Netgear’s Nighthawk R9000. All of the features in the Nighthawk series are impressive, and this router is no different.
Design
It features a sleek, black design with four built-in performance antennas that can be angled in various directions to provide you with the best signal. Six antennas help give you a stronger and more direct signal throughout your network and are designed to lay flat on a table or counter.
Even before you consider everything else you can get from this one, the Nighthawk series is built for high performance.
Performance
Performance is the ultimate feature of this router. You may not have known that tri-band routers existed. In this case, tri-band means you get a 2.4GHz band, a 5GHz band, and lastly a 60GHz band, which you can’t currently find on the market. The router is incredibly impressive.
In addition, the Nighthawk offers ReadySHARE, which is an automatic backup feature for USB storage and router memory. It’s possible to use the Nighthawk app to not only set up the router but also keep track of what’s happening inside it, which gives you extra peace of mind. You can easily handle all your 4K streaming needs with this router due to its 7.2 Gbps and 1.7GHz quad-core processor.
[i2pc show_title=”true” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]WiFi combined speed of 7.2GbpsTri-channel WiFi (2.4GHz, 5GHz, 60GHz)
Processor with a clock speed of 1.7GHz
Four high-performance antennas
An excellent design
[/i2pros][i2cons]Often, prices are restrictive
[/i2cons][/i2pc]
2- Linksys EA9500 Tri-Band AC5400 Max-Stream WiFi Router – Best Futuristic Design Router For Streaming 4K
This Linksys router may be the best option if you’re looking for the best high-speed router with the best design and performance features.
Design
The router features both an attractive design and a functional design, looking more like a drone than a router, but with eight massive and very flexible antennas that improve range and maximum throughput. The device can’t be mounted on a wall, but it sits horizontally on a desk and has eight Gigabit Ethernet ports for best-wired streaming speeds.
With this router, you will be able to stream 4K videos and images without any lag issues, thanks to the built-in MU-MIMO feature, which ensures you will enjoy the best high-quality images and movies. Furthermore, Beamforming enhances the quality and coverage of wireless signals, specifically for specific devices.
Must check: Best Router For Streaming Videos
It features tri-band router functionality, offering speeds of up to 5.3Gbps over its two 5GHz bands, as well as 600Mbps over its 2.4GHz band.
Its Gigabit Ethernet ports provide the best-wired connections and further enhance its speed, signal range, and overall performance. For transferring files/data, it is equipped with a reliable USB 3.0 port.
Performance
This router is equipped with a powerful 1.4GHz dual-core processor, which makes it the fastest high-speed streaming device available today.
With the Smart WiFi system, all your devices are easily connected; device prioritization means that you won’t be limited by bandwidth limits on specific devices while avoiding lag by prioritizing the devices that require the fastest bandwidth.
If you are worried about your children accessing inappropriate content while you are not home, you can set parental controls to limit what they can watch/ access. Additionally, it includes the Guest WiFi access system, which will further enhance the security and safety of your network.
[i2pc show_title=”true” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]Performance-enhancing dual-core processorGigabit Ethernet ports that are efficient
5.3Gbps of high-speed internet
The AC WiFi protocol is highly reliable
Increased capacity and increased throughput with MU-MIMO
[/i2pros][i2cons]It would be better if WiFi setup was better
[/i2cons][/i2pc]
3- NETGEAR Nighthawk Pro Gaming XR700 WiFi Router – Best Performance, Low-Ping Router For Streaming 4K
NETGEAR follows on our list with this powerful gaming and streaming router. While you may think of this router as only a good solution for gaming, its power makes it just as good or even better for streaming, because it only means you will have more power for high definition streaming.
Design
It goes without saying that if your streaming experience is hampered by lags and interruptions, this router would be the best choice. Thanks to cutting-edge software and robust hardware, the router keeps your network running smoothly while kicking off any lag spikes so that you can stream with maximum quality.
In order to stabilize your router’s ping, it comes with a feature called Anti-Buffer Bloat or ABB, which translates into dedicated gaming bandwidth. There is also a dual-core processor with 1.7GHz which not only powers the system but makes it easier for the network performance and prioritizing traffic. Streaming 4K UHD videos are also made easy by this processor.
Must check: Best Gaming Router
The router also has Advanced Quality of Service/QoS capabilities that are backed by a powerful 1GHz dual-core processor, which prioritizes traffic while reducing buffering issues. If you live with many other people and are tired of network issues and congestion because there are too many devices connected, you will enjoy the router’s Advanced Quality of Service/QoS functions.
Device Manager also allows you to make changes to the network on the fly, so you don’t have to worry about bandwidth problems. This can be used to block devices, reduce bandwidth, and improve your home network.
Performance
Streamers can also benefit from the Geo-Filter feature which connects them to the closest servers, thus providing smoother streaming.
With all the features listed above, add high-performance, flexible, and active antennas for excellent WiFi coverage and faster speeds, six LAN (Ethernet) Gigabit ports, and one WAN port for the fastest wired connections. Stream elegantly with the 10Gigabit LAN feature of the router. You’ll have the fastest internet access and data transfer available. Data backups and media access are easy and fast thanks to the two USB 3.0 ports.
With 7.2Gbps speeds and the shortest WiFi range of any router on the market, the router boasts the fastest frequencies available.
[i2pc show_title=”true” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]Game in 4K with a powerful processor4K Streaming at its best
Prioritization of traffic
Alexa compatible
Low pings and low spikes in lag
Traffic congestion is reduced
7.2Gbps of high speed
An encrypted VPN network
This device can also be used to play games
Large homes will benefit from this product
[/i2pros][i2cons]Costly
It would be nice to have more Ethernet ports
It’s not very easy to set up manually
There aren’t any advanced features
[/i2cons][/i2pc]
4- Zyxel Armor Z2 Wireless Router
This Zyxel Armor Z2 router is one of the best 4K routers if you’re looking for an alternative to the common brands. Users will not be disappointed with this router since it optimizes streaming devices.
Design
Compared to most routers on the market, the Zyxel Armor router has a sleeker and more contemporary design. The device is equipped with four high-performance beamforming antennas that can direct the wireless signal to the devices that are most in need of it.
The packaging is also simple and easy to use for hooking up your router so that you can complete the process yourself. Additionally, the router was designed to be competitively priced so that it would match up with other well-known router brands.
Performance
A router of this caliber offers high performance. This chipset is designed for 2600Mbps with 4×4 MU-MOMO technology, which enables you to switch from your wireless devices faster. Thus, this router is capable of streaming 4K without any issues. Placement of the antennas on the router is one of the most important performance components. They can be moved to where they are needed and deliver the right amount of signal to the devices that need it.
It is also supposed to be easy to set up, but the instructions in the booklet are confusing, so you may need to exercise patience in order to get it set up properly. Additionally, the router offers a parental lock to keep children from tampering with it.
[i2pc show_title=”true” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]Setup is simpleAntennas that beamform
Optimization of stream boost
Multi-user 4×4 MU-MIMO
Exceptional results
[/i2pros][i2cons]Instructions that are confusing
[/i2cons][/i2pc]
5- TP-LINK ARCHER C5400X – Competitively Priced Router
A powerful quad-core 1.8GHz 64-bit processor and 16GB of storage comes with this TP-Link tri-band router, which boasts speeds of 5400Mbps.
Design
This router comes with MU-MIMO technology, which allows for multiple users and devices to access the Internet simultaneously. There is also the feature of link aggregation, which lets you aggregate two of the eight Gigabit ports, thus enabling faster and more powerful wired connections.
Performance
Each of the 5GHz bands delivers high internet speeds of 2167Mbps, while its 2.4GHz band delivers speeds of 1Gbps. This router boasts super-strong, amplified signals reaching large areas thanks to its speed options and link-aggregation feature. A second feature is Airtime Fairness, which reduces network congestion while boosting WiFi speed.
[i2pc show_title=”true” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]An impressive performanceHigh-speed WiFi
Performance improvement through link aggregation
User-friendliness
Performance was excellent
Advanced security features
Ports with 8 Gigabit Ethernet
Data/file transfer via two USB 3.0 ports
[/i2pros][i2cons]Geofilters are not available
There is no flexibility in the antennas
Routers are bulky devices
[/i2cons][/i2pc]
6- TP-Link Archer A7 Smart WiFi Router
We will also examine the TP-Link Archer A7, which is another 4K streaming router. With this router, you will get good performance without having to spend all of your hard-earned money.
Design
While they stand on this router allows all of the cables to be easily accommodated while keeping the router cool, it does mean it has a different appearance than other routers that you may have seen before.
Having multiple ports means that you can access one of them wirelessly, which is useful when you are not in the same room as the router. In addition to three high-gain antennas, the Archer A7’s design allows your Wi-Fi signal to reach every corner of your home.
Performance
With the Archer A7, signal reception can be boosted throughout homes of up to 2500 square feet, which should be sufficient for most of us, especially those living in apartments. Even when you are outside, you may still have a signal.
Archer A7 will ease the burden on households that have been competing for bandwidth. It provides 3X faster wireless speed than other traditional routers thanks to its dual-band technology, reaching up to 1750 Mbps.
Must check: Best Router For 2 Story House
As an added bonus, you can access the Archer A7 even when you’re not at home via the TP-Link app. You can adjust any security settings remotely through this feature. The device comes with parental controls and QoS, and can even work with Alexa when necessary.
[i2pc show_title=”true” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]Access to USB devices wirelesslyEthernet ports with Gigabit speeds
Live streaming in 4K
Installation is simple
Suitable for all budgets
[/i2pros][i2cons]Rebooting the router is necessary often
[/i2cons][/i2pc]
8- Netgear Nighthawk RAX40 Router – New Release
The Netgear Nighthawk RAX40 is another popular product in the Nighthawk series. You will be blown away by the wireless speeds of this router.
Design
Compared to the other routers that we recommended in the past, this one has a sleeker design. Despite the fact that this router includes two performance antennas, it does not detract from its capabilities.
In terms of design, the router does take up quite a bit of space. However, it also looks more like a model spaceship than a router, so if you have trouble hiding it, you could just say it’s a model spaceship. It’s worth its size considering its capabilities.
Performance
There are all the stops that you can get on this router. There is a capacity to handle between 20 and 30 devices as well as 16 WiFi clients at the same time. Although it only has two antennas to work with, it is no less powerful than that. Data can be transmitted efficiently between multiple devices with uplink and downlink OFDMA.
Must check: Best router for multiple devices
This router represents the modern home network very well when you think about it. Most people have at least one WiFi-enabled device, so it makes sense to have a router that’s designed specifically for that purpose. It also supports older and new devices, which can be a huge advantage if you are often streaming 4K videos or playing online games.
[i2pc show_title=”true” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]Capable of handling 20 to 30 devicesProcessor with two cores
Buffering rate too low
Older WiFi devices are compatible
Ports with five Gigabits
[/i2pros][i2cons]Concealing it is more difficult than with other routers; it takes up a bit of space
[/i2cons][/i2pc]
Which is Better? Wi-Fi or Ethernet For 4K Streaming
Although many people have misconceptions about it, Ethernet is still the better choice than Wi-Fi. With mobile devices, Wi-Fi is more convenient. For HDTVs and PCs, you should not miss out on the advantage of connecting to the router via Ethernet since wired connections handle internet speed better than Wi-Fi.
Using Wi-Fi to stream 4K content should be no problem for you if you have chosen a quality internet plan that offers Gigabit speeds over Wireless connections. The most efficient way to use a wireless connection is to use a wired connection if the connection speed is lower. To summarize, if your internet plan is good, you should consider using Wi-Fi because it is convenient and easy to use. The wired connection is more preferable, however, if the connection speed is that good.
The Best Router For Streaming 4K: Buying Guide
Wireless Standard & Speed
It might not make sense to you why some of the numbers listed in the product description of a router matter, but they do. The standards are meant to control internet speeds. 802.11a is the original standard, but it has evolved over the years.
Each standard can operate on a different channel. In order to prevent online interference, 802.11ac operates on less crowded 5GHz. It doesn’t matter what standard you are using as long as you have a dual-band or tri-band router.
Tri-Band or Dual-Band
You will need different amounts of bands depending on how you will use your high-performance 4K router.
The dual-band works well with the average household, providing two bands to choose from. Most devices use the 2.4GHz band, which is, therefore, the most congested band. There are more channels and less traffic on 5GHz, so you are less likely to experience too much congestion from your neighbors.
As a result of the large number of channels that you have to work with, a tri-band typically means that you have a second 5GHz band. There is no doubt that you need a dual-band, but whether a tri-band is needed depends on your needs.
Service Quality (QoS)
When you are looking for the best router for 4K streaming, you should also consider the quality of service (QoS). You can use QoS to prioritize devices across your network.
The bandwidth is not going to be needed by everyone or every device, so those devices that would be most detrimental if taken offline should be given priority.
The device is designed to protect you from dropped signals on devices that can’t handle the interruption. For those with fewer devices on their network, this might not be an issue at all.
Multi-user MIMO and beamforming
MU-MIMO (multiple-user, multiple-input, multiple-output) technology allows your wireless router to communicate consistently across multiple users.
It is possible to stream something while working on something else in another room with the router being able to talk to more than one device at a time. This way, you maintain your coverage with the router acting as a middleman.
Antenna beamforming is more concerned with the strength of your antenna and the direction in which your signal is being directed. You can benefit from both features when it comes to 4K streaming, making your wireless experience easier and more enjoyable.
Processor
Faster processors are generally regarded as better for routers than those with slower processors, but not all firmware can handle that level of speed. However, none of the routers listed above has an issue with processors.
Rather than choosing one type of processor over another, you should consider what your network needs.
As for the success of your router, it depends more on the channels and banding than the processor. Additionally, faster processors are able to withstand long-term wear and tear.
Antennas
In choosing a router, you might not think about antennas, but they play a crucial role. Not every router has an external antenna.
Many of them are built into routers or are contained within fins, but all of them play a vital role in signal range and strength. Ensure that the router you choose has high gain antennas and can reach the entire network.
Ports
When choosing a router, you should also consider the ports. You can wire in devices directly to a router using 1 G or 2 G Ethernet ports to get the best connection possible.
A USB 3.0 port is also ideal for connecting storage devices that are accessible across a network. Consider what you would like to connect to your router in order to determine the ports you need.
When it comes to 4K streaming, you never want to settle for anything less than the best. If there are a lot of streaming devices on your network, you should think about how much bandwidth they might consume. However, you must ensure that your router meets all your needs.
You should also consider how many antennas you need, the size of the router, and how many channels you should use. Consider reading our recommendations for a bit of educated wisdom before you buy the first router you find.
FAQ’s for Best Router For Streaming 4K
What speed router do I need for 4K streaming?
To experience the best quality and clarity of your 4K Ultra HD content, you should have a connection speed of at least 25Mbps per user.
Is 2.4 GHz good for 4K streaming?
In order for 4K to work, we need a 5 GHz channel
There is a lot of competition for bandwidth on the 2.4 GHz frequency band, including the nearby router, Bluetooth gadgets, kitchen appliances, and baby monitors. Streaming 4K content on a dual-band router is a breeze for modern Wi-Fi users.
Is a 4K router necessary for my 4K TV?
How do I choose the right router? In ormder to strea 4K content to your TV, you do not need a router that looks like this. You’re receiving buffering/compressed 4K content if you’re paying for 100 or more Mbps from Comcast, Cox, AT&T, or some other provider.
Must check:
Do you need a special modem for 4K streaming?
Streaming 4K video requires a newer DOCSIS 3.1 modem and 802.11ac router, along with an internet connection capable of 25 megabits per second or faster download speeds.) My advice: When you contact your cable company to complain about the cable box, ask them about upgrading to a new modem/router as well.
What kind of router do I need for 4K streaming?
It would be much better if you had a router with at least 802.ac standard or Wi-Fi 6 if you are able to afford it. While 802.11n routers provide excellent performance, it would be much better if you had a router with at least 802.ac standard.
Conclusion
This list should be helpful to you and should assist you in making a decision. Your choice will definitely be determined by your financial situation as well as your preferences.
I would personally recommend the Netgear Nighthawk R9000 WiFi Router for streaming 4K videos since it has the specifications and performance needed to meet the demands of 4K streaming.
This router may not be cheap, but if you save a few dollars and decide to invest in 4K streaming gear, it will certainly pay off.
