With more devices in homes today, you need a solid router that can deliver both performance and amazing features. A powerful router that provides speed, range, and security is a must to keep up with the current Wi-Fi demands. Here are the ten best 4-port routers that may just solve your internet issues.
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
People were in awe of ASUS Wireless-AC1700 extremely wide network coverage and signal strength as well as its low pricing.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Not only does the ASUS Wireless-AC1700 look gorgeous, but it also provides exceptional Wi-Fi connection simultaneously on multiple devices. The network coverage is also one of the books. All these specs at a budget-friendly price.
Who Will Use This Most
Being able to support multiple connected devices and maintain internet speed, the ASUS Wireless-AC1700 is the go-to router for gamers and streamers alike.
Best Best for Family Use
TP-Link Archer A20 AC4000
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Users were amazed by how easy it is to set-up. It also provides a fast internet connection for up to 12 devices. To top it off, the TP-Link AC4000 comes at a low price.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This router had the highest customer satisfaction for wireless routers in 2017 and 2019. Along with its cheap price, its performance is also above average.
Who Will Use This Most
The TP-Link AC1750 is most suitable for use at home or small offices to achieve its maximum performance.
Best for Gamers and Multiple Network Users
Ubiquiti EdgeRouter 4
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Customers report that the Ubiquiti EdgeRouter 4 provides a remarkable internet connection for several connected devices at once, while maintaining an affordable price.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The main factor that makes it attractive is the internet speed it provides to multiple connections as well as its low power usage. Its competitive pricing is also a huge plus.
Who Will Use This Most
The Ubiquiti EdgeRouter 4 can handle a 1Gbps connection that makes it a neat router at home. Also, gamers don’t need to worry about latency spikes as it maintains its speed even when multiple gadgets are linked to the router.
Better Communication Within The Network
Asus AC1900 RT-AC68U
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
People love the look of the ASUS AC1900 as well as its ease of set-up and internet speed once it’s up and running.
Why it Stands Out to Us
We just love the sleek outward appearance of this router along with its incredible Wi-Fi coverage and the speed it runs.
Who Will Use This the Most
The ASUS AC1900 can be typically used for all means, but it works best when used as a solo router than paired with an AiMesh.
Best Security Features
GRYPHON Secure Mesh
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Parents are totally hooked on the parental controls as well as the safety and security the GRYPHON AC3000 has to offer. This router also provides superb internet speed and coverage.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The packaging really gives off a premium feel. It can also be considered a beast when it comes to hardware design. Although a bit more costly than other routers on this list, the GRYPHON AC3000’s features and performance are sure to make up for it.
Who Will Use This the Most
Parents who want to control their children’s online activity are going to love this router. The GRYPHON AC3000 is also fit for gaming and streaming as it delivers outstanding Wi-Fi connection to multiple connected devices at once.
Affordable 4-Port Router for Home AUse
Arris SURFboard 16x4
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Users love the outward appearance of the Arris SURFboard. The speed it provides is also notable.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The build of this router is a real eye-catcher. Plus, the Arris SURFboard’s speed and coverage compensate for its cost.
Who Will Use This the Most
The Arris SURFboard is great for casual use at home and small offices.
Best Budget for High-Speed Gaming and Streaming
ASUS AC1300 2x2
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Customers describe the AC1300 as a beast with internet speed and capabilities unbecoming of its price.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The speed and coverage of this router are exceptional. Combined with its economically friendly cost, it has really caught our attention.
Who Will Use This the Most
With its outstanding speed, the AC1300 is best for gaming and streaming. It is also perfect for spacious homes because of its wide Wi-Fi coverage.
Best Money-Saving Hack for Comcast Xfinity Users
Motorola MT7711
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
The major reason buyers love Motorola MT7711 is that it frees them from modem rentals of 13$ per month. It also packs speed and coverage on par with its competition.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Although it comes with a hefty price tag, this router is a great investment in the long run. The grey and black color combination gives it a luxurious feel. On top of that, its performance and capabilities are top-notch.
Who Will Use This the Most
The Motorola MT7711 is most suitable for home and office use. It also works great for gaming and streaming purposes.
Best Splurge for Network Security and Control
ASUS RT-AX3000
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Shoppers adore the ASUS RT-AX3000 sleek design. The coverage for both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz is wide and the performance is marvelous. To top it off, the set-up process is a breeze.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This 4-port router is operating at quad-core which gives it a major plus. The technologies used in this build are all future-proof. Not to mention the Wi-Fi coverage and speed are both excellent.
Who Will Use This the Most
ASUS is a brand for gamers so there is no question that it works well for both gaming and streaming. The ASUS RT-AX3000 is also great for home use due to its network manageability features where parents can fully monitor their children’s online activities.
Best for Streaming
NETGEAR Nighthawk R6700
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Buyers were glad about the Netgear Nighthawk R6700’s hassle-free set-up. They also noted the router’s impressive internet speed and coverage.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The LEDs and design of this 4-port router is aesthetically pleasing and caught our attention. Plus, you don’t need to worry about high monthly cable bills because the Nighthawk R6700 will give your money’s worth after a year, making it a great investment.
Who Will Use This the Most
Best for home-based jobs needing constant connection at an affordable cost, the Netgear Nighthawk R6700 stands out in small to medium-sized houses or offices. It also performs great during gaming and streaming sessions.
How to choose the best 4-port router
Before buying a router, make sure that it fits your specific needs. Here are some things to consider before buying a router.
- What do you usually do online? This is the first thing you need to think about when buying a router. Gaming and streaming requires much more speed compared to browsing and doing office work. Ask yourself, will it be for home use or business use?
- How fast is your internet connection? Choose the router that is best suited for your internet service provider. If your internet speed is intermediate, there is no need to buy a high-speed router.
- How many LAN and WAN ports do you need? Routers usually have 4 or more LAN ports and 1-2 WAN ports. If you have more than 1 ISP, get a router with 2 WAN ports and 4 or more LAN ports, so multiple users can take advantage of your internet connection.
- Do you have other peripherals that use USB ports? These ports allow you to share data, upload files to a cloud storage, or install a printer that you can use within the network. However, USB ports are not usually found in business-grade routers.
- Does security matter to you? Most routers come with security features to prevent identity theft and protect your files and other crucial information.
- Will you be traveling with your router? For the wanderlust in you who wants to keep working on the same network from home, a VPN in your router is a good choice. Portable routers that easily fit into your luggage is a plus.
Which is better: wired or wireless router?
- A wired router is faster than a wireless router but not every device can connect to it.
- Wired internet connection is more stable than wireless connection. Home users will do just fine with a wireless router but businesses work best with a wired internet.
- Wireless internet allows you to connect almost any device but its performance is distance sensitive. The connection degrades as you move farther from the router.
- Connecting on wired routers is safer than connecting to a wireless router. Wireless routers usually need an additional layer of protection that equates to more expense.
Can I plug an ethernet cable into a LAN port?
Yes, you can connect to the internet via the LAN port. Plug in the ethernet cable to the modem or router then connect the other end of the cable to your device. You will hear a click from your ethernet cable when it is plugged correctly into the ethernet port.
Can you add more ports to a 4-port router?
Yes, simply add an ethernet hub. If you are in an office setting, you’ll need more than just a few LAN ports to connect all your devices. You can choose as much as 16 ports to your ethernet hub if you need that much. Ethernet hubs do not need special skills to connect. Just plug in one end of the ethernet cable to the modem or router then connect the other end of the cable to the ethernet hub. Plug it into your device and it’s good to go.
Do I need both a modem and a router?
Not anymore as some modem router combos are available on the market to help you save on cost. Learn how to choose the best Docsis 3.1 modems.
A modem connects your device to your internet service provider, while a router connects the internet from your modem to your devices. The IP address of the modem is public since it connects to a WAN network. The IP address for the router is local as the network created works only for the devices connected to it.
How can I get ethernet without a port?
You can still connect to an ethernet without a port by using a USB 3, 3.1, or USB-C to Gigabit ethernet adapter. These adapters are small enough to fit a purse or laptop bag and are easy to set up. Be sure to use the right adapter for your USB port. You can also get ethernet without adding a different router using a powerline adapter. For more information, ask your internet service provider.
Conclusion
Not all routers are created equal. Each product has its flaws but we attempted to round up the most useful routers you can use to upgrade your current internet experience. If you want fast internet access without latency spikes, we highly recommend the ASUS Wireless-AC1700 Dual-Band Gigabit Router.
Remember, some cons you read may not be an issue to you since different users have different needs. Be sure to know the specifications of your internet service provider before buying a router. A high-speed router cannot make your intermediate-speed internet work faster. In the same way, a lost-cost router with lower speed can negatively influence your internet provider’s performance.
