Verizon Fios is a bundled internet, TV, and phone service that is extremely popular in the United States. Currently, the company has over five million customers in nine States. If you are one of these five million users, consider buying your own WiFi router for Verizon Internet. The latest router technology, like 802.11be and 802.11axe, will help keep your internet connection stable, and it will also help eliminate dead zones.
This article covers the top routers for Verizon Fios that you can find in the market. With our recommendations, you can take charge of your home network and enjoy complete control.
Why you should use your own Router with Verizon Fios Internet?
If you are still contemplating whether you should buy or rent a router from Verizon for Fios Home Internet then keep on reading. Below are some of the advantages you will get if you buy a router for your internet service.
Versatile Connection
Routers are useful because they can allow you to connect almost 30 devices to the same internet network. Whenever you are trying to access the internet, you will require a publicly unique IP Address.
ISPs usually provide a single IP address or they charge you a payment for more publicly routable addresses. However, when you set up a router that uses a Network Address Translation (NAT), it will be able to share the internet connection using only a single public IP address and various UDP ports.
Better Performance
Wi-Fi Routers offer better internet connections because they tend to eliminate dead zones from their vicinity. Furthermore, they also use various technologies that help to reduce interference and strengthen Wi-Fi signals.
Security
There’s a great risk when you are connected to an un-secure modem, you might download a virus or get hacked. However, if you install a modern router, it will act as a link between the device and stop malware attacks.
Most routers typically have partnered up with cybersecurity systems and work effectively to block every type of suspicious data that comes from the internet.
More Control
Most of the modern-day routers come with a mobile-based application that lets you monitor and manage your router. You can control the number of clients using the network, block inappropriate sites especially for children, limit the internet usage time, and much more from a single screen.
The best part is you do not even have to be home to manage all these functions! Just open your mobile app and check up on everything!
10 Best Routers for Verizon Fios for Wi-Fi Upgrade (Including Mesh Systems)
- TP-Link Archer AX10
- Netgear R6700AX Dual-Band Wi-Fi 6
- Linksys MR8300 Mesh WiFi Router
- NETGEAR Nighthawk R7000
- ASUS RT-AC86U AC2900
- D-Link EXO AC2600 DIR-882
- TP-Link Archer A9
- TP-Link Archer AX21
- Linksys MAX-STREAM (MR7350)
- TP-Link Deco S4 Whole Home Mesh Wi-Fi System
TP-Link Archer AX10
Overall best Wi-Fi 6 Router for Verizon Fios
The Archer AX10 is a sleek router that comes with the latest Wi-Fi 6 wireless technology. It is equipped with OFDMA 1024-QAM which helps to increase the rate of the data up to 25%. Also, it helps to enhance efficiency as well as the performance of the router.
It is a dual-band router that offers 300Mbps using 2.4 GHz and 1201Mbps using 5 GHz. Moreover, if you have a large family or you are thinking of buying a Wi-Fi 6 router for your office then TP-Link Archer AX10 is ideal high-speed Verizon Fios. It uses OFDMA and MU-MIMO which helps it to connect to many devices at the same time without compromising on speed or efficiency.
Furthermore, it has a 1.5 GHz Hexa-core processor that makes sure the communication between the devices and the router is fast, smooth, and lag-free. The signal strength is enhanced due to its spectacular Beamforming Technology.
It supports all of the 802.11ax and older standards as well as any device that is compatible with Wi-Fi. Moreover, the installation process is straightforward, and you can singlehandedly set it up within minutes.
Netgear R6700AX Dual-Band Wi-Fi 6
Recommended Router for Verizon Fios Gigabit Connection
Netgear R6700AX lets you play games, stream movies, and transfer unlimited files using Wi-Fi 6. It offers 1.8 Gbps speed and can work with all of the devices that are compatible with Wi-Fi. This specific router is best for up to 1 Gbps internet and it works with any ISP including, Spectrum, Xfinity, and AT&T.
The unit takes only minutes to set up. Just connect it to the Verizon ONT you have and set it up using the Nighthawk App. This mobile-based application lets you manage all of the settings at network and device levels, monitor data usage, and test the speed on the internet.
Powered by BitDefender, the NETGEAR Armor makes sure that your network remains safe and secure throughout. NETGEAR Armor offers phishing/fraud security and network-wide antivirus protection. These features are free for the first 30-days which are perceived as a trial period. However, after that, you will have to buy the subscription.
The router comes with four 1Gigabit Ethernet ports so you can connect your gaming desktop computer and other wired devices.
Moreover, it has one of the most advanced technologies that we have seen in a router. It contains a 1.5GHz quad-core processor, 1024-QAM, OFDMA, beam-forming technology, and virtual assistant control.
Linksys MR8300 Mesh WiFi Router
The best Tri-band router with Mesh compatibility
If you are looking for a mesh router for Verizon Fios, especially to be used in offices or any other large area then Linksys MR8300 is the best option available. This tri-band router offers uninterrupted smooth Wi-Fi connectivity to more than 20 wireless devices and gives coverage of 2000 square feet.
It also has a mobile-based application called the ‘Linksys App’ that helps you set up the router easily. Also, it gives essential information about the unit and the internet speed. However, the app is only compatible with Apple and Android devices with iOS 9 and Android 4.4 or higher.
Whether it is gaming, HD streaming, or anything else, the Linksys MR8300 provides excellent internet speed with no lag. MU-MIMO technology also helps to deliver dedicated superior signals. Moreover, you can enjoy up to 2.2 Gbps of combined Wi-Fi speed on all three bands.
It can also be integrated with the Velop Mesh Wi-Fi system if you desire extended coverage. If you chose this setting, the Linksys MR8300 will act as a master node.
NETGEAR Nighthawk R7000
Router for Verizon Fios with Parental Control features
The Nighthawk R7000 is a reliable and fast-performing router that gives you uninterrupted coverage for almost 1800 square feet. It provides AC1900 speed which means that you will get a total of 1900 Mbps. This unit is a dual-band with the speed of up to 600+1300 Mbps on both 2.5GHz and 5GHz bands.
Furthermore, it can easily be connected to almost 30 devices simultaneously while offering steady and strong signals throughout. It is loaded with a 1GHz dual-core processor, beamforming+ technology, Smart Connect, QoS, three amplified antenna, and virtual assistance control.
You can use it to stream HD videos, surf the internet. Connect smart home devices, and play games without any lag! To help connect with the gaming consoles or other wired devices, the unit adorns four 1 Gigabit Ethernet ports.
The Nighthawk R7000 also has a 3.0 and a 2.0 USB port that you can use to create a personal cloud storage space that you can access from anywhere and at any time! To make sure that your information remains protected, the unit has the world’s leading cybersecurity BitDefender.
NETGEAR Armor is powered by BitDefender to makes sure that none of your devices are interrupted by a virus or malware. However, as we mentioned earlier its only free for the first month, after that you’ll have to buy the service.
ASUS RT-AC86U AC2900
The best gaming router for high-speed Fios Internet
The ASUS RT-AC86U is a dual-band wireless router with 2.4 + 5 GHz bands. It also possesses the MU-MIMO technology that makes this unit ideal for fast data transfer.
If we talk about the specifics, the has a 1.8 GHz dual-core processor which works efficiently to optimize network traffic. Furthermore, due to its USB and Gigabit LAN Ports, you can easily connect wired LAN or two NAS devices.
If you are someone who is looking for a router that provides high-speed internet to match your gaming bandwidth then you are in for luck. The ASUS RT-AC86U has adaptive QoS which allows you to prioritize doffing gaming activities for lag-free streaming.
So, it is the perfect device for low latency gaming. Moreover, to make sure none of your data gets displaced; the unit adorns ASUS AiProtection to keep your smart devices, mobile phones, computers, and even IoT devices safe from malware.
There is also an ASUS Router App that helps you set up the network and monitor the daily usage. Moreover, if you’ve kids and want to protect them against the horrors of the internet, then use parental control! You will get instant notifications about network-based events.
D-Link EXO AC2600 DIR-882
Best Wi-Fi 5 router for most users
D-Link EXO DIR-882 is a dual-band router that gives a maximum speed of 2600 Mbps. It offers 800 Mbps on 2.4 GHz and 1733 Mbps on 5 GHz to give you the optimal internet speed. You can enjoy 4K HD streaming, gaming, and much more without worrying about buffering. The router adorns four antennas and 4×4 data streams to avoid any connectivity issue.
The data streams minimize the wait-time and keep the Wi-Fi connection strong for every device that is connected to it.
Thanks to its robust and reliable dual-core processor, you can easily connect any wired or wireless device to the router. It also makes sure that there are no Wi-Fi slowdowns.
Due to its Multi-User MIMO technology, the unit works continuously to enhance the signals and make sure that the internet works efficiently even if multiple devices are operational.
Other feature includes the advanced smart beam that tracks all of your devices to improve the speed and range. It automatically allocates the ideal band to each one of your devices.
TP-Link Archer A9
Most affordable VPN enabled router for Verizon Fios
The Archer A9 gives you the speed of up to 600 Mbps at 2.4GHz and 1300 Mbps at 5GHz band. It also uses the MU-MIMO and three data streams for smooth, uninterrupted, and fast internet connection around the clock.
Additionally, it also possesses beamforming technology which further enhances the wireless connectivity and gives stable Wi-Fi signals over a long-range. Moreover, the three external antennas further help to concentrate the signals to your smart devices.
When it comes to security, it offers many features not only to keep the viruses away but to also control who can use the internet and to what extent. Some of these features are guest Wi-Fi, parental control, access control, VPN server, and WPA.
One of the most impressive aspects of this particular appliance is the smart connect technology that navigates each connected device to the most appropriate bands so that everyone can enjoy a lag-free, buffer-free, fast-performing internet connection.
TP-Link also has a mobile-based application called the ‘Tether App’ that lets you easily install and monitor the network from home or anywhere else in the world.
TP-Link Archer AX21
Most recommended router for Smart Homes & IoT’s
The Archer A21 is a dual-band Wi-Fi 6 router that gives you optimal capacity, power, speeds and avoids as much network congestion as possible. It provides speed up to 1.8 Gbps in total (574 Mbps at 2.4 GHz and 1200 Mbps at 5 GHz).
Using the OFDMA technology, the router makes sure to communicate data to all of the connected devices at a reasonable speed and connection. The Archer A21 tries to concentrate the signal strength to your smart devices via beamforming technology. The four external antennas and the front-end module (FEM) chipset also help to achieve this goal.
It adorns a powerful and well-performing 1.5 GHz quad-core processor which ensures minimum latency and makes sure that the connection between your device and the router remains strong and that you can keep using the internet with a smooth connection.
The unit also has advanced WPA3 security that keeps all of your devices safe and sound. Lastly, it has versatile compatibility; it can connect to all Wi-Fi standards, Internet Service Providers, and smart devices.
Linksys MAX-STREAM (MR7350)
Best AX Mesh wireless router under $100
Linksys MR7350 uses Wi-Fi 6 mesh technology which delivers smooth and uninterrupted Wi-Fi connectivity throughout the house. It is an extremely simple & powerful system that gives the entire house a seamless yet protected internet connection.
The router can support more than 20 devices simultaneously and spreads the signals over a range of 1500 square feet. It provides the total speed of up to 1.5Gbps for a continuous 4K streaming and gaming. Moreover, with the Linksys mesh nodes you can easily expand your network and eliminate all the dead zones.
Dead zones are the areas of your house where the Wi-Fi radio signals cannot be reached. So, if you are living in a big house or working in a large office, this particular router helps you expand the coverage and make sure you are getting the optimal internet connectivity at all times.
Allowing you to expand the coverage by adding Linksys Mesh units is one of the best features of this router. Use the ‘Linksys App’ for easy installation and monitor the usage from the comfort of your mobile screen.
TP-Link Deco S4 Whole Home Mesh Wi-Fi System
The best Mesh System and Extender for Verizon Fios
The Deco S4 is a 3-Pack Wireless Mesh System is the best Router for Verizon Fios large homes. It provides stronger Wi-Fi signals and speeds no matter where you are in your house.
The three units work simultaneously to construct a Wi-Fi mesh network which covers a total of 5500 square feet area. Furthermore, it has AC1200 speed which means you can transfer data, watch Youtube videos, and play games with minimum latency.
The router automatically switches the three nodes as you move along your space so that you get the fastest speed all the time. If you are a parent and want to limit your child’s online time, then you can easily do it from this device. It also allows you to create different profiles so that you can adjust settings for each member appropriately.
Not only this, but it also gives you the entire control to block as many inappropriate sites as you want. The mesh system also helps you turn the guest Wi-Fi on and off at your convenience. You can just use Alexa for commands to do so.
All you have to do is download the Deco app on your smartphone and you will get unlimited features that will help you control the device at your convenience.
Things to Consider before buying a Router for Verizon Fios
How do you even choose which one is the best out of the above ten reviews? Which one is will work perfectly for you? Which features should I evaluate?
If these questions are revolving around your head, then take a deep breath and stop! In this section, we have researched extensively and came up with several different features that will help you select the perfect router for your space.
Number of Wireless devices in your Home or Office
The first thing that you need to evaluate right away is the number of smart devices in your home. Count the number of people in your house or office that use the internet daily. Also, count the number of devices each person owns.
As you might have noticed in the above section, different routers accommodate different numbers of devices. While some may only be able to connect ten or fewer devices, others can connect up to 30 different devices simultaneously.
There are a few devices that can connect almost 250 devices simultaneously but the chances are that the internet will be lagging and the connection will be poor.
What’s your Verizon Internet Package and Speed?
After determining the number of devices that you’ll be using, you need to recognize the speed of your internet. And for what purpose you’ll be using your internet for?
Also, which high-bandwidth activities do you engage in?
Some of these activities are as below:
Online Streaming
Everyone uses Youtube, Spotify, Netflix, and other related entertainment media services. If there is one thing that we all hate, it would be buffering. When you are streaming a movie, an enormous amount of data is transferred between the device and servers and this might slow down the speed of the internet.
An HD video can use 8 Mbps whereas a 4K HDR video can use as much as 18 Mbps. So, you’ll need a 20+ Mbps Fios package and a router that can deliver the speed.
Online Gaming
One of the many reasons people want to purchase their own Verizon Fios router is to can get a smooth internet connection. When you are playing with multiple people, the game is constantly sending high-bandwidth data from the gaming device to the server and vice versa.
Your wired or wireless router will be the midpoint between these two locations. Thus every piece of data will only reach the other side; if the router is efficient.
Miscellaneous
Emails, backups, updates also require a steady internet connection. Though they might not use as much bandwidth as streaming and gaming take, they are worth consideration.
Especially if you are continuously sending attachments like power points, videos, and photographs in your email. On the other hand, backups and updates usually occur without us knowing. However, they also require a strong internet connection to work.
Wi-Fi Standard
Wi-Fi Standards are an array of services and protocols. These standards determine how Wi-Fi and other data transmission networks will work/act. One of the most common ones is IEEE 802.11 WLAN and Mesh.
These standards are important. Why? Because they determine how fast your system will work and if the router will be able to provide a stable connection between the devices and the router. You might have noticed that almost all of the units above have the 802.11ax (a.k.a Wi-Fi 6).
The Wi-Fi 6 concentrates on performance, efficiency, and satisfiable capacity. This means it will make sure that you get a strong and lag-free internet connection at all times.
Wireless Bands
The bands are radio wave frequencies that are used to transfer data using a wireless spectrum. Wireless routers usually work using two different wireless bands; the 2.4 GHz or the 5GHz.
The 2.4 GHz is the most common band used around the world. However, it is more prone to interference and congestion as compared to 5GHz.
Different routers have different numbers of bands. The most common ones are the Dual-band routers and the tri-band routers. Dual-band routers provide two wireless frequency bands –the 2.4 GHz and the 5 GHz. Whereas the tri-band routers typically provide a single 2.4 GHz band and two 5 GHz band.
Choosing between the different bands is easy. All you have to do is evaluate the place you live in. Is it densely populated? Do you have a lot of neighbors or do you live in a vacant area?
If the former is true, a tri-band router will be more appropriate for you. It will give you faster internet speed and make sure that none of your neighbors Wi-Fi frequencies interfere with yours.
Number of Ethernet Ports
An Ethernet port is called a socket or a jack. It is a small opening on network equipment in which the ethernet cables get plugged. The port helps to connect a wired device with the router. Hence, it can get an internet connection.
So if you have a wired device, then we would suggest you buy a router that comes with Ethernet ports. This way you can easily connect computers to LAN (Local Area Network) and keep working online using unwavering Wi-Fi signals.
Router USB-Port
Do you have a printer, a scanner, or any other external output device that requires networking? If yes, then you might need to consider if the router you are investing in has USB-ports or not.
Routers with USB ports are very common nowadays. However, it is always better to keep this point in mind while shopping. With a USB port, you can even connect a flash drive or a HDD and create personal storage space. You can share the information about the drive with anyone who is connected to the same network.
These USB ports can also help you stream different videos and music in your local network. However, as mentioned above, if you don’t want to network an external output device, then you don’t have to worry about this point.
Real-Life Wi-Fi Speed
Real-Life Wi-Fi speed is usually a bit less than what many reviews claim. This is because there will always be a little interference. Especially if you are living in a closed space with other people; offices, apartment buildings, etc. Moreover, the number of users using the same Wi-Fi network will also affect speed.
The table explains the difference between the Wi-Fi speeds at maximum and when little interference, distance, and users are kept in consideration.
| Standards | Max Speed | Real-Life Speed |
|---|---|---|
| 802.11b | 11Mbps (2.4 GHz) | 2-3 Mbps (downstream) 5-6 Mbps (with vendor-specific extensions) |
| 802.11g | 54 Mbps (2.4 GHz) | 20 Mbps (downstream) |
| 802.11n | 600 Mbps (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz) | 40-50 Mbps, maximum 100 Mbps (depends on network, channels, and equipment) |
| 802.11ac | 1300+ Mbps (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz) | Up-to 720 Mbps |
| 802.11ax | 10+ Gbps (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz) | Up-to 2000 Mbps |
Our Recommendation for Best Verizon Fios Wi-Fi Router
Routers help you get the best of your internet network. They are small devices that can connect up to 30 devices at the same time. Routers also deliver a steady, stable, and fast internet connection throughout.
For us, the TP-Link Archer AX10 is the winner. It is an efficient, well-performing, and fast router that is equipped with Wi-Fi6, OFDMA 1024-QAM, and MU-MIMO. The runner-up is Netgear R6700AX as it is the perfect router to buy especially if you are thinking of stream 4K/HD videos or play high-bandwidth games.
