Best WiFi routers & extenders for high-speed internet (fiber & Gigabit)

A fast internet plan deserves a WiFi setup that can keep up. If you’re upgrading to fiber internet, Gigabit speeds or trying to eliminate dead zones in a larger home, choosing the right equipment matters just as much as your plan. The right setup can make your connection faster, stronger and more reliable.

In this guide, we’ll break down the best WiFi routers and extenders for high speed internet, explain how mesh systems work and help you match your home layout to the right hardware, so you get full performance from your Astound internet. You’ll also learn how features like WiFi 6 and Whole Home WiFi powered by eero can eliminate slow spots and give every device the speed it deserves.

When you upgrade to a fiber-powered or Gigabit internet plan, your router becomes the gateway that determines how much of that speed you actually experience. The best router for fiber internet should handle multi-Gig speeds, manage dozens of connected devices and keep performance consistent from room to room.

The best router for fiber internet is a WiFi 6 or WiFi 6E model with Gigabit ports and dual- or tri-band connectivity to fully utilize your speed. A router that is fiber or Gigabit-compatible includes a few essential technologies that ensure your connection stays as fast as your plan allows:

• WiFi 6, WiFi 6E or newer: Designed for dense device environments, WiFi 6 routers support higher throughput, better efficiency and stronger signal stability than older WiFi 5 models.
• Gigabit Ethernet ports: Look for at least one WAN and four LAN ports rated at 1 Gbps or higher to support wired internet connections for gaming consoles, streaming and smart TVs.
• Dual-band or tri-band operation: A router that splits traffic between 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz, and sometimes 6 GHz on WiFi 6E, reduces interference and keeps high-bandwidth tasks like 4K streaming and online gaming running smoothly.
• MU-MIMO and beamforming: These technologies let the router communicate with multiple devices simultaneously and focus signal strength directly toward them for faster, more stable performance.

If you’re on Astound’s 1 Gig or 1.5 Gig fiber plans, choose a WiFi 6 or WiFi 6E router that’s rated for at least 1.5 Gbps wireless throughput to avoid bottlenecks. A router that supports 2 Gbps Ethernet WAN ensures you’ll be ready for future multi-Gig upgrades.

Astound customers can also simplify setup with Whole Home WiFi powered by eero, which automatically optimizes signal across every room for consistent Gigabit performance. Whether you connect through Ethernet or rely on wireless devices, eero’s adaptive mesh keeps every device on the fastest available band.

To confirm your current router is keeping up with your plan, run a speed test using our online speed test tool.

Once your WiFi reaches every room, the next goal is ensuring it operates at optimal speed. Even the fastest Gigabit or fiber plans can feel slow if your router isn’t positioned or configured correctly. These setup tips can help you unlock your network’s full potential and keep your connection running smoothly across all your devices.

Location is the foundation of speed. Keep your router:

• Central and elevated: Avoid corners or floor-level spots. A middle-of-home position distributes the signal evenly in all directions.
• Clear of obstructions: Metal shelves, thick walls and appliances can absorb or reflect WiFi signals.
• Away from interference: Cordless phones, microwaves and Bluetooth devices can create noise on the 2.4 GHz band.

For multi-device households, pairing a strong central router with a mesh node on each floor provides optimal signal balance without overlap.

Modern routers broadcast multiple bands, for example, 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz and sometimes 6 GHz on WiFi 6E models. Here’s how they differ:

• 2.4 GHz: Longer range and better wall penetration.
• 5 GHz: Delivers faster speeds for streaming and gaming at shorter distances.
• 6 GHz: Adds bandwidth for newer devices with less congestion.

If your router allows it, band steering or auto-select features automatically connect each device to the best available band.

Router manufacturers release firmware updates that improve performance, patch vulnerabilities and refine signal handling. Log in to your router’s admin panel or mobile app at least once a quarter and check for updates. Astound-compatible devices like eero automatically manage these updates, keeping your network optimized without manual work.

In densely populated areas, overlapping WiFi channels can cause congestion. Access your router’s wireless settings and choose a less crowded channel (often 1, 6 or 11 for 2.4 GHz). Many modern routers have an auto-optimize option that scans for the clearest signal path.

Most routers include Quality of Service (QoS) controls, allowing you to give streaming boxes, gaming consoles or work laptops higher bandwidth priority. This ensures consistent speed where it matters most, even when multiple users are online.

Check your WiFi performance by running a quick test near the router, then in the farthest rooms. Compare results to your plan’s expected speed. If wired speeds are strong but wireless speeds drop significantly, reposition your router or add a mesh node. If both are slow, your router may be outdated or capped below your plan speed.

Keep your WiFi protected with WPA2 or WPA3 encryption and a strong, unique password. Limiting unknown devices and disabling unused guest networks also helps free up bandwidth and reduce interference.