The Best Routers for Verizon Fios

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The best router to use with Verizon Fios is the NETGEAR Nighthawk AC1900 R7000. With coverage spanning 1,800 square feet, speeds up to 1,900 Mbps, and added features like a VPN and Amazon Alexa voice controls, this one of the most advanced routers you’ll find for a reasonable price.

The 5 best Verizon Fios-compatible routers

When you use Wi-Fi in your home, you’re connecting to your Fios router, and that connection passes on the traffic between your computer and the internet. If you choose to buy your own equipment, you’ll need a Verizon Fios compatible router to maintain your connection. Here’s a list of the best Fios compatible routers that will keep your devices connected to Verizon’s fast fiber internet:

• Overall best performance router: The NETGEAR Nighthawk AC1900 R7000
• The router provided by Verizon Fios: Fios Router
• Most affordable router: TP-Link AC1750 Smart Wi-Fi Router
• Best for gaming: Linksys – WRT AC3200 Dual-Band Wi-Fi 5 Router
• Best for large homes: NETGEAR Nighthawk X6S Smart Wi-Fi Router (R8000P)

Overall best performance router: The NETGEAR Nighthawk AC1900 R7000

• Maximum speed: 1,900 Mbps
• Price on Amazon: $$$

We think this router from NETGEAR provides the best combination of performance and value. The powerful core on this Fios-compatible router provides excellent performance on the 5GHz band. It comes loaded with features — three amplified antennas, Beamforming+, Dynamic QoS, Smart Connect, Amazon Alexa Voice Controls — all of them adding up to a router that’s fast and easy to use.

Coverage spans up to 1,800 square feet with beamforming antennas, so it can reach every corner of most homes without requiring a Wi-Fi extender or mesh network. Amazon reviews rave about how the router can handle up to 30 devices without slowing down, and with a maximum speed of 1,900 Mbps, the router won’t ever be the reason your internet slows down.

The router provided by Verizon Fios: Fios Router

• Maximum speed: 940 Mbps
• Price on Verizon: $$$$

This reliable workhorse offers the strong signal you need for any home with multiple connected devices. The Verizon router covers more area in and around your home with its tri-band 4×4 internal antennas.

Though this is not the least expensive Verizon router, it’s great for high and low bandwidth activities. It features the new Wi-Fi 6 technology, which offers faster data rates, an improved network connection, and even more device capacity than average routers while using your Fios internet. You can also keep tabs on your Wi-Fi with the My Fios App.

Reviews for the router on Amazon are overwhelmingly positive, with customers raving about excellent coverage, easy installation, and improved speeds.

Most affordable router: TP-Link AC1750 Smart Wi-Fi Router

• Maximum speed: 1,750 Mbps
• Price on Amazon: $

For anyone on a budget who wants to break the equipment rental cycle, you won’t go wrong with the TP-Link AC1750 Smart Wi-Fi Router. Customers cite its low price, easy setup, and three external antennas for long-range coverage as key positive features.

Even with its easy-on-the-wallet price tag, this Verizon Fios compatible router still provides solid performance. It has four ethernet ports for a seamless wired connection, and reviewers also say they love how it works with their Amazon Alexa.

That said, people in bigger homes may want to upgrade to a router with better coverage, or opt for a mesh network. Its speeds start to slow down when you’re in a different room from the router, which could be an issue for bandwidth-heavy activities like online gaming.

Best for gaming: Linksys – WRT AC3200 Dual-Band Router

• Maximum speed: 3,200 Mbps
• Price on Amazon: $$$$$

This is one of the most advanced routers money can buy — but it will take a lot of money to buy it. If you like to fine-tune your connection, this Linksys router has a ton of optimization features. With its four ethernet ports that enable multiple wired connections and technology that prioritizes gaming traffic, this router is specifically targeted for Xbox Gamers.

But the exclusive smart Linksys Wi-Fi App that allows you to take control of your network and the 3.2 Gbps data transfer rate make it an appealing choice for all types of internet users. Customer reviews highlight an easy, quick start for basic installation and noiseless operation with mild heat.

Best for large homes: NETGEAR Nighthawk X6S Smart Wi-Fi Router (R8000P)

• Maximum speed: 4,000 Mbps
• Price on Amazon: $$$$

The NETGEAR Nighthawk Router is one of the most stacked models we’ve seen, with up to 3,500 square feet of Wi-Fi coverage for up to 55 devices. The handy NETGEAR Nighthawk App guides you through the setup process for a no-nonsense five-minute installation.

It has three individual radio bands, which helps it handle traffic from a lot of devices at once, making it a great choice for larger households. It also has plenty of parental settings, so you can block adult content from specific devices.

Though some joke about the science-fiction look to this router, it does go above and beyond in the looks department with its sleek, muted design. Advanced use customers complain of a lack of third-party firmware support, a non-problem for the average person.

More Verizon Fios-compatible routers

*Prices and information as of 05/12/2022.

The top Verizon Fios compatible routers were selected based on ease of use, affordability, and advanced features. The selections were cross-checked with Amazon customer reviews.

What to consider when choosing a router

When you want the best performance and features in a money-saving package, it pays to spring for your own equipment. Here are some key factors you should look at when comparing routers.

Coverage

To find the best router for Verizon Fios, it’s important to find one with coverage that fits your needs. The larger your home and the more devices you need to connect, the more you’ll likely spend to find a router to cover all your spaces. Each router should list a square footage that its Wi-Fi signal will cover.

Speed

Every router has a maximum speed that it can provide over a Wi-Fi connection. Before you start shopping, check what speed you’re signed up for through your internet provider, and make sure your router supports at least that much bandwidth. Otherwise, you’ll never be able to take advantage of the speeds you’re paying for.

Ease of use

Look to consumer reviews on multiple sites to get a better feel for ease of installation and ongoing reliability. You’ll often shell out more for advanced features, so keep your household internet use in mind before you pay more for something you may not need.

Compare internet providers

No matter which Verizon router you choose, your speed will be limited by the plan you’re on. If you want to boost your speeds significantly you may need to switch internet providers entirely. The good news is that many providers like Google Fiber and CenturyLink provide free equipment on some plans. Enter your address below to see what’s available in your area.

The bottom line

Your router choice will factor in a number of variables, including the number of devices you want to connect, how often each device is used, and the volume desired for optimal signal. The list above should provide insight on each of these demands, as well as how the specifications will meet your unique household needs. Be sure to figure out your internet requirements ahead of time so you can avoid paying extra for services you don’t need, and compare the value of owning your router versus shelling out for a monthly fee.

Contributor: Amanda Push