What are the Top 4 Routers for Google Fiber?

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By

Evan Shephard Avatar

Reviewed By

Evan Shephard
Updated Jun 17, 2024 11:15 AM
best router for google fiber guide that shows the top best router model

A whopping 75% of electronic and appliance reviews are untrustworthy. That’s why every reviewer gets a Trust Rating so our True Score System filters out the fake reviews. See how we do it.

When hunting for the best routers for Google Fiber, think speed, reliability, and cool features. You want a router that rocks both 5GHz and 6GHz bands and pumps out over 500 Mbps. Look for things like Quality of Service (QoS) for smoother streaming, MU-MIMO to handle multiple devices like a champ, and mesh compatibility for killer coverage.

Our buying guide features four winning routers from a field of 37 evaluated models. We analyzed 193,620 reviews and filtered out fake or low-quality ones using our proven True Score system, certifying each product as tested. These top-performing routers deliver excellent speed and reliability, making them the best choices for Google Fiber users.

How Did We Rank the Best Routers for Google Fiber?

To determine the best routers for Google Fiber, we conducted an exhaustive analysis, reviewing over 200 websites. We evaluated testing methodologies, scrutinized customer feedback, and incorporated expert reviews to create our true score system. This thorough approach allowed us to highlight the most critical criteria: 1 required test result, 2 nice-to-have test results, and 2 must-have specifications. Our guide ensures you find a router that addresses your primary concerns, from speed to compatibility.

Our commitment to unbiased reviews is powered by our ‘True Score’ system, targeting low quality and fake reviews. When you shop through our links, you’re backing our mission. Dive deeper to see how.

?️ Minimum Specifications

  • Must work with Google Fiber
  • Must have frequency bands greater than 5.0 GHz.

? Test Criteria

  • 6 GHz Download Speed: A download speed on the 6 GHz band of at least 500 Mbits.

? “Nice To Haves”

  • 5 GHz Download Speed: A download speed on the 5 GHz band of at least 200 Mbits.
  • Router Range: A range of at least 50 feet before the signal from the router begins to become noticeably weaker.

Latest Updates

  • 06/17/2024: Republished the list to include the best routers for Google Fiber based on our True Score system.

Top Routers for Google Fiber For 2024

Prices accurate at the time of publishing

See how we test the testers

  • Runner Up

    Best Value

    Best Budget

    gr recommended award

    Best Mid-Range

    Asus ROG GT-AXE16000

    • Best For Wired

    The Asus ROG GT-AXE16000 boosts high-performance uploads and downloads, perfect for streamers and remote workers using Google Fiber.

    Asus ROG GT-AXE16000 Review →

    True Score

    85
    85
    5

    Experts

    89
    1k

    Customers

    SAVE $251
    $699.99
    $449.00

    Category Snapshot

    Routers

    • Total Brands/Products Tested

      12 Brands, 37 Products

    • Top 2 Brands

      Netgear, Asus

    • Price Range (Budget-Premium)

      $45-$600

    • Average True Score

      79.42

    • Important Test Criteria

      Download & Upload Speed (bits/second)

      Range (feet/meters)

    • Most Trusted Testers

      router top trusted testers

    • Top Router Experts

      James Morris, Matt Spencer

    • Typical Warranty

      1 year

    • Covered by Insurance

      Yes – AKKO

  • Runner Up

    Best Value

    Best Budget

    gr recommended award

    Best Mid-Range

    Netgear Nighthawk RAXE300

    • Best For Long Range

    Ideal for Google Fiber in large spaces, the Netgear Nighthawk RAXE300 ensures seamless gaming and streaming with top security.

    Netgear Nighthawk RAXE300 Review →

    True Score

    84
    82
    9

    Experts

    90
    4k

    Customers

    SAVE $112
    $399.99
    $288.20
  • Runner Up

    Best Value

    Best Budget

    gr recommended award

    Best Mid-Range

    Eero Max 7

    • Best For Secure

    The Eero Max 7 excels with 6 GHz capabilities, perfect for high-speed streaming, gaming, and smart home connectivity.

    Eero Max 7 Review →

    True Score

    80
    79
    7

    Experts

    85
    244

    Customers

    $599.99
  • Runner Up

    Best Value

    Best Budget

    gr recommended award

    Best Mid-Range

    Eero Pro 6E

    • Best For Parental Controls

    Ideal for fiber optic users in small-to-medium spaces, the Eero Pro 6E offers great value with tri-band tech, supporting seamless 4K streaming and gaming.

    Eero Pro 6E Review →

    True Score

    80
    78
    12

    Experts

    85
    6k

    Customers

    $249.99

Which Criteria Matters for Testing Best Routers for Google Fiber?

By focusing on these criteria (1 required, 2 nice to have), anyone can quickly and easily compare these routers and how they’ll perform. This helps you make an informed decision and purchase a router that will meet your needs.

CRITERIARANGEREQUIREDDEFINITION
6 GHz Download Speed> 500 Mbits/sYesThe maximum speed that the router can reach when downloading on the 6 Ghz band.
5 GHz Download Speed> 200 Mbits/sNo (Nice to have)The maximum speed that the router can reach when downloading on the 5 GHz band.
Router Range> 50 ftNo (Nice to have)How far a device can be from a router before the signal starts degrading. It is worth noting that 2.4 GHz reaches further than 5 GHz.

Our Trusted Data Sources

We looked at 120+ router reviewers and found that 46 are trustworthy (60%+ Trust Rating). The three we have listed below are our most trusted for routers.

  1. James Morris – Kit Guru, LinkedIn
  2. Matt Spencer – TechGearLab, LinkedIn
  3. Brian Nadel – Tom’s Guide, MuckRack

Interested in a comprehensive analysis of our data sources? We’ve got you covered. Below, you’ll find a detailed list of every router review website we’ve identified, organized by their respective Trust Ratings from highest to lowest. But we didn’t stop there. We’ve meticulously reviewed each publication and verified the data by checking whether the authors have bio links to MuckRack or LinkedIn. We’re committed to not only checking the facts but ensuring their veracity.

Router Test Data & Results

Disclaimer:

Evaluating router performance is more than hardware analysis. While hardware tests are straightforward, the challenge lies in contextualizing the results within the limits of real-world usage. Routers operate under conditions that testers cannot fully standardize, including variations in Internet Service Providers (ISPs), network traffic congestion, discrepancies between advertised and actual internet speeds, and the physical layout of homes. These factors introduce a degree of unpredictability, making it hard to draw universal conclusions. As such, our router recommendations aim to provide useful general guidance, accommodating a wide range of home environments and internet setups.

1. 6 GHz Download Speed (Mbits/s)

The 6 GHz band is the latest band available on routers and is exclusive to routers that use Wi-Fi 6E. It’s slightly faster than 5 GHz bands, but the primary draw behind using 6 GHz is the reduced congestion, which reduces signal interference and as such, can potentially boost latency and speed. The newest devices can connect to Wi-Fi 6E, and because it’s a new standard, all new devices will eventually come to support it.

Because the band is only slightly faster than 5 GHz (if it ends up faster at all) we recommend a download speed of 500 Mbits/s. This is plenty for streaming, playing games, and watching Netflix – or all three across several devices, without seeing lag spikes or buffering. If you have new devices that support Wi-Fi 6E, you’ll need a router that supports the 6 GHz band to take advantage of it. Also, similar to how 5 GHz is shorter range than 2.4 GHz, 6 GHz is also slightly shorter range than 5 GHz.

6 GHz Download Speed (Mbits/s; higher is better; 0 = No Data)

2. 5 GHz Download Speed (Mbits/s)

The much faster 5 GHz band offers up much greater bandwidth and is much, much better at meeting high-speed demands. Streaming high-quality video, using streaming services, gaming, downloading large files and games – the 5 GHz band is what makes all of these activities quick and bearable. It reaches a lower range than the 2.4 GHz band, but it’s also much faster, so you’ll use it more, especially on newer devices that actually support the band.

Given how much you’ll be using this band, we recommend a speed of at least 200 Mbits/s to ensure you’re able to enjoy streaming and gaming on at least a few devices simultaneously. Any lower and you start to run into real bottleneck concerns, such as endless buffering, lagging, or drops in connection.

5 GHz Download Speed (Mbits/s; higher is better; 0 = No Data)

3. Router Range (ft)

Router range is exactly what the name suggests: how far can you get from the router before you start experiencing issues with your connection? The complicating factor is the simple fact that range depends on the band you’re using. 2.4 GHz is a band that offers greater range, so it gives tests results that show a greater range than tests that use the 5 GHz band. In general, our research found most publications used the 5 GHz band, so our recommendations are based on that.

As such, we recommend your router have a range of at least 50 ft. This gives you a good “bubble” around the router that you can connect to, but it’s important to know that things like the walls in your home can cause issues. Thicker walls block more signal, thinner walls block less. Some materials will also do a better job than others will at stopping signal, so if you see a router with a range of 65 ft, know that it might not reach that far in your home. It could reach further – or not nearly as far. This is also why you get dead zones in your home – it’s a matter of geometry and materials.

Router Range (ft; higher is better; 0 = No Data)

Best Routers for Google Fiber: Mistakes To Avoid

  1. Overlooking Speed Requirements: Consider your internet speed needs and select a router that can handle the speeds provided by Google Fiber. Opting for a router with lower capabilities may result in slower internet speeds.

  2. Neglecting Router Features: Look for routers with features that suit your specific needs, such as dual-band or tri-band capability, MU-MIMO technology for multiple device connections, and Quality of Service (QoS) for traffic prioritization.

  3. Ignoring Range and Coverage: Evaluate the size of your home or office and choose a router with sufficient range and coverage. Failing to do so may result in dead zones or weak signal areas. Additionally, there are WiFi routers with a long range designed to extend the signal further, reducing the likelihood of connectivity issues in distant rooms or areas.

  4. Neglecting Security: Opt for a router with robust security features to safeguard your network against cyber threats. Look for routers with WPA3 encryption, built-in firewalls, and automatic firmware updates for enhanced security.

The Best Routers for Google Fiber Tests Compared

Product
True Score
2.4 GHz D/L Speed
5 Ghz D/L Speed
6 GHz D/L Speed
Range
Latency

Asus ROG GT-AXE16000

  • Best for Wired

85
  • 112.88 Mbits/s

  • 639.05 Mbits/s

  • 615.19 Mbits/s

  • 0

  • 69 ms

$449.00
$700
$251

Netgear Nighthawk RAXE300

  • Best for Long Range

84
  • 221.65 Mbits/s

  • 851.59 Mbits/s

  • 756.81 Mbits/s

  • 170 ft

  • 5 ms

$288.20
$400
$112

Eero Max 7

  • Best for Secure

80
  • 95.9 Mbits/s

  • 1,078.48 Mbits/s

  • 1,222.5 Mbits/s

  • 90 ft

  • 7 ms

$599.99

Eero Pro 6E

  • Best for Parental Controls

80
  • 214.83 Mbits/s

  • 546.99 Mbits/s

  • 777.42 Mbits/s

  • 85 ft

  • 0

$249.99

Routers for Google Fiber Questions (FAQ)

What features should I look for in the best router for Google Fiber?

When selecting a router for Google Fiber, look for features such as high-speed performance (support for gigabit speeds), dual-band or tri-band capabilities, and robust security options. Additionally, consider routers with advanced features like Quality of Service (QoS) for traffic management, MU-MIMO for handling multiple devices simultaneously, and strong Wi-Fi coverage to ensure consistent connectivity throughout your home.

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