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
Best Overall
Runner Up
Best Value
Best Budget
Best Mid-Range
Premium Pick
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.
True Score
85855Experts
891kCustomers
Absolutely Fresh
SAVE $251$699.99$449.00Read More
Snapshot
Reasons to Buy
- Good WiFi Upload/Download Speed
- Easy to Setup and Configure
- Impressive Range of Coverage
Reasons to Avoid
- Poor Latency
Specifications
# of LAN Ports 4 Frequency Bands 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz-1, 5 GHz-2, 6.0 GHz MU-MIMO Support Yes Wireless Standard AX Mesh System Yes Quality of Service Prioritization Yes # of Phone Ports n/a # of WAN Ports 3 App Compatible Yes Available Storage 256MB Band Technology Quad Data Encryption Type WPA3 Energy Star Certified n/a Integrated Modem No LAN Ports – Number of Antennas 8 Parental Controls Yes Processor Cores Quad Processor Speed 2 Ghz WiFi Range 8000 sq.ft WiFi Speed 16Gb Wired Speed 1000 Mb All Specs
Test Results
2.4 GHz Download speed (Mbits/s) 113 5 GHz Download speed (Mbits/s) 639 6 Ghz Download speed (Mbits/s) 615 Latency (ms) 69 Router Range (ft) 0 2.4 GHz Upload speed (Mbits/s) 154 5 GHz Upload speed (Mbits/s) 790 6 Ghz Upload speed (Mbits/s) 790 All Tests
All Retailers
- $449.00$700Save $251
- $599.99
Our Verdict
If you’re a content creator, streamer, or remote worker with Google Fiber’s high-speed internet, the Asus ROG GT-AXE16000 is an outstanding choice, delivering great upload speeds. With superior upload speeds at 154.1 Mbits/s on the 2.4 GHz band, 790 Mbits/s on the 5 GHz band, and an impressive 790.1 Mbits/s on the 6 GHz band, this router is tailored for those who demand high performance for large file uploads, competitive online gaming, and streaming. It also offers impressive download speeds of 615.2 Mbits/s on the 6 GHz band, 639.1 Mbits/s on the 5 GHz band, and 112.88 Mbits/s on the 2.4 GHz band, delivering high-speed performance for bandwidth-intensive tasks.
Although the Asus ROG GT-AXE16000 presents a latency of 69 ms, which is higher than other models and allows for some delay, it still offers dependable performance for general browsing, streaming, and casual gaming. The cheaper Netgear Nighthawk RAXE300 has better latency if you’re concerned about budget and experiencing delays, but the Asus has superior upload speeds that content creators and professionals in fast-paced environments may require.
If managing multiple devices and bandwidth-intensive tasks is critical for your setup, the Asus ROG GT-AXE16000 is a solid option. Despite its premium price and higher latency, its superior upload performance across its bands makes it a fantastic investment if you need a reliable solution to support your content creation, gaming, and streaming experiences.
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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
- Top Router Experts
- Typical Warranty
1 year
- Covered by Insurance
Yes – AKKO
Best Overall
Runner Up
Best Value
Best Budget
Best Mid-Range
Premium Pick
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.
True Score
84829Experts
904kCustomers
Absolutely Fresh
SAVE $112$399.99$288.20Read More
Snapshot
Reasons to Buy
- Superb Wi-Fi speeds
- Wide range
- Simple setup
Reasons to Avoid
- Limited range (6GHz)
- No USB A port
- Subscription-based security solutions
Specifications
# of LAN Ports 6 Frequency Bands 2.4 GHz, 5.0 GHz, 6.0 GHz MU-MIMO Support Yes Wireless Standard AC, AX, N Mesh System No Quality of Service Prioritization No # of Phone Ports 1 # of WAN Ports 1 App Compatible Yes Available Storage 256MB Band Technology Tri Data Encryption Type WPA-PSK, WPA2-PSK, WPA3 Energy Star Certified No Integrated Modem No LAN Ports 4 Gb Ethernet Number of Antennas 6 Parental Controls Yes Processor Cores Quad Processor Speed 1.7GHz WiFi Range 2500 sq.ft WiFi Speed 7.8 Gb Wired Speed 1000 Mb All Specs
Test Results
2.4 GHz Download speed (Mbits/s) 222 5 GHz Download speed (Mbits/s) 852 6 Ghz Download speed (Mbits/s) 757 Latency (ms) 5 Router Range (ft) 170 2.4 GHz Upload speed (Mbits/s) 0 5 GHz Upload speed (Mbits/s) 175 6 Ghz Upload speed (Mbits/s) 247 All Tests
All Retailers
- $288.20$400Save $112
- $299.99
- $299.99
- $377.91$399Save $21
Our Verdict
If you’re using Google Fiber internet in a large home or office, the Netgear Nighthawk RAXE300 is a fantastic choice for your space. It boasts impressive download speeds: a superior 221.65 Mbits/s on the 2.4 GHz band, 851.6 Mbits/s on the 5 GHz band, and 756.8 Mbits/s on the 6 GHz band. Such speeds facilitate demanding activities, from competitive gaming and high-definition streaming to immersive virtual reality experiences. Its upload performance is also notable, with 175 Mbits/s on the 5 GHz and 247.2 Mbits/s on the 6 GHz bands, accommodating fast data transfers for high-quality video uploads, seamless gaming, and efficient cloud storage tasks.
If you need minimal latency for online gaming and real-time tasks, it offers an unparalleled latency of 5 ms. Its impressive range of up to 170 ft supports having a stable connection throughout your office or large home. Its robust security features and support for the latest wireless standards (AC, AX, N), make it a forward-looking addition to your home network setup.
Compared to the Asus ROG GT-AXE16000, the Nighthawk RAXE300 offers better latency for minimal delay for intensive streaming and online gaming. The ROG GT-AXE16000 has a higher latency but faster upload speeds if you’re a content creator or professional who uploads large files frequently and doesn’t necessarily need the most responsive experience.
Given its stellar speed, latency, and range performance, the Netgear Nighthawk RAXE300 is a standout selection for Google Fiber subscribers. Though it’s not the fastest model compared to other routers on the list, its advanced functionalities and robust performance justify the investment if you need a solution to support a large and/or high-traffic environment.
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Best Overall
Runner Up
Best Value
Best Budget
Best Mid-Range
Premium Pick
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.
True Score
80797Experts
85244Customers
Absolutely Fresh
$599.99Read More
Snapshot
Reasons to Buy
- Exceptional Download WiFi Speed
- Easy Installation and Configuration
- Low Latency
Reasons to Avoid
- Poor 2.4 GHz Upload Speeds
- Short Range of Coverage
- Limited Port Space
Specifications
# of LAN Ports 4 Frequency Bands 2.4 GHz, 5.0 GHz, 6.0 GHz MU-MIMO Support Yes Wireless Standard BE Mesh System Yes Quality of Service Prioritization No # of Phone Ports n/a # of WAN Ports 1 App Compatible Yes Available Storage 4000MB Band Technology Tri Data Encryption Type WPA2-Personal, WPA3-Personal Energy Star Certified No Integrated Modem No LAN Ports 2 Gb Ethernet Number of Antennas 10 Parental Controls Yes Processor Cores Quad Processor Speed – WiFi Range 2500 sq.ft WiFi Speed 4.3 Gb Wired Speed 10000 Mb All Specs
Test Results
2.4 GHz Download speed (Mbits/s) 96 5 GHz Download speed (Mbits/s) 1,078 6 Ghz Download speed (Mbits/s) 1,223 Latency (ms) 7 Router Range (ft) 90 2.4 GHz Upload speed (Mbits/s) 75 5 GHz Upload speed (Mbits/s) 411 6 Ghz Upload speed (Mbits/s) 638 All Tests
All Retailers
- $599.99
- $599.99
- $599.99
Our Verdict
If you’re using Google Fiber and need a router to manage bandwidth-intensive tasks, the Eero Max 7 stands out with its exceptional 6 GHz capabilities. Its 6 GHz band provides a superior download speed of 1222.5 Mbits/s and a fantastic upload speed of 638 Mbits/s, making it ideal for small-to-medium homes and offices where high-speed connections are crucial for streaming, competitive gaming, and smart home functionalities.
The Eero Max 7’s tri-band technology impresses on the 5 GHz band with an unmatched download speed of 1078.5 Mbits/s and upload speed of 410.6 Mbits/s, supporting online activities efficiently. Its 2.4 GHz band performance, offering download speeds of 95.9 Mbits/s and uploads of 74.8 Mbits/s, ensures reliable connectivity for everyday tasks. Featuring a minimal latency of 7 ms, this router promises quick responsiveness, which is crucial for lag-free gaming and video calls. It offers a coverage of 90 ft, suitable for small to medium-sized areas.
Compared to the Netgear Nighthawk RAXE300, both of them have great latencies to ensure little delay. The RAXE300 has almost double the Max 7’s range, making it suitable for large homes needing sufficient high-speed performance and minimal latency. On the other hand, the Max 7 has much faster 5GHz and 6GHz download and upload speeds if you want the most efficient performance on the more advanced bands.
If you demand the highest quality streaming, VR, and multiple device experiences, the Eero Max 7’s superior performance in the 6 GHz band makes it an excellent choice. Although it comes with a high price, the exceptional speeds and efficiency position it as a top-tier solution for Google Fiber subscribers seeking a high-speed internet setup across their devices.
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Best Overall
Runner Up
Best Value
Best Budget
Best Mid-Range
Premium Pick
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.
True Score
807812Experts
856kCustomers
Absolutely Fresh
$249.99Read More
Snapshot
Reasons to Buy
- Good throughput speeds
- Good coverage
- Good smart device support
Reasons to Avoid
- Lacks included security and parental control features
- Not as consistent as some WiFi 6E routers
- Limited wired connectivity
Specifications
# of LAN Ports 1 Frequency Bands 2.4 GHz, 5.0 GHz, 6.0 GHz MU-MIMO Support Yes Wireless Standard AC, AX, N Mesh System Yes Quality of Service Prioritization n/a # of Phone Ports n/a # of WAN Ports 1 App Compatible Yes Available Storage 4000MB Band Technology Tri Data Encryption Type WPA2-PSK, WPA3-Personal Energy Star Certified No Integrated Modem No LAN Ports 1 Gb Ethernet Number of Antennas 7 Parental Controls Yes Processor Cores Dual Processor Speed 1Ghz WiFi Range 6000 sq. ft WiFi Speed 1.6 Gb Wired Speed 2300 Mb All Specs
Test Results
2.4 GHz Download speed (Mbits/s) 215 5 GHz Download speed (Mbits/s) 547 6 Ghz Download speed (Mbits/s) 777 Latency (ms) 0 Router Range (ft) 85 2.4 GHz Upload speed (Mbits/s) 0 5 GHz Upload speed (Mbits/s) 111 6 Ghz Upload speed (Mbits/s) 0 All Tests
All Retailers
- $249.99
- $249.99
- $249.99
Our Verdict
If you’re using fiber optic internet and need a cost-effective yet high-performing router, the Eero Pro 6E is a great choice with its tri-band technology. It boasts impressive download speeds: 214.83 Mbits/s on the 2.4 GHz band, 547 Mbits/s on the 5 GHz band, and 777.4 Mbits/s on the 6 GHz band, ideal for 4K streaming and gaming. The Eero Pro 6E also impresses with an upload speed of 110.9 Mbits/s on the 5 GHz band, enhancing the efficiency of high-speed data uploads. This router is adept at ensuring a seamless online experience within an 85 ft range—making it ideal for small-to-medium spaces.
If you compare the Pro 6E to the Eero Max 7, both have 6 GHz capability and a similar coverage range. The Max 7 provides higher speeds on the 6 GHz band if you need top-notch speed for intensive tasks like 4K streaming. On the other hand, the Pro 6E has superior 2.4 GHz download speeds and a more affordable price for intensive online activities across multiple devices. The Pro 6E is the go-to choice if you need something cheap with extensive coverage and speed across all bands for everyday gaming and complex home networks.
The Eero Pro 6E strikes an excellent balance between affordability, range, and speed. While it isn’t the fastest in 5 and 6 GHz speed performance when pitted against other routers, its exceptional 2.4 GHz speeds provide reliable connectivity for various online activities. This makes it an ideal option if you use fiber optic internet and need a dependable, budget-friendly network solution for your small home or office.
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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.
CRITERIA | RANGE | REQUIRED | DEFINITION |
---|---|---|---|
6 GHz Download Speed | > 500 Mbits/s | Yes | The maximum speed that the router can reach when downloading on the 6 Ghz band. |
5 GHz Download Speed | > 200 Mbits/s | No (Nice to have) | The maximum speed that the router can reach when downloading on the 5 GHz band. |
Router Range | > 50 ft | No (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.
- James Morris – Kit Guru, LinkedIn
- Matt Spencer – TechGearLab, LinkedIn
- 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
> 500 Mbits/s
Acceptable range of performance
Definition: The top speed the router reaches downloading on the 6 GHz band.
Units of Measurement: Mbits/s
Tools to Measure: Speed-checking software
Why It’s Important:
If you’re connecting a ton of devices to a network, this band offers a high-speed low-congestion way to get them all high speeds on demand.
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
> 200 Mbits/s
Acceptable range of performance
Definition: The top speed the router reaches downloading on the 5 GHz band.
Units of Measurement: Mbits/s (megabits per second)
Tools to Measure: Speed-checking software
Why It’s Important:
This band is used by most modern devices and offers greater speeds that enable activities like gaming and HD streaming on multiple devices.
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
> 50 ft
Acceptable range of performance
Definition: The distance the router transmits reliable signal out to before performance and speed degrades.
Units of Measurement: Feet (ft)
Tools to Measure: Measuring Tape
Why It’s Important:
Range impacts how far you’ll get a reliable connection in your home, and whether you’ll need extenders or not.
Router Range (ft; higher is better; 0 = No Data)
Best Routers for Google Fiber: Mistakes To Avoid
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
| |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 85 |
|
|
|
|
| $449.00 $700 $251 |
| 84 |
|
|
|
|
| $288.20 $400 $112 |
| 80 |
|
|
|
|
| $599.99 |
| 80 |
|
|
|
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| $249.99 |