Best Routers For 2 Story House: Reviews & Buying Guide
It can take some time to find the ideal wireless router for a two-story home, one that provides both the speed and signal strength demanded by every user. If you have a device on the second level, you’ll need a router that’s been tested to penetrate concrete and metal.
Multiple factors, such as network range, connection speed, support for a second band, and so on, play a role in determining which router to buy. In addition, a router with a mesh system can be the greatest choice if you’re looking for optimal performance. When you live in a two-story home, finding the right wifi router can be a challenge.
If you want the finest potential coverage in your home, you’ll need the router designed for a two-story building. Depending on the layout of your home and the intended purposes of your internet connection, the features you should prioritize will change.
Top 10 Best Routers For 2 Story House
1. NETGEAR Nighthawk 8-Stream AX8
The Netgear Nighthawk AX8 is a strong Wi-Fi router that can provide the maximum throughputs for a two-story home. Although more costly than comparable Wi-Fi routers on the market today, this investment is essential if you want to secure your network for the years to come.
The maximum coverage area for this router is 2500 square feet. The RAX80’s convenient web interface and mobile app make network administration a breeze. Simple options for configuring your wireless network and internet connection are all within easy reach.
Device-specific entry pauses and resumes are supported. Port forwarding and port tripping are two of the advanced features that can be found in a web cabinet.
The dual-band and Broadcom-based architecture of the Nighthawk AX8 allow it to support eight devices at once. Off-loading Multiple Access (OFDMA) is supported in both the uplink and the downlink, allowing for more effective data scheduling.
With its uplink and downlink OFDMA, you’ll experience less delay and more efficient network operation. With the Nighthawk App, setting up the Nighthawk AX8 Wi-Fi 6 Router is a breeze. You may get it from either the Apple or Google Play stores.
Connecting to the router and using all of its features is as simple as logging in and getting started with the app. In order to check your internet speed and manage your router remotely, you can download the Nighthawk app.
If you want to enjoy gigabit Wi-Fi speeds, the Nighthawk AX8 router is a great option. It allows for WAN port aggregation, which uses two gigabit Ethernet ports together to increase throughput above 1 Gbps. The wireless router’s maximum throughput is 6Gbps, and it supports two radio frequencies.
The Netgear WiFi6 router is more expensive than the others in the comparison, but its advantages for larger homes are substantial. Using its smart capabilities, you can lessen the likelihood of wireless disruptions and congestion.
It employs the highly secure WPA3 protocol and features a multi-gigabit interface. Pricey as it may be, the benefits of faster wireless speeds and lower latency more than justify the outlay.
| Pros | Cons |
| The Wi-Fi 6 technology | Heating problems |
| Speeds of up to 6 Gbps | |
| Up to 50 supported devices | |
| Within the 2500 square foot range | |
| Controls that use artificial intelligence to keep children safe at home | |
| Elegant design |
2. Google Nest Wi-Fi
Do you find yourself getting annoyed by the commonplace router that has antennas? Then you have nothing to worry about; Google has just released the greatest Wi-Fi router available, and it works without antennas yet covers an area of up to 6600 square feet.
There are 2 units per order of this item. You can get one with two, or if your home is particularly large, one with three, so that everyone in the family can enjoy reliable internet access.
The Nest Wi-Fi is an adaptable and expandable Wi-Fi system, and its various components cooperate to provide a stable internet connection throughout your entire home. It provides a quick network and does away with buffering in all of your rooms.
One of the routers establishes a wireless network by connecting to your ISP’s modem, while the other serves to expand coverage. Thus, it aids in extending your network to gadgets located on the various floors of your two-story home. It has Ethernet ports on both routers and a power supply that draws 15 watts.
It is possible to simultaneously stream several 4K videos on this router, and it can handle a large number of connected devices. Using Nest’s Wi-Fi, you can be assured that your setup is secure even when you’re not around.
On top of that, it constantly upgrades with brand-new options for use. You can restrict your children’s Internet use and prioritize your own devices for quicker connections.
Moreover, passing around passwords is as simple as a tap or two. If you’d like, you may also pick and choose among the available bundles to find the perfect one for you.
| Pros | Cons |
| Supports up to 200 devices simultaneously | Relatively costly |
| No need for extra antennas | Communication is weakened by concrete walls |
| Up to six (6) Ethernet jacks available | |
| Simple to conceal | |
| Protects expansive spaces and housing |
3. NETGEAR Orbi Tri-Band
You have likely heard about NETGEAR Orbi if you are looking for a home mesh Wi-Fi system suitable for a two-story residence.
The Orbi’s high-powered amplifiers and eight high-performance internal antennae make it a wonderful alternative for households without extra switches, while its small design and Gigabit Ethernet connections make it a great option for homes with extra switches. The enhanced range and speed of the system are a direct result of this assistance.
The presence of parental controls is a key differentiator for this system. Both parents and children can use timers to limit their Internet access, with the latter being able to do so for individual apps or web pages.
The Orbi’s aesthetic is far more understated and refined than that of other mesh Wi-Fi systems. The process of getting started is quick and simple. Connect the main router to your modem, plug in the satellites, and wait for your devices to connect.
Also, it can be set up in little time flat and with little to no technical knowledge required. With the Orbi, you can have lightning-fast Wi-Fi everywhere throughout your house. It has a maximum coverage area of 5,000 square feet and can accommodate up to 100 devices.
The Wi-Fi signal stays strong and quick throughout the house thanks to its cutting-edge tri-band mesh technology. Also, the Tri-Band Mesh technology it employs ensures a consistent signal across your home. This router has transfer rates of up to 3Gbps.
| Pros | Cons |
| Authentic mesh technology | Big size |
| Protects an area as large as 5000 square feet | |
| Assists over 25 different gadgets | |
| Dedicated Triband System | |
| Top speed of 3000 Mbps | |
| Simple configuration via mobile app |
4. ASUS AC1300 WiFi Router (RT-ACRH13)
The ASUS RT-ACRH13 Wireless-AC Router is also suitable for a two-story home. There are a number of ports and features on this router, including a Reset button, a Power DC-IN port, and four 10/100/1000 BaseT RJ45 LAN ports.
It also has a WPS button for wireless device pairing. This router offers coverage for an area of up to 3000 square feet in size. Maximum throughput is 1267 Mbps.
The router may look simple, yet it has many useful functions. It’s great for many home networks because of the fast Wi-Fi connections and dual-band technology it supports. Thanks to the handy companion app, it’s a great pick for heavy Internet users.
This router’s small footprint is one of its selling points. The RT-front ACRH13’s is patterned with a grey diamond design that looks great against the matte black body. It serves its purpose well and has a sleek style to boot.
This router supports more than 30 simultaneous connections. There are parental controls, MU-MIMO, and four external antennas on this device.
| Pros | Cons |
| It has a very simple layout | Slow performance, even for power users |
| Quick and easy to set up and customize | Fewer alternatives for cyber protection and less supervision for kids |
| Extremely reasonable cost | A lack of user-specific firmware |
| Gigabit local area network performance is impressive |
5. TP-Link AC1750 Smart Wi-Fi Router Archer A7
For those on a tighter budget, I highly recommend the TP-Link AC1750 Smart Wi-Fi Router. Dual-band connectivity, support for 50+ devices, and a large range are all selling points. The Archer A7 is suitable for moderately large homes with two stories, and it’s very inexpensive in comparison to the competition.
It is a straightforward process to set up a TP-Link Archer A7 network. The redesigned graphical interface makes it easier to navigate and set up. Although a decent balance of price and performance is hard to accomplish, the TP-Link Archer A7 is a worthy pick.
It has a dual-band connection, one at 2.4 GHz for general use and one at 5 GHz for more demanding uses like video gaming and streaming.
In addition, there are safeguards for children and a separate login for guests. In addition to supporting Alexa and a VPN server, this router also offers a quality service. It gives maximum coverage of 2500 Sq Ft. This router can achieve a maximum throughput of 1750 Mbps. It’s simple to install and has three antennae for improved range.
| Pros | Cons |
| Simple set-up and upkeep | The inability to alter settings |
| Reasonable results | |
| Dependable connection for up to 2,000 square feet | |
| An adequate number of ports | |
| A total of three external antennas |
6. TP-Link AC5400 Tri-Band Wi-Fi Gaming Router
The TP-Link AC5400 Tri-Band Gaming Router is the finest option if you need a new powerful router that can reach all floors of a two-story home. A wireless gaming router and a local area network are both built into this one device.
The Archer C5400X is among the best routers for online gaming. Despite its compact size, the Archer C5400X is a powerful computer.
The Archer C5400X is a good option for gamers who value high frame rates. It utilizes three distinct cable bands and supports data transfer rates of up to 2167 Mbps (Mbps). The AC5400’s three bands (2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 2.4 GHz) are another wonderful feature. The use of tribands simplifies network optimization and maintenance.
There is a separate band for gaming traffic, while the other two provide fast Wi-Fi to the rest of the house. The Wi-Fi band that is most suited to each individual device is automatically chosen by Smart Connect. In terms of hardware, the TP-Link Archer C5400X features a 1.8 GHz quad-core CPU, three co-processors, and 1 GB of RAM.
The Archer C5400X has an integrated OpenVPN server and an Access Point mode, both of which can be accessed via a web interface that provides both standard and sophisticated configuration options.
Furthermore, it features eight gigabit LAN ports, two of which can be configured for link aggregation. This router can cover an area of up to 5000 square feet. This router has a whopping 5334 Mbps throughput.
| Pros | Cons |
| Ideal speed for a two-story residence | Extremely costly |
| Superior in both speed and steadiness | |
| A sufficient number of ports and connectivity choices | |
| Integrated, cost-free safety measures |
7. ASUS Wi-Fi 6 Router RT-AX3000
Another solid option for a home with two stories is the ASUS Wi-Fi 6 Router RT-AX3000. The router features four antennas and is slightly smaller than its rivals, which may be disconcerting to some.
The ASUS RT-AX3000 provides a great collection of capabilities that work well in a two-story home. You don’t need an account to use the free ASUS Router App to manage your router from your mobile device. This router has a maximum range of 3000 square feet.
It advertises transfer rates of up to 3000 Mbps. This router also includes useful settings for protecting young users. One of its biggest features is that it provides unlimited internet protection forever.
The RT-AX3000 may not appear to be a very formidable gadget, but it is an excellent option for the thrifty consumer looking for a Wi-Fi 6 router. There are four external antennas included, and they are fixed.
The router features the upcoming generation of Wi-Fi technology known as Wi-Fi 6, as well as a robust dual-band antenna design. You’ll have more room for wireless connections, and it offers greater connectivity and battery life. The RT-AX3000 is a top-tier wireless router because of its lightning-fast transfer rates.
This router boasts an excellent Wi-Fi range, a stylish, contemporary look, and a wealth of configuration options. MU-MIMO and Ai-Mesh technologies are incorporated into the router, allowing for improved signal reception over a larger area and higher throughput.
| Pros | Cons |
| Offers a reliable link | There is no link aggregation allowed |
| The price is reasonable | |
| The latest Aimesh technology and Wi-Fi 6 | |
| High-Quality Safety Measures |
8. Eero Pro mesh Wi-Fi system
Need a tri-band mesh systemic Wi-Fi for your two-story home but can’t seem to find one? If that’s the case, you’ve found the right item at the right time. As a result of ditching the conventional routers in favor of a mesh network, this model boasts lightning-fast and dependable connectivity.
You can rest assured that your home Wi-Fi will always be up-to-date with this router because it receives automatic updates once a month. By combining several wireless access points into a single network, mesh Wi-Fi provides a stable and reliable internet connection throughout an entire building.
There comes a moment when you realize you need to upgrade your router because of the difficulties you’re having with it and the quality of your network connection. This gadget makes it simple to switch out your current router with a new one. On top of that, the mobile app allows for instantaneous management of everything.
Thanks to the reliable connection, you’ll be able to use this gadget to do things like streaming videos, playing games, and working from wherever in the room. Incorporated into its design is top-tier security that will protect your network from intruders from any location.
You can set up profiles for your children with a few touches, allowing you to suspend their internet access and establish routines. This product’s minimalistic beauty is a reflection of your refined taste.
With its understated elegance, this product will elevate rather than detract from your existing interior design. It’s great for working from home or streaming videos and games, and it’s fast enough for online enjoyment.
| Pros | Cons |
| Easy to use and set up | Only two Ethernet ports are available |
| The ability to expand the network as necessary | Expensive |
| Mesh Network | |
| Regularly scheduled automatic updates | |
| Easily accommodates buildings with two stories |
9. Motorola MG7700 Dual-Band Wi-Fi
If you are having difficulty locating a budget-friendly router for your two-story home, you have found the ideal review. It will provide you with affordable, high-speed, whole-home networking. This gentleman has a sleek vertical design that would look great in any setting.
It has the potential to reduce storage requirements while simultaneously enhancing refrigeration. As it combines a cable modem and a router, it provides a stable connection without the need for extensive wiring.
Due to the reduced need for adapters, it also helps to preserve desk space. The range and speed of your wireless connections will greatly improve after using this gadget.
Streaming and gaming will run smoothly and without interruptions thanks to the network’s high speed and range. You may use this router from anywhere in your home, giving you the flexibility to work or play as you like.
The modem’s maximum speed of up to 1 Gbps guarantees uninterrupted, delay-free operation. Besides that, it can strengthen things like Wi-Fi amplifiers and firewalls. In that case, why hold off? If you don’t already have this ingenious tool, you should get it before you start to feel regret.
What’s more, this router has a simple interface that makes setting it up a breeze. Neither technical expertise nor familiarity with routers are prerequisites. It’s simple for the user to alter the parameters to their liking.
| Pros | Cons |
| Fast uploading and downloading speeds | Able to work with a predetermined group of ISPs |
| Features a Wi-Fi signal booster | Has a simple and minimal design |
| This product is simple to use | |
| Able to pair with a wide variety of gadgets | |
| Friendly, intuitive design |
10. GRYPHON Mesh Wi-Fi Router
Limit screen time, filtering inappropriate information, scheduling schoolwork, and bedtime examining browsing history enforcing safe search and YouTube, and disabling internet access at will are just some of the smart parental controls offered by this device.
With its six powerful antennas, you may enjoy internet streaming, gaming, file downloads, and web surfing throughout your entire two-story home. Powerful antennae mean you have a speedy connection across the entire house.
Utilize the product’s benefits with the help of mesh technology and supplementary units. Every room in the house is now accessible via the network. Place it in the middle of the home for the best signal distribution.
You can rest easy knowing that you’re protected around-the-clock thanks to daily security upgrades that block even the newest threats. As an added bonus, you can prioritize devices to eliminate buffering altogether.
Once you’ve downloaded the Gryphon app, it will walk you through each step. Your entire network of connected devices may be kept secure and secured from hackers and other threats with the help of this software. Important in today’s environment is the ability to restrict access to certain devices on a Wi-Fi network to safeguard everyone’s online safety.
| Pros | Cons |
| Options for parental supervision | Unable to see what kind of user accounts are restricted |
| Quick and simple to set up | It is not easy to determine the firmware version |
| Modifications to the firmware are provided for free automatically | |
| checks gadgets for security flaws |
How To Choose The Right Routers For 2 Story House? (Guide)
The Router’s Coverage
The router’s range is the single most crucial feature. In particular for a home with two stories. For the simple reason that nobody enjoys a sluggish connection or constant disconnections. If you’re in the market for a router, then the range should be your first priority.
When shopping for a router, pick one with at least 800–1000 square feet more coverage than your home. Due to the fact that most routers fall short of their promises and that having more range would allow you to maintain your connection even when you’re away from home.
See the best router for a 1000 sq ft house if your home is larger than 1000-1500 square feet. In addition, research whether or not the router you’re considering features range boosting and beamforming technologies. As a result of these enhancements, you can expect a reliable connection across the entire two-story home.
Integrated Security Features
A wifi router’s security settings are another important but often overlooked aspect. Protecting sensitive data in cyberspace is more crucial than ever. Since it has become commonplace to steal people’s identities and invade their privacy.
Your router’s built-in security safeguards can therefore mitigate these risks to some extent. Further, the cost of VPN and antivirus software can be much reduced if the network itself is safe.
Bands Quantity
The connection reliability is directly proportional to the number of bands available in a router. Most new routers support dual bands. Heavy traffic can be handled and longer distances can be covered by waves in the 2.4 GHz band.
On the other hand, the 5 GHz band can offer a strong signal to neighboring devices. For typical home use, a dual-band router is sufficient. However, if you are a professional gamer or heavy user, you might look into purchasing a tri-band router.
Quantity of Antennas
When living in a home with more than one floor, antennas become crucial. In the minds of the general public, wifi router antennae are nothing more than a novelty. Antennas may seem insignificant, but in actuality, they play a crucial role.
That’s because wifi signals are transmitted by these antennae. The signal can be improved by pointing one or two antennas in the desired direction. Check to see if the router’s antennae can be adjusted and whether or not they are there before making a purchase.
Modern Capabilities like MIMO and QoS
MU-MIMO and Quality of Service (QoS) are two cutting-edge technologies that will guarantee a stable WiFi connection. Having a reliable connection for streaming across several devices is made easier with MU-MIMO.
Quality of service (QoS) is useful once again since it allows for the control of constant, high-quality communications for designated endpoints. Let’s take a look at some of the most often-asked questions about two-story home routers.
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Conclusion
Having a router with good range and coverage is especially important if you live in a two-story home. If you want your network to reach every corner of your home, you’ll need a robust router. A router with a range of 3000–4000 square feet is ideal. Increasing your network’s reach and stability is possible with any of these routers.
The Eero Pro mesh Wi-Fi system is highly recommended if you need a router that can reliably cover a home with multiple stories. On the other hand, the NETGEAR Nighthawk Wi-Fi Router is the best option if you prioritize security.
We hope you’ve learned enough from this article to confidently select a router for your home. All 10 top-rated routers for a 2-story home have features that will make you happy with your purchase. You should also give some thought to the most important considerations to choose which model is best for you.
