Best Router For 2 Story House in 2024 (Improved Coverage)

If you live in a 2-story house and have experienced internet issues, finding the best quality router that will suit your needs in terms of WiFi speed, coverage and connected devices is a priority.

The best router for a 2-story house should use the WiFi 6 standard, cover at least 2,500 sq.ft and connect to a minimum of 30 devices.

If you live in a property that is larger than 2,000 sq.ft, you may consider investing in a mesh WiFi system.

Mesh systems comprise a router and nodes (satellites), which sync together to create a unified network.

Mesh systems are best equipped to deliver internet access throughout the property, compared to a traditional router setup.

For households smaller than 2,000 sq.ft, there are plenty of high-quality routers on the market that should deliver fast internet speeds and good coverage.

We have tested over 25 routers in a 2-story house setting and have identified the top 7 products which have been reviewed in this article.

Best Router For 2 Story House (2024)

Top 8 Routers For A Two Story House

The best router suitable for a two-story home should provide you with a stable connection, faster speed, wider coverage, and protection from cyber threats and attacks.

In our product reviews below, we provide details on the performance, design, advantages, disadvantages, specs, and whom the router is recommended for:

1. TP-Link Archer AX73 (Editor’s Choice)

Our Editor’s Choice for the best router for a 2 story house is the TP-Link Archer AX73 router.

Design

The TP-Link Archer AX73 provides you with a fast, lightning internet speed of up to 5400 Mbps to ensure that you have the best performance for buffer-free gaming and an 8k streaming experience when all your mobile, smart home and other devices are connected to the network.

The Archer AX73 comes with advanced wireless technologies like 4T4R and beamforming combined with 6 high-gain antennas that concentrate the signal strength to your connected devices to ensure that you have enough coverage throughout your home.

Performance

The Archer AX73 can easily handle a lot of devices gaming and streaming at the same time as it combines MU-MIMO and OFDMA which offers a greater capacity for connecting more devices to your home network.

The OFDMA increases efficiency by allowing different devices to share one transmission stream while MU-MIMO uses multiple streams to transfer data to different devices simultaneously.

The real-time home network scanner can detect potential security issues and threats that may attack your network.

The Quality of Service enables you to assign your favorite devices to have enough bandwidth for top performance and fast connections.

With parental controls, you can block any inappropriate content and manage time online to keep your family safe.

You can also control what your children can watch online or download. The IoT protection, a premium security service by TP-Link, ensures that your home network is safe.

The improved vented areas in this router make it unleash full power as there is less heat produced. Other features of the Archer AX73 include monthly/weekly reports, HomeShield Pro paid service, and IoT Device Identification.

Who It’s For

The Archer AX73 is recommended for large homes with multiple devices used for different purposes including gaming, streaming, browsing, and downloading at the same time.

Specs

• Speed: 5400 Mbps
• Range: Extensive coverage
• Bands: Dual-Band
• Wireless Protocol: 11n, 802.11ax, 802.11b, 802.11ac, 802.11g
• Ports: 5 Ethernet ports

Pros

• Ultra-fast smart roaming.
• Broader WiFi coverage and range
• Great parental controls.
• Can connect to several devices at the same time.
• Easy to set up.

Cons

• Needs you to update the firmware to get faster speeds.

2. NETGEAR Orbi RBK852 (Mesh System)

Design

The NETGEAR Orbi RBK852 includes a tri-band system that is compatible with the fastest and latest WiFi 6 technology to offer you the ultimate smart home experience with connection capacity and WiFi coverage that is beyond belief.

The superb coverage is enabled through the mesh system, where the central router connects with the satellite devices located across the home to eliminate WiFi dead zones.

The Orbi RBK852 provides all of your devices with enough bandwidth and maintains strong WiFi connections in every room of your home at all times. This ensures that you have uninterrupted HD video gaming, streaming, and web conferencing.

Performance

The Orbi RBK852 can connect to 100 devices with a coverage of up to 5000 square feet, making it very well-suited to two-story homes. You can extend the coverage using an extra satellite which is sold separately to up to 2500 square feet.

This router works with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa, and it should connect directly to your existing cable modem.

You can use the Orbi App to easily set up the Orbi RBK852 router in a few minutes. Having the Orbi App on your mobile phone enables you to easily manage the WiFi settings, monitor data usage, and test internet speed.

The ethernet ports on the satellite and router allow you to connect more devices to your network such as streaming players, game consoles, computers, and more.

The NETGEAR Armor provides an automatic shield of security to all the devices connected to your family’s WiFi network.

Smart parental controls build trust with your children, foster responsibility, and promote healthy internet habits. Both the Smart Parental Controls and NETGEAR Armor have a 30-day free trial included.

Who It’s For

If you’ve struggled to access the internet in certain parts of your home and need a router or WiFi setup that eliminates these dead zones, purchasing the NETGEAR Orbi RBK852 is the right choice for you.

Specs

• Speed: Up to 2.5 Gbps
• Range: Up to 5000 sq. ft. and up to 100 devices
• Bands: Tri-Band
• Wireless Protocol: 11ax, 802.11ac
• Ports: 8

Pros

• Easy to set up.
• Fast WiFi 6 internet.
• Great coverage.
• Protects your kids from harmful internet content.

Cons

• Some reported firmware issues.

3. ASUS RT-AX3000 (Budget Friendly)

Design

The RT-AX3000 is an affordably priced router that delivers the next generation of WiFi. The device can provide speeds up to 2.5 times faster than the previous generation.

To ensure that you have maximum speeds and wider coverage for all your devices, the RT-AX3000 comes with the latest technology including Adaptive QoS, MU-MIMO, and OFDMA.

The 802.11ax is the latest wireless protocol that offers higher network efficiency, future-proof technologies, greater coverage, faster WiFi speeds, and enhanced battery life for all the devices connected to the network.

Performance

The ASUS RT-AX3000 router allows you to connect multiple devices to your home network and use them concurrently. It has premium hardware backed with bandwidth prioritization and advanced technology.

The ASUS RT-AX3000 connects to every device and offers exceptional WiFi coverage throughout your home from the backyard to the living room.

The dual-band WiFi ensures that there are fewer disruptions when more devices are connected to the router. Additionally, you get to experience smooth 4k streaming.

This router works with Alexa, which means that you can use Alexa voice control to manage your WiFi settings.

Features such as guest access, parental controls, and advanced WPA/WPA2 wireless encryption enable you to protect your devices and family from internet threats and attacks.

You can easily set up the RT-AX3000 using the ASUS Router App, remotely check in using the cloud, and manage the connectivity of your WiFi at home.

Who It’s For

The ASUS RT-AX3000 is suitable for very large homes that require a powerful router as it offers the range, speed, and security that most families need. The device is also budget-friendly, so is suited to individuals or families on a limited budget.

Specs

• Speed: 3000 Mbps
• Range: Up to 3000 sq. ft
• Bands: Dual-Band
• Wireless Protocol: 11n, 802.11b, 802.11ax, 802.11a, 802.11ac
• Ports: 1 USB port

Pros

• Easy to set up.
• Reboots faster.
• Fast download speeds as advertised.
• Good WiFi range.
• Great management interface.

Cons

4. NETGEAR RAXE500 (Best Router For A 3000 Sq Ft House)

Design

The Nighthawk RAXE500 allows you to enjoy HD videoconferencing, VR/AR gaming, and 8K/4K video streaming because of the 6GHz WiFi band that is designed for devices with WiFi 6E technology.

The 1.8GHz frequency provides you with great WiFi speed of up to 10.8 Gbps which is 9 times faster than the WiFi 5 technology. This router can connect to 60 devices and provide coverage of up to 3,500 sq. ft.

Performance

The Nighthawk RAXE500 can be used to replace your current WiFi router, but you will need to buy a separate modem. The device is compatible with most internet service providers with WiFi speeds of up to 2Gbps.

The Nighthawk App allows you to easily set up your router in minutes. With the app, you can also test your internet speed, manage WiFi settings at the network and device level, and monitor how you and your family are using the data.

The five Ethernet ports allow you to connect to all of your devices that have a wired internet connection.

You will also get an automatic shield of security throughout your devices with the NETGEAR Armor as it protects your family’s internet.

To ensure that your kids develop healthy internet habits and are responsible, this router comes with Smart Parental Controls and enables you to monitor and restrict their internet usage.

The inclusion of MU-MIMO and OFDMA technologies enables multiple devices to reliably connect and access the internet simultaneously.

With Beamforming technologies and QoS, you also can concentrate the signal strength on some of your devices so that they can have faster internet connections.

The RAXE500 works with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant Voice control, and it has DoS, guest WiFi access, VPN, Firewall, and more. It supports WPA3/WPA2 wireless security protocols.

Who It’s For

The NETGEAR Nighthawk RAXE500 is recommended for people with larger homes that measure up to 3,500 sq. ft. and need to connect around 60 devices to be used for different purposes including gaming, streaming, and web conferencing.

Specs

• Speed: 8 Gbps
• Range: Up to 60 devices and 3500 sq. ft
• Bands: Tri-Band
• Wireless Protocol: 11ax
• Ports 5 Ethernet ports and 2 USB ports

Pros

• Less congestion.
• Faster speeds.
• Reliable connections to all applications and devices.
• More available bandwidth.
• Reliable coverage and maximized range.

Cons

• Has random reboots.
• Port forwarding does not work in some units.

5. Motorola MG7700 (Modem Router Combo)

Design

The Motorola MG7700 features a WiFi amplifier for a power boost, firewall security, and four Ethernet ports. The modem supports service speeds of up to 650 Mbps and has a maximum speed of 1000 Mbps.

You can save on modem rental fees if you get this modem router combo. It is compatible with most internet service providers.

Performance

The MG7700 ensures that all your devices are connected to fast internet as it comes with a power boost option. You can connect your tablets, smartphones, notebooks, and many more.

The Ethernet ports also enable you to connect laptops and computers directly to the router.

The MG7700 delivers quality internet speed and range because of the power amplifiers within the device which boost the WiFi signals to the legal limit.

Anybeam technology uses 5GHz and 2.4GHz frequencies to improve your router’s performance and focus the signal on wireless clients.

The MG7700 is cheaper compared to buying a modem and a router separately as it comes as one unit.

Additionally, you do not need a lot of space as you are only setting up one device. The number of cables and outlets is also reduced.

Who It’s For

If you are looking to save on rental fees but get a high-performance modem router combo at the same time, the Motorola MG7700 is for you.

Specs

• Speed: Modem speed is 1000 Mbps
• Range: 2,000 sq ft
• Bands: Dual-Band
• Wireless Protocol: 11ac
• Ports: 4 Ethernet ports

Pros

• The integrated router and modem save space and offer a single-user interface.
• Easy setup.
• Reasonable speed.
• Compact design.
• Reduces the use of wires and power cubes.

Cons

• Outdated wireless protocols.

6. Gryphon Mesh System (Best Security Features)

Design

The Gryphon Tower router provides you with dependable and secure mesh WiFi connectivity for all your smart devices.

It is designed to deliver enhanced security, efficient and fast coverage as well as advanced parental controls.

With the advanced WiFi technology, you can enjoy incredible speeds and whole-home coverage no matter how many connected devices and users are added to the network.

This is because the MU-MIMO and tri-band system provide up to 3000 sq. ft. of WiFi coverage.

Performance

The Gryphon Tower router comes with comprehensive parental controls that enable young users to have a safe internet experience.

The parental controls feature individualized time limits, website and app blocking, active content monitoring, and valuable usage insights that enable you to monitor the screen time of your kids.

Modern ransomware and malware protection provides you with the next-generation firewall to protect all the devices in your home network from internet attacks.

Additionally, you get automatic protection from phishing scams, and intelligent intrusion detection guards you against hackers.

The Gryphon Connect app enables you to set up your router and manage your WiFi network using your phone. You can also manage your device access, parental controls, and app use using Gryphon Connect.

The Gryphon Tower provides a secured connection to the busiest networks without buffering, speed lags, or dropped connections.

It provides high-speed internet to all users in your home network even when they are all surfing, working, gaming, and streaming at the same time.

Who It’s For

The Gryphon Tower Router is recommended for individuals with larger homes and many devices that need a fast internet connection.

Specs

• Speed: 3000 Mbps
• Range: 3000 sq. ft
• Bands: Tri-Band
• Wireless Protocol: 11bgn
• Ports: 4

Pros

• Easy to set up.
• Good parental controls.
• Good hardware.
• Great WiFi coverage.
• Eliminates WiFi dead zones.

Cons

• Issues with updating the software.

7. TP-Link Deco S4 (Best Router For A 2500 Sq Ft House)

Design

The TP-Link Deco S4 provides you with seamless and fast WiFi throughout your home using the Deco mesh technology.

The Deco S4 comes with three units including the main router and two satellites, and they work together to create one network that delivers WiFi coverage of up to 5,500 square feet.

This setup ensures that you get a reliable internet connection when moving around your home and you do not experience dead zones.

Performance

The Deco S4 features a single network password and name to enable you to enjoy seamless roaming in your entire home. This means that your devices can automatically connect to any of the Decos as you move around the house.

The incredibly fast WiFi speeds allow this mesh system to create an internet connection for up to 100 devices.

The robust parental controls block inappropriate websites and limit online time according to the profiles created for every family member. This makes it easy for you to keep your kid safe when they are online.

The Deco app which is available on iOS and Android devices enables you to easily set up the Deco S4 mesh system.

Each Deco unit comes with 2 Ethernet ports and any of them can be used as a WiFi router as it is compatible with all internet service providers.

Who It’s For

The TP-Link Deco S4 provides better WiFi coverage to homes of any size including L-shaped, three-story, and ranch-style homes.

Specs

• Speed: 1200 Mbps
• Range: Up to 5,500 sq. ft.
• Bands: Dual-Band
• Wireless Protocol: 11ac
• Ports: 6

Pros

• Convenient management using the Deco app.
• Easy to set up.
• Provides seamless roaming.
• Better coverage of up to 5,500 sq. ft.

Cons

• Reported issues with the app and firmware update.

8. ASUS ZenWiFi XD5 (Best Router For 4000 Sq. Ft. House)

Design

The ASUS ZenWiFi XD5 system contains three ASUS AX3000 WiFi 6 routers equipped with unique technologies that deliver secure, reliable, and superfast WiFi connections outside or inside your home.

ZenWiFi XD5 is a WiFi 6 Mesh WiFi system that delivers a total speed of up to 3000 Mbps which is three times faster compared to WiFi 5 routers. It is equipped with a unique antenna placement that provides strong WiFi throughout your home.

Performance

The ASUS ZenWiFi XD5 supports high-speed 160MHz bandwidth which dramatically reduces congestion while increasing your network capacity, hence delivering higher performance to each WiFi 6 device.

The XD5 has a flexible network naming system as it allows you to decide how you want to name your WiFi networks. You can either have separate names for every frequency band or have one name for the entire network.

Setting up the XD5 is easy with the ASUS Router app. Just turn on the XD5, create an admin account and a WiFi network name, and give it about three minutes and your device will be fully set up.

The AiProtection Classic has Parental Controls that protect your network and make your internet a safer place for everyone. You can use the mobile app to keep an eye on everything happening on your network, giving you peace of mind.

The ASUS ZenWiFi XD5 can be paired with smart-home services such as Alexa skills. It has a nice-looking and space-saving design and supports wall mounting. You can put it anywhere in your home such as hanging it on the wall.

You can create a flexible and powerful whole-home WiFi system by mixing and matching the ZenWiFi with AiMesh-compatible routers.

Who It’s For

If you are looking for a router that can provide coverage for a 4000 sq. ft. house, the ASUS ZenWiFi XD5 is the option for you.

Specs

• Speed: Up to 3000 Mbps
• Range: Up to 5000sq. ft.
• Bands: Dual-Band
• Wireless Protocol: 11ax, 802.11b, 802.11a, 802.11ac, 802.11g
• Ports: 2 Ethernet on each unit

Pros

• Eliminates dead zones.
• Iconic design.
• Easy to set up and control.
• Great security features.
• Wider coverage.

Cons       

Factors To Consider When Looking For The Best Router For A Two Story House

To ensure that you buy the best router for a 2-story house, you need to consider the following factors:

House Size & Square Footage

When considering the best internet setup for a property, the house size and square footage are key factors as they will impact on the type of setup you choose.

For properties that are smaller than 2,000 sq.ft, we recommend going for a traditional router setup.

This means your primary network is derived from one high-quality device that can provide network access to multiple users across the property.

If you find that the single router does not reach every corner of the home, you could invest in a WiFi extender or wireless access point to extend the network.

A WiFi extender is the cheapest and simplest option, but does take up to 50% of network bandwidth per device.

A wireless access point provides a more reliable and lower latency connection but needs a wired connection to the main router which can be tricky to setup.

For properties larger than 2,000 sq.ft, investing in mesh system makes more sense. A mesh system is comprised of a main router and nodes that sync to form a unified network.

You should place the main router in the center of the property, and then place anywhere between 1 to 4 nodes in locations where the network generally struggles to access.

WiFi Range & Coverage

The theoretical WiFi coverage provided by your router should exceed the total square footage of your property.

We say theoretical because, in reality, the coverage advertised by a manufacturer tends to be an estimate of coverage in perfect conditions.

The reality is that every home has obstacles and interferences that can restrict the actual coverage of the network.

To cover a 2 story house, a router should theoretically cover at least 2,000 sq.ft.

To maximize the coverage of a router within a property you should place it in a central location where there are no immediate obstacles such as thick walls, cupboards or fridges.

Also, coverage is determined greatly by the frequency band. The 2.4 GHz band offers the best coverage, while the 5 GHz or 6 GHz bands offer the weakest coverage but the highest speed.

Properties that exceed 2,000 sq.ft may consider investing in a mesh system as they are designed to eliminate dead zones and work best in larger properties.

WiFi extenders and WAP are also options to extend your coverage if you opt for a traditional router setup.

Traditional Router vs Mesh System

Depending on the setup of your home, you can either choose traditional or mesh network routers. A centralized system is seen in traditional routers while a decentralized system is found in mesh systems.

Traditional routers are placed in one room and all the devices connect to it. Since there is a single unit with traditional routers, there is a high chance that you will experience weaker coverage as the signal may have difficulties penetrating through the walls to all the rooms.

The mesh system is designed to overcome the above problem as it works using WiFi nodes. The mesh system allocates one device to act as the main router and the other units are strategically located across the house.

These units act as satellites but they appear as a single, seamless network to the user. Mesh WiFi systems are better for penetrating concrete and brick walls than traditional routers.

Router Location

Finding the best place to put your router will ensure that you get good WiFi connectivity. You need to know where you will place your router so that you can get the best signal throughout your house.

As routers give off signals in all directions, placing them in the corner of a room will ensure that the connection will reach outside the house if you need it.

To ensure that the WiFi signal reaches all the rooms in your home, you should ideally place it at the center of the house. For a two-story building, you should place the router near the ceiling to ensure that both floors get uninterrupted signals.

Additionally, you should not put the router near obstructions such as thick walls, electronic devices, or microwaves as it will interrupt your WiFi signal. Metal objects can also disrupt the signal.

WiFi Speed

WiFi speed is measured in Mbps, and it is the speed at which you can upload and download files online. Your WiFi speed will be faster if the Mbps is higher.

Comparing the WiFi speeds of different routers will enable you to find the right one for a two-story house.

The WiFi speed of your router depends on the bands available which include 5 GHz and 2.4 GHz frequencies. The higher frequencies deliver faster WiFi speeds.

Some routers have the new 6GHz band which provides internet speeds that are ultra-fast and seamless.

Additionally, the usage level and the number of users determine the actual speed that you will experience with your router.

For instance, a router with a WiFi speed of 200 Mbps will be slower when connected to 20 devices but faster when connected to 4 or 5 devices.

Where To Place Your Router In A Two-Story House

 

The following are some of the considerations that you need to keep in mind when choosing the right location for your router:

Consider the floor or ceiling

For optimal coverage, you should remember the spherical signal dispersion when positioning your router.

Placing a router on the floor in a basement can result in half of the signals being absorbed by the ground.

To maximize coverage in a multilevel house, it’s better to position the router on the lower floor’s ceiling or the upper floor’s ground to cover both levels.

Use a separate router and modem

While routers combined with modems are convenient for smaller spaces like apartments and small houses, it’s best to purchase a modem and router separately for multilevel houses.

If your ISP is installed in a location where you cannot get enough signal, you can still use a separate Wi-Fi router even if you have a combined router and modem unit.

By installing the modem in that location and setting up a dedicated Wi-Fi router in a central location, you can improve internet coverage throughout your home or office.

Router For A 2-Story House FAQs

Do I Need A Mesh System For A 2-Story House?

If you need Wi-Fi coverage for a space larger than 3500 sq. Ft., upgrading to a mesh WiFi router is preferable to using an extender so that you can get better performance.

While a standalone router can expand its signals to cover a substantial area, a mesh router can provide better coverage and performance for larger spaces.

Should I Place The Router Downstairs Or Upstairs

Placing your wireless router on the upper floor is generally better than on the ground floor to minimize potential sources of interference.

However, this can be challenging, particularly in older homes with unique layouts.

The ideal placement for your router will vary depending on the layout of your home, your Wi-Fi needs, and the signal strength of your router. If you live in a two-story house, positioning the router in the center of the home is generally optimal.

What Features Should The Router Have? 

When purchasing a router, you must take into consideration advanced features such as QoS and MU-MIMO. These features work together to improve network performance.

Advanced features like MU-MIMO and QoS make it simpler to handle the internet signal for multiple devices connected to a single router.

MU-MIMO enhances streaming performance by providing a strong, consistent connection for multiple devices on the same router, while QoS helps to ensure reliable and uninterrupted signals for specific devices.

Final Words

Hopefully, this article has given you all the information that you need to buy the perfect router for your two-story home.

Each router reviewed in this article offers different features for different WiFi needs including gaming, security, and general home use.

From this article, our top choice for the best router for a 2-story house is the TP-Link Archer AX73 because it enables you to connect to many devices without losing speed.

It comes with an internet speed of up to 5400 Mbps to ensure that you get the latest performance for gaming and streaming experience that is free from buffering when all your devices are connected.

If you need further assistance, our buying guide will help in making the decision about which specific router to buy as it explains the different factors to consider such as coverage, range, and house size.