Best Router For Optimum (2024)

If you have an Optimum Internet plan and are paying router rental fees, you may not have considered third-party router options.

When it comes to choosing the best router for Optimum, there are many things to consider such as device compatibility, price, technology and performance.

Purchasing a third-party router can improve internet speed and coverage, while also saving you money by avoiding rental fees.

Narrowing down the choice from a vast range of options can be tricky, but we’re here to help.

One of the main things that you should look at is the compatibility of the router to Optimum services as this will enable you to maximize the internet speeds.

Choosing a less compatible router will prevent you from enjoying the speeds offered by your internet plan.

Other factors that you need to consider include the WiFi technology that the router uses such as WiFi 6E, WiFi 6, and WiFi 5 as well as the coverage, security features, mesh technology, number of bands, and whether to get a modem router combo or separate units.

To help you find the right router for your internet needs, our team of network engineers has tested 20 Optimum compatible routers over the course of two weeks, and below are the 7 best WiFi routers that you can choose from.

Best Router For Optimum (2024)

Top 7 Optimum Compatible Routers

Finding the best Optimum compatible router ensures that you get faster speeds and smooth internet connections so that you can browse, stream, game, or download without any interruptions.

We have tested and vetted the routers reviewed below against several aspects such as coverage, speed, security features, and device handling capacity among many other factors.

This is to give you more information that will help you in finding the perfect router for Optimum.

1. TP-Link Archer AXE75 (Editor’s Choice)

Design

The TP-Link Archer AXE75 is a tri-band WiFi 6E router that provides higher internet speeds of up to 5400 Mbps to ensure you have faster gaming, browsing, streaming, and downloading, all at the same time.

The internet speed is distributed among the three bands as 2402 Mbps for 6 GHz, 2402 Mbps for 5 GHz, and 574 Mbps for 2.4 GHz.

The Archer AXE75 comes in black and measures 12.91*10.43*4.72 inches. It also has better processing and more RAM than the previous model as it is armed with 512 MB high-speed memory and a 1.7 GHz quad-core CPU.

Performance

The Archer AXE75 comes with WiFi 6E technology which has the brand new 6 GHz band without any interference or overlap from older devices and other bands.

This makes this frequency congestion-free to provide faster speeds, more bandwidth, and lower latency.

When testing we noticed particularly strong multi-device high-definition streaming capability, enabled by OFDMA technology and True tri-band increases your network capacity by four times to allow simultaneous transmission to more devices.

For seamless whole-home coverage, connect this router to a TP-Link OneMesh extender.

The Archer AXE75 comes with 6 high-gain antennas that feature Beamforming technology to ensure that you have more reliable and stronger coverage.

The real-time network scanner helps to detect potential security issues and threats.

The QoS feature assigns more bandwidth to your favorite devices so that they can have top performance and achieve the fastest connections.

Parental control blocks inappropriate content and manages time online which keeps your family safe on the internet.

The Reports feature gives you full insights and statistics that help you understand your home network better.

You can keep your network private by configuring the VPN on the router. Setting up the Archer AXE75 is easy, and it takes minutes using the Tether app.

Who It’s For

The TP-Link Archer AXE75 is suitable for individuals who are looking for a router with the latest WiFi 6E technology to provide higher speeds to more devices that are streaming, downloading, and gaming at the same time.

Specs

• Speed: 5400 Mbps
• Range: 2000 sq. ft.
• Bands: Tri-Band
• Wireless Protocol: 11n, 802.11ax, 802.11b, 802.11ac, 802.11g
• Ports: 5

Pros

• Comes with WiFi 6E technology for faster speeds.
• Powerful tri-band WiFi.
• Has reliable coverage.
• More devices can connect to the network at the same time.

Cons

• Issues with the ethernet ports.

2. Netgear Nighthawk RAXE300 (Best For Optimum 2 Gig)

Design

The Netgear RAXE300 is powered by the 1.7GHz quad-core processor that enables the router to deliver exceptional 7.8 Gbps WiFi speed which is 6.5 times faster than those offered by WiFi 5.

This router is backward compatible with all WiFi devices on 5GHz and 2.4GHz bands.

The 6GHz WiFi band is dedicated to devices that use WiFi 6E technology so that you can experience HD videoconferencing, VR/AR gaming, and 8K/4K video streaming.

This router provides coverage of up to 2500 sq. ft. and can connect 40 devices at the same time.

Performance

The Netgear RAXE300 comes with WiFi 6E technology, which is the fastest WiFi ever. The 6GHz band minimizes the load on the other two bands allowing you to increase WiFi speed on all your devices.

The 6GHz band is mostly used for devices that have high-data consumption, the 5GHz band for moderate data consumption devices, and finally the 2.4GHz is for devices that use less data.

You can easily set up the Netgear RAXE300 using the Nighthawk app. Additionally, you can monitor how your data is being used, test your network’s internet speed as well as manage the different WiFi settings using the app on your phone.

The 5 Ethernet ports provide you with more options for creating wired connections using the ethernet cable to your devices such as streaming players, game consoles, and computers.

The USB port can be used to share and store files across your devices.

To ensure that your network and devices are protected from internet threats, the RAXE300 comes with NETGEAR ARMOR, which from our experience is very easy to setup and operate.

Smart parental controls ensure that your kids develop healthy internet habits by building trust and fostering responsibility.

It also helps you monitor what they are doing online, and you can prevent them from accessing any inappropriate content.

The OFDMA and MU-MIMO technologies enable you to connect multiple devices to your network and access the internet at the same time.

Beamforming technologies focus more bandwidth on specific devices that require more bandwidth. This router works well with Google Assistant Voice control and Amazon Alexa.

Other security features that you can access with this device are Guest WiFi access, WPA2/WP3 wireless protocols, Firewall, DoS, and VPN.

Who It’s For

The Netgear RAXE300 is for individuals who have subscribed to Optimum 2g plans and looking for a router with WiFi 6E technology to achieve ultra-fast speeds.

Specs

• Speed: 8 Gbps
• Range: up to 2500 sq. ft. and 40 devices.
• Bands: Tri-Band
• Wireless Protocol: 11ax
• Ports: 5 Ethernet and 1 USB

Pros

• Easy to set up and manage.
• Comes with WiFi 6E technology.
• Enough ethernet ports for wired connections.
• Wider coverage.
• Great security features.

Cons

• Issues with port forwarding.
• Has random reboots.

3. TP-Link Archer AX55 (Budget Friendly)

Design

If you are looking for a WiFi 6 router but you have a limited budget, the TP-Link Archer AX55 is a good option for you.

It has many upgrades compared to its predecessor, Archer AX50, such as RAM, a better processor, and overall performance.

Despite its affordability, the Archer AX55 does not compromise when it comes to the port arrangement as it has 1 high-speed USB port, 1 gigabit WAN port, and 4 gigabit LAN ports. It weighs 2.07 pounds and measures 12.99*9.45*2.87 inches.

Performance

The TP-Link Archer AX55 is a high-performing router considering its price tag and is suitable for those wanting to upgrade their WiFi without spending a lot of money.

The WiFi 6 technology is the latest generation that brings less lag, faster speeds, and higher capacity, allowing more connections to your home network at the same time.

From our experience, the router reliably transmits signals to a range of around 2000 Sq. Ft, due to the four high-performance antennas.

This makes the router a great option for those working from home or with multiple high consumption internet users.

You can upgrade to the security features offered by this router by paying a yearly subscription fee so that you can keep your home network and devices secure and safe.

The WPA3, which is the latest security protocol adds new capabilities for enhancing cybersecurity in personal networks. Additionally, parental controls allow you to monitor your kid’s online activities.

Your family can enjoy smooth video streaming, gaming, and live feed simultaneously thanks to the OFDMA technology which makes the WiFi stronger by enabling several clients to use one band at the same time, which cuts jittering and latency.

Beamforming technology selects devices that need more bandwidth and focuses the wireless signal strength toward them, especially if the outlets were previously hard to reach.

The Archer AX55 supports OneMesh which helps to prevent lag and drop when moving between signals by creating a seamless whole-home coverage.

The improved cooling system ensures there are no throttles or heat-ups. This router has a refined case design and a larger heat sink which cools the WiFi 6 system and keeps your network at top speed.

You can set up the Archer AX55 in minutes and manage it using the Tether App which is intuitive and user-friendly. The app comes with guided setup instructions for you to follow.

The router has an improved battery life because of the Target Wake Time which helps your devices to use less power while communicating efficiently.

Who It’s For

The TP-Link Archer AX55 is suitable for individuals who are looking for incredible speed and multiple connection options that can handle the network requirements of a typical household.

Specs

• Speed: 2976 Mbps
• Range: 2000 sq. ft.
• Bands: Dual-Band
• Wireless Protocol: 11ax, 802.11n, 802.11ac, 802.11b, 802.11g
• Ports: 5 Ethernet ports and 1 USB port

Pros

• Decent coverage and speed.
• Handles more devices at the same time.
• WiFi 6 support.
• Great port arrangement.
• Works with Alexa.

Cons  

• You have to pay for security features.

4. Eero 6 Mesh WiFi  System (Mesh WiFi)

Design

The Amazon eero 6 mesh system comes as a three-pack to provide coverage of up to 4500 sq. ft. and the two bands allow you to connect 75 plus devices to the network.

It supports WiFi speeds of up to 500 Mbps especially when all three packs are used together.

The Amazon eero 6 is equipped with 6 Ethernet ports and comes with an AmazonBasic ethernet cable.

It measures 3.9*3.8*2.4 inches, has 4 GB flash storage, 512 MB RAM, and is powered by a 1.2 GHz quad-core processor.

Performance

With Amazon eero 6 you can give your home the internet connectivity that it deserves and say goodbye to buffering and dead spots even when the whole family is connected to the network.

The connection does not slow you down but stays strong as you add more devices.

When testing WiFi 6 devices such as the eero 6 mesh against WiFi 5 devices, the experience in terms of internet speed, network congestion and efficiency was far superior for WiFi 6 devices, making the eero 6 a great choice.

The Amazon eero 6 comes with TrueMesh technology that intelligently directs traffic which reduces drop-offs allowing you to game, stream 4K video, and video conference confidently without any lags.

The 6 ethernet ports provide faster internet connections to your fixed devices such as computers and printers using the ethernet cable.

It is easy to set up the Amazon eero 6 with just three steps: first, download the eero app, secondly, plug in your eero devices, and finally, your WiFi is ready for use. The app also enables you to manage your network from anywhere.

This device comes with Zigbee smart home hub that is built-in which connects Alexa to compatible devices so that you can control locks, lights, plugs, and more.

You can easily expand your network by adding other eero products if need be as it comes with cross-compatible hardware.

Who It’s For

The Amazon eero 6 is recommended for users who want a mesh WiFi 6 system that can provide faster internet speeds and whole-home coverage.

Specs

• Speed: Up to 500 Mbps
• Range: 4500 sq. ft. and 75 plus devices
• Bands: Dual-Band
• Wireless Protocol: 11ax
• Ports: 6 Ethernet ports

Pros

• Eliminates dead spots and buffering.
• The setup is quick and easy.
• Works with Amazon Alexa.
• Can connect more devices.
• You can easily add other products if you need to.

Cons

• Some design quality issues.

5. Motorola MG8702 (Modem Router Combo)

Design

The Motorola MG8702 combines the AC3200 WiFi 5 router, DOCSIS 3.1 cable modem, and an intelligent Power Boost to ensure you have faster internet speeds and deliver exceptional wireless capabilities.

The MG8702 provides internet speeds of up to 3200 Mbps which are distributed as 2167 Mbps on the 5 GHz band and 1000 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band.

This modem router combo has a wider range of about 2500 sq. ft meaning you are less likely to experience dead zones if you live in an average-sized home.

Performance

The Motorola MG8702 allows you to have wired connections through the four ethernet ports located at the back of the device.

You can use these ports to connect the network to your gaming consoles and experience a throughput of up to 900 Mbps.

The Active Queue Management feature makes the MG8702 reliable as it enables it to remove streaming lags and latency.

The USB port comes with DNLA which is a great feature for sharing and storing files as well as enjoying playback of videos and music.

The QoS and MU-MIMO technology enables you to connect multiple devices to your network at the same time including game consoles, laptops, mobile devices, and more.

AnyBeam beamforming provides reliable and ultra-fast WiFi to devices that need more bandwidth.

From our experience, installation of the MG8702 was very straightforward, as the experience was helpfully guided by the MotoManage app which is very interactive and user-friendly.

The app allows you to optimize the network for your children and guests as well as customize the QoS setting according to your requirement.

The network security alerts protect your network by letting you know when there are potential attacks and threats.

Who It’s For

The Motorola MG8702 is for those looking for a more advanced modem router combo and looking to upgrade their WiFi performance while saving on rental fees at the same time.

Specs

• Speed: 3200 Mbps
• Range: up to 2500 sq. ft. and 60 plus devices.
• Bands: Dual-Band
• Wireless Protocol: 4 GHz Radio Frequency
• Ports: 4 Ethernet and 1 USB

Pros

• You can easily connect multiple devices.
• Extensive WiFi coverage.
• Comes with smart QoS support.
• Has powerful hardware.

Cons

• Does not have WiFi 6 support.

 

6. ASUS ROG Strix GS-AX5400 (For Gaming)

Design

The ASUS ROG Strix comes with the next-generation WiFi 6 technology which ensures that you experience higher speeds of up to 5400 Mbps as well as 160 MHz WiFi 6 channels.

This device is fully optimized for any kind of gaming on your PC, console, or mobile as it comes with a gear accelerator, dedicated gaming port, and mobile game mode.

It weighs 1.55 pounds and measures 10.56*7.08*6.53 inches.

Performance

The ASUS ROG Strix comes with a VPN fusion feature that allows you to run an ordinary internet connection and a VPN at the same time which allows you to achieve maximum speed even when other users need to use a VPN.

The Instant Guard gives you more privacy by securing public WiFi connections with just a click when you are away from home. Additionally, the AiProtection Pro protects your home network from cyber threats.

You can add a router that is compatible with AiMesh and extend your network to enjoy seamless roaming as well as advanced features.

Who It’s For

If you are into gaming, the GS-AX5400 is for you as it delivers the smoothest, fastest gaming connections because of the fast internet speed of 5400 Mbps which makes it ready for games that are very intense.

Specs

• Speed: 5400 Mbps
• Range: About 2200 sq. ft
• Bands: Dual-Band
• Wireless Protocol: 11b, 802.11ax, 802.11a, 802.11ac, 802.11g
• Ports: 4 Ethernet ports

Pros

• Easy to set up.
• Updating the software is easy.
• Excellent coverage.
• High performance and futuristic.

Cons

7. Linksys Hydra Pro 6 (Best For Home Use)

Design

Take play and work to the next level with the Linksys Hydra Pro mesh router as it comes with higher speeds and wider coverage to ensure that every corner of your home has internet access.

This dual-band router offers the true power of WiFi 6 technology as it is equipped with Intelligent Mesh.

The Linksys Hydra Pro weighs 2.59 pounds and measures 2.3*2.25*9.4 inches.

Performance

The Linksys Hydra Pro comes with WiFi 6 technology which allows you to access higher bandwidth limits for faster connections to all your connected devices.

WiFi 6 technology offers 4 times more capacity for sending and receiving multiple streams of data at the same time, meaning this device can handle more smart home and gaming devices.

The strength of your connections is maintained with the powerful Mesh technology as well as the future-ready hardware and guaranteed updates.

The Linksys app helps you to set up your WiFi network in minutes and control it even when you are not home.

We also found that the guest access and parental controls keep your network secure and safe which provides your home peace of mind when accessing the internet.

Who It’s For

The Linksys Hydra Pro is recommended for general household use as it can deliver faster speeds to all the devices connected to the network.

Specs

• Speed: 5400 Mbps
• Range: up to 2700 sq. ft and 30 plus devices
• Bands: Dual-Band
• Wireless Protocol: 11ac, 802.11ax, 802.11n
• Ports: 5

Pros

• Keeps your network safe.
• Fast and reliable internet.
• Great coverage.
• Easy to set up and manage.

Cons

Factors To Consider When Looking For The Best Optimum Compatible Router

WiFi 5 vs WiFi 6 vs WiFi 6E

When it comes to WiFi speeds, the general rule is that 300 Mbps should suffice for most WiFi 5 devices.

However, if you require 500 Mbps, it’s better to consider WiFi 6, and for 1 Gig speeds, WiFi 6 should be suitable while WiFi 6e could also be an option. WiFi 6e is the latest technology and offers the fastest WiFi speeds.

The WiFi numbers (5, 6, and 6e) represent different generations of wireless technology. WiFi 5 came before WiFi 6, which was followed by the more recent WiFi 6e.

However, WiFi 6e is still in its early stages, and device compatibility is currently limited, with only a few smartphones like the Google Pixel 6 supporting it.

As you progress through the numbers, the routers become more expensive but faster. It’s advisable to determine the wireless standard you require before starting your search for a router.

This approach will make your search easier and more efficient. The benefits of each protocol are outlined below:

WiFi 5 Benefits

• Cheapest option
• Highly compatible

WiFi 6 Benefits

• Quicker
• Good compatibility

WiFi 6e Benefits

• Extremely quick
• Futureproof

Coverage & Range 

When purchasing a router, it’s essential to consider its range and coverage capabilities. The range refers to how far the router can reach and the coverage it provides.

If you need your router to cover a three-story home and a garage, or just a few rooms on one floor, the strength and range of the router become crucial factors.

Standalone routers with a single unit may not be sufficient to provide WiFi coverage throughout an entire home, depending on its size.

In such cases, you may want to consider options like a long-range router, which could include a WiFi repeater or range extender. Another option is a mesh network, which involves multiple routers bundled into one system to ensure wider coverage.

For extended WiFi coverage outdoors or in large multi-level homes, a second home router can be a great solution.

Investing in a router with a faster internet connection and longer-range capabilities will enhance connectivity for all your devices.

Number Of Bands

For users with numerous smart devices or those planning to expand their Mesh setup with multiple satellites, tri-band networks offer a superior choice.

Traditional WiFi networks are dual-band, consisting of a 2.4 GHz and a 5 GHz band.

However, tri-band routers introduced a third band, typically another 5 GHz band, or in the case of WiFi 6e, a 6 GHz band.

The addition of this third band serves two primary purposes, and sometimes both. Firstly, it can allocate more bandwidth, enabling faster speeds for a larger number of smart devices connected to the network.

Secondly, it can utilize the extra bandwidth to enhance connections between the Mesh satellites, optimizing the overall performance of the Mesh network.

Tri-band networks are designed to accommodate high device density and improve the efficiency of Mesh setups by leveraging additional frequencies.

Dual-band benefits

Tri-band benefits

• More bandwidth
• Better Mesh connections

Mesh WiFi Systems vs Routers

If you have a home larger than 3000 sq ft, a useful technology to consider is Mesh networking. Mesh enables you to extend your WiFi coverage by adding satellites or extenders to the same network.

With Mesh, you can seamlessly move from one satellite to another without losing your connection, which is not possible with traditional WiFi extenders.

While setting up a Mesh network can be costly, it’s a worthwhile investment for larger homes that require extensive WiFi coverage.

Mesh benefits

• Seamless roaming
• Extend further

Standard router benefits

Modem/Router vs Separate Units

While it is generally recommended to keep the modem and router as separate devices, you have the option of purchasing a modem/router combo device, also known as a gateway, if you prefer convenience.

However, it’s important to note that this advice applies specifically to Optimum cable customers.

Fiber users will have a different setup, typically involving an ONT device instead of a traditional modem. Opting for separate modem and router devices generally offers improved performance and access to advanced features.

This allows for greater control over your network and provides a wider range of options to choose from.

However, a gateway is easier to set up and it can be cheaper as an overall setup.

Benefits of routers

• More features
• Better performances

Benefits of modem/router combinations

How To Install Your Own Optimum Compatible Router 

To install your router, follow these steps:

1. Verify Compatibility: Ensure that the router you intend to use is compatible with the type of broadband you receive. Check the WAN port on the router and compare it with the type of internet service provided by Optimum. For example, if you have a fiber connection, ensure the router is enabled for fiber.
2. Hardware Connection: Plug in your router and connect it to your home’s telephone port using a microfilter. Then, connect a computer to the router using an Ethernet cable to configure its settings.
3. Access Router’s IP Address: Refer to the router’s manual to find the IP address and instructions for accessing its settings. Open an internet browser on your computer (e.g., Google Chrome, Internet Explorer) and enter the IP address in the address bar.
4. Login: You will likely be prompted to enter a username and password, which can be found on the router or in the manual.
5. Configure Settings: Follow the instructions provided in the router’s manual to configure the necessary settings for connecting to Optimum. This typically includes entering the username, DNS, and other relevant information. You can contact your provider or search their website for specific instructions on “broadband connection settings.”
6. Software or Wizard Installation: Depending on the router, you may not need to access it through a browser. Some routers are compatible with operating systems like Windows and offer connection wizards to guide you through the setup process. Others may come with a software CD for installation.
7. Network Setup: Once connected, set up your network’s security, WiFi settings, and any additional configurations. You can personalize the network name (SSID), password, encryption type, and more. Connect your devices to the WiFi network using the provided credentials.

Router For Optimum Internet FAQs

How Do I Know If The Router Is Compatible With Optimum?

To ensure compatibility with Optimum Internet, choose a third-party router with a minimum speed output of 300 Mbps.

Optimum provides a list of compatible routers on their website, so it’s advisable to check their recommendations before selecting.

What Kind Of Router Do I Need For Fiber Internet? 

There is generally no need for a special router regardless of your ISP’s connection medium for your business or home. In the case of a fiber connection, an ONT (Optical Network Termination) is used instead of a modem.

The ONT can connect to any router unless specific requirements are specified by your provider.

What Are The Benefits Of Getting My Router?

Here are the advantages of getting your own router:

1. Better Hardware: By purchasing your own router, you can choose hardware that is better suited to your specific home needs compared to the one provided by your broadband provider.
2. Familiar Technology: If you already have a router, you can continue using the technology you are familiar with, which may offer a more seamless transition.
3. Specialized Home Network: Setting up your own router allows you to create and incorporate a more specialized home network tailored to your requirements.
4. Multiple Router Setup: With your own routers, you have the flexibility to set up multiple devices strategically positioned throughout your home to ensure optimal coverage.
5. Increased Control: Having your own router provides you with greater control over your home network settings, allowing for customization and fine-tuning to meet your preferences.

Final Words

Hopefully, you can now make an informed decision on which router to get to access Optimum Internet services.

However, if you are still confused, our winner for the best router for Optimum is the TP-Link Archer AXE75.

It is a tri-band WiFi 6E router that provides higher internet speeds of up to 5400 Mbps to ensure you have faster gaming, browsing, streaming, and downloading, all at the same time.

The Archer AXE75 comes with WiFi 6E technology which has the brand new 6 GHz band without any interference or overlap from older devices and other bands.

This makes this frequency congestion-free to provide faster speeds, more bandwidth, and lower latency.

It is important that you refer to the buying guide as it will help you in finding the right router for your internet needs.