Best Routers for Streaming: Enjoy Seamless Video Streaming on Any Device

Video streaming at home should focus on delivering a smooth experience across TVs, laptops, tablets, and smartphones. Only high-speed connections with low latency can handle robust multi-device support for 4K/8K video streaming, game-streaming, movie downloads, and uninterrupted playback. The best WiFi routers make it happen.
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NETGEAR Team

Why the Right Router Matters for Streaming

High-quality streaming requires fast, stable internet connections and buffer-free playback. The best WiFi 7 routers help eliminate buffering even when streaming in 4K or 8K.

NETGEAR WiFi 7 routers are feature-rich, with capabilities that include:

  • Support for Multiple Devices: With more devices and consoles streaming simultaneously in homes, a router must be able to handle high bandwidth demands efficiently along with gigabit Ethernet connections.
  • Enhanced Image Quality: Video streams that can’t handle the bandwidth will revert to lower-quality streams. Routers like the NETGEAR Nighthawk RS700S ensure high-speed connections, enabling crisp, high-resolution video without interruptions for streamers and gamers.
  • Future-Proofing Your Network: As streaming platforms roll out higher-quality content, a WiFi 7 router ensures your network is ready for next-gen smart home demands.

Best Home Routers for Streaming Video

NETGEAR Nighthawk RS700S

Why It’s Perfect for Streaming:
The RS700S WiFi 7 Router is a top pick with streamers and gamers. It offers speeds up to 19 Gbps to ensure smooth 4K/8K video playback on multiple devices simultaneously. MU-MIMO allows better bandwidth utilization, preventing slowdowns even when lots of devices are connected to the internet. Nighthawk RS700S is ideal for households with smart TVs, tablets, and phones streaming high-definition content.
Learn More about RS700S

NETGEAR Orbi 970 Series Mesh System

Why It’s Perfect for Larger Homes:
The ultimate WiFi 7 mesh router system, with speeds up to 27 Gbps and coverage of up to 10,000 sq. ft. for seamless streaming in every room. Orbi 970 systems are perfect for large households with multiple smart TVs, laptops, and phones connected at once. Advanced backhaul reduces congestion between router and satellites and ensures consistent video playback. The Orbi 970 Series is a natural upgrade from dual-band WiFi 6 routers and tri-band WiFi 6E routers and is among the best routers for streaming video.
Learn More about Orbi 970 Series

NETGEAR Nighthawk WiFi 7 Router’s Range

Why It’s Ideal for many different sized homes:

The unbeatable NETGEAR Nighthawk Router range includes WiFi 7 options for every purpose and budget. All models include powerful WiFi 7 performance, plus speeds up to 19 Gbps to virtually guarantee low-latency connections without buffering or lag. The Nighthawk WiFi 7 Router range includes:

  • Ability to handle between 50 to 200 devices – great for smart homes and families with diverse streaming needs.
  • Compact yet powerful – perfect for apartments or mid-sized homes where functionality rules.
  • Armor Security, Firmware updates, VPN, and WPA3 encryption.

NETGEAR Orbi Mesh WiFi Series

NETGEAR Orbi Mesh WiFi Systems are adaptable. Use as a standalone router or add one or more satellite router nodes with beamforming antennas for whole-home wireless access point coverage. Orbi Mesh WiFi 7 uses the 2.4 GHz band, 5 GHz band, and 6 GHz band to achieve up to 320MHz channels with dedicated enhanced backhaul and multiple ethernet ports.

Orbi Streaming Performance

  • Performance and Coverage to meet any budget. Tri-band WiFi and quad-band WiFi 7 with speeds up to 27 Gbps and coverage for up to 10,000 sq. ft.
  • Perfect for large homes with multiple streaming devices all wanting a reliable WiFi signal.
  • NETGEAR Armor for added cybersecurity protection against online threats.
  • The Orbi app that helps with setup, system optimization, speed tests, and more.

Features to Look for in a Router for Streaming

When looking for a quality WiFi streaming router, a gaming router, or a whole-home mesh system, you need to consider compatibility, speed, range, signal strength, and security features. You can find the ideal WiFi 7 router that meets your needs and provides a seamless streaming experience. Here are a few tips:

1. WiFi 7 Technology:

  • Offers faster speeds and lower latency than WiFi 5 dual-band routers and WiFi 6 tri-band routers, ensuring ultra-smooth 4K/8K streaming.
  • Multi-Link Operation (MLO): Allows routers to use multiple bands simultaneously, reducing congestion during peak streaming times. (Supported on Orbi Mesh Systems)
  • 6Ghz WiFi Channel: WiFi 6E and WiFi 7 devices are able to make use of the high-performance and uncluttered 6Ghz WiFi band making buffering a thing of the past.

2. Device Capacity

  • Streaming households often have multiple devices connected simultaneously. High-speed routers like the RS700S support over 200 devices without performance dips.

3. Bandwidth Management

  • Features like QoS (Quality of Service) prioritize streaming traffic for consistent real-world video quality.

4. Security

  • Built-in tools like NETGEAR Armor protect connected devices, ensuring secure streaming across all platforms. Consider features like parental controls and the ability to set up a guest network.

5. Router Compatibility

  • Ensure the router is compatible with your internet service provider (ISP) WAN and can handle your internet speed. Consider the router’s range to make sure it can cover your entire home or apartment.

Tip: Bring your own Cable Modem for savings and streaming performance

Consider upgrading your Internet Service Provider (ISP) plan to 500mb to 1gig+ and using a powerful modem like the Nighthawk CM3000 for optimal home WiFi network performance and savings on equipment rental fees.

FAQs

Why is a good router important for streaming?

A high-quality router ensures fast, stable internet connections, eliminating buffering and interruptions during video playback. The best routers for media streaming are tri-band and quad-band WiFi 7.

Is WiFi 7 necessary for streaming?

WiFi 7 is backward compatible with earlier WiFi versions. We recommend WiFi 7 for the highest performance speeds and bandwidth needed for 4K/8K streaming and supports multiple home network devices without slowdowns. Nighthawk and Orbi are the best routers for video streaming and downloading movies.

What’s the best router for 4K streaming?

The NETGEAR Nighthawk RS700S is among the best routers for streaming in 4K/8K, offering speeds up to 19 Gbps and advanced bandwidth management. For Mesh Systems consider Orbi 970 series for great streaming and whole-home coverage.

Can a mesh system improve streaming quality?

Yes, mesh network systems like the Orbi 973 Series provide seamless coverage, eliminating dead zones. Orbi is the best router + Satellites system for large homes and expansive properties with multiple devices where consistent HD streaming quality is expected.

Conclusion: Upgrade Your Streaming Experience with NETGEAR

As streaming entertainment becomes more popular, the need for a reliable and high-performing WiFi network router increases. Whether you like binge-watching your favorite show or playing the latest virtual reality video game, a good WiFi router is essential for a smooth, uninterrupted ultra-high-definition experience.

Today’s wireless routers deliver WiFi speeds on par with the best Ethernet cable LAN port connections. NETGEAR WiFi 7 routers like the Nighthawk RS700S and the Orbi 970 Series offer the best of all worlds, including next-level streaming potential for future-proofed smart homes. If it’s time to upgrade your internet plan, home network router, and modem to multi-gigabit speeds, choose NETGEAR WiFi 7 for super-smooth, superfast performance.