Best Routers for Frontier FIOS in 2024

Justin Caldwell Avatar

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Updated 11:34 pm

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When searching for the best router for Frontier Fios, it’s a good idea to keep in mind that not all routers are compatible with the Frontier Fios network, so it is important to do your research. The best router will be capable of handling the internet speeds that your plan offers, have a decent range, provide a stable connection, and be easy to set up.

Other features to look for include support for MU-MIMO technology and 2.4 gHz and 5 gHz bands. You’ll also want at least one USB port and a gigabit ethernet connection. This allows any connected device to get internet coverage, no matter where they are in the house or how many square feet you need to reach.

Keep reading our buying guide to learn more about the best wi-fi router for Frontier Fios.

Top Routers for Frontier FIOS

 #1  Synology RT2600AC Router

Award: TOP PICK

WHY WE LIKE IT: This model provides a simple setup and extensive networking options to protect a family and their connected devices. Additionally, users will love the multiple Ethernet ports and extensive range for reliability and speed in a multi-user home or office.

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  • Fantastic speed
  • Great range
  • Dual-band Wi-Fi

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  • Takes up space

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The Synology RT2600AC router is an excellent choice for users needing fast and reliable wireless coverage for a multi-story home or mid-sized office environment. This model offers up to 2.53Gbps and a 3000 sq. ft. range to deliver high-bandwidth service to numerous connected devices. Additionally, this model features a powerful processor to handle constant communication with multiple devices without lag or network congestion. While this model has a large footprint, users will love the robust antennas that ensure a reliable house-wide connection.

In addition to a full wireless range and maximum speed, the Synology RT2600AC router provides a simple setup and easy network management, even for inexperienced users. The Synology Router Manager OS makes it easy to perform advanced networking tasks with an easy-to-understand interface. With this system, users can monitor network traffic and set bandwidth prioritizations for necessary devices for work or play. This model also provides excellent parental controls and content filters for safe browsing.

 #2  NETGEAR R6700-100NAS Router

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Our #2 Pick is the NETGEAR R6700-100NAS Router
46,744 Reviews

Award: HONORABLE MENTION

WHY WE LIKE IT: This model delivers an excellent maximum bandwidth and signal range to offer reliable service to a multi-user household. With support for over 20 simultaneous connections, this model’s powerful processor ensures quick browsing, gaming, and streaming media with minimal lag or network congestion.

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  • Powerful processor
  • Supports 20+ connections
  • Decent coverage

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  • Large footprint

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The NETGEAR R6700-100NAS router is an excellent choice for users needing high bandwidth service for a multi-user apartment or small office. This model provides up to 1.75Gbps over Wi-Fi, and users will enjoy the reliable 1500 sq. ft. range for playing games in the den or watching YouTube on the porch. Additionally, users can easily organize their network with dual-band connectivity and avoid congestion or slowdown. While this model features a large footprint, the powerful processor ensures high-speed internet for up to 25 simultaneous connections.

In addition to excellent hardware and a decent coverage range, the NETGEAR R6700-100NAS router offers 4 Gigabit Ethernet ports so users can ensure a reliable connection during important remote work meetings or professional streaming sessions. Additionally, this router provides Beamforming technology that directly targets wireless devices instead of casting an unfocused coverage cloud. This technology ensures a stable wireless connection and a more efficient network.

 #3  FIOS G3100 Router

Award: BEST FOR BUSY NETWORKS

WHY WE LIKE IT: This model features a stunning design and excellent ventilation so users can enjoy a robust and high-speed network, even during multiple bandwidth-intensive tasks like streaming HD movies or playing online games. Users will love the powerful wireless signal and multiple Ethernet ports for stability and maximum speed.

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  • Stellar design
  • Great ventilation
  • Wi-Fi 6 technology

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  • Short power cable

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The FIOS G3100 router is an excellent pick for users wanting next-level optimization for an active home network. This modern unit features a powerful processor and excellent ventilation to keep up with numerous simultaneous bandwidth-intensive connections without dropping signals or suffering from network congestion. This tri-band router delivers a long-range 2.4GHz signal and two 5GHz bands for high-speed devices like streaming sticks and game consoles. While the power cable is short, this model can easily fit beside an entertainment center or desk.

In addition to strong performance and tri-band connectivity, the FIOS G3100 router features Wi-Fi 6 technology for modern network efficiency and stability, even on a crowded network. Additionally, this router automatically selects the fastest possible connection for smart home and mobile devices with Self-Organizing Network technology. Users can also utilize the four Gigabit Ethernet ports to ensure a stable connection for important online activities and enhanced device security.

 #4  ARRIS NVG468MQ Router

Award: BEST FOR CASUAL BROWSING

WHY WE LIKE IT: This model features dual-band connectivity and multiple Ethernet ports to deliver a versatile tool for browsing the web or watching HD videos. Additionally, this model can handle numerous simultaneous connections thanks to MIMO technology and a decent processor.

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  • Simple setup
  • Dual-band Wi-Fi
  • Decent wireless range

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  • Sub-par 2.4GHz Wi-Fi speeds

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The ARRIS NVG468MQ router is an excellent pick for users looking for simple high-speed internet, ideal for browsing the web, checking emails, and watching the occasional YouTube video. This model offers dual-band Wi-Fi so users can organize their network and avoid unpleasant internet slowdown or network congestion. Additionally, this model offers a decent wireless range ideal for a small apartment or office space. While the 2.4GHz signal only supports 100Mbps, the 5GHz band is ideal for bandwidth-intensive tasks like watching movies or playing games.

In addition to dual-band Wi-Fi and great speed, the ARRIS NVG468MQ router provides users with a simple setup and web-based network management. This model offers four Gigabit Ethernet ports for fast and reliable wired networks with printers, scanners, or smart home devices. Additionally, this model utilizes Multiple-Input and Multiple-Output (MIMO) technology so multiple users can watch videos or do homework without congesting their network.

 #5  Linksys EA8100 Router

Award: BEST FOR SMART HOMES

WHY WE LIKE IT: This unit is excellent for an interconnected smart home with multiple users who enjoy high-bandwidth activities like streaming 4K content or playing competitive online games. This model offers a robust wireless network and a dedicated app to monitor and protect young internet users.

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  • Fantastic app
  • Great range
  • Dual-band connectivity

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  • 2.4GHz lacks stability

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The Linksys EA8100 router is an excellent pick for users needing reliable high-speed internet for a busy office or interconnected smart home. This dual-band wireless router features a 2.4GHz band and a faster 5GHz band for bandwidth-intensive tasks like watching 4K content or playing competitive online games. Additionally, this model provides up to 1800 sq. ft. of wireless coverage without dead zones or low-signal areas. While the 2.4GHz band sometimes lacks stability, this model provides multiple Gigabit Ethernet ports for a wired connection.

In addition to dual-band connectivity and comprehensive wireless coverage, the Linksys EA8100 router delivers speeds up to 2.6Gbps for ultra-fast downloads and buffer-free streaming content. Thanks to the powerful processor, this model handles up to 15 devices simultaneously without lagging or suffering from network congestion. Additionally, users will love the Linksys App that offers accessible network management and parental controls, even for inexperienced users. The Linksys App also lets users prioritize necessary devices and grant temporary access to their network.

 #6  TP-Link Archer A7 Router

Award: BEST FOR GAMING

WHY WE LIKE IT: This model features a substantial signal range and a stable high-speed connection for competitive gaming or watching 4K content. Additionally, with 2.4GHz and 5GHz connections, this model makes it easy to optimize your network for efficiency and speed.

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  • Multiple connectivity options
  • Great processor
  • Four Ethernet ports

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  • Sub-par web OS

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The TP-Link Archer A7 is a great pick for users needing next-level performance for competitive online games or binge-watching hours of 4K shows and movies. This powerful wireless router features a strong processor to handle numerous simultaneous connections, and the four Gigabit Ethernet ports allow users to maximize their bandwidth or LAN with friends. While the web OS is a little clunky, this model works with Alexa for voice controls, and the TP-Link tether app makes network management simple and efficient.

In addition to multiple Ethernet ports and a powerful processor, the TP-Link Archer A7 offers dual-band connectivity, making it easy to optimize a home network for efficiency and speed. The 2.4GHz band is ideal for smart home devices and wireless office tools, and the 5GHz band works best for bandwidth-intensive activities like downloading music or streaming gameplay to an audience. Lastly, the USB port works as a media server so users can share videos, pictures, and music with their entire network.

Beginner’s Guide to Routers for Frontier Fios

What is a Router for Frontier Fios?

A router for Frontier Fios is a device that helps to manage and direct traffic on your home network. It allows you to connect multiple devices wirelessly and is responsible for issuing IP addresses. Routers come in a variety of shapes and sizes, have one or more ethernet ports, will have fast processors, and will be some of the fastest routers you can get.

They enable connection from mobile devices, computers, and more. This dual-band router comes with plenty of features, including advanced security settings, the ability to set up a guest network, and feature support for the most recent Wi-Fi 6. You may even find a smart wifi router. Advanced routers like these can be used as online gaming routers and enable faster streaming.

Most importantly, a Frontier Fios router is capable of the speeds that come with this type of gigabit internet. Frontier Communications offers Frontier DSL with speeds of up to 1 Gbps, and a compatible router will be necessary for all users.

If you’re concerned with compatibility, you may want to look into the best router for Apple devices.

Routers for Frontier Fios vs Standard Routers

There are a few differences between routers for Frontier Fios and standard routers. For one, Frontier Fios offers speeds of up to 1 Gigabit per second, so your router must be capable of handling these speeds. Standard routers are only capable of handling about 100 Mb/second.

In addition, routers for Frontier Fios are designed to reach everywhere in your home, including hard-to-reach spots, because they support both 2.4gHz and 5gHz, which has the capability to reach farther and go faster.

While routers for Frontier Fios will offer maximum speeds, the fastest speed comes at a price. Standard wireless routers provide a more affordable price, but they will limit usability, especially when you’re already investing in internet providers that can get you connected more quickly.

Other than the speed and the reach, routers for gigabit internet are designed much like standard routers. They come in all shapes, sizes, and designs. Some offer more features than others, while some are designed to be easy to use for novice techies. Some routers come with parental controls or other security options that you can set up to keep your family browsing safe. Both types of routers will also allow you to connect wireless devices as well as wired devices via an ethernet cable.

How a Router for Frontier Fios Works

A router for Frontier Fios allows you to connect multiple devices wirelessly. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but all provide connectivity via WiFi or another wireless tech that will enable you to use your device from anywhere in the home. If you’re connecting multiple devices in your home, you’ll also want to consider the best VPN router for security.

The router will be responsible for issuing IP addresses to each of your devices when they connect. This is important because it ensures that each device has its own unique identifier and can be properly routed through the network. IP addresses are also necessary for security purposes so that you can be sure that the data going to and from your device is safe.

Routers for Frontier Fios also support both 2.4gHz and 5gHz. The 2.4gHz spectrum is older and slower, but it has a wide range. Conversely, 5gHz is faster and newer, allowing you to send data across your network at a much higher speed, which comes in handy if you are doing a lot of media streaming or transferring large files between devices on your Frontier Fios network.

Why Should You Buy a Router for Frontier Fios?

If you are a current or potential Frontier Fios customer and don’t want to use their proprietary model, you can’t go wrong buying a third-party router, like a Netgear Nighthawk smart wi-fi router or TP-Link Archer, to take advantage of the speeds that come with this type of gigabit internet. In addition, you’ll get connectivity across your entire home, not just in one area.

Is a Router for Frontier Fios Worth Buying?

  • They are fast: High-speed routers are perfect for users with a Frontier Fios plan. This enables your internet to run incredibly fast, maximizing your internet connection and enabling activities that use a lot of speed and bandwidth.
  • They have a long range: One of the best features of these devices is that they support both 2.4gHz and 5gHz. This means that you can get a stronger, faster signal in hard-to-reach spots in your home. The 2.4gHz spectrum has a longer range so that it can reach more places in your home. The 5gHz spectrum is newer and faster, allowing you to transfer data at a higher speed.
  • They are easy to install: The installation process for Frontier Fios routers is nearly identical to that of standard routers, so if you’ve installed a router before, you’ll know what to do. They come with instructions, and some models don’t require any installation at all. Simply plug them in, and you’re ready to go.
  • They come with various features: Some models offer more features than others, such as parental controls or advanced security options, allowing you to get the most out of your internet plan.

Why a Router for Frontier Fios Might Not Be For You

  • They’re expensive: These routers don’t come cheap. You can expect to spend around $100 on a quality router capable of handling the speeds and reach of Frontier Fios.
  • They might not be compatible with your devices: Not all routers are compatible with every device. Be sure to do your research and find a router compatible with the devices you plan to use it with.

How Long Will a Router for Frontier Fios Last?

Most routers have a lifespan of around five years. This is based on average use and can be extended or shortened depending on how often and the conditions in which it is used. Routers that are regularly exposed to high temperatures or moisture may not last as long as those that are kept in a more protected environment.

As technology changes, you may even find that you need to upgrade your router while it’s still in good working condition. Fortunately, high-quality routers are upgradable and customizable, so you can easily update them to match the new technology, at least to a certain extent.

How to Choose the Best Router for Frontier Fios

There are plenty of things to consider when choosing the right router for your Frontier Fios connection. In addition to speed, you’ll also want to look at MU-MIMO support, design, and size.

Router for Frontier Fios Key Factors

1. What is the router’s maximum speed?

The speed of your router is one of the most important factors to consider when purchasing a router for Frontier Fios. Routers that come with the Frontier Fios gigabit plan are required to have a certain level of speed to take advantage of the full potential of your internet connection. If you’re not sure what speed you need, be sure to check with your internet service provider.

2. Is it MU-MIMO-enabled?

MU-MIMO, which stands for “multiple user, multiple input, and multiple outputs,” is a technology used in routers to amplify the signal and create a stronger connection. If you’re purchasing a router for Frontier Fios, you’ll want to make sure that it is MU-MIMO-enabled. This will ensure that you get the best connection possible, allowing you to stream videos and download files quickly.

3. How big is the physical unit, and does it have a good range??

Not only should you consider whether the physical size of your router fits the space where you want to put it, but you should also consider its range. While it’s not necessarily true that a big router will reach farther, larger routers generally have more antennas, which increases their reach.

If you have a large home, you’ll want to make sure that you get a router capable of reaching all of the rooms. However, that can mean that you need to put your router in a centralized location, and these routers can be an eyesore.

If you don’t like the unit’s look, you may want to consider getting range extenders or a mesh router. Keep in mind that range extenders don’t support MU-MIMO technology, which cuts your throughput in half. At the far reaches of your home, you may deal with slower speeds.

4. Does router design matter?

The design of your router can be important, especially if you plan to place it in a visible spot. While some people prefer the look of routers with visible antennae, others think they look tacky, so it’s a personal preference that you’ll have to consider. If you’re not happy with the appearance of the router you choose, you may want to consider placing it in an inconspicuous location.

5. Do I need 2.4gHz and 5gHz?

Not all routers come with both 2.4gHz and 5gHz frequencies. If you’re not sure what this means, you’ll want to ensure that your router supports both.

2.4gHz is the older frequency and is more widely supported by older computers and other devices, while 5gHz is the newer, faster frequency. If you have a newer device that supports 5gHz, you’ll want to connect to the 5gHz frequency to take full advantage of that device’s speed.

Best Router for Frontier Fios FAQs

Does the choice of my router affect the speed of my internet?

Yes, the router you choose will affect the speed of your internet. To take advantage of the full potential of your Frontier Fios gigabit plan, you’ll need a router that is capable of handling gigabit speeds. This won’t be a problem if you’re buying a new router because very few are on the market now that can’t handle the speed. However, if you’re using an older router you already have at home, it might not be compatible with high speeds, and even worse, it probably doesn’t have the range you need either. You’ll have slow internet and have to sit very close to the router for it to work.

How much is a Frontier Fios router fee on average?

Frontier Fios charges $10 per month to lease their routers on top of what you’re already paying for the service. Having to pay an extra $120 per year means you could buy a very good aftermarket router, and it will pay for itself if you plan to keep Frontier Fios for even just a couple of years.

Can WiFi routers work without a computer?

While most routers need to be installed before you use them, you can complete this installation with a smartphone or a tablet. You don’t necessarily need a working computer, although it does make it easier sometimes. It all depends on the specific router you choose and what’s required for installation.

Where should I place my WiFi router?

Frontier Fios suggests placing your router in a central location, such as an open space. As long as you’re within the recommended range, this is a good place to put your router. Remember that the further away you get from the router, the weaker the signal will be. If you have a large house, you’ll want to make sure that you get a router capable of reaching all of the rooms. However, that can mean that you need to put your router in a centralized location, and larger routers can be more of an eyesore. It’s also essential to find a slightly elevated place, like a bookshelf or a cabinet. This will ensure there’s less signal interference, and you’ll get better reception.

Why not use the included FiOS router?

The routers that Frontier Fios provides are basic models and don’t offer the same level of performance as some of the better routers on the market. Even if your Frontier Fios router is new, you’ll benefit from purchasing a better router. Standard routers used by providers aren’t capable of handling all of the internet usage in a household and can result in slower speeds for everyone. They simply can’t outperform an aftermarket router. You won’t get the range or the device support you need. Speeds may even be limited. To avoid being charged a lease fee for a router that simply doesn’t work as well as it should, most people choose to purchase an aftermarket router. They’re well worth the cost. They also come with additional features that make them more user-friendly and intuitive. Because fiber internet is far superior to DSL and cable, using a cheap router without any extra features is like putting low-quality gas in your sports car. You can increase performance by investing in something that simply works better. Unfortunately, sometimes Fios TV and voice services are dependent on the router issued by the company to work, so replacing your router could disable these features that you’re already paying for.

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