To help you find the best routers for Verizon Fios, we spent several hours identifying compatible options and then ranking them according to their feature sets. We recommend purchasing a Verizon Fios router with speed capabilities of at least 1Gbps, although we preferred options with more than that. Look for routers with either dual-band or tri-band functionality so you can connect multiple devices with ease. You may also want to consider an option that allows you to easily adjust settings like Quality of Service (QoS), parental controls, and gaming settings. This way, you’ll get the best and most customized home network experience possible for your blazing fast Fios speeds.
With these features and considerations in mind, we selected the Netgear Nighthawk X6 as the best router for Verizon Fios that your money can buy. Keep on reading to learn more about this powerful router and the other top picks for the best router.
Top 10 Best Routers for Verizon Fios
#1 Netgear Nighthawk X6 Router for Verizon Fios
Award: TOP PICK
WHY WE LIKE IT: This router for Verizon Fios offers three separate Wi-Fi bands to create comprehensive coverage for multiple devices connected simultaneously, along with excellent long-range performance. On top of that, you’ll also get plenty of customizability and top speeds to match your fast fiber optic internet.
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- Good long-range 5GHz performance
- Tri-band functionality
- Runs cool overall
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- No e-SATA port
- Bulky design
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The Netgear Nighthawk X6 was one of the first routers to feature the tell-tale angular, multi-antenna design that looks like it came straight from an alien mothership. However, even if you don’t like the design, you’ll have to admit that the added functionality is well worth it. This router for Verizon Fios is fast and provides comprehensive wireless coverage, even in large homes. Its six external antennas use beamforming technology to emit signals uniformly throughout the home, so even multiple devices can connect without bogging down the entire network.
On top of that, the Nighthawk X6 also provides tri-band functionality, so you’ll get three different wireless signals to which you can connect your devices. Tri-band routers like this one provide you with two 5GHz bands and a single 2.4GHz band. We recommend connecting your gaming consoles and streaming devices to the 5GHz bands for optimum performance. When it comes to set up and configuration, you’ll have a fairly easy go of things here. The X6 router is bigger than other options, so finding the right spot for it can get a little difficult at times. However, the basic configuration is as simple as plugging the Wi-Fi router in, setting a network name and password, and connecting your devices. Fortunately, the X6 offers plenty of customizability, including parental controls and Quality of Service (QoS) options, if you need them. It’s a great option if you’re looking for the best wifi router for long range that works well with Fios.
#2 Motorola MR2600 Router for Verizon Fios
Award: HONORABLE MENTION
WHY WE LIKE IT: This router for Verizon Fios offers a greater level of simplicity and user-friendliness than you see in most newer options. It performs well through obstacles like walls and doors and offers a low-profile design that’s easy to place anywhere.
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- Excellent performance through obstacles
- Durable build, sleek design
- Runs cool overall
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- Only offers basic customization options
- Struggles a bit with range
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The Motorola MR2600 router for Verizon Fios is a powerful, yet unassuming product. It doesn’t feature the flashy, sci-fi designs that a lot of other options sport. However, it’s built to be durable and the subtle form factor looks good tucked away or out in the open. The MR2600 is incredibly easy to install, as well. It’s about as close as you can get to a true plug-and-play scenario, which is a nice plus for anyone who struggles with the intricacies of networking devices. Unfortunately, this streamlined approach also means you won’t get as many in-depth customization options or adjustability, especially when compared to other routers available today.
When it comes to performance, the Motorola MR2600 offers excellent speed and throughput, even when transmitting the signal through obstacles like doors and walls. This is a dual-band router with both 5GHz and 2.4GHz frequencies for more versatility. The 5GHz performs the best with the highest speed but does struggle a bit when it comes to long-range connections. All in all, if you’re looking for a simple wireless router that you can plug in and almost immediately get top speeds, then the Motorola MR2600 is the best choice for you. Use it with the best smart TVs for streaming for the ultimate streaming experience.
#3 TP-Link Archer A7 Router for Verizon Fios
Award: BEST ON A BUDGET
WHY WE LIKE IT: If you’re on a budget, but still want the performance that comes with a gigabit Fios router, then you can’t go wrong with this option. The router gives you extensive configuration settings and top-notch throughput and performance, all at an extra-affordable entry point.
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- In-depth customization and adjustability
- Streamlined installation process
- Excellent throughput speeds
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- Only one USB 2.0 port available
- Settings menus are a little clunky
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The TP-Link Archer A7 is the best budget router for Verizon Fios that your money can buy today. And fortunately, it doesn’t sacrifice much in the way of performance to give you great speeds and in-depth customization options. The Archer A7 still provides you with enough throughput to handle the blazing fast speeds of your fiber optic internet, and it even performs well at longer ranges thanks to its three antennas. The overall design and form factor of the Archer A7 is also worth noting. It’s compact, lightweight, and durable, which makes it super versatile when it comes to installation locations.
The TP-Link Archer A7 gives you dual-band functionality, so you can connect your mobile devices to either the 5GHz band or the 2.4GHz band. This router provides impressive throughput and speeds across average-sized homes, so you’ll be able to get a solid connection wherever you are. The most impressive thing about the TP-Link router, though, is the fact that you get tons of in-depth customization settings, including parental controls and Quality of Service prioritization. With all of this adjustability at your fingertips, you’ll be able to unlock the full potential of the router on a fiber optics network like Verizon Fios for the best possible experience. For additional parental control features, check out our best kid tablet buying guide.
#4 Netgear Nighthawk XR700 Router for Verizon Fios
Award: BEST FOR ONLINE ENTERTAINMENT
WHY WE LIKE IT: Elevating your gaming performance, reliability, and speed is made much simpler with this router for Verizon Fios. With blazing fast speed, a user-friendly management dashboard for customization, and good range, this router will keep you connected, even in the most intense heat of your online battles.
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- Tri-band with 60GHz channel
- Comprehensive management dashboard
- Features 10Gb ethernet port
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- Configuration requires two interfaces
- Disappointing MU-MIMO performance
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The Netgear Nighthawk XR700 is made for the hardcore gamers out there, especially those who need to have a constant, reliable connection to the internet at all times. It’s made with power in mind, providing tri-band functionality. You’ll get the standard 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands, but the Nighthawk XR700 brings something new to the table. The third band here is a 60GHz band, which is 12 times faster than the 5GHz band. On top of the added speed, the 60GHz band also improves connection reliability and throughput, making this router an excellent choice for a household full of gamers. When it comes to multiple devices, though, be aware that the MU-MIMO capabilities of this router aren’t the greatest. You may suffer from some performance loss when using MU-MIMO, but this shouldn’t be a dealbreaker.
The Netgear Nighthawk XR700 also provides a ton of customization options. This is perfect for gamers and networking enthusiasts alike because it allows you to fine-tune every aspect of the wireless so you get the perfect connectivity for your individual needs. The only downside to this comprehensive customization approach is the fact that you’ll adjust all standard router settings through the Nighthawk app and all gaming optimizations through the Duma OS software. This can get a little annoying jumping back and forth, but both interfaces are designed well and user friendly. The Nighthawk XR700 also provides six ports for Ethernet cables, along with an impressive 10Gb ports. If you’re a gamer, you absolutely cannot miss out on the Netgear Nighthawk XR700. Check out our best gaming accessories guide for more can’t miss gaming gear.
#5 Netgear Orbi Router for Verizon Fios
We’re sorry, this product is temporarily out of stock
Award: BEST COMPREHENSIVE COVERAGE
WHY WE LIKE IT: If you have an extra-large home or are simply looking for the most comprehensive coverage possible, you won’t want to miss out on this mesh router for Verizon Fios. It provides the best coverage across larger areas, with outstanding support for multiple devices and smart home systems.
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- Stellar MU-MIMO performance
- Can use smartphone app for setup
- Compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant
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- No ethernet ports on extenders
- No USB 3.0 ports
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The Netgear Orbi is a powerhouse in the mesh router world, and it’s easy to see why. This powerful system uses a central router connected to your modem and up to six different extenders (also called satellites) to provide coverage across large areas. And surprisingly enough, the overall performance doesn’t suffer at all when doing this. Instead, you’ll get high speed anywhere in your home. Even better, though, is the fact that the Orbi mesh system features outstanding MU-MIMO capabilities. With MU-MIMO, you’ll be able to keep all of your devices connected without experiencing much congestion on your home network. The Orbi also uses tri-band technology to provide a 2.4GHz channel and two 5GHz channels that your devices can connect to.
The one big downside of the Netgear Orbi is its overall size. There are no two ways about it, the router is big and hard to stash away in a hidden space. We recommend just embracing the size and incorporating the router into your home decor. Fortunately, the Orbi looks nice and features a helpful LED ring on its top, which gives you a quick idea of what’s going on with your network, depending on what color is displayed. The central router features ethernet ports, but be aware that none of the extenders do for an ethernet cable to create a wired connection with extended coverage. There is also a noticeable lack of USB ports here, as well. Installation is incredibly easy with the Netgear Orbi. You have the choice of using a smartphone app or the web interface to complete installation, which is a nice touch. All in all, if you need a mesh system for your Verizon Fios home internet, you can’t go wrong with the Netgear Orbi router. It’s also a good choice if you’re in need of the best small business router and have Fios in the office.
#6 Netgear Nighthawk AX8 Router for Verizon Fios
Award: BEST QUALITY
WHY WE LIKE IT: Top performance, Wi-Fi 6 compatibility, and plenty of customization are the hallmark features of this powerful router for Verizon Fios. The router is also a tri-band device with Quality of Service options and MU-MIMO streaming for better use with multiple connected devices.
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- Extra-fast performance at mid-range
- Wi-Fi 6 compatibility
- Extensive configuration options
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- Disappointing long-range performance
- Limited malware protection
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The Netgear Nighthawk AX8 router for Verizon Fios is one of the most powerful routers available on the market today, and it’s certainly one of the most uniquely-designed options, as well. Two large fins stretch above the router on either side, containing the antennas that output the tri-band frequencies across one 2.4GHz channel and two 5GHz channels. This makes the router a little bulky unless you’re keeping it on the top of your cabinet or shelving unit. However, this unique approach to antenna design improves throughput at mid-range distances. You’ll get some drop off at long ranges, but the Netgear Nighthawk AX8 still does well enough.
We were impressed that this router offered compatibility with Wi-Fi 6 connections. This is the newest kind of wireless connection, and it provides much faster and more reliable Wi-Fi speeds overall. The Nighthawk AX8 also provides a ton of configuration settings so you can create a truly customized home network. These advanced features and settings include things like Quality of Service (QoS) for prioritizing certain devices over others, and in-depth parental controls to keep your family members safe. The only area we would improve here would be in malware protection. The AX8 offers a year of free malware protection, but once that runs out, you’ll need to pay for it. You might also want to check out our best VPN guide for added online security.
#7 Asus GT-AC5300 Router for Verizon Fios
Award: BEST ADVANCED FUNCTIONALITY
WHY WE LIKE IT: If you like tinkering with your router’s settings, then you can’t go wrong with this router for Verizon Fios. This device allows you to customize essentially anything you want, and it still offers excellent speeds and ranges for both the casual and tech-heavy person in your home.
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- Excellent throughput at all ranges
- Tons of gamer-friendly settings
- Includes eight LAN ports
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- File transfer speeds aren’t the best
- Large, bulky design
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The Asus GT-AC5300 looks like something you’d find in an alien mothership a million lightyears away from Earth. Its edgy design and eight antennas certainly make a statement to anyone who looks at this router, but this isn’t necessarily a bad thing. The GT-AC5300 is larger than other routers, so you may have a hard time finding the best place for it in your home, but Asus packs a whole lot of functionality into that larger form factor. This stellar router for Verizon Fios offers blazing fast speeds at all ranges and excellent signal strength throughout even the largest of homes. Plus, it offers tri-band functionality as a tri-band router, so you’ll get three different channels to which your devices can connect while still maintaining faster speeds.
Where the Asus GT-AC5300 really shines, though, is in its overall management and customizability. As soon as you log into the user interface, you’ll get a user-friendly experience that allows you to customize nearly any setting you’d like. You can prioritize certain devices to always get the best bandwidth with Quality of Service settings. You can set parental controls and restrict devices. You can even tweak settings to create the best gaming experience. The Asus GT-AC5300 is an excellent choice for smart homes or those with too many devices to count, even when those devices are gaming consoles or streaming devices. For even more advanced functionality, check out our best openWRT router buying guide.
#8 Netgear Nighthawk R6700 Router for Verizon Fios
Award: BEST FOR STREAMING
WHY WE LIKE IT: This compact router for Verizon Fios provides stellar, reliable performance to create the best streaming experience possible. Plus, this option provides excellent multi-device support and enhanced security for better device protection.
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- Consistent performance for multiple devices
- Sleek, compact design
- Built-in security with Netgear Armor
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- Disappointing performance at range
- Disappointing speeds on 2.4GHz channel
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The Netgear Nighthawk R6700 is a sleek, low-profile router for Verizon Fios with an unassuming design, especially when compared to some of its counterparts. However, this compact design makes it easier to install anywhere in your home and much more affordable. This is a dual-band router with just a single 2.4GHz and 5GHz channels. The 5GHz channel provides the best performance here, with impressive throughput and speeds at close and mid-range distances. Speeds tend to drop off at longer ranges, of course, but those distances are shorter than they should be. The overall performance here is great for streaming, both in HD and 4K resolutions.
We were impressed by the Netgear Nighthawk R6700’s performance when connected to multiple devices. The router can easily handle upwards of 25 individual devices at a time, making it an excellent choice for a well-connected home. We were also impressed by the router’s built-in security features, provided through Netgear’s proprietary Armor software. Overall installation and management are both really easy with the Netgear Nighthawk R6700, as well. You’ll get Quality of Service options, as well as the ability to create guest networks and VPNs. It’s why we’ve designated it the best router for streaming on our list.
#9 Linksys EA7500 Router for Verizon Fios
Award: BEST EASY INSTALLATION
WHY WE LIKE IT: If you’re not entirely comfortable with long, complicated installation processes, then this is the router for you. With near plug-and-play installation, you’ll be up and running with this router for Verizon Fios and consistent, fast speeds throughout your home.
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- User-friendly configuration management
- Good long-range performance
- Supports multiple devices with MU-MIMO
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- File transfer speeds could be better
- Minimal parental control settings
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The Linksys EA7500 router for Verizon Fios offers an affordable, yet powerful and consistent approach to distributing wireless internet throughout your home. The best thing about this home wireless router is its user-friendliness, especially when it comes to installation. Where some routers require a bunch of configuration once plugged in and powered on, the EA7500 simply requires you to turn it on and connect to a computer. Once connected, an installation wizard will walk you through all the steps needed to complete the installation. This is one of the easiest installation processes you can find on Verizon Fios routers.
Of course, overall performance with the Linksys EA7500 is also something to be applauded. While this is only a dual-band router, you’ll get solid performance across both the 2.4GHz and 5GHz channels. You’ll even get good long-range performance, which is rare to find in routers at this price point. We were a little disappointed to learn that the Linksys router only features minimal parental controls and middling file transfer speeds, but for such an affordable option, this router is hard to beat. You might also be interested in our best modem and router buying guide if you’re looking for good combo options.
#10 Linksys WRT3200ACM Router for Verizon Fios
Award: BEST NETWORK CUSTOMIZATION
WHY WE LIKE IT: With extensive customization and configuration options, this router for Verizon Fios is best suited for those who want full control over their home network. Plus, it offers great 5GHz performance and fast file transfer speeds.
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- Speedy file transfers
- Open-source firmware
- Excellent 5GHz throughput
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- Disappointing 2.4GHz throughput
- Utilitarian design aesthetic
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The Linksys WRT3200ACM is every network engineer’s dream for a home router for Verizon Fios. This gigabit router’s best feature is all of the extensive configuration settings you can tweak to get the best connection for your home. It features an impressively user-friendly interface that you can use to install, configure, and customize nearly everything about the router and your network. This is even more impressive when you consider most other top competitors feature this level of customizability.
When it comes to performance, the Linksys WRT3200ACM doesn’t hold back the punches, either. This is a dual-band router, and it performs best on the 5GHz channel, whereas the 2.4GHz channels lag behind a bit. Fortunately, both frequencies still work well enough to power multiple devices and keep them connected at all times. The overall design of the WRT3200ACM may not be your favorite, but it’s durable and features plenty of LED indicator lights to keep you informed about your network status. If you travel a lot, you might also want to consider the best travel router.
How We Decided
As we started the process of identifying the best routers for Verizon Fios, we first had to consider compatibility. It’s important to note that when it comes time to replace Verizon Fios routers with something new, you really don’t need to worry about compatibility. Yes, Verizon does offer their own branded routers for rent, but if you want your own device, then you can purchase pretty much any option you need. Netgear routers tend to work best, but any brand will do.
Next, we considered each router’s performance and speed. Since Verizon Fios gives you up to a gigabit per second of bandwidth, we only included devices capable of matching that speed. However, we did award bonus points to routers capable of providing more speed because they are more future-proofed and will last you longer than other options. In this same vein, we also considered both tri-band and dual-band wireless routers. We included both options on our list but gave preference to tri-band options, as they give you more flexibility for multiple devices.
Finally, we considered overall network management settings and user-friendliness, including ease of installation. All of the routers on our list allow you to log into a user interface through the web or smartphone app, which allows you to adjust router settings. We preferred Verizon Fios routers that offered more customizability, especially when it came to parental controls and Quality of Service (QoS) options. We also awarded bonus points for advanced functionality like gaming boosters and built-in security functionality.
Best Routers for Verizon Fios Buyer’s Guide
The Most Important Features to Consider
- Speed/Number of Bands
When it comes to the speed of your router, you’ll need to consider a few different things. First, a router will never increase the speed of your network past what you are paying for. However, on the flip side, a router can only handle a certain amount of speed. So, if you’re paying for a high level of bandwidth, and your router can’t handle it, you’ll only ever get the speed that your router can handle. As such, we recommend purchasing a router that has a rated speed higher than what you pay for through your ISP.Another consideration to make here is whether your Wi-Fi router has dual-band or tri-band radio functionality. Dual-band gives you two different channels through which you can connect your devices to the internet: a 2.4GHz band and a 5GHz band. Tri-band routers provide an additional 5GHz band for more connectivity options. Tri-band routers are better, but they are also much more expensive. - Connectivity
Next, consider how many devices you can connect to your wireless router, both wirelessly and hard-wired if you have wired devices. Theoretically, a wireless router can connect to unlimited devices, but that doesn’t mean you’ll get the best performance when you do so. Features like MU-MIMO technology and Quality of Service (QoS) allow you to more easily connect multiple devices to your router. When it comes to hard-wiring devices to your Wi-Fi router, you’re a little more limited. Most routers only offer four different LAN ports, but there options that offer more or less. Consider how many devices you want to hard-wire directly to the router and make your decisions from there. - Range
While all routers perform well at close ranges to your wireless devices, many don’t do well at long range. If you have a large home or space that you need internet for, you’ll want to purchase a router that can output the signal farther. It’s also important to consider what kind of obstacles are in the way of your router, including doors and walls. The more of these obstacles that are in the way, the stronger router you’ll need to purchase. - Installation and Management Settings
Getting the most out of your router often requires you to get into the management settings. While this may seem intimidating at first, you’ll quickly come to realize that most routers offer either a smartphone app or online web interface (or both) that allows you to easily make adjustments. Some considerations to make when it comes to settings include Quality of Service, which allows you to prioritize devices over others, and parental controls. You should also consider how easy it is to install the router. The best routers are essentially plug-and-play devices that shouldn’t require hours of set up.
