Since the first time I made the best lists of Wi-Fi broadcasters with multi-Gigabit wired capability, folks have been asking for the best 10Gbps router for the ultimate residential broadband connection—as fast as it gets for the foreseeable future.
This post is my answer to those requests. It includes my current top five best 10Gbps routers and mesh systems. I’ve used all of these for an extended amount of time—from over a month to over a year—with my 10Gbps Sonic Fiber-optic plan, and I’m still using some of them right now at various locations with multi-Gigabit broadband. All of those mentioned here have excellent wired performances.
Dong’s note: I first published this post on May 2, 2024, and last updated it on March 2, 2025, to add more relevant information.
Top five best 10Gbps routers and mesh systems: The lists
Four things to keep in mind:
- There are two lists: one for standalone routers, and the other is for canned mesh systems. Most of the routers mentioned here can work as a mesh member, and all the router units of all mesh systems mentioned here can work as standalone routers.
- To qualify for this list, the bare minimum is that the hardware must have at least two 10Gbps ports—one for the WAN side and the other for the LAN. With the help of a 10Gbps switch and proper wiring, the entire home will have the highest possible bandwidth.
- Finally, these lists are sorted in recommendation order—the numbers are the ranking, with the number one being the best in my experience for my needs.
Notes on 10Gbps hardware
A router needs more than just a couple of 10Gbps Ethernet network ports to deliver (close to) true 10Gbps. It also requires high processing power and applicable firmware to handle this bandwidth.
Generally, consumer-grade Multi-Gig routers and switches do not deliver true 10Gbps (10,000Mbps) throughputs. After “overhead”, they sustain approximately between 6.5Gbps (Wi-Fi 6/6E hardware) and 8.5Gbps (Wi-Fi 7 hardware). Often, a router’s traffic-related features, such as QoS, security, etc., when turned on, can impact its bandwidth.
Many home Wi-Fi routers support the entry-level Multi-Gig, which is 2.5Gbps and can deliver close to 2,500Mbps in real-world speeds.
As usual, you should check each device’s full review to see how it pans out in detail, but if you’re in a hurry, any of them will do you a solid. Note that none of these routers will give you the actual 10Gbps performance in real-world usage, but they are just indeed the fastest possible among consumer-grade options after overhead.
Let’s start with the routers.
Best 10Gbps routers: The ultimate list of top performers (and alternatives)
There are dozens of dozens of 10Gbps-capable routers on the market that I’d consider great, and picking only five out of them is challenging. That said, when applicable, I’ll include comparable alternatives worthy of your consideration.
These are excellent routers for those with 10Gbps broadband or local bandwdith needs. Additionally, all of them had an overall excellent performance and a good set of features for users to handle the bandwidth.
5. Netgear Nighthawk RS700S: 2x 10GBASE-T
The Nighthawk RS700S is Netgear’s first standalone router with two Multi-Gig ports—both are 10GBASE-T. Despite its markedly different design, it has virtually the same hardware specs as the Asus RT-BE96U.
It’s the least recommended on this list due to its neutered web user interface. The omission of the common and much-used web-based remote access feature alone is a deal breaker for many advanced users. In fact, that was the reason I stopped using it after a month.
It’s also the sole router on this list that’s not mesh-capable—it only works out well for homes where a single broadcaster is enough. Still, if you have 10Gbps broadband, the Netgear RS700S has enough to make you happy.
Pros
Top-tier tri-band specs with Wi-Fi 7 support
Two 10Gbps Multi-Gig ports
Robust web interface, helpful (optional) mobile app
Practical fan-less design; runs cool and quiet
Cons
Only two Multi-Gig ports; no standard Remote Management via Dynamic DNS
Online protection and Parental Controls require the Nighthawk mobile app and premium subscriptions
4. TP-Link Archer GE800: 1x 10GBASE-T, 1x 10GBASE-T/SFP+ combo, 4x 2.5GBASE-T
The Archer GE800 is TP-Link’s first actual gaming router. It’s a powerhouse with 7 specs of top-tier Wi-Fi and a multi-Gigabit approach, including two 10Gbps and four 2.5Gbps ports. This Wi-Fi machine is arguably the best standalone router TP-Link has ever made.
Similar alternatives:
Need to make a quick shopping decision? Compare their prices on Amazon!
Pros
Top-tier tri-band Wi-Fi 7 specs with full multi-Gigabit to deliver excellent real-world performance
Robust web user interface with an excellent set of network features and Wi-Fi settings, including MLO and gaming-related features
Competitively priced; useful (optional) mobile app; EasyMesh-ready; cool-looking design
Cons
Bulky design with audible internal fan; runs hot; Wi-Fi throughputs could be comparatively a tad better
No AFC (at launch); online protection and advanced parental controls require subscriptions
3. Asus RT-BE88U: 1x 10GBASE-T, 1x SFP+ and 4x 2.5GBASE-T
The Asus RT-BE88U is notable for two reasons. First, it’s a top-tier Wi-Fi 7 machine without a 6GHz band. Second, it has 10 network ports, the highest number among home routers, of which six are multi-Gigabit.
With all that, it’s easily the best dual-band router to date. Like all Asus routers, the RT-BE88U is super flexible in port configuration, supporting Link Aggregation and Dual-WAN. It also features AiMesh to work as a member of a robust Wi-Fi system.
Similar alternative:
Need to make a quick shopping decision? Compare their prices on Amazon!
Pros
Top-tier Wi-Fi 7 for 2.4GHz and 5GHz band with 4K QAM and MLO support; excellent performance
Tons of valuable features, including AiMesh 2.0, Gaming, Guest Network, Pro, and VLAN
Ten built-in network ports, six of which are Multi-Gig ports and SFP+ with Dual-WAN and Link Aggregation support
Universal setting backup and restoration; open source firmware; fanless design
Cons
No 6GHz band; no 2nd 10GBASE-T port
2. Asus GT-BE98 Pro: 2x 10GBASE-T and 4x 2.5GBASE-T
The GT-BE98 Pro is Asus’s second Wi-Fi 7 router, the first being the RT-BE96U. It has two 10Gbps and four 2.5Gbps ports. Users can use them in various roles and configurations, including WAN, LAN, Link Aggregation, and Dual-WAN.Like all Asus routers, the Asus GT-BE98 Pro is also AiMesh-ready.
Similar alternative:
Not sure which to pick between these two? Compare their prices on Amazon!
Pros
Quad-band with top-tier Wi-Fi 7 support and excellent real-world performance
Lots of free, in-depth, and valuable networking features and settings (VPN, AiProtection, Parental Control, Guest Network Pro, Bandwidth monitoring, etc.); tons of gaming-related features; AiMesh-ready
Two 10Gbps and four 2.5Gbps Multi-Gig ports with WAN/LAN flexibility; supports Dual-WAN and LAN/WAN Link Aggregations
No vendor required login account; fanless design; silent performer
Cons
Bulky design; lots of plastic wraps
MLO and AFC not available at launch
Unavailable outside of America
1. Ubiquiti UniFi Cloud Gateway Fiber (UCG-Fiber): 1x 10GBASE-T, 2x SFP+, 4x 2.5GBASE-T
Ubiquiti’s UniFi Cloud Gateway Fiber is the only non-Wi-Fi router on this list, which makes it the most versatile. You can add one or a couple of UniFi access points to create a robust mesh system. The lack of built-in Wi-Fi only means it’ll never become obsolete as long as 10Gbps wired networking is still relevant.
The UCG-Fiber has two SFP+ ports, one 10GBASE-T port, and four 2.5GASE-T ports, making it one of the most generous Multi-Gig routers, port-wise. It can handle a multi-Gigabit Dual-WAN setup while maintaining a 10Gbps local connection right out of the box.
Most importantly, it has the most to offer in terms of features and in-depth customization yet comes with a well-thought-out management system that makes all users happy, from home to enterprise-class.
Similar alternatives:
Need help to decide between these four? Check them out on Amazon!
Pros
Top-tier hardware with three 10Gbps ports, four 2.5GBASE-T ports, PoE+ support, and a NVMe slot for NVR
Excellent and reliable real-world performance; can handle lots of concurrent UniFi devices (Wi-Fi access points, cameras, IP phones, etc.) and end-users
Compact and aesthetically pleasant design with everything for all users from home to enterprise-grade
Lots of valuable features, each with tons of customization, comparatively affordable
Cons
Only one PoE+ port, no PoE++ support; SFP+ ports are less practical than 10GBASE-T
A Ubiquiti login account is required for the mobile apps and built-in Remote Management, as well as other features, to work
Runs a bit warm, no SSD caddy is included in the non-storage version
Best 10Gbps mesh systems: The current list of top performers
Currently, there are fewer 10Gbps-capable mesh systems on the market than standard routers. That said, the list below includes all those that qualify. Not all of them are better in terms of features and privacy than when you get a couple of mesh-capable routers on the list above together. Still, on the wired networking front, they are all formidable contenders that will give you the best performance currently available.
5. Amazon eero Max 7 (Wi-Fi 7): 2x 10GBASE-T and 2x 2.5Gbps
As part of the eero family, the eero Max 7 is limited in features and sketchy in privacy. However, it’s one of the most generous mesh hardware on the wired networking front.
Pros
Full Multi-Gig ports with fast wired performance; easy to set up and use
Aesthetically designed hardware
Relatively reliable performance; runs cool and quiet
Cons
No 6GHz band for clients in real-world usage; low real-world Wi-Fi throughputs and bandwidth
No local management; the eero mobile app’s interface is poor and riddled with eero Plus subscription nags; severely lacking in Wi-Fi and networking customizations
Overpriced; high privacy risks
4. Netgear Orbi 970 series (Wi-Fi 7): 2x 10GBASE-T + 4x 2.5GBASE-T (router) / 1x 10GBASE-T + 2x 2.5GBSE-T (satellite)
The 970 series is Netgear’s latest Orbi mesh set and also the company’s first canned system to feature Wi-Fi 7 and full Multi-Gig. The hardware does not have a Gigabit port. Unfortunately, unlike the TP-Link BE85 below, the satellite unit has only one 10Gbps port, meaning you’ll need a switch before you can get a true 10Gbps wired backhauling system with it.
Pros
Powerful hardware with quad-band Wi-Fi 7 with all-Multi-Gig ports
Fast performance, extensive coverage, with excellent wireless backhaul bandwidth
Multi-Gigigabit wired backhauling support; easy to use; runs cool and quiet
Cons
Unreasonably expensive; the permanent 5GHz backhaul band is unavailable to clients in wired backhaul setup
No web-based Remote Management, limited Wi-Fi and network settings, few free features; mobile app (with a login account and even subscriptions) is required to be useful
No 2nd 10Gbps port on the satellite; unreliable (at launch); no USB port; lots of upselling pop-ups
3. TP-Link Deco BE85 (Wi-Fi 7): 2x 10GBASE-T and 2x 2.5GBASE-T
The Deco BE85 forgoes Gigabit ports altogether. Instead, it comes with two 10GBASE-T ports (one is an SFP+/RJ45 combo) and two 2.5GBASE-T ports. With them, this 3-pack mesh is the best-performing Wi-Fi solution to date via wired backhauling.
Alternatively, you can also consider the Deco BE95.
Pros
Four Multi-Gig ports, including two 10Gbps, one of which supports RJ45/SFP+ combo; multi-Gigabit wired backhauling out of the box
Wi-Fi 7 support, backward compatible with existing clients; excellent overall real-world performances
Cons
The performances of the 2.4GHz band and 10Gbps ports could be better
Vendor-connected mobile app required; HomeShield Pro costs extra
Internal fan; runs a bit hot
2. Asus ZenWiFi BT10 (Wi-Fi 7): 2x 10GBASE-T
The ZenWiFi BT10 is the tri-band version of the BQ16 Pro below and the second in the family to feature Wi-Fi 7. This 2-pack mesh had a rough start when it was first launched in July 2024. It wasn’t until November that a well-developed version of firmware was available to make it a formidable alternative to its superior cousin.
If you have a wired home, this is an excellent Wi-Fi 7 upgrade.
Pros
Tri-band Wi-Fi 7 with two 10Gbps ports and excellent performance
AsusWRT 5.0 has lots of customizations and free-for-life high-end features (VPN, Parental Controls, Online Protection, Dual-WAN, Link Aggregation, Smart Home Master, etc.).
Robust web user interface and helpful optional mobile app; easy-to-blend-in design
Comparatively compact with no internal fan; runs cool and quiet
Cons
No AFC (at launch); not wall-mount-ready
1. Asus ZenWiFi BQ16 Pro (Wi-Fi 7): 2x 10GBASE-T
The ZenWiFi BQ16 Pro is the first in Asus’s ZenWiFi family to support Wi-Fi 7. Most importantly, it’s also the first to deliver Wi-Fi 7 in all its glory, including the fact that it’s the first to support the AFC feature and be the most powerful canned mesh system to date.
The new mesh system is available in packs and two or three units with a single unit option to come. Each unit can work as a standalone router.
Pros
Top quad-band Wi-Fi 7 specs with all features to deliver best-to-date real-world performance both in throughputs and coverage; two 10Gbps Multi-Gig ports
The latest AsusWRT 5.0 has lots of customizations and free-for-life high-end features (VPN, Parental Controls, Online Protection, Dual-WAN, Link Aggregation, Smart Home Master, etc.).
Robust web user interface and helpful optional mobile app; easy-to-blend-in design
Comparatively compact with no internal fan
Cons
Comparatively expensive; numerous settings require a lengthy restart to apply
Only two Multi-Gig ports; AFC still pending certification (by early 2025)
The takeaway
“Money is not an issue. Just tell me the best router/mesh system to buy!” is the request I often receive—if only it were that easy.
Networking, in real life or tech, is always a matter of nuance, and individual needs vary greatly. In most cases, you need to figure that out first, and only then money will help.
However, again, if you have 10Gbps broadband, any of the hardware above will give you the best result in real-world performance. If you’re still not happy, check your device, or maybe your expectations, first.
