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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—10Gbps, which is as fast as it gets for the foreseeable future.
And 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.
If you only want to go beyond the 1Gbps mark and are happy with the 2.5Gbps grade, this post on the best entry-level Multi-Gig solutions will offer options with better bang for your buck.
Dong's note: I first published this post on May 2, 2024, and last updated it on November 15, 2024, 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.
Top 5 best 10Gbps Multi-Gig routers
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| Name | Ubiquiti UDM-SE's Rating | Asus GT-BE98 Pro's Rating | Asus RT-BE88U's Rating | TP-Link Archer GE800's Rating | Netgear Nighthawk RS700S' Rating |
| Price | - | - | - | - | - |
| Rating | |||||
| Description | |||||
| Statistics | |||||
| Buy this product |
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.
Netgear Nighthawk RS700S' Rating
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:
- TP-Link Archer BE800: 2x 10GBASE-T (with SFP+ support) and 4x 2.5GBASE-T
- TP-Link Archer BE900: 2x 10GBASE-T (with SFP+ support) and 4x 2.5GBASE-T
- TP-Link Archer AXE300: 2x 10GBASE-T (with SFP+ support)
Need to make a quick shopping decision? Compare their prices on Amazon!
TP-Link Archer GE800's Rating
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
Not wall-mount-ready
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:
- Asus GT-AXE16000: 2x 10GBASE-T ports
- Asus RT-AX89X: 1x 10GBASE-T and 1x SFP+
Need to make a quick shopping decision? Compare their prices on Amazon!
Asus RT-BE88U's Rating
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
Comparatively affordable
Cons
No 6GHz band; no 2nd 10GBASE-T port
Not wall-mount-ready
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:
- Asus RT-BE96U: 2x 10BASE-T ports | Buy now!
Not sure which to pick between these two? Compare their prices on Amazon!
Asus GT-BE98 Pro's Rating
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 UDM-SE (non-Wi-Fi): 1x 2.5GBASE-T and 2x SFP+
The Ubiquiti Dream Machine Special Edition (UDM-SE) is the only non-Wi-Fi router on this list, and that makes it the most versatile. You can add one or a couple of UniFi access points to create a robust mesh system. Its lack of built-in Wi-Fi means it'll never become obsolete as long as 10Gbps wired networking is still relevant.
The UDM-SE has two SFP+ ports and a 2.5Gbps Multi-Gig port. It can handle a multi-Gigabit Dual-WAN setup while maintaining a 10Gbps local connection right out of the box. The included 8 PoE ports are handy extras.
Most importantly, it, by far, has the most to offer, enough to be the ultimate controller of any home or small business network. I've used it as my own since I tested it for the review, and it has never ceased to impress.
Similar alternatives:
- UDM Pro Max: 1x 2.5GBASE-T and 2x SFP+
- QNAP QHora-301W: 2x 10GBASE-T
- Amazon eero PoE Gateway: 2x 10GBASE-T and 8x 2.5GBASE-T
Need help to decide between these four? Check them out on Amazon!
Ubiquiti UDM-SE's Rating
Pros
Powerful enough to run all Ubiquiti's business hardware segments simultaneously
Reliable and fast multi-Gigabit performance with robust Dual-WAN support
A complete set of useful networking features, including powerful security/web-filtering and WireGuard VPN; excellent web user interface; useful mobile apps
Built-in PoE support; comparatively affordable; no subscription required; quiet
Cons
Single Multi-Gig (2.5GBASE-T) port; limited multi-Gigabit LAN options; no PoE++
A Ubiquiti login account is required for the mobile apps and built-in Remote Management, as well as other features, to work
Super bulky, runs hot
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.
Top 5 best 10Gbps Multi-Gig mesh systems
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| Name | Asus ZenWiFi BQ16 Pro's Rating | Asus ZenWiFi BT10's Ratings | TP-Link Deco BE85's Rating | Netgear Orbi 970 Series (RBE973S)'s Rating | Amazon eero Max 7's Rating |
| Price | - | - | - | - | - |
| Rating | |||||
| Description | |||||
| Statistics | |||||
| Buy this product |
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.
Amazon eero Max 7's Rating
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.
Netgear Orbi 970 Series (RBE973S)'s Rating
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.
TP-Link Deco BE85's Rating
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
Easy to use
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.
Asus ZenWiFi BT10's Ratings
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
Only three network ports; buggy at launch; range could be better
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.
Asus ZenWiFi BQ16 Pro's Rating
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
Not wall-mount-ready
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.
Thanks for the review, Dong. Excellent as always. So does everyone enable MLO on the GT-BE98? Is it worth it? Looks like the SSID’s all wrap back into one?
I’d say it’s not worth it, Joey. Give this portion of the post on the standard a good read.
Thanks Dong. I ended up setting it up prior to your recommendation, and I found it not to be worth it – I do like keeping the SSID’s separated.
Which is another thing, it looks like the smart connect is now the default when setting up a new Asus network – frustrating to say the least.
On a more positive note, I am running 2 GT-BE98’s and two satellite BQ16 Pro’s with a XS1930-12HP switch in between – and man, I think I found the absolute perfect setup!
That’s expensive, Joey! I have a similar setup but with a single GT-BE98 Pro and a 2-pack BQ16 for future AiMesh-related posts and thought I’ve been rolling VIP. Thanks for sharing and cheers! 🙂
That’s the setup I am building now. Two bq16 pro and 1 gt-be98 pro probably as well. All hardwired of course. Great guide thank you!
With the latest firmware (for both), Sev, the combo will work well, and it’ll top-notched via wired backhauling. Good luck!
i am interested ina 10gbps router without wlan, thanks!
seems there are not many options available at the moment.
That’s the #1 in this list. And you can turn Wi-Fi off on the rest by the way.
I’m surprised you included the UDM-SE but not the TP-Link ER8411. I’ve found TP-Link’s firmware to be more reliable that Ubiquiti’s.
The main downside of the ER8411 is that it just has 2 x 10Gbps ports (SFP+) and 8 x 1Gbps ports. No 2.5Gbps. That’s fine for me since I have a MikroTik switch with 12 x 10Gbps ports.
I haven’t tested the TP- Link, and I can’t test every router. The Unifi OS has so much more, tho.
Firewalla, mine has been rock solid and never had an issue. Can’t recommend it enough.
I find Firewalla’s firmware to be a bit limited in features and bloated with unnecessary options and notifications, Tank. I stopped using the Gold after less than a month. It got old fast.
For the cost of the Gold Pro, any routers mentioned here is 10x better.
What about the TP-Link ER8411? At the prices of any one of these routers. This should be considered as well.
I haven’t tried it. It looks like a router with a built-in Omada controller. Looks decent for sure.
I am thinking about switching over to this. Because I need a backup or failover Wan and qhora refuses to do this. They only offer a broken load balancing. And I already have omada EAPs and a controller. Might as well complete the system I guess. Unless there is something that is not great with this unit. Trying to find unbiased opinions.
@Justin I’ve been using an ER8411 since its launch in November 2022, so around 18 months now. It works pretty well. I can get 8.4Gbps down in speed tests, which is the same as what I get if I connect my computer directly to the ONT.
My main complaint was the lack of a IPv6 firewall (it used to allow all inbound IPv6 connections!) but this was fixed in firmware v1.1.1 around six months ago.
How about Unifi Switch Flex XG? since it has multiple 10Gb ports, do you think that’s a good candidate?
Thanks,
Wilson
That’s a switch, Wilson, so it’s irrelevant. But you can use it with any router here, including the UDM-SE.
I’m curious if you’ve had any experience with the Mikrotik switches, many of which can also do L3 routing (albeit much slower). Also do you have recommendations for NICs on the desktop side, specifically for Sonic’s 10Gbps plan?
Finally, what gear do you currently use for your 10Gbps Sonic plan? I’m on PGE so electricity consumption is a factor.
I have, but I find them a little behind the time. I talked in detail about my hardware in this post. Since then I’ve used all of these routers mentioned here with the current being the UDM- SE.
I mentioned their energy consumption in the reviews. Also on PG&E, by the way.
For MikroTik, you’d really want to get something from their router line (model numbers starting with CCR), not their switch line (CRS). The L3 offloading on the switches is mostly for inter-VLAN routing, with no NAT. It doesn’t support IPv6 routing well, and NAT slows it down quite a bit. The conntrack table is very small too, meaning the number of simultaneous connections that can take the “fast path”.