Best routers for IPTV streaming

Best Routers For IPTV Streaming [2024 Buying Guide]

If you’re someone who is interested in streaming IPTV, which is short for Internet Protocol Television, you’ll want to make sure you have the right router for the job. In this article we’ll review the best routers for IPTV streaming available on the market today.

Streaming services like Hulu, Fubo TV, Sling TV, and Amazon Prime Video, are all forms of IPTV that are constantly improving and evolving their lineup and viewing experience.

IPTV requires faster download speeds to come across your device properly without the infamous buffering problem, which means your router needs to be up to the task. It might be a good time to ditch that old 20mbs router as we approach 2020.

Think of it this way…

Streaming a television signal across the internet, while it’s being aired or downloaded, can require very high download speeds that many lower-end routers aren’t equipped to handle these days. Most routers can barely manage to keep up with a resolution of 720p.

If your router is having trouble with standard resolutions, how do you think it will hold up to 4k?

4K streaming is starting to really catch on, and that is bad news for your current router. If you plan on streaming flawless IPTV with your standard router, you’re about to witness buffering like you never have before.

Think about it. If your router can barley handle basic high definition streaming, how do you think it will perform when trying to stream 4 times that?

That’s exactly what 4K is, and it is really starting to gain ground. You either need to gain ground too, or be left buffering while the rest binge. Not the ideal situation right?

Don’t panic, because there is a solution…

best routers for IPTV streaming

As the streaming capabilities of IPTV platforms increase, so does the technology to download it. Nobody would be caught dead selling a product that can barely even be used, so the router technology has definitely started to catch up.

If you expect to watch 4K streams, play Super Mario, and watch videos on Instagram all at the same time, you’re going to need a router to back you up.

Routers with anything less than tri-band wifi are becoming a thing of the past, because people need to split their wifi signal across multiple devices these days. Plus, your old single or dual core processor might not be cutting it anymore.

The good news? You can definitely find the best routers for IPTV streaming on Amazon. While these routers may be expensive, you’ll be taking a look at the Lamborghini of routers. $300-$500 is a small investment compared to luxuries you can soon start to enjoy. How many Lamborginis do you see sitting in traffic?

Exactly, so why should you sit there watching a little circle spin around. It’s almost 2021, and it’s time to take a peek into the future by looking at the 5 best routers for IPTV streaming.

#1. Nighthawk X10

If you’re looking for a router that will handle all of your needs at once, the Nighthawk X10 will get the job done. The Nighthawk is one of the best routers in the game, and the X10 model, is Nighthawk’s top of the line model.

This router can handle virtual reality gaming, 4K streaming, and large downloads with ease all at once.

The reason for this is actually quite simple. If you know anything about routers, you know that it all comes down to the processing core. The Nighthawk X10 has a powerful 1.7 gigahertz core. Not just any core, but this is one is a powerful quad core that can operate at different levels of power.

This router will stream IPTV with ease, and you’ll never have to worry about buffering again.

One reason the Nighthawk X10 stands out, is due to the astonishing download speeds. The  even looks the part, and has the bark to back it up. Some additional features worth mentioning are:

  • Multiple USB ports
  • 4 antennas to make sure you have wifi down in the basement or even in your backyard
  • Great bandwidth
  • Tri-band wifi
  • Wireless support
  • This router even has an app to help you monitor connections and make adjustments from your phone
  • A powerful download speed of 7.2 gigs per second
  • Quality of service tech to help you manage which device is the priority

A main disadvantage you should be aware of…

While the Nighthawk X10 router may be an excellent router, you need the right internet service to unlock its full potential. If your internet service is subpar, you’ll still end up having problems streaming IPTV. If you don’t end up having the right internet service, you could end up increasing your electricity bill and still be left buffering. Not a good situation.

Regardless, the Nighthawk X10 is definitely a force to be reckoned with, and is definitely one of the best routers for IPTV streaming.

#2. TP-Link Archer AC5400

The TP-Link Archer AC5400 is one of the best routers on the market. You’ll be hard pressed to find anything better, aside from the Nighthawk, and the speed delivered across multiple wifi bands is extraordinary. You’ll never see a dip in your bars if someone starts streaming, that era is coming to an end.

Just like the Nighthawk X10, you’ll find that the TP-Link Archer AC5400 has an impressive speed of 7.2 gigs per second of total power. This can be split across multiple wifi bands, which will allow you to stream 4k on multiple devices without having to worry about buffering all the time.

The TP-Link Archer AC5400 also boasts impressive download speeds comparable to the Nighthawk model, and comes packed with plenty of USB and 8x Gigabit Ethernet ports.

Buffering will be a thing of the past with the Archer, whether you’re plugging in wired or wireless. Some features you’ll love to see are:

  • 8 antennas that allow for maximum range by utilizing MIMO technology and beamforming
  • Quality of Service (QoS) technology that allows you to determine which device deserves priority
  • Incredible download speeds
  • Tri-band wifi
  • 1.8 gigahertz 64-bit quad-core processor
  • 3 co-processors and 1 GB of RAM
  • 8 ports for wired Ethernet
  • 4 streams for every band, which makes streaming on multiple devices a walk in the park

The disadvantage of the Archer…

For the price you really can’t beat the TP-Link Archer AC5400. However, some users have reported that this router runs incredibly hot and has issues with dropping its wifi connections from time-to-time.

It could just be a firmware issue, however, please do some more research before you buy it. Of course, if you purchase the Archer through Amazon, returns are a snap if you get a defective unit.

That said, the TP-Link Archer AC5400 is definitely one of the best routers for IPTV streaming at its price point.

#3. ASUS AC5300

The ASUS AC5300 is certainly no joke, and boasts an impressive amount of performance. You’ll find that the wifi speed is very close to the Archer and Nighthawk. It downloads 4K with ease due to its 5.2 gigs per second download speed. You definitely won’t have to stress over buffering anymore with this router.

Like the others on this list, the ASUS AC5300 comes fully loaded with tri-band technology, and plenty of antennas to keep your whole home properly covered. Plus, if you’re big into gaming, this router comes packed with special gaming performance boosters.

So when you’re not looking to stream 4K IPTV, sit back and never lag out of an online match ever again. Some key features you’ll notice in the ASUS AC5300 are:

  • 5.2 gigabytes per second of wifi speed
  • Plenty of Ethernet ports with a total of 4
  • Multiple USB options with a total of 2
  • Tri-band wifi
  • Video game optimization by utilizing its own LAN network to reduce interference
  • 8 unique antennas that have excellent range and band power

Where the ASUS model lacks…

While the ASUS AC5300 router is exceptional across the board, you might be disappointed to discover that there is not much support for it. Plus, while the wifi speed is impressive, it is still not quite as fast as some other routers on this list.

If you’re looking to do more than just stream 4K, and have a gamer in the house, then the ASUS AC5300 is one of the best routers to stream IPTV that you can find.

#4. ASUS GT-AX11000 Rapture

You can think of the ASUS GT-AX11000 as the older brother to the ASUS AC5300. You ever see a car that’s a GT? It’s usually fast right? This model of ASUS definitely packs a mega punch.

You’ll never be disappointed whether you’re gaming or streaming 4K, and you definitely will be surprised at how great the performance of this ASUS model is when you do both at the same time.

The Rapture GT model features 5GHz wifi bands are are exceptional when it comes to gaming. You also have the ability to choose which device receives priority. This router is definitely geared towards all of you gamers out there, but that doesn’t mean it can’t handle IPTV with no issues.

The 1.8GHz at the core of this machine can handle any 4K stream you throw at it with no problem. 

You can thank the quad core for that. You can also find plenty of different operating ranges, and you’ll find that they range from 2.4 to 5 gigahertz. While this device may be the best option for gamers, you can rest easy knowing that this router will provide ample wifi for your entire home.

Some features of the ASUS GT-AX11000 to highlight are:

  • 2.5Gb gaming port for additional gaming potential
  • An entire separate gaming network that runs on it’s own mesh
  • Backwards compatibility
  • Gaming server prioritization
  • A powerful quad core
  • Tri-band technology

Reasons you might want to avoid this device…

While the ASUS Rapture may be a great router, it is geared towards gamers. This is not necessarily a bad thing, but if you love gaming you’ll find the best use for this product.

If you’re only looking to stream IPTV, you’ll be able to find adequate technology in a more affordable router. While it may be geared towards gamers, the ASUS Rapture is definitely one of the best routers for IPTV streaming.

Think of this router as a gamer’s paradise.

#5. TRENDnet AC3000

The TRENDnet AC3000 is definitely a trendsetter. I just love this little router for its unassuming look and raw power! This router comes packed with plenty of features, and if you’re not looking to break the bank, this device is definitely for you.

Whether you need to stream 4K, play video games, or download an entire photo album, this router definitely has your back. Plus with wifi spread across multiple wifi bands, you’ll never see a dip in performance.

While the TRENDnet AC3000 wifi speed may not be as fast as the other two on the list, this router is definitely still a force to be reckoned with. Its 3.2 gigs per second speed is more than fast enough to download 4K, and this router comes packed with tri-band tech as well.

You’ll never need to worry about buffering again, and this time you don’t even have to break the bank. For the price, this is definitely one of the best routers for streaming IPTV.

This is definitely one of those routers that is great for a small family in 2020. Some great features of the TRENDnet AC3000 are:

  • Tri-band technology
  • Multiple Ethernet ports with a total of 8
  • More than one USB access port
  • Smart connect technology to help you allocate which wifi bands are in use
  • A powerful dual core
  • Co-processors
  • 6 antennas that allow for optimal range

Areas where the TRENDnet falls short…

While the speed is plenty fast for IPTV streams, you’ll find that it is way off from the fastest. There are other models that are almost twice as fast, and at the end of the day, you could end up needing an update in the future.

It still relies on dual core technology as opposed to running on a quad core. This can put a slight damper on future capabilities, but chances are this router will be perfect for you.

While this router may fall short in some areas, if you’re looking for guaranteed 4K streaming with ease, you won’t be disappointed at all.

The TRENDnet AC3000 is definitely one of the best routers for streaming IPTV for the whole family.

Best Routers for IPTV Streaming – The Verdict

While many of these routers will get the job done, some are definitely better equipped than others. If you want to look at the best routers for IPTV, you need to understand what you’re looking at.

Make sure you know what you’re buying, and try to find a router that has the proper speed and bandwidth for your needs. At the end of the day, a lot of this comes down to preference.

The top dog when it comes to the best routers for terms streaming…

The best, and most well rounded router on this list, is the Nighthawk X10. It is affordable, performs well for families and gamers, and provides a great range due to great antenna strength.

While the Nighthawk X10 might be the most well rounded, you’ll find that every router on this list is an excellent fit for anyone. The question is: what type are you?

Additional Reading…

Well at this point you’re equipped with everything you need to know regarding the best routers for IPTV streaming. While you’re here, consider checking out some of these other equally informative articles pertaining to IPTV, Cord-cutting, VPNs and Over-the-air TV.