Two distinct 5 GHz networks host a tri-band router that automatically assigns devices to the appropriate network. Tri-band routers, in layman’s terms, broadcast three distinct signals. In essence, they have three separate Wi-Fi networks running at the same time.
Suppose you have 10 to 15 devices connected to your network and use a dual-band or single-band router, regardless of speed. In that case, you will most likely be unable to handle many devices, such as gaming consoles or supercomputers.
A Tri-Band Wi-Fi router provides top AC speeds and a third band, allowing you to connect as many devices as possible. It splits the bands in 2.4GHz, 5GHz, and another 5GHz, respectively.
Following, you will find the list of best tri-band routers with details that will help you choose the one for your requirements.
Tri-Band Routers: Why Tri-Band?
It’s simple really. Tri-bands have one additional band available over common dual-band routers. So, instead of just a 2.5Ghz and a 5Ghz band, you get another 2.5Ghz or 5GHz band, depending on the router.
This can come in handy to handle guest users or users who don’t need to be on your private home/work bandwidth/s. Tri-bands are the way to go for any household or workspace where user segregation is vital for security.
Tri-bands also come in handy if you want the whole smart home thing going with several IoT devices syncing with Alexa or Google Assistant. It is somewhat important that you keep your IoTs on a separate bandwidth and not on your work or home network, for basic cybersecurity.
Or perhaps you want a whole 5Ghz bandwidth just for yourself, for streaming content, in or out. Your call really.
In all cases, tri-band routers offer nearly twice as much fun and utility compared to common dual-bands.
Check out the best tri-band routers you can buy now!
| Netgear Orbi 6 | Best Tri-Band Router For Long-Range | Check price on Amazon |
| TP-Link Archer | Best Tri-Band Router For Long-Range | Check price on Amazon |
| Linksys EA8300 Max-Stream | Best Tri-Band Router For Multiple Devices | Check price on Amazon |
| TP-Link Deco M9 Plus | Best Tri-Band Router For Long-Range And Easy Configuration | Check price on Amazon |
| Asus ROG Rapture | Best Tri-Band Router For Gaming And Coverage | Check price on Amazon |
| Netgear Nighthawk | Best Tri-Band Router For Smart Network Security | Check price on Amazon |
Best Tri-Band Router In 2021 – Reviews
6. Netgear Orbi 6
Best Tri-Band Router For Long-Range
Pros
- Fastest Mesh router
- Multi-gig WAN port
- Built-in support for Google Assistant and Alexa
- More coverage
- Easy configuration
- Wi-Fi 6 technology
Cons
- Best suited for internet with more than 500Mbps
- Expensive
The Netgear Orbi 6 has a maximum speed of 666 Mbps — 75 meters. Close inspection revealed a figure of 871Mbps, the fastest speed available in a mesh router. It distinguishes itself through its sleek, modern appearance and competitive functionality.
It also has a 5,000-square-foot coverage area and a Wi-Fi speed of up to 6 Gbps along with great streaming capabilities and simultaneous multi-device connectivity.
Orbi 6 has a 2.5 Gbps WAN port as well as 4 Gigabit Ethernet LAN ports. It ensures Wi-Fi security following industry standards (802.11i, 128-bit AES encryption with PSK).
In addition, the guest Wi-Fi network allows guests to set up their own separate and secure Internet connection easily.
Review
Netgear is a trusted networking products brand and Orbi 6 is among its most popular Wi-Fi device range. It is easy to set up and configure, offers on-point security to guest users as well.
Overall, this is the best tri-band router with a quad-core processor on the market.
Key Specifications
- Quad-core processor
- 5,000 sq. Ft Coverage
- Fast Wi-Fi speeds
- Satellite coverage
Pricing
Around $300
5. TP-Link Archer
Best Tri-Band Router For Long-Range
Pros
- Best performance tri-band router
- Customizable security program
- Multiple LAN ports
- Works with IFTTT and Alexa
- Built-in firewall programs
- Double connection speed
Cons
- Big in size
- Expensive
- Lacks speed in file transfer
TP-Link Archer is an optimized tri-band router with insane capabilities. This square, squat, and flat black router is a one-of-a-kind product on the market. It stands out from the crowd in a variety of ways.
The eight antennas are one-of-a-kind, measuring 11.2 x 11.2 x 7.6 inches.
TP-Link Archer is powered by a BCM4366 Wi-Fi chip, which supports MU-MIMO to connect to multiple devices simultaneously and adapt transmissions to maximize recipient hardware utility.
It has 8 Gbits LAN ports, two of which can be configured to add up to two gigabit/speed links to router-connected NAS devices. Of course, bandwidth controls options and built-in security features will factor in.
Review
This is the best tri-band router that promotes seamless connectivity with minimal configuration. In design and size, it is hard to hide, and its antenna cannot move. The smart connect feature is best for guests to connect their devices.
Key Specs
- Large Network Coverage
- Multi-device connectivity
- 1.8 GHz 64-bit quad-core processor
Pricing: Around $200
4. Linksys EA8300 Max-Stream
Best Tri-Band Router For Multiple Devices
Pros
- Fully customizable
- Tri-band design
- Multiple software options
- MU-MIMO streaming
- Minimalist design
Cons
- Few Ethernet and UUB ports
The Linksys EA8300 provides high-quality coverage throughout your home. This triband router can transmit data at high speeds, but it lacks the long-range required in larger homes. It includes an IPQ4019 chipset that supports 2X2 Wi-Fi.
This router is equipped with MU-MIMO, 5GHz band steering, and Alexa integration.
Furthermore, it features a 717MHz quad-core processor, 256MB of RAM, and storage space for firmware and configurations.
Smooth roaming and simple setup are important considerations.
Review
This is the best tri-band router for home networks. It has a good range and is easy to set up, well suited for gaming and live streaming too.
Key Specs
- Sophisticated design
- Wi-Fi speeds up to 2.2Gbps
- Multiuser Multiple Input Multiple Output
- Supports FAT, NTFS, HSF+
Pricing
Around $200
3. TP-Link Deco M9 Plus
Best Tri-Band Router For Large Home Network
Pros
- Home Roaming
- Smart home hub
- Robust parental control
- Built-in security software
- Easy configuration
- Compatibility with Alexa and IFTTT
Cons
- Require radio bands to be connected
- Expensive
Deco is an excellent tri-based router for extensive home network coverage. It is packed with multiple features that boost your internet experience and focus on your security.
This device’s seamless, high-performance Wi-Fi covers up to 4500 sq. ft. and eliminates dead zones and buffers.
It protects your home network and all connected devices from intruders, viruses, and malware with advanced Wi-Fi encryption and comprehensive Antivirus. It is simple to install and manage, and it performed admirably in our performance tests.
It also has anti-malware, parental controls, and quality of service settings.
Review
Many users are happy with the coverage. But it’s the built-in security and parental control features that make this among the best tri-band routers today.
In addition, fast connection and seamless management make this device a better choice regardless of its price.
Key Specifications
- Supports up to 400Mbps
- 2 x Gigabit WAN/LAN
- USB ports and LAN ports
- Tri-Band connectivity
- Dead-zone killer
Pricing
$170 – $300
2. Asus ROG Rapture
Best Tri-Band Router For Gaming
Pros
- Strong network connection
- Triple-level Game Acceleration
- Built-in network security
- Best tri-band 802.11ac Wi-Fi
- Multiple ports and separate ports
- Multiple antennas
Cons
- Do not support Wi-Fi 6 or WPA3
- Big in size
Asus ROG Rapture is a performance-oriented tri-band router. The router includes free lifetime threat protection, 8 Gigabit LAN ports, and the ability to combine two into a superfast connection.
It has blistering performance, arguably our first choice for some serious gaming and streaming.
Rapture comes with a 1.8GHz quad-core processor, 1GB of RAM, and 256MB of firmware and configuration space.
Asus ROG Rapture is a fast router, capable of 4.8Gbps on its dual 5GHz channels and 1.2Gbps on its 2.4 GHz channel.
Review
This tri-band router is the best in performance, and it has all the security a tech guy would want.
But for a normal day’s use, this is too much.
The size is big, and it costs a bit more than other tri-band routers. Rapture is for a niche user base.
Key Specifications
- 8 Gigabit LAN ports
- 5,000 sq. ft. coverage
- Multiple ports
- Built-in security software
- Easy configuration
- AirMesh support
- Separate Gamer dashboard
Pricing
$250 – $500
1. Netgear Nighthawk
Best Tri-Band Router For Smart Network Security
Pros
- Remarkable performance
- Easy installation
- Authentic protection software
- 12 Streams Tri-Band Wi-Fi
- Multi-Gig 2.5G Ethernet Port
- Low Latency
Cons
- Costly
- Support policy for 90 days only
- No parental control system
- The security system is subscription-based
The Netgear Nighthawk Router is outfitted with cutting-edge Wi-Fi 6E technology to deliver high speeds, smooth streaming, and low latency when streaming 4K/8K, AR/VR gaming, and video conferencing.
With speeds of up to 10.8Gbps and a powerful 1.8GHz quad-core processor, this tri-band transmitter band can deliver fast, reliable connections to as many as 60 devices over 2500 sq. ft using a 6GHz radio band.
There are numerous LAN and USB ports available. The best part is that it has a built-in fan to keep it cool and a NETGEAR network protection armor pre-installed.
Review
This is the best tri-band router in the market if you have the bank for it. Blistering performance, excellent network coverage area, top-notch security, name it and you get it all.
Key Specs
- Up to 10.8 Gbps Wi-Fi speeds
- Multiple ports
- Quad-core 1.8GHz processor
- Built-in network security program
- Futuristic design
Pricing
$300 – $550
Conclusion
Tri-band routers are better simply because you get an extra network band and all the benefits from it. If you want your network to connect with more devices ‘and’ keep a separate network for it or from it, get a tri-band instead of a dual-band.
These routers are priced a lot higher, but well worth it considering the utility on offer.
Buy yours today!
FAQs
Are Tri-band routers better?
Tri-band routers transmit three distinct signals, whereas two-band routers transmit two distinct signals. Thus, a tri-band router manages two distinct 5 GHz networks and assigns devices to them. This allows you to share extra bandwidth among your devices.
Tri-band routers transmit at 600 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band and 1300 Mbps on the 5 GHz band, while standard routers transmit at 600+1300+1300. In other words, the three-band router provides more space for data to flow and more space for devices to connect easily.
What is the advantage of a tri-band router?
Tri-band routers have specific upsides –
– Connect more devices without affecting network speeds
– Dual 5GHz networks for separate coverage
– In-built security features
– Better guest access management
– Dedicated bandwidths for streaming and gaming
Is tri-band better than WiFi6?
Wi-Fi6 tri-band is superior, but the configuration remains the same. It does not affect the internet’s or network’s security. Wi-Fi6 is 802.11ax, resulting in a theoretical output bounce of approximately 5.4Gbps to a maximum of 9.6Gbps. The number of channels is doubled, and performance on the 2.4GHz radio band improves. Tri-band is a different spec, a tri-band router can have 3 Wi-Fi6 bandwidths.
