If you have subscribed to Optimum internet, they have already given you the option to rent one of their routers. However, if you want to upgrade to something better and cheaper, herein are the three best Wi-Fi routers for optimum subscribers.
It’s time to think twice before getting a Wi-Fi router from your favorite Internet Service Provider Optimum on rent. Yes, you heard it right. We are living in 2021. Can you imagine any router given by ISP live up to your expectations?
Of course, not.
Since we can’t handle a slow Internet connection, it is impossible to use any outdated Wi-Fi router provided by the ISP. Instead, you can get your own Optimum compatible Wi-Fi router. If you do so, you’ll see a massive difference and be able to save some money every month.
The market is full of these alternatives, but you’ll find most of them are not compatible with Optimum. Therefore, in order to make this task easier, I picked the three best Wi-Fi routers for Optimum Internet Service Provider. These wireless routers are fully compatible with Optimum and give your connection a real boost.
So before I walk you through my picks, I want to talk about the in-depth router buying guide at the bottom, containing some essential buying factors and tips.
Best Wi-Fi Routers for Optimum in 2021
1. NETGEAR NIGHTHAWK R7000 – Best Overall Optimum Approved Router
Nighthawk is among the best router manufacturers in the industry, and they are infamous for producing durable and reliable products with respectable performance, and this one is no exception. When it comes to design, the R7000 is a standard device. It features three reliable antennas that provide extended coverage. It’s also designed to be positioned horizontally only, and it features four one-Gigabit Ethernet ports.
These ports let me link any gadget that required steady internet access, like my laptop. As for performance, this incredible gadget has dual-band configurations. Besides, its coverage is pretty impressive, accessing up to 1800 Square feet without any interruptions. This eradicates any possible dead spots in your home.
Moreover, the R7000 features a remarkable Qos, which allowed me to prioritize my traffic. The MU-MIMO technology is also an impressive bonus, allowing several gadgets to stream simultaneously. The Circle App for parental control lets you have enhanced controls over who accesses the router and what is permitted.
Pros & Cons:
What I Like:
- Four one-Gigabit Ethernet ports
- Parental controls
- Impressive QoS
- 2 USB ports
- MU-MIMO technology
What I don’t:
- Not user-friendly
2. TP-LINK AX3000 (ARCHER AX50) – Best Wi-Fi 6 Optimum Router
When it comes to affordable routers for optimum, this is the perfect gadget. This incredible device has coverage of up to 2000 Sq. Ft, and it can be connected to multiple devices like smartphones and PCs at the same time. With the Wi-Fi 6 speed and the dual-band configuration, this router was perfect for my optimum internet subscription. It was also ideal for gaming, and video chatting, and so on.
It has four antennas and only 250Mbps Ethernet ports; this device does need some upgrade through the high-quality and fast Wi-Fi 6 speed translates to reliable internet access to all the connected devices in your home. Besides, it also comes with an economical price tag.
Pros & Cons:
What I like:
- 2000 Sq. ft coverage
- Affordable
- Fast and reliable internet connection
- Dual-band configuration
- You can link it to several devices simultaneously
What I don’t:
- It has very few ports.
3. EERO PRO 6 ROUTER – Best Mesh Wi-Fi System for Optimum
The Amazon Pro 6 is the router to look for if you’re searching for one with fast speeds, the ability to link to multiple devices simultaneously, expanded coverage, and it supports Optimum Internet. With its Wi-Fi 6 speeds, it is excellent for your optimum internet usage. Besides, it features 2 Ethernet ports and a tri-band configuration.
Also, it has MU-MIMO technology, which allows you to link several devices simultaneously. I loved how it can support a maximum of 75 gadgets, making it one of the finest routers for my optimum.
Furthermore, it has excellent expandable coverage of a maximum of 6000 sq. ft. Besides, the mesh Wi-Fi is perfect for homes with thick walls. If you want to increase the coverage, you can add an extra node, expanding the range. What’s more, it is easy to set up and customize. By using the Eero app, I was live on my optimum connection within a few minutes.
It comes with an in-built Zigbee smart-home hub; thus, the router linked to all my Alexa compatible gadgets, which means I didn’t require to acquire hubs for each gadget. Lastly, it provides fantastic security features.
Pros & Cons:
What I like:
- Outstanding performance
- Impressive coverage of a maximum of up to 6000 sq. ft
- Links up to 75 gadgets at the same time
- User-friendly
- Features Alexa voice support
- It has an attractive design.
What I don’t:
- Quite expensive
Buying Guide: Things to consider before buying your Optimum compatible Wi-Fi router
Having reviewed the best router for Optimum in detail, you might still feel that you want information on buying the best router; herein is our comprehensive guide;
1. ISP Internet Plans: Should I check compatiblity with Optimum?
While this might be obvious to most buyers, it is also among the most overlooked considerations when purchasing a router for your Optimum. It would be best if you bought a Wi-Fi router that your Internet provider supports. If the speeds are the same, it doesn’t necessarily mean the firmware and hardware are supported.
2. Compatibility: Is my router Optimum approved?
The other thing to check for when buying a router for your Optimum is compatibility. It is supposed to be compatible with various Wi-Fi gadgets. It would also be best if you went for one that functions well with wireless and wired gadgets.
Optimum provides Internet plans of up to a gigabit in some areas, downloading to speeds of a maximum of 940Mbps. The other offer is 300, which gives 300Mbps download speed. Moreover, Optimum offers a list of acceptable routers.
3. Speed: Choose your Optimum router as per their plans
All Wi-Fi routers show the Internet speed they provide. Ensure you choose one that can comfortably handle the rate offered by Optimum. For instance, if you have subscribed to the 300Mbps offer, make sure your router can handle it.
4. Bands: Single-band or Dual-band, does your Optimum Wi-Fi router offer dual-band functionality?
The major Wi-Fi bands are 2.4 GHz and 5GHz. Additionally, some routers come with the option to utilize these two bands. Dual-band configured routers improve the internet speed, and if there are multiple users, the router can divide them on either band to attain maximum speed.
Therefore, domestic users can go for a dual-band router, mainly if you utilize low speeds of below 1000Mbps since it can choose the ideal band to allow for optimum performance. However, a tri-band router is perfect since it has two distinct bands in the 5 GHz configuration. It is ideal if you have subscribed to high speeds, for instance, 1000 Mbps or more.
5. Coverage: What coverage can you expect from the best Optimum Wi-Fi router?
Coverage is another essential feature to consider when buying a router for your Optimum. You have to consider your home’s size to ensure every room can access Wi-Fi. If you own a home with several rooms and corners, you have to buy a router to accommodate that space. Make sure you do not leave any dead spots to avoid any interference with your Internet access.
6. Ports: Ports to look for while choosing any Optimum compatible router
An Ethernet port might not look like something you should consider since every Wi-Fi router comes with one. On the other hand, you need to make sure it has at least one port with Gigabit Ethernet abilities. A Gigabit router is perfect since it is increasing in popularity, and it’s fast and reliable.
7. Mesh Wi-Fi System: Can your Optimum router be converted into a Mesh Wi-Fi system for better wireless coverage?
Mesh Wi-Fi technology covers your whole house with wireless coverage. It runs by utilizing two or more mesh Wi-Fi gadgets to generate a mesh Wi-Fi network. The first node is linked to the router, while you can position the others all through your house to develop a potent wireless network. It makes setting up and upgrading very easy.
Conclusion: Which Wi-Fi router for Optimum out of three will be perfect for me?
The first Wi-Fi router—Netgear Nighthawk R7000— is my budget pick suitable for small houses and apartments with a coverage of up to 2,500 square feet.
With up to 1.9Gbps Wi-Fi speed, it can handle up to 30 devices simultaneously. Other highlights, such as a 5-minute setup, circle smart parental control, four Gigabit LAN ports, two USB 3.0 ports, and Netgear Armor by BitDefender, are unbeatable for the price under $150.
Who’s it for?
Everyone who is under budget yet expecting something powerful. The Netgear Nighthawk R7000 ac1900 is the perfect router for your Optimum Internet.
The second Optimum compatible Wi-Fi router is from Tp-Link called AX3000. It will be a futuristic option for you because of its wireless standard ‘AX.’ Yes, you heard it right, The AX3000 is offering next-gen Wi-Fi 6 wireless standard and 4-Stream dual-band functionality. The router’s key highlights, such as MU-MIMO, built-in HomeCare, voice control, simultaneous 40 devices, and backward compatibility, are up to the mark for the price.
Who’s it for?
I recommend AX3000 to people who have Wi-Fi 6 compatible devices. Since it is a future-proof router, you won’t be disappointed. Comparatively, both Netgear Nighthawk R7000 and Tp-link AX3000 are worth the money. Choose one that fits your needs better.
The third Wi-Fi router for your Optimum Internet is not a standard type of router. It is a Whole House Mesh Wi-Fi System by Amazon called EERO Pro 6. Depending on the needs, you can buy its 1-pack unit or 2-pack unit. In this way, you can expand your system easily.
Who’s it for?
It’ll be the best option for you if you live in a medium-sized or large-sized house. Since this Mesh Wi-Fi system is expensive, you should pick it unnecessarily.
If you still have any doubt, please leave your query in the comment section below. I’d love to answer as soon as possible. Thank you!
Note: I forgot to mention that all the listed Wi-Fi routers in this article are compatible with other ISPs—for example, charter spectrum, cox, Verizon fios, Centurylink, AT&T U-verse, and Comcast.