Best Internet Router Brands
Customer Ratings of Top BRANDS in the 2025 America's Most Trusted Study
In an era defined by connectivity, internet routers are indispensable for creating robust home networks. These devices facilitate seamless access for everything from smartphones to smart appliances, ensuring that families stay connected amidst the growing demands of remote work, online learning, and entertainment. With features like dual-band capabilities and enhanced security, a reliable router is key to navigating the digital world safely and efficiently.
Yet, the overwhelming number of choices available can leave consumers feeling uncertain. Here, brand trust becomes a critical factor, guiding shoppers toward established names that promise quality and dependable service. In this competitive market, trust not only influences initial purchases but fosters long-term loyalty. By examining the America’s Most Trusted® study, we aim to illuminate the criteria that consumers use to evaluate internet router brands and the implications for both buyers and manufacturers in this fast-evolving landscape.
The 2025 America’s Most Trusted Study
For over ten years, the America’s Most Trusted® study has emerged as a critical resource for brands seeking to navigate the complex landscape of consumer trust. In a market where credibility can significantly influence purchasing choices, this annual study provides valuable insights into how trust affects brand loyalty and sales. Every January, updated results reveal which brands consumers view as the most reliable, transforming this research into an essential benchmark for companies striving to enhance their reputations.
At its core, "brand trust" encapsulates the confidence customers have in a brand's ability to fulfill its promises. This trust is paramount, as it not only drives customer loyalty but also boosts the likelihood of recommendations. When consumers feel secure in their choices, they are more inclined to stick with and advocate for brands they trust. Thus, cultivating brand trust is a strategic imperative for businesses aiming to secure long-term success.
Since Lifestory Research began publishing results from the America’s Most Trusted® study, we've highlighted the latest findings each year. The study surveys thousands of participants about their experiences and perceptions of over 75 product categories. Using the Net Trust Quotient Score (NTQS), we assess how consumers rank the trustworthiness of specific brands, offering critical insights for anyone shopping for internet routers, appliances, or other products.
The NTQS acts as a vital gauge of consumer confidence, comparing how well brands meet customer expectations against their competitors. This trust metric is rooted in rigorous social and opinion science research methodologies, ensuring the data meets high consumer research standards.
What companies do people see as trustworthy? What are the most trustworthy brands? What are the top companies and brands people trust the most?
So, which internet router brands do consumers trust the most?
2025 America’s Most Trusted Internet Router Brand
The Lifestory Research 2025 America's Most Trusted® Internet Router Study has named Linksys the most trusted router brand among consumers considering a purchase. With a Net Trust Quotient Score of 108.8, Linksys earned the highest trust rating among the leading router brands.
This ranking is based on the opinions of 3,441 U.S. consumers surveyed over the past year. Linksys received the highest trust ratings and best reviews among the top internet router brands. The study focused on well-known brands recognized by consumers actively shopping for a home router. The internet router brands rated in the study were Linksys, MSI, NETGEAR, eero, Nest, TP-Link, D-Link, Arris, ASUS, and Acer. Trust was measured by how people perceive router brands’ quality, their performance, and their overall customer satisfaction.
TOP 10 Ranked Router Brands – 2025 Customer Ratings
| 1 | Linksys | 108.8 | ★★★★★ |
| 2 | MSI | 107.7 | ★★★★★ |
| 3 | NETGEAR | 107.3 | ★★★★★ |
| 4 | eero | 105.9 | ☆☆☆☆ |
| 5 | Nest | 105.7 | ☆☆☆☆ |
| 6 | TP-Link | 103.0 | ☆☆☆ |
| 7 | D-Link | 100.9 | ☆☆☆ |
| 8 | Arris | 100.6 | ☆☆☆ |
| 9 | ASUS | 95.8 | ☆☆ |
| 10 | Acer | 90.6 | ☆☆ |
No promotional use or advertising can be made of America's Most Trusted® survey results without the express prior written consent of Lifestory Research. America's Most Trusted® is a registered trademark of Lifestory with all rights reserved. Study results are based on survey responses and should not be considered legal or financial advice. Your experiences may vary.
Looking for quality customer ratings of products to make informed and trusted purchasing decisions? Discover genuine customer reviews that focus on various products' quality, reliability, and trustworthiness. Our independent research offers detailed product ratings, insights into quality, performance, durability, and overall value for money based on customer trust ratings. Explore the latest customer reviews to ensure you're making a purchase based on trustworthy ratings and superior quality, so you can buy with confidence! See the results of 75 different product studies here.
Brands Ranked in Study
The Lifestory Research America’s Most Trusted® research study is focused on measuring consumers' opinions of the most recognized brands in the market. Here, we provide information on the brands in the 2025 America’s Most Trusted® study. The brands are presented in the order they ranked in the 2025 America’s Most Trusted® study.
Linksys
Linksys, a networking hardware brand owned by Belkin International (a subsidiary of Foxconn), has been a staple in the home networking market since its founding in 1988. Headquartered in Playa Vista, California, Linksys is well-regarded for its reliable and user-friendly routers, offering solutions tailored for home and small office environments. Known for pioneering wireless networking technology, Linksys continues to innovate, focusing on performance, security, and ease of use. The brand remains one of the most trusted names in networking, with a long track record of customer satisfaction.
MSI
MSI (Micro-Star International) is a Taiwanese multinational corporation based in New Taipei City, Taiwan, best known for its gaming laptops, graphics cards, and motherboards. However, in recent years, MSI has also made a significant foray into the networking space with its gaming-oriented routers. MSI’s routers cater specifically to gamers, offering high-performance features like low-latency connections, advanced QoS (Quality of Service) settings, and customizable controls to enhance online gaming experiences. MSI’s routers are designed with a focus on gaming reliability, speed, and stability, positioning the brand as a top choice for performance-conscious users.
Netgear
Founded in 1996 and headquartered in San Jose, California, Netgear is a leading global provider of networking products. Netgear’s product line spans consumer and business markets, with routers widely adopted for home and small business networking needs. Netgear’s commitment to quality and innovation has earned it a strong reputation, especially with its Nighthawk series, known for its high-speed capabilities, cutting-edge features, and ease of setup. As a company, Netgear has focused on providing advanced networking solutions for consumers seeking reliable, scalable, and future-proof products.
eero
eero is a San Francisco-based company that specializes in mesh Wi-Fi systems. Acquired by Amazon in 2019, eero has become part of Amazon’s broader smart home ecosystem. Known for its user-friendly design and seamless performance, eero’s routers are engineered to deliver reliable, whole-home Wi-Fi coverage. The brand's focus on mesh networking technology allows users to expand their coverage effortlessly, eliminating Wi-Fi dead zones and ensuring smooth connectivity in every room. eero has earned praise for its simplicity, quick setup process, and deep integration with Amazon’s Alexa and other smart home products.
Nest
Nest, a subsidiary of Google, is best known for its smart home products, including thermostats, cameras, and routers. Headquartered in Mountain View, California, Nest’s routers, introduced as part of Google’s smart home ecosystem, aim to provide secure, efficient, and reliable connectivity for connected home devices. As part of Google’s broader vision of creating intelligent, seamless smart home environments, Nest routers are designed with advanced security features, integration with Google Assistant, and optimization for smart device management. Nest focuses on making home networking simple and secure, particularly on supporting IoT (Internet of Things) devices.
TP-Link
TP-Link is a global leader in networking solutions. It was founded in 1996 and is headquartered in Shenzhen, Guangdong, China. The company offers many products, including routers, smart home devices, and switches. TP-Link has built a strong reputation for providing cost-effective networking equipment without sacrificing performance. Its routers are popular worldwide for both consumer and business use, with models that cater to everything from basic home setups to advanced networking environments. TP-Link also offers a variety of mesh Wi-Fi systems under its Deco brand, designed to simplify home networking and improve Wi-Fi coverage.
D-Link
D-Link Corporation, based in Taipei, Taiwan, has been a significant player in the networking equipment space since 1986. The company offers a broad range of networking products, including routers, switches, and cameras, serving individual consumers and businesses. D-Link has earned a solid reputation for its reliable, high-performance routers that cater to various needs, from basic home networks to more complex business solutions. Known for their affordability and ease of use, D-Link routers are often a go-to option for straightforward networking solutions with reliable performance.
Arris
Arris International plc, headquartered in Suwanee, Georgia, is an American telecommunications equipment manufacturer that provides high-quality communication and networking products. Known for its advanced solutions for broadband and cable providers, Arris also offers consumer-facing products such as routers and gateways. Arris focuses on delivering high-speed internet solutions that can meet the growing demands of both residential and commercial users. With a particular focus on providing technology that works seamlessly with high-speed internet services, Arris continues to innovate in areas like DOCSIS 3.1, Wi-Fi 6, and other future-proofing technologies.
ASUS
ASUS, headquartered in Beitou District, Taipei, Taiwan, is a global leader in computer hardware and electronics, with a reputation for producing high-performance components. Known for its gaming-focused products, ASUS has extended its expertise into networking with a range of advanced routers. ASUS routers are designed for gamers, streamers, and professionals seeking high-speed, reliable, secure internet connections. Popular for their customizable features, robust security options, and support for advanced technologies such as Wi-Fi 6, ASUS routers continue to be favored by users who require both performance and cutting-edge features in their networking equipment.
Acer
Acer Inc., headquartered in Xizhi, New Taipei City, Taiwan, is a multinational corporation best known for its computers, laptops, and peripherals. While Acer is primarily recognized for its consumer electronics, it also offers a range of networking products, including routers. Acer routers cater to home users looking for reliable internet connectivity with ease of use and affordability. Though not as dominant in the networking space as some of its competitors, Acer provides routers that balance value and functionality, with a focus on providing stable internet connections for everyday household use.
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Foundational Principles
At Lifestory Research, we pride ourselves on being an independent research company committed to delivering unbiased and accurate insights into consumer behavior. Unlike many studies that lean on expert opinions or committees, our approach is rooted firmly in the voices of consumers themselves. This commitment ensures that our findings seek to reflect public sentiment.
By prioritizing consumer opinions, we effectively eliminate the biases that can come from personal agendas or industry affiliations. Our research methodology captures a wide array of perspectives, allowing our results to be representative of the broader population.
Core Principles of Quality Research
We uphold several foundational principles that define top-tier consumer research:
Reliability: We ensure our research consistently produces accurate results.
Validity: Our methods guarantee we measure what we intend to measure.
Objectivity: We take great care to avoid bias throughout the research process.
Generalizability: Our findings can be applied to the larger population.
Our Commitment to Excellence
Lifestory Research adheres to these principles through a series of rigorous practices:
Rigorous Sampling Methods: We carefully select representative samples to generalize our findings to the broader population.
Standardized Survey Instruments: These ensure consistency and reliability in data collection.
Quality Control Measures: Our team meticulously reviews and analyzes data to identify and rectify inconsistencies.
Ethical Standards: We prioritize the well-being of our participants and uphold their privacy throughout the research process.
When you explore our findings, you can trust that they are grounded in the authentic opinions of real people. This dedication to integrity makes our research a valuable resource for businesses and consumers.
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Rating Methodology
What Is the America’s Most Trusted® Study?
The America’s Most Trusted® study focuses on evaluating brands that offer products or services to consumers in their homes, particularly in the residential new home industry. Instead of attempting to survey every brand, the study specifically targets the largest and most impactful brands in this sector.
How Does the Survey Work?
Conducted throughout the year, the America’s Most Trusted® survey aims to gather consumer opinions while minimizing biases that might arise from external events or trends. This year-long approach helps capture a more accurate snapshot of consumer sentiments.
Participants are surveyed based on specific criteria, such as whether they are actively considering a purchase in a relevant category—like buying a home, faucet, HVAC. Only those who express familiarity with a brand are invited to share their opinions on its trustworthiness, ensuring that the study reflects genuine consumer insights.
The Importance of Brand Awareness
An essential component of the study is brand awareness. Participants are first asked to identify brands they recognize. Only those who are familiar with a brand proceed to answer questions about it. This criterion ensures that only brands with sufficient public recognition are included in the final trust rankings.
Sampling Methodology
The study employs a non-probability sampling design, relying on online panels to recruit participants. Online panels are organizations that have an established relationship with consumers who agree to complete opinion surveys. Lifestory randomly ask consumers questions that identify consumers shopping for a specific product. Qualified consumers complete an online survey in which they are asked a set of questions about specific product brands.
The number of people completing a survey is referred to as the sample size. Each of the America’s Most Trusted studies seek to obtain a sample size that is large enough to be representative. The sample size is also designed to collect a large number of consumer opinions to minimize error and to assure the study results reflect the majority of consumers sentiment about a brand.
Calculating Trust Scores
At the heart of the America’s Most Trusted® study is the Net Trust Quotient Score. Participants evaluate brands based on their trustworthiness through a series of targeted questions. The responses are then categorized into three groups:
Advocates: Consumers who express strong trust in the brand.
Neutrals: Those who trust the brand but do not consider it superior to others.
Antagonists: Consumers with little to no trust in the brand.
These evaluations are quantified using a statistical method called a z-score, which standardizes the responses, allowing for easy comparison across brands. The results are ultimately transformed into T scores, which are more intuitive for understanding how each brand ranks relative to the mean score of all brands surveyed.
Additional information about the study can be found on the survey methodology page of this website.
Additional insights and questions about the America’s Most Trusted® study can be found in the frequently asked questions section of this website.
What to Consider When Shopping for a Router
When shopping for an internet router, there are several important factors to consider, depending on your needs, budget, and the size of your network. Here are the key things to keep in mind:
1. Type of Connection (Wired vs. Wireless)
Wired Router: If you only need a few wired connections or are setting up a small home network, a wired router may suffice. These routers have Ethernet ports where you can plug in devices for a stable, high-speed connection.
Wireless Router (Wi-Fi): Most modern routers are wireless and support Wi-Fi connections. These are essential for homes and offices where multiple devices connect wirelessly.
2. Wi-Fi Standards and Speed
Wi-Fi technology evolves over time, with newer standards offering faster speeds and better performance. The most common Wi-Fi standards are:
Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac): Offers good performance for most home networks, with speeds up to 3.5 Gbps. Suitable for streaming HD video, online gaming, and typical internet use.
Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax): The latest Wi-Fi standard, offering faster speeds (up to 9.6 Gbps), greater capacity for multiple devices, and better efficiency in crowded environments. It's ideal for homes with many smart devices or heavy internet usage.
Tip: Look for Wi-Fi 6 routers if you have many connected devices or want the best future-proofing for your network.
3. Speed and Performance
Router speed is usually measured in terms of Mbps (Megabits per second) or Gbps (Gigabits per second). The speed of your router should match or exceed the speed of your internet plan, ensuring you don't experience slowdowns.
Consider Your Internet Plan: If you have a high-speed internet plan (e.g., 1 Gbps), make sure your router can handle that speed. Many budget routers may not support speeds beyond 100-300 Mbps, which may limit your internet performance.
Dual-Band vs. Tri-Band Routers:
Dual-Band Routers: These offer two frequency bands: 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. The 2.4 GHz band has a wider range but lower speeds, while the 5 GHz band is faster but has a shorter range. Most modern routers are dual-band.
Tri-Band Routers: These have an additional 5 GHz band, offering more channels for devices to connect to, reducing congestion and improving performance in busy networks.
4. Coverage Area
The size of your home or office will influence the type of router you need:
Small to Medium-Sized Homes: A standard dual-band router will usually suffice, with coverage up to 2,000-3,000 square feet.
Large Homes or Multi-Floor Buildings: For larger homes or multi-story buildings, consider a mesh Wi-Fi system or a tri-band router. Mesh systems consist of multiple nodes that work together to provide seamless Wi-Fi coverage throughout large or complex spaces.
5. Security Features
Security is crucial when using a router, especially to protect your devices and data from hackers and unauthorized access. Common security features include:
WPA3 Encryption: The latest encryption standard for securing your Wi-Fi network.
Guest Networks: Allows you to set up a separate network for visitors, protecting your primary network.
Firewall Protection: Some routers come with built-in firewalls to block malicious activity.
Parental Controls: Many routers include tools for monitoring and controlling internet usage for children or other users.
VPN Support: Some routers support VPN (Virtual Private Network) services, allowing you to encrypt your internet traffic for additional privacy.
6. Number of Ports (Ethernet and USB)
Ethernet Ports: Consider how many wired devices you need to connect to the router. Standard routers usually have 4 Ethernet ports for wired connections. If you need more, look for routers with additional ports or consider a switch to expand the number of available ports.
USB Ports: Some routers have USB ports for connecting external hard drives, printers, or other devices to the network.
7. Quality of Service (QoS)
QoS is a feature that allows you to prioritize certain types of traffic, such as video streaming, gaming, or VoIP calls, over other internet usage. This ensures that your important activities get the bandwidth they need, even during periods of high traffic.
8. Budget
Routers come in a wide range of prices, from budget models to high-end options:
Budget Routers ($30-$100): Good for small households with basic internet needs. They support lower speeds and fewer advanced features.
Mid-Range Routers ($100-$200): These provide solid performance for average-sized homes with multiple devices. They often include better Wi-Fi speeds, more advanced features (like QoS and security), and reliable performance.
High-End Routers ($200+): For large homes, heavy internet users, or those needing high performance for gaming, streaming, or working from home. They typically include Wi-Fi 6, multiple bands, robust security, and advanced features.