7 Best Routers for Verizon Fios
Updated: May 14
So we just signed up for Verizon Fios but missed out on the free router deal. I did some research and discovered that, surprise, the Verizon routers are not that great. They're slow, you have to deal with limited features. Granted, if you have issues, the first thing tech support will say is "it's your router" but we know that's not true. So, here are the 7 Best Routers for Verizon Fios.
Do you think you have the best router for Verizon FiOS? Chances are, you don’t. Not if you’re renting a router from them.
Let’s face it, if you’re shelling out a monthly fee, and you’re already a Verizon FiOS customer, why would they spend big bucks on constantly upgrading your router? Think about it, you’re spending a certain amount each month for a product that may not be the best router for Verizon FiOS.
But if you buy your own wireless router from the list of Verizon FiOS compatible routers in this guide, you’ll have access to better advanced features which will give you better performance. Not only that, you end up saving on those pesky fees that are a monthly reminder of non optimal routers, while constantly paying for something you don’t even own. Why You Should Buy A New Router For Verizon FiOS?
Buying your own router will not only save you money, but it will give you the freedom to choose the best router for Verizon FiOS that you can get.
Better Performance: The load on our routers and Wifi constantly increases, with the number of connected devices or even the amount of bandwidth usage. With your own router, you can access advanced controls to manage your network better.
Huge Savings: Not paying a monthly fee could lead to your router paying for itself within a short time. In the end, you’ll be able to tinker with the settings, on a router that you own.
More Control: We all look for ways to optimize our network, and having control over your router (which a rental router will not offer) can give you more control over your home network.
Extended Coverage: Not all routers have the same level or range of coverage. Depending on the size of your home and how many walls that you have, you might need a router with extended coverage.
In a nutshell, the benefits that accompany getting the best router for FiOS Gigabit are numerous, enough to justify ditching the rental and going for your own.
Choosing The Best Router For Verizon FiOS
The first point to keep in mind is that not every router is compatible with FiOS that's why you need one of Verizon FiOS compatible routers. Before setting up your own router, you need to figure out what type of network set up you have.
If you only subscribe to the Verizon internet plan, the process is fairly simple and you will face no issues. If you subscribe for the bundled plan, you may have a few more steps added to the installation process, but nothing that the BlueGadgetTooth team can’t help you with in this guide. In fact, click here to know what to do.
However, consider the size of your home, the number of connected network devices, number of users and bandwidth usage before settling for one router. WiFi Standards
The earlier versions of a, b and g standards are used in some places across the world, but the newer wireless standards of 802.11AC and N are more commonly used.
A dual band 802.11n router can support speeds of up to 900Mbps, whereas the AC standard is the most recent, delivering speeds of 1.3Gbps and upwards.
Ethernet Ports Here, the higher the number of WAN/LAN ports, the better it is. There are 2 types of Ethernet ports which are available on routers:
Gigabit Ethernet – A router with Gigabit Ethernet is a sure way of future proofing your home as it supports Gigabit speeds and above.
List Fast Ethernet – This type of Ethernet is still fast, but as it only supports speeds of up to 100Mbps, you may want to consider opting for a Gigabit router as most places have ISPs that deliver higher speeds.
USB Ports (Preferably 3.0) USB ports are used to connect other network devices to your device. Scanners, printers, even external HDs can be connected via USB ports. Your router will have two types of ports:
USB 2.0 – This is the standard but older compatibility.
USB 3.0 – This offers the best compatibility and is found on the best Verizon FiOS compatible routers. It is recommended that the router you decide to purchase has USB 3.0 ports.
Real-Life Speed Despite the stated FiOS Gigabit Connection, the speed of Verizon’s FiOS fiber optic connection is still an impressive 940Mbps download and 880Mbps upload. It technically may not be ‘gigabit’ speeds, but this upgraded speed from the earlier FiOS instant internet tier helps if you have multiple connected devices, users or if there is heavy bandwidth usage at your home.
7 Best Routers For Verizon Fios Of 2020
It’s Easy To Use Our Own Router With Verizon FiOS
There is a common misconception that you have no choice but to stick to the router that Verizon gives you as your rental, and that any other router will not work with their service. That’s not true.
Routers that are plugged into the FiOS network have a DHCP lease which is a temporary lease given to enable the router to connect to the internet.
If you only subscribe to Verizon internet, you have two options when wanting to use your own router:
Option A
Power off your existing Verizon Router
Unplug the Ethernet
Give ample time – overnight – before plugging in your own router
Option B
Log in to your existing Verizon router
Enable the release of the DHCP lease
Plug in your own router via the Ethernet
Power on your router – this should give your router a new lease and enable immediate connectivity
1. Linksys AC1900 Max Stream EA7500
Best Router For Verizon FiOS (Editor's Choice)
If slow speeds are irritating you, you should consider choosing our Editor’s pick which is a no brainer due to the amazing value for money and sheer boost in performance.
Design Well built, this sleek black ninja router may blend in well in the dark, but it sure stands out when it comes to its performance.
Performance Speeds are always of a concern to the BlueGadgetTooth team. Having multiple connected devices in an urban setting means that we face a lot of constant interference from other devices. Previously, when all devices were connected, we found that the speed began to lag. With the EA7500 – AC1900, we found the speeds were more stable and consistent, with definitely an improvement in the speeds as well. The three powerful external antennas and MU-MIMO technology ensure that all your devices get reception and signal in every part of your home.
The installation was a breeze to begin with, taking about 20 minutes of our time from start to finish. You should remember to download the Linksys App which will make the entire set up process absolutely smooth for you. Perhaps what we liked about this router was that it is extremely user friendly, you don’t need to be a tech whiz to get this up and running, and it definitely makes short work of poor connectivity. Best Use If your home is larger in size than the average home, or if you have many connected devices that are constantly online, the Max Stream EA7500 may be the router you are looking for. Generating a strong signal and great speeds throughout your living space, the Linksys EA7500 is definitely our best router for Verizon FiOS.
Linksys EA7500 Pros
Parental Control for a safe internet experience
CD free easy Setup process
Guest network
Great for multiple connected devices due to MU-MIMO and Beamforming technology
4 Gigabit Ethernet ports
Stable and sturdy design
Could have more regular firmware updates
2. Netgear Nighthawk X6 (R8000)
High Performance Router For Verizon FiOS Another powerhouse delivered by Netgear, the first company to release a tri-band router is the Nighthawk X6 AC3200. The Nighthawk X6 is considered by many, as well as the BlueGadgetTooth team, to be the leader of the new generation of wireless routers.
Design Almost looking like an alien being, the Nighthawk X6 has six retractable external antennas that swivel, offering the option for adjustment to give you the best signal possible. It is admittedly larger and heavier than its predecessor, the original Nighthawk, but that’s because this alien houses a variety of components for optimized performance. Supporting up to 600Mbps on the 802.11n band and up to 1.3Gbps on each 5GHz band, you have theoretical speeds up to 3200Mbps at your disposal. There is a USB 2.0 and 3.0 port for your external devices, a WAN port and 4 LAN ports to make sure that many of your devices can be connected.
Performance Built to handle the IoT, it can handle the ever increasing number of devices that we have connected to our network. This tri-band router offers you not 2, but three bands to assign your devices to. A dual band router would work just fine when we had fewer gadgets that needed the faster 5GHz frequency, but as more devices are created that function on the 5GHz band, it makes absolute sense to have 2 5GHz frequency, so the performance for your connected devices don’t suffer.
It outperforms other routers in its class, and the real test comes with distance. The throughput actually increased in signal strength as we got further from the router, and that shows that you don’t have to be glued to your router to enjoy fast internet speeds. This was a noteworthy point. After a distance of 35 feet however, the signal began to degrade slightly, but that is to be expected. The BlueGadgetTooth team was just surprised that it performed so well!
Best Use As of now, the Nighthawk X6 aces our tests to be ranked as best router for Verizon FiOS because of its sheer ability to manage multiple devices, all streaming or using high speed internet for various activities. People who have large families, love HD gaming or love streaming their own shows at the same time will love the Nighthawk X6.
Automated simple setup process
Remains cool when running
Excellent throughput
Optimizes performance of multiple devices on a network easily
Tri-band router
Updated Network Map
Could have enhanced QoS features
3. TP-Link AC1750 Router (Archer A7)
Budget Friendly Verizon Fios Router For those who are looking for a good deal, without compromising on quality, will love the budget friendly Archer A7. You may not expect a lot from a router that doesn’t burn a hole in your pocket, but rest assured, the TP-Link Archer A7 will exceed all your expectations.
Design The A7 has a number of features that are normally reserved for pricier routers, and this is probably what pleasantly surprised the BlueGadgetTooth team.
It has a standard design that most of us associate with routers – the rectangular box, with three external adjustable antennas. But you know what gets us? Little details which we don’t think about until we see them, which makes us wonder how we managed without them. A simple setting to switch off the Led lights made us appreciate the thought behind the design – no more flashing UFO lights in the middle of the night. Performance It wouldn’t be fair to compare the Archer A7 against other routers in this guide, simply because the price point which makes it such a great buy also limits the amount of features and power this router can handle.
However, it does the job, and very well. It took the BlueGadgetTooth team just about 10 minutes to get everything set up and running, straight out of the box. The router itself is very easy for any person to work with, which is a huge plus point. The Tether App helps you manage your network, so if you see any suspicious activity or unwanted users on your network, you can kick them off and block them as well.
Parents can rest easy as it is very simple to block certain inappropriate websites so that your network is child proofed. Best Use A great option for those who live in small apartments or those who are on a budget. Parents and people with small families who do not need too many features from their router will appreciate the simple, user friendly Archer A7. Attention to detail makes this feature on our guide for Verizon FiOS compatible routers.
Great parental controls
Simple set up process and network management via App
Simple setting on/off for hiding Led lights
Great for small living spaces
Budget Friendly
It is not the best Verizon FiOS router in the guide
4. Google WIFi Router OnHub AC1900
Google does it again. Launching a router that created a ripple in the market shows that they dare to do and go where no other manufacturer dares to.
Design Design wise, the Google OnHub is a breath of fresh air in the alien world of black ninja routers. Designed to be different, it visually stands out from the crowd with its removable shell if you want to change the color of your router. That’s an option most other routers don’t have.
The size of a beer mug, this cylindrical router has 1 LAN port, 1 WAN port, and 1 USB port with the idea behind the fewer ports being to avoid wire clutter. Google is definitely taking being wireless to the next level.
The obvious thought behind the design means that it doesn’t have to be hidden away in a cupboard somewhere. Instead, it can be placed proudly on a table, making it easier to boost its wireless coverage.
There is a speaker on the top of the router, but it doesn’t do much as yet. It can’t play music and there is no in-built microphone, but judging how fast Google picks up on trends, we don’t think that is farfetched and that an update could be expected in the near future.
There is a ringed pulsing light around the speaker, which turns blue to indicate that it is ready for set up, teal indicates that it is active and amber signifies that something is not right. The lights are perfect for night, being dim enough not to be bothersome. Performance The OnHub is a dual band router running on a dual core 1.4GHz Qualcomm processor, with a RAM that is double than most other routers on the market with its 1GB of RAM. While we were wondering why they chose to go 3x3 Stream AC1900 over the faster 4x4, their reasoning lay that the fastest devices are still only on 3x3 stream technology. That makes sense.
The 13 antennas are used for the 5GHz band, 2.4GHz band and also for signal boosting – which is why wireless connectivity in a large space is so easy with OnHub. It also has Bluetooth and ZigBee features, which will be useful in the future for sure.
In terms of wireless performance, the OnHub delivered real world speeds at close range which more or less was close to our maximum download/upload speeds. At longer distances, the signal did degrade, but not enough for the BlueGadgetTooth team to stop raving about it. Perhaps the only drawback to this is that we couldn’t name the different bands, so there’s no way to know which band your device is connected to.
Testing the OnHub in a large house with multiple walls, we were happy to notice that the signal strength could withstand the interference in the network, to deliver good wireless connectivity even at a distance of 120 feet. Best Use The OnHub is clearly targeting people who live in large spaces or who are design conscious and don’t want to settle for just another standard looking router. If you’re stylish, this could be just the thing you need.
Great design
Compact size
Convenient set up from iOS/ Android devices
Great for large homes
You cannot set up the OnHub from a web browser
The 3 watt speaker is only used in the set up process
5. Verizon Fios Gateway AC1750 Wi-Fi (G1100)
Being a Verizon customer means you have a certain list of Verizon FiOS compatible routers to use, and getting the Verizon tech support to help you get setup if you need assistance, can be a whole new story. But the AC1750 (G1100) was just so easy to install, with only one call being needed to be made to tech support for provisioning the new router.
PERFORMANCE When we finally got it plugged in, set up and working, we waited for a while and then decided to run a few tests. Verizon Fios delivers really good speeds, but I was a little frustrated of not being able to tweak my router or even say I owned it! After a few tests, I saw that my download speed was more than what I was subscribing to. In fact, my upload speeds had increased nearly 20% more!
As I had a really good experience with this router, I wanted to explain a few things that some users felt were wrong with their G1100 routers. These users reached out to the bluegadgettooth team to know why they faced reduced wifi range in the beginning. Here’s why - When the gateway is first installed, the two bands (2.4GHz and 5GHz) are automatically combined into one SSID – Instead of panicking, all you have to do is rename the two separate networks and you’re good to go.
We used speed tests to check the speeds as well as noticed that the range received was far better than what we were receiving earlier – based on the simple installation process, superb performance and excellent speeds, we would definitely recommend the G1100 as being one of the best routers for Verizon Fios.
BEST USE We feel that this would be best suited for large families or users with many simultaneously connected devices as the G1100 can certainly handle all that you can connect it to.
Better investment than paying monthly rental fees
Increased upload and download speeds
Huge money saver
Have to call tech support to provision the new router
Antennae provide great range
Not the fastest router on the market
6. Motorola MR2600 WiFi Router
Best Router For Fios If You Need Extended Coverage
If you need more coverage from your router than you can get from the average Verizon FiOS router, the best choice for you might be the Motorola MR2600 AC2600.
Design The four-antenna design might closely resemble a UFO, but they have an important purpose. With that many external adjustable antennae sending your signal around your home, you are far less likely to run into any dead spots than with other routers. Aesthetically pleasing, the black color will make it easy enough to blend into its surroundings.
Performance This is a high performance Verizon Fios compatible router, meaning you should be able to get all of the power and speeds that you need from it. It has a concurrent 4x4 performance, allowing both 5 GHz and 2.4 GHz connections. For the gamers out there, this model also has the Wave 2 MU-MIMO technology available, keeping your streaming smooth and uninterrupted, even when other devices are connected to the router.
This router offers a combined speed of the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands, offering speeds up to 800 Mbps and 1733 Mbps respectively. There is also a Gigabit port available to connect your computer or game system directly to the router for an uninterrupted connection. Remember that a lot of the time these speeds are only marked in theory, but it would be up to Verizon to really be able to offer this high speed connection.
The software for the Motorola MR2600 AC2600 is easy to set up and will not take long at all. This is due to its Basic Setup tool that will allow the router to do all of the hard work for you. Some users might be disappointed by the simplicity, however. You will not have a lot of choice as far as configuration goes, including the customizable settings that are available. Additionally, the router will not update itself, but you will need to update it manually if there is an update available for either the software or firmware.
You will not be disappointed with the range, however. It should give you enough power to cover a good-sized 2000 to 3000 square-foot home and could even make it to the yard in some cases. The router itself is also conservative on energy use, which might help save you a few pennies from your electricity bill.
Best Use This router is a powerhouse and a great choice for homes that have many obstructions, such as walls, as well as a large area to cover. You should be able to get coverage anywhere in your home, with some minor adjusting to your router’s antennae. This is definitely the best router for Verizon FiOS for subscribers who need extended coverage.
Long range
No buffering when streaming games or videos
Router can automatically update its address if it detects a conflict
Great for multiple connected devices with MU-MIMO technology
Easy setup
No mobile app available for remote setting changes
7. Verizon Fios Router Actiontec MI424WR
This is the router that seems to be Verizon’s favourite, and most customers get the Actiontec router on their installment on their subscription plan with Verizon. From offering the same features that pricier routers on the market offer, like parental controls, customized firewall and more, this router delivers and is a good buy considering its price point.
PERFORMANCE To start with, the set up process was pretty straightforward and everything was installed as soon as everything was connected. Honestly, we weren’t expecting much for the price point, but we were really happy with the results. We had a strong signal all through our home, even in areas which had dead spots earlier. Even though we tested it for over a week, we found that it barely heated up – the heat sink was doing a pretty good job! It does run on older technology, but if you are not subscribing for speeds over 100Mbps, then this is a great buy for something that costs as much as a large pizza.
BEST USE This is a great router for those on a budget and remains on our list as one of the best routers for Verizon Fios for those who want to enjoy being connected without emptying their bank balance. We feel it is very important to have something for everyone, and even though the latest routers have hefty price tags, it’s nice to see a device that is super affordable, yet delivers on all points that are important to the average consumer.
Really attractive price point
Simple installation process
Offers good range
Gigabit Ethernet wired
Good download and upload speed
The size is a clunky and can take up space
It is not 802.11AC
How to Set Up a Router for Verizon Fios
Unlike other ISPs, Verizon does make your life a little harder if you decide to purchase your own router – this isn’t saying that it’s a piece of cake for setting up a router with other ISPs, but because Fios is generally a bundled service, you may find it way harder to do it. But that doesn’t mean that it is impossible – and we’re here to tell you how.
PHASE 1 - Replacing Verizon’s standard Actiontec router
1) Ensure your access is through the Ethernet port and not coax cable. (You can check this by looking at the Coax WAN – TV type cable and Ethernet WAN lights – cat5 cable. You can also check via the connections menu which will reveal whether your connection is ‘WAN PPPOE’ or ‘WAN PPPOE2’ – you want the first option.)
2) The Ethernet connection should be connecting the Actiontec’s Ethernet ports and the ONT, but your power to the router should be OFF.
3) Login to the router and release your DHCP lease.
4) Call up Verizon’ tech support and just tell them that you want to change your ONT from coax to Ethernet. If they ask you about the cable, just tell them that everything is in place otherwise you may end up wasting precious time waiting for a tech guy to come over to install it for you and you end up paying a fee for that too.
5) Once the change has taken place, power on the router. The light of the Ethernet WAN should be on, but you can also ask your tech support to confirm if the change has taken place.
6) Now you should be connected to the Internet. Check your connection, if need be, renew your device’s IP lease.
PHASE 2: Replacing the standard Actiontec with your own router
1) Release the DHCP lease form your standard Actiontec router BEFORE it is powered off – note down the Actiontec’s Ethernet WAN connection MAC address for later.
2) Completely power off the Actiontec router and remove any plugs if required.
3) Remove the Ethernet cable from the Actiontec and insert it into your router’s WAN port.
4) Connect your computer and router as usual and power on your router. Your router should get an IP address, if not, you have the copy (refer step 1) ready to clone.
5) After checking that your router has a proper DHCP lease, change the default login name and password for better security.
6) You’re ready to rock and roll – tweak your router’s configurations as much as you please – it’s ready to play on the internet.
Set the Verizon Fios Router To Bridge Mode
There are many things that could go wrong with setting up your brand new best router for Verizon Fios if you don’t know what you’re doing. Admittedly, using your own wifi router for Fios is not such a walk in the park as compared to getting other routers set up for other ISPs. The set up process is not easy, and you may have to do a bit of in-depth reading on how to get your router set up successfully. The BlueGadgetTooth team also advises you to do thorough research whether the router you are planning to buy will be compatible on your network – when in doubt, doc all Verizon and check with them to avoid any problems at a later stage.
If you are wary of going down that road, there is a simpler option. You can set your existing Verizon router to Bridge Mode. So instead of replacing your old Verizon router, you can just add your new one to your personal network.
To get things straight, you will still need your Verizon router as it is built to be compatible with Verizon. You can pass the internet through this router to the Ethernet WAN port of the new router you have purchased.
All you have to do is:
Set up your Verizon Router in Bridge Mode
Adjust LAN settings
Disable Wireless and DHCP
Use an Ethernet cable to connect the old router to your new one
Get Better Speed And Coverage With Your New Router
With your own best router for Verizon Fios, you can choose one that YOU want, and not one that you are saddled with, with the exact specifications you have been looking for. You can configure advanced settings on your new router like Tri Band 802.11ac, wifi, get one with more settings or simply choose one that looks more aesthetically pleasing.
Once in bridge mode, you can extend the coverage of your network, while increasing the speed as well.
As once in Bridge mode, any router can be compatible, the BlueGadgetTooth team reviewed these routers mentioned below, to help you get better network coverage, speed and features.
The speeds you get depend upon the speed tier available in your area. When the BlueGadgetTooth team tested out Verizon FiOS actual real life speeds, we were happy to see that the speeds were somewhat close to as advertised. With the right router, great connectivity is possible.
Your Router Should Be Dual-Band Or More Most of us live in urban environments, which may affect the performance of your network due to the interference that various household gadgets and multiple users can generate. Having a dual band router helps in segregating low bandwidth usage devices into the 2.4GHz wireless frequency, while allowing devices that need better speeds to function on the faster 5GHz frequency.
A 5GHz frequency provides less interference and better connectivity. A dual band router helps to avoid multiple devices clogging up just one bandwidth. If you have multiple connected users or devices on your network, you should also consider a tri-band router.
Final Words
Buying the best router for Verizon FiOS is no easy task, but having a guide that narrows down your choices depending on your needs greatly helps make your shopping experience a lot more fun.
There are many routers on the market, but having one that is compatible with Verizon FiOS is important, and you can find something that works for you in this guide.
From the OnHub, which brings a new approach to what you would expect from your home router, to the bank friendly Archer A7, to the performance dragon released by Netgear – the NightHawk X6 which makes short work of any networking connectivity problems to the Linksys EA7500, our Editor’s Choice – there’s literally something for everyone.
You can’t go wrong with one of these Verizon Fios compatible routers.
Did the guide help you in your selection process? We love hearing from you!
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