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Best Router For Security Cameras

In recent years, it has become more and more common to have a security camera for home security. Some of the top tech companies in the business have met this demand with some amazing products, but having the camera itself isn’t necessarily enough.

You need a consistent internet connection to get the most out of your camera, and for that, you will need the right router for the job. In the past, we have covered some things you need to keep in mind when choosing a camera, but the router you use is an important factor.

For that reason, we will be taking a look at 6 of the best wifi routers for security cameras so you can see which is the best choice for you.

Top 6 Best Routers For Security Cameras

In this review, we will be taking a look at the following six routers. We will go into more detail as to why we chose these six later on in the review and show you the specific things each one does well. The six we chose are as follows:

Importance Of A Router For Your Security Camera Setup

While there are some security cameras that can save footage locally, almost all of them are at their best when connected to the internet. Many cameras upload footage to the cloud and certain higher-end cameras can even send you alerts if possible intruders are detected.

Additionally, if your camera is connected online, you can usually view a live feed from your phone if you’re out or on vacation. For these and any other functions involving the internet, you need a strong, fast internet connection, which means you’ll need a quality router.

Top Features To Consider When Choosing The Best Router For A Camera

When you need to decide which router will work best for your camera, you will probably want to consider the specifications. We shall look at a few of the top features you should check up on when picking your router.

Range

You’ll want to ensure that your router has a decent range, as the camera will be on the outside of your house and may have a weak signal with a low-range router.

Speed

If your camera has a live feed or other features that rely on the Internet, you’ll want to have decent speeds for the most accuracy and performance.

Security

When it comes to routers, good security protocols are always desirable, but this is especially true when a security camera is involved. You would certainly not want unsavory individuals to hack your camera and monitor your house with it. That’s why you need good security to prevent any hacking.

Mesh vs. Traditional Route – Which Is Better?

When looking around at different routers, you will possibly see the term ‘mesh router.’ A mesh router basically splits the connection to multiple points throughout the area by using a few connected routers. This can create a larger area of network connectivity, so it would be a good solution for a larger house or business.

However, a traditional router will usually provide better speeds and reliability. Mesh routers can also be more expensive, as you have to buy at least two and possibly more routers for maximum coverage.

Therefore, deciding which is better will depend on whether you value speed or coverage area more.

The emphasis on advanced router technologies, such as Wi-Fi 6 and mesh networking, mirrors the evolving landscape of cybersecurity, where adaptability and scalability are key. In the same way that our defense networks require constant updates and flexibility to counteract emerging threats, our home security systems must also leverage cutting-edge technology to provide robust protection against intrusions.

Kurt Sanger Cybersecurity Expert

What Upload Speed Is Required For My Security Camera Setup?

When it comes to upload speed for your security camera, the higher the better. Security cameras will usually have a resolution of between 720p and 1080p, but some high-end ones even provide 4K resolutions.

The higher the resolution, the faster your connection will need to be. When considering different speeds, 5Mbps should be the baseline you consider, but if you can get faster speeds then that would be ideal

What Is The Difference Between IP Camera And CCTV?

For years, CCTVs were the norm, used by many businesses and other property owners. If you’re buying a security camera for your home, it will almost certainly be the newer IP variant.

Very basically, a CCTV will record its footage to physical formats such as VCR or DVD. Whereas an IP camera will convert the data to a format more well-suited for digital storage or streaming.

1: ASUS AX6000- Best Overall Router For Security Cameras

The ASUS AX6000 is an excellent router choice, and it is our top pick for the best router for home security cameras overall. We will show you why we feel this as we look at some of the key features.

Key Features

6Gbps

The AX6000 is capable of an impressive speed of 6000Mbps, or 6Gbps. This absolutely annihilates the minimum speed we spoke of earlier, and it is a lot faster than even the most high-end cameras will need.

Of course, your Internet provider may not let you take advantage of this speed, but whatever your internet speed is, you can count on always reaching it with this router.

Nex Gen Wifi 6

The ASUS AX6000 implements the innovative next-generation feature of Wifi 6. Basically, this tech maximizes network capabilities for some of the fastest speeds and best coverage that is possible right now. If you want top-of-the-range Internet tech, then you will definitely want Wifi 6 to be integrated.

AI Mesh Compatible

We touched on the difference between traditional and mesh routers earlier, but thanks to the integrated AI mesh technology of the AX6000 you potentially have the best of both worlds.

Thanks to this feature, you can increase the network coverage in your home using multiple ASUS routers. This could be very handy if your security camera is out of range of your regular coverage.

AI Protection

Security is always a big concern when connected to the Internet, and this router implements AIProtection, which will block threats on any smart devices connected through this router.

4×4 Dual-Band Routers

The frequency your router operates can determine how fast and reliable your connection speed will be. This router has dual-band router capabilities, meaning it can operate at either 2.4ghz or 5ghz frequencies.

Lifetime Internet Security

The router also includes an optional lifetime Internet Security to help make your network even more secure from threats and intrusions, which is always handy when operating a security camera.

Design

The AX6000 has a really sleek and modern design that manages to look really appealing while not drawing too much attention. It does have 4 antennae protruding off of it, so these would be worth keeping in mind if space is limited.

The device itself measures 7.4 x 2.4 x 11.8 inches and weighs 5.25 lbs. It is quite a bulky device, but it’s a worthy tradeoff considering how much power this router packs.

Pros And Cons

There are many benefits to this incredible router, and luckily these benefits are not weighed down by too many drawbacks.

When it comes to pros, you have the capacity for excellent speed, coverage, and network security.

In terms of cons, some reviews on Amazon did note compatibility issues with certain ISPs, so that’s worth considering. The router also comes at a premium price of $269.40. We feel the price is certainly justified, but it does mean it’s not ideal if you’re on a tight budget.

2: Synology RT2600ac- Best Secure Router With VPN

When it comes to network security, a VPN can be the best line of defense against threats. We chose the Synology RT2600ac primarily for its VPN capabilities, but it has some other great features that make it a great router for security cameras in general. We have also looked at how this router is an excellent option for small businesses as well as home setups.

Key Features

Up To 2.53Gbps

This router also offers excellent speed capabilities that would be more than enough for most security cameras. This router can, depending on your provider, reach up to 2.53Gbps. Even though that is less than the previous router, it is still an impressive speed.

4×4 Dual-Band Router

Much like the previous router, the 4×4 Dual-Band feature allows for 2.4ghz and 5ghz connections.

Parental Controls

Parental controls are always great to have with any router, as they can help to prevent children or teens in your home from seeing inappropriate content. This router has these features built-in, which makes it a great choice for families.

VPN

The VPN capabilities of this router is probably its best feature. VPNs, or Virtual Private Networks, offer unparalleled Internet anonymity and security, as they prevent you from having your IP address tracked or identified.

VPNs can be tricky to set up, so having this feature be part of the router can make it so much easier. This is wonderful to have with your security camera as it will make hacking into it much more unlikely.

Design

This router has a simple yet elegant all-black design that once again doesn’t draw much attention to it. The router has dimensions of ‎6.65 x 11.02 x 3.03 inches and weighs 1.54 pounds.

Pros And Cons

This router has many different benefits with very few downsides. The fast speeds and VPN capabilities are all great to have, and at $199 it’s slightly more affordable than the previous router.

The only cons would be when compared to the previous router, as it has lower speeds. However, the speed of the router is still pretty impressive on its own merits.

3: TP Link AX3000- Most Versatile Router

The next router we have to show you is the TP Link AX3000. This router has some of the best features of the previous two at the lowest price point we have seen so far. Let’s cover some of the features you can expect with this great all-rounder.

Key Features

Up to 2.4Gbps

This router also features an impressive speed of up to 2.4Gbps, putting it well in line with the second router but a bit behind the first one.

Next Gen Wifi 6

This router also features the impressive next-generation wifi 6 we spoke about previously, so you can expect some great speeds and network connectivity features.

Works With Alexa

Amazon’s Alexa is a staple in many homes, and this router has direct compatibility with Alexa. This allows for voice control features which are very convenient to have.

High Gain External Antenna

This router combines the capabilities of 4 high gain antennae along with Beamforming technology so that you will have highly reliable, optimal internet signal in your home.

Supports VPN Server and VPN Client

While not as specialized as the previous router, this one also has VPN compatibility, making it much easier to make use of all the benefits VPNs have to offer.

Design

This router again features a pleasing, sleek black design that should fit into most decors. It’s dimensions sit at 12.99 x 9.45 x 2.87 inches and weighs 2.07 lbs, making it a very manageable size.

Pros And Cons

It’s very hard not to recommend this router, as it does many things well while doing nothing particularly wrong. It has great speed, good security, and VPN integration, which makes it a fantastic option for your security camera. At $129 you’re also paying a very reasonable price for what you’re getting.

The router doesn’t have mesh capabilities, so if your camera is a bit out of range then that could be an issue.

4: NETGEAR Nighthawk- Best Router With Gaming Optimization

The NETGEAR Nighthawk is a router that looks like it comes from the future. It’s not just a fancy design, however, as it also boasts some excellent features. This would be a great router for security camera owners who also happen to be gamers, as it has great features for both.

Key Features

3500 Square Feet Range

Range is always important with any router, and that is especially true if you have an external security camera. This router features an impressive range of up to 3500 square feet, making it ideal for larger homes or ones with external cameras.

6Gbps

The Nighthawk features speeds of up to 6Gbps, meaning you have the potential for lightning-fast internet speeds, depending on your provider. This is perfect both for gaming or monitoring your camera.

Next Gen Wifi 6

Much like some of the other routers we have looked at, this one has Wifi 6 capabilities, meaning you’re dealing with some the best Internet capabilities on the market currently.

NETGEAR Armor Subscription Available

If you want some extra network security, you can subscribe to NETGEAR’s proprietary Armor service. This provides extra security and protection for your network, which is fantastic both for online gamers and anyone operating a camera. The router comes with a 30 day free trial, so you can try it out before deciding whether to subscribe.

Google and IOS Apps

The Nighthawk has direct compatibility with Google and IOS apps, which adds a lot of convenience as most users will be a part of one of those ecosystems.

Up To 30 Devices

Some routers have a limit to how many devices can be connected at once, but the Nighthawk allows for up to 30 devices to connect. Even a large family that has a few devices per person would have a hard time reaching this limit.

Is Optimized For Gaming

As we have seen in these features, the Nighthawk is perfect for gamers. Whether you enjoy online gaming or prefer to play solo, having fast reliable internet for downloads and matches is great. Plus, the security features of this router will be great for protecting players from hackers.

Design

The NETGEAR Nighthawk looks a bit like a military stealth plane, and it is one of the most unique-looking routers on this list. Its dimensions are ‎12.2 x 7.48 x 1.77 inches and it weighs 4.68 pounds, making it the second heaviest router on this list so far.

Pros And Cons

This is another excellent, premium router for anyone with a security camera. This one has the added benefit of being great for gamers as well, so that’s well worth considering.

It boasts excellent speeds and range, and the optional security subscription can provide extra peace of mind.

It is another pricy option at $227, however, and some may view the optional paid subscription to be a negative as well.

5: Linksys AC2200- Best Overall Value Router

The routers we have looked at so far have all come with premium price-tags. We do feel these prices are warranted, but this next router, the Linksys AC2200, is a cheaper option that nevertheless offers some great features.

Key Features

2000 Square Feet Range

This router has a range of up to 2000 square feet. This is less than some of the previous routers, but should still be enough for most house-holds. It is worth considering if you have a large property, as your security camera may not be within the range of the router.

Wifi 5

Some of the other routers we have covered included next generation Wifi 6 capabilities. This one is a bit lower, as it functions with Wifi 5 instead. This means that the speeds and coverage would be a bit lower than some of the other routers, but it shouldn’t really be an issue for most users.

Mesh Compatible

While this router may not have the most impressive range on this list, the mesh capabilities mean that you can connect it to other routers in order to increase the range.

20+ Devices

The Linksys Mesh router supports 20+ plus devices, which again means you would have no problems if your household has many devices, consoles, or anything else that needs an internet connection.

Has Mobile App

Another great feature is that you can connect the router to the Linksys app. This makes setting up and monitoring the router much easier and more convenient.

Design

The design of the Linksys Mesh router is a bit bulky and not particularly great-looking. It comes in at 7.3 x 10.1 x 6.3 inches and weighs 1.59 lbs, making it a decent size.

While it may not be the best-looking router on the list, it still packs some great features.

Pros And Cons

At $85, the Linksys Mesh router is by far the most affordable router on this list. While the price is lower, the router is no slouch when it comes to specifications. It boasts decent speeds and coverage that can be extended with mesh technology.

The only downsides appear when you compare it to other more premium routers. While it may not be as powerful as some of the others, it should be more than sufficient for most average security camera owners.

6: Google Nest Wifi- Best Mesh Router System

The Google Nest Wifi Router is the final router on this list, and it would be ideal for anyone wanting to take advantage of mesh technology. If you have a large property or have your security camera in an out-of-reach place, then you can use extenders to widen the already impressive coverage of this router.

Key Features

3800 Square Feet Range With Mesh

As we mentioned before, the Google Nest functions with mesh technology. With this set, you will get two pieces: the main router and one mesh extender. With this extender, you can create up to 3800 square feet of range for your home. More extenders can be purchased and used to extend this even further.

2.2Gbps

This router boasts speeds of up to 2.2Gbps, depending on your provider. It’s by no means the fastest on this list, but that level of speed should be more than enough no matter what you intend to use the router for.

Works With Alexa

Once again, we have a router that is compatible with Alexa. This makes setup and voice control much easier and more convenient to handle.

Wifi Point Is Also A Smart Speaker

One really great feature of this router is the built-in smart speaker. This speaker is integrated into the main router point of the set. The speaker has Google Assistant built-in, and it can be used for functions such as voice commands or even playing music. Paired with Alexa, this can provide all sorts of great features too.

Smart Home Compatible

Anyone who has taken advantage of Smart Home capabilities knows that it offers immense control over many facets of your home. This particular router can connect directly to Smart Home features, giving you even more convenient control options.

Design

Both the access point and extenders come in a pleasing compact, white design. Each component has a size of 4.33 x 4.33 x 3.56 inches while weighing a pretty light 1.61 pounds.

Pros And Cons

The Google Nest Mesh router packs some great features for a decent price of $127. When it comes to benefits, you have large range possibilities using the mesh technology, and the speed it offers are also great. It could be a perfect choice for users who have a camera at the end of a driveway, for example.

In terms of negatives, it’s not as fast as some other routers we have seen, but its speeds should be perfect for most security camera owners.

FAQs

How Do I Extend Wifi Range For My Camera?

There are a few ways to do this, from using a router with a large built-in range to buying extenders.

How Far Can Security Cameras Be From Routers?

This will depend on the make of the camera, but as long as it is within the standard range of your router you should be okay.

Which Routers Are Best For CCTV?

CCTV cameras are a bit tricky to hook up to the internet, so you would be better off working with an IP camera instead.

Is 2.4ghz Less Secure Than 5ghz?

The main difference between 2.4ghz and 5ghz is in the speed, so the security should be comparable between the two.

Which Is Best, Mesh Or Router?

It’s hard to say which is best, as both have their pros and cons. A mesh router would be better if you need more range, but a normal router would be best for optimal speeds.

Are Wired Networks More Secure?

Wired networks do provide a bit more security than wireless ones.

Can You Plug A Security Camera Into A Router?

Some cameras can be connected directly to a router using an ethernet cable.

Conclusion

As we have seen in this overview of the best routers for home security cameras, you have many different options depending on what you need. Each person’s setup will be different, so you can look at some of the specifications of each camera to see what will best suit your needs.

We hope that this overview will help you to decide which router will be the best for your home surveillance needs!