Verizon’s internet service is known as “Fios Time Warner” or simply, Fios. If your plan only allows you to browse the web and check emails, then you can get away with purchasing a simple router that’s compatible with Verizon Fios. However, if you want to use additional features like gaming or media streaming, there are routers designed specifically for such applications. See below to learn what types of routers will best suit your needs based on what Verizon offers.
Important Features to Look For In Your Router for Verizon FIOS
MU-MIMO: this technology allows you to connect multiple devices without slowing down your Wi-Fi connection. It’s especially great for gaming or watching videos, but it comes standard on any router worth buying.
Parental controls: do you want to set limits on how much time your kids spend online? Do they need a curfew? If so, look for an option that will allow you to block certain sites or schedules for your kids.
Quality of Service (QoS): this allows you to prioritize bandwidth by device, so if someone is streaming Netflix on the TV in the living room, this feature lets you give more than 50% of your Wi-Fi signal to that television. It also serves valuable in gaming, allowing you to give top priority to your control system.
Dual or Tri-Band: unless you live in a small apartment, four devices is probably the minimum number of internet-connected gadgets you own. With 2.4GHz and 5Ghz Wi-Fi bands together, you’ll be able to connect an abundance of different terminals, from smartphones to tablets, PCs, smart TVs, and even microwaves. Look for a router that lets you adjust the bands as needed.
WiFi Range: One of the most important factors when choosing a new router is how well it performs at various distances from the source. Some devices will only work if they’re in close range to your internet source, while others have a brilliant range. Search for coverage maps of routers on the websites of the manufacturers to ensure you’re getting what you need.
WiFi6: There are three generations of WiFi or wireless local area network technology. The newest is called WiFi6 which can offer faster speeds and better range than previous iterations. It’s available on routers that support the 80211.ac standard which you’ll see noted in product specs.
USB Ports: some options include at least one USB port for connecting wired devices, while others have two or more. You can use these ports to play music, videos, or games directly from the connected storage devices.
Gigabit Ethernet Ports: These ports offer much faster speeds than regular Ethernet connections and are recommended for gaming consoles and smart TVs. They’re also great if you want to connect a PC directly to your router.
Dual or Quod Core Processor: faster processor speeds mean faster internet connection speeds, and routers with more processing power are usually better equipped to handle multiple devices. Look for a router that has at least a 1GHz dual-core or higher processor if you want high performance.
Beamforming technology: this improves Wi-Fi speeds by using a focused signal that’s locked directly onto the device you’re trying to connect with. It’s usually only available on tri-band routers, but it’s an important feature to look for if you want the best speeds.
USB storage support: if you want to use the router as a file server, look for an option that offers USB port support. This way, you can plug in storage devices to share files and media across your local network.
DIY installation: if you’re comfortable setting up a new router yourself, there are several options that come completely unassembled and require no technical knowledge to set up.
Verizon/Fios Home Router G3100
The most up-to-date Wi-Fi generation, Wi-Fi 6 (802.11 ax), provides speeds that are 60% faster on the 2.4 GHz frequency and 38% faster on the 5 GHz frequency than Verizon’s previous Wi-Fi routers.
Includes Tri-band 4×4 antennas that improve Wi-Fi coverage by an average of 63%, according to testing by WiFi Speed Test.
Features automatic band steering and a single Wi-Fi Network name using the Self-Organizing Network technology.
The Fios Router ensures that you get the best possible Wi-Fi experience for activities like 4K UHD streaming, gaming, and large file transfers.
The Self-Organizing Network technology in the AmpliFi HD router will automatically establish the greatest signal available nearby. My Fios App also allows you to control your Wi-Fi at your fingertips.
Reviews:
The Fios Home Router averages 4.5 Stars on Amazon is among the top sellers in this category.
Pros
- Easy to Install
- Great user Interface
- Strong Wifi Signal
Cons
- Pricey for its Value
- Tech support could be stronger
- Not as great for gaming
Pricing
At the time this guide was written, this item is cheaper on Amazon than on the Verizon website, itself.
The NETGEAR Nighthawk AC1900 R7000 router
The NETGEAR Nighthawk AC1900 R7000 is a fantastic Verizon FiOS compatible router. It features a fast dual-core CPU with three external antennas and beamforming + technology, which improves wireless performance.
It’s compatible with Amazon Alexa, allowing you to operate your network using nothing but your voice! You won’t find another device like it on the market today. It’s not just an amazing product but also an incredible experience you can have every day of your life.
Features
- 3 amplified antennas
- 1GHz dual-core processor
- 4 x 1 gigabit Ethernet ports ; 1 x 3.0 and 1 x 2.0 USB ports
- Beamforming+ technology for uninterrupted streaming
- Dynamic QoS
- Smart Connect
- Smart parental controls
- Supports WPA2 wireless security protocols
- Offers Guest Access
- Firewall
- VPN
- DoS
- Personal Cloud StorageAmazon Alexa compatibility for voice controls on your router
Pros
- Fast wifi performance
- Get up to 1800 square feet wireless coverage with AC1900 speed
- Easy installation with MyRouter mobile app
- Recommended for up to 30 devices
- Stream videos, play games, surf the internet, and control smart home devices with ease.
- Great Quality
- Long-lasting Durability
- Great for Gaming
- Highly reviewed user interface with positive feedback
Cons
- Tech support could be stronger
- Limited Warranty on Amazon
Pricing
At the time this article was written, The NETGEAR Nighthawk in this model was cheaper on Amazon.
Netgear Orbi Router AC
The Orbi by Netgear is a Tri-band router that eliminates or reduces Wi-Fi dead zones in your house. The new AC3000 lets you enjoy lag-free gaming, ultrafast streaming, and seamless downloads. It can deliver up to 3 Gbps of combined speed for uninterrupted wireless performance.
It’s equipped with a 1.7GHz quad-core processor and has 2 external antennas to improve wireless coverage. The Orbi is ideal for use with internet service providers like Verizon Fios, Comcast Xfinity, Charter Spectrum, AT&T U-verse, Cox Cable, Centurylink Prism TV, Frontier Fios, or others.
With the push of one button, you can add a compatible wireless device to your network. It also comes with two USB 2.0 ports for file sharing and media streaming between devices, such as from an external hard drive or flash drive. The Orbi by Netgear represents the latest in mesh technology and offers excellent speed and range, helping you enjoy flawless internet connectivity throughout your home.
Features
- Fast AX4200 Gigabit speed with WiFi 6 technology
- 4 gig Ethernet LAN Ports
- Smart Connect for one WiFi name and Beamforming technologies.
- Guest network access: You can enable a separate and secure WiFi network for visitors and guests to use
- Up to 2500 square feet
- Handles up to 40 devices
PROS
- Excellent speed and range
- Expandable
- MU-MIMO technology lets you stream content to multiple devices at once with less lag time, so it’s great for gaming and streaming movies in HD.
- Good coverage
- Also compatible with Amazon Alexa for voice controls.
- Quiet
CONS
- Pricey, but worth it
- Rated lower for tech support
- Set-up may not be as easy as other routers on this list
NETGEAR Nighthawk 12-Stream AX6000
The Netgear AX6000 is a 12-stream wifi router that delivers 4 Gbps of combined speed for uninterrupted wireless performance. It’s great for online gaming and streaming full HD content. It has dual-core processors and 3 external antennas to help eliminate or reduce Wi-Fi dead zones in your home.
With the push of one button, you can add a compatible wireless device to your network. It has 4 gigabit Ethernet LAN Ports for connecting wired devices, like game consoles or smart TVs. There are also 2 USB ports for sharing files between connected devices.
Features
- WiFi 6 Technology with Nighthawk optimized settings
- 12 Gigabit Ethernet port,3 adjustable antennas, and 2.2 GHz quad-core processor
- 802.11ac Quad-Stream Wave2 WiFi plus MU-MIMO technology
- Dynamic QoS prioritizes bandwidth by application and device for lag-free gaming, smooth 4K streaming, and rapid file sharing
- OFDMA support for even more capacity and efficiency
- MU-MIMO multi-user, multiple input, multiple output technology lets you stream content to multiple devices at once with less lag time
- Dynamic QoS
