Multi-Gigabit is the term used to describe data traveling at least twice the speed of Gigabit. To experience it, we generally resort to the new Multi-Gig wired network connection standard, which has become increasingly relevant thanks to the availability of Wi-Fi 7.
While there’s no real need for multi-Gigabit at home in most cases, we all want it. It’s the only way to enjoy true Gigabit Internet or faster broadband, among other things. You’ll find in this post the best entry-level (2.5Gbps) multi-gigabit-capable routers and mesh systems.
These are sweet-spot hardware for those with Gigabit or Gig+ bandwidth needs. Any of them will at least be able to deliver a Gigabit broadband connection in full after overhead. They are the best bandwidth bang for your buck plucked from a comprehensive list of multi-Gigabit devices I’ve evaluated.
If, for some reason, 2.5Gbps still doesn’t cut it. Check out this list of best 10Gbps Multi-Gig hardware instead. In that case, be prepared to pay a lot more.
Dong’s note: I first published this frequently revised post on December 13, 2020, and last updated it on November 20, 2024, to include up-to-date hardware options.
Wi-Fi routers and mesh systems with 2.5Gbp multi-Gigabit capability: The lists
There are two lists. One is for standalone routers, and the other is for purpose-built mesh systems. If you find the number of products overwhelming, the Table of Contents will help. All the hardware mentioned here has at least two multi-Gigabit ports. Still, you’ll probably need a Multi-Gig switch to build a faster-than-Gigabit network. So, before considering any of them, make sure you’ve run network cables—we’re talking about wired networking.
Going beyond Gigabit (up to 2.5Gbps): The top five standalone routers
This list includes the top five standalone Wi-Fi routers with multiple multi-Gigabit ports. All of them can host at least one multi-Gigaibit connection and, with the help of a Multi-Gig switch, a multi-Gigabit local network while maintaining true Gigabit or multi-Gigabit broadband.
Some can also handle two simultaneous multi-Gigaibit Internet connections via Dual-WAN, and a few can be members of a DIY mesh system.
In short, these are the routers needed to get a complete multi-gig network. Most can also be used as the base router for a robust mesh system.
5. TP-Link BE550/BE9300 (Wi-Fi 7): 5x 2.5BASE-T
The Archer BE550 is the only Wi-Fi 7 router on this list. It’s the lesser version of the Archer BE800—it has no 10Gbps ports. However, with five 2.5Gbps ports and at half the cost, it’s still easily one of the most generous routers with multi-Gigabit wired connections. And it’s much more compact than its older cousin, which is never a bad thing.
Pros
Wi-Fi 7 and Multi-Gig support; competitively priced
Robust web user interface with a good set of network features and Wi-Fi settings
Useful (optional) mobile app; EasyMesh-ready; compact and practical design
Cons
No 10Gbps ports or Dual-WAN; mid-tier Wi-Fi 7 specs and real-world performance; comparatively short-range
Online protection and advanced parental controls require subscriptions
4. TP-Link Archer BE230: 2x 2.5GBASE-T
At the launch price of $99, the TP-LInk Archer BE230 (or Archer BE3600) is the most affordable Wi-Fi 7 in the market. In fact, it’s less expensive than many Wi-Fi 6E or Wi-Fi 6 routers. And with two 2.5Gbps, it’s also one of the least extensive routers that can give you an authentic multi-Gigabit experience.
Pros
Excellent performance for the specs; super affordable
Wi-Fi 7 and Multi-Gig support; robust web user interface with a good set of network features and Wi-Fi settings
Useful (optional) mobile app; EasyMesh-ready; compact and practical design
Cons
No 10Gbps ports or Dual-WAN; modest Wi-Fi 7 specs
Online protection and advanced parental controls require subscriptions
3. Asus RT-AX88U Pro (Wi-Fi 6): 2x 2.5GBASE-T
The RT-AX88U Pro, the enhanced version of the RT-AX88U, which is the Wi-Fi 6 version of the RT-AC88U, is the last Wi-Fi 6 in Asus’s RT series and is one of the best. It’s also one of a few Wi-Fi 6 routers from the networking vendor with two Multi-Gig ports.
Alternatively, you can also consider the GT-AX6000, which is, in more ways than one, the gaming version of this router.
Pros
Excellent Wi-Fi, wired, and network storage performance
Tons of useful features, including AiMesh 2.0 and Pro-only Guest Network Pro and VLAN
Two 2.5GbE Multi-Gig ports with Dual-WAN and Link Aggregation support
Universal setting backup and restoration
Cons
Pro-enabled features are still in the Beta
Only 6 network ports (instead of 9 in the previous variant)
No Wi-Fi 6E, not wall-mount-ready
2. Asus GT-AX11000 Pro (Wi-Fi 6): 1x 10GBASE-T and 1x 2.5BASE-T
The Asus GT-AX11000 Pro is the upgrade to the GT-AX11000, and among the improvements is its second Multi-Gig port, which is a 10GBASE-T. It’s the only router on this list with a 10Gbps port. However, considering its second Multi-Gig port is 2.5Gbps, the router’s top wired speed still caps at 2.5Gbps. (It’ll take until the GT-AXE16000 for Asus to have the first router with two 10GBASE-T ports.)
Pros
Excellent Wi-Fi performance; UNII-4 support
Lots of free and useful networking features and settings, including all gaming features collectively found in Asus routers
Two Multi-Gig ports with excelling port configuration; supports LAN/WAN port, Dual-WAN, and LAN/WAN Link Aggregations
No vendor required login account; improved design
Cons
UNII-4 clients are nonexistent; no 6GHz band
Bulky design, not wall-mount-ready
1. Ubiquiti Cloud Gateway Max (non-Wi-Fi): 5x 2.5Gbps ports
The Cloud Gateway Max is a UniFi console from Ubiquiti that can do much more than just a standard (non-Wi-Fi) router. For example, it can be the NVR for an IP camera surveillance system, the controller for an IP phone system, and more. And it can do that all at the same time. That, plus the five 2.5Gbps ports, the compact design, and excellent performance, makes its $199 price tag (no storage) a steal.
The Cloud Gateway Max works with any access point, but it’s designed to host those from the same UniFi family.
Pros
Excellent entry-level Multi-Gig performance for a comparatively low-cost
Compact and aesthetically pleasant design with powerful hardware to handle a home or small business networks via multiple simultaneous enterprise-class application
A complete set of useful networking features, including powerful security/web-filtering and WireGuard VPN; excellent web user interface; useful mobile apps
No subscription is required
Cons
No 10Gbps ports or built-in PoE
A Ubiquiti login account is required for the mobile apps and built-in Remote Management, as well as other features, to work
Runs a bit warm, no SSD caddy is included in the non-storage version
Going beyond Gigabit (up to 2.5Gbps): The best five canned mesh systems
This list includes the top five purpose-built mesh systems that simultaneously handle faster-than-Gigabit broadband and multi-Gigabit local networks.
Specifically, their primary router has at least two multi-Gigabit ports, and their satellite unit has at least one.
In a wired home, each can work as a robust system with Multi-Gig wired backhauling to deliver the best possible Wi-Fi performance.
5. Netgear Orbi RBKE960 Series (Wi-Fi 6E): 1x 10GBASE-T and 1x 2.5GBASE-T (router) / 1x 2.5GBASE-T + 4x Gigabit (satellite)
Available as a 3-pack—RBKE963 (white) or RBKE963B (black)—Netgear’s first quad-band Orbi Wi-Fi 6E system was insanely expensive at launch, costing $1500 at launch—and you have the option to pay even more over the Armor add-on subscriptions.
With the router unit having a 10Gbps WAN port and a 2.5Gbps LAN port, and the satellite having one 2.5Gbps, the new mesh can have one multi-Gigabit wired backhaul right out of the box.
Pros
Powerful hardware with quad-band Wi-Fi and Multi-Gig wired backhaul support
Excellent Wi-Fi coverage, fast performance
More Wi-Fi networks than previous Orbis, including two additional virtual SSIDs
Cons
No web-based Remote Management, few free features; mobile app (with a login account and even subscriptions) is required to be useful
Rigid Multi-Gig ports’ roles, few Multi-Gig ports
The 2nd 5GHz band is unavailable to clients even with wired backhaul; no 160MHz channel width on 5GHz
Limited Wi-Fi customization, bulky design
4. TP-Link Deco BE25 (Wi-Fi 7): 2x 2.5GBASE-T
The Deco BE25 is the second dual-band Deco set that comes with two 2.5Gbps ports, beside the Deco X55 Pro below. It’s also the first among its peers to feature Wi-Fi 7 sans-6GHz. It works best in a wired home.
Alternatively, you can also consider the TP-Link Deco BE63/65, which has all three Wi-Fi 7 bands.
Pros
Reliable Wi-Fi performance; dual 2.5Gbps port with excellent wired backhauling
Super affordable for Wi-Fi 7 hardware; standard set of free networking and features
Compact, eye-catching, fanless design; easy to use
Cons
Short range, minimum Wi-Fi 7 specs with matching performance
Security+ and advanced Parental Controls require subscriptions.
TP-Link login account and mobile app required; no web-based management
3. TP-Link Deco X55 Pro (Wi-Fi 6): 2x 2.5GBASE-T
The TP-Link X55 Pro is one of many “Pro” Deco sets, but it’s the first with two 2.5Gbps Multi-Gig ports. It’s the first entry-level Wi-Fi 6 mesh system to host an actual multi-Gigabit local wired network.
Pros
Reliable Wi-Fi coverage; top mid-tier performer via wired backhauling; dual 2.5GBASE-T ports
Ease to use; helpful mobile app with a standard set of network settings and features
Cons
Middling Wi-Fi specs with modest performance via wireless backhauling
Requires an account with TP-Link to work; limited Wi-Fi and network customization
No USB; not wall-mount-ready
2. Asus ZenWiFi Pro ET12 (Wi-Fi 6E): 2x 2.5GBASE-T
The ZenWiFi Pro ET12 is Asus’s second purpose-built Wi-Fi 6E mesh system after the lower-tier ET8. It comes in a two-pack of identical routers and is somewhat the Wi-Fi 6E version of the ZenWiFi Pro XT12 below.
The ET12’s most remarkable feature is its two flexible 2.5Gbps ports. Consequently, you can use it out of the box with Multi-Gig wired backhauling, which is the recommended setup for all Wi-Fi 6E mesh systems. Like the XT12 above, you can even daisy-chain multiple satellites without a switch.
Pros
Wi-Fi 6E-ready, extensive Wi-Fi coverage with top performance in specific setups with possible fast Wi-Fi performance in certain setups
Dual Multi-Gig ports with multi-Gigabit wired backhauling, flexible port configurations
Excellent performance and coverage as a standalone router
Tons of useful features and settings, flexible Wi-Fi customization
Helpful mobile app; no login account required
Cons
Bulky, no USB, only four network ports
Fluctuating performance as a fully wireless mesh due to the lack of a dedicated backhaul band
Expensive, not wall-mount-ready
1. Asus ZenWiFi Pro XT12 (Wi-Fi 6): 2x 2.5GBASE-T
The ZenwiFi Pro XT12 is the ultimate Wi-Fi 6 canned mesh system for those with a large house and can’t run network cables. While the system can work well with wired backhauling, it features UNII-4 to have an excellent dedicated wireless backhaul. The two 2.5Gbps port per unit means it can host multiple multi-Gig wired devices simultaneously.
Pros
Excellent Wi-Fi performance and coverage, UNII-4 support
Dual Multi-Gig ports with multi-Gigabit wired backhaul, flexible port configurations
Tons of useful features and settings, flexible Wi-Fi customization
AiMesh 2.0 full support, helpful mobile app, no login account required
Cool design with pretty lighting
Cons
No 5Gbps or 10Gbps Multi-Gig, bulky, no USB, only four network ports
Buggy Dual-WAN, not wall-mount-ready
The takeaway
Generally, multi-Gigabit hardware makes sense only when you have Gigabit or faster broadband. But they never hurt to get and will also up the local network throughputs a significant notch.
Multi-Gig vs. Link Aggregation
Link Aggregation, also known as bonding, occurs when multiple router network ports aggregate into a single fast combined connection.
Typically, two Gigabit ports work in tandem to provide a 2 Gbps connection. In this case, Link Aggregation is a “cheat” way to get higher-than-Gigabit bandwidth out of two non-Multi-Gig ports. However, you can also bond two 10Gbps ports into a 20Gbps connection.
That said, Multi-Gig is a new standard that gives you a fast connection out of a single port, and Link Aggregation is a technique for artificially increasing the bandwidth when you have many ports to spare.
While Link Aggregation works, it’s an awkward method to experience multi-Gigabit bandwidth due to the requirement of multiple network ports and cables.
While multi-Gigabit is not necessarily something we need, once it’s in place, it’s hard to go back. With Wi-Fi 7, this new connection standard has slowly become the new norm, just like Gigabit has been in the past decade. Eventually, relatively soon, it’s something you can take for granted.
