An unfortunate truth about using the AT&T internet services is that you have to use the modem that they supply for you.
But even though you can’t get your own modem, it doesn’t mean that you should settle for a less than quality router. Instead, you can get the best router for AT&T Uverse to meet your network needs.
Yet, when you are shopping for the best AT&T router on the market, how can you know which router is the right choice for you?
What do you need to have your network work as well as you would like it to? From cost to connection and speed, you should buy your own compatible router.
Reasons To Get Your Own Best Router For ATT Uverse Internet
Faster Wireless Connection
While you might be able to rent a mediocre router from AT&T, you shouldn’t do that because it is a trap. You can get a much better wireless connection by considering the other router options that are on the market today.
You might need a router that can deliver 4K speeds. Just know any rental router will not stand a chance when compared to the basic router from AT&T.
Advanced Wi-Fi Coverage
Think about the layout of your network and all of the places that you are using the internet. A rental router will not be able to work within the space that is in, resulting in dead spots or simply not extending as far out as you need it too.
Buy yourself a quality router that will be able to handle all of your wireless coverage needs instead of renting a router that is not up to the job.
More Control & Advanced Settings
Whether you need a VPN, firewall, or even just parental controls, you need to know that your router is really doing the job for you. When you buy your own router, you can look specifically for those features, giving you just want you want.
A rental modem is not going to handle all of the settings that you need and is not made for defending your network from attacks.
8 Best Routers For AT&T Uverse (2022)
Device | Speed | Ports | Rating | Check Now |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1. Netgear R7000 Editor's Choice | 1900 Mbps | 4 Ports | 100% | |
2. Linksys EA9500 High Performance | 5400 Mbps | 8 Ports | 99% | |
3. TP-Link Archer A7 Budget Friendly | 1750 Mbps | 4 Ports | 95% | |
4. Motorola MR2600 Extended Coverage | 2600 Mbps | 3 Ports | 96% | |
5. Netgear R9000 Streaming & Gaming | 7200 Mbps | 4 Ports | 97% | |
6. Google WiFi Mesh Mesh System | 2200 Mbps | 2 Port | 98% | |
7. Asus RT-AC86U For Gaming | 2900 Mbps | 4 Ports | 95% | |
8. Netgear RAX80 WiFi 6 | 6000 Mbps | 4 Ports | 97% |
1. Netgear Nighthawk R7000 WiFi Router
Best Router For AT&T Uverse (Editor's Choice)
Our pick for the best router for AT&T Uverse is the Netgear Nighthawk R7000-100PAS. This is a great all-around router, including security features, great speeds, and functionality.
Design
The R7000 supplies you with parental controls, which can give you another layer of protection if you need to monitor what kind of internet activity your network is experiencing. You can lock down the security of your device based on which device is connected.
Another advantage this router has is the OpenVPN Connect App. This allows you to have access to the network remotely, allowing you to see what is going on within the network and alter any settings that might need it. You might need to see who is on what device and what the device is up to. You can also adjust the settings when you are not at home, which could be a big advantage.
The Nighthawk R7000-100PAS is a horizontal router with three antennas that can be turned toward the devices that need them the most. This design can be harder to conceal than vertical designs. The design also includes a USB 3.0 port to allow you to plug in any external storage device directly to the router.
Performance
The R7000 provides you with a dynamic QoS that will allow you to prioritize which devices should get the best bandwidth, ensuring that the devices that cannot afford to have buffering or signal loss will have a reliable connection. This is especially important if you do any kind of heavy streaming within your network.
Gamers would be incredibly frustrated to experience a lag mid-game, which could impact the outcome of the game.
This router comes with a 1 GHz dual-core processor that should offer enough power to reach all of your devices. Part of this is from the Beamforming+ features which add just a little more power to your antennas, extending not just the reach of your network, but also the power that comes with it. You also get ReadySHARE Vault, which can automatically back up any files that you might be sharing across your network.
2. Linksys EA9500 Wireless Router
High Performance
Some networks need a little more power than other networks do. If this sounds like you, then you might need to check out the Linksys Max-Stream EA9500 Tri-Band router. This router is made to perform and will not let you down.
Design
Honestly, you might be a little bit caught off guard when you first take a look at the design of the Max-Stream EA9500 router. It looks unusual with all of the antennas sticking out everywhere. In fact, there are eight antennas to take into consideration.
Rest assured, this is not a drone or toy, but a powerful router that has all of those antennas are in place to give you even more power than you could get from an equivalent device.
Really, the Max-Stream EA9500 is a next-gen router, which means that it can handle all of the modern technology that most home networks deal with, including 4K streaming of games or videos. The Max-Stream will also work with any modem that you already have set up within your existing network, so you shouldn’t suffer from an incompatibility.
Performance
When it comes to performance, this router is absolutely incredibly. It offers tri-band Wi-Fi speeds up to 5.3 Gbps. This is broken down into two 5 GHz bands and one 2.4 GHz band. One of the 5 GHz bands is at 1000 Mbps; the second 5 GHz band is at 2166 Mbps, and the 2.4 GHz band at 2166 Mbps. All of those bands should ensure that you will not experience any congestion while still getting insanely fast upload speeds.
You will also find that the Max-Stream EA9500 has a MU-MIMO set up, which is essential if you are going to be doing any kind of online streaming or gaming at the same time as someone else on your network. When you are in the middle of a game or file transfer, you cannot afford to lose the signal or suffer from a lag. In a game, it can be the difference between life and death.
3. TP-Link Archer A7 Smart WiFi Router
Budget Friendly
We don’t all want to pay the highest price we can for an AT&T Uverse router. If you are trying to stay within a budget and still get a good and reliable router, we suggest the TP-Link Archer A7.
Design
TP-Link is designed with an app that will allow you to access the Archer A7 even when you are not at home, which makes it easy to monitor what is happening when you aren’t there. In fact, the setup of the router is simple and intuitive using the Tether app.
This app allows you to adjust any settings or security concerns that you might have remotely. It does come with parental controls as well as QoS, so you can really monitor what is going on within your network.
The Archer A7 has four Gigabit LAN ports. These ports allow whatever is plugged into them to be accessed wirelessly within your network. The design of the Archer A7 also has three high-gain antennas, which increase the Wi-Fi signal to reach every corner of your home, and may even reach outside. It does give you some amazing range, so you know that the antennas are working.
Performance
You should not be disappointed with the dual band speeds with this TP-Link. The Archer A7 can reach up to 1750 Mbps, providing 3X faster Wi-Fi than other traditional routers do. Even at such an affordable price, this router can easily handle every device in your house. T
P-Link reports that the router is made to handle up to and perhaps more than 50 Wi-Fi devices connected at a time, which should cover everything that you have connected within your network.
This router can also emit signals throughout networks up to 2500 square feet. That is larger than the average home by far so it should work out well. With the QoS technology, you get bandwidth prioritization as well, keeping the things that you want connected with all of the bandwidth they need. This is essential if you have any gamers or anyone who really streams heavily in your network.
We also recommend TP-Link Archer A7 as the best budget router for Verizon FiOS and Frontier FiOS internet.
4. Motorola MR2600 WiFi Smart Router
Advanced Coverage
Some networks need a little more coverage and power than other networks. If this sounds like you, we recommend the Motorola MR2600 as the perfect AT&T compatible router.
Design
To begin with, the MR2600 is a horizontal router, which can always affect your decision since it does take up a lot of space. The four Gigabit LAN ports will ensure that you can connect the devices that you need to, however, which is always a nice feature to have in a router.
Even though this is a less expensive router than others made for 4K streaming, the AC2600 also will give you a USB 3.0 port, Smart QoS support, a fire wall, parental controls, and so many other features that should keep you happy.
This router also comes with four adjustable external antennas. The antennas provide concurrent performance across both the 2.4GHz and the 5GHz bands. This router is harder to set up than the other routers that are on our list, but it does use Motorola’s setup wizard that can help you get through the process easier than if you didn’t have it.
Performance
When it comes to performance, this router also has the Wave 2 MU-MIMO technology that any streaming network should have. Combine this with the implicit and explicit Beamforming, which is like a signal boost in the direction the antennas are pointing and, as a result, you will have lightning quick speed and awesome range.
You should be able to get consistent and reliable speeds throughout your network as well. The upload speeds on this router are about average when compared to other routers, so they are not really exceptional, but they also are coming to you at a better price than the other routers made for 4K streaming.
This router has the QoS settings that will keep the devices that you don’t want to be interrupted running strong, even when another device hops on your network. You do not want to be buffering in the middle of a game because someone else starts streaming a movie in another room.
5. Netgear Nighhawk X10 (R9000) WiFi Router
For 4K Streaming & Gaming
The last router that we are going to take a look at for AT&T Uverse is the Netgear Nighthawk R9000. This router is built to perform heavy streaming activities, which is why it is such an ideal choice for gamers.
Design
The design and the setup of the R9000 are simple and straightforward, so you should be able to get it up and running in no time. The Nighthawk also offers you ReadySHARE, which is an automatic backup for USB storage as well as the memory of your router as well.
This router boasts a sleek, black design with four performance antennas that can be positioned toward the areas of your network that need the best signal.
It is meant to lay flat on a table or counter and has six performance antennas included to help give you boosted and more directly signal throughout your network. It is not designed to be propped up on its side.
Performance
The R9000is a great router for gaming since it comes with the QoS streaming abilities and is a great tri-band router. Having QoS means that you will not get knocked out of a game because someone else in your network begins to stream something from another device.
This is so essential with modern home networks that really depend on streaming. Tri-band for the R9000 means that you get a 2.4GHz band, a 5GHz, and lastly a 60GHz band. 60 GHz is more unusual to see since most other tri-bands use two 5 GHz instead of 60 GHz. Bottom line: it is impressive.
There is a Nighthawk app available that you can use to help you not only setup your router, but it will allow you to keep track of what is happening within it, giving you extra peace of mind and security. This means that you can access security, QoS, and guest networks remotely.
Combine all of that with the 7.2 Gbps and the 1.7GHz quad core processor and you have a router that can easily handle all of your 4K streaming needs whether in gaming or otherwise.
6. Google WiFi Mesh System
Mesh System
One of the best mesh routers for AT&T Uverse is the Google Wi-Fi Mesh System. This comes with three Wi-Fi points and a lot of excellent features to make it an excellent addition to your home network.
Design
The design of the Google Mesh System is nice compared to a lot of other ones. The points are small with white casings. They are easy to place just about anywhere that you might need one, so they will not become an eyesore, no matter how many points that you need.
Each Google point comes with 2 Ethernet ports. This is really nice if you would like to be able to directly plug in a device to a router access point.
Since the points are placed in various locations throughout your network, you can plug in devices like HDTVs and gaming consoles to the point that is closest to them. The system has regular security updates as well, so you will not need to worry about outsiders hopping onto your network and causing trouble.
Performance
The performance of the Google Mesh System is also excellent. Since you are likely looking at a mesh system in order to extend the reach of your network, let’s look at the coverage first. Each access point with this system will offer up to 1,500 square feet in coverage.
If that is not enough, you only need to buy additional points to further extend the reach of the system. The three pack that comes with this setup will cover 4,500 square feet.
The mesh system also has a lot of other features, which include easy to use parental controls that will allow you to set a bedtime for certain devices.
It is also easy to control and will allow you to prioritize which devices should have the best speeds in the network. It really is made to work behind the scenes to ensure that your speeds are not interrupted.
7. ASUS RT-AC86U WiFi Router
Gaming Router
If you need a gaming router, take a look at the ASUS AC2900 RT-AC86U. This is really made for gaming and will give you all of the speeds and features that you would expect to get.
Design
Let’s start with the design of the ASUS AC2900 RT-AC86U. It has a black casing with red accents that do make it look pretty cool.
There are three high-gain antennas as well that can be positioned to aim in the direction that needs the best signal. It does stand up, which has pros and cons. A pro for this feature is that it is unlikely to overheat. The con is that it will not take a lot to tip if over.
The ASUS AC2900 RT-AC86U comes with a USB 3.1 port, which is perfect when you need a fast connection. It also uses Trend Micro to give you 24/7 built-in protection from external attacks. It will also keep your network moving along quickly without running into trouble.
You will also get four Gigabit Ethernet ports to give you the wired in connection that you might be looking for.
Performance
The performance of the ASUS AC2900 RT-AC86U is excellent. It allows speeds up to 2900 Mbps, which should be more than what you are paying to get from AT&T Uverse.
This way, you will know that you are using up all available internet and that the router is future proof since it will not become obsolete any time soon. It will leave you with Ultrafast WiFi by using its quad-stream technology, keeping you in the game without suffering any lags.
This router also will give you flawless 4K UHD streaming capabilities. Combined with the adaptive QoS and you should be able to easily game without suffering any slowdowns. You can manage your network through the ASUS app, which will even help you set up your router if you wanted to.
8. Netgear Nighthawk RAX80 Router
WiFi 6
WiFi 6 is the latest wireless technology out on the market. If you are aiming for a router that comes with WiFi 6, you should look no further than the Netgear Nighthawk RAX80.
Design
The design of the RAX80 is large, bulky, and not easy to conceal, if you had planned on doing that. It will take up a lot of shelf space, no matter what you do, so you will be better off embracing its appearance.
The RAX80 comes with internal antennas as well, instead of external ones. The antennas are hidden within the fins of the router, so you will not be able to move them.
Other great design features of the RAX80 include the 5 1-Gigabit Ethernet ports that can support your wired connectivity, which can include gaming consoles, HDTVs, or even just your home PC.
The device’s smart parental controls allow you to manage not just the device, but also the internet access across the network. There are other security protocols as well that will help to keep your network safe.
Performance
Since this is a WiFi 6 router, it can reach speeds that are not going to be supported by AT&T Uverse. The router has the ability to reach 6 Gbps, but it is dependent on the speed package that you are getting from Uverse.
Using that speed, you can easily get 4K/8K Ultra-HD streaming for gaming or watching videos. It also has MU-MIMO technology to make it easier for multiple users on multiple devices to stream simultaneously.
This router can support over 30 connected devices at a time, which is made possible through the 8 simultaneous streams that come with it. As a result, you should be able to use many devices to stream at the same time, which is really nice if you are trying to avoid a TV battle in your home.
Factors To Consider When Looking For Your Own AT&T Router
WiFi Standard (WiFi 6 vs. WiFi 5)
The first consideration is whether you would like to have a WiFi 6 or WiFi 5 router. WiFi 5 is the most common right now, but with the introduction of WiFi6, it will be seen less and less.
WiFi 6 devices can reach speeds up to 9.6 Gbps, but the actual speeds that you get will depend more on your internet speed package with Uverse.
Number Of Connected Devices
So many of our home networks need to be able to support several devices. This is a feature that you will want to take a look at when shopping for your new router.
Think about your smartphone, tablets, and computers that you will be using. You should also think about whether your home uses IOTs like refrigerators and doorbells. Count up the types of devices so that you will know what you are looking for.
QoS and MU-MIMO Features
QoS and MU-MIMO are both features that you will want to look for in AT&T Uverse. QoS, or “quality of service,” and it will allow you to determine which devices in your network should suffer any kind of drop when another device gets on.
MU-MIMO tech allows multiple devices to stream at the same time without buffering, so you will be able to keep your game up without suffering due to laggy internet.
Ports & Antennas
The amount of ports that your routers should device be a factor in whether it is the right one for you. Most routers come with some kind of port.
You will need to think about what devices need to be plugged in so you will know what you need. The router should also have antennas to boost your signal. Most antennas can be positioned, but some are internal. The internal ones are often powerful, but not always.
The Difference Between AT&T Fiber vs. AT&T Uverse
If you are looking at AT&T Fiber and AT&T Uverse and think that they are both AT&T, you are right about that. But, they are not the same kind of internet. Uverse is a kind of DSL internet while Fiber is fiber optic internet.
AT&T Uverse is a DSL service. It uses an AT&T DSL modem as a gateway. DSL connects to existing phone lines. You will need to use the modem that you get from AT&T, but you can hook up your own router if you would like to.
Meanwhile, AT&T Fiber is a fiber optic type of internet. It uses fiber optic cables that are run to your house. Fiber does not use a modem as a gateway. Instead, it uses an ONT box that has to be placed within your house. With the ONT box, you can hook up any router that you would like, as long as it does not come with a modem.
How To Set Up Your New AT&T Compatible Router
With AT&T, you need to keep the gateway modem that they supply you with, but you can still use your own router. To set it up, you need to take the following steps:
Step 1: Plug in an Ethernet cable from the WAN port on the router to the LAN port on the gateway modem.
Step 2: Plug in your router to the power outlet.
Step 3: Open a browser on your computer and type in the address for your AT&T modem (192.168.1.254).
Step 4: To turn off the gateway’s router, go to Key Things to Do click on the wireless settings and switch it to “disabled.”
Step 5: Enter the IP address for the new router into your browser and head there.
Step 6: In your router’s settings find an option for DHCP or Bridge mode. Select Bridge mode to connect your new router to the AT&T modem.
Step 7: If it isn’t working, call AT&T customer service for help.
Final Words
When it comes down to it, the best router for AT&T Uverse is the Netgear Nighthawk R7000-100PAS. This is a great router for a home network. It takes into account who is online in your network and what activities are going on. This can help you get more control over how your internet is being used.
That said, if you need something with more power, don’t settle for a router that cannot accommodate your needs. Consider all of the routers that we listed above and see if you have found the perfect router for AT&T U-verse for your needs.
Hey, it’s James here. I’m the founder and editor here at RiverstoneNet.com. I’m a network engineer during the day and a blogger at night. Let me know if I can help you with choosing a new modem/router or troubleshooting your Internet connection.