Are you a devoted fan of streaming your preferred digital media content online using Kodi Media Player? In addition to streaming online, Kodi Media Player Center allows you to arrange and play your own media files. However, the most frequent query is: Which router is best for Kodi streaming? Kodi users actually want to increase the speed of their machines. Don’t you worry! Here, you can find the best router options, their features, and instructions for using them for streaming.
“Kodi Streaming” gives users a variety of offers in the digital zone. It empowers them with a user-friendly platform to access movies, TV shows, music, and many more. You can not only enjoy your personal collection but also scroll through vast amounts of internet content by turning the device into a streaming hub.
Kodi media players are cost-effective and easy to handle by anyone, which makes them valuable tools such as Kodi (formerly known as XBMC) and VLC are free, famous, and open-source media players. Both platforms use HW-accelerated video decoding and give excellent playback quality. However, besides all this, if you want to fully enjoy seamlessly scrolling over the internet, the best router for streaming Kodi is essential.
Problems caused by Kodi Media player without a Router
If you don’t have the best router, your Kodi media will cause some problems, which are discussed in detail.
1: Buffering and Lag:
Kodi tries to playback smoothly without even a reliable network connection this causes constant buffering and lag.
2: low-quality streaming
Without the best router for your Kodi streaming, it leads to low audio and video quality settings resulting in poor viewing experience.
3: Limited Content Access
A fast and secure internet connection is required to access some sources and unlimited content at Kodi. hence, without the best router content access is limited.
4: Interrupted Streaming
During poor internet connection, Kodi disrupts streaming or interrupts the users to start or stop the playback again and again.
5: Inconsistent Performance
Kodi’s performance is completely affected by the internet connection and can be inconsistent with varying levels of video and audio quality.
The best router for streaming Kodi must have the following features
Band support- Dual
Always try to buy a router that supports both 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands. This feature will help you to reduce interference and give more options for device connection.
Quality of Service
The most important feature of your router is that it must have a quality of service(QoS), this feature will allow you to prioritize your Kodi traffic.
Gigabit Ethernet ports
If you want high-quality video streaming, then connect your Kodi media player directly with a router having a Gigabit Ethernet port, it will provide plenty of bandwidth for seamless streaming.
MU-MIMO support
If you want to enjoy connection of multiple devices with your router, without facing any interruption in streaming, then this technology with your router will boost your internet speed,
Range
Make sure, the router that you are choosing is in good range so you can enjoy streaming the media anywhere from the house. A router with an antenna will provide you with high coverage.
Best Routers for Streaming Kodi—2023
We are providing you a list of almost 10 best routers for streaming. take a router that suits you best.
1: TP-Link Archer AX90
This router offers Wi-Fi 6 technology, here are some additional features associated with it:
Faster speeds and better performance are offered by Wi-Fi 6 technology, which is ideal for streaming high-quality media. You can enjoy buffer-free, lag-free streaming of high-quality content, such as 4K videos or online gaming, with Wi-Fi 6.
A quad-core 1.8 GHz processor is included for efficient data processing and seamless multitasking.
The Archer AX90 features eight external antennas, which contribute to excellent coverage and signal strength throughout your home.
Pros:
- Technology based on Wi-Fi 6 for quick and effective wireless connectivity.
- multi-antenna coverage that is strong.
Cons:
The relative price point is higher.
2. Netgear Nighthawk X10:
This router is considered the best for live streaming. Here are some features of it:
Wi-Fi 802.11ad: Supports extremely quick wireless speeds, perfect for buffer-free 4K and VR streaming. It has a 1.7 GHz quad-core processor for maximum performance and lag-free streaming. Multiple external antennas were used in the design to boost signal quality and coverage.
Pros:
- Incredibly fast Wi-Fi (802.11ad)
- For media lovers, there is built-in Plex Media Server support.
Cons:
- It is costly, which makes it less cost-effective.
3. Asus RT-AC5300:
We have discussed its features here:
With the help of beamforming technology, Wi-Fi signal reliability and range are increased. Offers three distinct Wi-Fi bands to support numerous devices and ease congestion. A stable and uninterrupted streaming experience is guaranteed by MU-MIMO technology, which enables multiple devices to connect at once.
Pros:
- Wi-Fi with three bands for various devices and uses.
- strong QoS configurations for network prioritizing.
Cons:
- Unwieldy and bulky designs might not work in all settings.
4. Linksys EA9500:
Some features of this router are here:
High-performance processor: Equipped with a dual-core, 1.4 GHz processor for quick data processing and effective operation.
Eight external antennas: Provides strong signal strength and extensive coverage throughout your home.
Beamforming and MU-MIMO: These technologies improve streaming performance by enabling multiple devices to connect at once and by enhancing the signal for increased reliability and range.
Pros:
- Wi-Fi with three bands for fast connections.
- many antennas to provide a robust signal.
Cons:
relative price and power consumption increases.
5. Google Nest WiFi:
Here are some features of this router:
Mesh networking is used to build a seamless Wi-Fi network that reaches every part of your house for whole-home coverage. It is user-friendly for all skill levels thanks to its straightforward installation and management through the Google Home app.
Google Assistant built-in: From the router, you can use voice commands to pros
Pros:
- simple setup and administration.
- Wi-Fi mesh network offers uniform coverage around the house.
Cons:
For tech-savvy individuals, advanced customization possibilities can be lacking.
6. D-Link DIR-882:
We have discussed some features of this router such as:
Wi-Fi AC2600 speeds: Provides quick wireless speeds for lag-free gaming and streaming.Four external antennas: increase signal strength and extend coverage throughout your home.Allows multiple devices to connect at once without sacrificing performance, thanks to MU-MIMO technology.
Pros:
- Strong AC4000 tri-band Wi-Fi at a fair price.
- Prioritization of the network using Quality of Service (QoS).
Cons:
The web interface might not be as user-friendly for some users.
7. TP-Link Archer A20
Some features of this router are here:
Each of the two 5GHz bands can deliver up to 1733 Mbps, and the 2.4GHz band can deliver up to 400 Mbps. Up to 3,000 square feet of wireless coverage are available. 4 gigabit LAN ports and 1 gigabit WAN port make up the Ethernet ports.
Pros:
- Mesh-based high-speed WiFi for large households.
- Excellent signal strength and coverage.
Cons:
Mesh systems are relatively more expensive.
8. Netgear Orbi RBK50
We have discussed some features of this router such as:
Tri-band AC3000 Wi-Fi has a maximum throughput of 400Mbps on the 2.4GHz band and 1733Mbps on the 5GHz channels. The router and satellite unit can provide coverage up to 5,000 square feet. The satellite unit has three gigabit LAN ports, while the router has four gigabit LAN ports.
Pros:
- Wi-Fi with three bands for various devices and uses.
- strong QoS configurations for network prioritizing.
Cons:
Unwieldy and bulky designs might not work in all settings.
9. Asus RT-AC88U
Dual-band AC3100 Wi-Fi with 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands each capable of 1000 Mbps and 2167 Mbps, respectively. Provides wireless coverage for up to 5,000 square feet in large households. Four external, detachable antennas for better signal strength and range.
Pros:
- Fast dual-band AC3100 Wi-Fi.
- robust management and customization options for experts.
Cons:
Premium pricing may not be suitable for customers on a tight budget.
10. Linksys WRT3200ACM
tri-band AC3200 Wi-Fi with 2.4GHz band speeds of up to 600Mbps and 2.4GHz plus 5GHz band speeds of up to 2600Mbps.
Offers medium- to large-sized households robust and dependable Wi-Fi coverage.
Support for DD-WRT and OpenWrt firmware is provided for customization and advanced features.
Pros:
- Sophisticated users can support open-source firmware.
- Dual-band, fast AC3200 Wi-Fi for demanding applications
Cons:
Compared to other brands, limited customer support and warranty.
How to test a Router?
Select the best router for streaming kodi after taking a brief test of the router by following these tips or suggestions.
Firstly, check the speed of the router by placing it and connecting it to the local test server, then send or transfer data between the wireless devices and the server, checking fluctuations in wifi speed.
Take it first, just close to the router, wifi must be strong enough. Then repeat the same process at a distance of 20 to 30 feet with a glass door obstruction. Repeat the same test after the wall at about 50 feet.
You can test the router by taking your mobile with a Kodi media player anywhere in the house where the router faces multiple obstructions.
To test video streaming, connect the router with any fast storage device and stream for about 4K video to 6 wireless devices—by connecting 2, or 3 phones, wireless, and a laptop simultaneously.
Final words
Are you looking for the best router for Kodi streaming? After exploring its various categories, pick the one whose features, particularly price, suit you. To enjoy your own content library or content from the internet, test the router of any model you are choosing before deciding on it as the best router for streaming Kodi.