Top Router Brands for Unmatched Security in 2023

In today's digital age, where cyber threats are becoming increasingly sophisticated, choosing the right router with robust security features is paramount for safeguarding your digital life. The market is overflowing with options, but only a few brands consistently stand out for their strong commitment to user security and performance. Renowned names like Asus, Netgear, TP-Link, and Linksys have made significant advancements in building routers that not only deliver high-speed connectivity but also incorporate advanced security protocols to protect against potential intrusions and vulnerabilities. Each of these brands offers unique features that cater to different needs, so whether you're a gamer, a business professional, or simply a tech-savvy household, there's an optimal router out there for you. Dive into the detailed analysis below to discover which brands and models offer the best balance of speed, security, and reliability for your specific needs.

Illustration of router for security

Best brands of router for security in 2025

Cisco

Cisco is undoubtedly one of the leading producers of routers, particularly in the realm of security, with a dominant market share. In the industrial edge networking market, Cisco holds a significant 38.5% market share in routers, highlighting its strong presence since 2017. The company's robust offerings in managed switches, with a 32.5% market share in layer 3 managed switches, further solidify its position. Cisco's extensive range of products, including those with advanced security features like MACsec encryption, makes it a preferred choice for secure networking solutions. With over 76.89% of the market share in computer networking, Cisco's certifications and products are highly valued for their reliability and security. For more details, visit Cisco's official website.

Fortinet

Fortinet is a leading provider of network security appliances, including routers and firewalls, with a significant market presence. In the networking hardware market, Fortinet holds a 4.55% market share, competing against major players like Cisco, which dominates with a 35.50% share. Specifically, Fortinet's FortiGate product is a Next-Generation Firewall (NGFW) that captures a 14.24% market share in the perimeter security and firewalls category, competing with SiteLock and Cisco ASA. Fortinet's solutions are known for advanced security features, high performance, and cost-effectiveness, making them a preferred choice for over 13,372 companies worldwide in 2024. Their SD-WAN solutions also integrate robust security features, including NGFW, IPS, and web filtering, all bundled in a single package. For more detailed insights into Fortinet's market share in networking hardware, visit this source.

Ubiquiti Networks

Ubiquiti Networks is a leading producer of routers and networking equipment, particularly renowned for its robust security features and strong market presence. As of 2017, Ubiquiti's global unit market share in the WLAN equipment market was 11.7% according to Gartner and IDC, with a significant growth rate of 53.1% compared to the industry's 3.2%. In the access point market, Ubiquiti dominates alongside Cambium Networks, holding around 48.6% to 52.6% market share by the number of APs in use between 2019 and 2020. The UniFi Dream Router (UDR) is a prime example, offering enterprise-grade security features such as threat auto-detection and blocking, making it a top choice for both business and home users. This comprehensive approach to networking and security solidifies Ubiquiti's position as a premier brand in the industry.

Asus

ASUS is renowned for its robust and secure routers, having achieved the highest Level 4 rating in Singapore's Cybersecurity Labeling Scheme, a distinction that recognizes their rigorous security protocols, including structured penetration tests and continuous software updates. Their routers, such as the TUF Gaming AX5400 and RT-AX58U, integrate advanced security features like AiProtection Pro powered by Trend Micro, providing enterprise-grade network security and IoT protection. In 2022, ASUS became the first router brand to attain this top rating, underscoring their commitment to cybersecurity. With features like Safe Browsing, Malicious Site Blocking, and Two-Way IPS, ASUS routers offer comprehensive protection against cyber threats. As of 2024, ASUS remains a leading player in the wireless router market, known for its innovative and secure networking solutions. For more details, visit ASUS' official announcement.

Netgear

Netgear is a leading producer of secure routers, enhancing home and business network security through advanced features such as state-of-the-art encryption protocols, automatic firmware updates, and WPA3 security certification. In 2023, Netgear's routers were equipped with features like separate IoT and guest WiFi networks, and a new Advanced Router Protection feature developed in partnership with Bitdefender to block both known and unknown threats. Despite some vulnerabilities in older models, Netgear's commitment to security is evident in their market performance, with the company gaining significant share in the Wireless LAN equipment market, even overtaking Technicolor to become the second-largest vendor. Netgear's security measures include AI heuristics and exploit prevention, ensuring robust protection against cyber threats. With a strong focus on cybersecurity, Netgear stands as a reliable choice for secure networking solutions. For more insights on Netgear's cybersecurity initiatives, visit their cybersecurity month survey.

TP-Link

TP-Link is renowned as the world's No. 1 provider of WiFi networking devices, holding this position for 12 consecutive years according to the International Data Corporation (IDC). Known for its high-quality and reliable products, TP-Link has a significant market share and is the largest manufacturer of home and small/medium business networking products in China. Despite recent vulnerabilities like CVE-2024-21833, the company emphasizes the importance of regular firmware updates to ensure the security and integrity of its routers. TP-Link's products, including WiFi 7 mesh systems and routers, are designed to meet the demands of modern connected lifestyles with powerful, reliable, and easy-to-use features. The company's commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction has earned it the "Readers' First Choice" and "No.1 Market Share Holder" awards from Microcomputer magazine.

Linksys

Linksys is a renowned brand in the router market, known for its robust security features and reliable performance. Despite past vulnerabilities, such as the CVE-2014-8244 exploit that was fixed in 2014, Linksys has taken proactive steps to ensure user security, including automatic firmware updates and strong encryption protocols like WPA2. Their routers often include advanced security measures like Stateful Packet Inspection (SPI) firewalls and Media Access Control (MAC) address filtering to protect user data. With a significant market share, Linksys continues to be a trusted choice for both consumer and enterprise-grade routers, contributing to the growth of the global router market projected to reach $38.46 billion by 2030. The brand's commitment to security updates and user guidance on best practices enhances the overall security of their devices.

Synology

Synology stands out as a leading producer of routers renowned for their robust security features, ensuring the protection of over 3 billion devices from malware, social engineering, and unwanted software through integrated databases like Google Safe Browsing and DNS & IP threat intelligence. Their routers, such as the MR2200ac and RT2600ac, boast advanced security mechanisms including intrusion prevention, dual-stack firewalls, and automatic security database updates. These features are backed by a strong track record of frequent software updates, with an average of 1.2 updates per month and 5.6 CVE fixes per update. Additionally, Synology's routers support the latest Wi-Fi security standards, including WPA3-Personal and WPA3-Enterprise, enhancing network resilience against intrusions. This comprehensive security approach makes Synology routers a top choice for both home and business environments.

MikroTik

MikroTik is a renowned producer of networking hardware, particularly known for its robust and secure routers. With a market share of 2.02% in the networking hardware market, MikroTik competes against major players like Cisco, which holds a significant 35.50% market share. Founded in 1996, MikroTik has developed a range of products, including the RouterOS operating system, which is built on the Linux kernel and offers advanced features such as firewall, bandwidth management, and VPN server capabilities. Despite its smaller market share, MikroTik's products are widely used by over 5,350 companies globally, with a strong presence in the United States, Indonesia, and Bangladesh. However, it is crucial to note that MikroTik's systems have faced security vulnerabilities, such as the CVE-2023-30799 flaw, which affects over 500,000 RouterOS systems.

D-Link

D-Link is a prominent player in the router market, known for its commitment to security and performance. Despite recent vulnerabilities, the company has promptly addressed critical issues, such as the fixes for remote code execution and hardcoded password flaws in its WiFi 6 routers, ensuring user safety. The global router market, which includes D-Link, is projected to grow at a CAGR of 8.8% from 2023 to 2032, reaching $44.4 billion by 2032. D-Link's efforts in patching vulnerabilities within a short timeframe, such as the 90-day security patch release schedule, demonstrate its dedication to security. This commitment is crucial as the demand for faster internet connectivity and connected devices continues to rise.