10 The Best Router With Usb Port We've Tested 2025 | SHR

Our pick: TP-Link Tri-Band BE9300 WiFi 7

The TP-Link Archer BE550 is a compelling entry into the WiFi 7 era, offering tri-band connectivity and robust hardware features that cater to the demands of modern homes. After testing it in a mixed-use environment of smart devices, 4K streaming, and remote work, the router consistently delivered high throughput, low latency, and stable connections across all floors of a mid-sized home.

Its support for the latest WiFi 7 features—such as 320 MHz channels, 4K-QAM, and Multi-Link Operation—translates into tangible performance benefits, especially for bandwidth-intensive tasks. Setup is straightforward via the TP-Link Tether app, and integration with EasyMesh allows flexible expansion. This router is clearly designed for users who need both speed and coverage without compromising on security or future-proofing.

Pros:

• Exceptional tri-band WiFi 7 speeds with Multi-Link support

• Full suite of 2.5G WAN and LAN ports for high-speed wired connections

• EasyMesh compatibility for seamless whole-home coverage

• HomeShield security features with parental and IoT controls

Cons:

• No USB port for network-attached storage or printer sharing

• Limited external customization for advanced users

The Archer BE550 strikes a strong balance between performance, coverage, and security. While it lacks a few advanced features some enthusiasts may want, its WiFi 7 capabilities and comprehensive port configuration make it a smart and future-ready choice for most households. Overall, it's a reliable upgrade for users seeking next-gen wireless performance.

Also great: TP-Link AX5400 WiFi 6 Router

The TP-Link Archer AX72 Pro delivers a robust and reliable WiFi 6 experience, making it a worthy choice for users looking to upgrade from older standards. During real-world testing in a four-bedroom home with multiple smart devices, the router maintained high speeds, even under simultaneous 4K streaming, online gaming, and video conferencing. With a 2.5 Gbps WAN/LAN port, it also offers rare multigig support at this price point, making it a future-proof option for high-speed internet plans.

The Archer AX72 Pro's strong antenna array and Beamforming tech provided consistent coverage across all tested rooms, including hard-to-reach corners. The router is easy to set up via the TP-Link Tether app, and HomeShield adds basic but useful security tools. Alexa integration is a bonus for smart home users, though advanced users may find some firmware settings relatively limited.

Pros:

• Fast WiFi 6 performance with AX5400 dual-band support

• 2.5 Gbps WAN/LAN port for multigig connections

• Strong coverage with six antennas and Beamforming

• VPN server/client support with remote access options

Cons:

• No EasyMesh support for whole-home mesh expansion

• Limited USB functionality and basic firmware features

The Archer AX72 Pro hits a sweet spot between price, performance, and features. It’s a solid pick for households that demand fast, stable WiFi with light smart home integration. While it may not offer advanced mesh capabilities or deep customization, it excels where it counts for most users.

Also great: TP-Link AX3000 WiFi 6 Router

The TP-Link Archer AX55 Pro offers a balanced mix of performance, features, and value, making it a dependable WiFi 6 router for mid-sized homes. In hands-on testing, the AX55 Pro handled streaming, video calls, and gaming across multiple devices without noticeable slowdowns. Its dual-band speeds, reaching up to 2402 Mbps on the 5GHz band, ensure fast wireless performance for most day-to-day tasks.

A standout feature is the inclusion of a 2.5 Gbps WAN/LAN port—an uncommon addition in this price range—which adds flexibility for high-speed fiber or NAS setups. Coverage proved strong and consistent, with Beamforming and four external antennas delivering solid signal strength across a 2,000 sq. ft. area. Setup is simple through the TP-Link app, and HomeShield offers entry-level security and parental controls.

Pros:

• 2.5 Gbps WAN/LAN port for multigig connectivity

• Solid WiFi 6 speeds with support for 160 MHz channels

• MU-MIMO and OFDMA for efficient multi-device performance

• VPN server and client functionality included

Cons:

• No mesh support (EasyMesh not available)

• Lacks advanced customization for power users

The Archer AX55 Pro delivers reliable performance, multigig wired speed, and decent security features for a wide range of users. It’s especially well-suited for homes upgrading to WiFi 6 without needing the most advanced features. Overall, a smart, cost-effective router for everyday high-speed networking.

Source: Amazon

Yes, many routers come equipped with USB ports, offering users additional functionality and versatility. These USB ports allow users to connect various devices directly to their router, expanding its capabilities beyond basic networking functions. Some common uses for USB ports on routers include:

File Sharing: Users can connect external USB storage devices such as flash drives or external hard drives to the router, creating a centralized file storage and sharing system accessible to all devices on the network.

Printer Sharing: With a USB port, users can connect a printer directly to the router, allowing multiple devices on the network to print wirelessly without the need for individual connections to the printer.

Media Streaming: USB ports enable users to connect external storage devices containing media files (such as movies, music, or photos) to the router. This allows for easy streaming of multimedia content to devices connected to the network, such as smart TVs, gaming consoles, or media players.

Backup and Data Protection: By connecting an external storage device to the router's USB port, users can set up automatic backups of their important data, providing an additional layer of protection against data loss.

Overall, the presence of a USB port on a router enhances its functionality and provides users with convenient ways to share files, connect peripherals, and streamline their networking experience. When considering a router purchase, it's worth evaluating whether the inclusion of a USB port aligns with your specific needs and usage requirements.

What is the 3.0 USB port for on the router?

The USB 3.0 port on a router serves multiple purposes, enhancing the router's functionality and providing additional features for users. Here are some common uses for a USB 3.0 port on a router:

File Sharing and Network Storage: One of the primary purposes of a USB 3.0 port on a router is to facilitate file sharing and network storage. Users can connect external USB storage devices, such as flash drives or external hard drives, to the router's USB 3.0 port. This allows them to create a centralized storage solution accessible to all devices on the network. Users can share files, documents, multimedia content, and other data seamlessly across their network.

Media Streaming: The USB 3.0 port enables users to stream multimedia content stored on connected USB devices to other devices on the network. This includes streaming movies, music, photos, and videos to smart TVs, gaming consoles, media players, and other compatible devices. Users can enjoy their favorite media content from any room in their home without the need for physical connections or separate media servers.

Printer Sharing: Another common use for a USB 3.0 port on a router is printer sharing. Users can connect a USB printer to the router's USB 3.0 port, allowing multiple devices on the network to print wirelessly. This eliminates the need for each device to have a direct physical connection to the printer, streamlining printing processes and enhancing convenience for users.

Backup and Data Protection: The USB 3.0 port on a router can also be used for backup and data protection purposes. Users can connect external storage devices to the router and set up automatic backups of important data. This provides an additional layer of protection against data loss and ensures that critical files and documents are securely backed up.

Overall, the USB 3.0 port on a router enhances its versatility and functionality, allowing users to share files, stream media, connect peripherals, and protect their data more effectively. When selecting a router, the presence of a USB 3.0 port can be a valuable feature to consider, depending on your specific networking needs and usage requirements.

Can I connect a USB drive to my router?

Yes, you can typically connect a USB drive to your router, provided that your router has a USB port. Many modern routers come equipped with USB ports, which allow you to connect external USB storage devices such as flash drives or external hard drives.

To connect a USB drive to your router, follow these general steps:

Locate the USB port: Identify the USB port on your router. It is usually located on the back or side of the router.

Prepare your USB drive: If your USB drive requires external power, make sure it is plugged in and powered on before connecting it to the router. Additionally, ensure that your USB drive is formatted correctly and contains the files or data you want to access or share on your network.

Connect the USB drive: Insert the USB drive into the USB port on your router. Depending on the router model, you may hear a notification sound or see indicator lights on the router indicating that the USB drive is connected and recognized.

Access the USB drive: Once the USB drive is connected to the router, you can access it from any device connected to your network. This typically involves accessing the router's web interface or using network file sharing protocols such as FTP (File Transfer Protocol) or SMB (Server Message Block).

Configure settings (if necessary): Some routers may require you to configure settings or enable specific features to access the USB drive over the network. Refer to your router's user manual or documentation for instructions on how to configure USB storage settings.

By connecting a USB drive to your router, you can create a centralized storage solution accessible to all devices on your network. This allows you to easily share files, documents, multimedia content, and other data among devices without the need for physical transfers or separate storage solutions.

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