12 Days of Christmas: Day 4, Best Router For Streaming
Hello everyone, and welcome back to our blog series, the 12 Days of Christmas! Today is Day 4, and we're diving into one of my top five favorite topics that people don’t talk about enough: the Best Router for Streaming.
Now, let’s be real—how are you supposed to stream on the greatest jailbroken device in the world if your modem and router are… well, cheap? And if you’re renting equipment from your internet provider, it’s even worse. Not only is the equipment subpar, but they’re likely charging you an extra $10 to $15 a month for it—and you probably didn’t even notice.
For those of you who are new here, welcome to D3vicx (devices)! We specialize in customizing and sideloading premium streaming devices so you can enjoy paid TV entertainment for free—yes, completely free—worldwide. Sounds amazing, right? But here’s the deal: even the best device in the world can’t save you from buffering if your home doesn’t have the right modem or router.
Buffering is the number one issue people face when it comes to free streaming. Half the battle is having the right streaming device (check out Day 1 for more on that), and the other half is all about your home internet setup. If you’re using the cheap equipment your internet provider gave you, it’s no wonder your internet service isn’t living up to your expectations.
In this blog, we’ll break it all down for you. We’ll show you what you’re likely working with now, how you can upgrade for much less than you think, and why it’s worth it.
Most people need both a new modem and a router (hint: don’t buy a combo unit), but if you’re just looking for a router upgrade, we’ve got you covered too. By the end of this post, you’ll not only know which router is best for your needs, but you’ll also learn a money-saving trick that could put some extra cash back in your pocket. Let’s get started!
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Why the Right Modem and Router Matters for Streaming?
The equipment you get from your internet provider when you first sign up is cheap and limited. Don’t expect much from it—you’re bound to be let down. Let me explain:
Imagine you live in a 20-unit apartment building, and most of your neighbors use the same internet provider. You’re renting your modem and router from the provider, but your young, cool neighbor? He bought his own equipment.
Here’s why your neighbor is ahead of the game:
He saves money. Owning his own equipment means his monthly internet bill is $10 to $15 cheaper than yours. Over a year, that’s $120 to $180 saved—money you could use for something else.
He gets better, more reliable internet.
Now picture this: It’s the night of the World Cup, and almost everyone in your building is online or watching TV. You’re streaming the game for free on your jailbroken device, but suddenly—lagging and buffering. The action is heating up, but your stream isn’t keeping up.
What’s happening?
When everyone is online simultaneously, the network slows down. And because you’re using the provider’s cheap rental equipment, you’re stuck with the bottleneck. Meanwhile, your cool neighbor? He’s chilling, watching the game smoothly without any interruptions. Why? His modem and router, which he invested in, are handling the traffic like pros.
But it’s not just about performance—there’s also control.
Rented equipment comes with hidden drawbacks. For example, you used to be able to go into the router settings and change the DNS for better privacy. Now, rented routers often lock you out of those settings. Even if you try to change the DNS, it’ll automatically reset to the provider’s default.
You want to control your equipment, not have your equipment controlling you.
Owning your own modem and router guarantees smooth, hassle-free streaming on your jailbroken device from us. But a quick tip: don’t buy a combo unit—I’ll explain why later.
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Top Features to Look for in the Best Router for Streaming
Stay Away from Combo Units
First things first—don’t fall for the combo unit trap. A cable modem has one job: bringing internet into your home. A router has another job: creating Wi-Fi. These are two completely different tasks, so why would you trust a single box to handle both? At first, it might seem fine, but soon enough, problems will start, and your system will slow down.
One box should never do two completely different jobs at the same time. If we humans can’t multitask effectively, why would a piece of hardware be any better?
Avoid the Marketing Hype
Looking for a router can feel overwhelming. Some look like futuristic crabs, others throw around confusing specs about range and speed, claiming to work miracles. But here’s the truth: those “mind-blowing” range numbers on the box are only achievable in perfect conditions.
And let’s be honest, life is not a perfect scenario, my friend. So how do they get away with this? Well, it’s a bit of a gray area—they base those numbers on ideal conditions that most homes won’t ever have. On top of that, many of these claims are based on 2.4GHz signals, which have great range but are slower compared to newer technologies like 5GHz or Wi-Fi 6.
Wi-Fi 6: The Future of Streaming Performance
When it comes to streaming HDR, 4K, or Dolby Vision content on a jailbroken device, Wi-Fi 6 is where it’s at. Wi-Fi 6 offers faster speeds, better efficiency, and the ability to handle multiple devices without slowing down.
But here’s the catch: your streaming device needs to be compatible with Wi-Fi 6. For example, the Jailbroken Apple TV 4K works beautifully with Wi-Fi 6. Using apps like Popcorn Time, you can stream 4K content for free—no debrid required.
For Jailbroken Nvidia Shield Pros, Stremio is your go-to app for free 4K streaming (RIP CatMouse, which has been down since 2018). Wi-Fi 6 ensures all that data flows seamlessly, giving you faster playback and a smoother experience.
However, Wi-Fi 6 isn’t perfect. Its range can be limited—it struggles to reach beyond the walls of the room it’s in. This is where a mesh networking system comes into play, but we’ll dive into that in tomorrow’s blog.
For the best performance, always connect your jailbroken device directly to the router using an Ethernet cable. This is ideal for streaming HDR, 4K, and Dolby Vision content without interruptions.
Speed, Coverage, and Device Capacity
Now let’s talk about what you should look for in a router—and why the one we recommend is perfect for you, even if you’re not tech-savvy.
I like to keep things simple. No fancy, confusing language—just straightforward features that work right out of the box. Here’s what makes for a great router experience:
A powerful quad-core 2GHz processor for faster data handling.
Eight high-power FEMs (front-end modules) to expand Wi-Fi coverage and maintain stable connections across multiple devices.
Wi-Fi 6 support that works seamlessly with compatible devices like your jailbroken device, phone, or computer.
The best customer experience is when you can take a router out of the box, plug it in, set up the basics on your computer, and you’re good to go. No headaches, no hidden tricks—just reliable performance for streaming, gaming, and more.
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The Best Router for Streaming in 2024: There Only One
The best router for streaming and gaming in 2024 is hands down the GL.iNet Flint 2. This router is amazing, and it’s under $200. Right now, it’s $159 retail. If you plan to buy one, order directly from their website—not Amazon—to avoid counterfeit products. Let’s dive into why this is the best router out there.
What can’t this router do? It delivers up to 1Gbps speeds—and yes, it really hits that mark. With WiFi 6, you get:
1148Mbps on 2.4GHz
4804Mbps on 5GHz
2x 2.5Gbps ports
Multi-WAN and dual Ethernet WAN support
OpenWrt compatibility and built-in VPN.
One standout feature is the WireGuard VPN, which provides speeds up to 900Mbps even when streaming. No more slow internet while your VPN is running! If you need a VPN recommendation, I suggest IPVanish over Surfshark. (No sponsorships here, just a genuine tip!)
Protecting Your Streaming Privacy
If you’re streaming on a Jailbroken Apple TV 4K, your internet provider might flag your usage of IPAs, leading to throttling (slowing down) your internet speeds. With a built-in VPN on the router, you can mask all your streaming activity and enjoy 100% privacy. Plus, if you own your modem and router, your internet provider can’t access or control your equipment, so they can’t interfere with your speeds.
Need a Modem? The Best Modem for Streaming
A cable modem connects your home to the internet by communicating with your internet service provider (e.g., Spectrum, Cox, Xfinity) over a landline. Think of the modem as a translator—it makes the internet connection usable for your home devices.
Not everyone needs a separate modem, but if you’re using a provider like Spectrum, you will. If that’s the case, consider the Netgear CM3000 with DOCSIS® 3.1. Just make sure you’ll be staying with your cable internet provider before investing in one.
Why Your Streaming Device Deserves the Best Router
If you want to stream 4K, HDR, or Dolby Vision content, you’ll need a fast, powerful router that can handle large file sizes—anywhere from 13GB to 65GB for 4K HDR or Dolby Vision streams.
You also need a premium streaming device with 64-bit hardware and operating system, and a solid CPU-GPU combo. Devices with 32-bit operating systems can only process up to 4GB of RAM at a time, leading to bottlenecks, buffering, and lag.
For the best results, pair the GL.iNet Flint 2 router with a Jailbroken Nvidia Shield Pro or Jailbroken Apple TV 4K. To enhance your 4K experience, consider using Real Debrid for Dolby Vision and Atmos streaming.
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Future-Proof Your Streaming Setup This Christmas
With everything covered in this blog—and the next on mesh networking systems—you’ll have all the tools you need to future-proof your streaming setup. With a modem, router, and mesh networking system, this setup will last you the next 5 to 10 years. As for your streaming device, keep using it until it gives out—it’ll likely last you a very long time.
Take the Nvidia Shield TV as an example. Many people are still using the original 2015 model, which turns 10 years old in just a couple of weeks. That’s a testament to the incredible build quality of Nvidia Shields! The Apple TV 4K isn’t far behind in durability, but I’d recommend the 2020 (64GB) model for its weight, build quality, and built-in fan to keep components cool during heavy usage.
This has been a fantastic 12 Days of Christmas journey, helping you create an amazing home theater setup. We wanted to ensure you had everything you needed—and maybe a little extra—without breaking the bank.
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FAQs: Best Router for Streaming
What is the Best Modem for Streaming?
The Netgear CM3000 with DOCSIS® 3.1 is an excellent choice for cable internet users. It’s compatible with most major ISPs like Spectrum, Cox, and Xfinity, offering top-tier performance and reliability. If you’re sticking with your cable provider for a while, this modem is a worthwhile investment.
What is the Best Router for Streaming?
The GL.iNet Flint 2 is hands down the best router for streaming in 2024. With WiFi 6, 2.5Gbps ports, and WireGuard VPN capabilities, it delivers blazing-fast speeds and built-in privacy protection for your streaming devices. Plus, it pairs perfectly with premium streaming devices like the Nvidia Shield Pro and Apple TV 4K.
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Final Thoughts: The Best Router for Streaming This Holiday Season
As the pieces come together for the greatest home cinema setup you’ve ever seen, the GL.iNet Flint 2 stands out as the perfect addition. This router ensures smooth streaming, high performance, and incredible reliability, taking your viewing and gaming experiences to the next level.
The holidays are the perfect time to invest in your entertainment setup. With so many devices and options out there, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and end up making impulsive purchases. But a little planning and research can save you from the dreaded “Ah man, I wish I’d waited” moment.
Instead, take your time and start with the best from the beginning. Technology evolves quickly, but choosing high-quality components like the GL.iNet Flint 2 ensures you’re ahead of the curve. Whether you're streaming 4K HDR, gaming with friends, or hosting movie nights, this router will be the backbone of your ultimate home theater experience.
Key Takeaways for Building the Perfect Streaming Setup:
Choose the Right Router: Look for Wi-Fi 6 compatibility, high-speed performance, and advanced features like built-in VPN support. The GL.iNet Flint 2 checks all these boxes.
Pair with a Solid Modem: A modem like the Netgear CM3000 ensures you’re getting the most out of your internet connection.
Don’t Skimp on Streaming Devices: Premium devices like the Jailbroken Nvidia Shield Pro or the Apple TV 4K ensure you’re ready for 4K and Dolby Vision content.
Future-Proof Your Network: Add a mesh networking system to ensure consistent, high-speed coverage throughout your home.
Invest in the right equipment now, and your home cinema setup will serve you well for years to come. Happy holidays, and here’s to smoother streaming, sharper visuals, and a truly immersive entertainment experience!.
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Related Post: 12 Days of Christmas: Day 5,