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RouterMag

Best Routers with USB Ports

A USB port turns a drive into network storage, shares a printer, or tethers a phone as backup internet.

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96 routers

What a router USB port is for

A USB port adds simple network storage, a shared printer, or backup internet through a tethered phone.

Check the USB version (USB 3 for storage) and which functions each router supports: file sharing, media server, printer sharing or mobile tethering.

For a full backup connection, see dual-WAN routers.

Frequently asked questions

What can I plug into a router USB port?

A USB drive for network storage or backups, a printer to share, or a phone or 4G/5G modem as a backup internet connection, depending on the router.

Is router network storage fast?

Fine for documents, photos and backups. A USB 3 port is much faster than USB 2. For heavy use, a dedicated NAS is better.

Can it stream media?

Many routers run a DLNA media server from the drive, so smart TVs can play files directly.