Recently, the renowned research institution LoTu released data concerning home broadband routers for the first half of 2026.

According to the data, in the first half of this year, online sales of home broadband routers in China reached 5.517 million units, marking a 9.9% decline. Total sales amounted to 1.35 billion yuan, also down by 9.2%, indicating a downturn in both sales volume and value.

From a brand perspective, Huawei emerged as the leader. With a market share nearing 30%, it stands significantly ahead of the competition. For every three routers sold in China, one is a Huawei product, showcasing Huawei's stronghold in the communication equipment sector.

Following Huawei, Xiaomi, TP-Link, ZTE, and Tenda securely hold the top five positions. The top four manufacturers—Huawei, Xiaomi, TP-Link, and ZTE—collectively command about 85% of the market share, leaving minimal opportunities for smaller players.

In terms of sales value, Huawei's dominance is even more pronounced, with a substantially larger share than Xiaomi and TP-Link, suggesting that Huawei's routers are positioned at a higher price point.

However, the global scenario presents a different picture, as illustrated by the specific data below.

Counterpoint released the global router data for the first quarter. Although it covers only the first quarter, it offers insights into the disparities between the global and Chinese markets.

In the global market, TP-Link leads with a 20% share, followed by Xiaomi at 12%, Netgear at 9%, and then Google and ASUS.

Meanwhile, manufacturers that rank high in China, such as Huawei, ZTE, and Tenda, fail to make it into the top five globally.

What accounts for this discrepancy? The primary reason lies in the underwhelming overseas sales performance of these major brands. For instance, in the United States, Huawei and ZTE are effectively barred from the market due to bias and restrictions imposed on these two brands.

In other international markets, there is a greater inclination towards TP-Link and Xiaomi. TP-Link, as a well-established company, boasts a strong overseas presence and extensive distribution networks, resulting in high sales and a consistent 20% global market share.

As for Xiaomi, as a rising brand, it excels in the Chinese market. With its recent expansion into mobile phones and TVs overseas, it has also garnered a significant fan base abroad. Moreover, Xiaomi routers offer excellent cost-effectiveness, making them highly popular in many international markets, enabling Xiaomi to secure the second spot globally.