Best Wireless Routers 2022 – Buyer’s Guide

03/15/2022 391点热度 0人点赞 0条评论

Best Wireless Routers 2018I hope you’ll agree with me when I say:

Life is not possible today without a good Wireless Router. Or is it?

Well, there is only ONE problem. Finding a “Good” router isn’t an easy job.

That is why we have created a list of Best Wireless Routers of 2019. After researching online and spending hours in testing these Wi-Fi routers, I have shortlisted the top 10 routers which you can buy right now.

Best Wireless Routers 2019

Several of these routers are not for everyone because some carry a hefty price-tag.

However, these wireless routers are good enough to make it to our list of the top 10 best WiFi Routers 2019.

IMAGEPRODUCTDETAILS

  • Weight (lb): 4
  • LAN Ports: 4
  • Wireless Comm: 802.11ad
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  • Weight (lb): 0.8
  • LAN Ports: 2
  • Wireless Comm: 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac
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  • Weight (lb): 2.6
  • LAN Ports: 8
  • Wireless Comm: 802.11 b/g/n
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  • Weight (lb): 3.5
  • LAN Ports: 4
  • Wireless Comm: 802.11ac
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  • Weight (lb): 2.5
  • LAN Ports: 4
  • Wireless Comm: 802.11ac
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  • Weight (lb): 4.1
  • LAN Ports: 6
  • Wireless Comm: 802.11ac/ad
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  • Weight (lb): 2.6
  • LAN Ports: 4
  • Wireless Comm: 802.11ac
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  • Weight (lb): 1.8
  • LAN Ports: 4
  • Wireless Comm: 802.11ac
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  • Weight (lb): 1.9
  • LAN Ports: 4
  • Wireless Comm: 802.11ac
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  • Weight (lb): 2.1
  • LAN Ports: 3
  • Wireless Comm: 802.11ac
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1. TP-Link Talon AD7200 – Latest Technology

TP-Link Talon AD7200 ReviewThe TP-Link Talon AD7200 Wi-Fi Router holds the credential of being the first 802.11ad router in the market.

However, that is not the only trick up its sleeve. The router packs in many cutting-edge features to ensure ultimate performance.

Although it’s not inexpensive, this router offers a few impressive features for the price! In this review, we will go into every aspect of this router and find out whether it’s worth your money.

If you thought the Nighthawk X10 is large, wait till you see this one! The TP-Link Talon AD7200 dwarfs its competitor with dimensions of 9.0 x 9.0 x 1.7 inches. This gargantuan router is one of the biggest home routers available in the market today.

While its size may be imposing, the design is understated. The smart antenna design lets you fold down all nine antennas to provide for a flat top surface. Overall, the design philosophy follows function over form.

FeaturesInstallationPerformance

Like its direct competitor, the NETGEAR Nighthawk X10, the Talon AD7200 packs an impressive list of features.

  • The Talon AD7200 uses multi-Band technology to run three distinct Wi-Fi bands at once.
  • The router supports a combined Wi-Fi speed of 7.2 Gbps (Band 1: 800 Mbps @2.4GHz, Band 2: 1733 Mbps @5GHz, Band 3: 4600 Mbps @60GHz).
  • While a traditional router can only stream to one device at a time, the Wireless AC and Multi-User MIMO technologies of the Talon AD7200 facilitates simultaneous streaming.
  • The 1.4 GHz dual-core processor is powerful enough to support multiple users at once.
  • It has eight state-of-the-art external antennas which help in maximizing range and performance.
  • It has 1 WAN and four high-speed Gigabit Ethernet ports.
  • The two super speed USB 3.0 ports allow you to transfer files to an external HDD or USB drive directly.
  • TP-Link provides an easy-to-use one-app solution to setup, manage and update your router.

To enhance the Talon AD7200’s practicality, TP-Link says that it will update the firmware to let you set up all three bands as a single Wi-Fi network. That will be quite a useful feature indeed!

The TP-Link Talon AD7200, like most simple routers, is straightforward to set up. TP-Link provides an illustrated guide to get you started. All you need to do is plug in your internet line to the router, connect the LAN cable to your PC and log into the web page (www.tplinklogin.net) to start the installation process.

This router offers another simple solution to the installation process. You can download the TP-Link Tether mobile application and follow the instructions to set up your router.

The TP-Link Talon AD7200 backs up its hype with a solid performance across the board. The router scored around 450 Mbps in the 5 GHz close-proximity (same-room) test and almost 250 Mbps at a range of 30 feet.

While those scores may not be as impressive as its chief competitor, the NETGEAR Nighthawk X10, it is not bad. When you factor in the price difference, the Talon AD7200 shines brighter than its competitor.

In the 2.4 GHz frequency band, the Talon AD7200 manages to edge the Nighthawk X10. The router has speeds of around 100 Mbps in the close-proximity test and 80 Mbps at a range of 30 feet.

The performance in the 60 GHz AD frequency band is very similar to the Nighthawk X10. In the close-proximity test, the Talon AD7200 managed to impress us with scores averaging 950 Mbps! However, since the 60 GHz frequency can’t penetrate through walls, don’t expect any network coverage beyond your router’s line-of-sight.

All in all, this is a brilliant router which keeps you future-proof while being highly practical in the present times. If you are looking for the ultimate Wi-Fi performance and don’t want to spend the extra cash on a NETGEAR Nighthawk X10, then this is the router for you.
Pros
  • The performance on all the Wi-Fi bands is impressive.
  • Installation and management of the router are easy due to the TP-Link Tether mobile application.
  • The price is reasonable, when you compare to the NETGEAR Nighthawk X10.
Cons
  • The AD frequency band is supported by a handful of devices currently and the signal cannot penetrate through walls.
  • The router has an enormous footprint.

2. Google WiFi – Best Range covering Wifi System

Google WiFi Review

The Google Wifi is unlike any router you may have seen before. In fact, it would be wrong to call it a router.

It’s a Wi-Fi system and possibly the best one in the market today.

In this comprehensive review, we will cover all the major features of this unique Wi-Fi system and provide an in-depth understanding of how the three Google Wifi units function together to provide superior wireless connectivity.

DesignFeaturesWi-Fi App BenefitsInstallationPerformance

While most routers can be an eye-sore, the Google Wifi with its understated design is ideally suited to any environment. All three units of the Google Wifi system are identical to each other. With a diameter of 4.1 inches and a height of 2.7 inches, it’s relatively tiny to that of traditional routers.

The white body of the router is divided, by an unobtrusive LED light which lends a touch of elegance to the design. Overall, the design deserves high praise and will be well-suited to modern homes.

The Google Wifi system is brimming with many unique features. Here are some of the major features of this Wi-Fi system.

  • The Google Wifi system has simultaneous dual-band Wifi (2.4GHz / 5GHz) which supports IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac standards.
  • The 3-pack Google Wifi system is perfect for a large home (3000-4500 square feet).
  • You can quickly expand the network by purchasing another Google Wifi unit.
  • The 710 MHz quad-core processor coupled with 512 MB RAM, ensures excellent network performance.
  • It has an antenna-less elegant design.
  • It has two high-speed Gigabit Ethernet ports.
  • The two ports function as a LAN and WAN port on the primary unit, while on the secondary units both the ports can provide LAN functionality.
  • You can control the system using Alexa and Google Home voice commands.

The Google Wifi system’s superb mobile application enhances its experience. The following are some of the features of the Google Wifi app:

  • The app provides detailed statistics for each device.
  • Schedule your Google Wifi system to pause the connection automatically.
  • Prioritize a device and ensure it operates at the desired bandwidth.
  • Control smart lights and even the Nest systems using this app.

The setup procedure is analogous to the Google Wifi’s hardware design. In other words, it’s simple and elegant. At first, you need to download the free iOS or Android app and scan the QR code on the unit connected to your modem and power.

Once the scanning process is complete, the app will guide you to configure your network with a name and password. After that, you need to pair the secondary units and label them in the app for reference. Voila! Your setup is complete!

Don’t underestimate the size; this tiny device can put many large routers to shame. When it comes to wireless performance, the Google Wifi system can hold its own against the big guys like the Talon AD7200 and Nighthawk X10.

In the 5 GHz frequency band close-proximity (same-room) test, the Wi-Fi system scored higher than 450 Mbps. That’s seriously impressive when you consider the fact that the much larger Talon AD7200 managed a similar rating.

It also performs very well in the long-range test, with speeds of 200 Mbps. Bear in mind that this is a single unit and not the system as a whole. When all the units updates strategically, there will be no range anxieties whatsoever.

The Google Wifi unit performs respectably in the 2.4 GHz frequency band as well. The speeds of 100 Mbps for the close-proximity test and 70 Mbps for the long range test are comparable to high-end routers.

The Google Wifi system provides an experience, unlike any other router. It’s elegant, simplistic and offers lots of versatility. If you have a large home and want superior connectivity in all parts, the Google Wifi system (3-Pack) is the one we recommend.

No router or Wi-Fi system can provide a seamless experience like this one.

Pros
  • The performance on all the Wi-Fi bands is impressive.
  • The subtle and compact design fits anywhere in your home.
  • Other than managing and setting up the network, the proprietary app provides nifty features like controlling your smart home.
  • It’s a lot lower priced than other Wi-Fi systems.
Cons
  • You need to stay logged into a Google account when using this Wi-Fi system.

3. Asus RT-AC88U – The Gamers Choice

Asus RT-AC88U ReviewMost of the computer enthusiasts or users know of the company Asus because of their top of the line gaming hardware. However, Asus is also at the helm for creating several high ends, top of the line routers. The device we are talking about is the RT-AC88U. This router costs under $300, and it happens to be one of the best wireless routers someone can buy right now.

The wireless router offers a stylish, sleek look. If someone has used an Asus product in the past, they will find this design familiar. The router is aesthetically pleasing with its complete black construction with red accents along the antennas; it looks straight out of a gaming lineup by Asus.

Be that as it may, most of you are not here for the looks and wish to know about performance. So, without wasting any more time, let’s take a look at how the router performs.

The RT-AC88U is an AC3100 router which comes with a total of 8 Gigabit LAN ports. Do keep in mind though that these ports are capable of delivering high-speed internet without suffering from any performance issues. Also, don’t forget that it is a dual-band router that can act as a NAS as well. With that said, Asus has paid a significant amount of attention to detail even when designing the web interface as it happens to be super intuitive and easy to use. The WiFi performance of the router on both 2.4 gigahertz and the five gigahertz bands stayed faster than ever without any performance decreases.

Installation, Configuration, and Performance

The installation process of RT-AC88U is a piece of cake, thanks to the fantastic web interface. When you connect it to the PC and the internet for the first time, the Asus Web Interface will automatically launch and give you two options to configure the router after you power up the PC. You can then continue with the wizard or set it manually.

The Quick Internet Setup wizard will check your internet connection and configure your router as a Dynamic IP, Static IP or PPPoE, depending on your connection type selection. After that, it allows you to set a name for each SSID, and then create a network encryption key for each band. With that complete, it’s setup.

When it comes to performance, the Asus RT-AC88U provides multi-client MU-MIMO data streaming, works extremely fast on both bands (2.4 Gigahertz and 5 Gigahertz) plus file reading/writing and transfers were great.

Asus AC3100 RT-AC88U (Distance from Router vs Speed Test onLenovo Yoga 14)2.4 GHz5 GHz5 GHz (#2)010020030040012 Feet (Within Sight)45 Feet (Within Sight)39 Feet (Out of Sight)14 Feet (Out of Sight)2nd StorySpeed in Mbps (LongerBars are better)

Bands2.4 GHz5 GHz5 GHz (#2)
12 Feet (Within Sight)95314
45 Feet (Within Sight)79209
39 Feet (Out of Sight)6085
14 Feet (Out of Sight)90220
2nd Story7596
In short, the router is perfect if you are willing to spend money on it. The phrase, “you get what you pay for,” fits nicely.
Pros
  • The router comes with 8 Gigabit LAN ports that can easily handle the fastest possible internet
  • The Wi-Fi performance happens to be one of the best we have used in a long, long time.
  • Asus’ has given us one of the best web interfaces we have used on a wireless router. It’s simple, easy to use and highly intuitive.
Cons
  • The placing of the USB 3.0 isn’t the best we have seen.
  • Once coupled with an external hard drive and used as a NAS, the router manages to give the only mediocre performance for the price you are paying for it.

4. NETGEAR Nighthawk R7000 – AC1900 Dual-Band Router (best inexpensive option)

NETGEAR Nighthawk R7000 Review

The next up is another dual-band router. Although, the offer is from none other than the famous Netgear. For those who don’t know, the company is known for creating a plethora of top of the line wireless routers that have become increasingly famous over time. Netgear is a company that has dedicated itself towards providing top of the line, unparalleled networking hardware, including their brilliant wireless routers.

The product that we are bringing you today is called the Netgear Nighthawk R7000. As the name suggests, the router looks nothing less of a stealth fighter jet. The Nighthawk R7000 is AC1900, with 1,300 Mbps speed in the five gigahertz band and 600 Mbps speed on the 2.4 gigahertz band.

I like R7000 more than R8000 because it’s affordable and much easier to install.
During our testing, it became apparent that the R7000 may be the best Netgear wireless router we have used till date. Curious yet? Let’s find out.

DesignPerformanceFeatures

From the looks of it, the router looks amazing. It has a minimal and stealthy vibe to it. The router has an all-black construction and comes with three detachable antennas. Our only issue on the design front was the weight and the size of the Nighthawk. In all seriousness, the router is an absolute mammoth and needs some free space to be put down. Not to mention, the added but this device comes with as well.

However, we found that issue to be subjective as it happens that you will only need to make space for the router once, and won’t be moving it a lot afterward.

The Netgear Nighthawk offers a stellar performance, and it’s one of the fastest routers we have used till date. The performance on both five gigahertz and the 2.4 gigahertz bands is impeccable. There was no hiccups or slowdowns during the entire testing process.

The WiFi router also manages to perform well on different ranges. The bands manage to give you performance that is better than the performance provided by your standard Ethernet connection.

Moving on to the features, the Nighthawk AC1900 has plenty. If you are wondering what you’ll be getting, you should know that this router comes with the support for DD-WRT. For those curious, this means that the router is fully capable of running 3rd party firmware based on Linux.

The router also comes with the support for OpenVPN and thanks to the OpenDNS; there is a complete parental control package built into the router.

The router even comes with QoS (Quality of Service) for those who don’t know. A feature that can let you manage the upstream and downstream of your internet connection. Cool, we’d say. If you want more, the router can also act as a NAS and a pretty good one.

Netgear R7000 (Distance from Router vs Speed Test on Lenovo Yoga14)2.4 GHz5 GHz5 GHz (#2)010020030040012 Feet (Within Sight)45 Feet (Within Sight)39 Feet (Out of Sight)15 Feet (Out of Sight)2nd StorySpeed in Mbps (LongerBars are better)

Bands2.4 GHz5 GHz5 GHz (#2)
12 Feet (Within Sight)85320
45 Feet (Within Sight)80190
39 Feet (Out of Sight)4239
15 Feet (Out of Sight)80185
2nd Story4062
Overall, the Netgear Nighthawk AC1900 is an impressive router that offers a lot for the price you are paying for it. Sure, it’s bulky and has some performance issues on the 2.4 gigahertz band. But considering the price to performance ratio, the Nighthawk AC1900 may be one of the best routers you can buy in the market right now.
Pros
  • The Nighthawk gives an incredible, unparalleled performance on the five gigahertz band.
  • It has a slew of features that you usually won’t expect from an affordable router.
  • The router looks and feels amazing. It also has a great build quality.
Cons
  • The amazing build quality comes at a cost of added bulkiness that might not allure everyone.
  • Although the performance is good, the 2.4 gigahertz band suffers to deliver as good as the competition.
  • The software features are a nice addition, though they need proper finishing.

5. D-Link DIR 890L – Best Range Wireless Router

D-Link DIR-890l Review

The next up on our list is one of the top tier wireless routers from D-Link. For those who don’t know, the company has a long history of providing some of the best networking products and the AC3200 Ultra Wi-Fi DIR-890 isn’t here to tell a different story. It’s perhaps one of the most stylish looking wireless routers we have encountered. Where the Nighthawk resembled a stealth jet, the DIR-890 looks like race car enthusiasts built it. But looks aren’t everything, right? Let’s find out how this router fairs in things that matter.

The DIR-890 is a fantastic router regarding speed and functionality.

Testing revealed that the router is fast, easy to setup and use. It also has a good speed/range when using this device for Wi-Fi. Another great thing about this router is that it comes with the ability to be doubled up as a NAS by adding an external hard drive.

Do keep in mind that the DIR-890 is a tri-band router, and if you happen to be a general consumer who just wants a router for regular use, then this one will be overkill for you.
DesignRangeLAN Ports
We have already discussed how the design of this router ends up making a statement of its own, and that’s quite right. The router has an overall red build with black accents. The router easily manages to stand out, and if you have a computer that follows the red/black color scheme, this is something you must have. Enough about the looks, let’s talk about the things that matter.

If you happen to live at a comparatively large place and have a lot of Wi-Fi devices that consistently need a connection to the internet, this one is a must’ve for you. Although, it does come with six antennas and promises proper range too. If you happen to have issues with antennas, they cannot be detached.

During the testing, the range seemed promising enough.

If you want more LAN ports, the DIR-890 is not something you want. The router only comes with 4 LAN ports as opposed to some routers that have 8 LAN ports. With that said, if you can overlook that limitation, then the DIR-890L is a stellar router.

D-Link DIR 890L (Distance from Router vs Speed Test on LenovoYoga 14)2.4 GHz5 GHz5 GHz (#2)010020030040012 Feet (Within Sight)45 Feet (Within Sight)39 Feet (Out of Sight)14 Feet (Out of Sight)2nd StorySpeed in Mbps (LongerBars are better)

Bands2.4 GHz5 GHz5 GHz (#2)
12 Feet (Within Sight)90297324
45 Feet (Within Sight)80270300
39 Feet (Out of Sight)76130220
14 Feet (Out of Sight)87272289
2nd Story70112218
Whether you love the unique and sharp design of the router or some features it comes with; the DIR-890 by D-Link is perhaps one of the best routers on the market that prefer style over substance but manages to give you a respectable performance.
Pros
  • Incredibly fast and problem free Wi-Fi with decent range.
  • Stellar build quality and amazing aesthetics.
  • The router is easy to setup and use.
Cons
  • The antennas can’t be detached.
  • The price might be an issue for some.

6. NETGEAR Nighthawk X10 – Expensive yet Powerful

NETGEAR Nighthawk X10 Review

The NETGEAR Nighthawk X10 AD7200 Smart Wi-Fi Router is for those looking to have the best VR gaming and 4K video streaming experience. It doesn’t come cheap though. This behemoth of a router will make your pockets lighter by over $400!

In all fairness, this router does offer an awful lot for the price! In addition to supporting three Wi-Fi bands (2.4 GHz, 5.0 GHz, and 60 GHz), it has 7 Gigabit Ethernet ports (6 LAN, 1 WAN) along with a 10 Gigabit SPF LAN port. On top of that, it features Multi-User Multiple Input, Multiple Output (MU-MIMO) data streaming, and 160 MHz Wi-Fi technology which doubles the Wi-Fi speeds to mobile devices.

In this comprehensive review, we will explore all these stellar features and find out whether the Nighthawk X10’s high price is justified.

DesignFeaturesInstallationPerformance

With dimensions of 8.81 x 6.61 x 2.91 in, this is not a small router by any means. In fact, it weighs more than a 15-inch MacBook Pro! However, that is not exactly an apple to apple comparison. Putting it against the TP-Link Talon AD7200, we can say that the Nighthawk X10 looks a lot less imposing in comparison.

Regarding design, the Nighthawk X10 doesn’t try to be gaudy or in-your-face. The four external antennas feature an interesting stitched pattern of blue LEDs along the side. We feel that it ups the cool factor, although your mileage may vary.

If it’s one area where this product doesn’t lack in, it’s the features department. Here is the impressive feature list of the Nighthawk X10.

  • It features 802.11ac Quad-Stream Wave2 Wi-Fi with MU-MIMO, which helps in delivering high-speed Wi-Fi to multiple devices simultaneously.
  • The router supports a combined Wi-Fi speed of 7.2 Gbps (Band 1: 800 Mbps @2.4GHz, Band 2: 1733 Mbps @5GHz, Band 3: 4600 Mbps @60GHz).
  • The 1.7 GHz quad-core processor aids gaming and 4K streaming performance.
  • It has four dual-band antennas with high-powered amplifiers to maximize range and throughput.
  • The 10 Gigabit LAN SFP port allows for quick Network-attached Storage (NAS) access.
  • Two of the Gigabit Ethernet ports can be combined to provide speeds up to 2 Gbps.
  • The 160 MHz Wi-Fi can deliver up to twice the speed to mobile devices.
  • It has two super speed USB 3.0 ports.
  • The NETGEAR genie app comes with a plethora of features to manage, control and repair your home network.
  • It features Amazon drive backup and supports Amazon Alexa commands.

Despite being state-of-the-art and carrying a feature list longer than that of most luxury cars, it is surprisingly a breeze to install. Once you’ve connected the router to your PC and internet service, you need to visit www.routerlogin.net to access the Setup Wizard which will guide you through the rest of the installation process.

NETGEAR also offers another solution to the installation process – The NETGEAR Up app. With the help of this mobile application, you can quickly setup, update, and configure your router.

Does the Nighthawk X10 deserve its bragging rights? Absolutely! It scored impressively in all the performance tests. The router scored north of 550 Mbps in the 5 GHz close-proximity (same-room) test. That is considerably higher than its direct competitor, the TP-Link Talon AD7200.

The Nighthawk X10 scored nearly 400 Mbps in the 5 GHz band when tested at a distance of 30 feet. Its performance in the 2.4 GHz band was nothing short of excellent. It managed scores of 100 Mbps in the close-proximity test and experienced a drop of 25% at a distance of 30 feet.

The performance in the 60 GHz AD frequency band is what sets this device apart from high-end AC routers. The Nighthawk X10 blazed through the proximity test with scores of 950-960 Mbps! However, the long-range test failed miserably as the 60 GHz frequency can’t penetrate through walls.

Simply put, the Nighthawk X10 is one of the best home routers you can splurge on right now. However, this router has many features that are yet to be supported by devices. Most devices don’t support the 160 MHz Wi-Fi, and very few PCs are available with 802.11 AD network cards.

To sum it up, the Nighthawk X10 is like an electric car. It’s the future, but in today’s limited infrastructure, it will not perform to the highest potential.

Pros
  • The performance on all the Wi-Fi bands is impressive.
  • The 10 Gbps LAN SFP port is fantastic if you use high-end NAS servers.
  • The installation and management of this router are extremely easy due to the proprietary applications provided by NETGEAR.
Cons
  • As of now, the AD frequency band is supported by only a handful of devices and the signal cannot penetrate through walls.
  • It’s priced a little on the higher side.

7. Amped Wirelss RTA2600 Athena

Amped Wireless RTA2600 Athena

Next on the list is the Amped Wireless RTA2600 Athena router. As long as you don’t confuse it with the Greek goddess Athena, the router will not disappoint you. Although not expensive, the router is for network enthusiasts. It might not have the bling of the other routers that we have reviewed, but it comes with plenty of features that should be enough for both the average consumer and people who are looking to have some more.

The router managed to fare pretty well in almost all the testing we did. Although, the router doesn’t have an awful lot of features like some of the other ones. However, the ones it has are properly polished and don’t require you to spend countless hours trying to figure out what is what. The router control panel is incredibly responsive, and very easy when it comes to setting up.

The router also comes with powerful hardware that should keep it afloat without giving any performance issues. One thing we love about this router is how nicely everything fits into a compact design. Yes, unlike some other routers, this isn’t an absolute behemoth. With that said, the performance on all fronts was respectable enough, and there were no disconnections during our test run. You can even connect multiple devices via Wi-Fi, and the performance will remain stellar. Perhaps, that is one of the major selling points of the RTA2600 Athena.

Conclusion

The wireless router is easily one of the best we’ve used and makes it to the best wifi routers of 2019 list. While this might not be the number one pick for hardcore network enthusiasts, it’s more than enough to keep things in order without making too much of a mess.
Pros
  • The wireless router surprisingly gives a terrific performance.
  • The performance over Wi-Fi is even better regardless of the number of devices connected to it.
  • Setting up the router is a breeze and can be done with anyone who has a little knowledge about networking.
Cons
  • Lacks some of the features that are available in competitors.
  • Price may not allure everyone.

8. Linksys WRT1900 AC – Best DD-WRT WiFi Router

Linksys WRT1900 AC Review

The next up on our list is a dual-band wireless router from Linksys. This router comes with the support for the AC1900 standard support. That means the five gigahertz band has a speed of 1,300 megahertz and the 2.5 gigahertz band has a speed of 600 megahertz. But is this router capable enough of holding against most of the top tier routers that we have already listed? Let’s find out.

As soon as you set your eyes on this router, you will remember the classic design and color scheme that has been gracing the routers from Linksys for quite some time. If you are thinking about putting this router on a work desk, you may have to clear some space as this is probably one of the largest routers we have seen in a while.

The router has four antennas and the firmware it ships with can be replaced by a completely custom firmware from a user. As soon as you take the router out of the box, you will experience that the router happens to be one of the fastest routers available in the market. It’s easy to set up and loaded with features. Linksys was also kind enough to add a full capability of doubling up this router as a NAS. However, that’s not the greatest thing about this device. The best thing about this router is that the NAS performance is unsurpassed when compared to all the other wireless routers we have been testing. Not to mention that it also supports UPnP (Universal Plug and Play) and DLNA. Last, the performance on both bands is incredible. This router performs without any hiccups.

Even the Experts are in love with this wireless router. You can read the article by Samara Lynn on PCMag. It’s rated as excellent and got a 4.5 rating.

Conclusion

So is this router perfect? Apart from some minor subjective flaws like a massive, bulky design, there isn’t much to write bad things about for this product. The router emerged victorious in almost all the testing we have done and managed to perform without crashing on us. The software experience might confuse those who are not experts and at the same time, might be lacking for network enthusiasts. With that said, if you have the money, and you’re looking for a capable router, this one’s your best bet.
Pros
  • The router comes with incredibly powerful hardware.
  • Wi-Fi range is fantastic and delivers excellent speed.
  • The NAS performance is probably the best we have seen.
  • The design is retro and will please those who do it for the aesthetics.
Cons
  • Price might be a bother for some.
  • The default software is confusing for the newcomers, and lacking for the enthusiasts.

9. TP-Link Archer C7 – Best Budget Wireless Router 2019 (Under 100 Bucks)

TP-LINK Archer C7 Review

TP-LINK Archer C7 AC1750 is the best budget wifi router out there (Under $100).

The router is perfect for people who want to enjoy internet gaming and streaming because it has a combined speed of 1.75 Gbps.

The router is stylish and performs incredibly at every task thrown at it. For those who are looking at the perfect price and performance ratio, this router is a fabulous choice.

Considering how it’s an entry level router, the build quality isn’t all that good, and the router seems flimsy. Even though the build quality appears to be average at best, the router has a large footprint. So make sure that where you place the router, it has enough space for itself.

Moving on to the thing that matters, keep in mind that it happens to be a dual-band router. The router has a total of 6 antennas, and 3 of them are external while the remaining ones are internal. The increased number of antennas are perfect for giving you a respectable amount of Wi-Fi range, and the speed happens to be acceptable enough. The router also comes with average NAS capability.

TP-Link Archer C7 (Distance from Router vs Speed Test on LenovoYoga 14)2.4 GHz5 GHz5 GHz (#2)05010015020025012 Feet (Within Sight)45 Feet (Within Sight)39 Feet (Out of Sight)15 Feet (Out of Sight)2nd StorySpeed in Mbps (Bigger Bars are better)

Bands2.4 GHz5 GHz5 GHz (#2)
12 Feet (Within Sight)85215
45 Feet (Within Sight)80170
39 Feet (Out of Sight)3873
15 Feet (Out of Sight)82175
2nd Story3669
What’s lacking is that despite the price you are going to pay for the router, you won’t be getting an awful lot of features. Then again, TP-Link aimed this router towards the entry level and budget oriented consumers who just want to have a good wireless router that has decent enough performance when it comes to streaming and online gaming with ease.
Pros
  • Excellent price to performance ratio
  • Respectable performance on both the bands
  • Good performance with streaming and online gaming
  • NAS capability is a good addition
Cons
  • Average build quality (All Plastic)

10. Apple AirPort Extreme Base Station – Elegant and Unique in Looks

Apple AirPort Extreme ME918LL Review

The last in our list is all the way from Apple.

For those who are wondering if this router made it here by accident, it didn’t. Apple has a wireless router, and it’s decent. The router is unconventionally named AirPort Extreme Base Station. So, how does this router fair against other routers in the list? Well, let’s find out.

Let’s start off by how this router looks. Why? Because this is something coming out of Apple’s very own helm, and you should know that the router looks exactly like something made by Apple. Looks apart, the router is very capable and performs well. Do keep in mind that it’s a dual band router and supports the latest Wi-Fi standards as well. The router performed incredibly fast with all the tests thrown at it. Another great thing about this router is the amount of Wi-Fi stability and speed it provides. To be honest, Apple truly outdid themselves with this router as it has everything in the right spot.

As for the downsides of this router, there are none that will make you reconsider your decision of buying this router. The only complaint we have is that the router could have been a decent upgrade over its predecessors. Although it’s fast and fantastic, the upgrades seem subjective.

Final Verdict

The router is probably one of the best routers from Apple till date. It offers fast and stable performance and doesn’t create any issues.
Pros
  • The router is a definitive looker.
  • The performance it offers is speedy and impeccable.
  • Very easy to set up and even easier to use.
Cons
  • All the upgrades over the predecessor happen to be subjective.

Wireless Router Buyer’s Guide

If you keep the before points in mind, you can easily go out to the market and buy a wireless router, right? No!

For those who don’t know, wireless routers come with several things you need to consider before you spend hard earned money. They have different available speeds as well as different WiFi standards and support for multiple bands.

What is the technology behind a wireless Router?

A wireless router is a device that allows you connect to your modem and the gadgets you have at the home, office, or outdoors through wireless connections to the Internet at the same time.

A wireless router serves you more benefits than just connecting your many gadgets to the web all at once. You need up-to-date information about wireless router just before getting one because there are additional features you need to consider.

Below is complete information about the standard features of your wireless router and how they are of advantage to you.

best wireless routers 2016

To make things easier for you, below is the list of “Factors” you will encounter in the market along with their brief descriptions.

Range of Wireless Routers

The measure of the distance the signal covers from the router is the range. The manufacturers usually test the range in a lab-type setting, and the real range after a setup at home or in the office is expected to be a little lower than anticipated. This difference in the range value is due to some factors which include the proximity of the router to a wall or an obstruction, interference from mobile phone signal, baby monitors, the presence of different forms of radio waves and other possible factors. Under a normal household situation, a good wireless router should have a range of up to 4572cm (150ft) indoor and a little less than that outdoor.

The range of the router is also strongly affected by the type of antenna used in the broadcasting signal from the router. In the case of the Asus RT-AC88U Dual-Band, router range is up to 90144cm (300ft) indoor at standard conditions, provided there’s no interference. You can see the antenna section below to learn more about how the router antenna type affects the wireless signal and range.

Single Band, Dual-Band or Tri-Band

There are three available bands on a wireless router; single band, dual-band and the tri-band. The band of your wireless router is the particular (wireless) frequency (in gigahertz) at which the router sends out its signal to the modems. In a single band, this frequency can be either of 2.4Ghz or 5Ghz. A dual-band has its frequency at both 2.4Ghz and 5Ghz, while the tri-band adds an extra 5Ghz frequency. For this reason, the tri-band guarantees more signal.

The dual-band or tri-band router delivers more options for wireless internet connection, but this doesn’t come without its shortcomings. Although strong, the 5Ghz frequency has a lower range compared to the 2.4Ghz frequency. This rate is good enough for indoor wireless connection as most gadgets are within short range. Within the house, you will enjoy the wireless signal and indeed run into less interference. However, when you step out of the house, you might not enjoy it so much. Another con of the 5Ghz frequency is that there are fewer devices that can connect to this frequency.

A wireless router with multiple frequencies has more of an advantage in a place where there are many routers or a congested area. The signal strength from a router with multiple frequencies will help your wireless router deliver to your gadgets, regardless of the congestion or interference within the area. In an urban setting, especially in cities, a wireless router with a dual-band or tri-band is a necessity. Although not all devices can work with the 5Ghz frequency, with the dual-band or your tri-band your device has the option of choosing the alternative 2.4Ghz frequency. The D-Link DIR 890L Tri-Band router is on one of the best tri-band routers in the market

A, B, G, N, AC

There are four standard wireless signals which are; 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n, and 802.11ac. The strength of the wireless signal increases with the alphabet. That means that the 802.11a has the least wireless signal strength while the 802.11ac has the highest wireless signal strength. The 802.11ac is the most recent version of the wireless signal. This recent release means that most new gadgets can easily connect to the signal. It’s expedient that you adjust the setting of your router to allow devices with a lower signal strength to connect. Now that is important because most devices use the older but most stable 802.11g. For this reason, you should adjust your router settings to broadcast old signals.

802.11a802.11b802.11g802.11n802.11ac
802.11a, transmits the wireless signal at a frequency of 5Ghz and with a data transfer rate of 54Mbps (megabytes per second). It is an IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) wireless networking standard.
802.11b, is also an IEEE wireless networking standard but it broadcasts the wireless signal at a frequency of 2.4Ghz, with a maximum transfer rate of 11Mbps.
802.11g, like the 802.11b is an IEEE wireless with a broadcasting frequency of 2.4Ghz but at a maximum data rate of 54Mbps.
802.11n, unlike the other wireless signals, uses Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) technology to boost its signal strength. It has a faster data transfer rate maximum of up to 600Mbps.

802.11ac termed the fifth generation Wi-Fi, the 802.11ac is a massive upgrade on the 802.11b. It uses a version the MIMO called Muti-User MIMO with a broadcasting frequency of 5GHZ and has a maximum transfer rate of 867Mbps.

The ASUS RT-AC3200 Tri-Band is one of the few routers that work with the new 802.11ac standard with backward compatibility to older standards.

Security of Wireless Routers

In setting up your wireless router, security is something that is very important. Primarily, this is because a power security setup keeps your information private. When picking up your wireless router, keep in mind to pick one with a reliable security protocol. One that helps protect your connection and privacy.

You have one of three options to choose from when it comes to the security of your wireless router.

These security protocols include; WEP, WPA, and WPA2. These security protocols are at different levels, and they require varying levels of an access code.

WEP (wired equivalent privacy)WPA (Wi-Fi protected access)

WEP security protocol encrypts the radio waves connection through a point-to-point transmission to secure the wireless network.

The security guarantees data confidentiality in using a wireless connection. In WEP security protocol, a PSK (pre-shared key) or a pass code is required to establish a connection between the wireless router and the gadgets (mobile devices or PCs).

WPA is a more secure protocol than WEP. However, it’s similar to WEP in that it also uses the point-to-point transmission to encrypt the radio waves connection. Although, it’s different because the PSK or pass code is not as easy to decrypt and harder to decode. The WPA uses TKIP (Temporal key integration protocol) which makes use of a per-packet key. That means it uniquely generates a new 128-bit key for each packet and thus prevents the types of attacks that compromised WEP.

The WPA2 is a more secure protocol introduced to deliver a stronger wireless security than WPA. WAP2 has more robust encryption that guarantees better security by using AES (advanced encryption standard).

Out there on the market are several wireless routers with additional security than just WEP, WPA, and WPA2. It boils down to your use of the security measures but also in getting a good wireless router to assist you in making informed decisions concerning the security of your wireless connection.

All modern routers in the market offer the security features stated above, but the Linksys WRT1900ACS DD-WRT Dual-Band is a good choice.

USB FunctionalityWired PortAntenna typeMIMOIPv6

Some wireless routers do come with USB port(s) to allow direct connection and use of the wireless network through the USB cable. For instance, the NETGEAR Nighthawk R8000 Tri-Band router comes with a USB port to allow connection between the router and your device. This USB functionality permits the sharing of a file using NAS (Network attached storage) between devices through a wireless connection.

In wireless connections to printers, this is used a lot. Of course, you may not need a router with this USB functionality, but it’s always a wise choice to get one.

You may never know when the need will arise.

Most wireless routers come with a wired port that is an addition to the wireless functionality for aiding wired internet connection to a nearby PC. This feature has the extra advantage of no interference as the connection made is through the cable. There is also an advantage of more data transfer speed and reliability. The better advice is to get a router that can connect to a wireless connection and the wired LAN (local area network) port. This way you will have a secure connection even with interference and congestion. Most routers come with about four wired port, but the Asus RT-AC88U Dual-Band has 8 LAN ports

Routers without wired ports are a lot similar to access points. An access point will provide just the wireless connection without actually supplying internet connection itself. Access points connect internet service from a router to any connecting device. An access point is only useful if you already have a router at home or nearby. It will help transmit the signal from the router.

So be watchful when buying a wireless router without a wired point. Make sure you are getting a router, not just an access point.

Just before buying that router, you may want to consider the antenna type. Basically, for a router, there are two types of antennas: internal and external. The internal antenna is encased in the router as the external router sticks out just a bit on the device. Most routers come with the encased internal antenna mainly because it looks modern and stylish. You don’t want a router with a satellite hanging on it.

Generally speaking though, the internal antenna appeals more to the eye. However, recognized is the external antenna being able to deliver more with its wider range of a signal. You will choose between beauty and performance. For me, it’s performance over beauty. If you are also about performance, I suggest you take a look at the NETGEAR Nighthawk R8000 Tri-Band router.

Multiple in multiple out. MIMO is the latest technology in wireless router that allows fast data transfer and wide range coverage of signal. MIMO allows the inflow and broadcast of multiple signals at the same time. Think of it as twenty men doing the work of five. That’s exactly how MIMO works. Considering getting a router with the MIMO functionality? Then check out the Amped Wireless RTA2600 Athena MU-MIMO router.
With the fast evolution of internet technology, not so many IPv4 (internet protocol version 4) addresses will be available anymore. It will be a good idea to be sure that your router supports IPv6 just before making that purchase. It’s better to be in vogue than be outdated and frustrated with address exhaustion. The TP-Link Archer C7 is a budget router with most of the features listed above and also supports ipv6.

What to do now?

Modern wifi routers 2016

Now you have all the facts. Here is a quick review of what to look out for before getting that router.

  • Make sure your router has a comprehensive coverage. A minimum range of 4572cm (150ft) for indoor use is good enough.
  • Ensure your router has a dual band (broadband).
  • Your router should be able to broadcast 802.11n as well as older versions.
  • The router should be WAP2 secure.
  • Should have a USB functionality as well as wired port.
  • A suitable antenna type is a requirement. Preferably, an external antenna.
  • Must support IPv6.

Jay from Tactical Being wrote this buyer’s guide.

If you’re looking for tips, guides, tricks, and reviews all in the name of camping, Tactical Being is the place to be as they offer reviews and recommendations on just about every gear you need when you go hiking or camping.

Final Words – Wrapping it up

Considerably, the market of wireless routers has a lot of saturation, and finding the perfect wireless router is not easy. That’s when lists like these come into play. This top 10 list of routers kept in mind things such as the needs of a customer and how much they are willing to spend on a wireless router.

We hope the list helps you pick the best wireless router according to your budget. Keep in mind, there’s no such thing as a “perfect” component, which is why each router is built for the needs of different consumers. Within the list, there are routers for budget oriented consumers and for networking elites.

 

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