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With the advent of the internet of things (IoT), more and more devices are being connected to the internet. This has led to an increase in the number of wireless routers, which households and businesses need to connect to the internet. StreamOZ offers growth services for Twitch users who want to stand out from the many channels they compete with for views. If you’re looking for the best wireless routers, this buyer’s guide is for you. We’ll discuss the different types of wireless routers, as well as the features that make them unique. Ready to get started? Let’s go!
Choosing a new wireless router is like choosing a new president.
All potential candidates claim to solve all your problems, but you can vote in favor of only one.
Likewise, while shopping for a router, there are multiple concerns to address. The router which is brilliant for a small apartment might not work very well for a large house. If you are a gamer, you’d need better Wi-Fi speed than, let’s say, a streamer. All this while remembering what your budget is.
Feel like losing hope? This article will help.
We know what users want from their routers – specs such as huge coverage area, support for multiple devices, and good Wi-Fi speed. Armed with this piece of information, we’ve reviewed a list of the best routers on the market and selected ten of the best. Of the ten, we hope you’ll be able to choose the best for your situation.
Take a look.
Best Wireless Routers 2019
If you want to extend the range and speed of your home network, a good wireless router is a must. Regardless of the Wi-Fi devices, you connect to it, every router worth its salt will maintain its speed and range. However, if you want to get the best all-round wireless router from the market, you need to know which features separate the best from the riffraff.
Don’t know anything about those features? This table will help.
Device Name
Weight
Wireless Compatibility
Bands
Antennas
(External)
Synology Router (RT1900ac)
1.12 lbs
802.11 A/C, 802.11 a/b/g/n
Two
3
Check Price
TP-Link AC1900
(Editor’s Choice)
3 lbs
802.11 A/C, 802.11 a/b/g/n
Two
3
Check Price
ASUS RT-AC88U
2.6 lbs
802.11 A/C, 802.11 a/b/g/n
Two
4
Check Price
TP-Link Archer C9
0.5 lbs
802.11 a/b/g/n/ac
Two
3
Check Price
ASUS RT-ACRH13
0.55 lbs
802.11 AC
Two
4
Check Price
NETGEAR Orbi AC3000
(Comple Home Coverage)
3.92 lbs
802.11bgn, 802.11 a/g/n/ac, 2.4 GHz Radio Frequency
Three
0
Check Price
TP-Link AC1200
(Under $50)
1.39 lbs
802.11ac, 802.11 a/b/g/n
Two
2
Check Price
TRENDnet AC2600
3.15 lbs
802.11ac, 802.11 a/b/g/n
Two
4
Check Price
Linksys AC1900
2.05 lbs
802.11 A/C
Two
3
Check Price
Linksys EA6350
(Best Value)
1 lb.
802.11 a/b/g/n/ac
Two
2
Check Price
Find the table confusing? Don’t worry, it has two important facts to tell you. First, if you want a router for a big home, go for the three band Netgear Orbi. Supporting virtually every Wi-Fi the world has ever seen, this router will eliminate all Wi-Fi dead zones in your home.
Second, if you don’t have a very big home – but still want good signal strength, go for the router which has more antennas. The greater the number of antennas, The greater the range of Wi-Fi signals.
Still, the table doesn’t tell the full story about these devices, which is why you need to read the reviews mentioned below before making a decision.
1. Synology RT1900ac – Best for Small Business
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What does a small business owner want from their wireless router?
Three things.
First, he wants it to provide consistent speed over a small number of devices. Second, he wants it to cover the range of his entire office. Third, he wants to have full control over it. Luckily, the Synology RT1900ac provide all three.
Features
Since this router’s price is anything but cheap, you should expect it to do everything that other high-end routers do. And just what is it that high-end routers provide? Breathtaking speed.
Thankfully, in addition to its dual-band connectivity – which is a guarantee of good speed, this router has features like beamforming and Quality of Service to ensure good speed. Therefore, regardless of the number of users in your office, you’d never find the speed of this device wanting.
Not stopping there in its quest for unlimited Wi-Fi speed, Synology RT1900ac has gone for 802.11ac Wi-Fi. As experts might say, this Wi-Fi device provides more speed than any other over the history of the internet. This feature is a must-have for business owners whose entire business is online, and who cannot afford any disruption in their Wi-Fi.
Since you’d be the one paying bills, the RT1900ac gives you complete control over the wireless signals it churns out. It has a parental control filter which you can use in your office to keep distracting websites at bay. If you are not in theoffice, you can take advantage of its Smartphone which can manage things on the go.
More importantly, to ensure you know who is using the internet on your premises, the RT1900ac has opted for a RADIUS server. Enabling this feature would require anyone trying to use the Wi-Fi to pass through an authentication process. Consequently, you can make sure that only your employees can have access to that Wi-Fi.
As is the case with any dual-band router, the range of wireless signals on the 5GHz band is on the lower side. You may have to switch to the slower, 2.4GHz to get signals in locations away from the router.
Pros
Interface is excellent
Gives you complete control over the Wi-Fi
Has beamforming and Quality of Service for better Wi-Fi speed
Comes with a smartphone app
Cons
The 5GHz band range could be better
Though it has an expensive price tag for an individual user, the price of the RT1900ac is reasonable for business users. It offers a plethora of management and connectivity features but has a user-friendly interface to allow you manage things easily.
TP-Link AC1900
Buy on Amazon$95.97
2. TP-Link AC1900 – Best Router for Streaming Movies and Music
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What’s the reason why the AC1900 is selling like hot cakes on Amazon? Is it the price? Certainly not, as this router is anything but inexpensive. Look closely at its feature set, and you’d know that most of its users are raving about the streaming speed of this router’s signals.
But what are those features, I hear you ask? Let’s find out.
Features
Tell me : what infuriates you the most while streaming movies on Netflix? Yup, buffering. Though you may not like it, even some dual-band routers have this problem. Why? Well, because they don’t offer “simultaneous” dual-band connectivity.
Thankfully, the AC1900 provides just that. It won’t ask you to switch to either the 5GHz or the 2.4GHz band manually, either. Rather, depending on the data your device may be consuming at that time, it would automatically select the best band for the task. The result of this automation? Neckbreaking Wi-Fi speed.
While the Wi-Fi speed will make sure you can stream music from the internet, there are three dual-band antennas to provide maximum signal strength. Not only that, but all antennas are detachable, meaning you can replace them if their performance doesn’t meet your requirements.
To let you get through the installation process with ease, this router comes with a TP-Link Tether App. That said, the app does much more than guide you through the installation process. For example, it lets you set parental controls, activate beamforming, find out which device is using how much data, and much more.
Provided you want to allocate specific bandwidths for each device, you can do that with the app as well. Therefore, to say that this app gives you total control over your router wouldn’t be an exaggeration.
The AC1900 comes with preset settings. That is, it might be the case that you have a2.4GHz band already allocated. Until you go into the user interface and turn it off, you won’t be able to use simultaneous bands.
Pros
Comes with a User Friendly App
Allocate bandwidth to each device
Has the latest 802.11ac Wi-Fi
Simultaneously use both bands
Cons
Some default settings might need to be changed before you start using this router.
If you want a router which gives you wired and wireless connections without interruption – or that which can send strong Wi-Fi signals through the home, the AC1900 is worthy of your attention.
ASUS RT-AC88U
Buy on Amazon$249.40
3. ASUS RT-AC88U – Best All-Around Router for Gaming
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Ask an online gamer you know – and provided they are honest, you’ll hear tales of the money spent on getting the best router for gaming, only to find out that it wasn’t. In case you want to take heed from their experience – and want a perfect router for online gaming – the ASUS RT-AC88U would suit you well.
Features
In case you were wondering, the reason why we called this router the best for gaming is its QAM Technology. In simple words, having this technology means that this router is capable of providing more speeds, at both bands.
Yes, AT BOTH BANDS. It doesn’t matter whether your device is latest or not (it also won’t matter while it supports the latest 5GHz band or not) you can still, and I repeat myself, STILL get 60% more speed on the 2.4GHz band. Hence, in light of this feature, we can say with certainty that the RT AC88U won’t discriminate while churning out speed for all devices.
What’s more, if you like playing in the den but your router is placed in the living room, the AC88U would still find your device and send it full signals. How? This is where its four antennas come into play. Able to be molded to get the best signal strength, these antennas would wipe out any Wi-Fi dead zone from your home.
If you have a large friend circle, all of whom use Wi-Fi intensively on their laptops, you can save the Wi-Fi for yourself by using the eight gigabit LAN ports which accompany this router. All these ports give internet signals to wired devices, thereby reducing their potential load on the Wi-Fi.
Lastly, to make sure you suffer no dikes midway through the game, the RT-AC88U uses MU-MIMO technology. Instead of you taking pains to find out which Wi-Fi band works best for which application, let MU-MIMO technology decide it and you’d never experience any midgame internet breakdown.
Having delivered all the bells and whistles perfectly, it seems to me that AC88U faltered on trivial details. For, the position of the USB port is awkward, while the performance of NAS is bang average.
Pros
Has eight Gigabit LAN Ports
More Wi-Fi speed than other dual band routers
Impressive signal range thanks to four antennas
Automatically allocates data based on consumption history thanks to MU-MIMO
Cons
The position of the USB port is awkward
Though it costs a fortune, the RT-AC88U has everything a hardcore gamer or geek might want in their router. Therefore, if you can afford it, don’t leave it.
4. NETGEAR AC1750 – Best for Streaming
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Are you a Game of Thrones fanatic? Love streaming your favorite shows on Netflix? Want a router which, apart from giving the best wireless signals, provides the best Wi-Fi security? If your answers to all these questions are in the affirmative, make sure to get the Netgear AC1750.
Features
So what is it that the AC1750 is good at? Answer: everything.
Seriously, once you install this router in your home, you’ll testify to the veracity of this claim. To make sure you do just that, I’d like to point out the usefulness of the AC1750’s antennas.
First thing first, they are not ordinary antennas, and no, you cannot replace them. Anyway, why replace antennas when they are as high gain and high powered as the three jutting atop this router. As you might guess, they aren’t just showpieces, added to increase the beauty of the router.
What they do, rather, is increase its signal strength. If you cannot afford to place the router in your room, just tinker with the orientation of antennas. Afterward, you’ll receive as many signals as you would if the router was indeed placed in your room.
As streamer, you will like that because, the Wi-Fi coverage is extended and the connection is stable for voice and HD video.
Once this router arrives at your doorstep, it would take less than ten minutes to get it up and running. The reason?
Say hello to the Netgear Up app.
Supplementing the Netgear Genie app, which allows management of the device from remote locations, the Netgear Up App makes the setup of this router a cinch.
Once you get this router up and running, you’ll never yearn for more signal strength thanks to beamforming.
Just as scandals follow President Trump, beamforming will make sure the wireless signals follow the connected devices.
As a result, whether you’re sitting up next to the router or away from it in your room, signal strength would always be flawless.
Even for a router which doesn’t cost much, providing a USB 2.0 port and only one at that, doesn’t do justice to Netgear’s lofty reputation.
Pros
Allows formation of guest networks
Beamforming technology to track down connected devices
Prioritizes traffic to reduce video buffering
Uses the latest 802.11AC
Cons
The USB 2.0 port makes slows down everything it touches
For those of you who want all the bells and whistles of a modern router but don’t want to pay the astronomical price demanded these days, go for the Netgear AC1900.
5. ASUS RT-ACRH13 – Best Router for Sharing Files, Videos, and Photos
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Although we are in 2019, some routers still opt for USB 2.0ports, making file transfers almost impossible. Luckily, to balance those devices, routers like ACRH13 exist, allowing you to share seamlessly. Therefore, if you want your router to act as a sharing hub, go for the RT-ARCH 13.
Features
What is it that makes the ARCH 13 the best for sharing photos, videos, and files, we hear you ask? Well, the key lies in its USB port. Relegating the USB 2.0port to the dustbin of history, ASUS has opted for the 3.0 port in this device. Consequently, be it transferring a collage of photos or a compilation of videos, this router will make sharing a snap.
However, if you are not into sharing files, the RT-ARCH13 still has something to offer. Look, for example, at the intuitive ASUS app which does things you may not have seen an app doing before. For instance, it tells you the exact Wi-Fi speed your router is churning at any moment.
Second, you can see how many devices are connected to the device. Finally, you can upgrade or downgrade the bandwidth limit of any device using it. In light of these features, it wouldn’t be wrong to say that this app gives you complete control over the device.
Making sure you cannot ignore this router, ASUS has provided it with 2*2MU-MIMO technology. Put simply, this technology means that the router will provide simultaneous dual-band connectivity. So, if you’re sitting at a distance from the router, the MU-MIMO will send you the 2GHz band famous for its range.
Conversely, if you’re sitting close to the router and playing online games, it would send you the speedier 5GHz band. Thus, be it more signal range or better Wi-Fi speed, the MU-MIMO technology will provide both.
That said, you don’t have to rely only on the MU-MIMO technology for better signal range. Rather, it is the four external antennas which would increase signal strength.
As you’ll see in the buyer’s guide, we have waxed poetic about the importance of custom firmware. Apart from providing security, they increase the shelf life of your device. Sadly, the ARCH13 doesn’t support some of them.
Pros
Has the MU-MIMO Feature
USB 3.0port for speedy file transfers
Intuitive ASUS app gives you complete control over the router
Inexpensive
Cons
Won’t support some custom firmware
Despite being inexpensive, the ARCH13 has features – such as MU MIMO and beamforming – which are mostly the domain of high-priced routers. Therefore, if you don’t want to spend extra, go for this device.
6. NETGEAR Orbi AC3000 – Best for a Full Home Coverage
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If anything, including this device in the list of ordinary routers, is a disservice to all its features. A mere glance at its features and any homeowner would know that the Netgear Orbi is a perfect choice.
Features
First thing first, the Netgear Orbi would stretch the Wi-Fi coverage further than you can expect from any normal router, which means you’ll get a full home ISP. The reason for this?
It has two routers operating in tandem for strong signals. Yes, while the first router will act as your modem to give solid Wi-Fi signals, the second, acting as an extender, will extend the signals, thereby suiting heavy household consumption.
Did we just say Wi-Fi extender? You bet we did. However, what we didn’t say was this Wi-Fi extender would give the same disappointing performance and mediocre speed as any other available in the market. Check here our list of best wi-fi extender of 2019.
Rather, with the NetgearOrbi, you’ll get a stunningly fast Wi-Fi and a totally seamless setup. As a result, no place in your entire home would be left behind in a weak Wi-Fi zone.
The secret to the high-end performance this router lies in its three bands.
Dual-band Connectivity
Yes, not settling at dual-band connectivity, Netgear has provided each router with one 2.4GHz and two 5GHz bands. However, you’d only be getting one of the two 5GHz bands since the other one will be used for communication between the routers.
Thanks to this wireless backhaul, the Orbi has been able to mitigate the problems you normally experience with conventional Wi-Fi extenders. For example, instead of relying on a single band for communication, it uses both, therefore amplifying its performance.
One of the best things I liked about the Orbi was that it uses a single SSID (Wi-Fi name/password). So, whether you’re in thedomain of the original router or the extender, your device will automatically connect to the nearest one. There is no need to manually connect to either.
Performance
As for its performance, the Netgear Orbi shows the way to Google Wi-Fi. When we tested it at a distance of 30feet with restrictions posed by two walls, we were getting 430MBPS from this router. This speed was double of what the Google Wi-Fi provided us with.
Another area where Orbi differentiates itself from other multi-router systems is with the customization it offers. Just like the freedom you enjoy with a single router, the double-router Orbi lets you play around with any of the settings in its web-based interface.
That includes adding parental controls, blocking specific users or websites, and port forwarding. More importantly, you can turn on/off MU MIMO as well as beamforming.
To dive into all these settings, all you have to pass through is a simple guide, one which would run on your screen when you enter Orbi’s web based interface for the first time.
For all the bells and whistles the Netgear Orbi has, it comes with a smartphone app which has limited functionality. That means you might have to turn to its web-based interface every time you want to tinker with some serious stuff.
That said, if you are using it for home networking (meaning you won’t have much to do in its advanced settings)these problems in this satellite device should pose no concerns to you.
Pros
Very easy to install the Orbi and get it up and running
MU MIMO capable
Easy to configure
Unprecedented signal range without any Wi-Fi speed drop offs.
Stunning performance
Cons
Expensive
Smartphone app has limited functionality
Even when you ignore its mesh extension, the Netgear Orbi is one of the fastest as well as the most powerful routers you’ll ever see. If you can afford to foot its bill, there is no reason why you should let it pass.
7. TP-Link AC1200 – Best Under $50
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If you have a tight budget and want a router in the sub $50 price range but still want it to provide the Wi-Fi speed necessary for effortless surfing, the TP-Link AC1200 might be your best choice.
Features
A far cry from most routers which come for less than $50, the AC1200 has opted for the latest 802.11ac Wi-Fi. Going for the latest Wi-Fi has done two things in favor of this router.
First, it has enabled it to provide speed with which you can effortlessly browse videos on Netflix. Second, due to the range of its signals, the 802.11ac would leave no Wi-Fi dead zones in your home.
Dual-band technology
Another important feature of this router is the dual-band technology. Provided you have an internet connection which provides the maximum (theoretical) speed of 800Mbps, you can get the same speed on your device using this router.
If you think that the performance of this router was the only thing enviable, you haven’t experienced its setup phase. Armed with the TP-Link Tether App, the whole installation process should be over in less than 10 minutes.
Tether App
That said, the Tether App does much more than just getting the device up and running.
Once the device has started churning out signals, you can monitor its performance using the app. (Check our list of best routers under 50 bucks)
You can check how many users are connected to your device at any time. Similarly, you can activate parental controls or block specific users from the device. Finally, you can set up a separate network with different SSID and Password for guests.
With price comes all the goods but since this unit is inexpensive, all it offers in extra features is a USB 2.0 port. There is no beamforming or MU MIMO technology, and even the file transfer rates are relatively slow.
Pros
Tether App lets you install the device in a few minutes
Offers Quality of Service and Guest Networking
Inexpensive
Dual-band connectivity
Cons
File transfer rates are slow thanks to USB2.0 port
Though it doesn’t have any bells and whistles, the TP-Link AC1200 does a very good job when you compare its performance with other routers in the same price spectrum.
8. TRENDnet AC2600 MU-MIMO – Best for Small Apartments
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What does a router need to do to be the best for cramped, small apartments?
Since a small apartment doesn’t have the space for a big-sized router suited for a larger house, it needs a router with very strong signals that won’t get blocked by walls or furniture. With its four high gain antennas, MU-MIMO technology, and a dual-core processor, the Trend net AC2600 does just that.
Features
Let’s talk first about the feature which has made the AC2600 a darling of small apartment residents–its Qualcomm Stream Boost Technology. Operating on its own, this technology measures the data consumption of each connected user separately, a feature which turns it into a hip home accessory.
Based on the data it has collected – and just like you would expect in a “best” list router–it allocates bandwidth to each device. So, if you are using Facebook, you’ll get less data (though it would be enough to browse Facebook) than a user who is playing online games. In this way, the AC2600 manages to keep every user happy.
Go into its management settings and you’ll see how easily AC2600 is to manage. Even if you aren’t a computer nerd, it easily lets you select settings like parental controls and guest networking. For the nerds, a visit to the Advanced Wireless Option will let them manage firewall settings, Beacon Period, and much more.
If you like sharing, this router, in addition to a USB 3.0port, has a built-in bit torrent. Attach an external hard drive to the router and the bit torrent will download anything on your command. Furthermore, there is a USB menu which lets you access iTunes and FTP file sharing.
If you are a small apartment owner who just hates organizing things, you’ll love the four detachable antennas. Rated at 3dBi, all the antennas can be aimed to increase signal strength. If you end up thinking their performance is unsatisfactory, just unscrew and replace them.
Users have complained of two things regarding the AC2600. First, every time they logged in to interface pages, there were slow to start up. Second, the setup of this device is anything but easy.
Pros
Provides Quad Stream Transmission
Brilliant Throughput
Comes with a three year warranty
Have detachable antennas
Cons
Setup is difficult
For small apartment residents who want to fill their space with Wi-Fi signals, the TRENDnet AC2600 is the best option. It has a brilliant throughput and gives you complete control over its settings.
9. Linksys AC1900 Dual Band Wireless Router – Best for Large Homes
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Strong signals, faster speeds and satisfying a big home network–three features a router must have to satisfy the wireless appetite of large, multi-story homes which have several people simultaneously streaming internet.
Will the Linksys AC1900 do that? Is it able to provide a large home with high-speed Wi-Fi coverage and strong signals?
Let’s find out.
Features
Multi-stories, multiple people, and numerous connected devices–this is what a large home network is made of. To provide fast speeds for all, a router has to be capable of catering to high Wi-Fi traffic.
Luckily, the Linksys AC1900 does just that, thanks to its MU-MIMO technology. Supplemented with the AC Wi-Fi, the MU–MIMO allows the device to send and receive signals from 12devices simultaneously. This amount of traffic capability is unheard of in simple routers, most of whom can send/receive signals from just one device.
Apart from the MU-MIMO technology, this router has all the bells and whistles to be tagged as a modern router. It has a couple of USB ports for sharing purposes and 5GB Ethernet ports to connect wired devices just to name a few.
As is the case with every Linksys device, setting up the AC1900 was a breeze. Once you have connected everything, just log onto 192.168.1.1 and you’ll start the setup process. Once you’ve started it, the whole process is essentially over in a few minutes.
The AC1900 router also has the Linksys Smart Wi-Fi user interface. For those unfamiliar with it, this software offers a good balance of control and ease of use. It also allows changes to features such as QoS, Cloud Storage, Traffic Monitoring, and more.
Talking specifically about the QoS, it allows you to prioritize devices, not applications. This was very important since we wanted all devices to receive the best signals all the time. Others, such as gamers or those who stream online HD videos, could also find this feature useful.
Even if you don’t want to, the AC1900 would nudge you towards the Smart Wi-Fi service. I found the feature rather distasteful as it required me to enter my email address.
Pros
A cinch to set up
Performance is rock solid
MU MIMO sends/receive signals from 12 devices simultaneously
Has a USB 3.0port
Cons
Imposes Smart Wi-Fi service on you
If you live in a large home with multiple Wi-Fi users and numerous connected devices, this is the router you need. Despite churning out staggering Wi-Fi speeds, it doesn’t charge much for its services. If nothing else, this router is perfect for households with multiple people and many devices.
10. Linksys EA6350 – Best Value
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There was a time when only the high-end routers delivered services like Smart Wi-Fi and beamforming. However, as the features of EA6350 will show, that time is history. Nowadays, you can get brilliant service from a moderately-priced router as well.
Features
Starting with online threats and the ability of this router to keep you secure, it offers a dedicated parental control feature. In addition, there is a firewall and WPA/WPA2 encryption to make sure no online criminal can get into your network to steal your information.
In its quest for supreme online security, the EA6350 doesn’t stop there. Rather, by letting you create a guest network, it gives you the freedom to setup a different network for people you don’t trust with your details. As a result, if you are going to install it in your office, you could create one network for the employees and the other for guests.
Now that you’re relaxed about the level of security it provides, let’s turn our attention to this router’s performance. Once again, it doesn’t disappoint. Apart from the wireless AC technology, it has four gigabit ports to lower the burden on the Wi-Fi.
Then there is the dual-band connectivity promising superb speed and unprecedented signal range. To complement all this, the antennas are adjustable, which means you can adjust them to get the best signal strength.
If you still want more, this router delivers more, thanks to its beamforming technology. As stated above, this technology enables the signals to find connected devices and not the other way around.
Despite having a USB3.0 port, the file-transfer speeds weren’t up to par. Also, since the antennas are non-removable, you cannot replace them with their high-gain counterparts.
Pros
Competitive price
Easy to mange
Has Parental Controls and Guest Networking features
Beamforming for remarkable signal strength
Cons
Antennas are non-removable
It offers blazing Wi-Fi speed, fool proof online security, and a plethora of management features. Therefore, if you’re looking to get the best value for your money, we’d recommend the Linksys EA6350.
Wireless Router Buying Guide
When reading the product reviews, you may have encountered some terms whose meanings were alien to you. To make sure you know what they mean and how these things will help you, this buying guide comes in handy.
Single Band or Dual Band Wi-Fi Connectivity?
As a mere glance at their price tags might suggest, not all routers have the same specs. While some of them can send and receive frequencies over a single band, others use two. As router users may know, routers having dual-band have obvious advantages over those which rely on single bands.
The most important reason why people go for dual band routers is a range. Since they use both the 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands, dual band routers are capable of transmitting signals over longer ranges. That means if you want to eliminate Wi-Fi dead zones in your home, go for a dual band router.
Second, if your device supports 5GHz band, you’ll be able to get more speed out of a dual-band router. That being said, only the latest of devices support this band, which means that if your device was bought a few years ago, there is a very good chance that it won’t connect to the 5GHz band.
In summary, there are two things which you need to remember when deciding between single and dual band routers. First, if you want more range, go for a dual-band router. Even if your device doesn’t support the 5GHz band, it would still benefit from the extended range of the 2.4GHz band that comes with a dual band router.
However, if you love online gaming and streaming, make sure that your device supports the 5GHz band. Otherwise, no matter how expensive a router you pick, it won’t give much speed. Conversely, for those of you who look for stronger Wi-Fi signals and are able to live with slow Wi-Fi speeds, choose a single band router.
Smartphone App
We personally use the Linksys dual-band Archer C60 router. Among other things, the Archer C60 comes with a smartphone app known as Tether. This application is not limited to just one router as all the Linksys routers come alongside it.
Having a router supplemented with a smartphone app has numerous advantages. For one, when setting up the router, the app helped at every step. Second, it gives the option to turn on the router’s features like dual-band, beamforming, MU-MIMO, and parental controls.
Thirdly, even when away from home, the router can be managed using the app. Finally, though we haven’t used this feature yet, the app allows for to creating guest networks.
This feature is especially useful for those who will be installing their new router in their office. By creating a separate network for guests, you’ll protect access to your data. Therefore, as far as we’re concerned, having a smartphone app beside the router has helped a great deal.
Open Source Firmware
Do you know that routers, just like iPhones, can stop working after a certain time period? Most people don’t because this is the feature most manufacturers want to hide from their users. After all, would you buy a router with an expiration date?
To make sure your router can last for ages, you can opt to have an open source firmware. Firmware protects your router from online attacks, thereby keeping your data secure. There are two types of firmware which come with routers: open source and closed source. The only difference between both types lies in the updates which they receive.
For instance, while you can update open source firmware by buying their updates, closed source firmware will only be updated when the manufacturer sends updates. Once the manufacturer stops sending updates (and they will after a few years), the device’s Wi-Fi technology is fair game for online hackers.
Additional Features
The more you can afford to pay, the more features a wireless router will dish out. Therefore, if you’re willing to pay more than average, look for a router which has 4 gigabit Ethernet ports. These ports take the pressure off your Wi-Fi by connecting devices with a wire.
If you are buying a router for office purposes, make sure it has a USB drive. This way, you can directly connect printers or similar devices directly to your router. Additionally, if you want to have stronger Wi-Fi signals which can provide enough Wi-Fi bandwidth for multiple users, try searching for a router which has removable antennas. Consequently, if the original antennas aren’t working as intended, you can replace them with higher-end parts.
Finally, if you love managing your Wi-Fi network, get a router that offers parental controls, guest-networks, and Quality of Service (QoS). Parental controls do as the name suggests and a guest-network feature in your router means you can form a separate network for your guests.
As for the Quality of Service (QoS) feature, you can prioritize devices to get more signal. That is, if you’re an online gamer, you can use this feature to make sure you get the most data, at the cost of your friend who is, let’s say, browsing Facebook.
Conclusion
Your search for the best wireless router ends here. Not only that, but to make sure that your router performs up to par, we selected routers that offer gigabit Ethernet ports. Provided your device supports Ethernet connection, you can use these ports to lower the burden on your Wi-Fi, further amplifying its performance.
