The In-Depth Buyer’s Guide
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If you need a router that supports both security and speed, the ASUS AC3100 will do well for you.More than performance, its AiProtection feature by Trend Micro provides added security to your network. A basic 802.11ac router that will provide fast wireless connection and not much else will cost $40 to $80. Expect to pay $80 to $150 for a mid-range 802.11ac wireless router, with a few added extras like apps for remote access or Alexa compatibility. The price of a high-end 802.11ac wireless router is roughly $150 to $350. These models should have a range of extra features, like a boosted signal range, multi-stage protection, game acceleration, and more. The 10 Best Wifi Routers for 2018. Share This Article. Best WiFi Routers under $400 8. ASUS RT-AC5300. In addition to app support, the router also comes with a CD for computer installation, something I definitely appreciated. A two-year warranty is icing on the cake, and invaluable for a major. The Best Mobile Apps for Watching Video The Best Baseball Apps to Follow the MLB 2018 Season 9 Best Food Tracking Apps Get Healthy With the 9 Best Fitness Tracker.
Contents
- 1 The TP-Link Archer A20 Smart Wi-Fi Router
- 2 How We Decided
- 3 Router Speed Test Results
- 4 Shopping Guide for Wireless Routers
- 5 How We Choose Wireless Routers That Are Best in Quality
- 6 What Else You Should Think About
Over 60+ Hours Testing & Reviewing The Best Wireless Routers
The TP-Link Archer A20 Smart Wi-Fi Router
In a world of smart homes and constantly connected devices, having a solid, reliable wireless router is crucial. Unfortunately you might be hard pressed to find the best wireless router on the market due to the sheer number of choices. This is why we went out and got our hands on the most popular models so we could narrow them down and find the top 5 wireless routers of 2019 for you. Our testing consisted of speed tests, performance at range and price. We even looked at cutting-edge features like MU-MIMO and mesh networking to get the full picture. After dozens of hours of testing on a variety of different devices, we’ve identified the TP-Link Archer A20 as the best wireless router of 2019 because of its blazing speeds and highly customizable feature set. Keep reading to learn more about this top-of-the-line router and our other four picks so you can stay connected to your internet and get the fastest speeds possible.
Test Results and Ratings
Product
Our Top Pick
TP-Link Archer A20 Smart Wi-Fi Router
Linksys AC1200
ASUS RT-AC88U
TP-Link Archer C5400X
Netgear Orbi
Rating
Pros
- Easy installation
- Amazon Alexa compatible
- Super-strong parental controls
- Super affordable price
- Excellent 5GHz throughput
- Easy installation and network management
- MU-MIMO enabled
- Fast throughput at long range
- Tons of ports
- Stellar performance
- Tri-band functionality
- Tons of customization options
- Best performance on the list
- MU-MIMO enabled
- Easy to set up and configure
Cons
- 5GHz performance struggles at long range
- Bulky antennas
- Antennas aren’t removable
- More expensive than most
- Awkward USB port placement
- Less than average NAS performance
- Big and bulky
- Most expensive option on our list
- Antennas aren’t adjustable
- Actual units are really big
- Expensive when purchasing multiple units
- USB functionality is limited
Bottom Line
The TP-Link Archer A20 features a wide range of features and management settings that make it extremely easy to use, including compatibility with Amazon Alexa. All fo this adds up to one of the best wireless routers for 2019.
The Linksys AC1200 has no business being as fast as it is at this price, but every time we tested it, it blew away the competition in this cost tier. If you want a cheap router that will still keep your modem sweating through the heaviest of downloads, this is the one to get.
If you’re a speed fiend and you need long range, you’re not going to find another router on shelves that delivers the best combination of range, speed and reliability into the kind of convenient package you get with the ASUS RT-AC88U.
The TP-Link AC5400 might be a bit overkill for non-gamer households, but for serious gamers or media streamers who want to be able to use multiple devices in one area of the home at once, the MU-MIMO radio on this router is undoubtedly one of the best in the business.
The Netgear Orbi turns traditional router conventions on their head with a beautifully minimal (if a little large) design, insane speed test results and enough style to go around. If you’re trying to get full-home coverage, the Orbi mesh networking system is the router for you.
Top Speed
465 Mb/s
142 Mb/s
412 Mb/s
513 Mb/s
520 Mb/s
How We Decided
3 main factors come down to picking the top routers.
The signal strength, the number of onboard features, and the price.
200
Hours Tested
5
Experts Interviewed
$120-$380
Price Range
Editor’s Choice/Best Home Router
The Linksys WRT3200 ACM Smart Wi-Fi Router
Pros
- Friendly, nostalgiac design
- Good performance at short range
- Linksys Smart WiFi is still king of router software
Cons
- Could use more wired ports
- Ranged performance and reliability suffered
- High price for average internet users
Read more
As the direct descendant from last year’s #1 pick for the best wireless router, it’s no wonder why the latest Linksys WRT3200ACM wireless router quickly won over our hearts with its nostalgic design and exceptionally well-presented Smart Wi-Fi software suite. Whether it was setting a new firewall rule from the comfort of the Smart Wi-Fi smartphone app or the insane speeds of nearly 500Mbps at peak under ideal conditions, this is a wireless device that’s painfully simple to set up with a monster engine to back it up.
The design of the Linksys WRT3200ACM is straight out of 1998, and we love it all the more for it. It’s got the same purple-on-black color scheme we’ve all come to love from Linksys over the years, but still manages to keep things fresh and modern thanks to the addition of more angled, hard-cut lines around the shell.
Equipped with a 3200ACM radio, the throughput, reliability, and speed of our fiber connection were consistently posting results well above the curve of what any other router on this list could do. Sure, some might seem faster on paper, but from a day-to-day usage standpoint the level of quality you get from the Linksys WRT3200ACM still has yet to be matched.
If you need a well-rounded, fully-featured router then you’d be hard pressed to find anything that meets all the requirements for a better price than this. Sure, its range was a little weaker than we would have liked, but that small complaint aside, Linksys continues to knock the ball straight out of the park with another solid router in the Linksys 3200ACM – earning it the #1 spot on our list for the best routers of 2019!
Best Home Router
Rating: 4.5/5
Price: Check Price
Read Full Review: Linksys WRT3200ACM Router Review
Features: Dual-core 1.8 GHz processor, AC3200 transmission speeds, dual-band antennas
Bottom Line
The Linksys WRT3200ACM features a range of advancements and improvements over the original WRT54G that it emulates with its nostalgic design, and all of them add up to one of the best wireless routers for 2019.
Best Budget Wireless Router
TP-Link Archer C9 AC1900 Wireless AC Gigabit Router
Pros
- Hands down the best speed-to-price ratio we’ve seen yet
- Software and iOS app were simple to navigate, rich in content
- Seriously, these speeds are out of control
Cons
- Standing design is more obnoxious than cool
Read more
The TP-Link Archer C9 isn’t just one of the best budget routers you’ll find on this list, it’s one of the best routers we’ve ever tested…period. Don’t believe me? See our full review by clicking the link above. We were blown away by its download and upload speeds, especially at a distance of 20ft or less.
While I was testing, I noticed that the Archer C9 struggled with longer distance connections, or those that had to jump through a number of walls or ceilings before getting to the intended destination. This makes it a hard recommendation if you’re planning on running this as your only base station in a home that’s 1500 sq. ft. or larger.
But although it may not have as much range or stream reliability as some of the other contenders here, but what it lacks in signal strength it more than makes up for in raw, unadulterated speed. The Archer C9 is a top router for gaming, 4K streaming, or just light web browsing as long as you’re doing it in a 2-bedroom apartment or smaller. No matter how you want to use it, it’ll handle anything you throw its way as long as you’re in range.
Just note, those LED indicator status lights can be a bit pesky, especially in a dark room.
Best Budget Router
Rating: 4/5
Price: Check Price on Amazon
Read Full Review: TP-Link Archer C9 Review
Features: Compact design, user-friendly setup
Bottom Line
The Archer C9 has no business being as fast as it is at this price, but every time we tested it it blew away the competition in this cost tier. If you want a cheap router that will still keep your modem sweating through the heaviest of downloads, this is the one to get.
Top Wifi AC Router
Netgear Nighthawk X6 AC3200 WiFi Router
Pros
- Very fast in all download and upload scenarios
- Netgear’s Router Genie is a welcome departure from older configuration tools
- Extra features are plentiful
Cons
- Stealth bomber design may not be the best for everyone
- Wired speed performance didn’t perform as well expected
- Makes noise at load
Read more
Speaking of spaceships, Netgear’s Nighthawk X6 AC3200 wireless router has got a name and a shell to match. The Nighthawk looks like something straight out of a military piece of kit or something you’d find in the ruins of a long lost alien civilization, all business from front to back, draped in a coat of menacing matte black.
Of course, the Nighthawk wouldn’t have made it on the list just for looking cool alone. With six massive antennas jutting out from each side and a tri-band WiFi throughput that can self-designate which devices in your home should receive the most bandwidth all on its own, the Nighthawk takes most of the heavy lifting out of getting all the power you can out of your router with minimal setup required.
During our testing we found the one area the Nighthawk X6 excelled at beyond all else was in the range/reliability department. Thanks to its unapologetically huge array of antennas, the X6 had some of the best range results we’ve seen all year. It strikes the perfect balance of high performance and reasonable cost, however its more extreme design choices may not be the perfect fit for every home.
This is a router that’s much more suited to a den, office, or the garage, out of sight and out of mind. During tests we not only found that it was bright, but could even get a bit loud at times, with the onboard processor/fan combo whirring up to an audible hum each time we ran another speed evaluation.
Even so, the performance of the Nighthawk X6 is still enough to excuse it from these minor sins. As long as you’ve got a place to tuck it away where it won’t draw too much attention to itself (or have an all-black living room to match), this is definitely one of our favorite routers for larger homes who do a lot of streaming and gaming at the same time.
Top WiFi AC Router
Rating: 4/5
Price: Check Price on Amazon
Read Full Review: Netgear Nightawk X6 Review
Features: Six tri-band antennas, 1GHz dual-core processor
Bottom Line
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If you’re a speed-fiend, you’re not going to find another router on shelves that delivers the best combination of range, speed, reliability and price into the kind of convenient package you get with the Netgear Nighthawk X6 AC3200.
Ultimate Range Wireless Router
Linksys EA9500 Tri-Band MU-MIMO Router
Pros
- MU-MIMO capability helps with futureproofing
- Exceptional performance at all ranges
- Intuitive, well-designed software
Cons
- Premium, premium price to pay for a wireless router
- Bulky design may not fit where you want
- Nothing else to complain about here ;)
Read more
When we first got a gander at the insane specs on the new Linksys EA9500 Tri-Band MU-MIMO router, we were admittedly a little scared of what it would be capable of when we really opened it up on a pure fiber connection. Of course, those fears quickly (no pun intended) melted away as the router proceeded to blow every one of our tests clean out of the water with insane speeds, solid connection reliability, and extensive range that reached to every corner of our homes.
Plus, with the help of Linksys’ own Smart Wi-Fi dashboard, the additional options and features offered on the EA9500 continued to impress with flourish and flair unlike any other router on this list (except for other Linksys options, of course).
Admittedly, this router could be considered overkill for most households. Its higher price and almost confounding list of additional features could be an imposing entry point for the average consumer. We wouldn’t suggest the EA9500 to anyone who isn’t certain they need the absolute best-of-the-bleeding-edge-best, however if you need a lot of range and don’t mind dropping extra coin to get it, the Linksys EA9500 is quite simply one of the most powerful and feature-rich routers you can buy in 2019.
Best Range Router
Rating: 3.5/5
Price: Check Price on Amazon
Read Full Review: Linksys EA9500 Tri-Band MU-MIMO Review
Features: MU-MIMO beamforming technology, high-powered AC5400 speeds
Bottom Line
The Linksys EA9500 might be a bit overkill for most households, but for serious gamers or media streamers who want to be able to use multiple devices in one area of the home at once, the MU-MIMO radio on this router is undoubtedly one of the best in the business.
Best Mesh Networking Router
AmpliFi HD
Pros
- A clean and thoughtful design that is a joy to use (and look at)
- Solid performance at all ranges
- Intuitive setup and app UI
Cons
- Software was missing many core features
- HD model could be pricey for some
Read more
When I first laid eyes on the AmpliFi HD mesh networking system, I thought to myself “sure, it looks good, but there’s no way I’m getting any kind of performance out of that puny little box”. With a central base station that measures just 3.9″ on all sides (a perfect cube), this is a router that on its own could squeeze into just about any corner in your home without your guest being any the wiser.
That said, we can’t think of one reason why you wouldn’t want to make the AmpliFi a central star in your home’s decor. Everything from the Apple-white shell to the 1.5″ multicolored LCD display screams high-class networking at its finest. We’re not even sure that’s necessarily a category of routers yet, but if it is, AmpliFi is the one who invented it.
So how is the company able to push some of the best range and speed test results we’ve seen out of a router in 2019? The secret lies in a newer technology that’s just been introduced to the market over the past year or so (at least on a widespread scale), called “mesh networking”. Mesh routers and networking systems work by creating multiple antenna arrays that all communicate with one another, and plug into standard outlets wherever you need signal the most. That means instead of one base station with a bunch of antennas broadcasting from a single location, the responsibility of getting your whole house covered is instead spread out over a “mesh” of antennas.
You can add as many antennas as you need to a single hub, which makes it much easier to get a reliable signal no matter where you’re browsing from. Using its cleverly-designed antennas which are magnetized to the outlet (so they’ll just fall off if your dog or kid accidentally bumps it), the AmpliFi HD smashed all range and speed records we put in front of it, consistently performing above and beyond the call of duty.
The only drawback of the AmpliFi HD system is that instead of using a prebuilt dashboard, the company has started their own from scratch. This means many essential features like QoS management and parental controls are being piecemealed in over time, rather than being available straight out of the gate. If you’re someone with a big family and you want to keep an eye on their data usage or at least be able to better control what kinds of a content they can or can’t see on the web, you’re probably better off going with a Linksys model instead.
Best Mesh Router
Rating: 4.5/5
Price: Check Price on Amazon
Read Full Review: AmplFi Mesh HD Review
Features: Mesh networking, 1GHz dual-core processor, AC1300 radio
Bottom Line
The AmplifiHD turns traditional router conventions on their head with a beautifully minimal design, insane speed test results, and enough style to go around. If you’re trying to get full-home coverage without the full-home bulk, the Amplifi HD mesh networking system is the router for you.
Router Speed Test Results
Upload Speed 2.4Ghz
Download Speed 2.4Ghz
Upload Speed 5Ghz
Download Speed 5Ghz
Why You Should Buy a New Wireless Router
Wireless router technology has evolved rapidly in the past few years, incorporating a plethora of new wireless bands, transmission standards, and extra features that are all designed to keep up with the demands of a modern home.
Older routers that use b/g/n to transmit their signal aren’t built for the way people use their wireless networks these days, whether it be streaming Netflix in 4K, downloading file sizes that can stretch into the tens (if not hundreds) of gigabytes, or playing online games that demand the absolute lowest ping/latency possible to get you to the top of the local leaderboard.
If you find yourself running any of these activities but are constantly shaking a fist at your at the dreaded “buffering” symbol as it mocks you from the other side of the screen, a router upgrade could be just what you need to solve these problems and so many more.
Similarly, if you’re updating your smartphone every year to the latest model and splurging on a shiny new laptop shortly after, your router should get just as much consideration as any other technology you use on a daily basis.Your wireless router is the last boundary between your devices and the rest of the internet, which is why it’s important to ensure that it’s running the latest firmware with the best firewalls, and always has enough horsepower to spare whenever you tack on a new laptop or phone to your endlessly growing network of personal mobile technology.
Last, there’s the advent of features like MU-MIMO and mesh networking that should perk up the ears of anyone who’s considering upgrading their home network so far into the future that they won’t have to even think about router shopping for the next two years or more. Mesh networking in particular is probably one of the best reasons to upgrade in 2019, as it gives you a way to get signal in places like the basement, attic, or backyard which were previously thought to be total deadzones for all but the most powerful routers out there.
These reasons are just a few of the dozens that should give you all the motivation you need to look into investing in a new router this year!
Shopping Guide for Wireless Routers
When we went on the hunt for the best router in 2019, we measured dozens of different features, stats, and metrics against one another to come up with a list of the top five you’ll find on shelves today.
For starters, all the routers we chose must have a minimum bandwidth rating of 1900AC and pump out at least 200Mbps on the 5GHz spectrum. We made sure the router had a bevy of extra parental controls and firewall settings as well, so you can be sure your family is always protected when they’re on the web. Last but not least, contenders like our #1 pick the Linksys 3200ACM wireless router come with future-proof tech such as MU-MIMO, which ensures that you’re always getting the fastest possible connection no matter where you’re browsing from in the house.
To see why the AC3200ACM beat out the rest of the competition, continue reading on in our annual roundup of the best routers in 2019!
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Why You Should Trust Me
As Gadget Review’s resident router expert, in my nearly half-decade long career of reviewing the newest technology in wireless hardware, I’ve learned a lot about what makes a great router, and where the rest of the duds are so obvious you can see them coming from a mile away.
I’ve spent roughly 200 hours reviewing 15+ routers for Gadget Review, and have written a number of how-to articles and tutorials which explain what router technology is, how to use it, and where it can help you grow your home’s wireless network the most. I’ve had just about every mobile networking app installed on my iPhone 7 at one point or another, and know the ins and outs of both the desktop and web-browser based configurators that many of the current manufacturers use.
My reviews have been featured on the websites of some of the top router distributors, including Linksys, and I’ve continued to stay up to date on all the latest developments on both the hardware and software side of the business for years.
How We Choose Wireless Routers That Are Best in Quality
To make our list, each router had to not only perform exceptionally well in our range test, but had to achieve a set of features and match that with a price that was commensurate in value.
When you’re asking yourself what to look for in a wireless router, there are a few key features to keep an eye on. How we choose the best of the best routers usually comes down to three main factors: the signal strength, the number of onboard features, and price. The routers on this list are all at the head of their game in these arenas, and consistently offer top-of-the-line performance alongside a fair price and a plethora of extras that users can utilize to perfectly customize their own wireless networking experience at home or their office space.
Router technology is constantly evolving to meet the demands of new internet activities, whether that be online gaming, photo uploads, or the advent of 4K streaming.
Fax software for mac. All the routers we’ve chosen run at a spec of 802.11ac, the latest version of Wi-Fi transmission technology to be released, and also feature a minimum of two wireless bands: 2.4GHz and 5GHz. They also come with a bevvy of extra features that put them ever-so slightly above the rest of the competition, including: QoS management, parental controls, intuitive mobile apps, media servers, internal firewalls, and more. The routers were tested in a 2600 sq ft home, which was only surrounded by two other wireless networks, so we experienced as little interference as we could during the testing process.
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Accessing and configuring these features used to have a barrier of entry that only the mid-level tech nerd would understand completely, but nowadays thanks to mobile and desktop apps, the process has gotten significantly simpler to deal with.
Dashboards like the Linksys Smart Wi-Fi system continue to set the gold standard for how to create a piece of software that feels like it was made for actual people, not just those who had read the Wireless Routers for Dummies handbook. Every feature is clearly laid out and explained in a way that makes sense to the layman. In today’s world of internet threats, we think it’s important that you as the buyer (and owner) of these routers know exactly what they can (and can’t) do to protect you and your family while they browse online, which is why a well-laid out dashboard is a must.
When it comes to speed, all routers on this list are equipped with a minimum spec of 1900AC, which means they have a theoretical max output of simultaneous dual-band signals up to 600 Mbps (2.4 GHz) + 1300 Mbps (5 GHz) at a time. Options like the Linksys WRT3200ACM are even faster than that though, cresting at a whopping 2.6Gbps.
One of the newer pieces of tech to make it to the high-end sector of the router market in recent years is the addition of MU-MIMO, or Multiple User Mulitple-Input Multiple-Output technology. As explained in my HowToGeek article on the subject, MU-MIMO is a style of beamforming technology which evenly distributes traffic to all members of the household simultaneously, instead of one at a time. There still aren’t a huge number of devices that can support a MU-MIMO stream just yet, but if you’re the type of buyer who prefers to future-proof as much as possible when making purchases like these, than MU-MIMO is the way to go.
Finally, we always do what we can to keep a careful eye on the design of a router, and only recommend those which don’t take up too much space or end up being a central conversation piece of your home (unless you want them to be, of course). Outliers like the AmpliFi HD take router design to the next level, though we suspect it could be a number of years before more the traditional router makers go the same route.
Other Products Considered
Linksys EA8300
Amped Wireless ALLY Plus
Netgear Nighthawk X10
TP-LINK Archer C5400
D-Link DIR-879 AC1900 EXO
Netgear Nighthawk X4S
Netgear Nighthawk X8 AC5300
Linksys EA7500 AC1900
TP-Link P5 AC1900
Linksys WRT1900ACS
Wireless Router Features to Look Out For
Before (and after) you buy your next router, educate yourself to some of the top features and terms associated with a wireless router.
$Dual-band
First, it helps to know that when we talk about “dual-band” routers, what we’re actually referring to are the radio frequency spectrums that the router uses to transmit data to wireless devices.
The first, 2.4GHz, is the oldest of the current WiFi transmission standards still offered on modern-day routers, and is generally best for long-range, low-speed transmissions like internet browsing and checking your email.
The other, 5GHz, is made to achieve the highest-speed signal possible, usually at the expense of the amount of range you can maintain from the wireless base station. So if you’re looking for the fastest wireless router, make sure it has this.
$WiFi Types
And all those letters (a/ac/b/n/g)? All you need to know about those is most routers these days don’t even bother with the outdated a/b standard. “G” and “N” are the newer, most widely adopted spectrum classifications that designate the maximum amount of bandwidth the channel is capable of handling at any given time (54Mbps and 600Mbps, respectively).
802.11ac is the newest entry of the bunch, capable of handling what’s known as MIMO technology, or “Multiple Input, Multiple Output”.
This refers to the way a router prioritizes which devices get their data first, either doling it out sequentially to up to four devices in older standards, or in the case of 802.11ac in particular, simultaneously giving every device in the house its own stream that’s no more or less powerful than the other at upwards of eight streams at a time
There aren’t a ton of mobile devices capable of decoding 802.11ac’s MU-MIMO stream capabilities just yet (the MU is short for “multiple user), but if you want a router that’s 100% future proof, this is definitely an indicator you’ll want to keep an eye on.
$Range
When it comes to achieving the best wireless routers range, both the type of channel you settle on (2.4GHz vs. 5Ghz) and the spectrum your wireless device uses to connect (b/g/n) to will be the primary indicators of what the router can push out at any given point.
This in mind, the size of the antenna on the back of the device can also play a huge part in what kind of distance or power you can achieve with any given model. The larger the antenna, the longer the signal will transmit before eventually petering out.
If you’re worried about interference from surrounding technology or other routers in your apartment building, it’s better to use the 5GHz spectrum, which is often less crowded than 2.4GHz.
$Ports
If you’re a gamer, and looking for the best solution for wireless router for gaming, or someone who is already on the 4K Netflix streaming boat, you know better than most that even the best WiFi signal in the world still won’t beat being directly plugged into the back of the router.
The three different numbers you should be looking for when choosing a router that’s best for both WiFi applications and wired connections is 10/100/1000, which refers to the number of Mbps that the ports on the back can handle at any given time. Most consumer cable plans don’t break more than 100Mbps/down, but if you’re looking for an enterprise-level device a 1000Mbps connection should be more than enough to handle the job.
$Parental Controls, QOS and Guest Network Features
Having once been a kid with the internet myself, it’s no secret that parental controls installed on a local computer can only go so far to prevent certain members of the household from doing what they want online without getting caught. This is where the backend restriction controls come in.
All of the routers on this list come with some form of parental control panel or another, capable of directly limiting access to specific websites, IP addresses, or connection types throughout the day.
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QOS (Quality of Service) configurations on the other hand, are made for just the opposite, customizing which channels get opened up to a greater amount of bandwidth over others (a game vs. a Netflix stream, for example).
If you live in a house with a lot of roommates or family members, but need to prioritize certain activities over another, a solid QOS rollout is how you’re going to make it happen. Next is the option to set up what’s known as a “guest network”, or a WiFi space that’s transmitted separately from the primary hub. Guest networks are great if you have people coming in and out of your home often and asking for the password, but don’t feel comfortable letting everyone on the block know how to get into to your main network after the visit is over.
$Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) and Security
First, it helps to know that when we talk about “dual-band” routers, what we’re actually referring to are the radio frequency spectrums that the router uses to transmit data to wireless devices.
The first, 2.4GHz, is the oldest of the current WiFi transmission standards still offered on modern-day routers, and is generally best for long-range, low-speed transmissions like internet browsing and checking your email.
$Media Server
Asus Router App Windows 10
Lastly, if you’re someone like me who’s already burned through the entirety of everything Netflix or Amazon Prime has to offer, the option to set up your own media server for streaming on the go can be an enticing one. Some routers will include a USB port on the back that you can use to mount an external hard drive packed to the nines with downloaded shows, movies, and music, all of which can be a lifesaver on long road trips or while you’re waiting for delayed flights in a dreary airport terminal.
Three Ways to Increase Your Wireless Speed
Switch to 5Ghz, Utilize QoS and Invest in in a MU-MIMO Router
Switch from 2.4GHz to 5GHzWhile the 2.4GHz spectrum is fine for homes that have a lot of obstacles between the router and your device (or has a lot of routers surrounding your space, like in an apartment), it’s also the slowest of the two radio types and can only max out around 120Mbps at best. On the other hand, the 5GHz spectrum is ripe for anyone who has a need for speed, and can often top out up to 700Mbps under ideal conditions. You can read our in-depth guide on the exact differences between the two options in our guide found here.Utilize QoSQoS, or “Quality of Service”, is a feature on many modern routers which allows you to prioritize certain applications or devices for increased traffic throughput. For example, if you’re always stuck behind the annoying Netflix buffering signal on your living room television because someone else in the house can’t stop downloading torrents, simply go into your router’s settings and give the TV and the Netflix app priority over their downloads. This will force the router to save extra bandwidth for the TV first, and only once that channel isn’t available will the torrent downloader get to experience the full extent of bandwidth available in the house.Invest in MU-MIMOMU-MIMO is a relatively new feature that’s entered into the router market over the past year, and for as many people that say it’s useless there’s a hundred more who need it in their home. See, on traditional routers a wireless signal will be dispersed in sort of a “machine gun strapped to a carousel” manner, if you’ll forgive the metaphor. Each packet of data is sent individually to each device in a particular area of the home, and fired off one bullet at a time per rotation of the carousel. In MU-MIMO routers however that packet stream is kept open individually per device, meaning that your speeds and performance will stay consistent no matter how many different devices are accessing the network from any part of your home.
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Linksys vs Netgear
In the war of routers, the tale of Linksys vs. Netgear is one that’s almost as old as the technology itself. And despite how long both have been keeping a neck and neck pace with the other, it seems that in recent years thanks to some serious innovation on the software front, there’s no question that Linksys is currently coming out on top.
In the war of routers, the tale of Linksys vs. Netgear is one that’s almost as old as the technology itself. And despite how long both have been keeping a neck and neck pace with the other, it seems that in recent years thanks to some serious innovation on the software front, there’s no question that Linksys is currently coming out on top.
The Linksys Smart WiFi system is a ubiquitous web-based login that can be used to set up, manage, and configure your router from anywhere in the world without using complicated logins or remote call procedures. Simply register your email with Linksys and you’ll have access to all your Smart WiFi features, making it easy to do anything from creating a new firewall rule to streaming media server content straight to your portable device.
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Netgear still makes seriously powerful routers that can handle almost any task the average internet user might be able to throw its way, but unfortunately both their desktop-based app and their mobile options are lacking when it comes to the level of polish that we see from Linksys in this department. For all their technical prowess in hardware they still manage to come up drastically short on the software side, which is why for less experienced users it’s always a good idea to go with Linksys instead.
That said the main reason for preferring a cleaner dashboard is only to help novice users navigate their way around the configuration process. If you’re more of a networking expert who knows their way around a router then ultimately the decision should come down to features, speed, and price. On these three fronts Linksys and Netgear still maintain a pretty even race after all these years, and both have their own unique aesthetic which can fit comfortably in almost anyone’s home decor.
What Else You Should Think About
Before you run off to buy your first (or fifteenth router), there are a few things you should catch yourself up to speed on first so you can make the most informed buying decision possible.
The first is to learn the basics, which you can do thanks to our resource article that covers this very subject. Next, once you’ve actually got your router in house, you’re going to need to know how to get everything set up properly. There’s no point in trying to protect your network after it’s already been infected, so having a strong security strategy and a full understanding of all the threats that your network can be protected from out of the gate is imperative to maintaining proper internet security practices from the get-go.
So with all of that in mind, which model is the best of wireless router for 2017, 2018 and 2019?
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If we’re going purely off the metrics of range, reliability, and ease of use, the Linksys Smart WRT3200ACM router takes it. It is a bit pricier than some, but with an elegant, timeless design that’s combined with Linksys’ notorious attention to detail, the WRT3200ACM manages to hit all its marks while still bringing an air of simplicity to the table that just can’t be matched.
Best note taking app for mac ipad. Sure the TP-Link Archer C9 is a great value and the Nighthawk X6 looks like it could take down an attack helicopter, but when you tally up all the different variables the Linksys WRT3200ACM is the all around best bet on the market today.
Still can’t decide? Take a look at our wireless router reviews, and by the time you’re done reading you might feel informed enough to pull the trigger on the model that’s right for you.
The Linksys WRT3200ACM Smart Wi-Fi Router
Three Reasons Why We Chose ThisRouter
- 1. Speeds that will have the anyone from experts to newbies praising with delight.
- 2. This router’s interface is beyond easy to setup, making it ideal for all.
- 3. A price point that won’t break the bank and all the while ensure future-proofing.
Wi-Fi Everywhere
With the explosion in popularity of smart home devices and countless streaming media services like Hulu, Netflix, and Spotify, whole-house Wi-Fi coverage has become a must. Many of the latest wireless routers can provide strong coverage to most rooms of a typical medium-size house, but larger homes and dwellings with dense walls, multiple floors, metal and concrete substructures, and other structural impediments may require additional components to bring Wi-Fi to areas that the router can't reach. Range extenders do a good job of filling in dead zones, but typically provide only half the bandwidth that you get from your main router. Access points offer more bandwidth than range extenders, but require a wired connection to the main router. And both solutions typically create a new network SSID that you have to log in to as you move from one area of the house to another.
If all this sounds too complicated, consider installing a Wi-Fi system instead.
What Is a Mesh Wi-Fi System?
Designed to blanket your home with wireless coverage, Wi-Fi systems are a hybrid of sorts, made up of several networking components. There's a main router that connects directly to your modem, and a series of satellite modules, or nodes, that you place throughout your house. They are all part of a single wireless network, and share the same SSID and password. Unlike range extenders, which communicate with the router via the 2.4GHz or 5GHz radio bands, most Wi-Fi system satellites use mesh technology to talk to the router and to each other. Each node serves as a hop point for other nodes in the system. This helps the nodes farthest from the router to deliver a strong Wi-Fi signal as they are talking to other nodes and not relying on one-to-one communications with the router. Not all Wi-Fi systems use mesh networking, however; some use a dedicated radio band to communicate with the router and with each other. As with mesh, the dedicated band frees up the standard-use 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands for client use.
Easy Setup and App-Based Network Management
Setting up and maintaining a traditional wireless home network can be daunting, even if you're tech-savvy. Wi-Fi systems, on the other hand, are geared toward users with little or no technical knowledge and can be installed in minutes. They typically come with a user-friendly mobile app that walks you through the installation process with easy-to-follow illustrated instructions. The app tells you where to place each node for maximum coverage and chooses the best Wi-Fi channel and radio band for optimal throughput performance, so you can maintain a strong wireless connection as you move about the house. Wi-Fi systems are easy to expand (with no current limit on the number of nodes you can add) and manage using your smartphone, allowing you to disable Wi-Fi access to specific devices with the press of a button and give certain devices network priority without having to log in to a complicated network console.
Design and Features
Wi-Fi systems look nothing like a traditional setup with a router and range extender. The router and nodes use internal antennas and are almost always tastefully designed so you can place them out in the open rather than in a closet or under a desk. (Don't expect to find a lot of flashing LED indicators—these systems are designed to blend in with your home's décor.) They usually have at least one LAN port for connecting to devices like TVs and gaming consoles, but USB connectivity is a rare feature at this point.
See How We Test Wireless Routers
Wi-Fi systems are multi-band networking devices that operate on the 2.4GHz and 5GHz radio bands and use 802.11ac wireless technology. Some models offer support for Multi-User Multiple Input Multiple Output (MU-MIMO) technology, which streams data to multiple compatible wireless clients simultaneously rather than sequentially. Most Wi-Fi systems use band steering to automatically select the least-crowded radio band for the best performance and offer easy-to-use parental controls, guest networking, and device prioritization options. While designed for ease of use, they usually let you configure port forwarding and wireless security settings but lack the advanced networking management options such as individual band control, firewall settings, and wireless transmission rate settings that you get with a traditional router. Nor can you use third-party WRT firmware to customize the system for enhanced performance and network monitoring.
Wireless Mesh System vs. Range Extenders: Which Is a Better Solution for Whole-Home Wi-Fi?
Wi-Fi systems range in price from around $130 for a single-node system to as high as $500 for a three-piece system like one of our Editors' Choice picks, the Linksys Velop, which, in the 3-Pack iteration we tested, covers 6,000 square feet. In most cases, they'll cost you more than you'd pay for a similarly powered router and range extender solution. But remember: Wi-Fi systems are all about ease of use. They're a snap to set up and manage, offer whole-house coverage via a series of attractive nodes, and they provide seamless room-to-room roaming over a single network. If you want total control over your network and require the best possible throughput performance and connectivity options, stick with a traditional router solution. If you don't want to deal with things like assigning radio bands and logging in to different networks as you move throughout your home, however, a Wi-Fi system makes sense.
For more about the differences between these two technologies, check out our explainer, Wi-Fi Range Extender vs. Mesh Network: What's the Difference?
Click through below to the full reviews of the best Wi-Fi systems we've tested. Need some more help getting all your devices up and running their fastest? Check out our tips for troubleshooting your Internet connection. And once you've picked out the best product for your home, read our primer on how to set up a mesh Wi-Fi system.
Best Wi-Fi Mesh Network Systems Featured in This Roundup:
Linksys Velop Review
MSRP: $499.99Pros: Sleek design. Easy to install and manage. User-friendly app. Multi-User Multiple Input, Multiple Output (MU-MIMO) enabled. Very good throughput in testing.Cons: Expensive. Lacks USB ports. Does not support dedicated band control.Bottom Line: The Linksys Velop provides Wi-Fi coverage for your entire home and seamless roaming over a single network. It's stylish, easy to install, and delivers fast single-user and MU-MIMO throughput speeds, making it our top pick for Wi-Fi systems.Read ReviewTP-Link Deco M9 Plus Mesh Wi-Fi System Review
MSRP: $299.99Pros: Easy to install. Solid throughput in testing. Dedicated backhaul band. Built-in malware and virus protection. Robust parental controls. Controls numerous smart home devices. Alexa and IFTTT compatible.Cons: Expensive. Lacks Z-Wave support. Cannot separate radio bands.Bottom Line: The TP-Link Deco M9 Plus Mesh Wi-Fi System is an excellent performer that offers a robust feature set, including the ability to serve as a home automation hub that controls numerous smart home devices.Read ReviewNetgear Orbi High-Performance AC3000 Tri-Band Wi-Fi System (RBK50) Review
MSRP: $399.99Pros: Easy to install. Fast throughput. Multi-User Multiple Input, Multiple Output (MU-MIMO) capable. Highly configurable.Cons: Expensive. Bulky. Limited USB functionality.Bottom Line: Meant for larger spaces, the Netgear Orbi RBK50 is a capable Wi-Fi system that delivers speedy wireless networking to all areas of your home. It's a snap to install, offers plenty of wired LAN ports, and is MU-MIMO ready.Read ReviewAmped Wireless Ally Plus Whole Home Smart Wi-Fi System Review
MSRP: $299.99Pros: Very good 2.4GHz and 5GHz throughput in testing. Multi-User Multiple Input, Multiple Output (MU-MIMO) enabled. Simple installation. Strong parental controls. Built-in malware protection.Cons: Middling MU-MIMO range performance. Only one LAN port on extender node. Additional nodes not yet available.Bottom Line: The Amped Wireless Ally Plus uses two components to deliver solid Wi-Fi performance as far as 5,000 feet. It's a snap to install and use and offers comprehensive parental controls.Read ReviewAsus Lyra Home Wi-Fi System Review
MSRP: $399.99Pros: Solid throughput in testing. MU-MIMO support. Free lifetime malware protection. Robust parental controls. Easy to install.Cons: Lacks individual band control. No USB ports.Bottom Line: The Asus Lyra Home Wi-Fi System uses mesh technology to deliver solid throughput to all areas of your home. It's feature-rich, but you can't separate the radio bands or connect to USB devices.Read ReviewGoogle Wifi Review
MSRP: $299.00Pros: Easy to install and manage. Solid overall throughput speeds. Good-looking, low-profile design. Top-notch app.Cons: Lacks dedicated band control. No USB connectivity.Bottom Line: If you're looking for a super-simple way to get Wi-Fi to every corner of your home, Google Wifi could be the answer. Delivering seamless wireless connectivity on a single network, the system is easy to install and configure, looks great, and delivers solid throughput.Read ReviewGryphon Smart WiFi Mesh System Review
MSRP: $399.00Pros: Good throughput performance in testing. Easy to install. MU-MIMO enabled. Excellent parental controls. Built-in anti-malware protection. User-friendly app.Cons: Expensive.Bottom Line: The Gryphon Smart WiFi Mesh System is a solid performer that offers extensive parental controls and comes with built-in anti-malware protection and an intuitive mobile app.Read ReviewSynology Mesh Router MR2200ac Review
MSRP: $139.99Pros: Easy to install. Solid performance. Lots of basic and advanced settings. Robust parental controls. Includes malware protection. Dedicated backhaul band.Cons: Only one LAN port. Uninspired design.Bottom Line: The Synology MR2200ac is a tri-band router that can be used as a single unit, or paired with other nodes to form a mesh network. It's a solid performer and offers a host of advanced management and customization features.Read ReviewTP-Link Deco M5 Wi-Fi System Review
MSRP: $299.99Pros: Solid throughput performance. Robust parental controls. Built-in virus and malware protection. Easy to install. Well-designed mobile app.Cons: No web interface. Does not support dedicated band control.Bottom Line: The TP-Link Deco M5 Wi-Fi System is a stylishly designed Wi-Fi system that delivers solid throughput performance and supports MU-MIMO streaming. It's also a breeze to install and its feature set is robust.Read ReviewSamsung SmartThings Wifi Review
MSRP: $279.99Pros: Easy to install. Doubles as a home automation hub. Supports MU-MIMO data streaming. Strong close-range throughput performance.Cons: Most settings require switching to the Plume app. No QoS settings or anti-malware tools. Middling MU-MIMO performance.Bottom Line: The Samsung SmartThings WiFi is a combination mesh system and home automation hub that will bring speedy close-range Wi-Fi to all corners of your home.Read Review