
There are so many router options out there, in so many different sizes, shapes and brands. There's a good chance that some of the brands in this list, you may not know!
These days, it's incredibly important to make sure that you have a reliable internet connection in your office or home. Due to countless connected devices like gaming mouse, smartphones, gaming laptops and tablets, a solid connection is a must-have. As a result, you'll need to take into account the streaming capability, coverage area and speed available to you.
In order to meet these needs, you'll need a great wireless router provided by a great brand. When you take a look at all the choices available on the market today, you'll need to consider all the different variables and options available for your wireless router purchase. To help you, we're going to take a look into the top brand names and best wireless routers in the industry.
Product Image |
Name | Bands | Combined Speeds | Processor | LAN Ports | Warranty | |
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NETGEAR (Nighthawk X4S AC2600) | 2 | 2600Mbps | 1.7GHz Dual Core | 4 | N/a | Buy on Amazon |
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Synology (RT2600AC) Wi-Fi AC 2600 | 2 | 2600Mbps | 1.7GHz Dual Core | 4 LAN, 1 WAN | 2 Years | Buy on Amazon |
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Linksys (WRT AC3200) | 2 | 3200Mbps | 1.8GHz | 4 | 1 Year | Buy on Amazon |
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ASUS (AC3100 - RT-AC88U) | 2 | 3100Mbps | 1.4GHz Dual Core | 8 | 2 Years | Buy on Amazon |
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TP-Link Deco M5 | 1 | 1300Mbps | N/a | 2 Per point | 1 Year | Buy on Amazon |
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Portal (AC2400) | 4 “Fast Lanes” | 2.4Gbps | 800MHz, 400MHz | 4 Per point | 1 Year | Buy on Amazon |
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Google (WiFi system) | 2 | 1200Mbps | N/a | 2 Per point | 1 Year | Buy on Amazon |
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TRENDnet AC3200 | 3 | 3200Mbps | 1GHz Dual Core | 4 | 3 Years | Buy on Amazon |
While you're shopping and comparing the different brands, it's wise to consider the kind of speeds they offer. You'll also want to take a look at the bands and LAN ports available, as they can tell you a lot about what the device can withstand. Finally, the warranty is great to keep in mind just in case there are any issues.
Many are familiar with Netgear and their widely-known best-in-class product lines. Since the creation of the company in 2002, many have noted the brand to represent the forefront of some excellent consumer network products. This device offers 2.53Gbps max network speeds, MU-MIMO technology and also 4K video streaming capability.
In addition, the Nighthawk X4S uses 4 high-performance external antennas and a 1.7GHz processor to put a limit on your worries about a slow connection. This router also offers an easy setup, and will ensure the your PC (or cheap laptop under 500), tablet, smartphone and more are fully covered. As can be expected from Netgear, this device also offers a great range, allowing your internet boundaries to be more spread out than other options.
With some of the best wireless router technology available, this company proves that it is truly dedicated to creating unrivaled network hardware. When compared to other wireless routers, the Nighthawk X4S is definitely leaking the pack. As a result, many who have used it find the device to be an exceptional addition to Netgear's lineup of great products.
Overall, if you're looking for a brand that can really push the limits with their innovative products, Netgear is the way to go! Even aside from the specific router covered in this article, this brand makes a number of fantastic products that can help to make improvements to your connection speeds in addition to the overall coverage.
While the vast majority of customers have found this to be an excellent device from an excellent brand, there can be some rare situations in which the connection may reboot or drop by itself frequently. As a result, customers can become irritated with needing to make adjustments to the device often in order to get their internet to work properly.
- Can help you to achieve faster internet speeds.
- Improves overall Wi-Fi coverage in your home.
- Easy to use and offers great performance.
- May reboot too frequently for the preferences of some customers.
- In some cases, there can be frequent connection drops.
NETGEAR and subsequently, the Nighthawk, are known to offer fantastic speeds to keep customers well covered for all their internet needs. In addition, you can get coverage that can make sure that every area of your home is fully blanketed.
In 2000, this company began with the original focus of centralizing data storage and simplifying data backup. Since then, the storied history of the Synology name has grown as a company, though it may not be as well known as brands like Netgear and Linksys. As a great example, the RT2600 wireless gigabit router offers up to 2.53 gigabit speeds, MU-MIMO technology and powerful 4x4 802.11ac radio.
Furthermore, in a heavily competitive market, Synology entered into the wireless router space offering devices like this outstanding router. Though the setup process on this device can be a bit more tedious than you'll find with other competitive brands, Synology routers offer a lot of features to make up for it. This wireless router is also Synology's second attempt at creating a router that can yield the best possible results.
In addition, the hard drive on this Synology router is able to connect to individual cloud services like Dropbox and Google Drive. It's also able to download NAS-grade apps like server or VPN, helping to create a connection with more strength. Though it was some years ago the the Synology name ventured out into the market, it is one that many people have come to enjoy. In conclusion, this should certainly be one of the brands you look into if you're shopping for a router or upgrade.
While the speeds and connectivity on this device typically start out working very well, over a few months the speed levels can sometimes decrease. Furthermore, there can be some issues with an overall unstable signal that can cause some customers frustration.
- Able to boost internet connection speeds.
- Creates very little heat.
- Covers a decent range.
- Some customers may find that speeds decrease after a while.
- Connections can sometimes be unstable.
Though it is less commonly known, Synology devices have a lot to offer in the way of increased speed and internet range. Consequently, it's well worth taking a look into the devices they offer as you search for the ideal device for your home.
With a longstanding reputation within the wireless router space, it's hard to go wrong with a Linksys device. Over time, it has become one of the most common names on the market due to its ability to build fantastic products. One such example is the WRT3200ACM, which is able to provide excellent speeds on multiple devices simultaneously.
Furthermore, you'll be able to get a super-fast 2.6Gbps of speed on the 5GHz band that the WRT3200ACM offers. It also allows for more advanced users to modify and make changes to the settings on the router to meet their specific needs. On top of this open source availability, you'll also get access to Tri-Stream 160 technology.
In addition, the WRT3200ACM will provide you with fast Wi-Fi speeds and MU-MIMO technology that can really up your game. With double the amount of bandwidth as some other options, you'll also be able to turn the router into a Web server, create a hotspot for Wi-Fi or set up your own secure VPN. Overall, the inclusion of these options can really make setting up a more personal process. As a result, it's hard to go wrong with a Linksys device. There's a reason this name is so well known!
Some customers have noticed that there can be some issues with keeping their connection steady, or drops in speed. In addition, the speed can sometimes slow down unexpectedly.
- Doesn’t typically require frequent resets.
- Easy to setup.
- Long-lasting.
- Speeds can sometimes be lower than expected.
- Can sometimes have trouble staying connected.
Linksys is a well-known option that many have found to create products they can rely on for years. As a result of many years of practice, their devices are known to be durable and fully capable of handling your internet needs.
If you're looking for a brand with some fantastic products, Asus has maintained a top spot at the forefront of computer and mobile wireless routers. Some of the former products made by this brand were top-of-the-line routers that are best known for their great abilities. One example of these great routers is the 802.11ac RT-AC88U, which rests at the top of every “best router” list as a result of its excellent features.
Furthermore, with 5,000 square feet of total signal coverage reach and two bands offering 1000Mbps at 2.4GHz and 5GHz speeds at 2100Mbps, the Asus AC88U stands above the rest. It also uses the multi-user, multiple input, multiple output feature better known as MU-MIMO.
Due to that fantastic technology, the Asus AC88U will be able to withstand multiple connected users online while maintaining the signal strength, all at the same time! This ability, combined with the total signal capacity allows this device to rank among the best on the market.
Though there are many users who find a lot of improvements to their connection using this device, some can experience difficulties with staying connected. As a result, this can lead to customers having to power cycle or reboot the device often in order to maintain their connection.
- Better firmware than other options.
- Offers fantastic range.
- Fast Wi-Fi speeds.
- Some customers can have trouble staying connected.
- In some cases, one of both bands can cease working without apparent cause.
Asus is a great way to go if you're looking to increase your range, speed and overall internet capability. It's a well known brand that understands routers as well as computers, leading to a greater relationship between the two devices.
For those who are looking for the very best in WLAN devices, TP-Link is a highly popular brand. This company set its sights on getting people online back in 1996 and has since worked to improve the wireless local area network. Alongside that rich history, the brand has only continued to create better devices since it was first founded.
This superb wireless router system is also able to cover up to 4,500 square feet using a three pack, or for those in smaller spaces a single unit can cover 1,500 square feet. You'll also find that setting up the Deco M5 is a snap using the downloadable smartphone app. Because of that, you'll be able to have the Wi-Fi connected and be online in a matter of minutes.
Furthermore, the Deco M5 uses Adaptive Routing technology as well as Trend Micro to ensure that your internet stays fast and that you stay protected thanks to the courtesy malware protection. These features will make sure that all connected devices remain secure as a result. This device also offers the ability to choose the best wireless connection automatically.
In conclusion, you'll be able to enjoy a strong, controlled connection anywhere in your home using the Deco M5. From the coverage to the antivirus protection, you can't fail with this home WiFI system.
Many customers enjoy using the Deco M5, but some can find that setting the device up can be a little difficult. In addition, there can be some problems with the app as well, so make sure your phone and the app are both fully updated for the best results.
- Easy to configure.
- Covers a large range.
- Greatly improves speeds and coverage.
- Setup can be difficult for some customers.
- In some cases, the app can have trouble with freezing.
If you're looking for devices that offer a great look as well as top notch performance, TP-Link is a fantastic option for you. Even those who own some of their older routers will be likely to tell you that they are reliable, long-lasting devices.
With an excellent product line, Portal is one of the newer brands making a name for itself in the wireless router market. This is a great device for those who need to fix problems with signal dropping, buffering by eliminating dead zones as a result of its ability. With a single unit, you'll also be able to get up to 3,000 square feet of coverage while a two-pack purchase can cover homes up to 3,000 square feet.
In addition, many of the customers who use this Portal device can find that they get a better internet experience and wider signal net. You'll also be able to set up and control it using a number of smart devices, including Google Home Nest, Amazon's Alexa and the downloadable iOS and Android unit, as well as other smart home products. The 4K-ready signal strength, you'll also be able to avoid buffering while streaming, which is great for gamers.
Furthermore, the Portal wireless router is great for eliminating the need for WiFi extenders, as the mesh system will be able to connect over the entire space. With its dedicated antennas, the Portal provides a mesh WiFi system that is able to create and engineer a great internet experience. Though it is new technology, the use of 5GHz or 2.4GHz dual-band WiFi antennas can ensure that you get what you need from one device.
Though it was founded relatively recently, the entire product line offered by Portal is thought to be well-built and ready to go!
There can be some issues with this router not covering enough space, or dropping connections until it is rebooted, which can become an annoyance. There can also be some circumstances in which the area that needs to be covered isn't quite blanketed with one device alone.
- Can solve connectivity and bandwidth problems.
- Able to improve internet speeds.
- Can help you to avoid frequent need for rebooting.
- Some customers can notice an unstable connection.
- Range may not be as good as customers expect.
Though it's one of the newer brands, Portal is known to provide some excellent devices that can really improve your internet experience.
There are few who are unfamiliar with the name of this internet giant, though some may be less familiar with its new venture into the wireless router market. Google uses devices like these to provide it an introduction into new revenue streams and new spaces simultaneously. Since OnHub from Google, the company's first entry, Google has only worked to improve what it has to offer through the creation of Google's WiFi system.
The search engine giant has taken a new approach with the Google WiFi system, making it a mesh-networking wireless router. It's a fantastic option when you need some serious coverage, with the ability to cover homes up to 4,500 square feet when you purchase a three-pack. If you need more space than that, 4,500 square foot or bigger homes can be covered through buying additional units, while smaller homes can make due with a single unit that can cover 1,500 square feet.
Furthermore, the devices in the Google WiFi system are able to easily sync to create a large blanket of coverage. This can provide you with the added coverage you need to blanket upwards of 4,500 square feet, covering your whole home as a result. It's easy to build onto your existing network and troubleshoot the connection as needed through the help of the Googe Wi-Fi companion app.
In addition, you can perform speed tests and set up a secure guest network with the touch of a few buttons. Similarly to other mesh networking units, the Google Wi-Fi device takes a look at the 2.4GHz and 5Ghz bands available and chooses the least congested channel. Consequently, it can ensure that you are always getting the fastest possible speed. There's no doubt that these Google devices deserve all the fanfare they receive.
If you try this system out, then it's a good idea to keep an eye on the signal and speeds you're getting because some customers have found them to be unstable. As a result, these speeds can slow down and cause the internet connection to have trouble with lagging or freezing.
- Provides a strong signal.
- Capable of improving WiFi speeds.
- Able to cover larger areas.
- Some customers may experience speeds slower than expected.
- In some cases, the signal provided can be unstable.
Google is an option that is great when you need to cover a larger space with improved speeds.
The routers made by this brand are among some of the most outstanding products on the market, though the it may not have the name recognition you see with Google, Asus and Linksys. Like other brands out there, TRENDnet is able to offer great routers that include features like beamforming technology, smart connectivity technology and excellent signal strength.
One example of these great routers is the TEW-828DRU AC3200 Tri-Band wireless router. Through this device, you'll get 3,200Mbps max speeds, as a result of 1300 + 1300Mbps on the 5GHz band and 600Mbps on the 2.4GHz band. Consequently, this ability is going to help with increasing real-time performance for your signal, allowing you to view buffer-free HD streaming and more.
Furthermore, the 828DRU is able to make sure that speed is pushed to a specific location rather than spread throughout the office or home. This will help the connected user to get the ideal network performance on a faster band, while slower devices are placed on a separate band. Overall, the 2015-released 828DRU is a fantastic device that will be able to improve connection speeds for many.
While many have had excellent experiences with this device, some customers can notice that there is a speed drop over time. There can also be some issues with the device shutting off suddenly or ceasing to work altogether.
- Able to handle several devices.
- Durably built.
- Can greatly improve internet speeds.
- In some cases, the speed can drop over time.
- Some units can turn off or cease working without apparent cause.
If you're looking for a brand with a lot of ability at a lower cost than some of the competitors out there,