TOP 7 best Wi-Fi routers for home use
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A router is the core of any home network. Your Internet service provider determines the speed and bandwidth of the Internet channel. An incorrectly selected router can significantly limit or even deprive you of access to the world wide web. After tests on various resources, we have prepared a guide to help you choose the best router in 2020.
Routers can have different data transfer speeds and ways to log in. For example, you can use a USB modem with it as an alternative option for accessing the network. When compiling the rating, I tried to take these nuances into account.
NETGEAR R7000
Characteristics:
Wi-Fi standard: 802.11 a/b/g/n / ac
Max. speed: 1900 Mbit / s
4xLAN switch
port speed 1000 Mbit / sec
print server: USB
This router from the mid-price range is equipped with three removable antennas and provides simultaneous operation in two bands-2.4 / 5 GHz.
It has 1 USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 connector, is easy to configure, and is stable and long-range, so it is suitable for a large house. Even if several devices connect to the NETGEAR R7000 via Wi-Fi, the transfer speed will remain high.
Pros:
- intuitive interface
- not overloaded with unnecessary settings
- automatically updates the firmware to the latest version
Cons:
- large dimensions
- bright lights can interfere in the dark
D-link DIR-853
Characteristics:
Wi-Fi standard: 802.11 a/b/g/n / ac
max. speed: 1267 Mbps
support for an optional 4G modem
4xLAN switch
VPN support
port speed 1000 Mbit / sec
print server: USB
A reliable and inexpensive Wi-Fi router is a fast dual-band device. DNS content filtering service with three security levels and SafeDNS. This allows you to set up protection against fraudulent and virus-infected sites and block adult sites.
Good hardware (dual-core processor and 128 MB of RAM), a powerful and stable Wi-Fi signal and a USB 3.0 port make this model the preferred choice for those who need a router “cheap and angry.”
Pros:
- low price
- ossibility to create a guest network
Cons:
- sometimes the web interface freezes
- there are spontaneous reloads
TP-Link Archer C7 V5
Characteristics:
Wi-Fi standard: 802.11 a/b/g/n / ac
max. speed: 1750 Mbit / s
support for an optional 4G modem
4xLAN switch
VPN support
port speed 1000 Mbit / sec
print server: USB
One of the fastest wireless routers for the home. It supports two frequency bands (2.4 / 5 GHz), allows you to connect 3G/4G modems, and “accelerates” to 1750 Mbit/s.
Due to its range, it is perfect for a large apartment or private home.
Pros:
- Affordable price
- high-speed bandwidth
- easy to install
- there is a mobile app
Cons:
- brand glossy surface
- no USB 3.0 port
- there is only 1 USB 2.0 port
- Many users complain of rare spontaneous restarts
Netis WF2780
Characteristics:
Wi-Fi standard: 802.11 a/b/g/n / ac
max. speed: 1167 Mbit / s
4xLAN switch
VPN support
port speed 1000 Mbit / sec
The best budget router is easy to set up in a few minutes and works perfectly in a two – or three-room apartment with thick walls.
It has Gigabit ports and a dual-band access point supporting connection speeds of up to 300 Mbit/s (for 2.4 GHz) and 867 Mbit / s (for 5 GHz). There is also a conveniently scheduled restart function. However, the budget still affects, and this model does not have a USB port.
Pros:
- powerful antennas
- DNS functionality
- easy setup
Cons:
- the case is heated under load
- old-fashioned design
TP-LINK TL-WR840N
It differs from all previous rating participants in its large dimensions and exciting design. Features:
4 LAN ports;
parental control. Ability to create a black and white list of URLs;
guest network. Connect guests to the Internet via a dedicated network without compromising the security of your network and devices;
802.1Q TAG VLAN. Ideal for comfortable IPTV viewing;
the FSA technology eliminates the problem of channel conflicts: the device automatically selects one that is free of interference.
Price-1090 rubles.
Pros:.
- price
- design
- stable operation
- easy to configure and manage
- the range of the network
- ability to control from a smartphone
Cons:
- one operation indicator light
- there is no power off button
It is a good router with the ability to configure network access flexibly. If you are not interested in 802.1 x protection, the TP-LINK TL-WR840N is an excellent choice.
Netis N4
The first dual-band router in the rating operates in the frequency bands 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. This allows you to:
increase the maximum possible data transfer speed (theoretically up to 1200 Mbit / sec);
avoid interference from a large number of devices operating in the 2.4 GHz band.
The router is equipped with four antennas, including two external ones. In terms of functionality, the model does not offer anything fundamentally new. It supports bridge mode, repeater, network screen, VPN, and DMZ. As a difference from the previous models in the rating.
Pros:
- the ratio of “price-quality»
- working in two frequency bands
- compactness
- the range of the network
- the stability of work
Cons:
- there are problems connecting PPTP;
- 2 LAN ports;
- low power in the 5 GHz range.
This router is one of the most affordable ones running in the 5 GHz band, for home and office. Before purchasing, it is advisable to make sure that the receiving devices support operation in this range. If not, then the overpayment of several hundred rubles is not worth it; you can buy TP-LINK TL-WR840N. You can only choose more expensive models for the future: here, you need to understand the assigned tasks.
Xiaomi Mi Wi-Fi Router 4A
The Dual-band model of the famous Chinese brand Xiaomi Closes the TOP budget routers. Supports 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac standards at 2.4 / 5 GHz. Equipped with four external antennas, it provides a large network radius while maintaining signal power. The router must have 64 MB of RAM and 16 MB of flash memory “on Board” for the high speed of information processing. The device will be interesting to fans of the manufacturer, as it can become part of The Xiaomi Mi Home ecosystem. The price is 1800 rubles.
Pros:
- design;
- compactness;
- stability of work;
- operating at 2.4 / 5 GHz;
- large network coverage on both bands.
Cons:
- 2 LAN ports;
- price;
- complex configuration-interface in Chinese.
Since the model operates in two frequency bands, in this “battle” on the quality of the signal and the range of its distribution, Xiaomi Mi Wi-Fi Router 4A wins. This is obvious from a purely technical point of view: it has four external antennas. It is more suitable for large apartments and houses.
