wifi routers review. Choosing a wifi router for your home: Don't overpay! The best routers according to user reviews
We think that today it will not be easy to find a user who does not use and has never heard of wireless routers (another name for this class of equipment is a router). This device, if we talk about the main function, allows you to create a local network at home or in the office, combining several clients and providing them with Internet access through one connection. Computers, laptops, smartphones, tablets, camcorders, network drives, printers, receivers, TVs and other equipment can act as clients. Recently, more exotic options have appeared, such as lamps, sockets and kettles. For direct connection, wires or wireless Wi-Fi networks can be used.
There are many models of wireless routers on the market today, the cost of which differs dozens of times, so the question of choosing the best option is common. In this article, we will talk about the characteristics of of this type equipment, what you should pay attention to when choosing and how to correctly draw up your own requirements.
First of all, we note that today almost any equipment is a combination of a hardware platform and software. From the user's point of view, both elements are essential, and only their effective interaction allows you to get a good result.
Also note that in this article we will talk about the most massive segment of devices with an Internet connection via Ethernet technologies- standard network cable (twisted pair). But some of the information will be useful for those who use various DSL options and optics.
Specifications
Let's start with the first group, which is relatively easy to evaluate, since these parameters are most often given in the product description.
Wired ports
The vast majority of routers have ports for connecting a wired network - both for the operator's cable and for their own clients. An exception may be, perhaps, only mobile models with support only cellular networks and WiFi. This is one of the simplest characteristics - you only need to know the number of ports and their speed. The scheme that has become the standard is designated 1 × WAN + 4 × LAN, that is, one port for connecting to the provider (WAN) and four ports for your devices (LAN). Some routers have 1×WAN+2×LAN or 1×WAN+8×LAN schemes, which accordingly changes the number of clients connected without additional equipment.
If you do not have enough LAN ports, then network switches will help to increase their number. This relatively simple and inexpensive device allows, roughly speaking, to make four or seven or more out of one port. We only recall that the rule for wires is that each client has its own port. At the same time, the length of a standard cable from the router to the client cannot exceed 100 meters.
With speed, everything is also simple: the options relevant for the mass market are 100 Mbps or 1000 Mbps (1 Gbps). Accordingly, this figure determines how fast devices connected by cables can exchange data. Most providers on the market today are limited to 100 Mbps, and if you only have a couple of laptops and smartphones among your clients, it may not be necessary to have gigabit ports on the router. However, if you plan to use a network drive and powerful desktop computers, running at 1 Gbps will be much more comfortable. It is also important to match the speed of wireless connections.
A wired connection has one significant advantage over wireless: its speed is constant and maximum. It does not depend on the activity of neighbors, distances and other unpredictable factors. But, of course, this option is not suitable for mobile devices, and also requires cabling. There are no restrictions on the maximum number of wired clients for the vast majority of home configurations. One has only to pay attention to the overall speed of the Internet channel for all. For example, if you want to watch two high-definition online broadcasts at 15-20 Mbps each at the same time, then it is desirable to have tariff plan at least 50 Mbps.
Wireless access points
The second, perhaps even more important today, characteristic of a wireless router is the parameters of the access point installed in it. The main characteristics here are the number of bands, supported standards and maximum connection speeds.
There are two Wi-Fi bands in use today: 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. In urban areas at 2.4 GHz, you can watch dozens of neighboring networks, which affects both the speed and stability of your connection. So we recommend looking at dual band devices (2.4 + 5 GHz) as 5 GHz is still relatively free today. Of course, this only makes sense if your customers have 5GHz support. From a technical point of view, a dual-band router has two independent radio units and creates two independent access points. Clients can connect to any of them, but only to one at a time.
There are two main Wi-Fi standards on the market today: the most massive 802.11n and the increasingly popular 802.11ac. The first works in the 2.4 and 5 GHz bands, but 802.11ac can only use 5 GHz. At the same time, other things being equal, 802.11ac provides a higher connection speed. As with the range, customers must support these standards.
As for speed, we note that the so-called connection speed is indicated in the characteristics of the router. The real performance in data exchange tasks is usually about two times lower. In addition, a wireless access point shares all its speed among all connected clients, so the more of them simultaneously communicating, the less speed each has. In addition, there is a dependence of speed on distance and the presence of obstacles.
The easiest way to estimate connection speeds is by the number of antennas. For 802.11n, a single antenna can provide a maximum of 150 Mbps (both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz). The presence of two antennas allows us to talk about 300 Mbps. And if there are three of them, then you can connect at 450 Mbps. And again here we must not forget about consistency with the characteristics of the client. For example, most smartphones only have one antenna, so a 450 Mbps router can only be useful for them in terms of improved coverage, but not in terms of formal connection speed.
It is also worth noting that some models of clients and routers have restrictions in the 2.4 GHz band. The above 150 Mbps are provided only when operating on a “wide channel” (may be referred to as “40 MHz” or “HT40”, in fact, equipment in this mode uses two channels at once, and not one with an increased bandwidth). But some devices, in the presence of neighboring networks, are only able to provide a 20 MHz channel, which leads to a connection speed of up to 72 or 65 Mbps per antenna.
The use of 802.11ac is also interesting in that the current implementations of this standard support four channels simultaneously (“80 MHz”, “HT80”). This allows for 433 Mbps per antenna (867 Mbps per two antennas, 1300 Mbps per three antennas). So on smartphones it is quite possible to get figures of the order of 200 Mbps for a real data exchange rate.
We note here two more points. Do not forget about the consistency of characteristics with wired ports. If you have 100 Mbps on the WAN and LAN ports, then no 802.11ac will be able to fully “open up” on a mobile device when accessing the Internet or computers local network. In addition, in the upper segment today there are devices that are not very correctly called “tri-band”. In this case, we are talking about the fact that the router has one access point at 2.4 GHz and two at 5 GHz. At the same time, the latter operate on different sets of channels and do not interfere with each other, which formally can provide an increase in overall performance with the correct distribution of clients over different access points.
Another characteristic associated with wireless communications is the design of antennas. Most router models have external antennas, and only a small number differ in the use of internal ones. In our testing in a city apartment, we did not notice any clear advantage in the first, and rather it is worth focusing on the case design in this matter. The second point is related to the possibility of replacing antennas. In some situations, this can be useful for installing better ones or for moving away from the router case. However, the real effect will have to be evaluated independently. Given that the developers agree on all the parameters of the radio part, no one will give guarantees that it will get better.
An essential characteristic of a wireless connection for many users is the quality of coverage. Unfortunately, it is almost impossible to adequately evaluate it in testing, since all apartments and air conditions are different, and testing in open space will not provide useful information to city users. So here you have to focus on the characteristics specified by the manufacturer and user reviews. As for resolving the issue with insufficient coverage, the most effective and correct option (after choosing the location of the main router) is to install additional access points or repeaters.
In the general case, it is worth evaluating a router by “range” solely on its own at the place of its installation and with specific clients, since the quality of wireless communication significantly depends on their capabilities and characteristics. At the same time, today mobile devices, especially when it comes to smartphones and tablets of not the most famous brands, can rarely boast of a high-quality implementation of the radio module and an effective antenna.
Home models usually do not have formal restrictions on the maximum number of clients served. In practice, in many cases they "pull" a dozen or two devices. But much in this case will depend on the clients used and on their requirements for speed and traffic volumes. It is one thing to connect five smartphones to view websites, and quite another to connect five IP cameras with high resolution and bitrate.
USB ports
On some models of mid-range routers and on most representatives of the upper segment, there are USB ports. It can be either one port of version 2.0, or two, with versions 2.0 and 3.0. The services most commonly used with them include connecting drives (for file sharing), printers or MFPs (for network printing), and cellular modems (for a backup or primary Internet connection).
In most cases, you can use USB hubs (preferably active, with additional external power) to increase the number of devices connected at the same time.
Directly, the possibilities of working with USB devices are determined by the firmware of the router, and we will talk about them later in the article. Here we only note that USB 3.0 is required only if you plan to work intensively with large files on drives - USB 2.0 is enough for other services.
Platform
These characteristics (in particular, the SoC / processor model and the amount of RAM and flash memory) are difficult to directly "translate" into the user experience of working with the device, and to evaluate them, it is better to focus on the results shown by the device in performance tests. So it’s usually worth paying attention to them only from the point of view of installing alternative firmware versions on the router.
And in this case, you need to focus on the presence of these firmware for a specific router model, and not on the installed microcircuits. The most well-known brands in this market segment are Broadcom, Mediatek, Qualcomm and Realtek. Some of them are focused on mass models, others - on devices of the upper segment. For the end user, in most cases there is no difference between them, since he evaluates the finished product, and not one or two microcircuits.
Other Options
In some cases, you should also pay attention to such characteristics as overall dimensions, whether it is mounted on a wall, the number and location of LED indicators, the presence of power off and Wi-Fi buttons, the location of ventilation holes, the design and power of the power supply.
Software Features
The software (firmware) built into the router no less than the processor or radio unit affects the operation of the device. Usually, each manufacturer has a certain basic unified set for all models and expands it depending on their hardware features (for example, the availability of USB ports). For some time after the announcement of the device, the most responsible developers offer firmware updates that fix the shortcomings of previous versions or add new functionality. But we, perhaps, have not seen a situation where a new firmware at some point significantly changed the impression of the router. So in this matter, for most users, we would recommend that in case of questions about the software, immediately return or change the device. This will be the easiest and fastest way to solve the problem.
Let's see what features of the firmware today you should pay attention to when choosing a router.
Internet connection
Hundreds, if not thousands of providers work in the vastness of our country, not to mention their differences in different regions, so the issue of correct work with the operator's equipment is the most frequently discussed on thematic forums. Fortunately, in many cases, we can still talk about the implementation of standard connection types - IPoE, PPPoE, PPTP or L2TP. If in doubt, it is best to contact your ISP for a list of compatible models or ask a question to users in your region.
IPoE is the simplest and fastest way, when the WAN port of your router simply receives an IP address from the provider's equipment. PPPoE is a little more complicated and requires specifying a username and password in the router, which are issued by the operator. These two types of connection are the least resource intensive for the router and provide the highest speed. Almost any modern router model can be said to provide maximum operating speeds for installed wired ports.
PPTP and L2TP are, fortunately, less and less common these days. For them, in addition to the name and password, you must also specify the address of the provider's access server. These modes create a greater load on the processors of routers, and may also have certain compatibility issues.
Some manufacturers implement special assistants in routers to simplify configuration for certain providers.
Note that in some models, an additional scheme for connecting to the Internet via Wi-Fi is implemented, when the router acts as a client of the operator's wireless network. At the same time, it simultaneously works as an access point, in addition to servicing wired ports.
IPTV
The provision of services for watching TV channels through Internet operators is in great demand in our market. Unfortunately, at the moment there is no single standard or even a limited set of them, since each operator chooses the most convenient and profitable option for himself. The configurations encountered include connecting an IPTV set-top box to a dedicated port on the router (including using VLAN technology to separate traffic), broadcasting TV channels using multicast technology, installing a set-top box behind a router without a dedicated port, using a computer program, and others.
You can check the compatibility of a particular router with the operator's service only when you are in its network, so we cannot technically provide this in our tests.
If it is important for you to work with an IPTV provider, you must first clarify the details of the provision of this service and the recommended connection scheme. If you work on a dedicated port for the set-top box, you will need a direct network cable from the router to the TV, which will work exclusively for the set-top box. We also note that wireless communications are not well suited for this type of traffic, but in some situations they can still be used.
The simplest guaranteed solution to the problem is to use the operator's equipment. However, judging by our experience, in many cases it is possible to configure other equipment to work with this service.
USB ports
The presence of USB ports can output home router to a new level, allowing you to implement many additional functions. True, this requires the appropriate firmware.
The most commonly used options are connection hard drive or flash drive for file sharing via SMB (Windows network) and FTP. The second protocol also allows you to provide files to remote users over the Internet. Depending on the USB version, wired port speed, and platform performance, this service can be used to store work files, create backups, organizing a media library and solving other problems.
In most models with USB ports a DLNA server has also been implemented, which allows you to broadcast multimedia to SmartTV and other receivers. True, there may be subtleties of compatibility with devices and formats. On some fast devices, you can implement a system for offline downloading files from the Internet using various protocols that does not require a constantly turned on computer.
The second most popular task for USB port- maintenance of a 3G/4G modem to provide Internet access. This can be either the main channel, for example, for giving, or a backup channel, which is used in case of failure of the main wired connection. Here you should pay attention to the support of specific models of cellular modems. The compatibility list is usually given on the router manufacturer's website.
The USB port on the router can also be used to turn your printer into a network model. In the firmware, in this case, at least the print function is implemented, but working with a scanner in an MFP is not always possible.
additional services
In the general case, the software functions described above are sufficient to organize Internet access for home devices. But, of course, the possibilities of firmware are usually much wider.
Features such as built-in DDNS client, IPv6 protocol support, and bandwidth control (QoS) can be useful for connecting to the Internet. True, the QoS service in many routers does not work very efficiently. Some models of routers have solutions for creating multiple connections to the Internet, which allows you to provide redundant communication channels.
An IPTV scenario may require the implementation of support for the IGMP protocol and/or the udpxy service, which is especially useful for wireless clients.
The wireless access points of the router can be used to organize guest networks, whose clients will only have access to the Internet, but not to the local network segment. Some users are interested in access lists and Wi-Fi scheduling programming.
Given that access to the Internet through a router is carried out using NAT technology, this can be considered a certain protection against intrusions, since direct access to the local network client from the outside is impossible in this case. Additionally, routers may have a firewall, install additional filters, create port translation rules to allow external access to services (for example, for a network drive).
There is also a module for setting a schedule for accessing clients to the Internet (it is often called "Parental Control"). With the spread of mobile devices, it is useful to implement filters for accessing sites by category, such as SkyDNS and Yandex.DNS.
In high-performance models, we often find a VPN server, which is useful for organizing secure remote access to a local network via the Internet.
Additionally, there may be network diagnostic functions, extended event logs, and display of other service information.
Web interface
In most cases, routers are configured through the web interface - opening a page with the device address (usually 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1) in the browser. Sometimes it happens that this page is automatically redirected when you try to access the Internet through a router. Also in this case, on a new device or after a factory reset, the setup wizard may start. The minimum required parameters to get started are the options for connecting to the provider and the name / password for the wireless network. We also recommend that you change the factory administrator password.
During operation of the device, it is usually not necessary to look into the web interface. The exceptions are additional services, such as downloading files, as well as checking the status and diagnosing the connection. So usually the design of the interface and its usability have little effect on the choice of model.
Mobile applications
Today, several companies offer branded as an alternative to launch a router and control its operation. mobile applications. This can be useful for initial setup from a tablet or smartphone, which is not always convenient for a "full" web interface. In addition, through these programs, you can quickly change some settings - for example, turn on the guest network or allow certain clients to access the Internet.
Usually these utilities work only "from the inside" - when you connect your smartphone to the router's wireless network. But sometimes there are cloud options that do not require this. This option is interesting if you need to remotely (for example, from work or while on the road) control the operation of the router.
Alternative firmware
Most users after purchasing a router use it with factory firmware. Sometimes, for example, on the recommendation of the provider's or manufacturer's technical support, it is updated to a new version published on the developer's website. However, we cannot fail to mention in this material such a possibility as installing alternative firmware versions on the router.
In the general case, they mean all options that are not developed directly by the device manufacturer. But in terms of the level of "alternativeness" there can be significant differences. In particular, there may be versions in which some shortcomings of the original version have been corrected by enthusiasts or the set of its capabilities has been expanded. There may be versions created without using the source code. Another compromise is to work with the original firmware and add new features to it by installing a package manager.
Depending on the specific router model, installing alternative firmware can be very simple (for example, downloading a file downloaded from the Internet regular means), and complex, including disassembling the device and connecting the console cable. Sometimes you may also need to self-build the firmware from the source codes. Any such option usually violates the terms of the router's warranty service established by the manufacturer. On the other hand, in most cases, if the router is physically functional, you can return the original version to it.
The reason for using alternative firmware may be incompatibility with the operator's parameters, the need for additional functions, an increase in speed, and others. So with this question, everything is purely individual and depends on the device, operator, user, as well as his requirements, experience and skills.
Other Options
In addition to the characteristics of the router described above in terms of hardware and software, when choosing, you should pay attention to other parameters. Among which, after the cost and availability in stores, it is worth paying attention to brand awareness. In particular, this determines the presence and activity of the user community, technical support, service centers and warranty.
Separately, it is worth noting the presence of lists of recommended router models from operators. Focusing on them will minimize connection problems, especially additional services. However, usually the models from the list are not very interesting from a technical point of view.
Conclusion
As you can see, despite the formally simple set of the main tasks solved by the router, many factors that are significant for the real experience of working with it can be hidden in the little things and details. At the same time, there are several hundred models for the home segment on the market, and their cost varies from about 1 to 30 thousand rubles.
Therefore, when choosing a device, it is worthwhile to begin with as accurately as possible to determine your requirements and tasks. The main ones include the number of wired and wireless clients, the required connection speeds, the type and speed of connection to the provider, the need to implement additional network services (in particular, IPTV or a VPN server), and the ability to work with USB devices. After that, it will be possible to compile an approximate list of applicants and study them in more detail on the manufacturers' websites and in reviews on thematic resources.
In the following article, we will consider the most popular, in our opinion, profiles for using home wireless routers and offer several relevant model options for them.
A wireless router is an indispensable attribute of almost any home, apartment and office. It allows you to connect multiple devices into a single network and provide them with access to the Internet. Our new ranking of the best Wi-Fi routers in 2019-2020 will help you purchase the most optimal device based on your requirements and financial capabilities.
The TOP 10 includes both budget and expensive models with useful additional features. Thanks to a detailed analysis of each of them, you can easily choose a good quality Wi-Fi router for use at home or at work.
D-link DIR-615S
Our rating is opened by a budget router for the home from D-link. For its price, the device offers a pair of antennas, port and wireless module speeds of up to 100 and 300 Mbps, respectively, as well as the 802.11n communication standard at 2.4 GHz. There are no additional features here, which will not appeal to all buyers. The most annoying feature here is the lack of USB, especially given the space to install it. This element alone would not make the cost WiFi router much higher, but could provide users with much more convenience. However, this does not prevent the D-link DIR-615S from being one of the best inexpensive Wi-Fi routers in our rating.
Advantages:
- Price
- Work stability
- Range
- Convenient firmware interface
Flaws:
- In wireless mode, the speed is slightly “cut”
- Missing USB
ZyXEL Keenetic Start
When choosing a good router for the home, it is imperative to consider devices from ZyXEL as suitable candidates. This famous brand offers customers very interesting solutions at a fairly low cost. One of these is Keenetic Start. In reviews of the router, its high stability and reliability of operation are noted. When working through wireless modules, the speed is not "cut", which is an important advantage. Unfortunately, there is no USB port and there is only one antenna. At the same time, the latter is non-removable, and therefore an inexperienced user will not amplify the signal on his own. The need for amplification may well arise, especially if a Wi-Fi router is purchased for a large house or apartment.
Advantages:
- Low cost
- Work stability
- Ease of setup
- Convenient software
Flaws:
- Short range signal transmission
- Lack of USB
- Just one antenna
D-link DIR-506L
Next in line in the ranking is one of the best compact solutions on the market. The D-link DIR-506L Wi-Fi router offers the buyer a rather impressive list of features for a very attractive price. In particular, optionally, both 3G and LTE modems can be connected to it. Security and wireless standards are classic here. The latter is represented by 802.11n with a frequency of 2.4 GHz, which is a completely justified solution for its price. Among the nice features include the presence of a USB port and a built-in battery, through which you can even charge your smartphone. Choose this compact router if you travel frequently and need a stable and reliable hotspot on the go.
Advantages:
- Ease of setup
- Quality and stability of work
- Built-in battery
- Support for 3G/4G modems
Flaws:
- Missing
Xiaomi Mi WiFi Router 3
Usually, when buying electronics, a person has to choose only two among the three criteria “beautiful”, “functional” and “inexpensive”. However, such features of the modern market are constantly violated by Xiaomi, and with its router for the Mi Wi-Fi Router 3 apartment, the manufacturer again managed to surprise absolutely all of its fans. First of all, it is worth noting, of course, the design. Traditionally, for all products of the Xiaomi brand, it is concise, and in the case of this model, minimalism can be seen in all elements.
In terms of price-quality ratio, the Xiaomi router leaves the best impression even after reading the characteristics. There are 4 antennas, support for the 802.11a / b / g / n / acn standard, as well as operation with frequencies of 2.5 and 5 GHz. The maximum data transfer rate “over the air” is more than a gigabit, but through the LAN it is only 100 Mbps. However, this is not as critical as the presence of only two Ethernets and the absence of any other language in the software, except for Chinese.
Advantages:
- Price
- Registration
- Separate antennas for all bands
- Convenient mobile application
- Functionality
Flaws:
- Just a pair of LANs
- Built-in USB port is limited in capacity
- The web interface shell is only available in Chinese
ZyXEL Keenetic Extra II
Another representative of ZyXEL is a more advanced device for demanding customers. This popular Wi-Fi router for the home has absolutely everything you need, including the ability to simultaneously operate 2.4 and 5 GHz frequencies. In terms of the number of additional options, this model bypasses most of the solutions available on the market for a similar price. So there is SkyDNS and Yandex.DNS, as well as support for Keenetic Plus modules, which provides access to other features.
The real owners of the Wi-Fi router on the forums speak very positively about it. Separately, users note the presence of a proprietary mobile application for management ZyXEL Keenetic Extra II, available for installation on smartphones under iOS control and Android. It also has its own file server and USB port, and the presence of 4 antennas at once provides excellent quality and a high signal transmission range.
Advantages:
- Design
- Number of antennas
- Additional options
- Radius of action
- Work stability
- Availability of USB
- Network management with a smartphone or tablet
Flaws:
- Missing
Huawei B315S
If you want to access the Internet not only via cable, but also via SIM cards, then the Huawei B315S router is just perfect for you. The cost of this router is not the lowest, but it is fully justified by its capabilities. There is a USB 2.0 port and connectors for connecting 2 external additional antennas. Wireless modules are represented by the maximum supported standard 801.11n and a frequency of 2.4 GHz. In the reviews of the Huawei B315S router, its excellent work with cards of any mobile operators, as well as high speed data transfer via 3G and LTE networks. Customers can choose from two color options - black and white.
Advantages:
- Nice appearance
- Excellent performance on all Wi-Fi/4G bands
- Long range
- Work stability
- Possibility to install additional antennas
Flaws:
- None for their price
Apple AirPort Express MC414RS
AirPort Express MC414RS from Apple is one of the most reliable Wi-Fi routers from this manufacturer. For a very attractive price this device offers a chic design, a huge number of functions and stable operation. Among the supported standards, only the new 802.11ac standard is missing here, but not everyone needs it today. But the ability to work in the 2.4 and 5 GHz bands (and at the same time) is an important advantage of the router. Also in the router there are additional ports, including not only the usual USB, but also a 3.5 mm jack, with which you can listen to music via AirPlay.
Advantages:
- Design
- Work stability
- Ease of setup
- The presence of a powerful transmitter
- 3.5 mm jack for music
Flaws:
- Small signal distribution area
ASUS RT-AC66U
Our next representative of the ranking of the best Wi-Fi routers of 2018 is represented by one of the best solutions from ASUS. At its core, the RT-AC66U model is an improved version of another popular router from the company, in the name of which the letter “N” flaunted instead of “AC”. Already by this nuance, you can understand the key difference between the updated device - support for the 802.11ac standard. The design of the device is similar to most of the company's Wi-Fi routers aimed at the middle and high consumer segments. All ASUS RT-AC66U connectors are located on the rear panel, and in addition to 4 LAN outputs, there is also a pair of USBs, which greatly expand the functionality. The use of 3 antennas by the manufacturer at once guarantees excellent signal quality. There is also support for the 5 GHz frequency, which provides high transmission speeds.
Advantages:
- Appearance
- Position setting
- Intuitive software
- Opportunities
- Fast and reliable operation
Flaws:
- Perceptible heating
- Problems with 5 GHz in older revisions
TP-LINK Archer C7
In the router market, TP-LINK is one of the leaders, regularly occupying the first positions in terms of the number of devices sold. The Archer C7 once again proves the manufacturer's ability to create interesting and functional devices. This is a fast solution that is perfect for home and office use. At a frequency of 2.4 GHz, the router can deliver up to 450 Mbps, and at 5 GHz, the figure rises to 1.3 gigabits. The presence of a pair of USB and three removable antennas in the router is also an important advantage. Unfortunately, external modems cannot be connected through the ports available in the device.
Advantages:
- Work stability
- Radius of action
- Availability of USB ports
- Ease of setup
Flaws:
- No support for 3G/4G modems
ASUS RT-AC88U
ASUS has always been able to surprise with the design and capabilities of its devices. Everything about the ASUS RT-AC88U is perfect, from its appearance, which has common features with the popular ROG product line, to its performance. This router outperforms many of its competitors in terms of signal power and range, which is ensured by support for all modern wireless standards, including 802.11ac, as well as 2.4 and 5 GHz frequencies. Some features of the router may seem redundant at first glance. So the need for gigabit LANs is often justified, but wireless connection speeds over 3 Gbps will be unnecessary for many. However, for an office or home, it is better to buy a router with a power reserve for many years, and in this case, the RT-AC88U from ASUS is the ideal choice.
Advantages:
- Work speed
- power reserve
- Ease of setup
- Functional
- Number and set of ports
Flaws:
- Minimum gaming support for WTFast
- Firmware dampness
- High price
Conclusion
If you want to organize high-quality and reliable Internet access at home, in the office or even on the road, then this TOP router will help you choose the most suitable solution for you. Our rating of the best Wi-Fi routers in 2018 for home and apartment includes both expensive models with a huge number of additional features, and inexpensive options that can be used to connect to the network via a cable or an external USB modem.
I don’t know about you, but for me the choice of some kind of equipment, including a router, is a lot of time spent searching for the right model, hundreds of reviews read, and constant doubts: “take this one or that one”. I've been using some old, wired mouse for more than a month now, only because I can't find a new one for myself. And this despite the fact that I basically know what I need, some technical points, etc.
Router and router are one and the same. Wrote about it. In the article I will use both names.
In this article, we will try to deal with Wi-Fi selection router for home or apartment. This is the category of devices in which I can give some advice, talk about all the nuances, and even advise specific models. As for advice on buying specific models, I really do not like to give such advice. If only because I wasn’t at your house, I don’t know for what purposes you choose a router, what kind of Internet you have, how many and what devices you will connect to the Internet, is there any interference in your house, and most importantly, how much money do you plan spend on buying a router. This point applies not only to routers, but also to other equipment.
But, if you want direct specific recommendations, then at the end of this article, I will give as an example several models of routers that I would advise you to buy. But, if anything, it's not my fault 🙂 Let's consider the choice of a router for a private house or apartment. Although, here you can probably also include small offices.
And now an important piece of advice. If you have an unlimited budget, and you don’t mind spending a decent amount, then buy one of the most expensive routers that you can find in some popular online store. Take the one you like the look of. It will cost approximately $300 (if you do not take into account Apple routers). But, it will definitely work stably, and it will have everything you need.
And one more piece of advice. If you want to save as much as possible and purchase the most budget router, then it will come in handy.
First, we will understand the technical aspects, what you should pay attention to when choosing a router. For what purposes is this or that model suitable, and whether there will be problems in the process of use. Then, I will write my opinion on which Wi-Fi router is better to buy in 2016 and 2017, so that your purchase does not quickly become outdated and you do not have to buy a new model in a year. Well, as promised, I will advise a couple of specific routers that should be suitable for an apartment (private house).
Choosing a router for the home: technical points
First of all, you need to figure out what kind of router we need in general. In terms of specifications: type of WAN port, number of LAN ports and their speed, frequency of the Wi-Fi network and its speed, availability of USB connectors, and various additional functions.
You should already have a rough idea of what you will be using the router for. It is clear that you are buying it most likely to distribute the Internet to your devices via a Wi-Fi network, and possibly via a network cable.
Advice. If you have stationary computers (without Wi-Fi), then after installing the router you can not lay cables to them, but connect wirelessly, you can buy right away.
The main thing you need to focus on when choosing a router for your home is the area that should be covered by a Wi-Fi network signal, the number of devices that will connect to the router, and the tasks that you will perform on these devices.
Everything is simple here: the router may simply not cover all the rooms of your house with a signal. For example, due to a weak transmitter, or antennas (and their number). And if you buy a cheap router, then it simply cannot work stably when connecting a large number of devices. Or, when watching online videos in high quality, playing online games, etc. There will be constant freezes, reboots, and the like. As you already understand, everything is very individual. As a rule, the more expensive the router, the more load it can withstand, it will work more stably, and the further it will be able to “break through” the Wi-Fi signal.
We select a router for the provider (type of WAN port)
The first thing you should pay attention to is the type of WAN connector. This is a way to connect a router to an ISP. This information is always included in the specifications. It all depends on what kind of internet you have.
- ethernet- the most popular type of connection. This is a regular RJ-45 network connector. Almost all Wi-Fi routers on the market have an Ethernet WAN port. And the provider lays a regular network cable in your house, which we directly connect to the router.
- ADSL modems with Wi-Fi- in fact, these are ordinary routers, only as a WAN port, they have an RJ-11 connector for connecting a telephone cable. And if you already have a regular ADSL modem, then you need to buy a simple router with a regular Ethernet port (and connect it to the modem).
- 3G/4G Wi-Fi routers- if you have Internet via a USB modem, and you want to set up Internet distribution via Wi-Fi, then you will need a special router with support for 3G / 4G modems. About choosing a router to work with a USB modem, I wrote in the article. Usually, in the characteristics of such routers it is written: WAN port - USB 3G. Update: new article with tips on choosing a router to work with USB modems:
There are routers that can be called universal. Because, for connecting to the Internet, they can have, for example, a regular Ethernet port, and a USB port for working with 3G modems. But, the presence of a USB port does not mean that there is modem support. You need to look at the specs.
Protocol support: Another point that I think can be ignored. There are protocols for connecting to an Internet provider: L2TP, PPPoE, PPTP. On modern routers, this should not be a problem. Unless you have some special provider.
Wi-Fi network: frequency, speed, range
Wi-Fi network frequency (5 GHz and 2.4 GHz)- at the time of this writing (May 2016), most routers (mostly not expensive), which are on sale, distribute a Wi-Fi network at the usual 2.4 GHz frequency, which is already heavily loaded. But, models that support Wi-Fi at a frequency of 5 GHz are actively appearing on the market. This is a new technology, and it is a 5 GHz router that I would advise buying in 2016 - 2017. Learn more about dual band routers (dual band because it supports both 5 GHz and 2.4 GHz), pros and compatibility, I already wrote in the article: . You can already find dual-band models at a very good price.
WiFi speed- the cheapest router models, distribute Wi-Fi at speeds up to 150 Mbps. I would advise not to buy such models. Unless, you take a router to connect one or three devices and surf the Internet, or watch videos in low quality. It is better to report 5-10 dollars and buy a model that distributes a wireless network at speeds up to 300 Mbps.
As for wireless network standards, there must be support for 802.11n. And if you choose a router from the middle price category and above, then it is advisable to already take a model with support for a new, high-speed one.
The speed depends on many factors: the number of connected devices, the power of the router, provider, interference, etc. Read the reviews, as a rule, they immediately write there whether the router cuts the Wi-Fi speed a lot or not. Regarding the connection speed over a wireless network, you can read more.
Wi-Fi network range- many people ask: "how to choose a router with a maximum range of a wireless network." The question is good and understandable, but it is very difficult to give a specific answer to it. Because, the range is very much affected by walls (their number and materials), interference (mainly from neighboring Wi-Fi networks), the location of the router in the house, and the power of the router itself. The signal passes very poorly through concrete mills in which there is metal.
If you have a large apartment, say more than 100 square meters, or a house with several floors, then most likely one router will not be enough, even the most powerful one. In this case, the most correct option is.
And if you choose a router for a one-room apartment, then in your case even the cheapest model will suffice, in terms of network range. For medium sized homes, I would recommend buying routers starting at $50. Well, it is advisable to buy models with at least two antennas (power by 5dBi). But, there are good models with internal antennas, which are practically in no way inferior to external ones. As a rule, the presence of, for example, three or more antennas does not affect the range of the Wi-Fi network, but the connection speed. Also, it is worth paying attention to whether the antennas are removable or not. In case you want to replace them, install more powerful ones.
According to my observations, the range does not depend much on the price of the router itself. Most likely because the maximum power of the router is simply limited by the manufacturer (according to the laws of the country in which they are shipped).
Availability of ports: LAN and USB
At least 1 LAN port will definitely be. Typically, routers have 4 LAN ports. There are more. A LAN port is needed to connect devices to the Internet via a network cable (PCs, TVs, game consoles, etc.).
As for USB ports, they are not currently available on cheap models. But, it seems to me that soon there will be no routers without USB. Therefore, I advise you to choose a router with at least one USB port. He is needed for USB connections drives, printers, or USB 3G modems (if there is modem support). By connecting a flash drive or an external HDD to the router, you can share files or run a DLNA server. And by connecting a printer, you can set up a print server.
It all depends on the specific model and manufacturer. For example, models from ASUS can still independently download files to the drive. I already wrote. You can see for an example.
Wi-Fi router power and performance
The filling of the router is also very important. The more powerful the processor and the more RAM, the more stable the router will work. It will keep more connected devices, withstand torrent download, online game, work without any problem. DLNA servers, etc. And at the same time, most importantly, there will be no drop in speed, ping, packet loss.
I do not think that it is necessary to directly study all the nuances associated with the hardware on which this or that router works, unless you are interested. Everything is very simple here, the more expensive the model, the more powerful it is. If you buy a router for 15-20 dollars, connect several devices to it, start downloading a torrent, an online game, and open another online video, then most likely it will just freeze. Or, the speed will drop very much. And it will only work after a reboot. This is quite normal for its price category.
That's exactly why I don't recommend saving on a router. Because, you connect all your computers, tablets, phones, TVs to it, and all of them will suffer from a weak router, which will cut speed all the time, and simply “fall” from the load. This brings a lot of inconvenience, and most likely, in the near future you will think about buying a new router, more powerful and, accordingly, expensive.
Price and manufacturer
At the moment, the cheapest router can be bought for about $15. I already wrote above that you should buy such routers only if you do not need a lot of performance and speed.
It is better, of course, to take routers that cost from $ 30 and above. This is solely my opinion. These devices are suitable for home use, but without fanaticism. Here you need to understand that we get exactly as much as we pay. Well, it all depends on the tasks that the router should handle specifically in your case.
As for the manufacturer, the most popular of course are TP-LINK, ASUS, D-LINK, ZyXEL, Linksys, Tenda, Netis. If you're wondering, I now have ASUS. I love TP-LINK routers, which I also often use and recommend to others. For relatives, the inexpensive TP-LINK TL-WR841N has been working for more than five years without any problems. Not so long ago I got acquainted with routers from ZyXEL. Also liked it very much. Tenda makes inexpensive models.
I don't think it's necessary to get hung up on the manufacturer. Look at the models, the characteristics, the price, the appearance, finally. I am familiar with the routers of all manufacturers that I listed above, and I can’t say that some are bad, but some are good. Each manufacturer has certain points that I personally liked or didn’t like. (control panel, equipment, instructions, packaging, setup process, reliability, etc.). But, this practically does not affect the operation of the router.
I often see questions like: "which router is better, ASUS, or TP-LINK". You can argue endlessly which brand is better and which is worse. I think that in this case, it would be more correct to consider specific models that are close in price.
We figured out the price and brand: the more expensive the better, and the brand is not for everyone.
Which router to choose in 2016 - 2017
In my opinion, in 2017 you need to buy a dual-band router (which supports Wi-Fi 5 GHz, and 802.11ac). And to have at least one USB port. Even if you don't need it right now.
These two points: support for Wi-Fi at a frequency of 5 GHz, and the presence of a USB port, make the router modern, and it will not become outdated in half a year. Most likely, in 2017 it will be relevant, and you will not have to change it.
I give an example from my own experience. This winter (around December 2015) I bought a new router for my parents' house. He works there with a 3G USB modem. Got it not cheap. Good, powerful router, with two USB ports (a modem is connected to one, and a drive to the second). But, it does not support wireless network operation at a frequency of 5 GHz. And some time after the purchase, I realized that I made a mistake with the choice. Having bought an expensive router without support for the new standard.
Sooner or later, you will want to connect your devices to a 5 GHz Wi-Fi network. (more speed, and less interference, especially true for apartments). Or, you want to share files on a drive connected to the router. Therefore, it is better to spend a large sum right away than to buy a new router in a year. In addition, you can now find a very affordable dual-band router with a USB port for about $30.
This is just my opinion and of course you may not agree with it.
Everything is very difficult, which one to buy a router for home?
I wrote at the beginning of the article that the router needs to be selected specifically for your tasks. And you need to focus on the very room where he will work, and of finances. And yet, I wrote that I really do not like to give advice on specific models. Besides, I don't know anything about you, about your house and the tasks that a router should perform. But, if you already ask like that :), then I will advise several models of routers that should be suitable for a small house or apartment. And for connecting a small number of devices. I will only recommend models that I have worked with. We divide them into three categories.
Inexpensive, modern router
First of all, I would definitely recommend a router, or TP-LINK Archer C20. It's not the cheapest home model, but it's dual-band (Wi-Fi 5 GHz), has 1 USB port, and looks really nice. 
Easily suitable for the home, and will easily cope with watching online videos, downloading torrents, and playing online games. If you look at other manufacturers, then not many have similar models. In terms of characteristics and price, only Asus RT-AC51U and Xiaomi WiFi MiRouter 3 are similar. Perhaps some other options have already appeared.
The most budget option for a small apartment
If you want to save a lot of money, you have a small house, and few devices, then you can consider the following options:
Very often new models appear, and I am not familiar with all the options that can be considered for purchase. Therefore, look at suitable routers, read reviews, be guided by the price and take the model that you like best. Now there are no problems with this, we go to any online store, and choose until we get bored.
We did not consider expensive models. I think that this does not make sense. If possible, buy. They will definitely get the job done. Especially if you have a smart TV that needs a stable connection at good speed.
Afterword
I hope that my advice somehow helped you decide on the choice of a router, and you were able to purchase the best option that will delight you with stable operation.
It is important to understand that no one will be able to choose the right router option for you. At least until the port receives the necessary information about the house in which it will be installed (area, walls), about the devices for which you need to provide access to the Internet, and about the tasks that will be performed on these devices.
Summing up, I repeat that it is better not to save on the router. Buy as expensive as possible in your case. And if you are already considering cheaper options, you can focus on the models that I wrote about above. Well, it is advisable to buy a dual-band router, with at least one USB port.
And we need the Internet like air, and from year to year the need for it increases exponentially. Has the old one stopped meeting your needs? So, it's time to change it to a new one.
I present to your court another magnificent five horned guides through the expanses world wide web. The selection of the best routers for the home at the beginning of 2018 included models with 802.11ac Wi-Fi support and gigabit LAN ports.
Linksys WRT32X is the fastest router for gaming
Rugged and durable, the Linksys WRT32X is designed specifically for online gaming. It is one of the fastest routers in the 802.11 ac home segment: its Wi-Fi connection speed can reach as much as 3200 Mbit/s! The access point operates simultaneously in two bands - 2.4 GHz and 5GHz. 4 powerful MU-MIMO antennas, the Killer Prioritization Engine and TRI-STREAM 160 - a 5 GHz channel bandwidth doubler, will provide you with uninterrupted communication in those very moments of the game when speed is everything. As practice shows, in networks with Linksys WRT32X ping is 77% less than in networks based on conventional routers.
The Linksys WRT32X is capable of driving “kilotons” of gaming traffic all day long without the slightest delay on the way. And not only by air, but also by wire, because it is equipped with four gigabit LAN ports. Two USB sockets, one of which is combined with an eSATA port, make it possible to connect to the device hard disks, flash drives, printers 3G/4G modems and other devices. The router firmware includes tools for monitoring network parameters that are most important for games.
Hardware Specifications Linksys WRT32X
- Dual-core processor with a frequency of 1.8 GHz.
- ROM (permanent memory) - 256 Mb.
- RAM ( RAM) - 512 Mb DDR3.
- WiFi 802.11ac. The maximum speed is up to 3200 Mbps.
- 2 frequency bands with the possibility of simultaneous operation: 2.4 GHz (speed up to 600 Mbit/s) and 5 GHz (speed up to 2600 Mbit/s).
- 4 detachable external MIMO antennas, MU-MIMO technology - 2x2.
- Dimensions: 24.6×19.4×5.2 cm, weight 799 g.
- Wall mount yes.
Technology support
- Killer Prioritization Engine - intelligent redistribution of traffic in favor of gaming.
- TRI-STREAM 160 is a technology for doubling the bandwidth of channels at a frequency of 5 GHz.
- DHCP server.
- Firewall.
- SPI firewall.
- DMZ is a demilitarized zone for strengthening protection against threats from an external network.
- VPN tunnels, endpoints, PPTP, IPSec.
- IPv6 protocol.
- Encryption WEP, WPA, WPA2 personal, WPA2 enterprise.
- Parental control.
- Support for 3G and 4G modems.
- Management and configuration are performed through a web browser and mobile applications "Linskys Smart Wi-Fi" for Android and iOS.
The strengths of the Linksys WRT32X, according to the owners, are ease of management and configuration, as well as unsurpassed communication speed. Among the shortcomings, users noted freezes and incorrect operation of some functions that should be resolved with the release of the new firmware. And also a rather high price: the cost of a router in Russian stores starts at 21,000 rubles.
Xiaomi Mi Wi-Fi Router 3G is the best budget employee
Although Xiaomi Mi Wi-Fi Router 3G is not intended for avid gaming 24 hours a day, with an average load of about 8 hours a day, which is enough for most home users, it copes with a bang.
Xiaomi Mi Wi-Fi Router 3G Hardware Specifications
- Dual-core processor MediaTek MT7621AT with a frequency of 800 MHz.
- ROM - 128 Mb.
- RAM - 256 Mb DDR3.
- LAN - 2 ports. The maximum speed is 1 Gbit/s.
- USB – 1 USB 3.0 type A port.
- WiFi 802.11ac. The maximum speed is up to 1167 Mbps.
- 2 frequency bands with simultaneous operation: 2.4 GHz (speed up to 300 Mbit/s) and 5 GHz (speed up to 867 Mbit/s).
- 4 fixed external MIMO antennas, MU-MIMO technology - 2x2.
- Dimensions: 19.5×13.1×2.4 cm, weight 260 g.
- Wall mount yes.
Technology support
- OpenWrt firmware in an abbreviated version in Chinese. It is possible to install more functional firmware: Asus Padavan, PandoraBox or LEDE.
- DHCP server.
- FTP server.
- File server.
- UPnP AV server.
- Firewall.
- WEP, WPA, WPA2 encryption.
- Support for 3G and 4G modems.
The advantages of Xiaomi Mi Wi-Fi Router 3G, which were noted by its owners, are low price, high performance, reliability, large coverage area, stylish appearance and support for alternative firmware. Disadvantages - the web interface is in Chinese and the need to register on the Xiaomi website to install alternative firmware.
ASUS RT-AC86U - functionality and simplicity
Another important advantage of ASUS RT-AC86U is the ease of management and configuration. Software The router is aimed at the most inexperienced user who has never dealt with setting up networks before. In addition, the first time you enter the web interface or the Asus router mobile application, the setup and Internet connection wizard is launched, which will not allow a beginner to get confused or make a mistake. And for experienced users, the firmware of the device allows complete freedom of action, as it contains a huge number of customizable parameters.
The traffic passing through the router is protected from malware by the AiProtection system, developed in collaboration with the vendor of anti-virus products Trend Micro.
ASUS RT-AC86U hardware specifications
- Broadcom BCM4906 Dual Core 1.8 GHz processor.
- ROM - 256 Mb.
- RAM - 512 Mb DDR3.
- LAN - 4 ports. The maximum speed is 1 Gbit/s.
- USB – 1 x USB 2.0 Type A, 1 x USB 3.0 Type A.
- WiFi 802.11ac. The maximum speed is up to 2917 Mbps.
- 2 frequency bands with the possibility of simultaneous operation: 2.4 GHz (speed up to 750 Mbit/s) and 5 GHz (speed up to 2167 Mbit/s).
- 4 MIMO antennas: 3 external detachable for 2.4 GHz band, 1 internal (3 dBi) for 5 GHz.
- Dimensions: 22.0×8.3×16.0 cm, weight 872 g.
- Wall mount - no.
Technology support
- AiProtection technology from Trend Micro for virus protection.
- Cloud AiCloud 2.0.
- DHCP server.
- Firewall.
- SPI firewall.
- DDNS (dynamic DNS).
- VPN Tunnels, Endpoints, PPTP, L2TP, IPSec, OpenVPN.
- SSH and Telnet.
- IPv6 protocol.
- Guest network.
- Downloading files.
- File server.
- UPnP AV server.
- Print server.
- bittorrent client.
- Encryption WEP, WPA, WPA2.
- Support for 3G and 4G modems.
- Parental control.
- GamersPrivateNetwork is a game traffic prioritization system.
- Management and configuration are done through a web browser and Asus Router mobile applications for Android and iOS.
The advantages of ASUS RT-AC86, noted by the owners, are high speed of all types of connections, trouble-free operation, a huge set of built-in functions and ease of management. Disadvantages - the inability to fix the router on a vertical surface and a solid cost. At the beginning of 2018, the price of the device in Russian stores starts at 15,990 rubles, but since the model was released only at the end of last autumn, we should expect that it will become cheaper closer to summer.
TP-LINK Archer C2300 - the best balance of performance and price
Thanks to the Range Boost coverage area expansion technology, the device easily connects devices located at a considerable distance to itself and provides them with a stable, high-quality connection. In addition, the TP-LINK Archer C2300 is able to boost bandwidth for frequently used devices and prioritize gaming traffic.
TP-LINK Archer C2300 Hardware Specifications
- Dual-core Broadcom processor with a frequency of 1.8 GHz.
- ROM - 128 Mb.
- RAM - 512 Mb DDR3.
- LAN - 4 ports. The maximum speed is 1 Gbit/s.
- USB – 1 x USB 2.0 type A/eSATA (combo), 1 x USB 3.0 type A.
- Support for Wi-Fi standard 802.11 ac. The maximum speed is up to 2225 Mbps.
- 2 frequency bands with simultaneous operation: 2.4 GHz (speed up to 600 Mbit/s) and 5 GHz (speed up to 1625 Mbit/s).
- 3 detachable external MIMO antennas.
- Dimensions: 21.6×16.4×3.7 cm.
- Wall mount yes.
Technology support
- Range Boost is a technology for improving the quality of communication with devices located in a zone of low Wi-Fi signal strength.
- DHCP server.
- Firewall.
- DDNS (DynDns and NO-IP services).
- VPN tunnels (10 tunnels), endpoints, PPTP, L2TP, IPSec, OpenVPN.
- Protocol
- Encryption WEP, WPA, WPA2 Enterprise.
- File server.
- UPnP AV server.
- Print server.
- Parental control.
- Guest networks.
- Support for 3G and 4G modems.
- Management and configuration are carried out through a web browser and mobile applications "TP-Link Tether" for Android and iOS.
The best thing about this device, according to users, is a stable connection, good connection speed, work at high loads without overheating (a well-thought-out cooling system). The worst is less customization than it could be (like Asus, for example) and not the friendliest web interface. However, the last statement is too subjective.
Keenetik Giga - at the limit of possibilities
Keenetik Giga is a representative of the upper price category line, one of the most versatile router models to date. It has almost everything that can be in a device of this class, reception at the highest level. Manufacturers even equipped it with a port for connecting a fiber optic cable. So investing in this device is a good start for the future, if this method of connecting to the Internet suddenly becomes widespread. All other needs of home users who like to comfortably play and watch 4K movies on the big screen are also included in Keenetik Giga.
Setting up and managing the device will likely remain as simple as its predecessors. Most likely, the function of auto-connection to provider networks and the distribution of Wi-Fi without user intervention will remain - right out of the box.
Hardware Specifications Keenetik Giga
- Dual-core processor MT7621A with a frequency of 880 GHz.
- ROM - 128 Mb.
- RAM - 256 Mb DDR3.
- LAN - 4 ports. The maximum speed is 1 Gbit/s.
- USB – 1 x USB 2.0 type A/eSATA (combo), 1 x USB 3.0 type A.
- SFP - 1 combo port for connecting fiber optic cable.
- WiFi 802.11ac. The maximum speed is up to 1267 Mbps.
- 2 frequency bands with simultaneous operation: 2.4 GHz (speed up to 400 Mbit/s) and 5 GHz (speed up to 867 Mbit/s).
- 4 external MIMO antennas 5 dBi.
- Dimensions: 21.4×15.4×3.3 cm, weight 488 g.
Technology support
- DHCP server.
- Firewall.
- DDNS (DynDns, NO-IP, DNS-master and others services).
- 2 programmable FN buttons.
- VPN tunnels (10 tunnels), endpoints, PPTP, L2TP, IPSec.
- IPv6 protocol.
- Encryption WEP, WPA-PSK, WPA2-PSK.
- WiFi Multimedia.
- File server.
- DLNA server.
- UPnP AV server.
- IPTV with IEEE 802.1q support.
- Internet filter Yandex.DNS and SkyDNS.
- Print server.
- Torrent client.
- telnet.
- Support for 3G, 4G and WiMax modems.
- Telephony support with Keenetic Plus DECT
- Parental control.
- Guest networks.
- Management and configuration are performed through a web browser and mobile applications "My.Keenetic" for Android and iOS.
As of January 2018, the Keenetik Giga internet center has not yet arrived in Russian stores, so its exact cost is still unknown. But according to the assurances of the manufacturers, it will remain at the level of models of previous generations.
Which will provide a good signal, and not overpay for unnecessary features? We are interested in whether there is a difference between devices that differ significantly in price.
The power of a router depends not only on the number of antennas
Let's find out how to choose a device for an apartment or a cottage, which of the routers on the market are the most powerful. In addition, it is advisable to consider several price categories so that you can choose a modem at the best price and appropriate quality.
- Antenna and coverage radius are perhaps the most important parameters for any device that provides wireless communication with the World Wide Web.
There are two types of antennas - built-in and external. In most cases, outdoor antennas provide a better signal and, consequently, a larger coverage radius in the house. A significant advantage will be the ability to change the antenna or add a few additional details to increase the signal coverage area - this is especially true for apartments with large quantity rooms and country houses.
- Wi-Fi standards and router speed - it is desirable that the modem supports the 802.11n standard, and for high Internet speed, you must select a device with a similar or higher speed than the one provided by your provider.
- Brand - the choice of a router from a well-known developer will be a priority. Why not buy a "nameless" router? It is more likely to experience problems, it may freeze, or the connection will be unstable. Another important point is that on devices of popular brands it is easier to update the firmware, which is regularly improved and released for each individual model. New firmware makes the operation of the router high-quality and uninterrupted, protects against malfunctions.
Rating of the most powerful Wi-Fi routers
Not everyone can afford the most expensive Wi-Fi modem with many features and powerful “stuffing”, but in different price categories there are remarkable models that differ from other routers in quality, fast operation and fully justify their cost.
Affordable good quality routers
- TP-LINK TL-WR740N- this is a simple but powerful model with excellent functionality: speeds up to 150 Mbps are enough for active home Internet use, the device supports the most popular data transfer protocols - PPPoE, dynamic and static IP. It has a built-in network filter to protect against viruses and attacks, for signal distribution, a external antenna, which will provide a large coverage area.
- TP Link TL-WR841ND- another excellent router of this brand, it has two removable antennas, the range of which is 270 m. The device supports Internet speeds up to 300 Mbps, there are 4 LAN format ports for connecting other computers and creating a local home network.
- Zyxel Keenetic- 3G Internet function is provided, the device has an additional USB connector. It has 2 detachable antennas. Using a router, you can enjoy IPTV interactive TV.
Powerful mid-range routers
- Zyxel Keenetic Giga 2- costs about 3.5-4 thousand rubles, supports speeds up to 300 Mbps, has gigabit Ethernet ports and 2 USB ports. It has a powerful processor and 2 removable antennas that will easily provide a good Wi-Fi signal coverage in the house.
- Asus RT-N56U- although this router has built-in antennas, this does not show up in the signal quality. The router works at 2 frequency bands- standard 2.4 and more powerful 5 GHz. It supports all current communication protocols, there is an IPTV function, and several users can use high-speed 3G Internet at the same time. The average price of the device is about 4.5 thousand rubles.
- Xiaomi Mi WiFi Mini- this model is attractive not only internally, but also externally - there is a large selection of colors for the router, which will appeal to those who love bright colors. The internal content is represented by two frequency bands 2.4 and 5 GHz, each of which has a separate external antenna. Thanks to the 802.11n protocol, the router can operate at very high speeds - up to 1167 Mbps. The price fluctuates around 3.3 thousand rubles.
The most powerful routers costing from 5 thousand rubles
- Asus RT-N66U- the model will cost you about 7 thousand rubles, but it will fully justify its cost. It has three removable powerful antennas that will provide good coverage of the entire area of \u200b\u200bthe house. As usual in impeccable devices, it has two frequency bands, develops a connection speed of up to 900 Mbps. It has a rich filling, many functions, including the ability to create a separate guest network, parental control, traffic manager and others. This is a really powerful router, and besides, it is attractive and practical in appearance; unlike many devices, this router has a matte finish.
- Asus RT-AC87U- the top home router among all products of this brand and similar devices from other developers, it costs about 15 thousand rubles, but it can be safely called the most powerful Wi-Fi router for the home. Judge for yourself - four detachable antennas are capable of creating a coverage area of up to 465 square meters. m. Moreover, it has a record maximum transfer speed of the Internet connection - up to 2334 Mbps. Inside the stylish case, which will not leave anyone indifferent, hides a 2-core processor - it will ensure stable and fast operation of the device. Not even to mention several frequency ranges, protocol support and the presence of a USB port - the router has everything to rightfully be considered the best among other existing models.
Depending on the price and your needs, thanks to this rating, you can choose a router that will provide a high-quality Internet connection via Wi-Fi wireless technology. All of the above models will allow you to create a large signal coverage area that will cover the entire area of your apartment, house or cottage.
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