The extreme degree of equipment of apartments and offices with intelligent systems designed to make our existence easier, life as comfortable as possible, and work productive, requires the indispensable organization of a high-speed communication center inside the premises.
This device must aggregate a maximum of digital streams, process the information coming to it quickly and without mutual detrimental influence - the quality of communication should not degrade due to an increase in the number of hosts. In this case, the number of wire connections should be minimal. Wireless routers for broadband access to Network resources cope with this task, each with its own advantages and disadvantages, and “sores”.
We present to your attention the best routers for the home of the 2019 model year. Go!
8.2 Evaluation
The last line of our router hit parade is occupied by a very high-quality development from Keenetic, which is part of the triad of routers released this year - this is the Start model - the cheapest and smallest router for quickly deploying a Wi-Fi network.
You won’t be able to make any significant claims regarding build quality, performance or reliability on this “baby”:
Its main problem is that the communication standards on which the consumer is asked to work are slowly “sinking into oblivion” - this is 2-channel communication exclusively in the 2.4 GHz range at the maximum achievable speed of 300 Mbit/s - indicators 5-7- years ago. And the switch offers only 100-megabit ports - there is no reason to bring “optics” into the apartment.
This is indeed a high-quality product, but among its target audience, most likely, there will be only university students - cheaply and in 5 minutes, distributing Wi-Fi in a dorm room - that’s the destiny of the Start KN1110.
7.4 Evaluation
It’s not entirely clear how this happens, but... the developments of little-known Chinese companies over the past couple of years have literally burst into the wireless router market and taken leading positions there. The same “dark horse” continues in our 2019 rating of Wi-Fi routers for an apartment or office - Tenda AC6 is in 9th place.
Everything here is mature: simultaneous support for two frequency ranges 2.4 and 5 GHz, on-air throughput up to 1200 Mbit/s and good coverage quality - this is facilitated by a powerful 30 dBm HF transmitter.
Four removable antennas along the perimeter of the case, coupled with active Beamforming algorithms, form radiation in the direction of the consumers furthest from the router - these are “premium habits”.
The cool Russified configuration interface adds advantages to this device - thanks to the developers.
If everything is so wonderful, why only 9th position? Yes, because no one is interested in the maximum speed of the radio channel if the provider’s service is limited to a 100-megabit WAN port - they somehow forgot about it... But for that the price is simply super.
6.2 Evaluation
At the very beginning of the summer of this year, the Mikrotik company began selling its new product under the “hAp” policy - routers for home use. They had been waiting for it for a very long time, since the previous model of the family had already set the majority of workgroup administrators of small offices and branch networks on edge - and bad luck - the new gigabit Mikrotik hAp ac2 could not meet all expectations - therefore only 8th place.
There are many original technical and design solutions - the efforts of the developers should not be underestimated:
And the traditionally sophisticated RouterOS software offers a crazy range of options for interacting with backbone networks.
But this is where the dog buries itself; due to software flaws, the speed “over the air” is unlikely to exceed 500 Mbit/s even at a frequency of 5 GHz, and for a market price of more than $50, no microcircuits will cover such an oversight.
7.8 Evaluation
On the seventh line of the TOP is a very attractive router - Zyxel Keenetic Extra 2. Potentially, it should not be here at all - after all, routers with ports supporting a gigabit connection should be closer to the middle of the rating (here only 4xLAN 100Base-TX).
But rave reviews from ordinary buyers and a great price left us no choice - this is indeed almost the most powerful Wi-Fi router for the home in 2019 with the widest functionality.
Using it to organize a home Internet center is the most correct decision. The router is capable of providing uninterrupted Wi-Fi coverage thanks to 4 5 dBi antennas and a competent approach to the use of MIMO diversity of data streams.
When both proposed frequency ranges are loaded, a bandwidth of up to 1160 Mbit/s can be achieved.
The router is also “tailored” to pass traffic from a small telephone network in DECT or even ADSL formats, that is, it is also suitable for small offices.
For starters, Extra 2 offers the most complete set of options for building VPN and FTP servers, configuration via a mobile application and dynamic restructuring of route tables. What else do you need for 4000r?
8.2 Evaluation
Functionality similar to the previous representative, but for less money and already with two Ethernet ports capable of operating at a speed of 1 Gbit/s, is being brought to the masses by the Chinese giant Xiaomi. This time this is a continuation of the line of high-performance Mi WiFi Router 4th generation routers.
Xiaomi engineers did a great job on the appearance of the router: 4 non-removable antennas, a flat body and a single LED look quite harmonious.
There is also a “Mi” button for quick pairing with the manufacturer’s gadgets.
Performance is at a good level - after all, 128 MB of RAM, support for all known 802.11 bgn/ac standards and a fast processor do their job - the air speed reaches 1167 Mbit/s. The only disappointment is the missing USB port - earlier versions had it.
The more than modest price of this “hard worker” makes Mi WiFi Router 4 one of the most popular developments in the field of building reliable and fast wireless networks. At home or in the office, you will probably completely forget where it is - fortunately, the dust on the white case will be almost invisible.
8.4 Evaluation
The TOP routers for home 2019 continues with the monster from Huawei, the B525 router, in fifth position. The development is designed to satisfy a wide range of requests from both ordinary consumers and corporate groups and even communication service providers. For these purposes, there are two SMA connectors on board the B525 for connecting external 4G antennas.
The maximum data transfer rate available to the user via wireless protocols is 1300 Mbit/s - this is a completely different class of devices. It goes without saying that this requires high noise immunity when working together in two frequency ranges at once - 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. Encryption is carried out using WEP and WPA(2) algorithms.
Among the interesting “bells and whistles” is the presence of an RJ-11 port for connecting an analog phone – a strange anachronism.
One way or another, the B525 performs its main function - supporting combined computer networks at high speeds - better than many others, and its cost ranges around $100.
8.2 Evaluation
In addition to supporting simultaneous two frequency bands and a switch group on 4 gigabit LAN ports, which is relevant for routers with a claim to leadership, this router offers a direct fiber connection.
Of course, you will need an SFP module for this.
The work of Keenetic engineers in constructing antenna-feeder paths deserves special praise. Their slogan, obviously, was “Fewer joints - less losses” - it is true, although the antennas are not removable, but the quality of the coverage is simply excellent.
Beamforming algorithms help to target the resource use of wireless networks.
Cool Internet center for more than reasonable money. In addition to the listed GIGAbit capabilities, users will receive an updated web interface for quickly setting up the router, as well as 3 hardware control keys that can be reassigned at your discretion.
8.0 Rating
The podium is opened (or rather, “kicks down the door”) by the powerful and uncompromising LinkSys EA8500 router. Possessing a typical appearance for the manufacturer and amazing functionality, seasoned with high reliability, for some reason this router failed to reach the top step of the rating - we’ll figure it out.
Inside the strict and very well-ventilated (for cooling) case hides a powerful processor from Qualcomm with 2 cores of 1400 MHz clock, as well as as much as 512 MB of RAM - you can’t find it anymore.
In addition to the built-in gigabit switch, there are two USB ports, one of which is combined with SATA, and the second is necessary for connecting 3G/4G modems.
Full support for MU-MIMO, all possible types of encryption and two independent coprocessors for RF signal conditioning - everything is here! The device complies with speed class AC1300.
So why answer the question “Which Wi-Fi router is best for home?” you won’t even think to answer: “LinkSys.” Yes, because few people will allow you to invite a router to their home for $700! The price doesn’t just bite, it devours you whole, but you have to pay for pleasure.
7.8 Evaluation
Every administrator knows that the best router is the one that is located in an unknown location. This trick will not work with the Asus RT-AC86U - it should be given the most prominent place in your home. The design of the router is simply gorgeous! The combination of scarlet inserts and black gloss looks just like the picture. But, of course, an attractive appearance is not all that helps it gain a foothold in second place in our rating.
RT-AC86U is one of the fastest existing routers for home use - it is assigned the AC2900 class. Three powerful antennas form a dense Wi-Fi coverage around the router, which can be intelligently shared between dozens of gadgets.
No one will experience “air hunger” - the load will be distributed between subscribers in an optimal way, based on the range, frequency of access to the router and the frequency range in which the consumer operates.
It is possible to connect in the 2.4 or 5 GHz bands and use WEP or WPA(2) encryption.
A Wi-Fi router is needed to distribute the Internet to several devices (smartphones, tablets, laptops, computers, TVs) via a wired LAN connection or Wi-Fi. Your choice determines the wireless Internet coverage area in the apartment, speed, stability and the availability of additional functions: network storage, IPTV connection, creating a home media server, print server, network distribution with a 3G modem.
WiFi router operation diagram
In this article we will only consider Wi-Fi routers that operate from a standard Ethernet cable. The choice of devices running from ADSL (via telephone), fiber optic network or 3G is more specific. They are often issued by the providers themselves.
The technical specifications for each router indicate the maximum data transfer speed. If 300 Mbit/s is specified, in practice expect speeds 3 times lower - 100 Mbit/s. In megabytes, this is a speed of 12.5 MB/s. It is enough for surfing the Internet, watching 1080p online videos, listening to music, multiplayer games, downloading Full HD movies. This will not be enough for downloading torrents in multiple streams or copying files within the network. To work with fast Wi-Fi, the laptop must support the 802.11n or 802.11ac wireless standard. 
The specifications indicate the speed of the wired LAN connection. The standard figure is 100 Mbit/s. Expensive routers can work 10 times faster - at a speed of 1 Gbit/s. This speed is needed for fast file exchange within a local network.
How much the router cuts down the Internet can only be learned from real users. This is a subjective parameter, these numbers will be different for each provider. If you are connected to a 100 Mbit/s tariff, at best there will be 95 Mbit/s. The maximum speed will be only when connected directly to the computer’s network card.
Ask a technical support specialist (a technician, not an operator), he should know what equipment is compatible with their network.
Routers operate in the 2.4 GHz frequency range. There are models that can simultaneously or alternately operate in the 2.4 and 5 GHz range. The 5 GHz channel is useful if there are many routers around your apartment that create interference and slow down the Internet speed. Therefore, moving to 5 GHz may increase speed, but will reduce network range. Not all devices support this operating mode.
You will waste a lot of nerves if the router freezes 2-3 times every day. And until you reboot it, the Internet will not return. You can only learn about the stability of a router from reviews.
To reduce the risk of purchasing a low-quality router, choose from well-known manufacturers: ZyXEL, D-link, TP-LINK. They update their firmware regularly. It is also not recommended to buy new models - in the first year after release there are many glitches.
On the Internet you can find alternative firmware such as DD-WRT or OpenWRT to increase stability, speed and add new functions. But when installing them, there is a chance of permanently breaking the router.
The actual range can only be determined in practice in your apartment. Almost any router, including D-link DIR 300, is enough for an apartment of 60–70 m².
If you want to get network coverage over a large area, buy a router with 2 or 3 antennas. They must support MIMO technology - multiple input-output. This allows you to increase the network coverage radius up to 400 meters in open space, reduce dead zones and increase Internet speed.
Routers with a built-in antenna have low gain - up to 2 dBi. The best option is an external removable antenna. An antenna of 2-4 dBi is enough for an apartment or office. If desired, it can be replaced with a more powerful or directional one, or an extension cord can be installed. 
Some routers have a USB port. It is used to connect flash drives or external hard drives for use over a network. You can download torrent files on them when the computer is turned off, create a home media server, and conveniently watch movies on smart TV. 
This port is also designed (not on all models) for connecting a 3G/4G modem. A convenient feature if you want to get a backup Internet channel. Many people take such routers to their dachas. Some models have an autonomous power source for distributing mobile Internet without electricity. 
The presence of Yandex DNS in the router interface will allow you to install a family filter with one click. Sites with illegal content, viruses, porn and bots will be blocked.
Devices differ in the size of RAM. The higher it is, the better the overall performance of the router. If you don’t know which of the two models to choose, look at the RAM size.
The cheapest router can be bought for 600–1500 rubles. It is enough for undemanding users: 2-3 devices with low connection speed and range. If the tariff does not exceed 30–50 Mbit/s and you don’t want to overpay for unnecessary functions, you can take the economy option. But it makes no sense to overpay for useless functions. The maximum adequate cost for a router for an apartment is 3–4 thousand rubles.
In addition to a beautiful appearance, the design should be thoughtful and convenient.
The summary table compares the 21 best home router models that can now be found on sale.
| Model | USB | 3G/4G | Wi-Fi standard | Wi-Fi speed | Port speed | Antenna | average price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ZyXEL Keenetic Start | 802.11n | 150 | 100 | 1 fixed 2 dBi | 1397 | ||
| ZyXEL Keenetic Lite III | 802.11n | 300 | 100 | 2 non-removable 3 dBi | 1754 | ||
| ZyXEL Keenetic 4G III | 1 | + | 802.11n | 300 | 100 | 2 non-removable 3 dBi | 2187 |
| ZyXEL Keenetic Lite II | 802.11n | 300 | 100 | 2 non-removable 3.5 dBi | 2760 | ||
| ZyXEL Keenetic Viva | 1 | + | 802.11n | 300 | 1000 | 2 non-removable 3 dBi | 3060 |
| ZyXEL Keenetic Extra | 1 | + | 802.11n | 600 | 1000 | 2 non-removable 4 dBi | 4000 |
| ZyXEL Keenetic II | 2 | + | 802.11n | 300 | 100 | 2 removable 5 dBi | 4107 |
| ZyXEL Keenetic Giga II | 2 | + | 802.11n | 300 | 1000 | 2 removable 5 dBi | 4862 |
| TP-LINK TL-WR740N | 802.11n | 150 | 100 | 1 fixed 5 dBi | 1151 | ||
| TP-LINK TL-WR841N | 802.11n | 300 | 100 | 2 non-removable 5 dBi | 1390 | ||
| TP-LINK TL-WR841ND | 802.11n | 300 | 100 | 2 removable 5 dBi | 1551 | ||
| TP-LINK TL-MR3420 | 1 | + | 802.11n | 300 | 100 | 2 removable 3 dBi | 1890 |
| TP-LINK TL-WR842ND | 1 | 802.11n | 300 | 100 | 2 removable 5 dBi | 1990 | |
| TP-LINK TL-WR941ND | 802.11n | 300 | 100 | 3 removable 3 dBi | 2190 | ||
| ASUS RT-N11P | 802.11n | 300 | 100 | 2 non-removable 5 dBi | 1705 | ||
| ASUS RT-N12VP | 802.11n | 300 | 100 | 2 non-removable 5 dBi | 1853 | ||
| ASUS RT-N12 | 802.11n | 300 | 100 | 2 removable 5 dBi | 2085 | ||
| D-link DIR-300 | 802.11g | 54 | 100 | 1 removable 2 dBi | 1194 | ||
| D-link DIR-620 | 1 | 3G | 802.11n | 300 | 100 | 2 non-removable 3 dBi | 1680 |
| D-link DIR-615 | 802.11n | 300 | 100 | 2 removable 2 dBi | 1794 | ||
| NETGEAR JWNR2000 | 802.11n | 300 | 100 | 2 internal antennas | 1333 |
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 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 optimal price and appropriate quality.
Antennas come in two types - built-in and external. In most cases, external antennas provide a better signal and therefore greater coverage within the home. A significant advantage will be the ability to change the antenna or add a few additional parts to increase the signal coverage area - this is especially true for apartments with a large number of rooms and country houses.
Not everyone can afford the most expensive Wi-Fi modem with many functions and powerful hardware, but in different price categories there are remarkable models that differ from other routers in quality, fast operation and fully justify their cost.
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.
The need to choose a good Wi-Fi router may arise for various reasons. Some buyers need to organize wireless Internet in their apartment for PCs, smartphones, tablets and other devices. Others want to connect various equipment such as computers, TVs and NAS to their home network so they can quickly access files on different devices. Others need to provide stable Wi-Fi for employees and visitors in the office. Whatever your goal, a review of the best Wi-Fi routers, selected by signal quality, reliability and cost, will help you decide on the right device to buy.
Identifying leaders is always a difficult task. On the one hand, it is necessary to take into account the characteristics and quality of routers. On the other hand, the opinions of real buyers. If we talk about the average rating of routers, the top five will look like this:
When you just need to distribute the Internet to several devices, there is no point in buying an expensive router. Such a financial investment is unlikely to justify itself, because most of the opportunities simply will not be used. It is more advisable to choose a budget router model, the functionality of which is sufficient for the average user. We have selected 4 of the most attractive Wi-Fi routers with a cost of up to 1000 rubles, from which you can choose a solution that suits your needs.
Inexpensive and high-quality router D-Link DIR-615S can be called an ideal budget router. A simple but attractive design, two antennas, as well as 4 LAN ports are the required minimum, which can be obtained for 1,200 rubles. The device can only operate in the 2.4 GHz band, and the maximum wireless connection speed in the DIR-615S is 300 Mbps. The web interface of the budget router is designed in the usual style for D-Link devices with a menu on the left side of the page and basic settings in the center. Of the useful options of the D-Link DIR-615S router, perhaps only support for Yandex.DNS can be highlighted.
Advantages:
Flaws:
If we call hAP mini the simplest Wi-Fi router on the market, then such an assessment is unlikely to be exaggerated. The device from the MikroTik brand comes in a simple box made of gray cardboard, on which there is only the outline of the router, as well as the name of the manufacturer and model. The package looks just as ascetic, including only the Wi-Fi router itself, a power adapter and a tiny manual. The compact hAP mini router is equipped with only two LANs and a pair of built-in antennas with a gain of 1.5 dBi. The maximum wireless connection speed in the single 2.4 GHz frequency range for the reviewed model is 300 Mbit/s.
What I liked:
What may not work:
Another fairly cheap router is offered by the TP-LINK brand. The TL-WR841N model corresponds in almost every way to a typical budget phone: 4 x LAN, 2.4 GHz, 300 Mbps wireless connection, a pair of antennas (5 dBi) and a convenient web interface. The TP-LINK router has all the basic functionality available, including IPTV. The router also has VPN support. As for the disadvantages, there is only one - in rare cases, the TL-WR841N loses connection, so it has to be rebooted. Of course, at a price of about 1,200 rubles, this nuance is not a serious drawback, but it’s worth taking it into account before purchasing.
Advantages:
Flaws:
The last on the list of budget routers is Keenetic Start. The capabilities of the KN-1110 can be called simply excellent, for a solution within one and a half thousand rubles. This router is equipped with high-precision antennas with a gain of 5 dBi and allows you to manage your home network using proprietary mobile software. In addition, the popular router has support for SkyDNS, Yandex.DNS and VPN tunnels. As a result, the KN-1110 can be called the best inexpensive Wi-Fi router in the TOP 10.
Pros:
Given the variety of modern technology and electronics, it can be difficult for users to spend their money wisely. In some cases, an expensive device may not be any better than a more affordable solution from competitors. In other situations, an excellent, at first glance, thing is only a few thousand cheaper than a more functional Wi-Fi router from the same brand, but from an updated line. So that you don't have to regret your choice, we offer you three excellent routers with the best ratio of cost and quality.
The best router in terms of price-quality ratio, according to our editors, is Tenda AC6. Firstly, this is a device with an attractive design, which is not a shame to place in a prominent place in the house. Secondly, the router is equipped with 4 antennas with a gain of 5 dBi. Thirdly, the device can operate simultaneously in the 2.4 GHz (maximum 300 Mbit/s) and 5 GHz (up to 867 Mbit/s) bands. There are also many additional features that you would not expect to see in a model for 2000 rubles. The most useful ones include repeater mode, guest network and static routing. I would also like to praise Tenda for its convenient web interface and well-thought-out proprietary application for smartphones.
What to like:
What is missing:
The rating of the best Wi-Fi routers for 2019 continues with an excellent model from ASUS. The characteristics of the RT-AC53 are simply ideal, for a device costing around 3 thousand rubles. The router can simultaneously operate in the 2.4 and 5 GHz frequency bands, providing wireless connection speeds of 300 and 433 Mbit/s, respectively. On the back wall of the router there is a WAN, 2 x LAN, a power connector, a power button, as well as Reset and WPS. In addition to basic functionality, the device boasts a VPN server and client, QoS/shaping, and the ability to reassign the WPS button to turn Wi-Fi on/off or indicators on the front panel.
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Another good router in terms of cost/quality ratio, according to customer reviews, is the DIR-815/AC router from D-Link. The average price of this model is 2,500 rubles, but its capabilities correspond to more expensive competitors. The software part, as noted above, is standard for all D-Links and is quite convenient. The hardware platform also does not disappoint and pleases with its stability. The router has 4 antennas and 4 LAN ports with a speed of 100 Mbit/s. The maximum transmission speed at 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz is standard for its class - 300 and 868 Mbit/s, respectively. The device has a USB connector and supports URL filtering, Firewall, Yandex.DNS and external modems.
Pros:
Advanced Wi-Fi routers for the home are not a solution for everyone. The high price, comparable to good smartphones, does not allow these products to be called mass-produced. Most buyers simply will not see the benefit of having many options in the device, such as an FTP server, a USB port, or a high-speed multi-Gbps wireless connection. But if you don’t need to explain the benefits of having multiple antennas and the ability to connect LTE modems to your router, then this category of devices is exactly what you need.
The first place among Wi-Fi routers is occupied by an excellent model with a strict design, diluted with small inserts of red plastic, stylized as metal. At the bottom there is a row of indicators that light up/blink during operation in a neutral white color. Some of the lights may turn red if there are any problems. RT-AC86U is an ASUS router with a vertical design. This solution looks unusual and stylish.
The top of the router is reserved for three antennas, and at the bottom on the rear panel there are all interfaces and most controls: power and reset buttons, a WAN port, as well as 4 LAN outputs, as well as a power port and a pair of USB 2.0 and 3.0 standards. There is also a button to turn off the LEDs.
The ASUS RT-AC86U hardware platform is represented by a 2-core processor from Broadcom operating at a frequency of 1.8 GHz, as well as 512 MB of RAM and 256 MB of flash memory. The router board contains two blocks for operating in the 2.4 GHz range (maximum speed 750 Mbit/s) and 5 GHz (up to 2167 Mbit/s).
The functionality of the router is simply excellent. There are options here such as traffic analysis and control, a VPN server, AirProtect, the ability to add guest wireless networks, Game Boost and much more. At the same time, the web interface and proprietary program for smartphones also deserve the highest marks.
As a result, ASUS RT-AC86U is a very expensive device, the average price of which is an impressive 15 thousand rubles. However, one can hardly accuse the manufacturer of inflating the cost of the router, given its characteristics.
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Flaws:
Second place in the ranking of top-segment routers went to a more affordable model with a cost of 9,500 rubles. The Archer C2300 is also dual-band capable, with maximum wireless data transfer speeds of 600 Mbps and 1625 Mbps for 2.4 and 5 GHz respectively. MU-MIMO technology allows you to connect many devices to the network at the same time. The “stuffing” of the TP-LINK Archer C2300 is practically the same as the previous model in this category: a 2-core 1.8 GHz processor, 512 megabytes of RAM, and 128 MB of flash memory. In addition, a good router for home can boast USB 3.0 and support for proprietary TP-LINK Tether software for configuration.
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The review ends with the most reliable router in the rating – Keenetic Giga. This is one of the older devices in the brand’s line, significantly different functionally from more affordable solutions. In particular, there is an SFP port, making the KN-1010 one of the rare representatives of universal SOHO models. If we talk about all the capabilities of Keenetic Giga, then this will have to be a separate article. In particular, there is support for VLAN, external 3G/LTE modems, Yandex.DNS and SkyDNS, TLS encryption, L2TP/IPSec and OpenVPN clients/servers, as well as much more. By the way, the name Giga for the Wi-Fi router was chosen for a reason, because each of the 4 LAN ports built into the router operates at a speed of 1 Gbit/s. As for the wireless connection speed, for the 2.4 GHz channel its limit is 400 Mbit/s, and for 5 GHz – 867 Mbit/s.
Pros:
Our rating of the best Wi-Fi router models, selected in the TOP 10, is aimed at all categories of buyers. Budget solutions are best suited for users with a modest budget and those who need to distribute the Internet to only 2-3 devices. More expensive models are optimal for a large home network. Solutions at the Keenetic Giga level, in turn, are aimed at corporate users working in the office.
When choosing the best router for your home, you should pay attention to its characteristics, the requirements for which largely depend on the tasks the router performs. So, for online game players, the main parameter is the speed and stability of the connection.
For those who exclusively surf the Internet, a budget model is more suitable - especially since any modern router meets the requirements of the average user.
For a large family, it is desirable to provide the maximum number of connections and high speed access to information. And, if the wired Internet in this region is unstable (especially when the router is installed in the private sector or outside the city), an equally important parameter is the ability to connect a 3G modem.
The parameters you should pay attention to when buying a home router are:
Rice. 1. Router with a connected 3G modem.
The speed of data transfer over wireless channels also matters. However, for modern routers it is at least 300 Mbit/s. This figure is higher than that of most domestic providers, offering access at speeds of up to 100–200 Mbit/s.
Most modern routers have several LAN ports - usually at least 4. Their tasks include distributing information at a speed of 100 or 1000 Mbit/s using a wired connection. The advantage of this method of data transfer is stability; the disadvantage is the lower speed and the relatively short distance at which the router and the connected device can be located from each other.
A device called a switch is used to increase the number of wired connections to a single router. At the same time, the maximum number of computers simultaneously connected to the router is practically unlimited. It’s just that as their number increases, the connection speed will drop in proportion to this value.
You should know: The maximum distance that can be achieved using a cable is 100 m. But most cords are no more than 10 m long. And their use is limited by the configuration of the premises.
For wireless communications, an important factor is the Wi-Fi standard, the frequency at which information is transmitted, and the number of bands. It is most convenient to use dual-band routers that support 802.11ac technology. While models that transmit signals only using the 802.11n protocol are cheaper, although they provide lower quality communications.
The speed of information transmission and the distance over which it is transmitted are related to the number of antennas. Budget router models have only one such amplifier. More expensive devices are equipped with two, three or more antennas.
The advantage of this option is the high speed, exceeding even that of a cable, and a large number of connections provided simultaneously. The disadvantage is the need to configure and protect the wireless network with a password.
Rice. 2. Router with a large number of antennas.
Some router models are equipped not only with standard ports, but also with USB connectors. Using these ports you can:
If you need a regular network connection for browsing websites and working with email, the presence of a USB port on the router does not matter. Therefore, budget models do not have such an option. And in expensive ones there may even be two connectors.
A stylish-looking Xiaomi router with the ability to transmit data using the 802.11a/b/g/n/ac protocol provides an overall connection speed of 1167 Mbps. In addition, the manufacturing company supplies this model with two types of firmware - regular and intended for developers, that is, with extended functionality. The router has the following advantages:
The disadvantages of the equipment include the presence of instructions only in Chinese. A slight inconvenience may be the presence of only two LAN ports. And if you need to connect 3 computers, you will have to buy a switch.
Rice. 3. Xiaomi Mi Wi-Fi mini model – affordable price for its capabilities.
The main advantages of the TP-Link Archer C7 model are its impressive Internet access speed. Its maximum throughput reaches 1.75 Gbit/s – 1300 Mbit/s for the 5 Hz band and 450 Mbit/s for 2.4 GHz. The device has wide coverage and provides a wireless network to both a large apartment and a private house. By the way, in order to correctly choose which Internet is best for you, read our material Which Internet is better to connect to at home. Review of all possible options.
The router is equipped with 2 USB ports through which a scanner or printer is connected to it. And when you connect an external storage device (portable hard drive or flash drive) to Archer C7, information from it can be available to all users of the wireless network.
To make it easier to work with the router, it has special software installed that allows you to check the number of connections and set up individual access for them to the network as a whole or to individual pages. Thus, the router can be used to prevent children from accessing unwanted information.
Rice. 4. Archer C7 model with the highest speed - almost 2 Gbps.
Among the capabilities of the N750 model from the manufacturer Netgear, it is worth noting the high speed of network access using wireless (at 750 Mbit/s for two bands) and wired (1000 Mbit/s for LAN) connections. This speed is more than enough for each family member to watch videos in FullHD quality without degrading the signal quality.
An external drive can be connected to the router, with the help of which the device turns into a mini-server. And thanks to the Time Machine function, the drive allows you to create backup copies of Apple computers. At the same time, a user with a phone running Android or iOS can manage the network directly from their mobile device. The same application allows for parental control of children using mobile devices.
Rice. 5. N750 router with setup from a smartphone.
The advantages that a user who chooses the Tp-Link TL-WA901ND router model receives include:
In addition to its advantages, the router has a small drawback - the lack of wired connections. In order to provide Internet to a desktop PC, you will need to purchase a Wi-Fi adapter. At the same time, the equipment is quite affordable and is excellent for installation in a house or apartment, where only mobile devices – laptops, tablets or smartphones – need to be connected to the network.
Rice. 6. Tp-Link TL-WA901ND router – a model with a high level of signal amplification.
The ASUS RT-N56U model has an original and immediately eye-catching design and is capable of operating in two bands and a wireless connection speed of 300 Mbps that is quite decent for most tasks. Two USB ports provide connection to the router for external hard drives and flash drives, as well as 3G/4G modems. Other quite important characteristics of the device include:
Hard drive sizes can reach 1 TB. However, it is not recommended to leave this connection permanently. The router gets relatively hot even in normal mode. And when working together with a drive, it can even overheat.
Rice. 7. ASUS RT-N56U router is a good option for both home and office.
At its budget price, the TP-LINK TL-WR841N router has a convenient and intuitive interface for setting up equipment, which coincides with the menu of more expensive models of the same brand. The advantages of the device include its low cost, which suits most users.
Among the disadvantages is the presence of only a 100-megabit wired connection and a 300-megabit wireless connection. This would hardly be enough for an office, but in an apartment or private house the router will allow you to simultaneously connect up to 4 computers and more than ten mobile gadgets with a speed of 20–30 Mbit/s.
Rice. 8. TP-LINK TL-WR841N
Among the few advantages of the D-link DIR-300/A/D1 router is its low price and support for the WPS option, which ensures the creation of a wireless network in semi-automatic mode. At the same time, the technical characteristics of the model are not impressive - although they are not too upsetting. 150 Mbps is enough for 3-4 simultaneous high-speed connections at home. It is not of great importance for an apartment or house and has a relatively small range of action, within 10–20 meters.
Rice. 9. D-link DIR-300/A/D1
The Chinese router Netis WF2419E can be classified as a budget segment. And its price is the lowest among all models available on the market. The build quality of the device corresponds even to the more expensive segment. And the data transfer speed is quite suitable for home use - up to 300 Mbit/s over a wireless network and up to 100 Mbit/s over a wired network.
The advantages of the gadget include simple setup and good functionality. There are practically no disadvantages, taking into account such a low cost. The only noticeable disadvantage is the reduction in the information transmission range to 20 meters or less if there are concrete walls or reinforced interior partitions in the apartment or house. In the absence of serious obstacles, the equipment provides high-quality reception at a distance of up to 30 meters.
Rice. 10. Netis WF2419E is one of the most budget routers on the market.
The advantages of the Tenda N301 model are its compact body size and low price. These advantages are complemented by the ease of setting up the operation of the equipment, which makes it easy to put the router into operation even for inexperienced users. By the way, on our website you can read detailed instructions for setting up this router: Tenda n301: setting up and working with the router
The setup menu interface is in Russian, and clear instructions are included with the router. When the device operates, it provides a good connection speed to the network - up to 300 Mbit/s over a wireless network and up to 100 Mbit/s over a wired network.
The disadvantages of the Tenda N301 model include the presence of only 3 LAN ports instead of the standard four and a not very powerful signal. In fact, after 10 meters it may not be enough to fully surf the Internet. Although for the conditions of an ordinary apartment such characteristics are usually sufficient, it is advisable to install the equipment closer to the center of the home.
Rice. 11. Tenda N301 – router for undemanding users.
The ZyXEL Keenetic Start model is a simplified version of the Kinetic router from the same manufacturer. The functionality of the device is limited compared to a more expensive router. However, for a small house and a two- or three-room apartment, its capabilities are sufficient.
At the same time, the device has a favorable price, does not overheat too much during operation and provides a real 150 Mbit/s speed - while some models from other manufacturers (especially budget ones) do not always correspond to the declared parameters.
Rice. 12. ZyXEL Keenetic Start - a simplified version of an expensive router.
The routers presented in the list are among the most popular and most frequently purchased models. There are many reasons for this - affordable cost, high speed, easy setup. Buying one for your apartment, private home, or even a summer house (if you have a USB connector and a 3G modem) will provide a high-quality signal over a considerable distance around the router. And it will allow you to access the Internet using a wired or wireless connection.
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