Best Wireless Router 2018. And always has enough horsepower to spare whenever you tack on a new laptop or phone to your endlessly growing network of personal mobile technology.
Ask people working in an office or living in a multi-story house, and they might tell that strong Wi-Fi coverage is only a dream for them. Regardless of the Wi-Fi devices, they connect to their router, signal strength always remains weak. As for the speed, the absence of signals means they cannot even think about this factor.
Feeling worried? Donât.
The routers mentioned below would have no such shenanigans.
Best Wi-Fi Routers For a Large HouseBandsWireless CompatibilityAntennasMU-MIMOBeamformingGuest Network1No products found.Two802.11 ACThreeN/AYesYes2NETGEAR Nighthawk Smart WiFi Router (R7000) - AC1900 Wireless Speed (up to 1900 Mbps) | Up to 1800 sq ft Coverage & 30 Devices | 4 x 1G Ethernet and 2 USB ports | Armor SecurityTwo802.11 a/b/g/n/acThreeN/AYesYes3ASUS RT-AC88U Dual-band (2.4 GHz / 5 GHz) Gigabit Ethernet Black,Red 3G 4GTwo802.11 A/CFourYesYesYes4Portal Mesh Wi-Fi Router - Reliable, high-performance wireless ready for gaming. Unique DFS Spectrum usage to eliminate congestion. Advanced Mesh Wi-Fi covers whole home.Two802.11 a/b/g/n/acNine (Internal)YesYesYes5No products found.Three802.11 a/b/g/n/acEight
![]() TP-Link AC1900 ReviewLinksys Router For Mac
Offering dual-band connectivity, the freedom to create a guest network, and a bandwidth meter â which allows you to increase or decrease the bandwidth limit, the AC1900 from TP-Link is one of the most popular routers on Amazon despite the fact that it doesnât come cheap.
What are the reasons for its fame? Letâs find out.
SaleTP-Link AC1900 Smart Wireless Router - Beamforming Dual Band Gigabit WiFi Internet Routers for Home, High Speed, Long Range, Ideal for Gaming (Archer C9)
TP-Link AC1900 Features
Starting from its design, and âclassyâ was the first word which came to my mind on seeing this router. Silver accents complement the glossy finish on top of this router, and with its size of a hardback book, what AC1900 does offer is a sturdy-yet-classy model.
On towards more tangible features, and dual-band connectivity is the first to attract our attention. Still, youâd have to set the model for dual-band connectivity it comes with a pre-determined frequency of 2.4GHz for British and 5GHz frequency for American users. It means youâd have to reset the frequencies to get the optimal performance.
While changing the frequencies, you might come across the Guest Network feature inside this routerâs app. As if one wasnât enough, this setting lets you operate two â yes, TWO â guest networks at one time, with one guest network per band. That is, if your office has a driverâs area and a VIP Lounge, you could set separate guest networks for both.
Moving on, and just under the guest network setting appears the bandwidth control option. If you donât have unlimited data at your disposal, you could use this option to increase or reduce the bandwidth limit of your router.
Wireless range of this device, thanks to the beamforming technology on offer, didnât disappoint either. Thanks to this technology, a beam would be created between the router and the connected device, which would maintain a steady and extensive flow of signals between the router and the device at all times.
Making sure you could take full advantage of all the abovementioned features is the Tether app from TP-Link. Available on both Apple Store and Google Play, Tether lets you see the devices connected to the network, allows you to create a guest network, and lets you block any unwanted devices. And if you are using any other TP-Link device, all of them could be managed with this one app.
User Critique
Despite the AC1900âs above-average price tag, the fact that it doesnât offer MU-MIMO might be a deal breaker for some. That, and the fact that youâd have to reset the router to dual-frequency â as it comes preset on one frequency â doesnât seem to justify its price tag.
ProsConsFinal Verdict on the TP-Link AC1900 Router
With an extended wireless range, impeccable Wi-Fi speed and two guest networks, the TP-Link AC1900 has something to offer whether you play online games or stream 4K HD Videos.
Offering a mixture of super-fast 5 GHz speed and a user-intuitive Netgear Genie software, the Netgear Nighthawk is a must-have for any gamer out there. Still, like all other products in the market, it is not without its shortcomings.
NetGear Netgear Ex7000-100Uks Ac1900 Dual Band 2.4 & 5Ghz 1900 Mbps Nighthawk Wi-Fi Range Extender With 5 Gigabit Ports And 3 External Antennas (Wi-Fi Booster)
Features
Look at its size, and at 11.2*7.3*2.0ââ, you might doubt about the efficacy of this router. Still, one glance at the antennas â there are three of them in this model â and how they perform, and all your doubts would evaporate into thin air.
For instance, justifying the price tag of this model, the three-antennas are âhigh gainâ, which means they would ooze signals. Still, if you think they are not covering your entire house, you could replace them as Netgear has made them detachable. In this way, you could install 3rd party antennas to get maximum signal strength.
Turning our attention to its performance, and Netgear has made sure that you could use this router for long by providing it with an open source firmware. This feature would help to make this router long lasting.
For, unlike old Apple phones which stop having updates once a new model arrives, you would always be able to update this router and its firmware, so that both its performance as well as security arenât compromised.
That is, once its updates stop coming, it wonât become useless like its counterparts from other brands. Instead, all youâd have to do is to update its firmware from the market and keep using the router for as long as you want.
Quality of Service is another feature of this model which adds to its performance. Apart from supporting dual-band connectivity, the QoS feature allows you to prioritize one site â or one device â over the other. In this way, youâd decide which client on your network deserves more data at any time.
Finally, to assure you that it would provide enough signals for large homes, the AC1900 comes with beamforming. As stated above, this technology finds your device â and not the other way around â so as to provide consistent signal strength all the time.
User Critique
Compare it to what is standard in the market, and the 1-year warranty provided by this model isnât enough by any means.
ProsConsFinal Verdict on the Netgear Nighthawk AC1900 Router
While its reduced warranty has left a bad taste in the mouth, this router has enough features to make up for it. Therefore, if all you want is a high-speed online experience, this router might be enough.
Sleek, powerful, and full of ports, the ASUS RT-1900 is easily the gold standard for Wi-Fi routers which not only offer fast speeds but also generate enough signals to fill a large house
Have doubts? Letâs look at its features to quash them.
ASUS RT-AC88U Dual-band (2.4 GHz / 5 GHz) Gigabit Ethernet Black,Red 3G 4G
Features
Starting with the Wi-Fi speed this router has to offer, and it would break any speedometer with its QAM Technology. While ordinary routers receive better speed at only one band â 5 GHz, to be precise â this router offers impeccable speeds at both of them.
Yes, regardless of whether you have switched to the long-range 2.4GHz band or its speedy 5 GHz counterpart â or whether your device supports 802.11ac or not, youâd get up to 60% more speed on both bands with this router.
Moving ahead, if your room is on the third story with the router on the ground floor, you wonât have to come all the way down. Why? Because it has four, foldable antennas which you can turn 180degrees to eliminate Wi-Fi dead zones from your home.
However, if you live in an office where it is the speed and NOT the range that you need, the eight Gigabit Ethernet ports on this router might help. By diverting the load to wired devices, these ports reduce their impact on the Wi-Fi, hence providing breathtaking Wi-Fi speeds at both.
Next up is the MU-MIMO technology which wonât need your assistance to get going. Instead, thanks to its 4*4 capability, the technology would switch between four connected devices on its own. In this way, you wonât have to tinker with the Quality of Service feature of this model as the MU-MIMO would prioritize devices based on the data they are consuming.
Beyond its speed and coverage range, the RT-AC88U excels with its easy setup, brilliant network monitoring features, and a cinch-to-use Web interface. It includes a TrendMicro vulnerability detection feature which would make sure you browse the internet safely by taking care of malware on its own.
Finally, if youâre looking for a gaming router, this router has a built-in game acceleration feature which automatically increases the data transmission to any online-gaming device. Consequently, you wonât have to suffer any mid-game pings.
User Critique
Best Wireless Routers For Mac
While the USB 3.0 port is above-average in performance, its awkward placement on the front side lets down the router.
ProsCons
Final Verdict
A mere glance at its price tag would make it clear that this router demands above-average price for its services. However, now that you have read its features, you might tell that it offers everything that anybody could want in a router. So, if you can afford it, buy it.
As is evident from its appearance â with a glossy white orb welcoming you â the Portal Wi-Fi router is different from any other router you may have. Thankfully, it is not only its design but also its performance which makes it different â and better.
Portal Mesh Wi-Fi Router - Reliable, high-performance wireless ready for gaming. Unique DFS Spectrum usage to eliminate congestion. Advanced Mesh Wi-Fi covers whole home.
Features
Some routers are easy to setup, bug lag on performance; others require hours to get going, but provide high-speed flow. With the Portal Wi-Fi router, you get a device which bridges the gap â as, in addition to being easy to setup, it could provide lightning fast speeds.
How? Well, say hello to its âFastlaneâ feature. In simple words, this feature increases the speed of the router by figuring out on itself which is the best channel to use. And by the best channel, it means that channel which has less interference and more speed. Whatâs more, the feature is monitored by a 650-MHz compressor to ensure maximum speed at all times.
Behind the scenes â and to further complement the Fastlane feature and increase this routerâs speed â the MU-MIMO technology comes into play. The technology shares the capacity of the router among multiple clients so that none of them gets left behind. Still, if you feel youâre the one deserving of the most data, the beamforming feature would fulfill your wish.
Worried about the lack of antennas? You donât have to as there are nine of them, albeit internally, just to give this router a sleeker look. Still, them being internal wonât stop these antennas from generating signals.
Also, in contrast to most routers out there, the Portal Wi-Fi router doesnât have rows and rows of LEDs. Instead, all it has is an âOâ on the top. When it turns red, something is wrong, blue means it has just connected to the internet, whereas green means the router is running at peak performance.
Lastly, setting up this router would be one of the easiest tasks of the day. All youâd have to do is to turn the Portal on by plugging it in, before connecting it to your modem.
Next, download its app on your phone, turn on the Bluetooth, and the Portal would discover it and ask your permission for pairing. Once you do that, it would require you to enter its name and password, after which youâd be good to go.
User Critique
Two flaws were highlighted in this model by its users. First, they say that it could have done better than opting for low-speed USB 2.0ports. Second, it doesnât have a Wi-Fi Protected Setup button.
ProsCons
Final Verdict
Portal Wi-Fi router is one of those rare devices which not only offers good performance but is a cinch to set up and provides both long range and high Wi-Fi speeds with minimum interference. What more can you ask from a Wi-Fi router!
The Google Wi-Fi router is a mesh router system which means that instead of blasting out fast Wi-Fi signals, its priority is to blanket the space around it with uniformly high-performing Wi-Fi by generating it from multiple locations.
Found the description confusing? Scroll down for help.
SaleGoogle WiFi system, 3-Pack - Router replacement for whole home coverage (NLS-1304-25)
Features
Since it is a mesh system, people often think that its different units would consume more space. However, as suggested by its 12oz weight â and a height of 69mm, this unit is minimalist in design, which means it offers a discreet Wi-Fi solution for your home.
The reason for its small size lies in Google not copying other routers â as it is the technology and NOT the size where this Wi-Fi impresses. For, be it MU-MIMO (which spreads data to multiple clients at one time), or beamforming (which ensures the uniform consistency of signals at all times), this router comes loaded with features.
One thing which you might want to note about Google WiFi is that it wonât replace your modem. Instead, it will connect to the existing one through one of its two Gigabit Ethernet ports, hence leaving just one for your usage.
While the hardware attracts you by its minimalistic size, the software of this router is where it showcases its class. Setting up the router is super-easy, after which the Google Wi-Fi app would manage every of the routerâs function.
From 24*7 monitoring of your network to the devices connected to it and all its points, the app also has a built-in speed test which is similar to Ookla. Whatâs more, it allows you to prioritize bandwidth, enable parental controls and control any other smart home devices you may have.
Turning our attention to its performance, and the traffic prioritization feature deserves a mention in this regard. For instance, if there are two devices in your home â the first of which is Facebooking whereas the other is having an online gaming session, the traffic prioritization feature would direct more of the data towards the latter for a smooth, uninterrupted experience.
Plus, if any of the Wi-Fi points lose power or are accidentally unplugged, the network would automatically repair itself without requiring your intervention.
User Critique
Want to control this device? You need to have your smartphone at all times since its hardware control is, at best, limited.
ProsCons
Final Verdict
It costs less than other mesh routers in the market, but still manages to make all of them look out of date. Hence, if you are looking for a simple yet reliable way to inundate your house with W-Fi signals, the Google WiFi router deserves your attention.
Many people think that Wi-Fi routers and access points are outdated and that Wi-Fi mesh is what the future is all about. If you believe in them â and look at mesh systems like Orbi â youâd think that the future isnât too bad.
NETGEAR Orbi Wall-Plug Whole Home Mesh WiFi Satellite Extender - works with your Orbi router to add 1,500 sq. feet of coverage at speeds up to 2.2 Gbps, AC2200 (RBW30)
Features
First thing first, in stark contrast to what is advertised, the Netgear Orbi is not a one but a two-unit product: the Orbi Satellite and the Orbi Router. Weighing 889g each, both devices are anything but small, which means youâd need to make some space for them.
Once you have set up the device â the details of which we wonât bore you with â a solid blue ring would go on to indicate a stable, strong connection. If you arenât lucky, an amber or magenta ring might appear, which means you need to close the gap between the router and the satellite.
To take the pain out of its setup, the Orbi only has one SSID; which means you wonât have to remember different passwords for different bands. Also, depending on your location, the single SSID will automatically connect you to the nearest band, which means you would get strong Wi-Fi signals without doing anything.
How does it work? Well, the router and the satellite combine to broadcast three separate Wi-Fi signal bands: the first two at 2.4GHz and 5GHz respectively, and the last one at 5GHz. While the first two would supply data to you, the last one would communicate between the satellite and the router, which means it would function as a wireless backhaul.
Thanks to this wireless backhaul, Netgear Orbi has eliminated the problem which people experience with most extenders. For, extenders rely on the same band to communicate with your device as well as the modem, which inevitably results in the loss of speed. The Netgear Orbi employs two bands for the same purpose, hence saying goodbye to any speed problems.
Another area where Orbi sets itself apart â especially from other mesh systems â is the customization it offers. Just like a normal router, it allows you to log into a browser and adjust any setting youâd expect; be it Wi-Fi access points or parental controls and from VPN activation to blocking websites. Also, advanced features such as MU-MIMO and beamforming are also available here.
Lastly, when measured at a distance of 150feet from the Orbi, we were able to get 229.1MBps of speed, at least seven times more than what Google Wi-Fi offered us. Therefore, with such results, Orbiâs claim that it could cover 2,000square feet is most probably an understatement.
User Critique
Three complaints, though none of them affect the performance of the Orbi. First, it is extremely expensive; second, its size is way too big, and finally, Orbi mobile app has limited functionality for now.
ProsCons
Final Verdict
Though astronomically priced, the Netgear Orbi is one of the most powerful and fastest mesh routers youâd ever see. Hence, if long-range coverage and fast Wi-Fi speed are what you desire, Netgear Orbi might be your best bet.
Joining the likes of Netgear Orbi and Google Wi-Fi system, the Amplifi HD employs mesh networking in its aim to beat a standard router with its wireless coverage. Will it be able to justify its lofty price tag? Letâs find out.
SaleAmpliFi HD WiFi System by Ubiquiti Labs, Seamless Whole Home Wireless Internet Coverage, HD WiFi Router, 2 Mesh Points, 4 Gigabit Ethernet, 1 WAN Port, Ethernet Cable, Replaces Router & WiFi Extenders
Features
Wireless Router For Mac
The first thing which comes to your mind while seeing this router is that its shape resembles more of an alarm clock than that of a router. That, in itself, is a good thing as its nice-looking exterior means it might become your homeâs fashion statement.
The AmpliFi HD has a color screen showing day, date and time at all times. Tap it, and it would tell how much data youâve consumed over the past day. Tap it again, and the routerâs IP address, its WAN and the number of devices connected to it, would be shown.
Tap it more than once, and a speedometer would show up. That said, if you donât like tapping, thereâs an app which would do all that and much more.
Apart from showcasing all that we already mentioned, the app allows you to set bandwidth limits, blacklist devices, create guest networks and pause all networks. Still, the fact that the app lacks Parental Controls and QoS leave something to be desired.
Fortunately, installing the router is a breeze. Once you connect the router to your modem and the device, just tap (again) the Set UP Amplifi Button, enter the name and password, and the network would be up and running.
Best 2018 Network Router For Machine
Looking at its coverage, and the AmpliFi HD heightens your expectations even before you buy it by advertising that it has a coverage area of 20,000square feet. Thankfully, as we found out during our review, the claim wasnât way off the mark.
Even if you donât install its mesh extenders, it offers a range of 90 feet even with obstructions. Install them, and the range goes all the way up to 3,500square feet.
Concluding its review, its good performance, simple and quick setup and excellent range makes the AmpliFI HD in a category which is becoming increasingly competitive by each passing day.
User Critique
If you want to connect hard drives or printers to the router, its USB 2.0 port â which, according to the manufacturer, is for future usage (whatever that means) â wonât be of much help.
ProsConsBest Network Router For Small Business
Final Verdict
Its expensive price tag may take the AmpliFi HD Home WiFi System out of the reach of the majority, but for those who can afford it, it is one of the most reliable ways to flood your home with Wi-Fi signals.
Taking full advantage of the tri-band concept, the Nighthawk X6 claims to provide long range and brilliant Wi-Fi speeds to multiple devices on the same network.
Will it suit you? Letâs find out.
SaleNETGEAR Nighthawk X6 Smart WiFi Router (R8000) - AC3200 Tri-band Wireless Speed (up to 3200 Mbps) | Up to 3500 sq ft Coverage & 50 Devices | 4 x 1G Ethernet and 2 USB ports | Armor Security
Features
Best Wireless Network Router For Home
For those of you who think three or four antennas boost 802.11ac Wi-Fiâs networking performance, this router has six.
Rather than being shabby, the antennas are foldable, extend up to 3.3ââ and you can adjust them to 140* angle. And as we found out in our review, they provided an excellent range to the hilt. Sadly, though, they arenât detachable.
Whatâs more, all the antennas rely on state-of-the-art beamforming technology to sculpt signals in such a manner as to suit the receptor antenna. Put simply, this technology makes the signals track and trace the connected devices, hence ensuring consistent signal supply.
Talk about customization, and the X6 allows you to configure it manually. You can set the router up as a router point, and if you feel that its security isnât up to it, update its firmware on your own.
One thing which we liked the most about this router was that it allowed you to set different top-speeds for the bands. It means that if two users are using the internet â and one of them needs more speed for their task â you could use the âTop Speedâ function to provide them with the same.
As for sharing, we were able to connect this router with a plethora of devices â be it desktop, printers, tablets or internet radios â in one go. But for that, you would either have to enter the routerâs password manually or use its WPS protocol.
Apart from getting the router up and rolling, the Netgear Genie â the mobile app which accompanies the router â can let you perform a variety of functions. It has a Traffic meter showing upload and download speeds. And if you feel that your networkâs speed is going down, the app lets you choose your Wi-Fi Channel to differentiate it from your neighborâs.
For security purposes, the Genie app, after asking you, would send an email every time a new connection logs on. It also has a Guest Network feature which allows the outsiders to browse the web while blocking their access to your networkâs drives.
Lastly, if you want to prevent older devices from decreasing the Wi-Fi speeds of newer ones, the X6 has a Smart Connect feature to do that. Still, both the 5GHz channels need to have the same name for the Smart Connect feature to come into play.
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User Critique
The 2.4GHz band is a bit buggy, which means that more often than not, youâd have no choice but to rely on the 5GHz band for good performance.
ProsCons
Final Verdict
Not all the devices in todayâs market would support the relatively new 5GHz band. If yours do â and you can afford to pay over the odds for a high-quality router â the X6 AC3200 wonât disappoint.
Released in 2015, it might not be the most stylish Wi-Fi router in the market â it is ugly, in fact, but what it lacks in looks this router more than makes up for in its performance.
SaleLinksys WRT AC1900 Open Source Dual-Band Gigabit WiFi Wireless Router (WRT1900ACS)
Features
Compare it with the WRT1900ACS â its predecessor which was released in 2014, and you might note that Linksys have decided to forego the inline power supply for a wall-mount, which means that it could both sit flat on its four rubber feet and hang on the wall. The four antennas are not only removable but also foldable so that you could optimize them for best signal strength.
On the Wi-Fi front, this model has gained one thing but lost the other. Starting with the former, it has the beamforming technique which allows this router to supply uniform signals at all times. However, gone is the MU-MMO so the traffic management might not be as efficient as some of you may like.
Apart from its performance, the one thing which attracts users towards this model is its longevity, one that directly stems from this routerâs affinity for open-source community.
For, if you think that the antennas arenât working as hoped, you could have them replaced as Linksys have made them detachable. Similarly, if at some point in future Linksys stopped sending firmware updates for this model, you could have them manually install from the market, as this model supports open-source firmware.
Lastly, to configure this device, you could download the Smart Wi-Fi app of Linksys from both for both Android and iPhones. This app gives you the option to monitor speed and traffic activity, create a guest network, turn on/off Wi-Fi access and prioritize network traffic via the Quality of Service feature. Pretty basic but useful features, all of them.
User Critique
When a user is spending as much amount as Linksys demands for this model, then heâd be right to expect MU-MIMO technology to accompany the router. Unfortunately, this model wonât provide it.
ProsCons
Final Verdict
Built like a tank â as its ugly face might testify â it has both the hardware as well as the software to last years. Hence, for those of you who are in the market for a router which could take some beating and still stay strong, the Linksys AC1900 might just suit you.
Our editors independently research, test, and recommend the best products; you can learn more about our review process here. We may receive commissions on purchases made from our chosen links.
The Rundown
Our Top PicksBest Overall: Asus RT-AC88U
4.5
Widely regarded as the crème de la crème of Internet routers, the Asus RT-AC88U wireless-AC1300 is a superb choice for 802.11ac router buyers. While its futuristic style might catch your eye, itâs whatâs under the hood that helps set the tone for this Asus model. Powered by a 1.4GHz dual-core processor and 1024-QAM technology, the AC88U is blazing fast with speeds that are up to 80 percent faster at 5GHz up to 2100Mbps and 66 percent faster at 2.4GHz up to 1000Mbps. Additionally, the four-transmit, four-receive antenna offers 33 percent greater coverage on the 2.4GHz band (up to 5,000 square feet).
Another standout feature is the inclusion of MU-MIMO (multi-user multiple input and multiple-output), which offers every connected device its own dedicated Wi-Fi connection. In other words, each device thatâs connected to the AC88U doesnât unintentionally slow down the entire network. With all these great features, itâs good to know that setup is a snap with Asus getting you online with a three-step Web-based installation process. With a combined range of 3167Mbps, incredible coverage inside a home and easy setup, the 2.6-pound AC88U is an easy recommendation for the best router on the market.
Best Mesh Networking: Netgear Orbi
5
A relatively new technology for consumers, Mesh networking represents a whole new way of covering an entire house or office with Wi-Fi without taking out a second mortgage. Netgearâs Orbi Home Wi-Fi system not only replaces Wi-Fi range extenders, but does so while offering a fast and secure system that offers a stronger and faster signal altogether. Connecting two 1.96-pound Orbis together will provide enough signal strength to cover a 4,000-square foot home. Fortunately, setup is a snap. The Orbi comes preconfigured right out of the box with your Internet service provider of choice. Utilizing Tri-Band Mesh Wi-Fi, the Orbi connects on the 5GHz band with speeds up to 1733Mbps and 866Mbps and runs speeds up to 400Mbps on the 2.4GHz band.
Add in beamforming and MU-MIMO technologies and the Orbi offers each individual Wi-Fi user the best possible signal without adversely affecting others who are online at the same time. Whether it's gaming, streaming 4K movies or just browsing online, the Tri-Band Wi-Fi connections search for the best possible signal strength and route that to each device online.
Want to take a look at some other options? See our guide to the best mesh wi-fi network systems.
Best Splurge: Netgear Nighthawk X6 AC3200
4.9
Set aside Netgearâs Nighthawk X6 AC3200 space-age style and look at the feature set that offers some of the best pound-for-pound performance available today. With 3.2Gbps in total Wi-Fi speed, six high-performance antennas guarantee a powerful connection. It is run by a 1GHz dual-core processor with three additional offload processors to increase performance when it matters most. Add in beamforming technology and this 802.11ac splurge adds an even stronger signal for all your devices.
Additionally, Netgearâs inclusion of Dynamic QoS bandwidth prioritization selects which devices currently online require the most signal and then it provides that device the strongest possible connection. With Tri-Band Wi-Fi on board, the bandwidth prioritization helps ensure that both fast and slow devices are connected to separate networks to maintain Wi-Fi signal stability. Fortunately, these features are easily connected with a simplified setup that requires only minutes to get online.
Runner-Up, Best Overall: Asus AC1900 RT-AC68CU
Asusâ AC1900 RT-AC68CU 802.11ac router is another outstanding choice that has the latest technology and ultra-fast speeds. Powered by a 1GHz dual-core CPU, the AC68U offers a dual-band 3x3 antenna technology capable of hitting up to 1300Mbps on the 5GHz 802.11ac band and 600Mbps on the 2.4GHz 802.11n band. Plus, 4K HD streaming is supported by Broadcom TurboQAM technology.
Additionally, Asus includes a proprietary feature called AiRadar, which adds beamforming technology for amplified high-power signal connectivity. Users will find extended coverage, large speed increases and a stable signal. Fortunately, these features benefit from an easy setup with the AC68U requiring just a three-step Web-based installation process that has users online with minutes. As an added layer of security, Asus also includes AiProtection through Trend Micro, which protects against multi-stage threats and keeps your devices secure.
Best Budget: TP-Link Archer C7 AC1750
Released in 2013, TP-Linkâs Archer C7 AC1750 802.11ac router is still an exceptional choice for buyers looking for future-proofed technology. The AC1750 features 1.75Gbs in total available bandwidth, including 450Mbps on the 2.4GHz band and 1300Mbps on the 802.11ac 5GHz band. Boosting signal strength are six powerful antennas, three of which reside externally with the other three inside the C7 hardware. Regardless of their placement, high-speed Wi-Fi reaches just about every room in the house for hassle-free gaming, streaming or just browsing.
Setup is a snap with TP-Linkâs tether app available for both Android and iOS, so buyers can quickly connect and jump online with just a few steps. The budget pricing does mean it lacks some of the more intriguing features of its higher-priced competition (mainly beamforming and MU-MIMO technology), but the C7 still shines as a standalone model at a price point thatâs easy to stomach.
Best Range: Asus AC5300
Asus AC5300's tri-band performance is aided by dual 5GHz and a single 2.4GHz band with the latest 802.11ac 4x4 technology that's capable of reaching a maximum speed of 5334Mbps and covering a house or business up to 5,000 square feet. The inclusion of MU-MIMO technology allows the Asus hardware to direct higher speeds in the direction of specific devices based on their maximum speed capability, ensuring that all Wi-Fi connections are working at peak performance. For gamers, the Asus has a built-in Gamers Private Network (GPN) that ensures stable ping times for increased multiplayer performance while online.
The Asus has a four-transmit, four-receive antenna setup and both Wi-Fi and range benefit from this 4x4 setup with an amplified signal reaching areas of your home that might have been dead spots before. Additionally, AiRadar beamforming helps direct signal directly at devices increasing Wi-Fi speeds and making the signal itself stronger. With all this range and speed, protection against Internet intruders is a necessity and Asus is assisted by AiProtection from Trend Micro, which will help detect and eliminate vulnerabilities that exist on your home network.
Best Design: Portal
While the design may not always be a deciding factor when purchasing a 802.11ac router, Portalâs Wi-Fi router has an unusually attractive look that offers coverage in homes up to 3,000 square feet. The design itself almost resembles a flattened pebble, but with features that can replace both a current wireless router and Wi-Fi extender, the Portal is far more than just a flashy device. With patented technology features like FastLanes, the Portal can use exclusive fast channels that can avoid congested Wi-Fi signals and networks.
The Wave-2 4x4 MU-MIMO dual-band internals all boost the Portal to more than 3x faster than any competitive AC3200 router. Additionally, the Portal is Mesh-ready, which allows an additional Portal unit inside a single home to create a signal strength thatâs 10x faster and offers more than 3x the coverage of the single unit. Beyond its feature set, setup is a snap; youâre online within minutes through the Android and iOS-compatible applications.
Best Gaming: D-Link AC3200
While its design may be something straight out of a sci-fi movie, the D-Link AC3200 ultra tri-band Wi-Fi router has six high-performance beamforming antennas that make it a gamer's delight. Featuring 600Mbps performance on the 2.4GHz band and 2x 1300Mbps on the 5GHz band, the D-Link is capable of incredibly fast speed that wonât even blink at intensive gaming or 4K video streaming. Powered by a 1GHz dual-core processor, the 2.5-pound router might be a few years old with a 2014 release, but its specs more than hold their own today courtesy of a slew of future-proofed additions.
Advanced AC SmartBeam helps track devices inside the home to make sure the best possible band for maximum Wi-Fi performance is at the ready as soon as a device comes back online. Additionally, the D-Link utilizes a process called Smart Connect to determine which of the three Wi-Fi bands available is the clearest one and it re-routes a deviceâs signal to the best possible band. The good news for gamers is they can forget about lagging while multiplaying with friends around the world as beamforming technology is designed to give gamers maximum performance without adversely affecting other Wi-Fi users in the house.
Tested byHow We Tested
Our reviewers spent 129 hours testing three of the most popular 802.11ac Wi-Fi wireless routers on the market. They installed set them up in their own homes, connected their various devices, and took careful notes on the performance. We asked our testers to consider the most important features when using these wireless routers, from their speed to the number of Ethernet ports they have. We've outlined them here so that you, too, know what to look for when shopping.
What to Look for in a 802.11ac Wi-Fi Wireless Router
Ethernet ports - Fast wireless is the selling point of 802.11ac routers, but you canât forget about Ethernet ports. Look for a router that has at least four Gigabit Ethernet ports, unless youâre absolutely sure youâll be able to get by with less. You can always add an Ethernet switch later on if you end up needing more ports, but itâs easier to buy a router with enough ports in the first place.
Dual- and tri-band - If you plan on streaming video from services like Netflix and Hulu over your wireless network, choose a dual-band router. Routers with this feature can create two networks â one 2.4GHZ and one 5GHZ â at the same time. If you want the best performance possible, a tri-band router adds second 5GHZ connection so you wonât have to deal with congestion or slowdown.
Standalone vs. mesh - A standalone 802.11ac router can provide decent coverage, but if you have an especially big house, youâll probably still end up with dead spots. Look for a router that uses mesh networking, which allows you to place wireless relay points around your home.
Test Results: Asus RT-AC88U (Best Overall)
4.5
What We Like
This âplug and playâ router was a winner with one of our testers because it was âsurprisingly easyâ to set up â plus it was faster and more efficient than the models heâd used in the past. This efficiency is partly due to four tall antennas, which one tough tester wished were smaller: âMy cable line is in my living room and I rest the router on a shelf,â he explained. âI wish it was a little flatter so I could hide it better.â
Test Results: Netgear Orbi (Best Mesh Networking)
5
What We Like
Best Wireless Router 2018
Our testers gave Netgearâs Orbi a perfect five-star rating, with one person reporting that he experienced a very consistent connection and an improved range. âI get a very good connection even working out in the yard,â he said. Our reviewers did wish, however, that the router wasnât offered just in white: âIâd like to see the product offered in at least one more color â preferably black â so consumers have a choice based on their home decor,â said one tester.
Test Results: Netgear Nighthawk X6 AC3200 (Best Splurge)
4.9
What We Like
One tester deemed this router a âpolished piece of hardwareâ for its well-thought-out menus, ease of use, and exceptional user support. Its speed and consistency were also above average. âThe router doesn't drop connections,â reported one reviewer, âand can handle traffic on multiple networks that itâs handling at once. This was my primary concern, and the router comes through with flying colors.â Our reviewers didnât have much to say in the way of negatives â just that the router was was oddly shaped.
Want to know more?
Read additional tips and recommendations for buying a new router with our ultimate router buying guide.
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