Have you ever tried to show a friend an amazing video on YouTube, just so that everything stopped and that annoying buffer icon appeared? Well, if this happens regularly, it may be time to go out and buy one of the best routers. No one should have to deal with buffering icons.
The first thing that most people do when faced with Internet problems like this, however, is simply to give their Internet service provider more cash to update their internet service. However, you can have the fastest Internet in the world, and it will not make a difference for your wireless problems. In addition, with all the devices that need constant and reliable Internet connections at 018, the best thing you can do to improve your Internet experience is to go out and choose one of the best routers. Fortunately, we are here to help you do that.
Unfortunately, when you go out in search of the best wireless routers, you may find yourself confused by the dozens of routers in the market today. Fortunately, here at TechRadar we are back: we have created this list of the best routers that we have in our hands during the last year or so. No matter what you need to do on the Internet, you can be sure that you will find the best wireless routers here on this list.
1. Google Wifi
The future of the wireless network becomes affordable
Speed: 802.11ac 5GHz down: 101.41 Mbps, 2.4GHz down: 47.53 Mbps | Connectivity: 2 x Gigabit Ethernet ports per WiFi point (1 WAN and 1 LAN port each) | Features: AC1200 2 x 2 Wave 2 Wi-Fi, TX beamforming, Bluetooth Smart ready
Super simple configuration
Excellent value
Limited hardware control
Low CA rating [19659002] In many ways, Google Wifi is really the future of wireless routers, and with it, you can finally say goodbye to the days when the only way to achieve wireless freedom was a group of unattractive extenders on all your outlets. The premise of Google Wifi is simple: buy a set of points and place them in key places in your home. Then simply scan a QR code, and that's it. They are configured.
Read the full review: Google Wifi
2. Asus RT-AC86U
Performance as high as the design
Speed: : 802.11ac 1734 Mbps down | Connectivity: : 5 x Gigabit LAN, 1 x USB 2.0, 1 x USB 3.0 | Features: : MU-MIMO, traffic analyzer, adaptive QoS Private network of WTFast Gamers
Extensive firmware
Great speed and coverage
Complex firmware
Aspect divisible
[19659002] Anyone who is familiar with Asus, and especially with their more player-focused products, knows exactly what they're getting into, especially when it comes to design. The Asus RT-AC86U looks like the result of an agreement with the demon powered by Mountain Dew, and will undoubtedly stand out wherever you put it. Under that garish design forever, is the hardware that, for its price, rises completely against the competition. Here you will not pay a premium for the "game hardware" and, if you are looking for a fast router at a good price, you can not go wrong here.
Read the full review : Asus RT-AC86U
3. Netgear Orbi
High-end wireless coverage, almost defective
Speed: 802.11ac 5GHz down: 90.14 Mbps, 2.4GHz down: 93.69 Mbps | Connectivity: Ports Gigabit Ethernet 4 x 10/100 / 1000Mbps (1 WAN + 3 LAN for router, 4 LAN for satellite), 1 x USB 2.0 port | Features: 4GB flash memory, 512MB RAM, AC3000, MU-MIMO ready
Excellent coverage
Easy setup
Mighty expensivey
Finicky Wi-Fi band settings
] Unlike Google Wi-Fi, the Netgear Orbi wireless mesh system comes with only two units instead of three: a router and a satellite, much like a cell phone signal booster. And, it can be expensive, but it's worth it: its simple configuration, which requires little more than being connected to a modem and a wall adapter, makes the Orbi extremely accessible. Add your fantastic performance, and it's easy to see why the Netgear Orbi is one of the best routers you can buy in 2018.
Read the full review: Netgear Orbi
4. Amplifi HD
Bringing style to mesh networks
Speed: 802.11AC 1300mbps | Connectivity: 1 x Gigabit WAN, 4 x Gigabit LAN | Features: Modular network coverage, modern design, LCD touch screen
Modern aesthetics
Easy to configure
More expensive than the competition
Although it may be more expensive than Google Wifi for similar performance, the Amplifi HD as a clean and modern style that would make Apple jealous. While this may seem a minor point for some, this aesthetic means that no one will be embarrassed to install this router in a pleasant open space
, which will only increase its already great performance. In our tests, we did not notice a difference in performance, either next to the main router or on the top floor next to one of the included mesh units. This is one of those routers that combines great performance with an excellent appearance, as long as you have the money to back it up.
Read the full review: Amplifi HD
5. Linksys WRT32X Game Router
A game router with performance to back it up
Speed: : AC3200 | Connectivity: : 1 x Gigabit WAN, 4 x Gigabit LAN, 1 x USB 3.0, 1 x eSATA / USB 2.0 | Features: : Killer Prioritization Engine, Custom Firmware, Dual-Core CPU 1.8GHZ, MU-MIMO
Great Wi-Fi Speed
Easy-to-use firmware
Very expensive
On On the surface, the Linksys WRT32X might not look so different from the Linksys Heavy-Hitter, the WRT3200. And, well, that's not so far. The WRT32X takes all the successful components of that highly qualified router and places them in a player-centered router with custom firmware that is extremely easy to navigate and a very tenuous and attractive visual design. You will pay a premium for this repackaging, but if you are looking for a reliable ping performance that requires online gaming, the Linksys WRT32X takes one of the best routers and adapts it to your needs.
Read the full revision version: Linksys WRT32X game router
6. Billion BiPac 8900AX-2400
A highfalutin router that works as a modem
Speed: 802.11ac: 2,400Mbps 802.11n: 2,400Mbps | Connectivity: 1 x DSL port, 4 ports x 1000 Mbps Gigabit Ethernet, 1 Ethernet port EWAN x, 1 x USB 2.0 | Features: Modem ADSL2 + built-in, 1 x 2.4GHz; 1 x 5Ghz bands, LED status lights, reset button, power button
Good performance
ADSL2 + modem included
Clunky interface
Only USB 2.0
Billion is back in it again, this time with the fastest router ever produced. With a performance of 2,400 Mbps in both a 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz band, the BiPac 8900AX-2400 is not conventionally attractive by society standards, but it is immensely capable. Instead of a bad interface, this router offers a wide range of ports for additional storage on the line, as well as integrating a state-of-the-art ADSL2 + modem.
Read the full review:
7. Starry Station
Wi-Fi made easy (and attractive)
Speed: 802.11ac: 1,300 Mbps 802.11n: 450 Mbps | Connectivity: 2 x Gigabit LAN port | Features: Dual band Wi-Fi technology, 3.8-inch LCD touch screen, built-in speaker / microphone
Smart and simple interface
The touch screen offers information and control
May be necessary rewiring the source [19659002] It gets noticeably noisy
For those of us who still cling to the wireless modems rented by our ISPs, the Starry station makes Wi-Fi a breeze without delivering lots of cash each month to a greedy conglomerate. Not only is it fast, but it has download speeds that are often similar to those of a Verizon FiOS router, but the Starry Station is also beautiful, enough so that you do not feel the need to hide it in a cabinet, which obstructs its operation. signal. In addition, it manages to avoid those annoying numeric gateways that nobody wants to memorize.
Read the full review: Starry Station
- This product is only available in the USA. UU At the time of writing this article. Readers from the United Kingdom and Australia: take a look at a good alternative in the.
8. Synology RT2600ac
NAS or router: why do not we have both?
Speed: 802.11ac: 1,733Mbps 802.11n: 800Mbps | Connectivity: 4 x Gigabit WAN, 1 x USB 2.0, 1 x USB 3.0, 1 x SD card reader | Features: 512MB of RAM, 1.7GHz dual-core ARM Qualcomm processor IPQ8065, MU-MIMO, beamforming, 4GB flash storage
Easy-to-use web interface
Great extras hardware [19659002] More expensive than other routers AC2600
Not the fastest 802.11ac router
Not every day you encounter a router that also works like a NAS or a storage device connected to the network, a type of server that allows you to store and access files through your local internet connection. The Synology RT2600ac, on the other hand, combines the best of both worlds, even offering third-party applications such as VPN and DLNA media servers. There's even compatibility with Apple Time Machine for Mac backups in the air.
Read the full review:
9. Linksys WRT 3200 ACM
Kickin & # 39; it old school (and open source)
Speed: 802.11ac: 3x 867 Mbps, 802.11n: 600 Mbps | Connectivity: 4x Gigabit Ethernet, 1x USB 3.0, 1 x ESATA / USB 2.0 | Features: Tri-Stream 160, dual-core CPU at 1.8GHz, 512MB RAM, 256MB flash memory
Open source firmware support
Excellent features
Coverage sometimes irregular [19659002] More suitable in an office than a home
Although it looks like a relic from a bygone era, the Linksys WRT 3200 ACM is the antithesis of wireless mesh systems. By compromising appearance, Linksys was able to build a versatile wireless router aimed at traditional PC enthusiasts, without compromising modern performance. Providing unlimited control over your wireless network connections, whether you want to enable and disable guest connections or prioritize multimedia devices, the WRT 3200 ACM is one of the best wireless routers you can buy today.
Read the full review: Linksys WRT 3200 ACM
- This product is only available in the USA. UU And the United Kingdom at the time of writing this document. Australian readers: take a look at a good alternative in the.
10. Zyxel Armor Z2 AC2600
An extraterrestrial game router that covers all bases
Speed: 802.11ac: 2,167Mbps, 802.11n: 800Mbps | Connectivity: 4 x Gigabit Ethernet, 1 x WAN, 1 x USB 2.0, 1 x USB 3.0 | Features: MU-MIMO support, StreamBoost, 1.7GHz dual-core processor, 512GB RAM, application-based Zyxel One Touch configuration
Good MU-MIMO wireless speeds
Excellent software analysis traffic [19659002] Few current devices use quad-stream 802.11ac
Average USB port speeds
Known for their NAS devices, extenders and power line adapters, it's no wonder that Zyxel ever comes out with a router double band games. However, while not as extravagant (or similar to a spider) in its external appearances as the Asus RT-5300, the Armor Z2 AC2600 is a solid debut in the Zyxel game router. Toting Dynamic QoS, also known as StreamBoost, for the prioritization of the most demanding connected hardware, a configuration application called Zyxel One Touch support and MU-MIMO, the high price of this router is almost justified.
Read the full revision: Zyxel Armor Z2 AC2600
- This product is only available in the USA. UU and the United Kingdom at the time of writing this article. Australian readers: check a good alternative on the Linksys WRT32X
Joe Osborne and Gabe Carey have also contributed to this article
