Complete Guide on Best Wireless Routers
The increased demand for Wi-Fi connectivity in every aspect of life requires the best wireless routers to introduce to your homes or offices. In this era of smartphones, smart TVs, and other latest-technology electrical appliances fitting in our homes, wireless routers have become the backbone of your digital world, which connects your smart devices to the world.
Today, life seems to be impossible without the internet. And when it comes to choosing the best wireless routers with enhanced performance and quality, you might be confused about making a wise decision. The industry seems to be full of a variety of esteemed brands, top-rated models along with their competitors, making it almost a challenge for one to choose the best one.
Here, this article will get the best wireless routers of 2021, along with their technical details and unique features. So, you would be able to decide and compare the best one for you.
How to buy the best wireless routers in 2021?
How would you know which router would be ideal for you among the top-rated most popular picks? You have to consider your standard by looking at a few factors, which will determine the quality of your router. The important factors include:
- Band of routers: There are different brands of routers, and it depends on the way how you are going to use them. For a limited budget, you can choose single-band routers. If you want the best wireless routers for densely populated areas, you should go for double-band ones. Tri-band routers are best for attaining maximum speeds in congestion.
- Mesh networks: Mesh-network routers have many advantages, but they are quite different than others. They provide the best performance in extending the Wi-Fi range instead of doing with the number of bands. So, if you want mesh-network routers, you will have a great experience.
- Built-in modem: Various models of the best wireless routers come with a built-in modem. You can go for this one if you don’t want to spend on buying a separate modem for a router. The most significant advantage of a built-in modem is you can prevent the cluttering of multiple devices at the place where an internet connection is present.
- A right size: The space and no. of users determine the size of your router. So, always choose that one router that will fit comfortably on the demand of users and place. For smaller homes or fewer no-of users, you better select small-sized routers.
- Security: In this digital world, where our lives are connected to the internet, there are higher chances of data leaks and hacking. The best wireless routers are the ones that can scan the viruses, malware, and detective and stop them from reaching your essential stuff. Choose the model which contains this feature.
There are a variety of features to consider when it comes to buying the best wireless routers. However, it all depends on the needs and purpose of the people who are going to use them. So, first, consider yours before going through the top models.
Five Best Wireless Routers in 2021
Here are our top-five, best-rated wireless routers for 2021 with their remarkable features
TP-Link AD7200 Wireless Wi-Fi Router
Specifications
Antenna | Eight External Antenna |
Frequency Bands with Speeds | Multi-bands, 4600Mbps with 60GHz, 1733Mbps with 5GHz, 800Mbps with 2.4GHz |
Wireless Type | 11ad |
Processor | 4GHz dual-core processor |
Speed | Combined Wi-Fi speed of 7200Mbps |
Ports | 4 Ethernet Ports, 2 USB-Ports |
Settings | TP-Link tether app |
Communication | MU-MIMO Multiple Connection |
Review
The world’s first router using the new 802.11ad Wi-Fi standard is now in the market by the name of TP-Link Talon AD7200. It is our top pick of the best wireless routers because it aims at providing you 4,600Mbps transfer speeds, four times more than the fastest 802.11ac Wi-Fi, and it uses the clarified 60Gz radio band to supply enormous rates evenly on all the networks.
When it comes to quality; The TP-Link AD7200 is standardly designed with durable and eco-friendly materials while ensuring the best performance. Its eight external antennas are responsible for a broader range and an internal antenna array to raise its height to 123mm.
Moreover, you can connect an additional USB hard drive to this device through a couple of 3.0 USB ports on it.
With higher speeds of 4600Mbps, you will perform any task without even a little downfall in the performance. Supporting the latest technologies, including Beam Forming, this router directs the Wi-Fi signals to the users instead of randomly spreading them.
It also contains a feature of MU-MIMO streaming, which involves simultaneous data transfer to clients rather than sequential transfer.
It is an ideal router for customers demanding high speed with advanced technology and ensuring an incredibly affordable price. With the only cost of $149, you will have a remarkable connection to the digital world.
The only drawback of this router is that it’s a little hefty construction with a large size, which demands more space to keep. But we don’t think it is a significant drawback. The other brilliant features simply dominate over this little drawback, making it on top of the best wireless routers in the market today.
Pros and Cons
- Exceptionally fast
- TP-link Tether Mobile App for easy installation
- 11AD protocol
- Brilliant performance
- Compact, unique, and classy design
- Exceptional close range
- It is a little bit expensive
- No Smart Connect
- Excessive footprint
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Google Wi-Fi System Router – A Wide Range System
Specifications
Wireless Type | 4GHz Radio Frequency |
Network | Expandable Mesh Wi-Fi System |
Connectivity | Android 4.0+ device, iOS 8+ device |
Modem | Built-in Modem |
Processor | 4 Processor Count |
Ports per point | 2 Gigabit Ethernet Ports |
Dimensions | 17″ x 4.17″ x 2.7″ |
Weight | 8 ounces |
Review
When it comes to introducing your homes with the best wireless routers, Google Wi-Fi System is our top pick due to its remarkable features and extremely compact antenna-free design. It exhibits a relatively tiny size with dimensions of 4.1″ x 2.7″ when compared to its competitors; it adjusts itself ideally to any area. Featuring a little flavor of glamor; the body is adorned with concealed LED lighting.
Let’s have a look at the performance. Although the size seems to be minimal, it has beaten some larger-looking routers. It performed its best at many performance tests, including a long-range test with speeds of 200Mbps, close-proximity test with 5GHz band frequency, and as well as the performance is on the peak with 2.4GHz frequency band.
It is one of the best wireless routers and stands on top due to its excellent and highest network performance with 512-MB RAM and 710-MHz Quad-Core processor. Moreover, adding much to its efficacy, it contains two LAN and WAN ports on the central unit.
It provides wide-range connectivity, and the three-pack system would be ideal for 3000-4500ft larger homes, evenly spreading signals in every room, basement, and lawn. Offering Family Wi-Fi controls, the Google Wi-Fi system allows you to have control over your children. You can turn their Wi-Fi off during sleep time with this advanced feature.
Other features, such as companion app, network assist, and voice commands through Alexa and Google, are the things to consider when it comes to the best wireless routers.
Moreover, this router involves a hassle-free procedure, much like the Google Wi-Fi Hardware design of the installation. It requires a simple scanning process along with complete guidance.
Exhibiting an extensive Wi-Fi coverage with 1200MBPS, Assistant Apps, premium features, ultra-fast speed, and an extraordinarily tiny compact size will cost you $96.5 for one pack and $245.95 for the three-pack system.
You can save a lot by going for the one-pack Wi-Fi system if you have a small living area while a 3-pack system is ideal for broad coverages.
Pros and Cons
- High performance and greater speeds
- Perfect integration with Nest Smart Management
- Easy Guest Network Management
- Compact and space-saving design
- A fairly priced wireless router
- A requirement of staying logged into a Google account
- Two Ethernet jacks
- Apps needed for some advanced features
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ASUS Dual-Band Gigabit Wi-Fi Router – Best for Gamers
Specifications
Wi-Fi Speed | 3100Mbps |
Total Ports | 8 Gigabit Ethernet Ports |
Compatibility | ASUS AiMesh Compatible |
Frequency Band Supported | Dual-band |
Connectivity | Wireless |
Operating System | 7,8,10 Windows, 10.6, 10.7, 10.8 Mac OS |
Dimensions | 00″ x 6.50″ x 18.80″ |
Weight | 6 pounds |
Review
Most of the gaming enthusiasts will be already aware of the ASUS Company for their best gaming laptops, providing an awesome gaming experience. That’s the case is here. ASUS made use of the latest technology to connect real lives with the digital world in a fabulous way. This router comes in the category of one of the best gaming laptops.
To provide you a seamless experience either in a heated gaming competition or streaming on 4K, the NitroQAM Technology delivers 3167Mbps smooth speed to all the devices connected on your network. With this router, multiple devices can enjoy the maximum rates without any slow-down.
With a stylish, shiny, and smooth whole-black appearance; this router exhibits a pleasing design with red inflections on its four antennas. This wireless router is an ideal choice for gamers, as the gaming experts, ASUS has smartly designed this high-speed device without any interruption in its peak performance.
Most interestingly! Being a dual-band router; it can be ideally used as a NAS. The ASUS can observe a significant detail even on the web interface because it requires simple and convenient use. The performance remains highest even when you use 2.4GHz band or 5GHz bands; there would be not even a slight decrease in performance.
Adding a little bit to your online safety, ASUS AiProtection allows parental controls, blocking of malicious sites with automatic detection, and have a complete check on its users. You can also boost up the bandwidth of your gaming with adaptive QoS by prioritizing the gaming activities.
In the gamers solo mode, you can enjoy low-latency gaming with RT-AC88U all around the home.
With the easy installation, an eccentric web interface, dual-bands, MU-MIMO multiple client data streaming, and many other brilliant features, the ASUS Wi-Fi routers have become one of the best wireless routers with a cost of $249.99.
This cost would not be a great deal for gaming enthusiasts and those who prioritize quality over budget. However, for limited-budget people, there are some other models with outclass features and a low price tag.
Pros and cons
- Built-in 8 Gigabit LAN Ports
- Fastest Internet Speed
- Remarkable performance
- Best Web Interfaces
- Simple to install and use
- Medium performance when used as NAS
- Improper USB 3.0 placement
- A little expensive
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NETGEAR Nighthawk R7000 AC1900 Router – The Best Affordable Choice
Specifications
Wi-Fi Speed | Up to 1900Mbps |
Coverage | 1800sq ft. |
Wired Ports | 4x1G Ethernet Ports |
USB Ports | 1 x 2.0, 1 x 3.0 |
Parental Control | Circle App |
Network Security | DoS, Double Firewall, WPA2 |
Advanced Technology | Beamforming+, Dual-Band, Smart Connect |
Dimensions | 22” x 7.26” x 1.97” |
Weight | 65lbs |
Review
If you are looking for the best wireless routers with premium quality, exceptional features, and, most importantly, an affordable price, you are at the right thing. NETGEAR, a company well-known for manufacturing a plethora of remarkable wireless routers, has earned a great reputation in this advancing digital world.
Exhibiting stealth fighter jet design; this router gives classy vibes with its whole-black smooth finishing and three removable antennas. Everything is perfect, but a little bit of an issue lies in weight and size. However, we cannot consider it ideal for all the environments, because it requires a great deal of space compared to its competitors.
But this issue seems not to be of a higher degree. As you only need to create space for it once and place it over there. It contains some outclass features to consider it as one of the best wireless routers. Exhibiting ultimate support for DD-WRT, this router includes the brilliant capacity to run 3rd Party Firmware centered upon Linux.
Moving a little deeper; this router provides a complete and best parental control by supporting OpenVPN. This router gives you Quality of Service QoS for the best experience to manage or control your connectivity upstream and downstream.
Let’s come to one of the essential features, performance, which determines the overall internet connectivity experience. When it comes to performance, NETGEAR Nighthawk R7000 is one of the fastest best wireless routers on both 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands.
Offering a wide coverage of 1800ft, a maximum speed of 1900 Mbps on 30 devices, armor security, and brilliant performance; this is one of the affordable best wireless routers, which will cost you $159.99.
Overall, this router is going to impress you because it offers remarkable features at such an affordable price. The ratio of price to performance is so high that this router is even better than the costly models with the same specs. Don’t you think that it would be ideal for you?
Pros and Cons
- Incredible performance with 5GHz band
- A much affordable router
- An elegant, compact design
- An excellent quality
- Ultra-fast speed
- A bulky construction
- Suffering from 2.4GHz band
- Improper software feature finishing
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D-Link AC3200 Tri-Band Wi-Fi Router – Ultra-Wide Connectivity
Specifications
Frequency Bands | Tri-Band Supported |
Total ports | 4 Ethernet Gigabit Ports |
Wi-Fi Bands and Speed | Tri-band, 600Mbps in 2.4GHz, 1300Mbps in 2 x 5GHz |
CPU Processor | Dual Core 1GHZ |
Guest Network | Available |
Range | Ultimate |
USB Ports | 2 USB Ports, 2.0 and 3.0 |
Dimensions | 75″ x 15.00″ x 4.00″ |
Weight | 50lbs |
Review
D-Link has a successful journey to provide premium networking products with maximum efficiency and performance. And AC3200 Tri-Bank Router is mentioned exactly in the list of best wireless routers because it deserved to be. When it comes to the design, this router exhibits one of the most stylish and sophisticated construction with smooth red finishing and black antennas.
We cannot judge any router based on appearance; this router is here because it contains something unique and exceptional. After a series of speed tests, it is revealed that this router is one of the fastest routers available in the market. The most exciting thing is that you can double-up this router by connecting to an external hard drive as a NAS.
According to its manufacturer, “This is the most insane wireless router in the history of mankind,” and it sounds interesting. AC3200 Ultra Wi-Fi comes with Advanced AC Smart Beam for tracking the connected devices to enhance the performance and speed.
Moreover, two 5GHz bands and one 2.4GHz band combine to form a Tri-band to attain the maximum possible speeds. With the smarter bandwidth, this router evenly distributes the traffic, making use of band steering technology for remarkable performance.
The Smart Connect technology automatically chooses one of the three bands and connect it to your device for a clear, best, and fast connection.
Being one of the best wireless routers, D-Link Tri-Band Wi-Fi offers a fantastic Smart Beam Forming technology for maximum coverage to your devices. Moreover, you can play online games, HD video streaming, and skype your friends and family without even a little downfall in its performance.
Exhibiting the six antennas for the highest coverage, Powerful Networking Technology for an enhanced experience, and a dual-core processor, this router will cost you $199.99.
Pros and cons
- Ultra-fast speed and functionality
- A wide coverage
- Easy setup and usage
- Premium quality and fantastic aesthetics
- Non-removable antennas
- A hefty price tag
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Conclusion
The saturation of the market with thousands of routers and hundreds of brands has made it challenging to find the best wireless routers. And especially finding the one that will fulfill your standards such as affordability, speeds, and performance is no more an easy task.
So, we gathered all the top-rated, most popular brand routers to solve this problem and allow the best things to reach you. Different routers are priced according to the features and their brand. So, out of this list, you can easily choose which one will be ideal for you.
Keep in mind that there’s no perfect component lies in the technology. When you go for the quality and affordability combined, maybe the design won’t attract you and vice versa.
You don’t need a perfect component; you need to make the perfect choice out of these best wireless routers.