Best Wireless Routers For Home On Amazon: Comparison Chart & Review
Those who are on the lookout for the best wireless routers for home would certainly find this article interesting and informative. We will have a look at five different makes and models of routers so that we can get a different perspective and have an insight into different makes and models. But first, check their side-by-side comparison:
1. NETGEAR Nighthawk DOCSIS 3.0 WiFi Dual Band Router (R7000)
There are some reasons why this could consider as a best router. First and foremost it is one of the few wifi routers which come with an open source support which goes a long way in getting the best of support at all points of time. For many years now, Netgear has been known to be a reputed and trustworthy brand when it comes to making routers and other modem accessories and tools. Hence in keeping this with tradition, this particular brand also has quite a few features which share worth mentioning. It is the best router for streaming multiple devices on this list.
The Best Of Dual Core Processor
This best wi fi router comes with a 1 GHz dual-core processor and can easily handle AC 1900 Wi-fi with 600-1300 Mbps speed. Further, this wi fi router for high speed internet has some of the best features which help in lag-free gaming and also when it comes to smooth streaming of videos or music. This best router is easy to install and in fact, be done automatically. It also allows easy access to internet provider gateway for the available upgrade of the Wifi when needed. This is the best router for streaming and gaming.
Unique Quilt Feature
This best wi fi router also has a unique Quilt feature. By making use of this feature, it is now possible to share all photos which are available on social media. Further, this is a router that also comes with attached USB storage. This best wireless router also has inbuilt software such as Open VPN Connect App, automatic Windows PC backup software, and it is also one of few wi fi routers which are time machine compatible.
This best wireless router also has 2 USB ports, the first one being USB 3.0 & the second one USB 2.0 port. Additionally, it has five other ports of 10/100/1000 Mbps, which divided into 1 WAN and 4 LAN Gigabit Ethernet ports. It also has a unique Beamforming + technology. This goes a long way in improving range and along with high powered amplifiers & antennas make it super for high-quality wi-fi coverage.
Remote Access Feature
Amongst the various other features, this model comes with remote access. This makes it easy to manage a home network efficiently, even when you are not at home. It also features other functions such as Readyshare and ReadyCLOUD USB. This makes it convenient for accessing USB space from anyplace and at any time. It also comes with a Nighthawk AC1900 Smart Wi-fi router, along with three detachable antennas. It also has a power adapter, Ethernet cable, quick install guide, just to name a few. It is one of the few wi fi routers which have an upstream and downstream QoS. This goes a long way in having the best quality video and gaming streaming experience. The free automatic backup software is also another feature that is worth mentioning. It can be used both with Windows PC and Mac machines.
The Best Of Beamforming + Technology
This particular model of Nighthawk comes with a highly advanced Beamforming+ technology. This technology helps a lot in improving performance, and the range of coverage is also much more when compared to most other brands that are available in the market today. It also is possible to get open-source support through my open router website. This goes a long way in ensuring that customers can get access to quality services at any point of time. It also comes with the standard warranty and guarantees terms and conditions. The Beamforming + technology is worth having a look at because it focuses on Wi fi signals and can easily use in smartphones, laptops, and tablets. It also helps quite a bit as far as electric signal boosting is concerned.
Supports Multiple Wi-Fi Devices
It is one of the few most exceptional Router, which can help a lot in supporting multiple WiFi devices and other connections of the highest quality. It is the best wifi router for multiple devices. It also is possible to extend WiFi coverage and could help a lot in reducing dead spots to almost zero, provided it installed in the right location. It has gone a long way in enhancing signal strength quite tremendously. On the whole, there is no doubt that it is incredibly reliable, and increases and boosts speed and optimizes the range for various wifi connected devices. It is a router which certainly offers the best value for money to its customers and those who have used it have reasons to be happy about their decision. And, that’s why the NETGEAR Nighthawk DOCSIS 3.0 gets our vote for one of the best wireless routers.
The first impression that one gets using this router is “Wow.” This is because of the various features and functions inbuilt into it.
The 5 GHz range which this model comes with is extremely useful. It certainly increases signal strength by almost 20%
Easy installation is one more reason why many customers like this router. Even a person without basic knowledge of wi fi routers can install it within 15 to 20 minutes.
It can handle some mobile devices, and there are homes where more than seven devices are easily connectable with this particular model of router.
Smart parental controls.
While there are some positive takeaways from this router, it is not free from a few negatives. There have been quite a few reports of users losing connectivity, especially to wireless printers. Many HP, Canon, and Epson printer owners have reported this problem.
When it is connected directly to R7000 device, there have been many instances where it has refused to work.
Though rebooting the machine solves the problem of connectivity, it again starts occurring within 48 hours. Therefore a permanent solution must be found to this.
FAQs
When all the three connections are enabled, is it possible to see three different links?
When the smart connect feature is enabled, what we will see is 2 SSIDs, one for the 5 GHZ connection, and the other for the 2.4 one.
Does the machine support time-machine backups which were the case with Nighthawk models?
Yes, it does support the backup.
Conclusion
2. TP-Link AC1750 Smart WiFi Router – Best Wireless Router For Gaming
TP-Link, for many decades now, has been at the forefront of offering some of the best wireless routers for gaming models and makes of routers, modems, and other such accessories. In line with this rich tradition, they have come out with one of the most modern wireless routers which the best of wireless connectivity. TP-Link AC1750 also has some other features, including quality bandwidth, internal and external antennas, and much more. Here is a look at some of the main characters of this particular model of router.
Superb Bandwidth
TP-Link AC1750 is a phenomenal Wireless Dual Band Gigabit Router, which offers a total of 1.75 Gbps bandwidth. This includes 1300 Mbps at 5 GHz and 450 Mbps at 2.4 GHz. Hence it can well and truly support some devices. It also is configured in such a way that it can support 802.11 AC. It, therefore, becomes well and truly the next generation Wi-FI and can easily be connected to multiple devices. The Dual USB ports help to share media files and other files quite easily. It also can be connected to printers locally either through remote FTP server or with various other networked devices. It also features the best of security features with a technology called Guest Network Access.
IP Based Bandwidth Feature
TP-Link AC1750 also has a unique IP based bandwidth control feature. Based on its superb performance and extensive feature set, the TP-Link AC1750 is the best wireless routers overall. This helps a lot in making things easy for the end-user whenever there is a need for efficient managing of bandwidth as far. This is applicable for individual smart devices that connected to the router. It also has a high-quality one-touch WPA wireless security encryption. This can be accessed using the WPS button. The Setup Assistant is easy to use, and it also provides multi-language support. This helps a lot in providing a hassle-free and fast installation process. It comes with a 2-year warranty, and as far as technical support is concerned, it is unlimited. All that is required is a telephonic call, and the service engineers will be there to attend the call immediately.
Internal And External Antennas
TP-Link AC1750 also provide live online 24/7 technical support for those who wish to make use of it. They also have a reliable hotline, which also works round the clock. It has a single-core processor making it very reliable and dependable. It also comes with three internal and three external antennas. Like other routers with ethernet ports, TP-Link AC1750 also features four Gigabit Ethernet ports and 1 Gigabit WAN port. With its four Gigabit LAN ports you can get fast access to multiple connected wired devices. The device also comes with 2x USB of 2.0. All these features help a lot in the end-users when it comes to playing games, or for live streaming of videos or audios. The need to wait for buffering can completely avoid. It has the required technology to ensure play without interruption. The dual-band antennas are very powerful, making wi-fi coverage available throughout the home.
Wireless AC Feature
The wireless AC feature is another point worth mentioning as far as this router is concerned. This is because of the incredibly powerful CPU, which plays a significant role in faster processing. It goes a long way in balancing the demand for your wireless devices. This helps a lot in keeping the connections reliable and uninterrupted, even for extended periods. It also is possible to download files and share media because of the high-quality processor, which manages every wi-fi quite effortlessly and seamlessly. It also takes care of the entire hardware and software function extremely efficiently. The intuitive mobile interface makes it possible to manage and setup the wi-fi by using the free TP-Link Tether app.
Lifetime Warranty Option
TP-Link AC1750 is one of the few wi fi routers which perhaps offer lifetime service and industry-leading warranty. This is because of a hugely efficient and customer-friendly 24/7 support and toll-free technical assistance. They also can help a lot when it comes to installation and setup. This is irrespective of the date of which you might have purchased the device. Added to this is the 2-year warranty, which goes a long way in ensuring that you can use the device without having to worry about the lack of service. When all the above factors are taken into account there, one can be sure that this is one of the most sought after and popular models of wireless routers available in the market today.
It is a quality budget router that is suitable for use with multiple devices.
It can quickly cover a house which is around 20K square feet.
Whether it is around half a dozen computing systems, tablets, gaming machines or other such things, there is hardly any doubt that this router will be able to handle it quite well.
The speed and range of coverage have to seen to believed, and this is one big reason why dozens of customers find it extremely useful.
The three external antennas is certainly a big takeaway.
The design is sleek and smart and ergonomic.
The instruction manual according to many users needs to be better because when it installed in surfaces of wood and other such materials, the quality of the transmission of signals gets impacted quite badly.
The quality of communication at times drops quite significantly, and the router has to be rebooted to set things back on track again.
Lack of logout button of the browser interface is a point which according to many customers needs to addressed.
There are some bright LED lights in the front which could disturb and distract attention and the same needs to be set right.
FAQs
Does it have a phone connection?
Though it has a phone connection, it is not possible to connect with the help of a VOIP phone. It has to connect to an adaptor and then used.
What is a current model available? Is it V1 or V2
Though both models are available, the market asks for more of V2 variants, and therefore getting V1 could be a problem.
Conclusion
3. ASUS (RT-AC68U) Wireless-AC1900 – Best Wireless Router For Home
Coming from the house of ASUS routers, this AC-1900 model is feature-rich, dependable, sturdy, and cost-effective. It has multiple uses, and it is feature-rich, and the specific needs and requirements of customers have addressed quite well. It works both as a LAN router and also as a wi-fi transmitter. We will have a look at some of the unique features and functions which go a long way in making it a cost-effective, efficient, and reliable router for various uses. This is the best gaming router on this list.
The Best of Combined Speed
Amongst the various features, this gaming router has the latest 802.11 as the technology available, which helps the user to achieve a combined speed of 1900 Mbps. The dual-band option is also worth mentioning, and new the 1GHz dual-core CPU supports in the best of multitasking. This is possible because it comes with dedicated and separate lanes both for wifi and USB data.
Unlike most gaming routers, the gaming router setup can also be done effortlessly using the readily accessible and usable ASUSWRT interface, which is web-based. It also is possible to manage and monitor the wi fi network quite quickly even from a mobile or smartphone device or even from tablets and iPhones.
Unique AiProtection Feature
Apart from the usual parental controls, this gaming router also has a very new and unique AiProtection feature powered by the outstanding Trend MicroTM services. This goes a long way in protecting at multiple stages and insulates the data from being corrupted or falling into the wrong hands. Hence it is especially useful for offices and homes where there is regular use of sensitive data, which has to be seen only by a single entity or within a closed circle. The wireless technology is so powerful and advanced that it be almost as good as any wired gigabit connection. This is possible because of the unique Broadcom TurboQAM technology. The dual-core processor, as mentioned above, helps a lot in almost eliminating performance drops, which are usually the case with many other similar routers available in the market today.
Suitable For Multitasking Purposes
It can use for the best for multitasking purposes. Whether it is smooth and uninterrupted 4K video sharing, online gaming of low latency, or downloading at a rapid pace, all that is possible simultaneously and power users will not feel that all this is being simultaneous. It also comes with 4 number of Gigabit LAN ethernet ports, 3.0 ports and USB 2.0 facility. It is one of the few wi fi routers which had achieved the highest ASUS scores when it measured over six study factors. These six factors are Security, Wi-fi range, upload and download speed, multitasking and other capabilities, and the number of features that it provides. It is quite likely that there will be only one or two brands and models which will be able to meet all the above parameters successfully and achieve the desired scores.
Super Coverage Range
Many customers have sung praise as far as the coverage range is concerned. This has enhanced with the help of the time tested and proven ASUS radar. It also has an exclusive ASUS RF fine-tuning, which helps a lot in strengthening the wireless connectivity using the highly acclaimed and established 802.11 a beamforming technology. This helps a lot in much higher power amplification. It also goes a long way in improving extended coverage, increases the speed at which the data transport, and, last but not the least, goes a long way in enhancing the overall stability of the router. It also has a brilliant and customer friendly user interface, which helps in gaining easy access to a 3-step web-based installation along with other useful features.
Some Useful Accessories
The entire unit comes packed with some useful accessories. Of course, the most essential device is the router itself. It also comes with Ethernet Cable (RJ-45), a quick start guide which well written and easy to understand, a power adapter, and, last but not least, a quality support CD. The support CD contains a soft copy of the user manual and other utility-related information. It also comes with a two-year warranty, which goes a long way in increasing customer trust and confidence with the product. It has some of the most advanced and dependable network security features. The overall weight, when packed, is 1.4 lbs, and the product dimensions are 3.3 inches x 6.3 inches x 8.6 inches.
Customers have found no problems using this router even after two or three years.
One of the common problems associated with many wi fi routers is when the USB connectivity is put to use. There are problems of sound which could disturb the wi fi signal of the router. However. This issue is not there as far as this model of router is concerned.
The router interface is incredibly intuitive and very dynamic also. Whenever a change made, the same is visible immediately, and there is no need to refresh for the modification to take effect.
The network traffic management system is also unique and very efficient, to say the least.
As far as 5G network is concerned, it works pretty well but only till the first router reboot done. After the restart the 5g network goes away and getting it back is quite a big hassle.
The customer service, in particular on the phone, leaves a lot to be desired. It is virtually impossible to contact the service people over the phone.
Regular rebooting to enable 5G and other services is a big headache, and it certainly will hamper performance especially when many smart home devices are attached to it without a wiring system or cabling system.
FAQs
What is the actual range of the router?
This router with best wifi range can quickly cover a total area of 2300 square feet, even if it is a two-story house. As far as the kitchen and other regions are concerned, you can expect a speed of 28 Mbps. This is equal to the speed which you get in a computer room using an Ethernet connection. It is the best wifi router for large home.
Is it the best router on the market?
As far as home use is concerned, this could rate as one of the best in the market. It is because of easy setup, coverage area, and other such attributes.
Conclusion
4. NETGEAR Nighthawk AC1900 (24×8) Wi-Fi Cable Modem Router (C7000)
The NETGEAR Nighthawk AC1900 wifi and cable modem router, according to many customers, is a dream come to the product. This is one of the best wireless routers because of the various features and benefits it comes packed with. You can easily plug in computers, gaming consoles, streaming players, and more with four ethernet ports. It is one of the best routers for multiple devices, which can connect upto up to 30 devices. Further, the fact that it is from the stables of NETGEAR is also one more reason why customers place so much confidence and trust in this product. Hence it would be interesting to have a look at the various features and functions of this router and then draw a conclusion.
Multipurpose Cable Modem
Netgear nighthawk has one of the best wifi router reviews from our list. This is a quality two in one 3.0 cable modem using DOCSIS. It also comes with a high performing WiFI router that can efficiently deliver a wifi capacity of AC1900. It can also easily handle a modem speed of 960 Mbps. It is also certified to work very well with a reputed cable home network provider, including the likes of Comcast and XFINITY, Cox Premier, Warner MAXX, and Ultimate. This is one of the most sought after wireless routers for those who are satisfied only with the fastest internet speeds offered by XFINITY and other such service providers. However, it has to bear in mind that it is not compatible with CBVS or cable bundled voice services. But this is not a big problem considering that this technology is not very much in use.
Elimination Of Monthly Cable Rentals
It is possible to eliminate monthly rental fees for hiring cable modems. This could help save at least $120 per year. It also comes with some of the most effective and user-friendly manuals. It also features 24×8 channel bonding. In other words, this enables the user to be sure that they can watch the best of cable TV channels at faster speeds not less than 960 Mbps. This is the best router for streaming tv. When there is a need to use the internet to the best of wi fi speeds during peak hours, this could be the best choice. Since this technology uses a data channel for delivering the internet to your home, you can be sure about avoiding the problems associated with peak congestion. The router helps in always maintaining the faster speeds, and you can also be sure about the most reliable internet connection.
Lightweight And Ergonomic
It has been able to win a 4.5 customer rating from almost 4500 customer reviews, which certainly is great news. It comes with a dimension of 11.02 x 11.61 x 3.94 inches and weighs just around 3.43 lbs when packed. It uses the best of Ethernet port connectivity technology to ensure seamless and flawless upload, download of data, and also streaming audio and video. It can also be set up quite quickly without the need for a service call. This is because of the easy setup features and also because of the best online services which are available. It uses the best of PC: Mac or Unix as the hardware platform. Hence it is a robust and highly reliable platform on which the router built.
Easy Setup And Good Upload And Download Speeds
This well and truly is a one-stop solution for both data usage and cable viewing needs. It comes with some of the best future-proofed attributes. In other words, it already has 16 download channels available in it. The price is reasonable. The setup is simply amazing, as mentioned above, and even those with the basic knowledge of wireless routers can quickly assemble it. It very ergonomically designed and occupies tiny space. The modem can easily pair with any wireless system, and it will work fine. The router would require you to pay for 50 Mbps download speed, and 5 Mbps upload speed. This is highly cost-efficient and especially when you are using it for watching cable programs.
Low Chance Of Drops And Downtime
Those who have a Comcast connection (150/10mbits/sec) would certainly have many reasons to have a closer look at this particular router model. This is because once the customers use this router, they can be confident that they will be enjoying a speed of 180/12mbits/sec, which certainly is a bargain. When speed tests run, customers can be sure that they will find the wi fi signal to be superbly linear. The chances of downtime and drops are relatively rare, and the setup hiccups are also not there. The latency is also of the best quality and could be as low as 11/12 ms. This is without any doubt the minimum one can expect as far as a Hybrid Fiber Coaxial Connection is concerned.
It well and truly is an ultra-fast wireless router, and the coverage area is also quite impressive.
It also comes with a quality interface which also is quite easy to use.
Though slightly on the expensive side there are hardly any reasons to complain because it will save big money on cable charges.
The set up is extremely user-friendly, whether it is Comcast or Xfinity. It does not require any calls or support to complete set up. All that is needed is to visit the activation site and spend five to ten minutes, and the set up will be complete.
The USB port is sweet and useful and helps you to add network storage or even a network printer.
The DLNA works as per expectations.
Though some consider it to be a bit big, it can easily be tucked away in the room.
It also comes with power on/off, wifi on/off and WPS features.
The main area of concern is Web UX. The web interface is slow, according to many customers. The only way the network interface speed can increase is by repeatedly restarting the router. This is a painful and frustrating experience for a few customers.
It would be better if the same could do automatically and secondly, the lack of proper software updates is also an area of concern.
The warranty of 90 days phone and one year on equipment is just about okay and does not talk very positively about the quality of the device.
FAQs
How be the firmware updated? Should the user do it or will the Internet Service Provider do it?
Netgear has confirmed that the firmware can be updated only by the ISP. This is not exactly what the customers want, and this problem needs to be solved.
Does This Work On Time Warner Cable Network?
The answer is yes, and it does work very well on Time Warner Network.
Conclusion
Buyers Guide
Is it time to update your Wi-Fi router?
Yes, if you’ve been having trouble with your Wi-Fi network or if you’re just looking for a better model, it might be time to upgrade to a new router. We’ve found the best wireless routers for home use that are perfect for any size of house. Check to see if your router is 802.11ac compatible. If not, it’s likely that your router is too old to keep up with the latest streaming video and online gaming demands. Consider upgrading to a newer model that can support the latest Wi-Fi standards. Many new routers have features like beamforming and MU-MIMO that can help improve your wireless network’s performance.
What are the various Wi-Fi bands, and what do they represent?
There are three Wi-Fi bands: 2.4GHz, 5GHz, and 60GHz. The 2.4 GHz band is the most common and offers the widest range, with a maximum data rate of around 100Mbps.The 5GHz band is newer and offers faster speeds, up to 1,300Mbps. The 60GHz band is even newer and provides even faster speeds, up to 7Gbps.
Can a better router increase your internet speed?
A better router can definitely increase your internet speed, as it will be able to handle more data at once. This means that you’ll be able to download and upload files much faster, and your web browsing will be smoother overall. If you’re looking to get the fastest possible speeds, then you’ll need to make sure that you get a router that’s compatible with your internet service provider (ISP). However, even if you don’t have the fastest internet connection, a better router can still improve your speeds significantly.
Which Wireless Protocols Should I Look For?
When looking for a wireless router for your home, you’ll want to make sure that it supports the latest wireless protocols, such as 802.11ac. This protocol offers the fastest speeds and is backwards compatible with older protocols, such as 802.11n.
If you have a lot of devices that need to be connected wirelessly, look for a router that supports MU-MIMO technology. This allows the router to connect to multiple devices at the same time and gives each device its own dedicated bandwidth.
Should I Consider a Wi-Fi Mesh Network System?
If you’re considering a Wi-Fi mesh network system, then the answer is likely yes. Mesh systems are designed to provide better wireless coverage throughout your home by using multiple access points (or nodes) to create a single seamless network.
If you have a large home or one with multiple levels, a mesh network can help ensure that you have strong Wi-Fi coverage in every corner. And if you have a lot of devices that are constantly connected to the internet – like Smart TVs, streaming devices, and gaming consoles – a mesh network can help prevent them from bogging down your connection.
Jeremiah A. Cantara says
Is NETGEAR router compatible with COX? What is the sq space that covers this router?
Green says
Yes, NETGEAR router will work with COX communications internet service. It’s wireless speed (up to 1900 Mbps) & up to 1800 sq ft coverage with 30 devices.
Ben M. Gledhill says
What’s the difference between the C7 and newer A7 models?
Green says
The Archer C7 and A7 have similar performance specifications. The chips inside are the same. But with some features removed to reduce cost. Those features are: Fixed antennas vs. detachable antennas, one USB port instead of two, no status LED for the USB port, shared WiFi off switch with WPS not separate. Plus the power to the C7 is 12v 2.5A while the A7 is 12v 1.5A.