Top 5 Wireless Routers for every need [Reviewed]

Looking for the best wireless router to buy for your home or office?

Look no longer.

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As we've reviewed and analyzed a list of the best wireless routers you can buy.

In today's world, most people couldn't possibly function without a good wireless router. However, no so long ago, having WiFi or anything wireless in your home was a dream come true!

WiFi has become an essential part of our lives. It's actually hard to believe there was a time we lived without it.

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Today, WiFi plays a vital role in both our personal and professional lives. We depend upon it for work, communications, security, shopping and entertainment. Everyone uses WiFi, from schools, businesses, restaurants, coffee shops and homes.

Wireless routers can help us in this regard. Wireless routers transmit WiFi signals to our mobile phones, iPads, Kindles, laptops, computers, and other devices without the need of an Ethernet cable. Basically, everyone needs a router.

There are several different routers to choose from; some are faster than others, some provide additional ports, some offer "network-attached storage" or NAS (NAS connects hard drive storage to another port and allows information to be accessed by other devices connected to that network).

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A lot of wireless routers are pricey and have functions that the average user may not need. Typically, those with additional functions are better suited to large businesses.

In which case, we've collected a list of the best wireless routers which we found to be most suited to the everyday home.

Top 5 Best  Wireless Routers for every need

We've researched a list of the best wireless routers and highlighted each in terms of function, performance, and price. We hope this list will help you make a decision about which wireless router is best for you.

Asus RT-AC88U – Editors Choice

Asus RT-AC88U Wireless Router

Asus RT-AC88U – Best Wireless Router 2020

Asus is well-known for high-end routers and first-rate gaming hardware. The Asus RT-AC88U is rectangular shaped with four protruding antennae, edged in red. J.D. Power ranked ASUS "Highest Customer Satisfaction with Wireless Router in the U.S."

The RT-AC88U is 80% faster at 5 GHz at up to 2100 Mbps, 66% faster at 2.4 GHz at up to 1000 Mbps. It also has an 8 GigabitLAN port that offers high-speed Internet without performance drops.

By switching devices, ASUS Smart Connect delivers consistent bandwidth by dynamically switching devices between 2.4 and 5 GHz bands based on speed, load and signal strength. It's also dual-band and can act as a NAS.

Connecting the Asus RT-AC88U is easy as it comes with a Quick Internet Setup Wizard. After you connect the router to your PC and the Internet and turn it on, the Web-based console takeoffs and provides choices via the Wizard or through manual configuration.

The Wizard inspects the Internet connection and, depending upon your selection sets up the router as a DHCP, Static IP, Dynamic IP, or PPPoE. You then name SSID and make up a network encryption key for each band. Select Finish, and you're done.

The Asus RT-AC88U Dual-Band Router utilizes a Multi-User Multiple Input, Multiple Output (MU-MIMO) technology to serve multiple WiFi clients concurrently without forfeiting bandwidth. Each client, however, must hold an MU-MIMO-compatible network adapter if they want to use this technology.

The router is armed with numerous Gigabit LAN ports and multiple USB ports. The router offers a lot of management options in a considerately designed user interface. It provides intense throughput on the 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands.

The Asus AiProtection feature utilizes Trend Micro's Smart Home Network to recognize viruses and malware and block malicious sites. It additionally provides parental controls, app filtering, and planning. With the AiCloud feature, you can access your data from a tablet or smartphone using an Android app or iOS.

Advanced settings let you produce wireless SSID names, select a security protocol and an authentication method, facilitate WPS settings, and configure VPN, RADIUS and wireless bridge settings.

In the Wireless Professional Settings page, you can modify beamforming, multicast rates, settings, and wireless scheduling. The Firewall settings page provides URL filtering, Denial of Service security, and keyword filtering.

The Asus RT-AC88U Dual-Band Router has a high-speed throughput performance, a fantastic feature set, and a simultaneous multi-client MU-MIMO data streaming. It produces excellent scores on 2.4GHz and 5GHz throughput tests.

Read/write file-transfer scores are average. It provides extensive management features in an easy-to-use interface that includes gamer-friendly QoS settings, advanced file sharing, parental controls, and mobile cloud services.

At under $300, it's a great deal and one of our top choices for high-end routers.

There are four detachable external antennas – two one each side and two on the back. Also on the back, there are a horde of ports, an enormous eight Gigabit Ethernet port, a USB 2.0 port, a WAN port, and a Power jack. As well, there's are power, reset, and WPS buttons. A USB 3.0 port is in the front.

Asus RT-AC88U Wireless Gigabit Router Video Go Through from ASUS.

The setup video for ASUS RT-AC88U Wireless Gigabit Router will help you install and correctly setup this excellent and highly recommended ASUS router is here.

PROS
  • Excellent range and speed.
  • Great robustness.
  • Strong reach and signal bandwidth.
CONS
  • Placement of the USB 3.0 can be difficult.
  • Performance averages when used as a NAS.


NETGEAR Nighthawk AC1900 Smart Wireless Router (R7000)

NETGEAR Nighthawk AC1900 Smart Wireless Router (R7000)

NETGEAR Nighthawk AC1900 Smart Wireless Router (R7000)

The NETGEAR Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router has an OpenVPN Connect App that allows access to a network through a mobile device.

It also has a 1GHz dual-band router plus a dual-core processor and AC1900 WiFi: 600+1300 Mbps Speed.

It offers advanced features for break free gaming and a prioritized bandwidth for streaming music and videos.

Beamforming improves range and performance and ReadyCLOUD USB and ReadySHARE permit USB disk access. It adapts with Time Machine on Mac devices, and NETGEAR genie allows remote access.

NETGEAR Nighthawk AC1900 Smart Wireless Router offers excellent speeds on the 5GHz band when matched with the mini 11 adapter. Average throughput at 2.4GHz, and it takes its time applying settings changes.

With 802.11ac, however, the speed factor is important at 5GHz, and it performs well in both data rate and in range. The Nighthawk can also be flashed with open-source firmware.ac A6100 USB adapter.

The router is sizeable. It measures 1.97″ x 11.22″ x 7.26″ (HWD) and weighs just over 1.6 pounds. Netgear overhauled the design from the prior release of dual-band routers (Centria and the R6300), both of which had upright designs and were intended to operate vertically.

The back connections are Gigabit WAN and four Gigabit LAN ports, a power button, and a reset button. On the top are LEDs, Internet, USB device connections.

The hardware specs run warm – warmer than room temperature. It, therefore, should be placed where there is good air circulation.

The Nighthawk wireless router operates horizontally and can be wall-mounted. The wide-based design makes it extremely sturdy, though there are cables connected to every port. With a wide base and rubber feet, it's a large top router.

The NETGEAR Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router demonstrates performance issues on 2.4 gigahertz. It's under $200, so considering the price-performance ratio, it's still one of the best routers of 2020.

There is a powerful dual-core 1GHz processor inside. It supports 600Mbps at 2.4GHz and up to 1300Mbps at the 5GHz band. Three external antennas came along with the router and attached to the rear panel. The router had 128MB flash memory and 256MB RAM.

There are two USB ports – one on the front and one on the rear. The front port is USB 3.0 and was deliberately placed in front, away from the 2.4GHz radio to reduce WiFi signal interference. The backport is USB 2.0. and is to be used for the 2.4GHz radio, to reduce WiFi signal interference. Both, however, would support USB storage and printers.

On the back panel are Gigabit WAN and a reset button, four Gigabit LAN ports, and a power button. Internet LEDs on the top of the router indicate wireless, USB device connection, and other network activity status.

The NETGEAR Nighthawk AC1900 Smart Wireless Router is simple to set up. An installation guide comes with the package and summarizes what needs to be done. It's straightforward and clear.

The last step instructs the user to launch the Web browser and finalize the configuration. Such will bring up a page that confirms that the router has been connected to the Internet and the pre-configured wireless SSID and passphrase.

Selecting the "Take me to the internet" link redirects the page to NETGEAR's external website where you can download management router apps and/or access links for support.

Check out the Netgear Nightwalk router Product tour official by Netgear.

Netgear explains how to install and setup your Nighthawk AC1900 smart wireless router step by step in this video.

PROS
  • Great range.
  • Excellent QoS.
  • Full VPN capability
CONS
  • Bulky and large.
  • Performance issues on 2.4 gigahertz.


D-link DIR-890L AC3200 Ultra Wireless Router

D-link DIR-890L AC3200 Ultra Wireless Router

The DIR-890L/R reaches speeds up to 3,200Mbps (600 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band and 1,300Mbps on each of the two 5 GHz bands). Advanced SmartConnect distributes the best possible band for maximal Wi-Fi performance and tracks your connected devices for enhanced Wi-Fi speed and range.

Its Web-based management console is easy to use, simple to set and configure, and can be managed remotely through a smartphone with a mydlink Lite mobile app.

The router is really cool. Red and pyramid shaped, with six black antennae.

The D-link DIR-890L AC3200 Ultra Wireless Router is optimal for those who own multiple Wi-Fi devices and/or large residences with numerous people requiring Internet use. It may, however, be too complex for an everyday, general consumer.

The Ultra Wireless Router DIR-890L/R D-Link is pretty big, but so what? It looks so cool. Like the shiny red sports car you always dreamed about. And, yet, it’s a great router. It has six adjustable antennas.

On top, there are six LED indicators that show USB port and 2.4GHz and 5GHz band activity and Internet-connection and power status. Four Gigabit Ethernet, Internet, and two USB (one 2.0 and one 3.0) ports, along with reset, Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS), and power buttons, are on the back. 1GHz dual-core processor and circuitry that supports 802.11b/g/n/ac wireless networking are under the hood.

The DIR-890L/R can reach hypothetical speeds of up to 3,200Mbps (600 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band and 1,300Mbps on each of the two 5 GHz bands).

It supports Beam forming technology to focus on wireless clients for better signal reception, and SmartConnect technology, which behaves as a regulator to guide wireless clients to a band with the most bandwidth.

The router provides an easy-to-use Web-based executive console for simple setup and configuration and can also be ran distantly through a smartphone using the mydlink Lite mobile app.

Installation is simple and should only take a few minutes. Connect the router to the PC with the supplied Ethernet cable. Enter the router’s local IP address and utilize the Set-Up Wizard to design the router. If you plan on using customized SSIDs, security systems for each bands, and router names, it might take a more time.

The Promo of D-link DIR-890L AC3200 Ultra Wireless Router product preview from Dlink along with complete features.

D-link DIR-890L AC3200 Ultra Wireless Router installation and setup process.

PROS
  • Intense throughput speeds.
  • Good range performance.
  • Very little problems.
  • Easy setup.
CONS
  • Expensive (around $300)
  • Large footprint.
  • Mediocre file transfer performance


Netgear Nighthawk R8000 X6 Wireless Router [Best for Gaming & Video Streaming]

Netgear Nighthawk R8000 X6 Wireless Router [Best for Gaming & Video Streaming]

Netgear Nighthawk R8000 X6 is very unique. The Nighthawk X6 AC3200 Router's Tri-Band WiFi technology was made to connect to every single WiFi device (laptops, cameras, consoles, tablets, games, phones, TVs, etc.), spontaneously and instantly.

A mighty mix of features and a wireless speed of up to 3 WiFi bands, 3.2Gbps, Smart Connect intelligence, and Dynamic QoS, ensures that all those devices receive the speediest WiFi connection. It's also the Best Gaming Router of 2020.

Netgear Nighthawk R8000 X6 can double as NAS with the attachment of an external hard drive. The NAS performance is good for the price, unlike other routers, and it provides impressive speeds over the 5 gigahertz band. Speed, however, on the 2.4 gigahertz band, is, well, just average.

The Netgear R8000 Nighthawk X6 AC3200 is an excellent wireless router with a few deficiencies.

The Netgear Nighthawk R8000 has one 2.4-GHz channel and two 5-GHz channels. Its fold-out antennas use beamforming techniques to carve the signal to outfit the receiving antenna. They extend up to 3.3-inches and can be adjusted up to a 140-degree angle. Be careful, though, they can't be replaced.

It has four gigabit Ethernet ports for wired connections and USB 2.0 and 3.0 ports that can work with a printer and an external hard drive. It will also create a modified URL for gaining remote access to the drive's contents. The R8000 has security protects the network and blocks specific clients and sites.

It also uses security protocols and WPA2/Enterprise encryption. It supports using a Virtual Private Network (VPN), Stateful Packet Inspection (SPI), and Network Address Translation (NAT) firewalls. It has a Guest network that permits Web browsing while blocking access to network drives. Still, it doesn't use industrial-strength LDAP client authentication for added security.

The Netgear Nighthawk R8000 has a 1-GHz processor and 256MB of RAM and 128MB flash storage space for firmware, passwords and settings.

At $300, the Netgear R8000 router is one of the most costly. But, for maximum range, Netgear Nighthawk X6 AC3200 (R8000) is a top router.

Installation is simple. Prepare and connect the modem, plug it on, and then log in to the router. Launch a web browser and the NETGEAR genie will displays (if no genie,

Search routerlogin.net in the address field, then, user name: admin, password: password. Then follow the genie's steps to connect to the Internet).

Here is the detailed video walkthrough of the Netgear Nighthawk R8000 X6 Wireless Router of how to install it properly for your place.

PROS
  • The hardware is one of the most powerful of all other wireless routers.
  • Intensely fast WiFi.
  • Stellar and sturdy build quality.
  • Reliable NAS performance (when connected to an external hard drive).
CONS
    • The router does not perform well on 2.4 gigahertz band.


Asus RT-AC3200 – Tri-Band Wireless Gigabit Router

Asus RT-AC3200 – Tri-Band Wireless Gigabit Router

The Asus RT-AC3200 – Tri-Band Wireless Gigabit Router is intended for multiple Wi-Fi users that compete for the most wireless bandwidth. In order to provide such benefits, it’s big and utilizes six antennas. Throughput speed on all three bands is extremely good and the user interface is simple to grasp. File transfer, however, is second-rate, at best. Still, it’s loaded with features, but it costs $300. The router can double as an OpenVPN server or act as a NAS. The Asus RT-AC3200 might be too much for the normal consumer. If you are not interested in the AC3200 capabilities, you could go for a cheaper AC1900.

While the Asus RT-AC3200 is costly, its features justify it, that is, if you’re willing to pay for them. If you’re a networking enthusiast and performance matters to you, you’re probably nodding in agreement.

Installing the Asus RT-AC3200 is fairly straightforward. When you initially turn on the router, a Setup Wizard screen gives you the choice of running the Quick Internet and Router Setup wizards or using a Manual procedure. Whatever method you chose, you’ll need to create a password and choose whether the device will function as an access point wireless router, or media bridge. Then, you’ll need to select one of the five Internet connection types: Automatic IP (DHCP), PPTP (VPN), Static IP, PPoE, and L2TP (VPN). Then, you can utilize the SmartConnect feature to set-up the Wi-Fi network. Or, if you’d like, you can select the Standard Setup and enter SSIDs and network keys for each band. Then, the UI network map will appear and you’ll be done.

The RT-AC3200 is very large, with six removable antennas. It has four gigabit LAN ports and one gigabit WAN (Internet) port on the back. There are two USB ports on the and one USB 3.0 port one the front.

On the inside, the RT-AC3200 packs potent hardware. It runs a Broadcom BCM4709 dual-core 1GHz processor with 256MB of DDR 3 system memory and 128MB of flash storage. It has enough power as a small server and ranks among the most powerful top routers on the marketplace.

One may not think it’s worth it’s roughly $300. That will depend upon whether the buyer wants the power. It has strong hardware, good performance, and a variety of useful features, including the capacity to keep malware from entering your network, and it can also work as a dominant VPN/NAS server. Those who do a lot of demanding tasks will find this router worth the price.

Here is the unboxing and proper setup of this awesome tri band wireless router by ASUS.

PROS
  • Good 5GHz throughput.
  • Lots of advanced features.
  • Incredibly powerful hardware.
  • Router can work as a NAS server and an OpenVPN server
CONS
  • Expensive.
  • Large footprint.
  • Ordinary file-transfer performance.

Final Verdict

There are many wifi routers out there, so finding the best one isn’t easy.

We hope we at least gave you some pointers and advise to choose the best and most powerful wireless router for you needs. If you have any favorite router in mind, and its not listed here.

Do let us know in comments and we would love to review.

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