Best Wi-Fi Home Routers - Geek Tech Online

In our homes, more and more equipment that requires access to the network appears. Just plug in the cable

Provider in the PC, as before, is no longer enough -To distribute the Internet to computers, laptops, smartphones and other devices, you need a Wi-Fi router, also known as a router. These small boxes with "horns" (or without - antennas can be built-in) can vary greatly in their capabilities and price. Unprepared person no wonder get confused. We decided to ease the task and picked up the most interesting models for different thickness of the wallet. Below you will also find general recommendations for choosing a router for an apartment.

Content:

What you should pay attention to
TP-Link Archer C3150
TP-Link Deco M5
Asus RT-AC66U B1
Huawei B315s-22
TP-Link Archer C5 V4
TP-Link Archer C20
TP-Link TD-W8961N
Tenda f3
Mercusys MW301R

TP-Link Archer C3150

Productive router for home and office

TP-Link Archer C3150 offers goodequipment, high-quality Wi-Fi coverage and high speed connection. It will not “choke” in the home or office network of dozens of Internet-connected devices, and the built-in antivirus provides additional protection against cyber threats.

Buy in Yulmart

Buy in Eldorado

For high loads

TP-Link Deco M5

Seamless Wi-Fi in a big house

If the router does not "finish off" to the far rooms,Mesh-system TP-Link Deco M5 will help solve the problem. It consists of modules that create a seamless Wi-Fi network. Setup is as simple as possible; to expand coverage, it is enough to add a new node. True, with the additional features of the current generation of devices sparsely.

Buy in M.Video (2 pieces)

Buy in Yulmart (3 pieces)

Nice and comfortable

Asus RT-AC66U B1

Home router for geeks

Asus RT-AC66U B1 supports two ranges,can be used as a media server and even act as an alternative to Wi-Fi Mesh. And support for 4G / 3G modems allows you to organize a backup channel in case of problems with the main provider. The model is interesting for enthusiasts the possibility of flexible configuration of the home network.

Buy in Yulmart

Buy in the Connected

For lovers of settings

Huawei B315s-22

Router for summer cottage or country house

With the Huawei B315s-22 you can be online there,where wire providers have not reached yet. Since the router already has a mobile modem, a user just needs to insert a SIM card. Other features of the model include support for external GSM antennas for signal amplification in case of poor communication, as well as the ability to make calls over the mobile network when a conventional handset is connected.

Buy in M.Video

With 4G modem

TP-Link Archer C5 V4

Simple gigabit router

Nice appearance, dual wifi bands,USB-port for working with external drives, gigabit ports - and all this at an adequate price. TP-Link Archer C5 V4 will be the best choice for those who are looking for a router with the support of current technologies, but do not want to overpay for unnecessary functions. Convenient and easy to set up model.

Buy in Yulmart

For high speed internet

TP-Link Archer C20

Inexpensive dual-band Wi-Fi router

In this TP-Link model there are no USB ports and otherchips expensive routers, but the average user is primarily interested in a stable connection to the Internet on home devices. Archer C20 successfully copes with this task, and also allows you to use a more free range of 5 GHz. Suitable for Internet tariffs up to 100 Mbps.

Buy in the Connected

Buy in M.Video

Buy in Yulmart

Buy in Eldorado

Go to 5 GHz

TP-LINK TD-W8961N

ADSL router for home

Choosing routers with an integrated ADSL modem is nottoo rich. All that providers usually offer is suitable only for a small apartment, and TP-LINK TD-W8961N is capable of providing a wider Wi-Fi coverage area. This is a good "workhorse" with the support of one range.

Buy in M.Video

Buy in the Connected

Buy in Yulmart

There is no "optics"

Tenda f3

Affordable and long-range router

Simple to configure a router with a large enoughWi-Fi radius and nice design. If you do not plan to transfer your home network to 5 GHz in the near future, the single-band model Tenda F3 will be a reasonable purchase.

Buy in Eldorado

Nothing extra

Mercusys MW301R

Cheap router, which is not ashamed

One of the most affordable devices on the market. Compact, fast enough and functional for undemanding users. Can serve as a Wi-Fi repeater to expand the existing network.

Buy in Yulmart

With a modest budget

</ p>

What you should pay attention to

First, a few words about What is a router? It is much like a regular computer: he also has a processor, RAM, storage and operating system. The router establishes a connection with the provider and distributes the Internet traffic between the connected devices. When a lot of gadgets go online at the same time, it becomes difficult to manage all data streams, breaks and hangs occur. Powerful router can withstand higher loads and will last as long as possible. With this sorted out, go to the practical advice.

Find out the type of connection that the provider uses

If we are talking about the telephone line, it is worth watchingtowards routers with an ADSL modem and an RJ-11 connector as a WAN port (input). The most common option is Ethernet with an RJ-45 network connector. An important point: connecting via L2TP, PPPoE or PPTP creates an additional load on the processor, so the simplest router can noticeably “cut” the speed. When there is no wired capability, look for a router with an integrated LTE modem. Or with a USB port into which you can insert an external modem. In the latter case, you need to check in advance which 3G / 4G modems the particular model is compatible with. Important: the mere presence of a USB connector does not guarantee that such a function is generally supported.

Calculate how many devices will be connected via cable.

Home PC, game console and smart TVthey are always in the same place, and if possible, it is better for them to use a wired connection - it is safer and often faster than Wi-Fi. Often, routers are equipped with four LAN ports to which such fixed devices can be connected, but in some models there are only two or three. Consider this moment. And it is not only the quantity that matters.

There are two types of network ports. Fast Ethernet has a maximum data transfer rate of 100 Mbps, and in the case of Gigabit Ethernet, it is ten times as fast - 1 Gbps. If the internet from the provider is higher than 100 Mbps, choose among devices with gigabit LAN and WAN. This is also a good option “for growth”, so that later you don’t buy a new router when switching to a faster rate plan.

Pay attention to Wi-Fi standards

Wireless routers create around themWi-Fi network for internet distribution without cable. The simplest models work according to the standard 802.11n in the 2.4 GHz frequency band. It is quite densely occupied - other access points nearby and home appliances (microwaves and baby monitors, for example) can cause serious interference. A more stable connection will provide a router that supports the standard 802.11ac with a frequency of 5 GHz. This range also has a higher data rate limit. The range of "Wi-Fi" will be slightly less, however, 802.11ac devices are backward compatible with 802.11n and allow you to connect gadgets that work only on 2.4 GHz (old laptops, budget smartphones, and so on).

Often, near the name indicates the class of the router,for example, N300 or AC1200. “N” means that the device is clocked at 2.4 GHz, and “AC” indicates support for the 802.11ac standard. The number after the letters is the theoretical maximum throughput for all ranges. On the 802.11n router, you can get up to 600 Mbps (class N600), with two working frequencies - more than 3000 Mbps, if we are talking about top models. Some dual-band routers use two 2.4 GHz channels, but now there are mainly 2.4 / 5 GHz solutions. There are also three-band routers, they create three networks at once: 2.4 GHz and two at 5 GHz.

What you need to know about antennas

Antennas can be external or embedded,when nothing sticks out of the device. Sometimes both types are combined in a router. The more antennas, the more stable the coverage and the higher the maximum (theoretical) data transfer rate in a Wi-Fi network. It is recommended to choose a model with two or more antennas, the gain of which is 5 dBi and higher - usually this parameter is indicated in the characteristics. If the antennas are removable, if necessary, you can install more powerful ones and slightly improve the reception of Wi-Fi. The normal position of external antennas is vertical, although no one forbids experimenting with tilt angles.

How to install a router?

There is no universal answer to this question. For uniform coverage of all rooms, it is desirable to place it closer to the center of the house. To keep the signal path as small as possible, find a high place (on the table, for example, or better on the cabinet or fasten directly on the wall). Remember that metal surfaces reflect the Wi-Fi signal.

When one router is not enough, expand the zoneCoverage is possible using Wi-Fi repeaters. In most cases, on each repeater, the access speed drops at least twice. Mesh-systems, which consist of several modules and create one large Wi-Fi network, are deprived of this disadvantage. They appeared relatively recently and are still quite expensive. The user also has the option of installing additional routers. To connect them, it is often necessary to lay a power cable or use Powerline adapters for communication through a socket (not always suitable because of the increased requirements for wiring quality).

If the router works with errorstry installing the most current versionfirmware. Some models support automatic updates, for others you will have to download the update on the manufacturer’s website. There is also worth a look to clarify the characteristics - in the descriptions of online stores are often inaccurate.

</ p>

1. TP-Link Archer C3150: for home and office

</ img>

TP-Link Archer C3150 - dual band routerpremium, although not the most expensive in the line of TP-Link. Equipped with a powerful dual-core processor, two more coprocessors are responsible for operating the wireless network at each frequency (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz). MIMO 4 × 4 technology allows you to simultaneously transfer data to four devices, providing a higher speed. For convenience, you can enable Smart Connect when only one network is visible, and the router automatically selects the appropriate range. Four external antennas are removable, the “archer” is able to provide good coverage in a large apartment or house, and is also suitable for small offices.

Throughput in the range of 2.4 GHz is 1000 Mbit / s (4 channels of 250 Mbit / s), at a frequency of 5 GHz - 2167 Mbit / s (4 × 541 Mbit / s). Behind is a gigabit WAN and four LAN ports, also gigabit. In the updated model (ver.2), channel aggregation appeared - using two cables you can connect NAS storage and get the maximum speed of 2 Gb / s. The router is equipped with USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 ports, it is easy to configure a network printer or media server. It is not clear why the company removed the support of 3G / 4G-modems for the Ukrainian market. In other regions, this feature is available. Users can also start the VPN server and enable Trend Micro's built-in antivirus with parental controls.

TP-Link Archer C3150 itself is quite large. "You take it in your hands - you wash a thing." If there is no place on the table or a suitable shelf, holes are made on the bottom wall for mounting on the wall. Above - status indicators and a button to turn off the LEDs when the illumination interferes. All settings - through a familiar web interface or from a smartphone in the Tether mobile app. There is a router 6000 hryvnia.

2. TP-Link Deco M5: Seamless Wi-Fi in a big house

</ img>

In an apartment with a complex layout or largethe home of one router may not be enough for a stable reception of Wi-Fi in the whole area. The most elegant solution in this case will be Mesh-systems of several routers, working as one unit. They are easy to configure and allow you to expand the Wi-Fi network over time with new nodes. We have already managed to get acquainted with several models of the Deco TP-Link line - from the simpler Deco M4 to the almost flagship Deco P7 with support for Powerline technology. “Average” model Deco M5.

TP-Link Deco M5 module looks like round whitea box with a “wave” on the top panel and a single LED in the center. There are two Gigabit Ethernet ports, the provider cable can be connected to any of them. The remaining nodes are connected wirelessly (either by wire for lower speed loss, but then some of the Mesh magic is lost). The setup will take just a couple of minutes: set the new Deco M5 in the Wi-Fi reception area, turn on the network and wait until the working module recognizes its fellow. All operations are performed in the TP-Link Deco corporate application for Android and iOS. It has the option of fast roaming, so that switching between mesh nodes happens as seamlessly as possible for the user (client devices must support the 802.11r standard). I did not forget the manufacturer about the built-in antivirus with the option of parental control. At the same time, someone will lack flexible range management, VPN and some other functions of modern routers.

Bandwidth reaches 400 Mbps for 2.4 GHz and 867 Mbit / s in the 5 GHz band. Since the nodes communicate with each other, the maximum access speed will be lower on a connected laptop or smartphone. Inside each M5 Deco are four antennas. The possibility of mounting on the wall is not provided. You can’t overclock with wired connections - only two network ports per module (one will be busy on the main one) and a power connector. USB for work with printers or external drives are not delivered.

There are separate TP-Link Deco M5 and sets of two or three nodes, designed to cover an area of up to 350 m² or 510 m², respectively. The price of one module is 3000 hryvnia, in the sets to buy a little cheaper. The thing is not cheap, but it is the easiest and most convenient way to create a seamless Wi-Fi network without dead zones.

3. Asus RT-AC66U B1: home router for geeks

</ img>

Asus RT-AC66U B1 - powerful enough and"Penetrative" dual-band router with support for AiMesh technology. This is Asus's own development, which allows you to expand your existing Wi-Fi network by installing additional routers. Together they work as a Mesh-system. And if “mesh nodes” have only a basic set of functions, then there are no such restrictions. True, some users say not the most stable work of AiMesh.

Asus RT-AC66U B1 is equipped with gigabit ports,In addition to the existing WAN, one of the four LANs can be configured as an input for a backup channel. There is a USB 2.0 port in the back and USB 3.0 in the front. It supports the connection of printers, 3G / 4G-modems or drives to which you can upload files without a computer. Setting up a media server is also not a problem. The router definitely falls into the category for enthusiasts and geeks. The MU-MIMO technology provides simultaneous data transmission to several devices (3 at 2.4 GHz and 3 at 5 GHz). The total bandwidth is 1750 Mbit / s. In addition to the web interface, a ASUS Router mobile application is available with a ton of settings.

The current hardware version assumes onlyhorizontal installation, there are no holes for mounting on the wall. According to the owners, the case of the Asus RT-AC66U B1 can noticeably heat up. To prevent overheating, it is important to ensure free access of air and avoid direct sunlight. Issue price - 2830 hryvnia.

3 reasons to buy:
2 reasons not to buy:

not bad "breaks through" the wall
works with flash drives and 3G / 4G modems
and generally very functional

heated (in a closed space is better not to put)
long reboot

4. Huawei B315s-22: router for summer cottage or country house

</ img>

Behind the city, where speed is not availableInternet, it remains to rely on mobile operators. And if you need to distribute Wi-Fi to several devices, the easiest way is to buy a router with a built-in 3G / 4G modem. Such as the Huawei B315s-22 with a slot for SIM-cards - "inserted and running." The model is not suitable for CDMA connection, only GSM / LTE / UMTS standards are supported. The benefit of modern 3G and 4G-networks cover all large areas.

The manufacturer promises a coverage area of Wi-Fi to 250m² It is in ideal conditions, but for a country house (if it is not a three-story mansion) the transmitter power is enough. Only the standard 802.11n at 2.4 GHz is claimed, the bandwidth is 300 Mbps. The speed of 4G-Internet can reach 150 Mbit / s per download and 50 Mbit / s for return, in 3G networks up to 42 / 5.76 Mbit / s. Behind the cover are two mounts for antennas that amplify the signal of the mobile network. Conventional Wi-Fi antennas are suitable for this purpose. On the Chinese online sites, you can find external GSM antennas easier and more expensive (we need versions for SMA-connector). But if the reception is good without them, you will not feel a big increase in speed.

With wired connections, the Huawei B315 is all inokay There are three LAN ports and a combined LAN / WAN, you can use the "fixed" Internet. There is also a USB-connector for working with drives or network printers. Another feature of the router is the RJ-11 port, to which a regular home telephone is connected for calls in the network of the cellular operator. The router will cost 2400 hryvnia.

4 reasons to buy:
2 reasons not to buy:

built-in 3G / 4G modem
interesting design

does not distribute Wi-Fi at 5 GHz
you need a router for cdma internet

5. TP-Link Archer C5 V4: simple gigabit router

</ img>

When the provider offers internet access atspeeds greater than 100 Mbps or at home is NAS storage, choose a router with gigabit Ethernet ports. “I have them,” TP-Link Archer C5 could say. This is another pretty model in a bright case with a textured top panel and four fixed antennas. In the fourth hardware version, the manufacturer has updated the web interface, now the control panel looks modern and allows you to easily configure the main parameters. Even a novice will understand.

The router operates in two bands. The wireless data transfer rate reaches 300 Mbps at 2.4 GHz and 867 Mbps at 5 GHz. Next to the four LAN ports and one WAN is a USB 2.0 connector. In addition to the power button, there is a WPS key, with which you can turn on / off Wi-Fi. Built-in antivirus, as in the top models, is not here, but there are functions of parental control. As the ability to create a guest access point, isolated from the devices of the home network.

The router is suitable for viewing.Internet television (IPTV). In Ukraine, the USB port is used exclusively for working with flash drives and external drives. 3G / 4G modems are supported in other regions. TP-Link Archer C5 V4 can be hung on the wall. Issue price - 1400 hryvnia.

3 reasons to buy:
2 reasons not to buy:

the router looks beautiful
dual band and gigabit ports
USB port

no USB modem support for Ukraine
you need a VPN or print server feature

</ p>

6. TP-Link Archer C20: inexpensive dual-band Wi-Fi router

</ img>

By design TP-Link Archer C20 is similar to itssenior fellow. The upper part of the case is dark, in the current version there are three external antennas and no USB port. This is one of the most affordable dual band routers. Class AC750 means the maximum bandwidth of 433 Mbit / s at 5 GHz and 300 Mbit / s at 2.4 GHz. But only inside the network. Since the ports (1 WAN and 4 LAN) are non-gigabit, the speed of wired connections is limited to 100 Mbps.

The TP-Link Archer C20 uses the simplestversion of the web interface, but it supports all major languages. With extra features sparsely. You can only mark parental controls, but the settings are not as intuitive as in higher-end models. In general, this is a good solution for those who choose an inexpensive router with support for current wireless standards. If the Internet access speed is less than 100 Mbps and everything suits you, it is not necessary to spend money on a model with Gigabit Ethernet ports. The younger “archer” is designed for installation only in a horizontal position. It will cost you 800 hryvnia.

2 reasons to buy:
2 reasons not to buy:

two frequency bands
all the necessary buttons on the case

you need gigabit ethernet ports
you plan to hang the router on the wall

7. TP-Link TD-W8961N: Home ADSL router

</ img>

Providers are gradually abandoning outdatedADSL technologies are expanding coverage with optical networks, but a faster connection is not yet available everywhere. With a DSL connection, a subscriber can be offered a simple Wi-Fi router with a relatively small reception area. Things are better with TP-Link TD-W8961N, equipped with two antennas. With it, the data transfer rate over the wireless channel can reach 300 Mbps. Four hundred megabit LAN ports are available.

Picture on the top panel of the routerperforms not only an aesthetic, but also a practical role - small holes contribute to the natural circulation of air. There are power buttons, WPS and Wi-Fi off. Alas, if in time the user decides to change the provider and the type of connection, it will not be possible to designate a LAN as a WAN. TP-Link TD-W8961N worth 800 hryvnia.

Main reason to buy
2 reasons not to buy:

you need an ADSL router with good Wi-Fi coverage

only works in one range
router for DSL connection only

8. Tenda F3: Affordable and Long Range Router

</ img>

You can do only one thing, but do it well. Tenda F3 is a single-band model that creates a wireless network at 2.4 GHz with data transfer rates of up to 300 Mbps. The router is equipped with three external antennas and is able to provide Wi-Fi coverage over an area of up to 200 m², the manufacturer says. In practice, everything will depend on the layout, wall thickness and other factors, but the owners of F3 also note a good communication range. Located behind the WAN-port and three LANs, speeds up to 100 Mbps.

The router is very easy to configure inweb-interface (in Russian or Ukrainian). Here you can limit the bandwidth for individual devices in your home network. Tenda F3 supports IPTV and bridge mode for expanding the Wi-Fi network. There is a fastening on the wall - it seems to be a trifle, but in budget models this is often forgotten. The router will cost 450 hryvnia.

3 reasons to buy:
1 reason not to buy

large Wi-Fi coverage
easy to configure
IPTV and other useful features

no buttons to turn off the power and Wi-Fi

9. Mercusys MW301R: a shameful cheap router

</ img>

One of the most affordable models on the market. Mercusys MW301R adequately showed itself in our review, but with one clarification - we did not demand too much from it. If there is a computer, a laptop and a couple of smartphones / tablets at home, even such a budget router will be enough. And for more serious loads there are solutions above the list. The device is equipped with two antennas operating in the 2.4 GHz band. The maximum theoretical speed in the Wi-Fi network is 300 Mbps. Behind are three Ethernet ports (WAN and 2xLAN) with a bandwidth of 100 Mbps.

The Mercusys MW301R is intuitive and easy to use.web interface settings. Despite the low cost, all major functions are supported, including parental control, guest networking and bridge mode. Using a router, you can expand your existing Wi-Fi coverage or connect your home PC to the Internet without laying a cable. Issue price - 300 hryvnia.

3 reasons to buy:
2 reasons not to buy: