15 best Wi-Fi routers

Today it is difficult to imagine life without wireless Internet, or as it is called in colloquial slang "Wi-Fi" (Wi-Fi). For the opportunity of functioning meet the special routers.

When choosing them you should pay attention to the following parameters:

• The RAM and processor. Ideally, the model will have at least 32 MB of RAM and the frequency calculator 240 MHz. This will allow the router to work without slowdown and to always ensure sufficient speed of access.
• Modes and plug-in interfaces. These characteristics define the purpose of the router. In most devices the installation of the access point creating a bridge, repeater or client – these modes allow you to connect the router and make it the source of the Wi-Fi signal.
• The frequency of the signal. In most cases, it is 2.4 GHz, but due to the wide distribution of these devices in the homes of almost all the subchannels are occupied, which affects stability and speed. It is better to choose a dual-band model, where the second channel emits a signal at 5 GHz.
• A security Protocol that encrypts data and does not allow third parties to connect to Wi-Fi. Most of the devices support WPA and WPA2 is the most robust protocols.
• The power to the antenna, measured in dBi. Than the greater, the greater the radius of action of the device. For home, it is advisable to choose routers with a strong signal.
• Supported protocols. IPv4 is most common, having a length of IP address in 32 bits. But some models are already equipped with TCP IPv6 most progressive data transmission Protocol.
• Having the actual software on the official website. Not the fact that when selling on the router will have the latest firmware, the software may contain errors that prevent normal operation of the device.

In our ranking are some of the best Wi-Fi routers that you can buy in online stores. All models were selected taking into account the above mentioned characteristics and parameters. In addition, the device selection was based on:

1. Customer reviews
2. The cost of the device (matching the price and quality)
3. Expert opinions

THE BEST CHEAP WIFI ROUTERS FOR HOME BUDGET UP TO 1500 RUBLES.

4 TENDA N301

Best price
Country: China
Rating (2021): 4.6

Let's start with the budget Wi-Fi router. The average price tag for this tiny miracle just 890 rubles. For the money the user gets a nice, high quality white body with two antennae capacity 5 dBi each. Does not take much space – a housing dimensions mm. 127х90х26 But there is no wall-mount slots – it is negative.

The inside is amazing. Cable speed up to 100 Mbit/s to Connect through LAN can be up to three devices. Wireless Internet access complies with the standard Wi-Fi 802.11n with theoretical speeds of up to 300 Mbps. In reality, judging by the reviews, the speed reaches 70-75 Mbps.

Note the software part. First happy easy setup – as they say, to handle even a housewife. Interesting: there is a possibility of remote administration, backup, settings, access restriction by MAC and URL speed limits. Of course, there are small problems, but easily solved by installing a more recent firmware from the official site – the process will not cause difficulties even for beginners.

3 TP-LINK TL-MR3020

Budget router with 3G/4G LTE
Country: China
Average price: RUB 1 412
Rating (2021): 4.7

TL-MR3020 at first glance an extremely simple device. Only one LAN port, USB 2.0, miniUSB for power supply, a couple of switches but the indicators. Also features the stars from the sky is not enough: Wi-Fi standard 802.11 n, which will be sufficient to tariff plans with a speed of 100 Mbps, but no more. But the ability to put third-party firmware to provide a distribution of mobile Internet makes this router very versatile. See, what scenarios of use shared the user reviews:

1) a Normal router for house or apartment

2) Backup source of Internet (mobile) in case of disconnection of the main provider

3) access Point in the campaign – the device can work from a simple powerbank!

4) Internet in the car: connected to the cigarette lighter, hid the router in the glove box, and you can share the Internet with all the passengers

And this is just a small list. Install the OpenWRT firmware, a USB hub and the curiosity of the user is allowed to use the router in a huge number of situations.

2 MIKROTIK HAP LITE

Large software features. Router OS
Country: Latvia
Average price: 1 360 RUB.
Rating (2021): 4.6

The second line of the rating took the model from a little-known in wide circles of the company MikroTik. First and foremost, hAP lite stands out with unusual appearance. This compact blue and white box with a stylish eyelet ventilation. But more attention is attracted by the lack of external antennas are internal, in the amount of two pieces. A small capacity – only 1.5 dBi, but for a small apartment will be enough. On the other hand, it allows you to place the device almost anywhere. It should also be noted that the silver medalist of the rating is able to give the speed of only 150 Mbps.

There are several unique features. First, the use of Router OS. This system has unbelievable capabilities that can provide the user with even much more expensive devices. Seamless transition between multiple access points bridge mode, VPN tunnels – all of this and more understanding people you will find in router settings. Secondly, hAP lite supports connection to multiple providers. WAN port can be any of the four located on the body.

1 TP-LINK TL-WR841N

The optimum balance of cost, functionality and simplicity
Country: China
Average price: 1 290 RUB.
Rating (2021): 4.8

The best budget Wi-Fi routers for the home is a TP-LINK TL-WR841N. The device can be used as an access point and simultaneously "distribute" the signal to 6 receivers. Among all the cheap routers has the highest potential speed – 300 Mbps. the Router is equipped with a modern system of data encryption WPA2, which ensures high reliability of the transmitted data. The model supports the tunneling protocols PPTP, L2TP and IPSec are most common with most providers.

The advantages of this router reviews users include low cost, easy setup and a good, steady signal. The latter is provided with two antennas operating in the frequency range of 2.4 GHz. The transmitter power is 20 dBM, which allows the signal to "break through" even the thick walls of the apartment. As weaknesses noted bad material construction of the body and poor quality power adapter, which emits excessive noise during operation.

4 TENDA AC6

The most affordable router with excellent performance
Country: China
Average price: 2 681 RUB.
Rating (2021): 4.6

The price range of the middle class allows you to purchase a router with a huge number of interesting pieces. But they are not for everyone. Sometimes, the user just needs a quick trouble-free operation of the network. Just for this situation, the perfect model AC6 from Tenda. The appearance is futuristic. The front panel of complex shape, cut faces, huge antennas, such a solution will not satisfy everyone. But it is to say thank you for a switched led indication – nothing will disturb in the night.

Features worthy. The router can simultaneously operate in two bands (2.4/5 GHz). The maximum claimed speed Wi-Fi 1167 Mbps. Judging by the user feedback, the figure is quite real. You can find fault with the presence of only 3 LAN ports with a fairly low speed up to 100 Mbps. Special "buns" do not have to wait: supports work in the mode of repeater, bridge, VPN is, Yes, relatively powerful antenna (30 dBm)

3 KEENETIC EXTRA (KN-1711)

Wide software features
Country: Taiwan
Average price: 4 790 RUB.
Rating (2021): 4.7

All models Keenetic can boast a modern, discreet design. The router with the same appearance will easily fit into almost any interior. Convenience is not affected. On the left of the building is a functional button and a USB input for connection of printers, flash drives, hard drives and other devices. Given the Extra ability to download files and be used as a file and FTP servers, the solution is easy. Also the USB connector allows you to connect 3G/4G modems that will be useful for creating a backup communication channel. The back is traditionally located 4 LAN port with a speed of 100 Mbps.

With the speed of a wireless channel, the situation is much better. The maximum speed is stated at 1167 Mbps Router supports simultaneous dual band operation and MIMO technology. In addition, Keenetic Extra supports (holding up fingers): VPN, PPTP, L2TP, IPSEC, VLAN, TELNET. All this allows you to use the router in a huge number of cases.

2 ASUS RT-AC58U

Highest speed wireless network (1267 Mbps)
Country: China
Average price: 5 730 RUB.
Rating (2021): 4.8

ASUS is the leader in many areas. No exception the segment of network equipment. Model RT-AC58U is one of the best representatives of the mid-price segment. The design of traditional routers manufacturer: soft form, texture top cover. To hide such beauty in a Cabinet is not necessary. Back and sides 4 fixed antennas, support AiRadar which focuses the signal on the receiving device for more stable connection. Front USB 3.0 connector. You can connect external storage or a printer to arrange your own private cloud or to install a 3G/LTE modem for backup in case of disconnection of the wired Network.

The claimed WiFi speed high: 1267 Mbps (400 Mbps per channel 2.4 GHz and 867 Mbps for 5 GHz). Also pleased with the presence of four Gigabit LAN ports, than can not boast of many competitors. The list of supported technologies is almost the same Keenetic Extra discussed above.

1 MIKROTIK RB951G-2HND

The most reliable wifi router
Country: Latvia
Average price: 4 650 RUB.
Rating (2021): 4.8

The testimonials of customers talking about the quality build, smooth operation and wide customization possibilities, as on the strengths of the model. In this case, the router boasts 128 MB of RAM. Thanks to the support of Telnet could allow remote control of the device and its settings. The transmitter power is 30 dBM and an internal antenna 2.5 dBi increases, which positively affects the range. The disadvantages of this model is the complexity of the play 4G networks, and the incompatibility with some USB hubs.

THE BEST WI-FI ROUTERS PREMIUM SEGMENT: THE BUDGET FROM 8000 RUB.

4 TP-LINK DECO M4 (2-PACK)

Wi-Fi system to fully cover a large area (Mesh WiFi)
Country: China
Average price: 9 400 rubles.
Rating (2021): 4.7

Even the coolest router with incredible speed can not always cope with a stable coating of a large area. Two-storey country house or just a big city apartment require the installation of repeaters (amplifiers) Wi-Fi signal. But this solution inevitably leads to a decrease in access speed. Designed to help system type TP-LINK M4 Deco, creating a seamless mesh WiFi. This means that when you move around the house your device will not reconnect to the new point. The speed remains at maximum regardless of your location.

With the technology sorted out. Now consider the device itself. Outside – very aesthetically pleasing cylindrical device in the amount of two pieces per set (if necessary, you can buy more). Nice minimalistic design and small dimensions allow to fit Deco M4 in any modern interior. The building is only power connectors and a pair of Gigabit LAN ports. Setup is simple, using a branded app for mobile devices. As befits a modern router, TP-LINK supports simultaneous operation in two bands, providing maximum total speed of up to 1167 Mbps Of unusual note support Amazon's Alexa and IFTTT.

3 KEENETIC GIGA (KN-1010)

Extensive customization and modifications
Country: Taiwan
Average price: 8 190 RUB.
Rating (2021): 4.8

Network equipment company Keenetic little known to the General public, but is popular with enthusiasts. Model Giga is not the top, but its capacity is enough even for the most demanding users. The case is not only cute, but functional. At the back edge there are 4 Gigabit LAN ports, one WAN and SFP to connect via fibre optic cable. The latter can offer very few competitors. On the side USB 2.0 and USB 3.0. The distance between them is large, which allows freely to use even cumbersome modems mobile Internet. There are also two physical buttons, each of which can be set to three functions.

The router supports 802.11 ac and works simultaneously in two bands. The maximum theoretical speed reaches 1267 Mbps. Real tests results of about 600 Mbit/s, which is enough to the vast majority of users.

Thanks to the excellent set of ports and software router can be used in a variety of scenarios.

2 ASUS RT-AC88U

High speed data transfer (3 to 167 Mbps)
Country: Taiwan
Average price: 18 568 RUB.
Rating (2021): 4.8

The second place ranking of the best Wi-Fi routers premium model ASUS RT-AC88U. The main feature of this device is the possibility of simultaneous operation of several tens of devices with a maximum data transfer rate of up to 3167 Mbps Wide coverage and good signal level is provided by four antennas operating in the frequency bands 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz.

As the strengths of the device in the reviews customers say work smart, nice appearance and intuitive Web interface. In addition, the model has 512 MB of RAM, which allows it to quickly process data from different receivers. The router is equipped with one USB 2.0 and one 3.0 that allows you to connect third-party devices. The disadvantages include insufficient and the average signal level at the frequency of 5 GHz.

1 TP-LINK ARCHER AX6000

Fastest router to date
Country: China
Rating (2021): 4.9

Devices are at the forefront of technological progress, often too expensive and fancy for worldwide use. So is Archer AX6000 from TP-LINK. Already the appearance can be shocking: huge body size 26х26х6 see Plus eight antennas, each of which provides 20 dBm at the perimeter. Spider, not otherwise. Is all this splendor nearly 20 thousand rubles. That asking for that kind of money?

For insane performance. AX6000 – one of the few models in the world, supporting 802.11 ax WiFi (aka WiFi 6). Due to this, the maximum speed it can reach nearly 6 Gbps! In addition, the router carries 8 Gigabit LAN ports and the WAN port with a maximum speed of 2.5 Gbps. the device Also supports the work as a file and FTP servers. For external drives and printers set two USB connector: standard Type-A modern Type-C. Of interesting things worth noting 1 GB of RAM for nimble operation and integration with Amazon Alexa and IFTTT.

BEST MOBILE (POCKET) WIFI ROUTERS

3 HUAWEI E8372

Connecting via the USB port. The most compact Wi-Fi router
Country: China
Average price: 2 843 RUB.
Rating (2021): 4.4

Portable model Huawei E8372 takes the third place of the ranking of the best mobile Wi-Fi routers. This device, with sufficiently small dimensions, can provide full Internet access from any smart phone or computer. The device is powered from any USB port. Using Huawei E8372 to develop efficient LTE in your car, apartment or house. The router works in the 2.4 GHz range that allows you to use its wireless network in the area of 50 square meters. The device supports 3G and LTE, that is, access can be performed using a SIM card.

Among the strengths of the device in users reviews note without connecting to a computer (via USB cable), hold strong communication and lack of ranged. The device has a slot for memory cards microSD and two slots for external antenna, potentially allows you to significantly increase the range of the router. Among the weaknesses of this model is uninformative manual and poor materials.

See the overview

2 ALCATEL LINK ZONE

The budget of the Autonomous router
Country: USA-France
Average price: 3 291 RUB.
Rating (2021): 4.7

The following device is more versatile and Autonomous than the previous one. Inside the compact and pleasant to the touch casing is a battery of 1800 mAh which provides 7 hours of active distribution of the Internet and about 35 hours of standby. In the battery compartment also hides the slots for SIM and SD card (up to 32GB) card and a pair of connectors for connecting external antennas. I am glad that a dead battery will not reason to interrupt the surfing of the Internet – simply connect the bundled charging to MicroUSB connector and use the device further.

Standards wireless Internet is not the most modern – only 802.11 n. In practice, the users speed is 70-80 MB/s. These results, even not all cable providers can boast! The signal level is also good: even strikes a pair of main walls. The only drawback is the ill-conceived mobile app. But the problem is solved programmatically, so there is hope for a speedy correction of deficiencies.

1 TP-LINK M7350

The best functionality
Country: China
Average price: RUB 4745
Rating (2021): 4.8

The leader of the rating of the most expensive and functional device in the category. Appearance simple: a box with rounded corners and combination of glossy and matte plastic. The only detail, which clings to the eye, the 1.4’ TFT display, which displays information about operator, signal strength, transmission rate, etc. Also the screen allows you to conduct basic setting. For more advanced settings, you need to go into the web interface. In most cases you need only to change the name of your wireless network – everything else the router will do it myself, just need to set the "SIM card".

Like the speaker, M7350 has a removable battery. Considerably higher capacity is 2550 mAh. There is a connector under card Micro SDHC up to 32 GB. Thanks to the supports SMB and FTP any connected device can use the files on the flash drive. This solution can be useful, for example, in journey with the whole family – everyone can take photos or record videos and send them to public access.

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