19 best Wi-Fi routers

Review of the best according to the editorial board. On the selection criteria. This material is subjective and does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.

Wireless Wi-Fi has long been a wonder for anyone. Wi-Fi Internet works in many urban public places and in almost every home with Internet access. Such accessibility of wireless technology is provided by special devices – Wi-Fi routers (routers). The current market is replete with different models with very different capabilities. The editors decided to help you understand all this variety and with the help of our experts prepared a rating of the best Wi-Fi routers that are optimal for certain conditions.

How to choose a Wi-Fi router

The purpose of any router is to connect two or more networks. In our case, we are considering the most common and demanded option, when you need to distribute the external incoming Internet to a local home or office network.

Incoming connection type

The first and most obvious sign by which you should choose a router is the type of incoming connection. There may be several options – a cable TV network, a wired Ethernet network over a twisted pair cable, a mobile operator's network, etc. In most cases, the provider himself leases or donates a router of the required type under the contract. But such a router does not always satisfy the needs of the consumer, and it often makes sense to buy your own router, which is optimal in terms of power, convenience of settings, reliability and other parameters.

Wi-Fi standard

Too many consumers are unaware that Wi-Fi is different. This refers to the different Wi-Fi standards that have arisen as technology has developed. The main difference between them is that they operate in different bands and have different limits in terms of data transfer rates. There are many technical nuances in this matter, and this deserves a separate topic. In any case, all standards are backward compatible, that is, older generations will somehow interact with newer ones. The only question is whether such a bundle can provide maximum speed. Our experts recommend asking directly at the point of sale for the optimal compatibility of the chosen router with your devices.

Hardware

From a technical point of view, a Wi-Fi router is actually a mini-computer of a narrow specialization. That is, its work is controlled by the central processor, it has a certain amount of RAM. Accordingly, if your Internet channel is no more than 50 Mbps and you do not download it 'to the full' (continuous torrent download, high-resolution streaming, resource-intensive online games), you may need a router with a 300 MHz processor and RAM 32 MB. Otherwise, a more powerful device will be needed.

Software

Almost any modern Wi-Fi router has built-in software – the so-called firmware. It contains a web interface with a set of tools for configuring the router. The flexibility of settings can vary greatly from model to model. But a lot of settings automatically means an increase in the complexity of working with the device and the need for a certain level of knowledge. Therefore, if you want to independently deal with the parameters and services, but are not an expert in this area, it is better to choose the 'simpler' model. This point can also be clarified at the point of sale.

Sustainability

Due to the fact that Wi-Fi networks have become widespread relatively recently, there are still no clear and convincing results of scientific research on the effect of Wi-Fi radiation on human health, there is a common opinion about their harm. Many manufacturers have met such sentiments of some customers and equipped certain models of routers with special hardware switches that can adjust the radiation power. Therefore, if this moment matters to you, it should be borne in mind that such a possibility exists.

Rating of the best Wi-Fi routers

Nomination	a place	Name of product	price
The best inexpensive Wi-Fi routers for home (price up to 2000 rubles)	1	Xiaomi Mi Wi-Fi Router 3	RUB 2 190
	2	TP-LINK Archer C20 (RU)	RUB 2 050
	3	ZYXEL Keenetic Lite III (Rev. B)	RUB 1,800
	4	Keenetic Start (KN-1110)	RUB 1,530
The best Wi-Fi routers in terms of price-quality ratio	1	ASUS RT-AC66U	RUB 6,990
	2	Huawei B525	7 400 rub.
	3	MikroTik RB2011UiAS-2HnD-IN	RUB 7 800
	4	D-link DIR-882	7 260 RUB
	5	Keenetic Giga (KN-1010)	RUB 6,990
	6	Linksys EA6350	RUB 7,148
	7	NETGEAR R6400	RUB 6 850
	8	Xiaomi Mi Wi-Fi Router 3G	2 540 rub.
The best top-tier Wi-Fi routers	1	NETGEAR D8500	RUB 27,110
	2	ASUS RT-AC87U	RUB 11,290
	3	TP-LINK Archer C3200	RUB 14,754
	4	Apple Time Capsule 2Tb ME177	RUB 20,490
The best mobile (pocket) Wi-Fi routers	1	Huawei E5577	RUB 3,650
	2	D-LINK DIR-506L	RUB 1,470
	3	Huawei E8372	RUB 2,500

The best inexpensive Wi-Fi routers for home (price up to 2000 rubles)

Let's go directly to the rating and first consider four models that experts recommend as the best budget Wi-Fi routers for home use.

Xiaomi Mi Wi-Fi Router 3

Rating: 4.8

The first issue is a router produced by a well-known Chinese company Xiaomi, known for its high-quality, stylish and mostly inexpensive smartphones.

This model covers all current Wi-Fi standards – 802.11a / b / g / n / ac and can operate at both frequencies used in this technology – 2.4 and 5 GHz. The fastest possible connection speed is 867 Mbps. There is support for MIMO technology, in which the channel capacity is expanded due to the action of several antennas.

The hardware features of the router are as follows. In addition to 128 MB of RAM, there is also flash memory of the same size. Due to this, the router can simultaneously perform the functions of a compact file server. The transmit-receive power is provided by four non-detachable 6 dBi antennas. Two LAN ports of 100 Mbps are used for switching. There is also a USB 2.0 Type A socket. Dimensions of the device – 195x24x131 mm, weight – 220 g.

In terms of software, the router has the following built-in functions: firewall, data encryption using WEP, WPA and WPA2 algorithms, DHCP server, NAT, Web interface. The downside is that out of the box, the interface will only be in Chinese, and to install at least English, you will need to install a plugin.

Advantages

• simplicity and availability of settings;
• the ability to connect a hard drive;
• elegant design;
• speed of work;

disadvantages

• no means of wall mounting;
• web interface in Chinese.

TP-LINK Archer C20 (RU)

Rating: 4.7

Now in our rating there is one more solid “Chinese” from perhaps the most famous company-manufacturer of telecommunications equipment TP-LINK among the mass consumer.

The coverage of wireless standards for this model is exactly the same as for the previous one, that is, the widest possible. But the maximum connection speed is two times lower – 433 Mbps. The transmitter power is 20 dBM. Supports WDS technology, which allows you to combine multiple access points wirelessly, thereby expanding the Wi-Fi coverage area without wires.

The wired switching capabilities of this router are wider than that of the previous model – 4 LAN ports of 100 Mbps each. Installed three non-removable external antennas. The overall dimensions of the device are 230x35x144 mm.

The router can work in bridge mode, establish a guest network, and perform static routing. It also contains the following functional software tools: firewall, NAT, SPI, DHCP server, demilitarized zone, VPN. Dynamic DNS, PPTP, L2TP, IPSec are supported. Data is encrypted using WEP, WPA or WPA2 algorithms.

Access to the entire software part is carried out through a fairly convenient web interface. There is also a separate application for wearable gadgets for remote configuration of the router from the wearable gadget.

Advantages

• transmitter power;
• pleasant appearance;
• WDS technology;
• application for wearable gadgets;
• simplicity of settings;

disadvantages

• uncertainly 'shoots through' the walls.

ZYXEL Keenetic Lite III (Rev. B)

Rating: 4.6

Now in our rating there is a router from a manufacturer well known to the very first Internet users, when it could only be received via a regular telephone switched network.

In terms of the coverage of wireless standards, this router has a serious limitation – it works only according to the 802.11n standard with a frequency of 2.4 GHz, and this is noticeably inferior to the two previous models. The upper limit of the connection speed is 300 Mbps, there is support for MIMO.

This model contains 64 MB of RAM and in addition 8 MB of flash memory. There are four 100 Mbit / s LAN ports similar to the previous model. Installed two fixed external 5 dBi antennas. A physical switch is located at the back of the case, which switches the device to the mode of a router, adapter, amplifier or access point. Router body dimensions – 140x30x103 mm, total weight – 180 g.

The software part contains a firewall, NAT, SPI, DHCP server, demilitarized zone function, VPN with support for pass through, PPTP, L2TP, IPSec, dynamic routing. Support for Dynamic DNS, Telnet, SkyDNS, Yandex.DNS has been implemented. Data encryption protocols – WEP, WPA, WPA2 and 802.1x. Link Duo and TVport technologies are built in.

In addition to the built-in web interface, a mobile application has also been released for this model for setting in the environment Android and iOS.

Advantages

• hardware mode switch;
• reliability;
• application for wearable gadgets;
• value for money;
• compact;

disadvantages

• works only on one Wi-Fi standard.

Keenetic Start (KN-1110)

Rating: 4.5

And at the end of the rating of budget Wi-Fi routers, we will consider another model, which is very similar in characteristics to the previous one, but differs in some interesting points.

The coverage of Wi-Fi standards, the connection speed limit, information security protocols, the amount of RAM and flash memory – all these characteristics are completely similar to the previous model considered.

The switch consists of three 100 Mbit / s LAN ports. Installed are two powerful non-removable antennas, which are actually printed circuit boards throughout the plane inside the cases. The dimensions of the device are 107x26x91 mm, weight – 132 g.

The router can work in repeater mode, establish a guest network, connect to several providers at once using the Multi-WAN function. In terms of the availability of functional tools, there is almost the same set as in the previous model: firewall, NAT, SPI, DHCP server, VPN with pass through support and 10 tunnels, Dynamic DNS, PPTP, IPSec, Telnet support, SkyDNS and Yandex .DNS.

A separate mobile application has also been released for this model, with which the router can be configured directly from a smartphone without the need to connect to a computer.

Advantages

• spectacular appearance;
• mobile application for direct configuration;
• regular and convenient firmware updates;
• Multi-WAN function (connection of several providers);
• powerful antennas;

disadvantages

• works within the same Wi-Fi standard.

The best Wi-Fi routers in terms of price-quality ratio

Now we turn to the largest group of the rating, where we will consider as many as eight models, which experts considered optimal both in terms of functionality and quality, and in terms of cost.

ASUS RT-AC66U

Rating: 4.9

Let's start with an interesting model from the well-known and reputable Taiwanese manufacturer ASUS.

The router covers all current wireless standards and both ranges used – 2.4 and 5 GHz. Moreover, it can work in two bands simultaneously. MIMO technology support has been implemented. The speed of the wireless connection is up to 1750 Mbps.

Equipped with 256 MB of RAM, there is also a flash memory of 128 MB. The switch includes four high-speed 1000 Mbps LAN ports. There are two USB 2.0 Type A connectors for connecting peripherals or direct connection to a computer. Installed three external antennas (removable). In addition to the wired Internet, you can connect a 3G modem or an LTE modem to the router. The dimensions of the device body are 207x36x149 mm, the total weight is 450 g.

The router can also work in bridge or repeater mode, establish a guest network. The standard set of features and tools includes FireWall, NAT, SPI, DHCP Server, DMZ, VPN, PPTP, L2TP, IPSec. Dynamic DNS and WDS technology are supported. Data encryption using WEP, WPA and WPA2. Advanced features include file server, UPnP AV server and FTP server.

Advantages

• simultaneous work in two ranges;
• convenient admin panel;
• advanced functions;
• the ability to connect a 3G or LTE modem;
• high speed LAN ports;

disadvantages

• there are cases of freezing.

Huawei B525

Rating: 4.8

The second position in the group of the rating of optimal Wi-Fi routers is dedicated to the model from one of the world's largest manufacturers of telecommunication equipment – the Chinese company Huawei Technologies.

The first thing to draw your attention to is that this model has no external antennas, only two internal ones. Accordingly, the router does not have much protruding elements and is easy to place. Covers all existing Wi-Fi standards and both bands. Has built-in support for 3G, LTE, MIMO technology. It can connect at speeds up to 1300 Mbps.

The switch consists of four 1000 Mbps high-speed LAN ports. There is a USB 2.0 Type A connector, which serves as an interface for the built-in print server. The communication capabilities of the router are expanded with two SMA sockets for connecting external antennas for 3G and LTE standards, as well as an RJ-11 connector for an analog phone. Device dimensions – 226x163x52 mm, weight – 370 g.

This model has the following software tools: FireWall, NAT, DHCP server, IPv6 and Dynamic DNS support. Encryption over three main protocols. Extended additional function – fileserver.

Advantages

• many interfaces;
• convenient placement due to the absence of non-removable external antennas
• according to user reviews – incredible opportunities for receiving LTE in hard-to-reach places;
• quality and stability of communication;
• ease of customization;

disadvantages

• with external antennas connected, it becomes very large

MikroTik RB2011UiAS-2HnD-IN

Rating: 4.8

The third number in this rating group is a router manufactured by the Latvian company MikroTik. The devices from this manufacturer are known for their reliability, high efficiency and almost unprecedented flexibility in settings. Even outwardly, this model looks solid and “mature”, resembling the network equipment of modern data centers. Its dimensions are 214×44.45×86 mm, and its weight is 230 g.

The router operates on the 802.11n 2.4 GHz standard with a maximum over-the-air connection speed of 300 Mbps. There is built-in MIMO support. Transmitter power – 30 dBM. The router can also work in bridge mode.

This model is characterized by a rather bright hardware-electronic part. All calculations are controlled by the Atheros AR9344 central processor at 600 MHz. Installed RAM-type NAND in the amount of 128 MB and the same amount of built-in memory. The temperature of the processor and printed circuit board is monitored by special sensors. The switching part consists of five 10/100 Ethernet LAN ports and five more high-speed 10/100/1000 Ethernet ports. On port 10, the router can distribute PoE power. There is also an SFP port and a microUSB socket. The wireless signal goes through two non-detachable 4 dBi antennas. The device is equipped with an LCD display on the top panel to display important information.

The software part also has a fairly wide functionality. There is a full set of the most popular functions and tools: FireWall, NAT, DHCP server, VPN with tunnel support, SNMP support, and more. Information is protected by encryption using four common protocols. Two RIP protocols v1 and v2 for dynamic routing.

The web interface gives access to the finest settings that, with a certain qualification, allow you to squeeze the maximum performance out of the router. Our experts deliberately identified this circumstance at the same time as an advantage and a disadvantage, since this is how the opinions of real users were polarized.

Advantages

• flexible detailed settings;
• 'professional' appearance;
• range of wireless communication;
• stability of work;
• rich functionality;
• many ports;

disadvantages

• complex detailed settings.

D-link DIR-882

Rating: 4.7

Further in the ranking of the best routers from we will consider a model from a manufacturer well known to the vast majority of users. Routers of this brand have been widely recognized precisely for the affordability of the cost with good technical characteristics.

This model covers all Wi-Fi standards and both frequencies. It can distribute the Internet simultaneously in two bands simultaneously. The peculiarity of this model is the high maximum connection speed over the air – 2532 Mbps. MIMO is supported. Transmitter power – 15 dBM. The router can also be switched to repeater or bridge mode.

The amount of RAM in this model is exactly the same as in the previous one – 128 MB, but the built-in memory is much less – 16 MB. The switch includes four high-speed Gigabit LAN ports. There is one USB Type A 2.0 and 3.0 interface each. Installed four 5 dBi non-removable antennas. Overall dimensions of the device – 259x46x184 mm, weight – 565 g.

The software-functional part of the device includes the following tools and functions: encryption using four common protocols; guest network; firewall; NAT; additional checking of SPI packages; DHCP server; DMZ; static routing; dynamic routing over four protocols (IGMP and RIP two versions); VPN with advanced features; IPSec, IPv6, Dynamic DNS and Telnet support. Additional advanced features include: FTP server, file server, UPnP AV server, print server, SafeDNS and Yandex.DNS content filtering services.

Advantages

• wide functionality;
• spectacular design;
• sufficiently powerful transmitter;
• connection speed;
• synchronous operation at both frequencies;

disadvantages

• occasionally there are freezes at the entrance to the admin panel.

Keenetic Giga (KN-1010)

Rating: 4.6

Now, within the framework of the rating, we will consider another router that has impressed many users with its wide capabilities and other positive qualities. The manufacturer of the model is a well-known and reputable company ZYXEL.

Like the previous model, this router works according to all Wi-Fi standards, including it can operate synchronously in both ranges. It can connect over the air at speeds up to 1267 Mbps. Supports work in bridge and repeater mode, MIMO technology.

The router has 256MB RAM and 128MB built-in flash memory. The switch has four high speed Gigabit ports. There are two USB sockets – standards 2.0 and 3.0. Installed four non-removable 5 dBi antennas. You can connect a 3G or LTE cellular modem to the router as an Internet source. An important advantage of this model is the presence of a combined SFP \ RJ-45 port, through which you can connect a fiber-optic cable. There are two hardware buttons on the body, for which you can assign any function. Device dimensions – 214x33x154 mm, weight – 488 g.

In terms of software and functionality, the capabilities of this model are as wide as the previous one. There is a built-in print server, data encryption for all common protocols, a firewall, comprehensive VPN support with ten tunnels, direct Telnet access for fine-tuning and much more. An important additional function is the ability to connect external modules that extend the functionality, for example Keenetic Plus DSL.

Advantages

• simple settings;
• futuristic design;
• hardware customizable buttons;
• fiber optic port;
• the ability to connect additional modules;
• wide functionality;

disadvantages

• no significant shortcomings have been identified.

Linksys EA6350

Rating: 4.5

The next position in this rating group is a router from the American company Linksys, which has long earned worldwide fame.

The device works on all Wi-Fi standards and on both frequencies, in two bands it can operate in parallel. The maximum connection speed 'over the air' is 1167 Mbps.

The switch consists of four high-speed Gigabit ports. There is also a USB 3.0 Type A connector. Two powerful non-detachable antennas provide signal transmission and coverage. In addition to the operational, the device also contains built-in flash memory. The dimensions of the router body are 256x40x184 mm, weight – 501 g.

The software part of the router contains a wide range of functions and capabilities. This is data encryption using the three most common protocols with 64- or 128-bit keys; protective firewall; DHCP server NAT; SPI and more. There are useful additional features, such as the ability to work as a file server, as well as FTP and UPnP AV servers, setting up a guest network, parental control, Beamforming technology (using wave interference to amplify and stabilize the signal).

This model is backed by an extended manufacturer's warranty for a period of 36 months.

Advantages

• transmitter power;
• attractive design;
• speed of work with external storage;
• connection quality;
• Beamforming technology;

disadvantages

• faulty firmware, an alternative cannot be installed.

NETGEAR R6400

Rating: 4.4

The next position in this rating group is a high-performance router from another American company, NETGEAR.

Like a number of previous models, this router works on all standards and on all bands, including synchronously at two frequencies. The speed limit of the Wi-Fi connection is 1750 Mbps.

The amount of RAM in this model is 256MB, in addition there is a built-in memory of 128MB. Switching capabilities are similar to the previous model – four high-speed gigabit ports. Additional interfaces – two USB ports of standards 2.0 and 3.0 (Type A). The signal is transmitted through three outdoor antennas. Dimensions of the device without antennas – 285x62x183mm, total weight – 709 g.

The software functionality of this model is in many respects similar to the previous version. There is a set of must-have features and tools – FireWall, Network Address Translation (NAT), support for 'long' IP addresses, additional SPI packet inspection, three-protocol encryption, guest network, DHCP server, DMZ, static and dynamic routing, VPN with all the possibilities. There are also additional functions – file server, print server, UPnP AV server.

Advantages

• flexible settings;
• convenient mobile application;
• easily holds more than ten air connections;
• communication speed;
• stability;

disadvantages

• slow communication with the external hard drive.

Xiaomi Mi Wi-Fi Router 3G

Rating: 4.4

And at the end of the group of rating the optimal Wi-Fi routers, we will consider a model from a well-known Chinese manufacturer Xiaomi. This is one of the brightest solutions in this review group from, since the functionality, quality and a number of other positive qualities significantly outweigh the already affordable cost.

Similarly, with a number of previous models, the router works on all Wi-Fi standards and at both frequencies, it can simultaneously distribute the Internet in two bands. Due to this coverage, there is no effect of cutting the speed when interacting with devices containing Wi-Fi modules of different generations. Connects over the air at speeds up to 1167 Mbps. Built-in support for MIMO technology.

In terms of electronics performance, this is perhaps the most powerful model in the group. The center of calculations is a dual-core (MIPS) microprocessor platform MediaTek MT7621, operating in four threads at a frequency of 880 MHz. RAM-memory – 256MB, built-in read-only memory – 128MB.

The switch has two high speed Gigabit LAN ports. A USB Type A 3.0 interface is used to connect peripherals. The signal goes through four non-removable antennas. The device is extremely compact and light, as for such possibilities: dimensions – 195x24x131mm, weight – 216 g.

In terms of software, this model is not inferior to most of the previous ones. It has all the necessary functions and tools: FireWall, NAT packet forwarding, encryption over three main protocols, DHCP server, and more. There are also additional functions – FTP server and file server. An important advantage should be emphasized separately – the signal strength can be adjusted for each channel separately. In addition to the device itself, a multifunctional mobile application has been released for configuration and management.

The only tangible (but solvable) disadvantage of this model is that out of the box you get the web interface only in Chinese. But the problem is solved quite simply by installing an alternative firmware, especially since the router was originally adapted to expand the software functionality.

Advantages

• transmitter power;
• exquisite slim design;
• extremely affordable price, taking into account the functionality;
• you can adjust the signal strength for each channel;
• availability of flashing;
• connection quality;
• processor performance;

disadvantages

• Chinese firmware.

The best top-tier Wi-Fi routers

Now let's move on to an equally interesting group of our rating – top-level Wi-Fi routers, characterized by the highest performance, advanced functionality, the presence of useful additional functions and, in general, higher quality and stability of work. Our experts identified four models of different brands – NETGEAR, ASUS, TP-LINK and Apple.

NETGEAR D8500

Rating: 4.9

Let's start right away with the most powerful, productive and multifunctional model produced by the American company NETGEAR. This is the most expensive router among the top-end devices selected by our experts, but even a cursory glance at its characteristics is enough to realize that this machine is definitely worth its money.

When planning the installation of a router, one should take into account its very impressive physical parameters: dimensions – 316x74x264 mm, weight – 1967. The device contains, in addition to four internal antennas, four rather massive non-removable external antennas. Antennas are active, that is, they are able to independently amplify their own signal and eliminate interference from the motherboard.

The router covers all currently existing Wi-Fi communication standards and both frequencies used by this technology. It can simultaneously distribute the Internet in both bands. Supports advanced MU-MIMO technology, which provides reduced latency and simultaneous streaming to multiple devices.

This model is characterized by an almost unprecedented maximum connection speed over the air – 5332 Mbps. This speed is achieved through a combination of Tri-Band coverage and four streams simultaneously. The patented Smart Connect technology automatically intelligently selects the optimal range for each air-connected device.

The center of all the router electronics is a powerful 2-core processor at 1.4 GHz. Another important factor for the exceptional performance is the increased amount of RAM – 512 MB. There is also a built-in permanent memory of 128 MB. The switch has six high-speed Gigabit ports. The ability to aggregate two ports is built in to further increase the speed of wired broadcasting. For connecting additional devices, there are two USB Type A ports of generations 2.0 and 3.0. The incoming connection can be digital telephony – the router supports ADSL and ADSL2 + technologies. Built-in print server function.

In terms of software, the router provides the user with a wide range of tools and functions, which are repeatedly listed above in the descriptions of other models. Some features may vary depending on the modifications, and this point will need to be checked with the point of sale.

Advantages

• stability of communication;
• design;
• active antennas;
• expanded RAM;
• powerful processor;
• intelligent selection of the optimal range for each device;
• coverage area;
• connection speed;

disadvantages

• high price.

ASUS RT-AC87U

Rating: 4.9

The second item in the group of top-end routers rating is the high-performance model from ASUS. In terms of its characteristics, this device is significantly inferior to the above-described “monster” from NETGEAR, but by definition, few people can compete with it, so this is not a drawback. The model is noticeably smaller and lighter than the previous one: dimensions – 290x48x168 mm, weight – 747 g.

The router works on all existing standards and frequencies, can simultaneously broadcast in two bands, supports MIMO. It is capable of connecting over the air at speeds up to 2334 Mbps. Supplied with 256 MB RAM. It broadcasts through four detachable antennas. The switch includes four high-speed Gigabit LAN ports. Incoming connections – wired WAN port and support for 3G or LTE modem (USB connection). There are two USB Type A interfaces, generations 2.0 and 3.0. There is a built-in print server function with a USB connection.

The software and functionality of the router are as follows. In addition to the router function, the device can also operate in bridge mode. It is possible to provide guest access with a time limit, parental control. VPN function with comprehensive support for features (tunnels, OpenVPN client, PPTP VPN server, etc.). Data protection is provided by 64-bit and 128-bit encryption using any of the three most common protocols. There is a set of other important functions – FireWall, NAT and so on.

In this model, the manufacturer places a strong emphasis on security and protection against unauthorized access – intrusion detection, DoS attack mitigation, etc.

The manufacturer's warranty for this model is 36 months.

Advantages

• information security and protection against attacks;
• design;
• connection speed and stability;
• intuitive interface;

disadvantages

• often heats up to extreme temperatures.

TP-LINK Archer C3200

Rating: 4.8

The next position in this rating group is a powerful multifunctional tri-band router of the world-famous Chinese brand TP-LINK. The device is made in a spectacular futuristic design, the dimensions of the case are 200x39x200mm.

Similar to previous models, this router covers all communication standards and both frequencies used in Wi-Fi technology. It is able to broadcast synchronously in three bands and connect to devices over the air at speeds up to 3200 Mbps. The strong signal is provided by a powerful 20 dBM transmitter and six high performance non-detachable external antennas.

The router's electronics are controlled by a powerful 1 GHz central processor and three additional coprocessors. This bundle ensures the stable operation of many connections without interruptions and delays. The switch includes four high-speed Gigabit ports. Additional interfaces – USB Type A 2.0 and 3.0 standards.

The software part of the router includes all the most popular functions, tools and services: data encryption using three common protocols, time-limited guest connection, FireWall, NAT packet forwarding, intrusion tracking, DHCP server, demilitarized zone, static and dynamic routing, support for 'long' ip addresses, VPN service with ten tunnels and support for pass through, support for L2TP and IPSec. Advanced features include FTP service, file server and UPnP AV server.

The device uses the innovative Smart Connect technology, which intelligently selects the optimal channel and mode for each device, depending on the features of a third-party Wi-Fi module, thereby optimally distributing the load on the network and ensuring stable, uninterrupted communication.

Advantages

• connection speed;
• design;
• wide coverage;
• power and stability of communication;

disadvantages

• not marked.

Apple Time Capsule 2Tb ME177

Rating: 4.8

And at the end of the rating-review of the top routers from we will consider something unusual. This is a router manufactured by the legendary company Apple. It is made in the original design in the form of a 'capsule' with dimensions of 98x168x98 mm and a weight of 1480 g. But the appearance is far from the main quality of the device, since the router is characterized by outstanding performance, power and other properties, which we will consider in more detail.

The router works, as expected, at all standards and frequencies, in two bands it can work in parallel. It can connect to devices over the air at speeds up to 1300 Mbps. A transmitter of increased power – 32 dBM is used, which provides a wide coverage area.

The switch includes three high-speed gigabit ports, there is an additional USB 2.0 Type A interface. Inside there is a fixed 2048 GB hard drive, which is used for a file server and home cloud storage.

In terms of software, this model is in no way inferior to others in the group. There is a built-in print server function, guest connectivity with appropriate restrictions, FireWall, NAT packet forwarding, full VPN support, data encryption over four protocols,

You can use the proprietary AirPort Utility to configure your router.

Advantages

• original design;
• famous brand;
• coverage area;
• home cloud storage;
• speed and stability of communication;
• built-in hard drive;

disadvantages

• no pronounced shortcomings were noted.

The best mobile (pocket) Wi-Fi routers

And now we turn to the final group of devices in our rating – these are miniature routers that are convenient to use in conditions of frequent travel or even directly on the road.

Huawei E5577

Rating: 4.9

Consider, first of all, an interesting mobile router made by a Chinese company Huawei, well known for its high-quality and inexpensive telecommunications equipment. Dimensions of the device – 97x17x58 mm, weight – 110 g.

The router is optimized for receiving and distributing the Internet through a SIM card of a mobile operator using 4G technology, but there is also support for 3G. Wireless communication (distribution) is carried out according to the Wi-Fi 802.11n standard at two frequencies used in the technology. The connection with local devices over the air can be made at speeds up to 300 Mbps.

The real indicators of the transmission / reception speed are as follows. The reception speed limit for 3G is 42.2 Mbit / s, for 4G – up to 150 Mbit / s. The upload speed limit for 3G is 5.76 Mbit / s, for 4G – 50 Mbit / s.

The hardware part of the router is characterized by very impressive characteristics, which in some places are in no way inferior to stationary models. So, RAM-memory is installed here as much as 128 MB and the same amount of internal memory. You can supplement the memory with a MicroSD card – the router can function as a file server. Built-in 1500 mAh battery provides battery life up to six hours. The body has two TS-9 sockets for connecting external antennas.

The router can also operate in a repeater mode, has a built-in DHCP server function, and provides encryption over three main protocols.

The manufacturer's warranty for this model is 36 months.

Advantages

• compactness;
• can be configured to receive only 3G;
• power supply during operation;
• convenient web interface;
• autonomy;

disadvantages

• discrepancy between the declared connection speed and the real one.

D-LINK DIR-506L

Rating: 4.8

Next in the rating group of mobile Wi-Fi routers is an interesting model from D-LINK. For all the 'pocket' of the device, the router is equipped with a number of hardware interfaces that significantly expand its capabilities. Router dimensions – 103x22x80 mm, weight – 125 g.

The device operates within the Wi-Fi 802.11n standard at a frequency of 2.4 GHz. It can connect to local devices over the air at speeds up to 150 Mbps. The router is capable of functioning as an access point, wireless repeater, and network file storage.

This model, like the previous one, supports two high-speed mobile communication technologies – 3G and LTE. Unlike the above-described router Huawei, here we have a hardware internal LAN port of 100 Mbps. There is also a USB 2.0 Type A interface.

The software-functional capabilities of this pocket model are quite comparable with good stationary options. So, here we have three-protocol encryption, NAT packet forwarding, intrusion tracking, the ability to establish a guest connection with restrictions, UPnP AV server, FireWall, dynamic routing, comprehensive VPN support, DHCP server.

This model is also characterized by a decent autonomy thanks to the capacious Pentax D-L17 battery with a significant resource.

Advantages

• autonomy;
• stability of communication;
• simplicity of settings;
• hardware LAN port;

disadvantages

• no support for alternative firmware.

Huawei E8372

Rating: 4.7

And at the end of this rating group, and in general, the review of the best Wi-Fi routers from, we will consider another production model Huawei. This is quite a tiny device measuring 30x14x94 mm and weighing 40 g.

The model is optimized for receiving Internet in mobile LTE networks, but it also supports 3G, EDGE, GPRS, GSM and HSPA + networks. In fact, this device is a modem with a built-in function for distributing the Internet via Wi-Fi.

It is connected to a computer via the USB interface, power is also supplied via USB. There is a connector for connecting an external antenna. The capabilities of the modem router allow you to connect up to ten devices to it over the air at the same time. There is a slot for a microSD memory card up to 32 GB.

The actual speed characteristics are as follows. The speed limit for reception is 42.7 Mb / s for 3G, 150 Mb / s for LTE, 236.8 Kbps for 2g. The speed limit for recoil is 5.72mb / s for 3g and 50mb / s for LTE.

Advantages

• microscopic size;
• wide support for networks from 2g to LTE;
• ease of use;

disadvantages

• limited functionality.

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Attention! This rating is subjective and does not constitute an advertisement and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.