Top-Ranked Wireless Routers of 2020

When you are looking for a wireless router, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. You will need it to be efficient. The bandwidth should also cover your home and be efficient to all its occupants. It is the perfect scenario to consider a router with great coverage and high performance. When you think about these things, including the home or business area where you are, then you can shop intelligibly. If your home or business's internet needs are enormous, you may need tri-band Wireless Fidelity. It will provide better performance and faster internet speed.

If you need better signals in your vicinity, then you can go for beamforming antennas for that purpose. And if your home is set in an estate, then mesh technology for your Wireless Fidelity will do for you. In addition to this, you may also go for Wireless Fidelity 6  support.

Few Things To Watch Out For

Range

It is about the area covered by the network. Disruptions are created by people, furniture, ceilings, and walls that can affect how far-reaching the wireless network goes. To make sure nothing disrupts the waves, and depending on the space to be covered, the use of mesh routers and range extenders are suitable for huge homes. These kinds of systems are pricey but worth your dime. Smaller spaces will be okay with an antenna, and when it is a little bigger, multiple antenna that can be manually rotated will do.

Compatibility

Your network standards should be ideal for your gadgets, failure to which there will be no compatibility. You may shop for the wireless network provider designed for the latest smartphones for compatibility with older gadgets. Compatibility should be of utmost priority.

Connectivity and Ports

At least one wired connection should be a part of the wireless connection. A Gigabit Ethernet port should do fine. But it is even better to go for the 4 Gigabit Ethernet ports, even eight or more.
Some gaming routers come with single 2.5Gbps and sometimes 10Gbps. To make the right choice on the number of Ethernet ports you need, keep in mind what you will be using the internet for.
Even USB ports for connecting a hard drive for giving network storage will do. For streaming media, shop for a router that comes with a Plex Media Server or a DLNA Server designed to stream media to smart TVs and other gadgets.

Channels and Frequencies

Among the single-band, dual-band, or tri-band routers, which one do you use? The best way is to go with the cheapest option that will bring the best results. The single-band option is the most affordable and the slowest of the options. The tri-band is the most expensive and can support many devices with steady, fast network performance. These are the channels through which the frequencies will be transmitted through the modem to the gadgets.

Speed

If you want a wireless connection with high speed, you should be a fan of games, movies, and in the habit of downloading large files. Otherwise, you do not need to spend a lot of money on high-performance wireless networks when all you want for the internet is read emails and go through social media pages.

Security

The regular routers do not have security within them. At least shop for those with a virus scanner and firewall. They protect against ransomware and malware. Some routers will provide subscription services to security features. Preferably, shop for those that come with a firewall, controls, and content filtering ability at no extra cost.

Accessories

Most routers have the things needed to set them up as a package. However, the Ethernet cable comes with notably short cables wires that most of the time need replacing. CAT 7 or CAT 6 will do. If you must mount the router on the wall, the hardware for that may require purchasing.

Notable Brands

Google

This company has mesh networking coming with their Google Nest brand. The smart speakers that come with their mesh network integrate with Google Home.

Synology

The company has been around for a while. The prices set by the network, the performance, and other attributes give the rest of the brands a run for their money.

Eero

Eero Pro entered the market not so long ago but has already made some impact. It has immaculate security measures put in place. It already went into Apple's Homekit Router plan. And for a monthly payment plan, you can get content filtering and parental controls in real-time. The system has ready security features. The mesh wireless fidelity system provides as extensive coverage as you would want. The configuration and setting up of the system are made simpler by the smartphone apps available for that purpose.

Linksys

This brand has proved its worth in the market for around twenty years now. It took over the market with WRT54G open-source system, and internet enthusiasts have never forgotten this impact. There are newer models of the open-source system. Their design remains their identity. For many who enjoy the freedom of customizing, they will find Linksys WRT3200ACM irresistible.

Netgear

This brand has been around for about twenty years and makes its mark by taking up innovations on wireless connections. It made its debut with the Nighthawk RAX80 and soon after followed RAX120, then RAX200 versions. Netgear also has the Orbi mesh system that can expand coverage to the largest of homes. The security features are streamlined and do not leave much room for options to customize the system. However, they work as well.

Asus

This brand is famed for its security features and the guest networks that can easily be configured. The options are so many. One could be lost amongst the choices. It has admirable VPN support and a firewall that comes with it, for the server and the user. Its security features, the AiProtection Pro suite, is operated by Trend Micro at no extra cost as long as the system is working. It also supplies one of the most coveted high rated performance and coverage. It embodies VPN features and security, providing one of the most sought-after wireless connectors for game enthusiasts.

Notable Brand-Versions Worth Checking Out

Netgear Nighthawk RAX80

The Netgear Nighthawk RAX80 is a Wi-Fi 6 networking device, an AX6000, with 8K streaming abilities. It makes a great first impression. Just like the sound of the name, its sleek design would give any room a glow. It looks like the wings of a hawk. Its four antennas give an impressive coverage of 2500 sq ft. Its frequencies of 160MHz give reliable internet. It can give off 4.8Gbps on the 5GHz frequencies, and 1.2Gbps on 2.4GHz frequency.

The good thing is that it is compatible with older versions, starting with Wi-Fi 5. Samsung Galaxy and Apple iPhone devices work well with the Wireless Fidelity 6. Not to mention more extended battery life. Some people had many good things to say about it, starting with how flashy it looked. As for its delivery, they found it exemplary in everything after testing it.

$50 budget

The TP-Link archer, both the A6 and C6, are very cheap. You can get them within a budget of $50. You will not have a hard time setting either of them up. It is small and easily manageable. The speed is okay for the occasional casual user. The newer version, which is the A6, will provide the same strength to all users fast. It is due to the MU-MIMO technology. It is a safe and pocket-friendly choice if you live in small quarters and with only a few people around you.

Eero Pro Mesh

This system is fast, with a timely security system against malware, and also filters content efficiently. It will barely take time for you to set it up and make use of it. You may begin with a single router that covers 1,750 square feet. Later, you can add Eero Beacons to it that will wrap around 1500 square feet and work once plugged in a regular wall socket.

Additional Eero Pro Mesh devices will work as well. It has tri-band wireless connectivity and MU-MIMO for fast and stable internet to all your devices from whatever end of the home. More of these units will each come with a pair of Gigabit Ethernet ports. The features of the router can be easily configured. With additional monthly costs, you will get Eero Secure.

With this feature, you can filter content. If your smart home devices are compatible, you get an impenetrable firewall that makes sure that everything that gets through the IoT accessories has to go through the HomeKit protocol that is securely encrypted. If there is any deficiency in this router, it would be a little on the pricey end. After testing this router, product tester Jeremy Laukkonen said that setting this mesh network up was not difficult, and the performance was okay.

Asus RT-AX88U

The Asus RT-AX88U is the AX6000 double bandwidth Wireless Fidelity 6 network device. The security for this router is top-notch. Trend Micro powers the AiProtection that comes with it and these secure your gadgets. Also, it gives reliable control to the parents. They can determine what goes and what is not allowed and comes at no extra cost. Further, the performance is superb, with dual-band wireless fidelity 6. If you have many devices being fed by this router, there is an option for improving reliability and range.

Its four antennas make sure that an average 5000 square foot space is well covered. Its two 3.1 USB ports will ensure the speedy transmission of files and media from a detached hard drive. Jeremy Laukkonen, one of the product testers, said that the speed and performance remained great while operating several smartphones and tablets, while at the same time streaming Netflix in HD to two TVs on his network.

ROG Rapture GT-AX11000

The ROG Rapture GT-AX11000 is another notable network device from the Asus company whose adaptations favor people who indulge in online games. For five days, Jeremy tested it, and it never failed to deliver stable, exemplary performance equally to all of the connected devices.
This Wi-Fi 6 router is loved by gamers, not only for its performance but also for exceptional security features. It is a dream come true for gamers.

It distributes around 10Gbps equally to all devices using the router. It can manage the gaming speed while maintaining high security, owing to its CPU that is made up of 1.8 GHz quad-core and a GameIPS firewall. WTFast Gamers Private Network is supported because of the VPN Fusion feature that makes it possible for the games to operate through fast gaming servers at the same time while at the same time protecting browsing and emailing activities.

The network device coverage is okay. But if you require to cover a wider area for some reason, it comes with its AiMesh technology. With this, you can connect more routers for the ideal mesh network. The router has beamforming antennas (eight), covering a wide area, and great speed. The gaming port is 2.5Gbps, which is in addition to four ports (Gigabit Ethernet).

Linksys EA7500

The Linksys EA7500 double bandwidth network device with Max-Stream will give you the best services for what you pay for it. If you need better coverage, supplying multiple devices, this is for you. You can connect over 12 devices with it at the same time. It has 3.0 and 2.0 USB points. It also features 4 Ethernet ports, while managing 1.9Gbps speed.

However, it is to your advantage not to overload the system with excessive devices. You may end up experiencing an imbalance in your network supply. Therefore, it will be the right fit for a few people, or small families, who do not need too much from the internet. The price is also pocket friendly. Bill Thomas tested it and said that average users would experience the wireless device's stable performance at an affordable cost.

Netgear Nighthawk X10

The Netgear Nighthawk X10 is a smart wireless fidelity device, an AD7200. Its speed could escalate to 7.2Gbps level to gadgets that are compatible with 802.11ad. The other stream wave is 802.11ac. Its frequencies are 60GHz. It features a quad-core 1.7GHz processor and a Plex server for Plex media streaming. It has two 3.0 USB points, 6 Ethernet points, 10Gbps SFP+ endpoint used for Network Attached Storage devices or a 10-gigabit-fiber-connection. The price of the system matches its longevity and exemplary performance. You can get fast downloads, VR gaming, and 4K streaming instantly. Jeremy Laukkonen affirmed that Plex technology works as promised when he tested it.

Google Nest

This router is the second-generation wireless fidelity produced by the Google company. It employs mesh technology and satellites that keep a wireless united front in providing wireless network excellence. It is connected to your internet service provider's modem, like other devices. You add more units according to your internet needs. The endpoints also act as a Google Assistant.

The smart speaker system is a perfect addition to a Google Home. This feature, in addition to the iOS, Android apps that come with it, make it a system that is easy to manage. It also has a guest network where your visitors can scan a QR code. Andrew Hayward tested and affirmed its smooth delivery system and stable performance accompanied by its easy management. He concludes that the high price is worth the service of Google Nest.

Netgear Orbi

This router is a wireless fidelity system that is designed to cover your home. It might be a bit pricey, but the services are worth every penny. It looks good, has fast internet speed, and networks the entire home. It embodies the mesh technology, making it a master of coverage. Its magical tri-bandwidth ability takes it to another level, with the third band (5GHz) making sure to manage the speed for equal distribution around the home.

The other two bandwidths provide speedy internet that reaches 866Mbps on its 5GHz frequencies, and on frequencies of 2GHz, the speed measures 400Mbps. The coverage extends to 5000 sq ft.
It also has many LAN endpoints, with the base unit having 3, and the satellites having 4 points. They all support Ethernet. So, a game console and TV can be hardwired for the best performance. Bill Thomas was impressed by the Netgear Orbi’s range after testing it.

Samsung SmartThings

This mesh network device will create for you a smart home hub. It can singly cover 1500 sq ft, its mesh technology tripling that to 4500 sq ft. It is sufficient coverage for large homes.
The design will immediately catch the eye.

It makes sure there is an equal distribution of power to all your devices, helping you manage over 100 gadgets. There is an app that you install, making it easy to control your smart home. It has Z-Wave, Zigbee, and Bluetooth, which will help you with minor household tasks like controlling thermostats, doorbells, and lights, hence the smart home assertion.

Also, you can create a flawless schedule through voice requests that will automatically form your daily routine. It may include a time of leaving, arriving, sleeping, or waking up. It is a Wi-Fi hub with artificial intelligence that spies on the amount of power each device needs and automatically delivers it. After testing the Samsung SmartThings Wi-Fi, Benjamin Zeman was very impressed by the magnitude of its performance and the minuteness of its size.

Conclusion

The guide for network devices will help you get the right fit to suit your internet needs. Compatibility is the number one importance. The rest of the essentials will further equip you with what to watch out for. And when all is said and done, it is always wise to take your pick from companies that have satisfied these categories. Compare and contrast the benefits of the versions or models of the said brands. It is not only to satisfy your internet needs but also to match your budget.