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Home » Electronics & Computers » Top 10 Best Wireless Routers 2018 – Buyer’s Guide Reviewed!

Top 10 Best Wireless Routers 2018 – Buyer’s Guide Reviewed!

By Didier VANDESOMPEL | Last updated on January 29, 2021

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Top 10 Best Wireless Routers 2018 – Guide & Reviews

Top 10 best wireless routers 2018, don’t you think buying a router in today’s life is completely worthy?

Well, if you are in search for the best router, then you have certainly landed on the correct page. Whether you are planning to set up a new home network or just want to upgrade the existing one, the crux of the whole step up is wireless router. There are long lists of wireless routers that are available in the market but the main tactics would be to shortlist the best one out of all. And we must say that it is not an easy task as you might consider it to be. But we will make your work easy by offering you a clear list of the best routers. After spending many hours on research and testing the routers, we have compiled a list of top 10 routers that could be worthy of purchase.

Top 10 Best Wireless Routers 2018

Top 10 Best Wireless Routers 2018 – For what you need!

With bunch of connected home appliances, smart phones, and smart televisions as well as other devices that rule our lives, it is more significant than ever to set your property or home with a router which could handle the enhanced demand of wireless connectivity. But before investing your hard-earned money on a particular brand, you would have to make sure to consider few things. The initial considerations include the coverage areas along with the number of clients and even the kinds of devices that would be connecting to the wireless router. It is a fact that everybody might not require the type of performance which you could receive with the latest models and there is definitely no point to pay for the features that you would possibly never use.

What is family members ask for more bandwidth!

But if there are many family members jostling for bandwidth for facets such as playing online, streaming videos or others, a new wireless router could create a world of difference and aid in keeping peace. If you could follow the basic router guides, then it will help you to handle both your present and future networking requirements.

Top 10 Best Wireless Routers 2018 – All Routers are different!

All routers are not equally created. Some models could just communicate over one radio band while some others could make use of two. Single-band wireless models operate on 2.4GHz frequency band and typically are the least costly models available in the market. These routers are perfectly sufficient for things such as web surfing as well as connecting to other social media services such Twitter and Facebook. Dual-band models would let you to allocate a band to particular applications and ease the loads on both the bands. Routers even come up with various features and more features you would opt for; the more you could have to pay for it. A wireless router having at least 10/100/1000 gigabit Ethernet ports would let you to connect to wired appliances like desktop computers, home-automation hubs and network-attached storage drives (NAS).

And there is more!

If you at least have one USB port, you can easily plug in a USB drive or printer and share it through the network. In addition to it, it is better if you try to select a router model that renders removable antennas. Price of a router would certainly base on features and performance. A single-band, basic model can cost you around $24 to $100. Good ranges, fastest speeds, solid feature set, easy to set up and manageability and of course, fair price are the things that make up a good or top wireless router.

Top 10 Best Wireless Routers 2018 – Routers are weak link for security!

Routers are basically weak link in a house network’s security. Employing a router is always better than to plug your PC directly into internet connected modem. Your home might be equipped with latest technological gadgets in nearly all rooms and a poor coverage of network would be definitely annoying. With a good and quality wireless router, you will be able to enjoy a reliable and stable connection. Smart wireless routers render solutions and manufacturers of today’s smart routers are working on for simplifying the process of troubleshooting. Well, the top 10 routers in our list span the pricing range and strike the perfect balance among our criteria at present.

Best Guide Top 10 Routers 2018 – Overview!

Top 10 Best WiFi Routers 2018 – Short Info List!

This short list here after give you already some idea and if you click on the button you will go to our special page with more product information!

NrDevice NameWeightLAN PortsWireless 802.11Go to List
1

Google WiFi System

4 p2a/b/g/n/ac Go to List
2

TP-Link Talon AD7200

0.74 p4ad Go to List
3

Asus RT-AC88U Dual Band

2.6 p8b/g/n Go to List
4

NETGEAR Nighthawk X10

4.11 p6ac/ad Go to List
5

NETGEAR Nighthawk R7000 D.B.

3.5 p4ac Go to List
6

D-Link DIR 890L Tri-Band

2.5 p4ac Go to List
7

Apple AirPort Extreme Dual-Band

2.1 p3n/a Go to List
8

Linksys WRT1900ACS DD-WRT D.B.

1.8 p4ac Go to List
9

Amped Wireless RTA2600 Athena

2.6 p4ac Go to List
10

TP-Link Archer C7 Dual-Band

1.9 p4ac Go to List

Top 10 Best WiFi Routers 2018 – Info List!

1 – Google WiFi System – Google WiFi Router

Google WiFi System

Basic Info: Top 1 Google WiFi Router!

  • Here detail info of Top 1 Google WiFi Router.

The Google WiFi is not like any other router you might have come cross ever before. It could be considered as one of the best router in the market. Google WiFi comes with understated design which is perfectly suited for any kind of environment. Each of the three unit of the router is similar to each other. The model has 4.1 inches and 2.7 inches in height and it is relatively smaller than the other traditional wireless routers. The router has a white exterior and is divided by a LED light that offers a touch of elegance to its design.

The Google WiFi system features simultaneous dual-band WiFi that supports IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac standards. If you have a big room, then this three-pack router is just the perfect option for you. The device has 710 MHz quad-core processor and 512 MB RAM. It features an elegant antenna-less design and two Gigabit Ethernet high speed ports. These two ports serve as a WAN and LAN port on primary unit and could offer functionality of LAN on the secondary units. The router will even offer you the option of controlling the system employing Google Home and Alexa voice commands.

With the exclusive mobile application of Google Wifi system, you will be able to have a great experience.

The Google Wifi app comes with these following features:

  • It offers detailed statistics for every device
  • You could schedule your router system to pause automatically the connection
  • It is possible to prioritize an appliance and make sure it functions at the required bandwidth.
  • The app would let you control the smart lights as well as the Nest systems.

If you underestimate this router’s size, then you will be certainly at fault. This small device could put several big routers to shame. The Google WiFi system can compete easily with its performance against the large guys such as Nighthawk X10 and Talon AD7200. Its score in 5GHz frequency band close proximity test was higher than about 450 Mbps. And it is actually impressive while considering that the big Talon AD7200 had the same rating.

This router has a speed of 200 Mbps and even performs great in long-range test. Well, you need to keep in mind that Google WiFi system is a single unit. It is not a system as a whole. The device performs even well in 2.4 GHz frequency band. The process to setup this system is equal to the hardware design of Google Wifi. It means that the procedure is simple. If you want to have superb connectivity in every part of your house and in a simplistic, elegant style, then this Google Wifi system would be the right option for you.

PROS
  • The router performs impressively on every Wifi bands
  • The compact and subtle design is suitable to fit at any corner in your house
  • The app is easy to manage and set up
  • The price is comparatively lower than other wireless systems.
CONS
  • One would have to remain logged into a Google account while employing Google Wifi system.
  • You can check prices on Amazon.

2 – TP-Link Talon AD7200 – TP-Link WiFi Router

TP-Link Talon AD7200

Basic Info: Top 2 TP-Link WiFi Router!

  • Here detail info of Top 2 TP-Link WiFi Router.

The TP-Link Talon AD7200 Wi-Fi is known to bring the first 802.11ad router in our market. Well, this is not all to describe this router; in fact the device comes up with many exclusive features to assure you ultimate performance. It is a pretty expensive model but the stunning features it offers are valuable for the price. The router employs a multi-band technology for running three distinctive Wi-Fi bands at once. Moreover, the device supports a combined 7.2 Gbps Wifi speed, that is, Band 1- 800mbps @2.4 GHz, Band 2- 1734mbps @5 GHz and Band 3- 4600mbps @ 60 GHz. A customary router could just stream to single device at one time but the Talon AD7200’s Wireless AC and Multi-User MIMO technologies facilitates streaming simultaneously.

TP-Link Talon AD7200 has dual-core 1.4 GHz processor which is sufficiently powerful for supporting many users at a time. Moreover, the device comes with eight external state-of-the-art antennas that would help to reduce performance and range. It features four Gigabit Ethernet high-speed ports and 1 WAN. The router has two high-speed USB 3.0 ports that would let the files to transfer to USB drive or external HDD directly. Moreover, it even offers a one-app solution for setting, managing and updating the router. The TP-Link Talon AD7200 can offer you a solid performance. It scored about 450mbps in 5GHZ same room test and nearly 250mbps at a range of about 30 feet.

Compare these scores!

Well, if you compare these scores with its main competitor, NETGEAR Nighthawk X10, then it might seem to be pretty impressive to you. But it isn’t that bad and in fact if price is a factor for you to consider, then this TP-Link Talon is superior to NETGEAR.

Moreover, this router manages to cross Nighthawk 10 in the 2.4 GHz frequency band. The speed of Talon AD7200 is about 100 Mbps in same room test and about 80 Mbps at the range of about 30 feet. The performance of both this TP-Link and Nighthawk X10 is quite same in 60 GHz AD frequency band. This Talon model has scored an impressive average of 950Mbps in that of close proximity test. Well, the frequency of 60 GHz cannot perforate through the walls. Hence, you shouldn’t have the expectation of network coverage beyond the line-of-sight of your router.

The TP-Link Talon AD7200 is just like maximum simple routers in set up. It renders a detailed guide to help you in setting it. You would just have to plug in the internet connection wire to the device, connecting the LAN cable to your desktop or PC and then log in the website page of TP-Link to begin the process of installation. Another easy solution would be to download the mobile application of TP-Link Tether and set up the router following the instructions.

PROS
  • The device performs impressively on every WiFi bands
  • The router is easy to install and manage, especially due to its TP-Link Tether mobile application
  • The cost of this model is quite reasonable, particularly while comparing it to NETGEAR Nighthawk 10.
CONS
  • The device has abundant footprint
  • The signals could not perforate via the walls.
  • You can check prices on Amazon.

3 – Asus RT-AC88U Dual Band – Asus WiFi Router

Asus RT-AC88U Dual Band

Basic Info: Top 3 Asus WiFi Router!

  • Here detail info of Top 3 Asus WiFi Router.

Well, Asus is mainly known for its graphic cards and motherboards, the brand is even a pretty big deal in networking world. PC gamers are known to prefer its routers as they are fast, provides vast features and it seems that they are continuing this trend with the Asus RT-AC88U dual band router. Its dual-band feature might make it expensive but its handful of exclusive features makes it stand out in the crowd. The device comes in a clichéd red and black color design which makes it look different from the usual ones.

Asus RT-AC88U is little bit wider than maximum routers, having nearly 12 inches across and deep of 8 inches. But the device is not much tall and hence, not as large as D-Link DIR-890L/R. Being a dual band router, it comes with 2.4 GHz as well as 5 GHz connectivity. However, the model comes with a label of AC3100 where maximum AC wireless routers with four-antennas are labeled as AC1900. The fact is that this device employs a Broadcom chipset which provides the NitroQAM feature. It lets for high bandwidth than simply regular AC as long as you pair it with any compatible adapter like this model. Moreover, it renders 25% boost in total bandwidth that enhanced 1732Mb/s to 2167 Mb/s.

This router supports the MU-MIMO that lets it to serve for about four clients at the same time. Asus RT-AC88U features a hooting eight LAN ports. One 2.0 USB port is on the back and one 3.0 USB port situated inconveniently in the front beneath a strange panel. However, if you possess a NAS, then the device even would support link aggregation through two of the LAN ports. Asus RT-AC88U offers some of the exclusive features for gamers and these actually make the model stand out. First of all, the device provides free membership to Gamers Private Network (GPN) and service known as WTFAST.

More about that service!

The service would route away gaming traffic from the busy networks and make it essentially a private network. It will decrease packet loss and promises refine ping times. But the offer bundled with the device has traffic caps and it supports just one device. Well, you could pay to update it to an unlimited account which supports two and more devices.

The brand even renders a mobile app which looks just like what you would expected from the company. It appears ‘cutting edge’ with one traffic real-time monitor and usually many bars along with graphs which appear to display activity. This mobile app is actually useful and fun unlike other mobile apps. The process of installing this router is very simple and it is all possible for the brilliant web interface. While connecting it to the computer and internet the first time, Asus Web Interface would launch automatically and provide two options of configuring the device after powering up the PC. Then you could continue setting it manually or with the wizard.

However…

The Quick Internet Setup wizard would check the internet connection as well as configure the device as Static IP, Dynamic IP or PPPoE, based on the selection of connection type. As far as the performance is concerned, Asus RT-AC88U offers MU-MIMO multi-client data streaming, operates very fast on both the bands along with file writing/reading and transfers works great.

PROS
  • The device features eight gigabit LAN ports which could handle easily the high speed internet
  • The wireless performance is simply one of the best features
  • The Web Interface of the model is the best, easy to use, very intuitive and simple as well.
CONS
  • The USB 3.0 port placing could been better
  • The router offers only mediocre performance for its price after it couples with any external hard drive and employed as NAS.
  • You can check prices on Amazon.

4 – NETGEAR Nighthawk X10 – NETGEAR Nighthawk Router

NETGEAR Nighthawk X10

Basic Info: Top 4 NETGEAR Nighthawk Router!

  • Here detail info of Top 4 NETGEAR Nighthawk Router.

If your priority is to have the best streaming experience of 4K and VR gaming, the NETGEAR Nighthawk X10 router would be a good option. The router might not come in cheaper rate but its latest wireless technology is valuable for the price you have to pay. This device is an 802.11ac wave 2 tri-band router and supports NU-MIMO along with 160MHz channels for linking speed of about 1,733Mbits/sec on it’s every 5GHz networks and up to 800Mbits/sec on each 2.4GHz network. However, it comes with a quad-core 1.7GHz processor along with four external antennae and high powered amplifiers to offer the strongest signal possible. The quad-core processor helps 4k video and game streaming performances. Moreover, the router features 10 gigabit LAN SPF+ ports and this would allow fast NAS (Network-attached Storage) access. Well, two of the gigabit Ethernet ports could be merged to offer speed of about 2gbps.

NETGEAR Nighthawk X10 features 160 MHz WiFi and it could offer double speed to mobile devices. The device comes with two high speed 3.0 USB ports. However, the NETGEAR genie app has plenty of features for managing, controlling and repairing the home network. It even supports the Amazon Alexa commands and has Amazon drive backup. The router has managed to impress in every performance tests. It scored about 550 Mbps in 5GHz same-room (close-proximity) test and this is certainly more than its real competitor, TP-Link Talon AD7200. Moreover, the router scored about 400 Mbps in 5GHz band while testing at a distance up to 30 feet. NETGEAR Nighthawk X10 even performed excellently in 2.4GHz. In the close proximity test, the device scored 100 Mbps and experienced 25% drop at distance of about 30 feet.

The performance in 60 GHz frequency band makes the router stand out from the high-end AC routers. NETGEAR Nighthawk X10 even impressed in the close proximity test with scores of about 960 Mbps. But it failed in the long-range test miserably because the 60GHz frequency could not perforate through the walls. NETGEAR Nighthawk X10 comes with 8.81×6.61×2.91 inches in dimension and weighs more than MacBook Pro of 15inches. Despite having a long list of exclusive features, the device is quite easy to install. After connecting the router to the computer as well as internet service, you just have to visit its login web page for accessing the Setup Wizard. This would act as guidance to complete rest of the installation.

And there is more…

Well, the company even offers a good solution to the process of installation and that is, the NETGEAR Up app. You would be able to set up, configure and upgrade your router taking the help of this application.

PROS
  • The 60GHz throughput is very speedy
  • The performance of 5GHz is excellent
  • The NETGEAR proprietary applications allows to manage and install the device easily
  • The LAN 10Gbps SFP+ is great, especially for users of NAS servers
CONS
  • The router might appear to be very costly to many
  • The MU-MIMO throughput in testing is not good
  • The device doesn’t have detailed QoS (Quality of Service) settings
  • Just some devices support the AD frequency band as of now and the signal couldn’t perforate via the walls.
  • You can check prices on Amazon.

5 – NETGEAR Nighthawk R7000 Dual-Band – NETGEAR Nighthawk X6

NETGEAR Nighthawk R7000 Dual-Band

Basic Info: Top 5 NETGEAR Nighthawk X6!

  • Here detail info of Top 5 NETGEAR Nighthawk X6.

This is another product from the popular brand NETGEAR. The company is known for producing top-most wireless routers and has come up with NETGEAR Nighthawk R7000 dual band model. The device comes in angular lines, sleek and matte black finish which makes it look like a Cylon pilot. It has three thick external antennas and it offers an element of aggression. The dimension of the device is 285×184×50mm that makes it the widest wireless router and has a heavyweight as well as durable construction. NETGEAR Nighthawk R7000 features various types of activity lights as well as white activity lights.

NETGEAR Nighthawk R7000 is not even short in case of features. However, the main thing is ‘AC1900’ branding which means the device is equipped with the Broadcom BCM4708A chipset. The key fact about this chipset is that it has a proprietary technology ‘Turbo QAM’ which boosts the 802.11n 2.4GHz speeds from an earlier theoretical higher of 450Mbps to about 600Mbps. While merging with 1300<bps theoretical maximum of about 802.11ac, you would get 1900Mbps figure. Moreover, NETGEAR has raised the bar on 800MHz dual core ARM Cortex A9 processors and clocked its pair at the 1GHz. And it made this router the first model to break the milestone. The router even features the similar native flash memory of 128MB and RAM of 256MB.

More significantly, NETGEAR Nighthawk R7000 even features Beamforming that allows the device to identify the place of connected device and then boosts signal in that direction instead of throwing it out in every direction equally. In addition to this, the router even comes with WPA/WPA2 security, VPN, WPS, QoS, guest network support and also a free customized URL. The customized URL is for individuals who want to setup a private FTP server. The Quality of Service (QoS) would help you in managing the upstream as well as downstream of internet connection in your house. However, only one 2.0 USB and one 3.0 USB port join the 4 gigabit Ethernet ports. NETGEAR Nighthawk R7000 provides an outstanding performance and one of the fastest wireless routers. Its performance on 5 gigahertz as well as 2.4 gigahertz is great. You wouldn’t face slowdowns or hiccups during the whole testing process.

The router even manages to function great on distinct ranges. The bands would perform in the way which is better than what your standard Ethernet connection offers. Overall, the router is impressive which renders lot for its price.

PROS
  • The device has the fastest peak throughput
  • The design of the router is slick
  • It offers an outstanding performance in the 5 gigahertz band
  • The build-up quality is simply great
  • The device comes with loads of features that are unexpected from a reasonable router.
CONS
  • The device couldn’t work like a bridge
  • It is not equipped with remote Cloud access just like the latest routers of Linksys
  • The 2.4GHz band doesn’t deliver according to the expectation
  • The software features might require proper finishing.
  • You can check prices on Amazon.

6 – D-Link DIR 890L Tri-Band – D-Link Router

D-Link DIR 890L Tri-Band

Basic Info: Top 6 D-Link Router!

  • Here detail info of Top 6 D-Link Router.

The next router in our list is the D-Link DIR 890L Tri-band. The device employs six external antennas for achieving about AC3200 speeds in its three WiFi bands, that is, 2 × 1,300Mbps + 600Mbps at the same time. However, it can just be considered as a monster of a device on the basis of specifications. D-Link DIR 890L Tri-band would offer you both magnificent looks as well as performance. The device comes in a glossy, bright red and arresting angular shape and appears like an alien spacecraft. However, the footprint of this model is bigger 38 cm × 23cm. The antennas even have a height of about 10.9cm. If you want to mount it vertically, then it has to be attached to a wall. The router offers sufficient space for fitting in all options of connectivity.

Rounding the rear side of this router, there are 4 gigabit Ethernet ports to connect computer or any other network hardware. There is a 5th Ethernet socket along the side which fixes to the modem. The device comes even with 2.0 USB and 3.0 USB ports to share storage printers or devices. The WiFi performance of D-Link DIR 890L Tri-band is all that makes it stand out. The six antennas permit for simultaneous endow of one 2.4 gigahertz band at about 600Mbps and two 5 gigahertz bands at about 1300Mbps. The router would be able to maintain the high speeds of delivery to many devices at once.

For gaining maximum from this device, one of your appliances at least must possess the ability of sending or receiving at the highest speed. Well, this is a key consideration as well as the stumbling block for high-end routers as very less client devices are known to support such high speeds. When it comes to setup D-Link DIR 890L Tri-band, the process is quite simple as the antennas are fitted already. One just would have to connect the device to the modem and then fire up it. After the booting, one could log into the machine from any device which is connected to Ethernet socket through the default WiFi signal. Then, one simply has to log into the brand’s login page.

However…

The OSD is very easy to navigate and it offers a detailed process of setup which gets the basics complete easily and quickly. Under the surface, you would even find out good numbers of the power-user options and it is completely suited for various kinds of user.

If you are residing in comparatively a larger space and possess many WiFi devices which need a consistent connection to the internet, then D-Link DIR 890L Tri-band could be a good option to opt for. Well, if you face any problems with antennas, then sorry, it is not possible to detach them. But if you require more ports of LAN, then this device would certainly not the one you need. This router comes only with four LAN ports.

PROS
  • The router is exceptionally fast and offers problem-free WiFi along with satisfying range
  • It is build in stellar quality and stunning aesthetics
  • The device is simple to setup as well as use/
CONS
  • The antennas are non-detachable
  • The cost of the device could be an issue for many
  • Web interface doesn’t have power-user options
  • The software of printer sharing is not great.
  • You can check prices on Amazon.

7 – Apple AirPort Extreme Dual-Band – Apple AirPort Extreme Review

Apple AirPort Extreme Dual-Band

Basic Info: Top 7 Apple AirPort Extreme Review!

  • Here detail info of Top 7 Apple AirPort Extreme Review.

Apple has a decent wireless router which is unusually named as the AirPort Extreme Base Station. If you care about the look, then this model could be a perfect option to consider. The device is sufficiently beautiful and justifies the price tag which makes it little bit costlier than its other competitors. This new dual-band router is more compact than its earlier generation. It even supports the much faster and anticipated 802.11ac WiFi standard. This router comes in entirely a new design. It appears like a rectangular tube rather than bearing the customary square tile shape and stands 6.6inches tall and wide of about 3.85inches.

However…

It means that this model has similar footprint like the second generation AirPort Express but it is taller than that. Right in its front, there is a small status light which glows green while everything works well and would flash or change to amber when the device will need attention.

The router comes with the usual 3 gigabit LAN ports and one gigabit Port of WAN on the back. There is even a 2.0 USB port for hosting a printer or external hard drive. But this might be disappointing as maximum routers in the market have now about four LAN ports and many of them already render 3.0 USB. Well, the number of these LAN ports actually determines the number of wired clients the wireless router could support, prior to the requirement of resorting to a switch. Well, Apple AirPort Extreme is a real Dual-Band router that provides coverage on 2.4 GHz as well as 5 GHz frequency bands simultaneously. It means that would support all prevailing network clients with the highest possible speeds, disregarding its WiFi standard.

Moreover…

The device supports the latest top-tier of the new 802.11ac as well as 802.11n standards. While using with 802.11ac enabled client like the new MacBook Air, it could accommodate as much as 1.3 Gbps data speed. However, on both the bands clients of Wireless-N could be connected at about 450Mbps.

Apple AirPort Extreme Dual-Band provides various features which are common in wireless routers like the guest networking, port forwarding, IPv6, print serving, file-sharing abilities and Access Control. Well, the router wouldn’t offer you certain features that you may expect to have in such a price tag like the Qos customization for Parent Control, traffic prioritizing, VPN server and such others. Apple AirPort Extreme Dual-Band is even much less flexible than other models. Moreover, it is pretty tough to add one device to the blocking list or set a IP address.

PROS
  • The device is a real looker
  • The performance of the device is impeccable and speedy
  • It is easier to set up the router and to use it.
CONS
  • Each of the upgrades over the earlier ones appears to be subjective.
  • You can check prices on Amazon.

8 – Linksys WRT1900ACS DD-WRT Dual-Band – Linksys WRT1900AC Router

Linksys WRT1900ACS DD-WRT Dual-Band

Basic Info: Top 8 Linksys WRT1900AC Router!

  • Here detail info of Top 8 Linksys WRT1900AC Router.

If you want the best 802.11ac networking service, then look nowhere other than Linksys WRT1900ACS DD-WRT dual band router. The device comes in a blue and black design and with the dimension of 9.7 × 7.6 × 2.0inches; it is one of the biggest wireless routers. However, it would fit easily on a bookshelf in horizontal way or you could even mount it on wall employing the template to drill the holes. This model features four stubby screw-on antennas which could be angled and rotated for optimizing reception. The white LED lights display everything starting from power, internet connection to the active ports and bands but the lights cannot be turned off in any way.

The back of the router has a reset button, on/off switch along with Wi-Fi Protected Setup key to add Wi-Fi devices. Moreover, it comes with five gigabit Ethernet ports, one to connect broadband modem and other four to connect to wire networked devices like switches, storage and computers. The router even features a 3.0 USB port and a combo port which could function either with eSATA or 2.0 USB connections for printers and external hard drives. In case of performance, Linksys WRT1900ACS DD-WRT dual band router could handle about four data traffic independent lanes. Theoretically, it has the ability to move up to 600 Mbps in 2.4GHz mode and up to 1300 Mbps in 5GHz mode for total highest performance of about 1.9Gbps.

Moreover…

This router employs the advanced technology of beamforming for squeezing each last megabyte out of wireless signal. But it doesn’t have MU-MINO abilities that could help in more effective traffic management.

Linksys WRT1900ACS DD-WRT simply blew away in the real-world testing employing IxChariot software of Ixia in crowded WiFi surrounding. The device could offer total throughput of about 500.3 Mbps to its two bands at 5 feet. Moreover, the 2.4GHz transmissions of the device hit maximum of 94.7Mbps at 15 feet but the 5GHz broadcasts reduced to 403.8Mbps. Well, it is possibly the best dual band performance that one might have come across and it leaves behind its similarly priced competitor NETGEAR R7000 in digital dust. Well, the device possesses easy-to use media prioritization feature which would allow moving the connected clients from and to regular list to high-priority list, aiding to manage the connected clients as per the network priority.

The router even comes with Network Map feature which shows relevant details of the clients as well as devices that are connected to the network. It would let you know the number of wired and wireless devices connected as well as the devices’ nature. The Parental Control feature is pretty simplistic but very efficient in its impact. It would allow the blocking of connected clients to various websites and could even be employed for preventing various clients from the internet access, letting you to control the activity of client as well as traffic in the network. The brand was even kind enough for adding full ability to double up this device as a NAS.

And there is more…

Well, this might not be the biggest thing about this router. The best facet is that the performance of NAS is unsurpassed in comparison to each other routers. Moreover, the device even supports DLNA and UPnP (Universal Plug and Play).

PROS
  • The device has exceptionally potential hardware
  • The range of WiFi is great and offers outstanding speed
  • It comes in retro design
  • The router can be easily setup and supports OpenVPN
  • It comes with reliable monitoring and management apps.
CONS
  • The device could be expensive for many
  • It doesn’t support time machine backup for the users of MAC
  • This router doesn’t have MU-MIMO support
  • The default software might appear confusing for the new users.
  • You can check prices on Amazon.

9 – Amped Wireless RTA2600 Athena MU-MIMO – Amped Wireless Setup

Amped Wireless RTA2600 Athena MU-MIMO

Basic Info: Top 9 Amped Wireless Setup!

  • Here detail info of Top 9 Amped Wireless Setup.

Next in our list is one of the most famous routers of Amped Wireless, RTA2600 Athena. The router comes with a 1.4GHz dual core processor, flash storage of 128MB and DDR3 system memory of 512MB. The device even supports 3.0USB with a port on the right side and other 2.0 USB port on its back. All these things could be utilized for hosting storage devices. Well, the router features four gigabit ports of LAN as well as one gigabit port of WAN on the back. There are even four antennae which cannot be detached. However, the device comes with array of LED lights on the top for showing its status and these could be turned off through a button present on the back.

Amped Wireless RTA2600 Athena is certainly compact if you consider its specifications. It is only up to two-third size of the Linksys EA8500. However, the device is designed for sitting flat on a shelf or table but it won’t be possible to mount it. Being a WiFi router, it comes with the MU-MIMO technology rendered by Qualcomm MU/EFX WiFi chip. Well, it means that the device is a quad stream router which has highest speed of 1,733 megabits/sec on 5GHZ band and about 800Mbps on 2.4GHz band that earned it the designation of AC2600 router. The router could customize various types of settings, starting from Beacon Interval to determine the time between beacon broadcasts to fragmentation threshold which sets the highest packet size. All these things would help you in optimizing the router.

Moreover…

This device allows adjusting its power and could even employ WiFi Protected Setup to let the devices connect automatically. Well, Amped Wireless RTA2600 Athena features the latest software of security and is capable to employ everything from WEP to WPA2 encryption. It is even a rare device in its class which could employ a Radius server to authorize clients and this makes it safe to use for small business.

The Athena comes with packet inspection firewall to help in differentiating legitimate traffic from the hackers. However, the downside is that the device would not download the firmware upgrades automatically while it becomes available. The device even doesn’t have the OnHub’s ability for running just approved software while it is starting up that could prevent the rogue software from taking over the router. The device functions with the versions of Amped Wi-Fi Analytics Tool for Windows and Android for monitoring the network. Well, it doesn’t have any comparable analytic’s tool for iOS or Mac users.

What this software do!

This software scans its network for the signal strength for every band and even search for interfering networks
This dual-band router could push theoretically 2.35Gbps date over 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands. Out of it, 600Mbps transfer via 2.4GHz transmissions and about 1.743Gbps flows via 5GHz section. Moreover, the device utilizes the latest techniques of beam forming for adapting its transmissions to their clients.

PROS
  • The router can be setup quickly
  • It features a highly customizable software
  • The device has good monitoring abilities
  • The throughput of the device is good
  • It has high-gain internal amplifiers and antennas.
CONS
  • The device could seem to be comparatively expensive
  • The range is shorter.
  • You can check prices on Amazon.

10 – TP-Link Archer C7 Dual-Band – TP-Link Archer C7 Review

TP-Link Archer C7 Dual-Band

Basic Info: Top 10 TP-Link Archer C7 Review!

  • Here detail info of Top 10 TP-Link Archer C7 Review.

The last in our list is the TP-Link Archer C7 dual-band router. It is really delighting to have such a friendly router in our list. The router comes in jet-black traditional form with dimension of 9.5 × 6 × 1.4 inches. However, it lacks the distinct touches of design such as the tower of Google OnHub, aggressive look of Amped Athena or Almond+ touch screen. The device comes with three screw-on antennas in the sport RP-SMA connectors and 5GHz band that lets them to change quickly for high-quality antennas. Well, these antennas are rated at the 5dBi, a bigger setup from the usual 2dBi antennas which many other makers of router offer. The antennas could be twisted and swiveled for catch the strongest signal.

TP-Link Archer C7 dual-band router features a trio of 2.4GHz patch antennas inside it which is meant to decrease the inter channel interference. Well, the functional LEDs across the front of the router could be attractive. These would grow green to indicate that the device is on, functioning properly as well as connected to Web. However, their activities could even be seen on its 5GHz and 2.4GHz wireless bands along with wired four LAN ports. It even glows green to depict that the WPS (WiFi Protected Setup) is activated. There are even extra indicator lights in the device’s back that monitor the USB connections of the router. Now these things indicate that a functioning C7 could light up a dark room with ghostlike, eerie glow. But there is unfortunately no software selection or switch of turning off this light show.

At the back of this router, there is one luxury and that is, a switch to turn off Wi-Fi transmissions. It efficiently turns it into wired router while you leave for a vacation so you want to stop it to broadcast. The device features a power button along with a button that would let you to add the clients through the WPS feature. The WPS key would act as a reset switch to return the device to its software and factory settings if it is hold for about eight seconds. In addition to this, the device features four gigabit LAN connections as well as pair of 2.0 USB ports which could accommodate all things from memory key to the printer, even if the ports are using slower and older 2.0 USB spec.

The Qualcomm QCA9558 Scorpio system-on-chip powers the router. It comes with 720MHz processor and RAM of 128MB. Well, each of the six antennas possesses a respective Skyworks amplifier for boosting the outgoing transmissions and grabbing weaker incoming signals. TP-Link Archer C7 dual-band router could manage three data traffic lanes and employs beamforming methods for matching the transmitted data with receiver. But it doesn’t have the support of MU-MIMO technology for more effective management of bandwidth while many devices are connected.

When it comes to performance, the router performed overall well in the real-world testing employing the Ixia’s ixChariot software in populated office environment with many WiFi networks. It scored the highest throughput of 360.6Mbpsat 5 feet over its channels. However, its performance on the 2.4GHz band was below par as it hit a maximum of 59.2 Mbps from 15 feet away. TP-Link Archer C7 dual-band router was 5% slower than NETGEAR R6220 and above 20% off than the costlier NETGEAR R7000.

PROS
  • The device performs excellent for its price
  • It performs good on both its bands
  • It works well with online gaming and streaming
  • The router comes with a good addition of NAS capability.
CONS
  • The build-up quality is average.
  • You can check prices on Amazon.

Top 10 Best Wireless Routers 2018 – Things to Consider

With bunch of connected home appliances, smart phones, and smart televisions as well as other devices that rule our lives, it is more significant than ever to set your property or home with a router which could handle the enhanced demand of wireless connectivity. But before investing your hard-earned money on a particular brand, you would have to make sure to consider few things.

  • The initial considerations include the coverage areas along with the number of clients and even the kinds of devices that would be connecting to the wireless router.
  • It is a fact that everybody might not require the type of performance which you could receive with the latest models and there is definitely no point to pay for the features that you would possibly never use.
  • But if there are many family members jostling for bandwidth for facets such as playing online, streaming videos or others, a new wireless router could create a world of difference and aid in keeping peace.
  • If you could follow the basic router guides, then it will help you to handle both your present and future networking requirements.
  • A wireless router having at least 10/100/1000 gigabit Ethernet ports would let you to connect to wired appliances like desktop computers, home-automation hubs and network-attached storage drives (NAS).
  • If you at least have one USB port, you can easily plug in a USB drive or printer and share it through the network.
  • In addition to it, it is better if you try to select a router model that renders removable antennas.
  • Price of a router would certainly base on features and performance.
  • Good ranges, fastest speeds, solid feature set, easy to set up and manageability and of course, fair price are the things that make up a good or top wireless router.

Routers even come up with various features and more features you would opt for; the more you could have to pay for it.

Top 10 Best Wireless Routers 2018 – Different Types of Routers

All routers are not equally created. Some models could just communicate over one radio band while some others could make use of two.

Single-band wireless models –

  • They operate on 2.4GHz frequency band and typically are the least costly models available in the market.
  • These routers are perfectly sufficient for things such as web surfing as well as connecting to other social media services such Twitter and Facebook.
  • A single-band, basic model can cost you around $24 to $100.

Dual-band models –

  • These routers would let you to allocate a band to particular applications and ease the loads on both the bands.

Routers are basically weak link in a house network’s security. Employing a router is always better than to plug your PC directly into internet connected modem. Your home might be equipped with latest technological gadgets in nearly all rooms and a poor coverage of network would be definitely annoying. With a good and quality wireless router, you will be able to enjoy a reliable and stable connection. Smart wireless routers render solutions and manufacturers of today’s smart routers are working on for simplifying the process of troubleshooting. Well, the top 10 routers in our list span the pricing range and strike the perfect balance among our criteria at present.

Top 10 Best Wireless Routers 2018 – Editor’s Choice

All the top 10 routers in our list are unique in their own way but out of all the D-Link DIR 890L Tri-Band would be the winner. The router comes in a unique shape and sharp design with other exclusive features. Moreover, it is possibly one of those routers in the market which prefer the style over the substance. But it still manages to render a satisfying performance and even is available in a pocket-friendly rate.

  • Go to Detail Editor’s Choice.

Top 10 Best Wireless Routers 2018 – Conclusion

There is plenty of saturation in case of wireless routers available in the market and to find out the best one is certainly difficult. Well, this is when the above-mentioned list comes handy. The top 10 routers list was made keeping in mind the requirements of buyers and the amount they would like to invest on such a device. We hope that this list will let you determine the facts you would like to consider and select the best router according to your needs as well as budget. Each of the routers is made for meeting the needs of different customers, hence, there is no such ideal element. Well, Let us know if we have missed to mention any good router.

Top 10 Best Wireless Routers 2018: Related Posts

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About Didier VANDESOMPEL

We have hired a 38 years old Belgian technical journalist and Blogger to write our content on our S4Y website. He has 15 year practical experience in all kind product sourcing and review writing Internet. He will now doing all sourcing and review works for the categories of our S4Y website that are: Electronics & Computers, Home & Garden, Sport & Outdoors. Go there to know... You can contact we here: dv(@)sourcing4-you.com

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About Didier VANDESOMPEL

We have hired a 38 years old Belgian technical journalist and Blogger to write our content on our S4Y website. He has 15 year practical experience in all kind product sourcing and review writing Internet. He will now doing all sourcing and review works for the categories of our S4Y website that are: Electronics & Computers, Home & Garden, Sport & Outdoors. Go there to know… You can contact we here: dv(@)sourcing4-you.com

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