Best routers | TOP-15 Rating + Reviews

Routers or routers are designed to create a small local area network (home or small office). An integral part of a modern router is the presence of a wireless communication channel that allows you to connect to the network not only personal computers, but also many mobile devices and gadgets: laptops, netbooks, tablets, smartphones, digital TVs, photo and video cameras, MFPs, etc.

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Introduction

The life of a modern person is difficult to imagine without access to the Internet, which is carried out by a router. The currently existing models differ in many parameters:

• used methods of organization of communication;
• speed of information exchange;
• range (the so-called "range");
• compatibility with various interfaces (for example, an optical channel from a provider);
• the presence of additional functions (address translation, firewall, MIMO, work with VPN, IPTV support, parental control, traffic limiters, WEB-interface for browser control, etc.)

Depending on the values ​​of these parameters and the variety of additional functions, routers can be divided into three categories:

1. Inexpensive budget routers of the basic level.
2. Mid range routers.
3. Advanced high-end routers.

Below is a rating of the top 15 routers on the market in 2019 - 2020, their brief characteristics are given, their pros and cons are described. Based on their analysis, you can rank routers and choose the best one for a particular task.

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Ranking table

*prices are valid for August 2020

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Budget routers

These are the simplest and most unpretentious devices designed to build entry-level home LANs. They use the simplest element base, so the use of the latest wireless exchange protocols in such devices is a rarity. Most of these routers use 100 Mbps LAN ports and single band transmitters for WiFi. The price of such devices is the lowest among routers.

Actually, the functionality of such devices has remained at the same level for more than 10 years, and one should not expect any fantastic results from them. However, they are great for connecting to the WAN of an apartment or small house: all have DHCP and NAT services.

Specifications:

• Standard: 11n
• LAN/WLAN Speed: 100Mbps, 300Mbps
• Features: NAT, Firewall, DHCP, DDNS, VPN, static and dynamic routing, bridge, repeater, Telnet support, built-in Yandex.DNS
• Customer rating: 92
• Price: from 1220 to 1561 rubles.

Operates at a frequency of 2.4 GHz, it is possible to support MU-MIMO. Four LAN ports of 100 Mb/s (RG45 connector), standard two-antenna wi-fi (both antennas are removable) at a speed of 300 (150 +150) Mb/s. The transmitter power is average (15 dBM).

At the same time, the device, like almost all D-Link products, has a very rich functionality that allows you to fine-tune the network at the lowest level. The device has support for static and dynamic routing, VPN, DDNS and DMZ.

Specifications:

• Standard: 11n
• LAN/WLAN Speed: 100Mbps, 300Mbps
• Features: NAT, Firewall, DHCP
• Customer rating: 90
• Price: from 949 to 1,540 rubles.

It uses the 802.11n standard and operates in single-band mode at a frequency of 2.4 GHz. The functionality does not shine with variety (no bridge type connection, DDNS, no MIMO), but the presence of the minimum necessary components is present.

The most important plus of the device is the automatic detection of settings and distribution of addresses within the network. In fact, the user does not need to make any settings for the LAN setup and only needs to enter the WLAN security settings.

Specifications:

• Standard: 802.11n
• LAN/WLAN Speed: 100Mbps, 300Mbps
• Features: NAT, Firewall, DHCP
• Customer rating: 86
• Price: from 698 to 1,990 rubles.

Thanks to the presence of 4 antennas, there is MIMO support. The 802.11n standard used appeared in 2009, but is still successfully used in home network equipment, providing a wireless exchange rate of up to 300 Mbps.

The device has all the standard functions for setting up a network: manual or automatic distribution of addresses, traffic control, the necessary functions for protecting a wireless network (WEP, WPA, WPA2, WPS), etc. There is a simple firewall. Static routing, bridge mode and DDNS are missing.

Specifications:

• Standard: 11n
• LAN/WLAN Speed: 100Mbps, 300Mbps
• Features: NAT, Firewall, DHCP, DDNS, Bridge
• Customer rating: 84
• Price: from 780 to 1,490 rubles.

It has four 100 Mb ports and four fixed WiFi antennas. Supports all the necessary functions for a home network, including static routing, DDNS and VPN. The settings are very simple, in some ways even redundant.

The declared coverage area (500 sq.m), as well as the device's four external antennas, are most likely a marketing ploy, since the filling of the model completely repeats the MW305 model, differing only in the presence of 2x2 MIMO. But the practical significance of such a move at a speed of 300 Mb / s is not clear. Direct competitors (for example, TP-LINK TL-WR840N or TL-WR841N) are about 20% more expensive than this model.

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Midrange routers

Such devices, in comparison with budget options, have somewhat more functionality. As a rule, they are able to work with faster wireless communication channels and organize systems into several levels. Most of these devices support data transmission over several bands - MIMO 1x1, 2x1, 1x2 or 2x2. In addition, the use of more advanced radio paths can significantly expand the coverage radius. You can pick up a router of this class from the price range of about 10 thousand rubles.

Specifications:

• Standard: 802.11a/b/g/n/ac
• LAN/WLAN speed: 1Gbps, 1167Mbps
• Features: NAT, Firewall, VPN, SPI, DDNS, DMZ, WDS (external storage management), file server, FTP server, UPnP AV server, file download, print server, 3G/4G modem, LTE modem
• Customer rating: 98
• Price: from 3,370 to 4,408 rubles.

This will allow you to watch 4K streaming video (which requires at least 480 Mbps) without any problems. Managed by a router dual-core processor MT7621AT Contains 4 gigabit LAN ports.

On the other hand, an almost complete set of functions, corresponding to the best high-end routers. The device is also suitable for the office: you can connect a printer to it via a USB interface, LTE and 3G / 4G modems, it understands downloading from torrents and can act as a file server. At the same time, the price of such a device is on the border between the middle and budget sectors.

Specifications:

• Standard: 802.11a/b/g/n/ac
• LAN/WLAN speed: 1Gbps, 1167Mbps
• Features: NAT, Firewall, DHCP, DNS, SPI, Seamless Mesh, Repeater Mode
• Customer rating: 96
• Price: from 7690 to 10 890 rubles.

Mesh WiFi technology is used for this. The use of the AC1200 radio path allows you to confidently cover up to 260 sq. m area. In fact, an ideal option for a country house or cottage, also suitable for small two-story buildings.

It consists of two equivalent cylindrical modules with a height of only 19 cm. It can operate in MIMO mode (each module has 2 antennas).

The device has three modes of operation: router directly, WiFi signal amplifier, access point. It is also possible to use the LAN ports as a WAN. The set of basic functions is standard - from NAT and DHCP to parental control. There is support for IPv6.

Specifications:

• Standard: 802.11a/b/g/n/ac
• LAN/WLAN speed: 1 Gbps, 1167 Mbps.
• Features: Firewall, DHCP, VPN, POE, PPtP, PPPOE, RouterOS OS
• Customer rating: 95
• Price: from 4860 to 5 350 rubles.

The used hardware and software stuffing in the form of a 4-core processor, 128 MB of RAM and its own Linux-based RouterOS operating system allows you to configure the network parameters very flexibly. Due to the high performance of the system, problems even with complex routing schemes do not arise. There is protection against freezing.

It features a very high transmitter power (27 dBM). It has 4 full gigabit ports. Equipped with two dual-band antennas (2.4 and 5 GHz) operating simultaneously.The device implements a standard 2x2 MIMO scheme. It is enough to provide wireless exchange at a speed of 1167 Mbps. Even distant rooms will be within the coverage area of ​​the transmitter.

Specifications:

• Standard: 11a/b/g/n/ac
• LAN/WLAN speed: 100 Mbps, 1167 Mbps
• Features: NAT, Firewall, VPN, DDNS, file server, FTP server, UPnP AV server, module for 4g modems
• Customer rating: 93
• Price: from 3,670 to 5,300 rubles.

The router is controlled by a 2-core processor. It has four antennas with a transmit power of 5 dBM each.

The device has 4 LAN ports with a speed of 100 Mb/s. There is support for all the basic functions of routers, as well as advanced additional functionality (from VPN to dynamic routing). It is possible to organize a print server connected via a usb port.

Specifications:

• Standard: 802.11a/b/g/n/ac
• Speed ​​LAN/WLAN: 1 Giga bit, 1167 Mbps
• Features: NAT, Firewall, VPN, DDNS, File Server, FTP Server
• Customer rating: 92
• Price: from 2585 to 4 700 rubles.

Operates in two bands - 2.4 and 5 GHz. The transmitter power is high - 23 dBM. The MU-MIMO function has been implemented, which allows you to work with 30 connected devices simultaneously.

In addition to the basic functions of home routers, it allows you to fine-tune the network, organize file servers and a print server (the model with the U index is equipped with a USB interface).

Specifications:

• Standard: 802.11a/b/g/n/ac
• LAN/WLAN speed: 100Mbps, 1300Mbps
• Features: NAT, Firewall, VPN, SPI, DDNS, DMZ, WDS, Boost Mode
• Customer rating: 90
• Price: from 2,289 to 3,925 rubles.

The set of functions of the router is quite extensive and almost in no way inferior to the best representatives of the middle segment.

Those wishing to expand the coverage area can purchase several of these devices, since they implement the WDS system. The only thing that slightly spoils the impression of the model is the low-speed Ethernet ports. They are capable of distributing Internet at a speed of only 100 Mb / s.

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High end routers

These devices offer users the most comprehensive choice of LAN setup options, with high-speed wireless data transfer capability.They have complex electronics - often they use dual-core or quad-core processors and their own operating systems, due to which data exchange between different clients on the network is significantly accelerated. The wireless connection speeds of such devices are 3200 Mbps or more.

Such top devices have the most complete list of used protocols and functions. Often they have a connector for connecting a fiber optic line. Their price range usually starts from 15 thousand rubles. and you should buy them if the functionality of simpler routers is really not enough. Otherwise, there is no point in overpaying.

Specifications:

• Standard: 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ad/ax
• LAN/WLAN Speed: 1 Gigabit/s, 5952 Mbps
• Features: NAT, Firewall, VPN, Internet traffic filter, file server, FTP server, UPnP AV server, smart home, built-in antivirus
• Customer rating: 96
• Price: from 17,500 to 22,090 rubles.

The local network is implemented in the form of 8 ports. Wireless connection is made at frequencies of 2.4 and 5 GHz (in some sources it is indicated as tri-band) with the possibility of simultaneous operation. Implemented support for 4x4 MIMO on 8 folding antennas.

Despite the fact that the router has a 4-core processor and decent software, it only supports the basic functions of working in LAN / WLAN. There are no frills, such as downloading torrents. Due to the low ping, it can be used to build a gaming local network.

The device has USB 3.0 and USB Type-C ports, allowing you to use it inside your network as a simple NAS server. Compared to its direct competitors, for example, ASUS GT-AC5300 Rapture, has a lower price and a slightly higher maximum speed (5952 instead of 5334 Mbps).

Specifications:

• Standard: 802.11a/b/g/n/ac
• LAN/WLAN speed: 1Gbps, 2533Mbps
• Features: NAT, Firewall, VPN, SPI, Static/Dynamic Routing, File Server, FTP Server, UPnP AV Server, Print Server, Torrenting, NAS, Telnet, SNMP, 3G/4G and LTE Modem Connection, Optical Support (SFP port) and ADSL 2+/VDSL2 standards
• Customer rating: 94
• Price: from 9 398 to 14990 rubles.

Thanks to a well-implemented 4x4 MIMO system and a two-way transmitter, this router, despite the already outdated 802.11ac standard, is capable of delivering a fairly decent speed over a wireless channel. The theoretical throughput is 2533 Mbps. Powerful 25dBM transmitter provides long distance coverage.

The switch is made in the form of 4 gigabit LAN ports. There are bridge and repeater modes. The functionality in comparison with the 17th series is significantly expanded. There are two USB ports (2.0 and 3.0), the ability to connect modems, etc. The router also acquired the ability to download files. In terms of capabilities, this is the most advanced of the routers under consideration. Perhaps more routing functionality contains only highly specialized products from Zyxel or Cisco.

Specifications:

• Standard: IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax
• LAN/WLAN speed: 1000Mbps, 5952Mbps
• Features: NAT, Firewall, VPN, File Download, File Server, FTP Server, UPnP AV Server, Access Point, Bridge, Repeater, AiMesh
• Customer rating: 90
• Price: from 20 355 to 26 329 rubles.

Further development of the ASUS RT-AC86U and RT-AC87U models. Due to the presence of MIMO 4x4, it provides a very high exchange rate over a wireless channel. Has 8 gigabit LAN ports.

The feature set is very large. There are only various types of routing missing, but knowing ASUS, we can assume that this has already been fixed in the new firmware. In addition, you can install alternative firmware.The transmitter power is 19.5 dBM, which, to put it mildly, is not enough for such a model, but there are no complaints from users about this.

Specifications:

• Standard: 802.11a/b/g/n/ac
• LAN/WLAN speed: 1Gbps, 1167Mbps
• Features: NAT, Firewall, VPN, Bridge Mode, Guest Mode, WDS, SNMP
• Customer rating: 88
• Price: from 11233 to 12 884 rubles.

It works on the 802.11ac standard, has support for 2x2 MIMO, providing a wireless speed of 1167 (867 + 300) Mbps.

It has 4 LAN ports and can be used as both standalone and network access point as it is compatible with WDS. Up to 8 access points are allowed in the cluster, which will cover the surface of more than 1200 square meters. m.

It has many built-in features and a lifetime warranty from the manufacturer. It should also be remembered that this brand is a leader in information security issues.

Specifications:

• Standard: 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ad
• LAN/WLAN speed: 1Gbps, 7133Mbps
• Features: NAT, Firewall, VPN, SPI, static and dynamic routing, file server, FTP server, UPnP AV server, print server, torrenting, NAS, Telnet, SNMP, 3G/4G and LTE modem connection, SFP availability 10 Gbps connector
• Customer rating: 78
• Price: from 49200 r.

It is a significantly improved R7000. It has a huge power for this class of devices (30 dbi), which significantly expands its range and guarantees protection against interference. Frequency range - 2.4 and 5 GHz. Compatible with WiFi 6, thanks to MIMO 4x4 and dual-channel exchange, it provides wireless Internet speeds up to 7133 Mbps. Has 6 gigabit LAN ports for cable connection.

The device has all the features typical for high-end routers - from DHCP to AV server. Please note: the device carries 2 USB 3.0 ports on board. That is, it can simultaneously act both as a print station and as a storage.

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Conclusion

In conclusion, the analysis of the market for wireless WiFi routers for the period 2019 - 2020, you can rank the models of these devices. When we choose the best router, we need to focus on the assessment of professionals. The assessment of the qualities of devices, their characteristics and performance was made on the basis of expert reviews and customer reviews posted on the Web.

The best model among budget routers can be called DIR-615/T4 from D-Link. The router contains the largest set of functions and at the same time is a device that provides stable operation of both wired and wireless connections.

In the segment of mid-range routers, preference should be given to buying the ASUS RT-AC57U model, which has an optimal combination of price / quality and contains many functions that are typical even for high-end routers.

Of the high-end routers, it is worth buying the TP-LINK Archer AX6000 model, which has class 6 WiFi, 8 1 Gb / s LAN ports and functionality that allows you to solve any problems of providing access to the global network.