Shopping for a wireless router can be overwhelming. Of course, there are factors you must consider when choosing a new device for your family.
You should think about the specs and your family size. Do you have a big house or small apartment?
Next, you should consider how much you’re willing to pay.

What is your budget? Is your household made up of gamers or streamers?
It’s easy to see how overwhelming it can get. That’s why we’ve taken the time to write a review of the best routers of 2017.
In these next few sections, we’ve provided an in-depth review. Our top choices vary based on range, coverage area, security, streaming speeds, and warranties.
By reading this article, you’re guaranteed to find the best router for your situation. So, why don’t you go ahead and take a peek at our top wireless choices? You’ll be thrilled with what you find.
Best Wi-Fi Routers 2017
First, to help you choose your perfect home network router, we’ve composed a handy comparison table of our top choices. We’ve compared each of our favorite Wi-Fi devices by dimension, size, number of antennas, port types, and support channels. Hopefully, this comparison table will help you choose and buy the best all-around wireless router for your family.
Device Name | Supports | Antennas | Ports | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Synology RT1900ac | 802.11 ac/n/g/a/b | External (3) | LAN (4) WAN (1) 2.0 (1) 3.0 (1) | Check Price |
TP-Link AC1900 Long | 802.11 a/c | External (3) | Ethernet Gigabit (4) WAN (1) 2.0 (1) 3.0 (1) | Check Price |
ASUS RT-AC88U Wireless-AC3100 (Best for Gaming) | 802.11 ac/n/g/a/b | External (4) | LAN (8) WAN (1) 2.0 (1) 3.0 (1) | Check Price |
ASUS RT-ACRH13 | 801.11 a/c | External (4) | Ethernet Gigabit (3) 3.0 (1) | Check Price |
NETGEAR Orbi AC3000 | 802.11bgn 802.11 a/g/n/ac | n/a | LAN (7) | Check Price |
TP-Link AC1200 (Best Under $50) | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac | External (2) | Ethernet Gigabit (4) 2.0 (1) | Check Price |
NETGEAR AC1750 | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac | External (3) | Ethernet Gigabit (4) 2.0 (1) 3.0 (1) | Check Price |
TRENDnet AC2600 MU-MIMO | 802.11 a/c, 802.11 a/b/g/n | External (4) | Ethernet Gigabit (5) 3.0 (2) | Check Price |
Linksys AC1900 | 801.11 a/c | External (3) | Ethernet Gigabit (4) 2.0 (1) 3.0 (1) | Check Price |
Linksys EA6350 (Best Value) | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac | External (2) | Ethernet Ports(4) 3.0 (1) | Check Price |
So, we’ve compared our top choices based on dimension, size, number of antennas, port types, and support channels. Of course, we first chose to look at each unit’s size and dimension. This is because their size and dimension can provide a better idea of how much space it might take up. Then we looked at the number of antennas. This helped to determine the machine’s range. Finally, we compared our choices by channels and port types. This is helped us identify each’s overall performance. Here are the list of the routers that we think are the best for the most common situations.
1. Synology RT1900ac -Best for Small Business
First on our list is the Synology RT1900ac. The Synology RT1900ac works on both 2.4GHz and 5GHz networks for faster speeds of up to 1900 Mbps. Utilizing Beamforming Technology, this unit can support at least six different items at once. Its fast speeds guarantee a lag-free experience which is important when watching videos or downloading files. It also comes with Intelligent Web Filtering which uses advanced technology to block dangerous websites. Also, it features parental controls to block out thousands of unwanted, dangerous, or simply inappropriate sites. Also, you can use the parental controls to schedule when your children or, even your employees, can access the internet.
The Synology RT1900ac features an Application Layer QoS or Quality of Service. This continuously keeps you aware of how much bandwidth has been consumed by your home network via your smartphones. You can also install the Router’s App onto your Android. By doing this, you can change the item’s settings, install updates, and monitor traffic from anywhere in the world. Its handy Download Station lets you download and search for dozens of files at the same time.
Unfortunately, it is a little bit disappointing that the Synology RT1900ac doesn’t come with a product warranty. However, it does come with a 30-day money back guarantee which is helpful.
This product has a short range compared to our other top 10 choices. Its middling file-transfer is a bit slow, as well.
Thankfully, this router features and specs three external antennas for a wider bandwidth and range. And with his Remote Authentication Dial-in User Service, or RADIUS, it protects the wireless network from intruders. Overall, this item is easy-to-use and even easier to set-up.
- sRADIUS
- Application Layer QoS
- Router app for your Android
- Download Station
- Intelligent Web Filtering
- Parental Controls
- No warranties
- Short range
- Slow middling file-transfer speeds
The Synology RT1900ac is a great option for any small business. It allows you to not only control who is accessing the wireless network but also when and what they can access. You can also keep track of the bandwidth speed from any location.
2. TP-Link AC1900 Wi-Fi Router -Best Router for Streaming Movies and Music
Next up on our list is the TP-Link AC1900 Wifi Router. The TP-Link AC1900 is a dual-band router capable of supporting 2.4GHz and 5 GHz WI-Fi channels. It features three detachable external antennas which provides a wider broadcasting range. Also, this comes with four Gigabit Ethernet ports, as well as, one WAN ports for a direct Ethernet Connection. Overall, it can download up to 1900 Mbps with its dual-band channels. This provides faster and constant downloading speeds for watching videos and movies online, such as Netflix, YouTube, and Hulu.
The TP-Link AC1900 Wi-Fi Router features Beamforming Technology. Beamforming Technology helps your antennas locate and focus on Wi-Fi signals for faster and more direct results. This means that you can download movies and music anywhere in the vicinity of your building. Also, its additional 3.0 USB port and 2.0 USB port lets you share videos, photos, music, and more quickly and effortlessly. This unit also comes with a TP-Link Tether app which can be downloaded on both an Android or iOS. The TP-Link Tether app lets you set the item’s schedule, settings, and guest privileges via your smartphone or tablet.
The downside to the TP-Link AC1900 is that it has limited storage space. Because of this, it tends to slow down after the first system update. It doesn’t have a VPN server and, also, it tends to drop signals.
With its strong Wi-Fi signal, the TP-Link AC1900 is an excellent router that provides amazing results. It’s a good option for apartments. Amazingly, it can easily support multiple household machines, such as computers, tablets, Netflix, and more.
So, if you’re excited to watch Game of Thrones via the HBO app, then you’ll need this to get perfect, lapse-free, episodes. Also, TP-Link’s manufacturer provides 24/7 technical support for convenience.
- 2-year warranty
- Perfect for viewing movies
- TP-Link Tether App
- Detachable Ethernet Antennas
- Drops signals
- No VPN server
- Limited storage space
The TP-Link AC1900 provides an excellent bandwith range for streaming. Also, it’s a great option for both a small or big household. It produces an even stronger Wi-Fi signal than many others on our list. If you’re looking for the best router for binge-watching your favorite shows, then you should give this item a second glance.
3. ASUS RT-AC88U - Best All-Around Router for Gaming
The ASUS RT-AC88U Wireless-AC3100 is compatible with both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz channels. Using modern 802.11ac technology, it’s capable of supporting up to 3,167 Mbps. It’s the best router for gaming online. Furthermore, his eight LAN ports provides a stronger Wi-Fi signal while gaming. The router also features a 1.4 GHz processor that’s capable of saving 512 MB worth of memory. Its four external antennas provide a wider range inside and outside your house. Not to mention, it comes with AiRadar Beamforming technology which guarantees stronger, more contestant Wi-Fi connectivity.
The ASUS RT-AC88U Wireless-AC3100 feature Multi-User MIMO Technology. This means that it can easily support and sustain multiple signals. It also comes with AiProtection which provides various levels of protection to prevent and guard against malicious activity. If you live in a gamer-household, then you’re guaranteed to love this router. No matter the number of game consoles in your building, the ASUS RT-AC88U Wireless-AC3100 can provide excellent coverage area for each gamer device.
First off, the ASUS RT-AC88U Wireless-AC3100 is one of our more expensive choices. While it’s not the costliest on our list, it does cost a pretty penny. It also features a slow file transferring speed which is frustrating. This machine also has an average NAS performance.
The ASUS RT-AC88U Wireless-AC3100 provides impressive MIMO capability. It also comes with an ASUS Router App which allows you to change the settings from anywhere in your home.
Overall, this handy item is a great product that provides excellent bandwidth.
- 2-year warranty
- Great MIMO Capabilities
- Four detachable external antennas
- Multi-User MIMO Technology
- AiProtection
- Pretty expensive unit
- Slow file transferring speed
- Average NAS Performance
The ASUS RT-AC88U Wireless-AC3100 is the best router for any avid gamer; especially if you need multiple wired and wireless connections within your coverage area.
4. ASUS RT-ACRH13 - Best Router for Sharing Files, Videos, and Photos
Next on our list is the ASUS RT-ACRH13. The ASUS RT-ACRH13 is a dual-band router that’s capable of supporting up to 1267 Mbps. This is because it can support 5GHz channels with speeds of up to 867 Mbps and 2.4GHz with speeds of up to 400 Mbps. It has four detachable external motors which extend your unit’s range. It features USB 3.0 port which allows you to upload and download files, photos, and videos directly.
The ASUS RT-ACRH13 features the ASUS Router app. Moreover, this app can be downloaded to your smartphone, tablet, and Android. It also provides the ability to control the appliance and change its settings from almost any location. This unit features a 128MB Memory which provides the ability to download simultaneously and stream videos on multiple wired devices. It comes equipped with MU-MIMO Technology which also helps support multi-use connectivity amongst your home network. Overall, the ASUS RT-ACRH13 is a great unit for both occasional and constant usage.
It’s important to mention that the ASUS RT-ACRH13 doesn’t have the best range. Also, its streaming speed is a bit slow compared to many other units on our list. It’s not the easiest to set up, and it might not be a great option for a devoted gamer.
The ASUS RT-ACRH13 is the second cheapest router on our list. It provides consistent coverage in both small and large homes. This unit is easy to set-up and even easier to maintain. It also comes with 4 LAN Gigabit Ethernet Ports along with its USB 3.0 port.
- Four detachable external antennas
- ASUS App
- 128MB memory
- MU-MIMO Technology
- Poor range
- Slow speeds
- Hard to set-up
- Not ideal for a devoted gamer
We felt that the ASUS RT-ACRH13 was a decent machine for many multi-streaming households. Although its speeds were a bit disappointing, it can easily support multiple devices without dropping a signal.
5. NETGEAR Orbi AC3000 - Best for a Full Home Coverage
Next, we’ll look at the NETGEAR Orbi AC3000. The NETGEAR Orbi AC3000 comes with two Orbi Wi-Fi Satellites for wider home network coverage. How it works is simple: you place the first and second satellites on opposite sides and levels of your building. The two satellites communicate with each other, sharing data information without losing speed. This way, you’re guaranteed constant Wi-Fi signals with no dead zones anywhere in your house.
What’s great about this is that, for homeowners, it’s easy to set-up and it doesn’t even require a Wi-Fi account. This means no need for a Wi-Fi name/password to set-up the router.
You can also add other Orbi Satellites to extend the range. By adding one or two satellites, you can cover both the interior and exterior of your entire home. There’s really no limits to the Orbi’s range and bandwidth.
The NETGEAR Orbi AC3000 uses tri-band Wi-Fi technology for managing multiple Wi-Fi connections at once. It features a range of 5,000 square feet, and it can also place Orbi Satellites outdoors. This means that you can stream movies and music besides your pool or on your patio.
It also features advanced MU-MIMO technology for juggling and managing data streams throughout your home. It’s honestly the best option for a big house.
The NETGEAR Orbi AC3000 is one of our most expensive choices. Also, it doesn’t come with either USB 3.0 or USB 2.0 ports. This means that you can’t directly upload or stream files or photos. Also, it’s extra network is significantly slower than the primary home network.
The NETGEAR Orbi AC3000 has the ability to set-up a separate network. Its guest network is accessible by visitors and guests. It also helps to protect whatever sensitive information may be stored on your primary home network. The Orbi satellites feature Voice Controls when paired with Amazon Echo and Alexa. This way you can easily control the satellite from the comfort of your couch or building. It also features a downloadable Orbi app for your smartphone, tablet, and computer. It’s the perfect solution for device-heavy households.
- Voice Controls
- Orbi App
- 5,000 square-foot range
- Tri-band Wi-Fi technology
- MU-MIMO Technology
- Now USB 3.0 or USB 2.0 ports
- Expensive
We were pretty happy with the NETGEAR Orbi AC3000. If you have an apartment or small home, it may be a bit more than what you need. But for someone in a two-story building, this machine would be perfect. It can even handle ranchero and mansion-style homes.
6. TP-Link AC1200 - Best Under $50
The TP-Link AC1200 is a dual-band router which can support both 2.4 GHz channels and 5GHz channels. It’s build with four Ethernet ports for a faster ethernet connection. You easily connect your game item or laptop to the router for high-bandwidth results. Not to mention, his two detachable external antennas provide wider Wi-Fi coverage for your house or apartment. Its QoS provides the ability to control bandwidth and assign it to various household machines connected to your home network. And it can easily be found for less than $50.
The TP-Link AC1200 has a single core processor which can easily support multiple signals attached to your home network. This means that the hectic Wi-Fi traffic that would jam and slow your home network won’t have any effect on this machine. The TP-Link AC1200 is the perfect option for checking your mail, stream your Netflix, sharing videos, files, and photos. Also, it provides an intuitive Mobile Interface which allows you to change the unit’s setting via the TP-LINK Tether app. If you’re looking for a budget router, you can download the TP-LINK Tether app onto any tablet, smartphone, and Android.
Honestly, the TP-Link AC1200 is a bit of a lackluster product. It’s capable of supporting perhaps three or four devices at once, but not more than that. It has a limited range, which makes a preferable option for an individual with an apartment or a small home. Also, this router tends occasional drop signals.
Impressively, the TP-Link AC1200 has a lifetime of convenient, 24/7 service with no cost. This includes setup assistance and technical support. Impressively, it’s the cheapest machine on our list, making it the most affordable router of 2017.
- Perfect for sharing videos, files, and photos
- TP-LINK Tether App
- Intuitive Mobile Interface
- Cheapest router on our list
- Multiple Gigabit Ethernet Ports
- Doesn’t have the greatest signal
- Limited range
- Best for a small apartment or building
- Tends to drop signals
The TP-Link AC1200 is a good unit for a small dorm. However, its range and wi-fi connectivity reliability are a bit disappointing. But, it is the cheapest router on our list. So, in a sense, you get what you pay for.
7. NETGEAR AC1750 – Best Design
Incredibly, the NETGEAR AC1750 is capable of supporting speeds of up to 1750 Mbps. Also, it’s equipped with three external detachable antennas for a wider network range. It features both USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 ports for directly sharing files. This router is a great unit for any small business or house due to its constant speeds and reliable connectivity. Its ReadyCLOUD USB feature allows you to access personal cloud information via USB storage.
The NETGEAR AC1750 features a NETGEAR Genie App. Its NETGEAR Genie App provides the ability to control and manage the machine’s settings from anywhere in the world. Incredibly, this unit can also support up to twelve different Wi-Fi signals anywhere in your dorm or business. It comes equipped with Advanced QoS Technology for watching movies and listening to music.The NETGEAR AC1750 Separate Network is slower than the primary network. It’s a bit bigger than many other routers on our list. This means that it might take up quite a bit of space in your home or office. Also, it can sometimes drop signals.
The NETGEAR AC1750 comes with a Separate Network. Any visitor or guest can access its Separate Network to your house or business. It also helps to protect your secure and sensitive information.
Finally, it features Secure WIFI Connections which provide critical levels of wireless security. The NETGEAR AC1750 is one of our best wireless security routers when it comes to protecting and securing sensitive information.
- Secure WIFI Connections
- ReadySHARE Printing
- Advanced QoS Technology
- NETGEAR Genie App
- ReadyCLOUD USB
- Can drop signals
- Big, bulky unit
- Separate Network is slower than the primary network
The NETGEAR AC1750 has a lot of potential as a small business router. Its high-levels of security help it to stand out on our list. If its signal speeds were better, then it could have rated higher on our list.
8. TRENDnet AC2600 MU-MIMO – Best for Cramped Apartments
If you live in a small apartment rather than a big house, the TRENDnet AC2600 MU-MIMO is a good choice to consider. Indeed, his four external detachable antennas for a decent broadcast range and high-bandwidth. So, you don’t need to splurge on a big router that covers a huge amount of space.
Also, it features a 1.4 GHz dual-core processor for faster speeds when listening to music and viewing movies. So, while it’s range is a bit small, it’s still capable of supporting multiple signals at once. This is due to its MU-MIMO Technology which is perfect for any gaming or Netflix household. Its Extreme Wi-Fi provides quad-streaming with high-bandwidth streams. Also, its StreamBoost feature limits and prevents lag, dropped signals, and stutters.
The TRENDnet AC2600’s dual-band quad-stream is capable of supporting up to 1,733 Mbps and 800 Mbps. Its Traffic Shaping technology lets you allocate and assign the amount of bandwidth provided per Wi-Fi appliance. Also, it provides File Sharing Management Controls which help to optimize BitTorrent Sharing. It maximizes the bandwidth and speeds for iTunes Server Streams and Samba (SMB) Servers. The TRENDnet AC2600 features a decent wireless range preferable for a dorm or apartment. It’s a great option for anyone looking for constant, reliable usage without lag or dropped signals. However, anyone with a large home may be a bit disappointed with this router.
The TRENDnet AC2600 hasn’t had a firmware update since its original launch. Its MU-MIMO technology is a little disappointing compared to others on our list. Also, its level of security is weak and unimpressive.
Overall, the TRENDnet AC2600 comes with five Ethernet ports and two USB 3.0 ports. Unfortunately, it doesn’t come with any USB 2.0 ports. Its data transfer rates are roughly 2,600 Mbps, and it features a 90-day warranty. Of course, the warranty protects against defects in materials and workmanship. Overall, the TRENDnet AC2600 is a great machine that can handle constant, massive usage times.
- Extreme Wi-Fi
- Four External Detachable Antennas
- File Sharing Management Controls
- Traffic Shaping Technology
- StreamBoost
- Poor security
- No recent firmware updates
- No USB 2.0 ports
The TRENDnet AC2600 is a simple style router. It’s not extremely expensive, nor is it very durable. However, it does its job, and it does its job well. You’ll be happy with the TRENDnet AC2600 in your apartment.
9. Linksys AC1900 Dual Band Wireless Router– Best for Large Homes
When you live in a multi-story or large home, in some areas that’s supposed to be covered by Wi-Fi, there are dead zones. The Linksys AC1900 Dual Band Wireless Router is capable of supporting speeds of up to 1.9 Gbps. Not to mention that the router’s Beamforming technology focuses on signal strength for faster speeds.
It’s the perfect option for a large household with high Wi-Fi traffic. The Linksys AC1900 is also capable of connecting with twelve computers, simultaneously. It also comes with three detachable external antennas for a wider Wi-Fi range. The router also features four Ethernet ports, as well as, USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 ports. These ports provide the ability to quickly transfer files and photos by connecting your laptop directly to the appliance.
The Linksys AC1900 comes with the Linksys Smart Wi-Fi App. You can download the Linksys Smart Wi-Fi App to any Android, tablet, or smartphone. Moreover, this mobile app provides the ability to change the machine’s settings remotely and control your home network.
Like most Linksys products, the Linksys AC1900’s extra network is significantly slower than the primary network. This router also tends to drop signals. It would not be a good option for any serious gamer.
The Linksys AC1900 Dual Band features a Prioritization feature. This provides the ability to control the amount of bandwidth access for individual appliances. The devices that you feel are more important will be provided with extra speed and bandwidth for perfect service.
- Prioritization
- Linksys Smart Wi-Fi App
- Tends to drop signals
- Not a great option for a gaming
- Slow speeds
The Linksys AC1900 is an excellent router and affordable option for a large home. Its slower speeds might limit it from working with any gaming family. However, it would be a good option for almost anything else.
10. Linksys EA6350– Best Value
Last on our list is the Linksys EA6350. The Linksys EA6350 comes with four Ethernet and a USB 3.0 port which allows direct file transfers and uploading. Its dual external antennas are detachable and extend your range, as well as, your bandwidth. You can also adjust the antennas for optimal range and streaming. This appliance is a dual-band router that can support both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz channels for faster, quicker streaming speeds.
The Linksys EA6350 features Beamforming Technology which allows the appliance to detect and connect with familiar devices automatically. Of course, this saves time and energy on having to locate the router’s signal and enter it the Wi-Fi name/password. Beamforming Technology also focuses the Wi-Fi signal for faster network speeds and high-bandwidth. This machine features quick and easy, CD-free set-up.
The downside to the Linksys EA6350 Wi-Fi Router is its transferring speeds. When transferring files or photos, you’ll want to directly connect your device to the router via an Ethernet port. This is because the file transfer speeds are somewhat slow and unimpressive. While this router is considered inexpensive, it is less durable than other products on our list. It also tends to overheat and shutdown.
Also, the Linksys EA6350 comes with a super helpful Linksys Smart Wi-Fi App. You can easily download this mobile app to any Android device, as well as, your smartphone, tablet, and computer. Moreover, you can use the app to monitor what websites your family is accessing online.
You can also use the app to change Parental Controls, as well as, to access Guest Networks. The app can also be used to set device prioritization. This guarantees that individual devices get more bandwidth than others, which prevents lag and dropped signals.
- Parental Controls
- Inexpensive option
- Less durable design
- Slow file transferring speeds
- Tends to overheat and shutdown
The Linksys EA6350 is an excellent option for streaming movies or playing games. It might not be the best choice for a building with multiple gaming devices and computers.
Single or Dual-Band? Which One to choose?
Single and dual-band routers differ in three particular ways: price, frequency, and usage. In this next section, we’ll be looking at how single-band and dual-bands vary.
Single-Band
Firstly, single-band uses 2.4GHz frequencies. They’re typically much cheaper than dual-bands. However, they tend to drop signals or lag. This is because other devices in your building pick-up radio signals can slow the item down. These devices include microwaves, Bluetooth, televisions, and cameras. Furthermore, single-band isn't as common as dual-band.
Dual-Band
So, dual-band picks up on both 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequencies. They are more expensive and way more popular than single-band. This is because the dual frequencies help to avoid lag and dropped signals. When the 2.4GHz channel slows down because of other radio devices, the router just switches to the 5GHz channel. This makes it a better choice for gamers, streamers, and, basically, everything.
Tri-Band
The next step from a dual-band is the tri-band. Tri-band use one 2.4GHz channel and two 5GHz channels. They’re less common than both dual and single-bands because most people feel like they’re just over-kill. To be honest, they work just as well as a dual-band.
Conclusion
So, are you feeling ready to pick out the perfect router for your situation? Nevertheless, our top 10 choices of wireless routers can fit almost any environment. Always remember first to consider what you need in an appliance If you need a router for a large home, a gamer, or a small business, then you’ll need a router with a strong signal.
Business routers should come with decent security and the ability to set-up a guest network. If you enjoy playing games or streaming Netflix, you’ll want a router with MU-MIMO Technology.
So, once you decide, take some time to write a review and tell us how it performed. Which wireless device did you choose to purchase? Did it come with Gigabit Ethernet ports? If it did, how did it perform with and without an Ethernet connection? Overall, how did you enjoy our review of the best routers of 2017?
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