Which will provide a good signal and not overpay for unnecessary features? We are interested in whether there is a difference between devices that differ significantly in price.

The power of a router does not only depend on the number of antennas

Let's find out how to choose a device for an apartment or a cottage, which of the routers on the market are the most powerful. In addition, it is advisable to consider several price categories so that you can choose a modem by optimal price and appropriate quality.

• Antenna and radius of coverage are perhaps the most important parameters for any device that provides wireless communication with the World Wide Web.

There are two types of antennas - built-in and external. In most cases, external antennas provide a better signal and therefore a greater range in the home. A significant advantage will be the ability to change the antenna or add a few additional details to increase the signal coverage area - this is especially important for apartments with a large number of rooms and country houses.

• Wi-Fi standards and router speed - it is desirable that the modem supports the 802.11n standard, and for high Internet speed, you need to choose a device with the same or higher speed than the one provided by your provider.

• Brand - the priority will be to choose a router from a well-known developer. Why shouldn't you buy a “nameless” router? Its work is more likely to have problems, it may freeze, or the connection will be unstable. One more important point- it is easier to update the firmware on devices of popular brands, which is regularly improved and released for each individual model. New firmware makes the operation of the router high-quality and uninterrupted, protects against malfunctions.

Rating of the most powerful Wi-Fi routers

Not everyone can afford the most expensive Wi-Fi modem with many functions and powerful "stuffing", but in different price categories there are remarkable models that differ from other routers in quality, fast work and fully justify their cost.

Affordable good quality routers

• TP-LINK TL-WR740N- this is a simple but powerful model with excellent functionality: speeds up to 150 Mbps are enough for active home use of the Internet, the device supports the most popular data transfer protocols - PPPoE, dynamic and static IP. It has a built-in network filter to protect against viruses and attacks, an external antenna is provided for signal distribution, which will provide a large coverage area.

• TP-Link TL-WR841ND- another excellent router of the specified brand, it provides two removable antennas, the range of which is 270 m.The device supports Internet speeds up to 300 Mbit / s, there are 4 LAN format ports for connecting other computers and creating a local home network.

• Zyxel Keenetic- the function of 3G-Internet is provided, the device has an additional USB connector. It has 2 detachable antennas. With a router, you can use interactive television IPTV.

Powerful mid-range routers

• Zyxel Keenetic Giga 2- costs about 3.5-4 thousand rubles, supports speeds up to 300 Mbps, has gigabit Ethernet ports and 2 USB ports. It has a powerful processor and 2 detachable antennas, which will easily provide a good coverage area. Wi-Fi signal in the House.

• Asus RT-N56U- although this router has built-in antennas, this is not reflected in the signal quality. The router operates in 2 frequency bands - standard 2.4 and more powerful 5 GHz. Supports all current communication protocols, there is an IPTV function, and several users can simultaneously use the high-speed 3G Internet. The average price of the device is about 4.5 thousand rubles.

• Xiaomi Mi Wi-Fi mini- this model is attractive not only internally, but also externally - yes big choice color solutions of the router, which will appeal to those who love bright colors. Internal filling is represented by two frequency bands 2.4 and 5 GHz, for each of them there is a separate external antenna. Thanks to the 802.11n protocol, the router can operate at a very high speed - up to 1167 Mbps. The price fluctuates around 3.3 thousand rubles.

The most powerful routers costing from 5 thousand rubles

• Asus RT-N66U- the model will cost you about 7 thousand rubles, but it will fully justify its cost. It has three detachable powerful antennas that will provide good coverage of the entire area of ​​the house. As usual in flawless devices, it has two frequency ranges, and develops a connection speed of up to 900 Mbps. It has a rich filling, many functions, including the ability to create a separate guest network, parental control, traffic dispatcher and others. This is a really powerful router, and also attractive and practical in appearance; unlike many devices, this router has a matte finish.

• Asus RT-AC87U- the top router for the home among all the products of this brand and similar devices from other developers, it costs about 15 thousand rubles, but it can be confidently called the most powerful Wi-Fi router for the home. Judge for yourself - four detachable antennas are capable of creating a coverage area of ​​up to 465 square meters. Moreover, it has a record maximum Internet connection transmission speed - up to 2334 Mbps. Inside the stylish case, which will not leave anyone indifferent, there is a 2-core processor - it will ensure stable and fast operation of the device. It is not even worth mentioning several frequency ranges, protocol support and the presence of a USB port - the router has everything to rightfully be considered the best among the other existing models.

Depending on the price and your needs, thanks to this rating, you can choose a router that will provide a high-quality Internet connection via a wireless Wi-Fi technology... All of the above models will allow you to create a large signal coverage area that will cover the entire area of ​​your apartment, house or cottage.

Today every family has a lot of computer equipment in the house. This includes computers, laptops and other gadgets. All of them must be connected to the worldwide network. This can be done over a wire that comes from the provider's router to your apartment. But then only one device will be connected to the Internet, the rest will not be able to access the network. In order to rectify the situation, a Wi-Fi router is bought, which can be used both at home and in a small company.

A router is a device that allows split the signal, coming over one cable, thanks to which, it will distribute the Internet to all home equipment. Which is better and what the routers consist of will be discussed below.

How to choose a Wi-Fi router

Now let's move on to the main questions - how to choose the right router for an apartment, house or other premises.

Routers are classified according to different parameters. They can include one wan port that connects the router and external Internet and an antenna for distributing Wi-Fi. Either one wan port for connecting to an external network, several lan ports for connecting home or office computers to the network via cable and Wi-Fi distribution.

The most common - routers withEthernet ports. Distributed everywhere. Used for RJ45 connection.

ADSLrouters connected to a laptop via a telephone line. Although, it is correct to call this kind of device modems with built-in routing function. The telephone cable first goes to such a modem, and then from it to the computer. In this case, you will not be able to connect the Internet cable directly to a computer or other device. The RJ11 standard is used.

And also besides stationary routers there are mobile, wireless routers. The connection takes place via a SIM card, and the built-in battery allows them to work even where there is no power supply. Portable Wi-Fi routers are convenient for laptop owners and those who are constantly on the road. On this moment support 3g, 4g networks. 5g is just around the corner, so it's only a matter of time before it is supported.

At the moment, special routers for connecting optical fiber with Wi-Fi are firmly included in the turnover. The data transfer speed in such devices is much higher than over a simple cable.

Baud rate

The data transfer rate depends on the standard used in the device. There are several types of standards:

• 802.11a- the speed of such a device will be equal to 54 Mb / s.
• 802.11 b- 11 Mb / s.
• 802.11 g- compatible with b. 54 Mbps
• 802.11 n- 150 Mb / s.

Most often, modern routers use mixed standard 802.11 bgn. It allows routers and computers operating on different standards to automatically switch between them. This is for the convenience of the user.

Power and range

These routers operate at 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. Of course, a router that transmits information at a frequency of 5 GHz will have a longer range. Now almost all transmitting devices are tuned to the 2.4 GHz frequency. Therefore, the broadcast in high-rise buildings at this frequency is fully occupied. Routers with co-frequency... They can operate at both 2.4 and 5 GHz.

These dual-band routers work like regular wi-fi devices, but only at two frequencies. This means that when he sees a 5 GHz device, he will connect it to the network, in fact, like a device that receives a 2.4 GHz frequency.

Additional interfaces

Many routers today are equipped with additional interfaces... These include LAN and USB.

LAN is used to connect to one local network and gain access to the Internet for devices that do not have a Wi-Fi receiving antenna. They usually include stationary computers no wifi board.

InterfaceUSB it is supposed to get the Internet from 3g, 4g modems, when access via WAN cable is not possible.

Hardware component

Physically, the router consists of motherboard, on which the processor, random access memory, ROM, controllers for managing wired and wireless networks are located. As well as USB, LAN, WAN interfaces. It is worthwhile to carefully consider the choice of these parameters, otherwise the power of the device may not be enough for the current needs of the user.

Software capabilities

First of all important burglary protection networks. There is a built-in firewall for this. SystemIRTV allows you to view TV channels over the network. Many routers support torrent client... It also allows you to create an ftp server. This protocol built on a client-server system.

The more functions a gadget has, the greater the load on it. Therefore, it is best to purchase with a minimum of features, but the best network reception.

Manufacturers and price

Among the many brands, it is worth noting those that are distinguished by quality and are very popular:

• Routers firmsTP Link... This company manufactures devices with advanced functionality. It also provides its users with the ability to create virtual servers. Parental controls and traffic limiting are also provided. The cost varies from 1,500 to 15,000 rubles for flagships.
• D— link... The routers from this manufacturer support the IPTV protocol. In addition, there is parental control, all access points are supported, and Yandex.DNS content filtering is available. Such routers cost in the range from 1,500 for the budget and 12,300 rubles for the top-end.
• ZyXel produces powerful devices for receiving and transmitting data. Supports mixed connection standard. Almost all routers from this company have USB connectors for an additional modem, VPN support. The cost of a budget router is 3,000 rubles, a user can pay up to 18,000 rubles for a flagship.
• ASUS is famous for constantly introducing new trends into devices. It is quite suitable not only for home use, but also for offices of small companies. The price ranges from 4,000 to 15,000 rubles.

Which router to choose for your home

For use at home or in an apartment, it is recommended to choose company routers TP Link... The prices of such devices do not hit the consumer's pocket. The build quality is pleasing. It breaks quite rarely.

Asus in popularity are not inferior to TP Link. The price will be really higher, but the build quality is better. They have all modern data transmission standards. Possibility VPN creation the point only raises them in the eyes of advanced users.

Microtik suitable for those users who like to clearly prescribe the rules for interacting with the Internet. Routers are made of high quality plastic. The price will be more expensive than conventional routers, but the cost meets expectations. It is mainly used in small and large companies due to its great functionality. Houses are rarely used.

Rating of the best routers

Now let's look at the best Wi-Fi routers for home, apartment and private companies, which have earned only flattering user reviews.

Microtik hap lite

New model from the Latvian manufacturer. Its compact and stylish design sets it apart from other routers.

Advantages:

• Supports multiple providers.
• The antennas are hidden inside the case.
• Cheap.

Disadvantages:

Netgear r8500

The weight this router one and a half kilograms. Made from quality plastic. Receives data in four streams.

Has the following dignity:

• Four external and four internal antennas.
• Smart Connect technology.
• Gigabit Internet ports.

Disadvantages:

Asus RT AC 5300

A powerful Wi-Fi router with a futuristic design. There are two antennas on each side.

Advantages:

• Fastest data transfer, up to 300 Megabits per second.
• The presence of LAN ports.
• Supports all Wi-Fi standards.

Disadvantages:

TP Link Archer C7

Operates in the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. There is a USB for the printer. Provides the user with speeds up to 2 gigabits per second. At the moment, no other provider provides this speed, but for local network just right.

• Supports LTE.
• High speed.
• Stylish.

Sitecom Greyhound

Supports all standards, mixed and new AC at speeds up to 6 gigabits per second.

Advantages:

• High performance.
• Convenient settings.
• High speed.

Disadvantages:

TP Link TL WR841N

Budget Wi-Fi router. The cost is up to 1,500 rubles. Manufacturer China.

Advantages:

• Low cost.
• Simple setup.
• Good reception and distribution.

Disadvantages:

Zyxel Keenetic Ultra II

A simple and cheap mid-range router. Supports VPN, Bridge Mode, LTE Modem.

Advantages:

• The ability to save information to a connected external drive.
• Supports 5 GHz frequency.

Disadvantages:

Apple Time capsule 2tb me 177

This is a device with built-in hard disk by two terabytes. Works in two bands. Can be used as a file server. Manufacturer Taiwan.

Advantages:

• Built-in storage.
• Unusual design.
• Stability of data transmission.

Disadvantages:

Synology RT 2600AC

More suitable for system administrators medium-sized offices. It has enhanced security function. A hardware acceleration mechanism is also present. Works in two bands.

Advantages:

• Filtering traffic.
• Powerful processor.
• Simple controls.

Disadvantages:

Netgear orbi rbk 50

Has an unusual case. Provides a stable connection over long distances. The housing contains six internal antennas.

Advantages:

• Large radius of action.
• Stability of information transfer.

Disadvantages:

To facilitate the choice, we suggest comparing the main characteristics of the devices:

Model	Standard	Wan / Lan speed, Mb / s	USB ports	Cost, rub.
Microtik hap lite	802.11b / g / n	100/54	—	9 000
Netgear 8500	802.11 ac	1000/1000	2	26 000
Asus RT AC 5300	802.11 ac	1000/2000	2	22 000
TP Link Archer C7	802.11 ac	1000/1300	2	6 500
Sitecom Greyhound	802.11 ac	1000/1750	2	18000
TP Link TL WR841N	802.11 q	300/300	—	1090
Zyxel Keenetic Ultra II	802.11 ac	1000/1000	2	9 100
Apple Time capsule 2tb me 177	802.11 ac	1000/3000	2	17 000
Synology RT 2600AC	802.11 ac	800/1733	—	20 000
Netgear orbi rbk 50	802.11 ac	1700/3000	—	25000

The feasibility of choosing a router depends on several factors. These are its software and hardware characteristics, reliability of operation, durability and also from where and how it will be used. Our review includes the best Wi-Fi routers for the home according to experts and users, there are also models that are suitable for the office, and we also included portable models for travel when the main source of Internet traffic is not available.

We have conventionally divided the models into three parts, each of which will be able to interest a certain group of buyers:

• Network routers for home use;
• Multifunctional routers for offices;
• Portable access points for networking mobile operators(4G and 3G).

TOP-10: Rating of the best Wi-fi routers for home models of 2020 according to experts

Name	Standard wireless network	Speed ​​(WAN / LAN)	Availability of WAN / LAN ports and their number	Device price (in rubles)
TP-Link Archer C7 AC1750	802.11 a / b / g / n / ac	1000/1730 Mbps	1/4	5400-7000
Netgear N750	802.11b / g / n	1000/750 Mbps	1/4	3500-5000
Asus RT N66U N900	802.11b / g / n	1000/900 Mbps	1/4	7000-8000
Asus RT-AC88U	802.11 a / b / g / n / ac	1000/2130 Mbps	1/8 (2/7)	18500-21000
Synology RT2600AC	802.11 a / b / g / n / ac	1000/1730 Mbps	2/4	19000-21000
802.11 a / b / g / n / ac	1000/1730 Mbps	1/3	27000-32000
Huawei E5330	802.11b / g / n	21/150 Mbps	—	3000-4200
TP-LINK M525	802.11b / g / n	21/150 Mbps	—	3000-4200
Huawei E5776	802.11b / g / n	100/450 Mbps	—	7500-8500
Google wifi	802.11 a / b / g / n / ac	1000/1730 Mbps	1/1	8000-8500

Top best Wi-fi routers for home

TP-Link Archer C7: the perfect choice in terms of price, reliability, quality

The router is recognized as the best home installation device by one of the most influential newspapers in the world - The New York Times. The router can distribute Internet traffic around the house in two ranges (5 and 2.4 Hz). Six antennas are responsible for the transmission: three external and three internal, each of the types of antennas is responsible for the operation of the device in one of the ranges.

The case is made of black plastic, on the bottom panel there are holes for attaching the router to the wall. When tested in real household conditions, it was possible to squeeze data transmission within the home network at speeds up to 550 Mbps: this is more than enough for simultaneous viewing of high-quality UHD video on multiple PCs.

Advantages of the model:

• Convenient to connect rear panel interfaces;
• Large coverage area;
• Intuitive and clear web interface for programmatic configuration;
• The ability to access from the outside using the "TP-Link Tether" program, to control the operation of the access point via a smartphone or tablet.

Disadvantages:

• Lack of radiators and cooling elements, in the heat it can overheat.

Customer feedback on the Archer C7: “The router is good. A bunch of necessary settings and capabilities, enough for me with my head. Regarding 5 GHz: of course it’s good, but don’t pay attention to large antennas. The signal can sink much more than 2.4 GHz. ”

Netgear N750: stylish and functional

Wi Fi router "Netgear N750"

The router looks impressive - the glossy black body looks attractive and beautiful. The model can be installed in several ways: there is a stand for vertical placement, feet for horizontal installation and connectors for wall mounting. Control keys and indicators are located on the front and rear panels.

The internal wireless network operates in two bands: 5 and 2.4 Hz. The absence of external antennas does not affect the quality of the coverage. During the test, the router confidently transmitted a signal to a computer located behind four walls.

Advantages of the model:

• High-quality signal transmission within the network;
• Convenient and functional web interface for settings.

Disadvantages:

• Slow operation of the built-in software.

Asus RT N66U N900: powerful and compact

Wi Fi router "Asus RT N66U N900"

The case of the classic black color was made, unlike the models of most competitors, of easy-to-clean glossy plastic, on which there are practically no traces. In the lower right corner top panel there are eight LEDs that are responsible for indicating the operation of the ports used and the modes of the wireless network. The bottom panel is densely covered with ventilation holes, the connection ports are located on the back cover of the case.

The router is equipped with three external antennas to enhance the dual band signal transmission over the internal network. The declared speed for the wireless mode is 900 Mbit / s, in real conditions it was possible to squeeze out no more than 420 Mbit / s.

Advantages of the model:

• Improved cooling system;
• Large wireless coverage area;

Disadvantages:

• Possible failures in signal transmission in places with third-party noise from other wireless networks.

Top best Wi-Fi routers for the office

Asus RT-AC88U: premium router

The model is positioned in an advertising company as a device for comfortable access to online games, but not every gamer will be able to pay for its cost. Due to the price, the access point will be a good purchase for large offices, since it can support the simultaneous operation of a large number of connected devices and provides uninterrupted access to the Internet: you can connect the lines of two providers to it, which will work in parallel.

Advantages of the model:

• Stable and powerful directional wireless signal transmission;
• Rich in features and well-thought-out built-in software firmware... It will allow you to control traffic, select priorities for transmission and configure different types intranet connections;
• The hardware filling guarantees stable network operation while several dozen users are connected at the same time.

Disadvantages:

• Price.

Synology RT2600AC: Reliable Data Transfer with High Security

A router from Synology will be a real boon for network administrators small offices... It transmits a dual band wireless signal, works flawlessly when permanent connection to it a large number of devices on the internal network and allows flexible and point-by-point software configuration. It also provides a mechanism for hardware acceleration of data transfer.

Smart WAN system will provide permanent access to the global network from two providers, and Smart function Connect will solve the issue of connecting wireless modules operating in different bands - 2.4 and 5 Hz: they can work simultaneously without interfering with each other.

Advantages of the model:

• Advanced software settings: filtering and traffic control, you can view what content was downloaded and from which device, block access to certain sites on an ongoing basis or for a specific time, cut or increase traffic speed when opening pages or applications from the Internet;
• High hardware performance provided by a powerful processor and a large amount of its own RAM;
• Simplified access control and management.

Disadvantages:

• High price.

Netgear Orbi RBK50 WiFi System: Wireless Router for Large Rooms

RBK50 network router is notable for being unusual appearance as well as the area of ​​the wireless signal: it provides a reliable Wi-Fi connection at a distance of 350 meters. This result was achieved using the included repeater. The booster signal amplifier communicates with the base point at 1.73 Mbps, so there is no need to worry about signal transmission delays.

Changing the area of ​​responsibility of devices during user movements occurs smoothly and without interruptions. The presence of six antennas built into the body will allow you to receive a stable signal even in rooms with a large number of internal partitions.

Advantages of the model:

• Huge radius of Wi-Fi network coverage;
• Reliable and stable signal transmission;
• Stylish design;

Disadvantages:

• Failures are possible when a large number of users are connected to the network at the same time;
• High price.

The best mobile (portable) routers

Huawei E5330: the smallest emergency router

The compact router does not take up much space: it can be completely hidden in the palm of an adult. On the top cover of the rectangular case with rounded edges, there are indicators that show information about the signal strength of the signal from the provider and the signal level of the internal Wi-Fi networks... The cover is removable; under it, the battery occupies almost the entire internal area. By removing the battery, you can get access to install the operator's SIM card mobile communications.

Despite its diminutive size, this router is capable of working with a dozen internal devices simultaneously.

Advantages of the model:

• The presence of an LCD display for visual control of the operation of the router;
• Guaranteed stable performance with multi-streaming connections;
• Small size of the device.

Disadvantages:

• Overpriced for a model in this market segment;
• Does not support 4G and LTE;
• There is no adapter for simultaneous connection multiple SIM cards.

TP-LINK M5250: a mobile router at an affordable price

The M5250 mobile access point will delight you with its low cost, reliability and long service life. The sturdy body and low weight will help to avoid damage due to drops from low heights. Stably transmits wireless signal and catches the mobile operator's network. Unfortunately, you can only charge the router battery from devices with USB port, its own power supply unit is not provided.

Also, the function of connecting a router as a modem via a USB cable is not provided, although this feature, due to the charging method, would not be difficult to integrate.

Advantages of the model:

• Reliability of wireless signal transmission;
• Stable connection to the operator's network;
• Low price;

Disadvantages:

• Not included charger for a conventional electrical network;
• Works only in 3G networks of operators.

Huawei E5776: versatile and portable 3G / 4G router

The device, compact in size, is made of non-marking plastic. The top panel contains a liquid crystal screen, which displays information about the parameters of the access point in the operator's network and data on signal transmission within the wireless connection zone.

To install a SIM card, a hole is provided on one of the side panels, protected by a plug. Next to it there is a slot for installing a memory card: data from it will be available to everyone who uses the internal network. Provides stable Wi-Fi signal transmission to ten devices connected at the same time.

Advantages of the model:

• A full battery charge lasts for ten hours;
• Stable wireless signal transmission;
• Compatible with the network of any mobile operator.

Disadvantages:

• Marked case;
• Minimum equipment: no charger.

Google Wi-fi: the smartest router on the planet

Among best models wireless routers, separately out of rating and competition, I would like to note one of the most innovative devices created by designers and engineers at Google. It looks unusual and beautiful, has a stable signal transmission and has impressive functionality. There are kits on the market that include one or three connection points. Each individual access point provides communication at a distance of 115 meters. The router operates in two standard ranges - 2.4 and 5 Hz.

Advantages of the model:

• Unique design;
• Understandable primary software setting taking minimal time;
• Availability of software that allows you to control a "smart" home.

Disadvantages:

• Overcharge;
• Lack of USB port.

How to choose a router to buy?

All of these models have the main necessary quality that is important for any user - it is stable reception of Internet traffic from the provider and reliable data transmission over a wireless network. And yet it is up to you to decide which router is best for buying, based on your preferences and financial capabilities.

There are many different network devices on the modern market, differing in price, speed, design, various additional functions... We will tell you about which router for home is better in 2019 - 2020. Price, characteristics, reviews, help for choosing - you will find all this in our material.

TOP 7 best routers for home

A router is a device required to connect computer networks into one, providing access to the Internet. Wondering which home wifi router is better? We have prepared TOP-7 routers, including:

• Tenda N301;
• TP-LINK TL-WR841N;
• Mikrotik RB931-2nD;
• ASUS RT-AC51U;
• Zyxel Keenetic GIGA III;
• ASUS RT-AC66U;
• TP-LINK Archer C3150.

Let's move on to an overview of each model.

Tenda N301

The compact router guarantees a stable wi-fi signal. The model is made in a stylish, white case, equipped with two antennas and three LAN ports. Features: presence of a demilitarized zone (DMZ), VPN pass through function.

Wi-Fi standards	802.11 b / g / n
Frequency range	2.4 GHz
MAX speed	300 Mbps
Connection security	WPA2, WEP, WPA
Base speed	100 Mbps

The device will cost 850 rubles.

pros

• connection speed;
• 2 antennas and 3 LAN ports;
• large coverage area (it catches well in any corner of a two-story house).

Minuses

• no shutdown button and wall-mountable.

Not a bad model, updated instead of the old tplink 741. The difference is palpable, the signal throughout the apartment is maximum. The router itself is installed in the corner of the room under the table. Breaks through all the walls. Connected in a few seconds. More than satisfied with the purchase, good price / quality ratio. I advise.

A video review of the router is presented below.