Best Router 2021
Mar 2nd, 2021
Best Router 2021: The Fastest Routers for Home and Office
Stream, play and browse even faster with the best wireless routers of the moment. If you don’t want to worry about network problems, we recommend getting the best possible router. The models offered by the operators do their thing in basic use, but they are helplessly lacking if you want to expand the Wi-fi signal or take advantage of the best speeds. In addition, the better models have comprehensive features and better support more devices that seem to have accumulated in countless corners of every home. And for a reliable coverage of a larger space, you might want to check out mesh routers , which often have other handy features as well. Today, we spend almost our entire lives online, so a fast and stable network connection is an absolute prerequisite for a smooth everyday life and work. Whether you’re spending Netflix kits or PC games , you don’t want a weak internet connection to ruin your experience. However, a trip to the nearest electronics store will reveal how huge the options are in the market. That’s why we at TechRadar put together a list of the best routers for you right now to save your precious time.
What is a router?
A router is a device that is capable of transmitting a signal to all the devices that you have at home and that you want to connect to the Internet. The router has no connection to the telephone line or interprets the line as it is (which the modem does), but what it does is extend the signal to send it to all devices in the home: computer, television, mobile phone, wireless speaker.
What is happening, however, is that although routers did not initially have the ability to reverse the signal, modular and modular, today the most common thing is that we call the router devices that act as modems and routers at the same time. In other words, they have a built-in modem that allows us to connect them to a phone line and that can send a signal to all devices, whether it’s over cable or using a Wi-Fi network. These options are the best because they save us from two devices at home and cover all needs.
The best routers in a nutshell 2021
1. Google Nest Wifi
2. Asus ZenWiFi AX (XT8)
3. Asus RT-AX86U
4. Asus RT-AX58U
5. TP-Link Archer C5400 v2
6. Netgear Orbi Pro
7. Netgear Orbi AC2200 RBK23
8. TP-Link Deco M9 Plus
9. D-Link Covr-C1203
10. Eero Home Wi-Fi System
1. Google Nest Wifi
While the original Google Wifi was originally one of the best routers on the market, the corporate giant has indeed put a stub in its smart nest. After all, if you’re a smart home pioneer, you’ll fall in love with the newcomer to the Google Wifi line immediately. Google Nest Wifi goes a step further by combining the simple yet stylish design and performance of Google Wifi with the benefits of a smart speaker. In other words, you get the benefits of two devices in one device in an even more attractive and compact form. If you don't like white, you can also get the product in sand and gray. The end result, like Google Wifi, is one of the best routers on the market. Now you only get it with a speaker.
Specifications:
- • Speed: 802.11a / b / g / n / ac 2.4 GHz / 5 GHz simultaneous dual frequency
- • Connectivity: Two Gigabit Ethernet ports
- • Features: Advanced security chip, Nest Wifi point with Google Assistant, privacy settings
2. Asus ZenWiFi AX (XT8)
The Asus ZenWiFi AX (XT8) manages to bring a Wi-Fi 6 connection to your mesh router in a great way. Although it is one of the most expensive options on the market and there are only two base stations available, the Asus ZenWifi AX reaches top speeds with its flexible features. With great security features yet, it’s simply the best mesh Wi-Fi router on the market.
Specifications:
- • Speed: 802.11ax 4 804 Mbps
- • Connectivity: 2.5 Gigabit Wan, 3 x Gigabit LAN, 1 x Gigabit Wan, 1 x USB 3.1
- • Included base stations: 2
- • Features: MU-MIMO, Communication Monitoring, Adaptive QoS, AiProtection Pro
3. Asus RT-AX86U
Asus has traditionally specialized in quality gaming accessories, and the Asus RT-AX86U is no exception. This is our list as well as a selection of the most expensive options, but at the same time it is a very affordable Wi-Fi 6 router. Considering high-speed Wi-Fi 6, it is a very suitable solution especially for active gamers. It comes with a wealth of great gaming features, such as a 2.5 Gigabit Wan, the ability to dedicate an Ethernet port for gaming, and of course the NVIDIA Geforce Now Cloud Gaming Optimization familiar from the previous Asus RT-AS86U router. And if there is offspring in the economy, parental tools for parents are sure to be a nice extra feature.
Specifications:
- • Speed:: 802.11ax 5 700 Mbps download
- • Connections:: 4 x Gigabit LAN, Transfer Priority, Adaptive QoS WTFast Gamers Private Gigabit Wan, 2.5G Wan, 2 x USB 3.2
- • Features:: MU-MIMO, parental tools, communication prioritization, adaptive QoS WTFast Gamers Private Network
4. Asus RT-AX58U
Wi-Fi 6 is the spearhead of connections right now, though not a hassle-free one. Namely, better speeds, more reliable connections and a wider range are unnecessarily clearly reflected in the price. Fortunately, the Asus RT-AX58U is a pleasant exception, as its Recommended Price has been printed surprisingly down. The grand total is explained by the missing features and buses, but MU-MIMO and parental tools, for example, are still included. So if you want the best network solution without clearing your savings account, the Asus RT-AX58U is the recommended option.
Specifications:
- • Speed: Up to 3,000 Mbps download
- • Connections: 4 x RJ45 (LAN), 1 x RJ45 (WAN), USB 3.1
- • Features: MU-MIMO, Traffic Analysis, Adaptive QoS, WTFast Gamers Private Network
5. TP-Link Archer C5400 v2
If you’re looking for a high-end wireless router that looks like a 90s sci-fi movie set, the TP-Link Archer C5400 v2 is the perfect choice for you. It’s not as trendy as some mesh routers, but it’s a great prosumer option for consumers who crave extreme performance. Its appearance certainly shares opinions, but its powers are enough to cover even a larger home.
Specifications:
- • Speed: 802.11ac 5 GHz download: up to 2,167 Mbps, 2.4 GHz download: up to 1,000 Mbps
- • Connections: 4 x LAN, 1 x WAN, 1 x USB 3.0, 1 x USB 2.0
- • Features: MU-MIMO, Tri-band Wi-Fi, 8 external antennas, Alexa voice control
6. Netgear Orbi Pro
If you want to bring your office wireless network to modern times, the best option for the task is Netgear’s Orbi Pro. It is a modular mesh router, but it is designed for true professional use. Of course, the Pro also has a professional price, but it quickly pays for itself in work.
Specifications:
- • Speed: 802.11AC 3 Gbps
- • Connections: 1 x Gigabit WAN, 4 x Gigabit LAN
- • Features: Modular, modern design, easy deployment, traffic prioritization
7. Netgear Orbi AC2200 RBK23
When the Netgear Orbi originally hit the market, it completely changed our thinking about wireless routers. In 2021, the Netgear Orbi AC2200 RBK23 will be an even more affordable router that is also suitable for ordinary users. It has fewer antennas and ethernet ports than the original model, but the network still covers your entire home perfectly. Even smaller modules are now also easier to integrate into home décor.
Specifications:
- • Speed: 802.11ac 5 GHz Download: 68.8 Mbps
- • Connections: 2 Gigabit Ethernet ports per module
- • Features: Disney Circle Child Lock, Smartphone Deployment, Tri-Band, Modular
8. TP-Link Deco M9 Plus
Mesh routers are today's number one solution for home use. They offer significantly better range than any single router of the past. The TP-Link Deco M9 is a great example of a modern mesh router that combines a high-speed network connection and excellent range with a built-in smart hub that allows the router to be used to control smart living. The router is quite expensive, but it also offers a plethora of features and performance in return for a high price tag.
Specifications:
- • Speed: 5 GHz: up to 867 Mbps 2.4 GHz: up to 400 Mbps
- • Connections: 2 x Gigabit WAN / LAN, 1 x USB 2.0
- • Features: Tri-Band, Blind Spot Repair, Built-in smart hub, Built-in Antivirus, QoS, Parental controls
9. D-Link Covr-C1203
Want to jump into the mesh revolution, but the price of the options is awful? The solution could be D-Link's Covr-C1203. It’s not the fastest router on the market, but it offers coverage like Google Wifi at a much cheaper price. Its speeds are likely to be sufficient for all basic users and it is easy to hide small base stations out of sight.
Specifications:
- • Connections: 2.4 GHz: up to 300 Mbps; 5 GHz: up to 866 Mbps
- • Connections: 2 Gigabit Ethernet LAN ports per device
- • Features: MU-MIMO, child lock controls, intelligent network management, support for smart devices
10. Eero Home Wi-Fi System
If you’ve been looking for a wireless mesh router, but still want comprehensive adjustment resources to customize your network, you’ll fall in love with the Eero Home system. Sure, it’s more expensive than regular routers, but it allows full network management and a secure connection to artificial intelligence. The Eero Home system includes up to 1Password, MalwareBytes and Encrypt.me VPN subscriptions.
Specifications:
- • Speed: 802.11AC 1,300 Mbps
- • Connections: 2 x Gigabit WAN / LAN
- • Features: Modular, modern design, built-in security, dynamic rerouting
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