BEST ROUTERS
TP-Link Archer C80 $97 tp-link.com
TP–Link’s Archer range concentrates on providing good performance and value for money. The new C80 model is an affordable entry–level router, but it offers dual–band 802.11ac Wi–Fi running at a healthy 1,900Mbps and will be fine for streaming video and music, and the occasional gaming session. There are four Ethernet ports for wired connections, and TP–Link’s well–designed app will have you up and running in no time at all.
D–Link DIR–1950 $99.99 us.dlink.com
The DIR–1950 has an array of external antennas to provide wide coverage for the router’s Wi–Fi signal. The router provides dual–band 802.11ac Wi–Fi with a max speed of 1,900Mbps, which is fine for streaming video, online calls, and the occasional spot of gaming. The router also includes four Ethernet ports for desktop Macs or other devices that need a wired connection.
Linksys Velop
From $99.99 linksys.com
The Velop is a good introduction to mesh networking for larger homes, or homes with thick walls that block the Wi–Fi signal. There are several models in the Velop range, with prices starting at under $100 for a twin–pack with dual–band 802.11ac Wi–Fi, or you can step up to a faster tri– band system for around $250. The Linksys app works well too, making it easy to set up your mesh network, and it provides good parental controls and other features.
Asus Rapture GT–AC5300 $292 rog.asus.com/us
Asus also makes some seriously fast gaming routers. Built like a Cylon attack ship from Battlestar Galactica, the powerful GT–AC5300 is fast — and expensive. It provides tri–band Wi–Fi with a top speed of 5.3Gbs, which is more than fast enough to handle gaming, VR, and 4K video. The router also includes eight Ethernet ports for wired connections.
Netgear Nighthawk AX4 $199.99 netgear.com
Netgear was one of the first companies to adopt the new Wi–Fi 6 technology with its Nighthawk range of routers, and its AX4 model is still one of the most affordable ways of upgrading your home network to Wi–Fi 6. Although it’s an entry–level model with dual–band Wi–Fi, the AX4 provides maximum speeds of 3,000Mbps — far faster than comparable 802.11ac routers. It also includes four Ethernet ports for wired connections.
Asus ZenWifi CT8 >$329.99 asus.com/us
If you live in an enormous home, the ZenWifi CT8 is the mesh networking system for you. The two–piece kit can cover up to 5,400sq ft, and provides tri–band 802.11ac Wi–Fi with a max speed of 3,000Mbps. It’ll handle 4K video, Zoom calls and gaming. For another $110 you can step up to the XT8 model, with tri– band Wi–Fi 6 that’s twice as fast.