Best Wi-Fi routers according to customer reviews

Now it becomes more and more difficult to imagine life without the Internet. We go to the global web every day, and some people are on it almost constantly. The easiest way to visit this or that Internet page is using a smartphone - in this case, you do not need any auxiliary devices. But if you have a desktop computer or laptop at home, as well as a large number of portable equipment, then you will have to get a router. We recommend that you get the best Wi-Fi router - such devices become outdated slowly and last a very long time.

Modern models can be very different from each other. Please note the following specifications before purchasing:

• Portability - some gadgets can be powered by a built-in battery, making them ideal for a large group of travelers.
• 4G modem connectivity - this is important if you are going to distribute mobile Internet. Some models do not require a modem as they themselves have a SIM card slot.
• Number of antennas - the power of the transmitted signal directly depends on this parameter. Antennas are omnidirectional or unidirectional - the coverage area depends on this.
• Supported standard - the most modern is 802.11ac, most often it is dual-band - this is important in the case of a large number of connected devices.
• Number of connectors - pay attention to this parameter if the device is bought for an office where you need to connect several printers and computers to it.
• Port speed - the wired connection is not always fast.

Devices have many other characteristics, but they are no longer as important for an ordinary user as the above parameters. Another tip concerns the place of purchase - buy them in official retail, do not seek to use any Chinese online store. Russian retail chains have quality products that have been tested and are ready to serve for many years.

The best MFPs for home

Best low-cost Wi-Fi routers

Budget options are very different from their more highly rated counterparts. Most often, portable models are inexpensive. They are often equipped with a minimum number of connectors, and use a SIM card to access the Internet. There are also exceptions to the rule when a full-fledged router with one or even two external antennas is offered for little money. But be prepared for the fact that such a device will be slow, and its life will end shortly after the end of warranty service.

Top rated VPNs by user reviews

Keenetic City (KN-1510)

If the question is which Wi-Fi router to choose for a city apartment, then this is a great option. It combines a low price, while allowing you to connect to two possible ranges. This access is provided by two antennas operating within 2.44 GHz and one for 5 GHz. Thanks to this solution, the appearance of the device is very original. Reviews of the 3G Wi-Fi router show that the design evokes an association with a device from the future. For the convenience of setting, changing parameters, enabling the guest mode, the developers took care of the mobile application.

Advantages

• Supports 10 VPN tunnels;
• Mobile app;
• Stylish appearance;
• Good port speed - 100 Mbps.

disadvantages

• No 4G support.

Netis WF2780

It is quite possible that this is the best representative of the budget segment.When other inexpensive gadgets do not have a single antenna, there are four of them! The power of the transmitter installed here is 20 dB, which is a good parameter, especially if the device is purchased for a small two- or three-room apartment. But much more important is the fact that there is a Wi-Fi 802.11ac standard - this allows you to quickly distribute the Internet up to 1167 Mbps. The transmitter can simultaneously work in two bands - that is why the gadget works quickly.

The creators used solid networking components in the Netis WF2780. In theory, the data transfer rate via the LAN port can reach 1000 Mbps! As practice shows, it is almost impossible to achieve such a result, unless you connect two computers with gigabit network cards to the gadget at once. Without this, such indicators can only be achieved in a very large city, where cable operators offer gigabit Internet tariffs.

Advantages

• Port speed reaches 1 Gb / s;
• A large number of connectors;
• Four antennas (non-removable);
• Support for the latest version of Wi-Fi;
• Support for VPN and other modern technologies.

disadvantages

• In the 5 GHz band, the coverage area is very small;
• No rubber feet;
• There are no USB ports for connecting a flash drive.

Huawei E5330

This device is smaller than the traditional bar of soap it looks like in its shape. Its main feature is that there is no need to connect to a computer, although such a possibility is still present. This gadget works from its own battery, distributing the Internet received over 3G networks to all devices around it (the maximum possible is five connections). You should not count on fast work, since Huawei E5330 functions in 3G networks. But on the other hand, there is a repeater mode, which will allow you to use the device as a repeater, amplifying the signal of another router located somewhere nearby.

Advantages

• Convenient for country and foreign trips;
• Easy customization;
• Supports WEP and WPA2 encryption;
• Creates a DHCP server;
• MIMO support;
• Built-in battery.

disadvantages

• No 4G support.

Below is a video review of the Huawei E5330 router. By looking at it, you will find out how the device works, what characteristics it has, what are its advantages:

Huawei E8231

This device is more of a 3G router. It has a slot for a SIM card, thanks to which you can provide your computer with access to the global web. At the same time, you can organize it for other devices by creating a wireless network. At the same time, you should not count on a wide coverage area, since there is not a single external antenna. But the gadget fits easily into your pocket, which makes it very convenient to use. Such a router is recommended for every laptop owner!

Advantages

• Supports WEP and WPA2 encryption;
• The ability to create a DHCP server;
• Availability of 3G;
• Minimum dimensions and weight;
• Very easy setup.

disadvantages

• No 4G;
• Lack of Wi-Fi 802.11ac standard;
• The USB cap is easily lost.

Huawei E8372

One of the most expensive devices among those that do not have an external antenna and are powered by a computer. However, it is still not so expensive as to be considered at least in the mid-budget segment. The router solves the traditional problem - it distributes the Internet over Wi-Fi provided by the mobile network. At the same time, there is support for the high-speed LTE standard. If there are no such networks in the village, then a 3G connection will be used. To improve reception or signal distribution, it is recommended to connect an external antenna (you will have to buy it separately).

Advantages

• Minimum dimensions and weight;
• There is 4G;
• Encryption via WEP and WPA2;
• Simplified setup;
• There are connectors for connecting two antennas;
• There is a slot for a microSD memory card.

disadvantages

• Still not the lowest cost;
• Not the fastest.

The best mid-range Wi-Fi routers

Routers costing over 4000 rubles usually have multiple connectors and at least two antennas.They no longer know how to work from a battery or a computer - all these are strictly stationary devices. They received a large number of functions, for example, some models distribute content stored on a flash drive over a wireless network. They are distinguished from even more expensive counterparts in the middle price segment by a not very wide coverage radius - it is not recommended to use such devices in hotels.

ZTE MF283

The model is suitable for home, office and even suburban use. The peculiarity of the device lies in the symbiotic possibility of work. Here you can use a SIM card with LTE support, which is very important for distant areas where providers refuse to pull wires. Or connect to one of the 4 LAN connectors. 4G Wi-Fi router collects many references in reviews about a good range of Internet access distribution. The ZTE MF283 can be upgraded with additional external antennas and MIMO support.

Advantages

• Large radius of action;
• There is a possibility of a backup connection in case of problems with the provider
• Portability;
• Clear setting;
• Good build quality
• Possibility of placing on the wall;
• Analog telephony connection.

disadvantages

• Very bright indicator lights.

ZyXEL Keenetic Ultra II

One of the most powerful routers from ZyXEL. It has four antennas, two of which are internal. The gain of each of them is 5 dBi, which indicates the possibility of using the router even in large apartments located in a panel building. The device is ideal for office premises, which is confirmed by the seven LAN ports located here (the speed of each of them is 1 Gbps). If necessary, you can create a file server from ZyXEL Keenetic Ultra II, which is facilitated by USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 connectors.

The transmitter simultaneously operates in the 2.4 and 5 GHz bands. The maximum wireless data transfer rate under ideal conditions reaches 1167 Mbps. The web interface is used for configuration. All parameters in it are sorted into tabs, so that even a novice user will not be lost here. It also supports third-party extensions, which should please those who know how to program.

Advantages

• There is an 802.11ac standard;
• Work in two ranges;
• A large number of antennas;
• Seven Gigabit LAN ports;
• There are USB connectors;
• Connection of a 3G or 4G modem is possible;
• 256 MB of RAM and a powerful processor;
• Two keys with assignable functions;
• The ability to enhance the strength of the Wi-Fi signal.

disadvantages

• It will seem expensive to many;
• Antennas cannot be removed;
• Sometimes reboots are possible due to overheating.

ZyXEL Keenetic Giga III

The third generation of ZyXEL gadgets from the Giga series. The very first devices did not have any serious flaws, so the creators worked only on expanding the functionality and introducing the latest wireless connection standards. The router received two antennas of a very large size, which allows the signal to spread even over the space of a panel house, not to mention brick buildings. It uses a dual-band 802.11ac Wi-Fi transmitter, which ideally achieves 1167 Mbps.

Advantages

• Large amount of RAM (256 MB);
• Two buttons with user-definable functions;
• Signal power amplifiers can be used;
• There are 3G and 4G modems;
• Easy creation of any type of server;
• Wi-Fi 802.11ac standard;
• LAN ports are gigabit.

disadvantages

• Antennas cannot be removed;
• Sometimes there are cases of overheating;
• In the 5 GHz band, coverage is greatly reduced.

ASUS RT-N66W

This model comes with three detachable antennas. Their amplification factor is not indicated, but buyers note that the signal is steadily spreading through an apartment or office of any size. The router also includes four Gigabit LAN ports and a pair of USB 2.0 connectors. This allows you to connect several computers in one network and connect two external drives to the router. Another scenario for using the USB port is to connect a 3G or 4G modem to it.

Advantages

• Gigabit LAN ports;
• Works in the 2.4 and 5 GHz bands;
• Good speed - 900 Mbps;
• There are two USB connectors;
• Simple server creation;
• Three detachable antennas;
• There are 3G and LTE modems.

disadvantages

• No 802.11ac standard;
• Not the most intuitive web interface;
• It is extremely difficult to mount the device on the wall.

MikroTik RB951G-2HnD

A modest-looking box is a good switch with five LAN ports. The speed of each connector is 1000 Mbps, which allows large amounts of data to be transferred from one computer to another. The maximum wireless connection speed reaches only 300 Mbps - this is the main disadvantage of the device. But most buyers do not notice it, because a rare operator provides access to the Internet at a higher speed. But the possibility of using a 3G modem should be attributed to the merits - this function saves at the moment when the user forgets to make a monthly payment.

Advantages

• Five Gigabit LAN ports;
• Wide radius of network coverage;
• The presence of a USB 2.0 connector;
• 128 MB of RAM;
• There is a possibility of connecting a 3G modem;
• In theory, it can be powered from an Ethernet port (PoE technology).

disadvantages

• No support for 802.11ac;
• Can't be hung on the wall;
• The web interface is very difficult to understand;
• Connecting a 4G modem has a detrimental effect on the distributed Internet.

The best top Wi-Fi routers

If you have several large premises at your disposal, then you should consider already top-end models. They usually have at least four external antennas, each of which sends a signal in its own direction. As a result, the coverage radius of the wireless signal is several tens of meters. This is the perfect choice for a hotel!

Huawei B525

A good option for a small office, large apartment or country house. 32 users can connect to it at the same time, and the coverage width is 250 meters. The body contains 4 LAN ports with an available speed of 1 Gbps, 2 connectors for external 3G / 4G / LTE antennas and one for analog telephony. From the router, you can make a shared network storage by connecting a USB flash drive or hard drive. And also synchronize it with other devices, for example, with a printer. The built-in FireWall screen is responsible for security.

Advantages

• Adequate price;
• Two frequency ranges;
• Suitable for large spaces;
• Availability of all necessary connectors;
• Built-in protection system.

disadvantages

• Sometimes antennas are unwound;
• Cannot be hung on the wall.

ASUS RT-AC88U

A real monster, on the back of which there are eight LAN ports (each with a speed of 1 Gb / s). A good model, capable of distributing the Internet over the network via the 802.11ac standard, using the 2.4 and 5 GHz bands for this. Also, the user can wirelessly access an external hard drive connected to one of the two USB ports. Files stored on the drive can be downloaded and distributed automatically - the router supports the installation of a torrent client. Inside there are 512 MB of RAM and 128 MB of permanent memory, as well as a powerful processor. There is also support for external LTE modems.

Advantages

• Very powerful components;
• Two USB ports (standards 2.0 and 3.0);
• Eight Gigabit LAN ports;
• A very large number of functions;
• 802.11ac and dual band support;
• Very high speed wireless data transfer;
• Four detachable antennas.

disadvantages

• The torrent client sometimes slows down;
• Old firmwares were very damp;
• Signal strength drops dramatically in the 5 GHz band.

The maximum data transfer rate can reach an impressive 3167 Mbps. But we are talking about ideal conditions that are usually never met.

Apple Time Capsule 2Tb ME177

A very unusual version, created by the well-known "apple" company. It differs in its discreet body - a relatively small capsule will definitely not spoil the interior of the home. On the back of the device is a trio of Gigabit LAN ports. The Internet is distributed here using the Wi-Fi 802.11ac standard in two bands, which theoretically allows you to achieve speeds of 1300 Mbps.But the main advantage over the competition is the built-in 2TB hard drive, which turns the router into a file server.

Advantages

• Gigabit LAN ports;
• Does not attract the eye;
• Your own hard drive;
• Dual band and 802.11ac support;
• High signal gain;
• There is a USB connector for a printer and other peripherals.

disadvantages

• Weighs up to 1.5 kg;
• Create backups only through iTunes;
• Owners of Apple technology will receive the greatest functionality;
• Very high price.

Best Wi-Fi Routers for 4G Modem

Sometimes a router is purchased strictly in order to distribute mobile Internet to a computer and other gadgets. In this case, there are two ways. The first is to buy a model with a built-in SIM card slot. But often it is too expensive and unjustified - you will not use even half of the functionality of such a device. Therefore, we propose to consider inexpensive gadgets for a 4G modem, the corresponding device is inserted into the USB port.

Keenetic 4G (KN-1210)

The miniature internet Wi-Fi router has a lightweight plastic casing that allows it to be easily transported if necessary. The main advantage of the device is its wide compatibility with more than 150 modem models. Two antennas of the 802.11n standard operate at 2.4 GHz, allowing speeds up to 300 Mbps. The manufacturer has taken care of the user's safety. In addition to standard security systems, Keenetic KN-1210 boasts special security solutions, which, in combination with VPN support, makes Internet use more versatile.

Advantages

• Ease of use;
• A light weight;
• 2 antennas;
• Own power supply;
• Application for control from a smartphone.

disadvantages

• The maximum allowable temperature of use is 40 ° C;
• The black block does not fit into the kit with the white case.

Reviews of the keenetic Wi-Fi router gave it a 4.5 stars rating. According to user tests, the device begins to “think” for a long time after connecting 5 devices, which is a good indicator for a representative of this category.

Xiaomi Mi Wi-Fi mini

A very thin model, which also looks different from all the others. The Chinese company has endowed its creation with dual-band support and the 802.11ac standard. In theory, this allows 1167 Mbps of data to be transferred per second. But practice shows that the speed is noticeably lower here, because the device received only two antennas, and even then not the most powerful ones. Some buyers are saddened by the minimum number of LAN ports - it is difficult to use Xiaomi Mi Wi-Fi mini as a full-fledged switch. But the creators did not forget about the USB-connector, which turns the gadget into a simple file server. If you do not connect a flash drive to the router, you can use a 3G or LTE modem - it is inserted into the same USB port.

Advantages

• Minimum dimensions and weight;
• The presence of two antennas;
• Support for modern types of protection;
• 128 MB of RAM;
• Two ranges;
• Creates a file server.

disadvantages

• Not the widest coverage area;
• The antennas cannot be removed;
• Only two LAN ports;
• The USB cable connector is working slowly.

Configuration in Xiaomi Mi Wi-Fi mini is carried out using the web interface. You can do without a computer by going to the section with all the parameters using your smartphone.

MikroTik hAP AC lite

Small box with no external antennas. At the same time, it adequately copes with the distribution of a Wi-Fi signal of the 802.11ac standard. It's not worth waiting for fast work - the maximum is 150 Mbit / s. This is explained, among other things, by low-speed LAN ports. If you use the router only as a receiver for an LTE modem, then this drawback is almost not felt.

Advantages

• Dual Band Wi-Fi 11ac;
• Five LAN ports;
• The ability to create a DHCP server;
• Compact dimensions;
• Possible power supply via Ethernet cable.

disadvantages

• 64 MB of RAM;
• LAN ports speed - 100 Mbps;
• Low wireless speed.

How to choose a router successfully, what should you pay attention to, what and which model is better suited for? This video has all the detailed answers:

The market for routers is getting bigger every day.Gradually, more and more companies enter it, but the leaders remain the same - ZTE, ZyXEL, ASUS, TP-Link and D-Link. Some time ago Xiaomi joined them - its few products deserve the money spent on their purchase. But the best Wi-Fi router was not produced by this Chinese company - this is the title awarded to Huawei B525. This "beast" is distributing the Internet at such a speed that a couple of years ago one could only dream of!