TP-Link Archer AX11000 Next-Gen Tri-Band Gaming Router Image
The TP-Link AX11000 is one of the fastest Wi-Fi six routers we've tested, and it's loaded with features, too, including a gamer-centric user interface, numerous ports, multi-gig WAN support, and anti-malware tools.
PROS
Easy to install
Lots of gamer-friendly settings
Numerous ports
Multi-gig WAN. Backlink aggregation
Lifetime malware protection
Solid parental controls
CONS
Expensive
Bulky
Best for Gamers and Power Users
One from the swiftest routers we've tested, the Asus ROG Rapture GT-AC5300 offers lots of gamer-friendly features, copious I/O ports, and a slick management console that lets you optimize your network for lag-free gaming.
PROS
Speedy throughput performance.
Lots of gamer-friendly features.
Eight LAN ports.
Works with Alexa voice commands and IFTTT applets.
Slick user interface.
CONS
Expensive.
Huge footprint.
Middling file-transfer speeds.
Best for Budget Buyers
The Linksys EA6350 is a dual-band router that offers blazing 5GHz throughput speeds, four Gigabit LAN ports, and a fast USB port. And it rings up for less than $90, making it our top pick for budget Wi-Fi routers.
PROS
Nice price.
Blazing 5GHz throughput in testing.
Easy to install and manage.
CONS
Middling file-transfer speeds.
Non-removable antennas.
The Best Affordable Wi-Fi 6 Router
The TP-Link Archer AX50 is an affordable midrange Wi-Fi 6 router that delivers speedy throughput and comes with lifetime malware protection and parental controls.
PROS
Easy to install
Solid throughput and signal strength performance
Strong parental controls
Anti-malware protection
Link aggregation
CONS
Doesn't support WPA3 or 160MHz channels
Middling file-transfer performance
TP-Link Archer C7 AC1750 Wireless Dual Band Gigabit Router (V2)
The TP-Link Archer C7 AC1750 Wi-fi Dual Band Gigabit Router (V2) delivers the swiftest throughput speeds we've seen from a sub-$100 router. It's also a breeze to install and offers plenty of settings.
PROS
Affordable price.
Very fast throughput performance.
Easy to install.
Lots of management settings.
CONS
Clunky user interface.
Middling file-transfer speeds.
Only USB 2.0 ports.
Netgear Nighthawk Tri-Band Wi-Fi 6E Router (RAXE500)
The Netgear Nighthawk RAXE500 router uses the latest Wi-Fi 6E technology, allowing it to transmit on the 6GHz radio band, but it comes with a hefty early adoption fee.
PROS
Speedy throughput and file transfer performance
Utilizes 6GHz radio band
Multi-gig LAN/WAN
Link aggregation
Supports 160MHz channel bandwidth
CONS
Expensive
Netgear Armor protection requires subscription
Limited parental controls
No QoS settings
Linksys Dual-Band Mesh Wi-Fi 6 Router (MR9600)
Based on 802.11ax technology the Linksys Dual-Band Mesh Wi-Fi 6 Router (MR9600) delivered speedy 5GHz close range performance and fast file transfers in testing yet lacks some on the features you'd get with similarly priced Wi-Fi six routers.
PROS
Easy to install
Mesh capable
Solid close range throughput
Speedy file transfer performance
CONS
Expensive
Lacks malware protection
No multi-gig LAN
No connection aggregation
Middling long range performance.
Netgear Nighthawk AX12 12-Stream Wi-Fi 6 Router (RAX120)
The Netgear Nighthawk AX12 12-Stream Wi-Fi six Router (RAX120) is a powerful, if expensive, router that uses the latest 802.11ax technology to deliver fast throughput and file-transfer speeds.
PROS
Easy to install.
Fast throughput and file-transfer performance.
5GbE port.
CONS
Expensive.
No malware protection.
Limited parental controls.
Netgear Wi-Fi six Nighthawk Pro Gaming XR1000
The Netgear Nighthawk XR1000 is a Wi-Fi 6 router designed for gaming. It delivers solid throughput and file transfer performance, but it's missing a few features you’ll find on similarly priced models.
PROS
Easy to install
Gamer-friendly operating system
Solid throughput performance in testing
Fast file transfer speeds
CONS
Pricey
Lacks multi-gig LAN port
Doesn't support hyperlink aggregation
Anti-malware tools cost extra
TP-Link Archer AX10 (AX1500) Wi-Fi six Router
The TP-Link Archer AX10 (AX1500) is a barebones $80 Wi-Fi six router that delivers solid 5GHz performance.
PROS
Affordable
Good 5GHz throughput and signal range in testing
CONS
Doesn't support 160MHz channel width
No anti-malware tools
Lacks USB and multi-gig LAN ports
So-so 2.4GHz performance in testing
COMPARE SPECS
With COVID-19 still keeping so many people working from home, your Wi-Fi router is doing a lot more than helping you stream movies and play games. Home Wi-Fi routers keep millions of people working and they're also connecting an ever-growing range of smart home devices. That means picking a person that does the best job for both you and your wallet is trickier than ever, especially now that we're seeing more Wi-Fi 6 devices becoming available.
Understanding Wi-Fi Bands
Nowadays, any router worth its salt will offer at least two radio bands, a 2.4GHz band and a 5GHz band. The 2.4GHz band operates at a lower frequency than the 5GHz band and offers better range because it is more adept at penetrating walls and other structures. However, is doesn't offer the fat pipe and high speed access that you get with the 5GHz band.
Additionally, the 2.4GHz Wi-Fi band has to compete with other devices in the home that use the same frequency, such as microwave ovens, Bluetooth devices, and wireless phones. That said, it is perfectly adequate for tasks like Web surfing and connecting to social media services like Facebook and Twitter. If 1 or more of your devices will be streaming video from a service such as Netflix, or connecting to an online gaming service such as Xbox Live, the less crowded 5GHz band offers significantly more throughput with minimal signal interference. Most dual-band routers allow you to assign a band to specific applications and clients, thereby easing the load on both bands.
Wireless Protocols
Wireless Ethernet networks use 802.11 protocols to send and receive data. The most widely used Wi-Fi protocol, 802.11ac, allows for maximum (theoretical) data rates of up to 5,400Mbps and operates on both the 2.4GHz and the 5GHz bands. It utilizes Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) technology, which uses several antennas to send and receive up to eight spatial streams, resulting in enhanced performance. It also supports beamforming, a technology that sends Wi-Fi signals directly to a client rather than broadcasting in all directions, and automatic band-steering, which lets the router select the most efficient radio band based on network traffic, band availability, and range.
Important Router Features
Wireless routers come with a variety of features, and as is the case with just about everything, the more features you get, the more you can expect to pay. Look for a router with at least four 10/100/1000 (gigabit) Ethernet ports, which allow you to connect to wired devices such as desktop PCs, network-attached storage (NAS) drives, and home-automation hubs. If you require faster throughput for large file transfers, look for a router that supports website link aggregation. Simply put, connection aggregation uses two gigabit Ethernet LAN ports to provide increased throughput (up to 2Gbps). It also provides a fail-safe if a single LAN connection goes down and can be utilized to load balance your network traffic. Having at least just one USB port makes it easy to plug in a printer or a USB drive and share it across the network, but with two ports you can do both. Additionally, try to choose a router that offers removable antennas. Some router manufacturers offer replacement high-gain antennas that will help boost performance, and there are a number of third-party antennas available. Just make sure your router supports whatever antennas you buy or you'll probably wind up with decreased performance.
Genre: COMPUTERS / CAD-CAM