With more and more devices connected to the internet and the latest Wi-Fi 6 standard paving way to normality, you might want to consider upgrading your router. Or perhaps if you’re simply looking into purchasing a new router, then a Wi-Fi 6 compatible router is definitely the way to go because it’s likely to last for the next few upcoming years. However, choosing a Wi-Fi router can be tricky since many of us use the internet but don’t actually have much technical knowledge about how it works and what affects our internet speed, range, and stability. First things first, you need to understand how router and modem are different. But today many devices perform the functions of both in a sort of 2-in-1 deal, which is called a Gateway. This means if you have the latter device and you want to upgrade to a new router, then you may also need to get a new modem that is compatible with your new router.
The Best Wi-Fi Routers of 2021
Another important point you need to note is that routers don’t increase the speed of your internet but they help manage it more efficiently. Think of it like this: it’s like getting a better manager who improves the efficiency of the office despite no change in the resource inputs. Similarly, your internet speed (input) is the same but the new router is more efficient in handling traffic, supports your current internet speed on a wider range of devices, and is likely to help get rid of dead zones through its wider area coverage. Not sure what router to get though? Feeling swamped by all the choices on your browser? It’s not a big deal because we are here to help let you know which routers do the best job!
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TP-Link Archer AX50
If you’re looking for the most budget-friendly yet high-performing router, then look no further than TP-Link Archer AX50. It includes a list of features that makes it highly desirable at a relatively affordable price of about $125 (*please note all prices listed here may vary depending on the seller).
- Supports Wi-Fi 6
- Dual-band technology
- Supports speeds up to 3000 Mbps
- Has four LAN ports
- In-built parental controls to easily restrict inappropriate content for kids
- Compatible with Alexa which allows you to control your router by voice alone.
- Does not have WPA3 security
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Asus AX6000 (RT-AX88U)
Not necessarily the most expensive nor the cheapest this router priced at about $299 is an ideal choice for the home and suits the streaming needs of a house; that means Netflix, Hulu, YouTube can be streamed comfortably in the home, thanks to a strong and stable Wi-Fi signal. In short, below you can see a quick snapshot of the features of the Asus AX6000 router:
- Wi-Fi 6 compatible
- WPA3 security
- Dual-band technology
- Supports speeds up to 6000 Mbps (a considerable jump than our more budget-friendly TP-Link Archer AX50.
- Built-in VPN client support that facilitates the protection of your data and privacy.
- Improved security through malware blocking
- Almost no lag
- 8 gigabit LAN ports allowing for multiple Ethernet devices
- In-built parental controls
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Asus ROG Rapture GT-AX1100
This router essentially has all the features of the previous one but takes things even a notch higher. Arguably a “gaming router” due to its high performance. If you need speed, then this is the router for you as it features speeds that go up to 11000 Mbps and has tri-band Wi-Fi, which allows you to separate all your heavy gaming devices such as the Xbox, PlayStation, etc. or simply even any devices that require heavy internet usage onto one band. This will allow the other two bands to focus on other everyday devices in the house such as your cell phones and smart appliances. Tri-band could be especially useful as people make the shift to smart homes as well as switch to hybrid models of work.
Last But Not Least…
So now that we’ve listed the 3 best Wi-Fi routers we hope that there may be no more struggles to work in the kitchen or the lounge because your Wi-Fi will reach every nook and cranny in the house. Get ready for improved internet performance even with more people and a heavier load on your internet connection because your new Wi-Fi router is sure to be able to handle it. However, no matter how fancy a router you purchase if your internet service isn’t up to the mark then there’s not much your router can do to help. So make sure to check out the internet offered by Spectrum bundles or Windstream internet and use your router to its best ability!
