Best wireless routers 2021: the best Wi-Fi for your home network

Date:
Wed, 23 Jun 2021 15:28:50 +0000

Description:
From Google Wifi to Netgear Nighthawk, these are the best wireless routers we've seen.

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Get your network up to scratch with one of the best wireless routers. While ISP-supplied routers usually do an ok job, and one of the best Wi-Fi
extenders should be able to extend their reach, upgrading to a top-notch router will always produce better results in terms of improving connectivity.

In fact, the best wireless routers will give your network a noticeable boost, making it faster and more consistent throughout its area of coverage, and giving you a smoother connection. So, whether you play a lot of online games or co-op games with friends, rely on your network for work or your business, or watch the best Netflix shows all day, theyre simply the best solution.

Buying yourself the best laptop or the best desktop PC will only get you so far. You also need a fast and reliable network to see you through your online needs, and its high time you invest in one of the best routers. Whether youre looking for a mesh Wi-Fi router or specifically a Wi-Fi 6 router , here are the best 2021 has to offer. Google Nest Wifi takes the Google Wifi and gives it the capabilities of Google Home. (Image credit: Google) 1. Google Nest
Wifi

Google Wifi and Home together at long last Speed: 802.11a/b/g/n/ac 2.4 GHz/5 GHz simultaneous dual-band | Connectivity: Dual Gigabit Ethernet ports | Features: Advanced security chip, Nest Wifi point with Google Assistant, privacy control Excellent design Smart speaker(s) included Even simpler controls No major performance gains Not worth replacing existing mesh

Google kicks things up a notch in its Google Wifi line with its latest installment. Dont get us wrong; the original Google Wifi is still among the best wireless routers today. However, if youre all about the smart home life, then youll appreciate the pure genius of Google Nest Wifi. The best router 2021 has given us takes the Google Wifi, gives it the capabilities of Google Home and wraps it all up in an even sleeker and more appealing package. Its a mesh router and a smart speaker in one, all with the simplicity that Google Wifi is known for.

Read the full review: Google Nest Wifi (Image credit: Asus) 2. Asus ZenWiFi AX (XT8)

Wi-Fi 6 meets mesh routers Speed: 802.11ax 4804Mbps down | Connectivity: 2.5 Gigabit Wan, 3 x Gigabit LAN, Gigabit Wan, USB 3.1 | Features: MU-MIMO, Traffic Analyzer, Adaptive QoS, AiProtection Pro Great Wi-Fi performance Good security features Expensive Limited to two routers

Asus has been rolling out some amazing Wi-Fi 6 routers recently, and it has been releasing them for just about every need and budget. With the Asus ZenWiFi AX (XT8), It has also managed to introduce Wi-Fi 6 to that other cutting-edge tech in connectivity; mesh routers. While it is among the more expensive options out there and limits you to two mesh routers, the Asus ZenWifi AX offers blazing fast speeds as well as plenty of flexibility in its setup such as the option to set up one or two networks using the 2.4 and
5GHz bands. With excellent security features to boot, this is a fantastic choice if youre looking at mesh routers.

Read the full review: Asus ZenWiFi AX (XT8) (Image credit: Asus) 3. Asus RT-AX86U

An impressive all-around upgrade Speed: 802.11ax up to 5700 Mbps down | Connectivity: 4 x Gigabit LAN, Gigabit Wan, 2.5G Wan, 2x USB 3.2 | Features: MU-MIMO, Traffic Analyzer, Adaptive QoS, Parental Control, NVIDIA Geforce Now Cloud Gaming Optimization Fast Wi-Fi 6 performance Gaming-focused Security features Not cheap

Asus has always had an excellent line of gaming-centric devices, and the Asus RT-AX86U continues that tradition. While expensive compared to
run-of-the-mill routers, its actually a competitively priced Wi-Fi 6 router. And, considering Wi-Fi 6 is the future in connectivity, this router is a win for Asus and an ace for gamers. It also has some great features for gamers such as a 2.5 Gigabit Wan, the ability to assign an ethernet port as a dedicated gaming port, and NVIDIA Geforce Now Cloud Gaming Optimization. Finally, it comes with very useful parental controls if you need them.

Read the full review: Asus RT-AX86U (Image credit: Asus) 4. Asus RT-AX58U

Wi-Fi 6 on a budget Speed: up to 3000Mbps | Connectivity: RJ45 for BaseT for WAN, 4 x RJ45 for BaseT for LAN, USB 3.1 Gen 1 | Features: Router app, MU-MIMO, Traffic Analyzer, Adaptive QoS, AiProtection Pro, Parental Control Strong Wi-Fi 6 performance Simple set-up Good parental controls Dual-band
only

Wi-Fi 6 is the new cutting-edge technology in networking. And while it offers faster speeds, better connections and larger area coverage, it comes at a price. With the Asus RT-AX58U, the company has been able to offer that Wi-Fi
6 performance at a much more reasonable price. And while it might not carry some of the extra features or ports that some of the more robust options
have, it does offer some important ones such as MU-MIMO and Parental
Controls. So if youre looking for a no-frills way to get speedy internet, the Asus RT-AX58U may be the way to go.

Read the full review: Asus RT-AX58U (Image credit: Linksys) 5. Linksys Velop WiFi 6 AX4200

Smart design and speedy performance Speed: 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax 2.4 GHz/5 GHz
| Connectivity: 3 x Gigabit LAN, 1 x Gigabit WAN, 1 x USB 3.0 | Features: 4x4 MU-MIMO, Next-Gen OFDMA Technology, Tri-Band Dynamic Backhaul Impressive
Wi-Fi 6 performance 4x Ethernet and 1x USB ports Defaults to single, merged network

The Linksys Velop WiFi 6 AX4200 is proof that Wi-Fi 6 mesh systems can be affordable and accessible, giving big households on a budget an excellent option that still delivers admirable performance and ease of use. If you want to improve your home networks speed and connectivity, this state of the art mesh system is an ideal solution. Thats especially if youre ready to future-proof your network with Wi-Fi 6 technology. Those who arent as
computer savvy will also appreciate that easy-to-use Linksys app.

Read the full review: Linksys Velop WiFi 6 AX4200 Netgear Orbi Pro is a modular Wi-Fi mesh router. (Image credit: Netgear) 6. Netgear Orbi Pro

A mesh router for the office Speed: 802.11AC 3Gbps | Connectivity: Gigabit WAN, 4 x Gigabit LAN | Features: Modular network coverage, modern design,
easy setup, traffic separation Easy to deploy Fantastic performance Very expensive

If you need to bring your offices networking into the modern age with the
best router 2021 has on offer, then you must seriously consider getting the Netgear Orbi Pro. Its a modular Wi-Fi mesh router that takes some design and performance inspiration from its business-grade competitors. Its on the more expensive side. However, if youre running a business where you cannot afford any lags due to poor Wi-Fi, then its absolutely worth every penny.

Read the full review: Netgear Orbi Pro Netgear Orbi AC2200 RBK23 is an economical alternative for casual users. (Image credit: Netgear) 7. Netgear Orbi AC2200 RBK23

The Netgear Orbi, but smaller now Speed: 802.11ac 5GHz down: 68.8 Mbps | Connectivity: 2 x Gigabit Ethernet ports per unit | Features: Disney Circle parental controls, Pause WiFi, smartphone setup, Tri-Band networking, modular Fast Smaller than the original Still expensive

When the Netgear Orbi hit the streets, it changed the wireless router scene. Then, in 2019, Netgear released the Netgear Orbi AC2200 RBK23, an economical alternative for casual users who dont have a grand manor to cover. This makes it a worthy contender for the best wireless routers. Sure, it comes with
fewer antennae and ethernet ports than its higher end counterpart. However,
it does deliver more than enough to provide very solid network coverage.
Plus, the small form factor means that it will have no issues blending in
not that you will feel the need to hide it.

Read the full review: Netgear Orbi AC2200 RBK23 TP-Link Deco M9 incorporates IoT smart home support, alongside industry standard speeds and coverage. (Image credit: TP-Link) 8. TP-Link Deco M9 Plus

A router for the smart home Speed: 5GHz: up to 867Mbps, 2.4GHz: up to 400Mbps | Connectivity: 2 x Gigabit WAN/LAN, USB 2.0 | Features: Tri-Band connectivity, Dead-zone killer, Built-in smart hub, Built-in Antivirus, QoS, Parental controls Strong coverage Easy setup Pricey

The market is now flooded with wireless mesh routers, but its hard to
complain when the level of coverage these wireless routers brings tops anything weve seen before. With devices like the TP-Link Deco M9, we can see how theyre only getting better and better. By incorporating IoT smart home support, alongside industry standard speeds and coverage, the TP-Link Deco M9 is, without question, an excellent choice for a smart home supporter. Fair warning though, this router is a tad expensive. However, youre also getting all these features and an outstanding performance in exchange.

Read the full review: TP-Link Deco M9 D-Link Covr C1203 is one of the best wireless routers if you want to upgrade and save at the same time. (Image credit: D-Link) 9. D-Link Covr-C1203

Wireless mesh networking for everyone Speed: 2.4 GHz: up to 300Mbps; 5GHz: up to 866Mbps | Connectivity: 2 x Gigabit Ethernet LAN per node | Features: MU-MIMO, Parental controls, Smart network control, Smart device setup Affordable Great coverage Not as fast as it could be

Ready to jump on the mesh wireless router bandwagon, but without breaking
open that piggy bank? Youre in luck with the affordable D-Link Covr C1203.
Its one of the best wireless routers, if you want to upgrade and save at the same time. It offers comparable coverage to that of the Google Wi-Fi while also being affordable, and it also looks futuristic in a great way. Its somewhat slower than Googles legendary router, but it will still be fast enough for the typical user. Its no surprise that the D-Link Covr C1203 gets our vote the best router 2021 if you want a mesh one.

Read the full review: D-Link Covr-C1203 Eero Home Wi-Fi System gives users total control over their network while touting a secure connection through
AI. (Image credit: Eero Home) 10. Eero Home Wi-Fi System

Mesh wi-fi for the power user Speed: 802.11a/b/g/n/ac 2.4GHz, 5.2GHz and 5.8GHz, 802.11a/b/g/n/ac 2.4GHz and 5GHz | Connectivity: 2 x Gigabit WAN/LAN
| Features: Modular network coverage, modern design, included security software, dynamic rerouting Powerful Blends into the background Pricer than competition

If youre in the market for a wireless mesh router that gives you a lot of control over your network, then the Eero Home Wi-Fi system might just be the answer. It has a price more premium than that of your standard router, but it also gives users total control over their network while touting a secure connection through AI. Even better, the Eero Home Wi-Fi System comes with subscriptions to 1Password, MalwareBytes and Encrypt.me VPN, which should
keep everyone linked to your network safe and secure.

Read the full review: Eero Home Wi-Fi System

Joe Osborne, Bill Thomas, Gabe Carey and Michelle Uy have also contributed
to this article

Images Credit: TechRadar Weve also picked out the best best wifi extenders
of 2021



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Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/news/networking/routers-storage/best-router-9-top-wi reless-routers-on-test-1090523/


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