Range Wi-Fi router ov is increasing every day. If your eyes run wild in the store and you don’t know which model to buy, then this article is especially for you. Below I will tell you how to choose the right router for your apartment to suit your needs. And also you will find a rating of the best models of 2019.

Popular manufacturers of Wi-Fi routers

There are many popular, and not so popular, router manufacturing companies. We will not list them all here, but will highlight only the main manufacturers who consistently produce new models for our market.

It is immediately worth noting that each manufacturer produces models in different price categories. Therefore, first you need to decide on a budget, and only then choose a device.

1.TP-LINK

A popular manufacturer of computer and telecommunications equipment. They are very popular in our market due to their relatively low price, good quality assembly and materials. Personally, I recommend choosing a router from the range of this brand. As a rule, they serve for quite a long time (mine lasted more than 3 years) without breakdowns or failures.

2. ASUS

Company producing computer equipment and its components. The routers of this company are distinguished by their high price and corresponding quality. Cheap models can be counted on one hand, but they also have mostly positive customer reviews.

3.D-LINK

Popular manufacturer of network equipment. The assortment includes a large number of routers of various price categories. The company specializes exclusively in network technologies, therefore it produces only high-quality products in its segment.

4.ZyXEL

A large Taiwanese company producing network equipment. The production of routers is one of the main directions of the company. Prices for the company's equipment vary markedly. There are models for budget buyers, and there are models for people with an unlimited budget.

5.Huawei

A rapidly growing Chinese company that occupies one of the leading positions in its industry. Now the company is actively developing the production of network equipment. Customer reviews of the products are mostly positive.

We will not dwell long on choosing a manufacturer. In any case, there is no point in arguing which brand is better. You need to choose among specific models that suit your budget and characteristics. You can compare the best router models in the table below.

Choosing a router for your home. What you should pay attention to?

Each device is designed for specific purposes and tasks. If you are buying a router for the first time, it is important to correctly evaluate the characteristics of the device so that they match your requirements. Below we will write a specific list of characteristics that will help you choose the best router for your home or office.

Wan port type

The most basic thing is the WAN port. This characteristic is indicated on all models. It depends on your Internet, so it is important not to make a mistake when choosing this option, otherwise the router simply will not suit you. There are three main types:

• Ethernet- this is a standard connection type that is available on almost all modern Wi-Fi routers. If the Internet in your home is connected via a network cable (not via a telephone), then this type of connection is suitable for you.
• ADSL modem- These are routers that connect to a telephone cable. note: if you already have a regular ADSL modem at home, then you can buy a standard router that is equipped with an Ethernet port (it can be connected via an old modem).
• 3G/4G routers- provide distribution of Wi-Fi signal from a USB modem. If you need a modem that supports this function, look in the port characteristics for the inscription: USB 3G/4G.

Wi-Fi signal speed

This is one of the most important characteristics that you need to pay attention to first. As a rule, most cheap routers (under 1000 rubles) can provide speeds of up to 150 Mbit/s. If you expect to use Wi-Fi on 1-2 devices, then this speed will be quite enough.

I recommend paying attention to models in the price category of 1,500 rubles and above. Such devices will provide Wi-Fi speeds of >300 Mbps. You can connect multiple devices at the same time, and the connection will not be interrupted or freeze.

Wireless capabilities also play an important role. Depending on the price category of the models, we recommend choosing the following standards:

• 802.11n- if the router is in the price category up to 2000 rubles.
• 802.11ac- if the router is of average price or higher.

Wi-Fi frequency

Most modern routers support two signal frequencies: 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. Due to the rapid spread of Wi-Fi in all apartments and offices, the 2.4 GHz frequency range quickly filled up, so the signal transmission speed may suffer.

The newer 5 GHz band provided owners of new routers with a free frequency, and as a result fast internet without interference. Therefore, if you have the funds to purchase a router with a 5 GHz Wi-Fi frequency, we recommend choosing this option.

There are also dual-band routers that support two frequencies simultaneously. But such models, as a rule, cost a little more.

Router power and range

This is also a fairly important question, especially if you have a large apartment or country house.

As a rule, the operating range of the router model is not indicated in the specifications. And this is understandable, because this characteristic is influenced by a large number of external factors, which differ for each buyer (wall thickness, type of walls, congestion of the frequency range and other interference).

But how then to choose a Wi-Fi router for a large room?

• Number of antennas. As a rule, the presence of two or three antennas greatly enhances the signal and increases the range of the router. On expensive models, the presence of 3 or more antennas affects the signal transmission speed rather than the radius.
• Antenna power. We recommend choosing models that have antennas with a power of 5dBi or more.
• User reviews. Most often, users provide real examples in the comments. You can compare them with your room and choose the right model.

If you still can’t cover the whole room with one router, then it’s better to buy an additional one.

Rating of the best routers for 2019

Category	Name	Rating (based on user reviews)	Price
The best cheap routers		4.6 / 5	1 200 ₽
		4.6 / 5	1,050 RUR
		4.9 / 5	1,080 RUR
		4.6 / 5	1,080 RUR
The best routers at an average price		4.5 / 5	1,750 RUR
		4.9 / 5	4,650 RUR
		4.9 / 5	RUR 3,130
The best premium routers		4.5 / 5	RUB 15,590
		4.6 / 5	7,580 RUR
		4.9 / 5	6,050 ₽

The best routers according to user reviews

ASUS RT-N12

This router belongs to the line of “affordable” models from Asus. Designed for use in an apartment (2 or 3 rooms) or a small office. Thanks to two powerful external antennas, it provides high data transfer speeds. ASUS RT-N12 will be enough if you like to watch movies and videos in high quality, or play online games.

Setting up the router takes a few minutes. After completing all the steps in the “setup wizard”, the router will be ready to distribute a Wi-Fi signal. The total signal transmission speed can reach 300 Mbit/s.

Advantages of the router according to user reviews :

• Installation and configuration is quite easy.
• Two powerful adjustable antennas that provide good signal coverage.
• Maximum signal transmission speed: 300 Mbit/s.

Flaws :

• Not found.

TP-link TL-WR841N

A reliable device for creating wired and wireless connection networks in an apartment or small office. Excellent signal transmission quality is provided by two external antennas. The data transfer speed reaches 300 Mbit/s.

The router complies with the 802.11n standard, but at the same time, is backward compatible with devices with 802.11b/g standards. The functions of parental control, virtual server and quick protection will expand the boundaries of Internet use.

Advantages of TP-link TL-WR841N :

• Strong signal. Two powerful antennas can transmit data over a distance of more than 100m.
• Quick setup using the Easy Setup Assistant program.
• Beautiful, streamlined body shape.

Disadvantages of TP-link TL-WR841N :

• Not found.

Zyxel Keenetic Start

The Zyxel Keenetic Start wireless router is an excellent option for creating a network in an apartment or office. With its help, you can combine all your existing devices (tablet, laptop, phone) into your home network. The maximum data transfer speed is 150 Mbit/s. This will be enough for watching movies, downloading large files and playing online games.

This router allows you to create guest networks. Therefore, you do not need to give your network login and password to your friends and acquaintances every time. Due to its compactness, the device can be located anywhere in the apartment.

Pros of the router :

• Reliable and stable router that works long time without interruption.
• Convenient control, quick setup.
• Compact sizes.

Minuses :

• One external antenna, which is why the signal is not strong enough.

D-link DIR-615

A simple router that provides wireless connection speeds of up to 300 Mbps. Installation and configuration of the router is carried out in a matter of minutes, thanks to the built-in setup wizard. Software updates occur automatically from the D-Link update server.

The device allows you to create a guest network in which you can limit Wi-Fi speed and access to home network. D-link DIR-615 is also equipped with a special button to turn the router on/off. Now, when leaving home, you will not need to unplug the device from the outlet.

pros :

• Wi-Fi speed up to 300 Mbps.
• Wireless capabilities 802.11n, 802.11g, 802.11b.
• Quick installation, convenient setup.
• There is an on/off button.

Minuses :

• It gets hot during prolonged use.

TP-link TL-MR3420

The router allows you to set up a high-speed Wi-Fi network connection with the press of one button. Two powerful external antennas provide a stable signal with a speed of 300 Mbps.

This router is compatible with 3G modems. Now you can connect to Wi-Fi in places where 3G/3.75G networks are available.

Advantages according to user reviews :

• You can connect a USB modem.
• Large range due to powerful antennas (more than 100 meters).
• Quick installation and connection.
• Wi-Fi signal speed up to 300 Mbps
• Doesn't cut speed.
• Good quality.

Flaws :

• Not found.

MikroTik RB951G-2HnD

Today, every family has a lot of computer equipment in their home. This includes computers, laptops and other gadgets. All of them must be connected to worldwide network. This can be done via a wire that comes from the provider’s router to your apartment. But then only one device will be connected to the Internet, the rest will not be able to access the network. In order to correct the situation, a Wi-Fi router is purchased, which can be used both at home and in a small company.

A router is a device that allows split the signal coming over one cable, thanks to which it will distribute the Internet to all home equipment. Which one is better and what routers consist of will be discussed below.

How to choose a Wi-Fi router

Now let's move on to the main question - how to choose the right router for an apartment, house or other room.

Routers are classified according to different parameters. They may include one wan port that connects the router and the external Internet and an antenna for Wi-Fi distribution. Either one wan port for connecting to an external network, several lan ports for connecting home or office computers to the network via cable and Wi-Fi distribution.

The most common - routers withEthernet ports. Distributed everywhere. Used for connection using the RJ45 standard.

ADSLrouters connect to laptop via telephone line. Although, this type of device would be correctly called modems with a built-in routing function. The phone cable first goes to such a modem, and then from it to the computer. In this case, you will not be able to connect the Internet cable directly to a computer or other device. The RJ11 standard is used.

And also in addition to stationary routers there are mobile wireless routers. The connection occurs via a SIM card, and the built-in battery allows them to work even where there is no power supply. Portable Wi-Fi routers are convenient for laptop owners and those who are constantly on the go. On this moment support 3g, 4g networks. The introduction of 5g is just around the corner, so support for this standard is a matter of time.

At the moment, special routers for connecting fiber optics with Wi-Fi are firmly in circulation. The data transfer speed in such devices is much higher than through a simple cable.

Data transfer rate

The data transfer speed depends on the standard used in the device. There are several types of standards:

• 802.11a– the speed of such a device will be 54 Mb/s.
• 802.11 b– 11 Mb/s.
• 802.11 g– compatible with b. 54 Mb/s.
• 802.11 n– 150 Mb/s.

Most often used in modern routers mixed standard 802.11 bgn. It allows routers and computers running on different standards automatically switch between them. This is done for the convenience of the user.

Power and range

Such routers operate at frequencies of 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. Of course, the router that transmits information at a frequency of 5 GHz will have a longer range. Now almost all transmitting devices are designed for the 2.4 GHz frequency. Therefore, the airwaves in high-rise buildings at this frequency are completely occupied. Routers with combined frequencies. They can operate on both 2.4 and 5 GHz.

Such dual-band routers work like regular wi-fi devices, but only on two frequencies. This means that when he sees a 5 GHz device, he will connect it to the network, in fact, like a device receiving at a 2.4 GHz frequency.

Additional Interfaces

Many routers today are equipped with additional interfaces. These include LAN and USB.

LAN is used to connect to one local network and gain access to the Internet for devices that do not have a Wi-Fi receiving antenna. Typically these include desktop computers without a Wi-Fi card.

InterfaceUSB It is intended to receive Internet from 3g, 4g modems when access via WAN cable is not possible.

Hardware component

Physically, the router consists of a motherboard on which a processor, random access memory, ROM, and controllers for managing wired and wireless networks are located. As well as USB, LAN, WAN interfaces. You should carefully consider the choice of these parameters, otherwise the device’s power may not be enough for the user’s current needs.

Software features

First of all, it is important burglary protection networks. There is a built-in firewall for this. SystemIRTV allows you to watch TV channels over the network. Many routers support torrent client. It also allows you to create an FTP server. This protocol is built on a client-server system.

The more functions a gadget has, the greater the load on it. Therefore, it is best to purchase with a minimum of functions, but the best reception networks.

Manufacturers and prices

Among the many brands, it is worth noting those that are distinguished by their quality and are very popular:

• Routers companiesTP Link. This company produces devices with advanced functionality. It also provides its users with the opportunity to create virtual servers. Parental controls and traffic limitation are also provided. The cost varies from 1,500 to 15,000 rubles for flagships.
• D— link. Routers from this manufacturer support the IPTV protocol. In addition, there are parental controls, support for all access points, and Yandex.DNS content filtering is available. Such routers cost between 1,500 for a budget router and 12,300 rubles for a top-end router.
• ZyXel produces powerful devices for receiving and transmitting data. Supports mixed connection standard. Almost all routers from this company have USB connectors for an additional modem and VPN support. The cost of a budget router is 3,000 rubles; for a flagship, a user can pay up to 18,000 rubles.
• ASUS is famous for constantly introducing new trends in devices. Suitable not only for home use, but also for offices small companies. The price varies from 4,000 to 15,000 rubles.

Which router to choose for your home

For use at home or in an apartment, it is recommended to choose routers from the company TP Link. The prices of such devices are not affordable for the buyer. The build quality of the materials is pleasing. It breaks quite rarely.

Asus are not inferior in popularity to TP Link. The price will be higher, but the build quality will be better. They have all modern data transmission standards. The ability to create a VPN point only raises them in the eyes of advanced users.

Microtik Suitable for those users who like to clearly define the rules for interacting with the Internet. The routers are made of high-quality plastic. The price will be more expensive than regular routers, but the cost justifies expectations. Mainly used in small and large companies due to its great functionality. At home they are rarely used.

Rating of the best routers

Now let's look at the best Wi-Fi routers for home, apartment and private companies, which have earned only flattering reviews from users.

Microtik Hap Lite

New model from a Latvian manufacturer. Its compact and stylish design sets it apart from other routers.

Advantages:

• Supports multiple providers.
• The antennas are hidden inside the case.
• Cheap.

Flaws:

Netgear r8500

The weight of this router is one and a half kilograms. Made from high quality plastic. Receives data in four streams.

Has the following dignity:

• Four external and four internal antennas.
• Smart Connect technology.
• Gigabit Internet ports.

Flaws:

Asus RT AC 5300

A powerful Wi-Fi router with a futuristic design. There are two antennas on each side.

Advantages:

• The fastest data transfer, up to 300 Megabits per second.
• Availability of LAN ports.
• Supports all Wi-Fi standards.

Flaws:

TP Link Archer C7

Operates in the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. There is USB for the printer. Provides the user with speeds of up to 2 gigabits per second. At the moment, no provider provides such speed, but for local network just right.

• Supports LTE.
• High speed.
• Stylish.

Sitecom Greyhound

Supports all standards, mixed and new AC at speeds up to 6 gigabits per second.

Advantages:

• High performance.
• Convenient settings.
• High speed.

Flaws:

TP Link TL WR841N

Budget Wi-Fi router. Cost up to 1500 rubles. Manufacturer China.

Advantages:

• Low cost.
• Easy setup.
• Good reception and distribution.

Flaws:

Zyxel Keenetic Ultra II

A simple and cheap router from the middle class. Supports VPN, bridge mode, LTE modem.

Advantages:

• Ability to save information to a connected external storage device.
• Supports 5 GHz frequency.

Flaws:

Apple Time capsule 2tb me 177

This is a device with a built-in two terabyte hard drive. Works in two ranges. Can be used as a file server. Manufacturer: Taiwan.

Advantages:

• Built-in storage.
• Unusual design.
• Data transmission stability.

Flaws:

Synology RT 2600AC

More suitable for system administrators of medium offices. It has enhanced safety feature. A hardware acceleration mechanism is also present. Works in two ranges.

Advantages:

• Traffic filtering.
• Powerful processor.
• Simple controls.

Flaws:

Netgear orbi rbk 50

It has an unusual body type. Provides stable connection over long distances. The housing contains six internal antennas.

Advantages:

• Large range of action.
• Stability of information transmission.

Flaws:

To make your choice easier, we suggest comparing the main characteristics of the devices:

Model	Standard	Wan/Lan speed, Mb/s	USB ports	Cost, rub.
Microtik Hap Lite	802.11b/g/n	100/54	—	9 000
Netgear 8500	802.11 ac	1000/1000	2	26 000
Asus RT AC 5300	802.11 ac	1000/2000	2	22 000
TP Link Archer C7	802.11 ac	1000/1300	2	6 500
Sitecom Greyhound	802.11 ac	1000/1750	2	18000
TP Link TL WR841N	802.11q	300/300	—	1090
Zyxel Keenetic Ultra II	802.11 ac	1000/1000	2	9 100
Apple Time capsule 2tb me 177	802.11 ac	1000/3000	2	17 000
Synology RT 2600AC	802.11 ac	800/1733	—	20 000
Netgear orbi rbk 50	802.11 ac	1700/3000	—	25000

A Wi-Fi router is needed to distribute the Internet to several devices (smartphones, tablets, laptops, computers, TVs) via a wired LAN connection or Wi-Fi. Your choice determines the wireless Internet coverage area in the apartment, speed, stability and the availability of additional functions: network storage, IPTV connection, creating a home media server, print server, network distribution with a 3G modem.
WiFi router operation diagram
In this article we will only consider Wi-Fi routers, operating from a standard Ethernet cable. The choice of devices running from ADSL (via telephone), fiber optic network or 3G is more specific. They are often issued by the providers themselves.

Router speed

• 99% of modern routers use the Wi-Fi 802.11n standard. The theoretical data transfer speed reaches 600 Mbit/s (one antenna up to 150 Mbit/s).
• The 802.11g standard limits the theoretical maximum speed to 54 Mbps.
• The newest standard is 802.11ac, which provides theoretical speeds of up to 1.3 Gbps.

The technical specifications for each router indicate the maximum data transfer speed. If 300 Mbit/s is specified, in practice expect speeds 3 times lower - 100 Mbit/s. In megabytes, this is a speed of 12.5 MB/s. It is enough for surfing the Internet, watching 1080p online videos, listening to music, multiplayer games, downloading Full HD movies. This will not be enough for downloading torrents in multiple streams or copying files within the network. To work with fast Wi-Fi, the laptop must support the 802.11n or 802.11ac wireless standard.


The specifications indicate the speed of the wired LAN connection. The standard figure is 100 Mbit/s. Expensive routers can work 10 times faster - at a speed of 1 Gbit/s. This speed is needed for fast file exchange within a local network.

How much the router cuts down the Internet can only be learned from real users. This is a subjective parameter, these numbers will be different for each provider. If you are connected to a 100 Mbit/s tariff, at best there will be 95 Mbit/s. The maximum speed will be only when connected directly to the computer’s network card.
Ask a technical support specialist (a technician, not an operator), he should know what equipment is compatible with their network.

Network frequency range

Routers operate in the 2.4 GHz frequency range. There are models that can simultaneously or alternately operate in the 2.4 and 5 GHz range. The 5 GHz channel is useful if there are many routers around your apartment that create interference and slow down the Internet speed. Therefore, moving to 5 GHz may increase speed, but will reduce network range. Not all devices support this operating mode.

Operation stability

You will waste a lot of nerves if the router freezes 2-3 times every day. And until you reboot it, the Internet will not return. You can only learn about the stability of a router from reviews.

To reduce the risk of purchasing a low-quality router, choose from well-known manufacturers: ZyXEL, D-link, TP-LINK. They update their firmware regularly. It is also not recommended to buy new models - in the first year after release there are many glitches.

On the Internet you can find alternative firmware such as DD-WRT or OpenWRT to increase stability, speed and add new functions. But when installing them, there is a chance of permanently breaking the router.

Wi-Fi coverage radius

The actual range can only be determined in practice in your apartment. Almost any router, including D-link DIR 300, is enough for an apartment of 60–70 m².

Do you want to get network coverage on large area- buy a router with 2 or 3 antennas. They must support MIMO technology - multiple input-output. This allows you to increase the network coverage radius to 400 meters in open space, reduce dead zones and increase Internet speed.

Routers with a built-in antenna have low gain - up to 2 dBi. The best option- external removable antenna. An antenna of 2-4 dBi is enough for an apartment or office. If desired, it can be replaced with a more powerful or directional one, or an extension cord can be installed.

Other features

Some routers have a USB port. It is used to connect flash drives or external hard drives for use over a network. You can download torrent files on them when the computer is turned off, create a home media server, and conveniently watch movies on smart TV.


This port is also designed (not on all models) for connecting a 3G/4G modem. A convenient feature if you want to get a backup Internet channel. Many people take such routers to their dachas. Some models have an independent power source for dispensing mobile internet without electricity.


The presence of Yandex DNS in the router interface will allow you to install a family filter with one click. Sites with illegal content, viruses, porn and bots will be blocked.
Devices vary in size random access memory. The higher it is, the better the overall performance of the router. If you don’t know which of the two models to choose, look at the RAM size.

Price

The cheapest router can be bought for 600–1500 rubles. It is enough for undemanding users: 2-3 devices with low connection speed and range. If the tariff does not exceed 30–50 Mbit/s and you don’t want to overpay for unnecessary functions- you can take the economy option. But it makes no sense to overpay for useless functions. The maximum adequate cost for a router for an apartment is 3–4 thousand rubles.

Design

In addition to a beautiful appearance, the design should be thoughtful and convenient.

The best Wi-Fi routers

The summary table compares the 21 best home router models that can now be found on sale.

Model	USB	3G/4G	Wi-Fi standard	Wi-Fi speed	Port speed	Antenna	average price
ZyXEL Keenetic Start			802.11n	150	100	1 fixed 2 dBi	1397
ZyXEL Keenetic Lite III			802.11n	300	100	2 non-removable 3 dBi	1754
ZyXEL Keenetic 4G III	1	+	802.11n	300	100	2 non-removable 3 dBi	2187
ZyXEL Keenetic Lite II			802.11n	300	100	2 non-removable 3.5 dBi	2760
ZyXEL Keenetic Viva	1	+	802.11n	300	1000	2 non-removable 3 dBi	3060
ZyXEL Keenetic Extra	1	+	802.11n	600	1000	2 non-removable 4 dBi	4000
ZyXEL Keenetic II	2	+	802.11n	300	100	2 removable 5 dBi	4107
ZyXEL Keenetic Giga II	2	+	802.11n	300	1000	2 removable 5 dBi	4862
TP-LINK TL-WR740N			802.11n	150	100	1 fixed 5 dBi	1151
TP-LINK TL-WR841N			802.11n	300	100	2 non-removable 5 dBi	1390
TP-LINK TL-WR841ND			802.11n	300	100	2 removable 5 dBi	1551
TP-LINK TL-MR3420	1	+	802.11n	300	100	2 removable 3 dBi	1890
TP-LINK TL-WR842ND	1		802.11n	300	100	2 removable 5 dBi	1990
TP-LINK TL-WR941ND			802.11n	300	100	3 removable 3 dBi	2190
ASUS RT-N11P			802.11n	300	100	2 non-removable 5 dBi	1705
ASUS RT-N12VP			802.11n	300	100	2 non-removable 5 dBi	1853
ASUS RT-N12			802.11n	300	100	2 removable 5 dBi	2085
D-link DIR-300			802.11g	54	100	1 removable 2 dBi	1194
D-link DIR-620	1	3G	802.11n	300	100	2 non-removable 3 dBi	1680
D-link DIR-615			802.11n	300	100	2 removable 2 dBi	1794
NETGEAR JWNR2000			802.11n	300	100	2 internal antennas	1333

Good fast Internet at home starts with a router. It is without this device that it is difficult to imagine a modern apartment or private house with access to the World Wide Web. Before purchasing such equipment, we recommend that you look at the ratings of routers to be absolutely sure that you will be satisfied with the purchase.

The variety of assortment makes one's eyes wide open

The niche of the modern market occupied by routers and routers is truly crowded. It is very difficult for an unprepared buyer to understand which router is worthy of his attention and will quickly recoup the funds invested in it. Therefore, before you part with your money and finally buy a good, modern router for yourself, it is worth studying the main characteristics by which you can determine whether this product is suitable for you or not, and, of course, evaluate the rating of WiFi routers, which describe best models.

Learning to choose a router

First, let's figure out what a router or router is. If we talk in simple words, this is a special device that provides you with access to the Internet from a computer, tablet or laptop, or even from a phone that has a WiFi function.

A good router does not have to be expensive; often the rating of routers suitable for use at home includes exactly those devices that suit the majority of consumers both in price and quality. It will be much easier for you to choose a router if you are familiar with their characteristics:

• Technical characteristics: a good router for home should have enough RAM (at least 64 MB), at least 16 MB of FLASH memory and a modern processor from 300 MHz. If you want to install one unit of such equipment in a large apartment or house, choose a model that has more than one antenna, because the quality of access in rooms remote from the location of the router depends on the power.
• Price is an equally important indicator. Don’t think that there is no difference between the cheapest and more expensive routers. Cheap models not only have low-quality components, but also the created WiFi coverage area is quite miniature. But you shouldn’t try to purchase the most expensive model if, for example, you have a small apartment and the maximum speed from the provider is low.
• Manufacturer's name: Well-established brands produce routers in different price categories to meet the needs of customers with different ability to pay. But there are also brands, for example, D-Link, which offer only budget routers, the reliability of which is not as high as, for example, models from Linksys. Their price is comparatively higher than that of the above brand. The ranking of best-selling routers in our country also includes such manufacturers as TP-Link (offers budget but high-quality routers), Asus (one of the world leaders in sales, including products such as routers) and Zyxel (produces many models of different prices, some of which are superior in parameters to analogues in their price categories).
• Standards: There is such a thing as the WiFi standard. The newest standard is 802.11n. If you are offered a router with the 802.11g or even 802.11b standard, you should not buy such a model, because it is already considered outdated.
• Access protocols: A brand new router just brought from the store may not work with the Internet access protocol offered by your provider. Therefore, you need to clarify the access protocol with the provider in advance and use it to select a model that will support it.
• Technology for connecting to the World Wide Web: each router has a WAN port; it is to this that the cable that supplies the Internet to the house or apartment is connected. Compare the Internet cable and the input in the router before purchasing.

Different ratings with different criteria

• Rating WiFi routers multifunctional, which are considered ideal for home use.
• Rating of the best routers depending on price:

a) the best budget models;

b) the best models at an average price.

• Rating of the best mobile routers.
• Rating of the best routers of 2016 from the most popular manufacturers:

b) decent routers from D-link;

c) the best TP-link routers.

“Multifunctional” rating of routers in 2016 that are worth purchasing for home use

Since modern houses and apartments have approximately the same characteristics (characteristics of structures used for construction materials), the models presented below that are included in the rating are suitable for both a private house and an apartment in a high-rise building.

WiFi mini

Modern, stylish, high-quality - this model deserves all these epithets. It was included in the 2016 router rating due to the fact that it supports the most modern transmission standards, can operate at speeds of almost 1200 Mbit/s, and you can even “rebuild” it to more functional firmware if desired. An external drive can be easily connected to it via a USB port, so even the download function to this external drive will be available to you. There are also disadvantages to this miracle of technology. So, according to reviews, the most inconvenient thing is the interface and instructions, which are offered to us only in Chinese. This model only has a couple of LAN ports, and the speed on them is limited to a hundred Mbit/s.

ASUS RT-N56U amazes not only with its original design

The model does not have external antennas, but this does not prevent it from transmitting data at speeds of up to 1 Gbit/s via LAN ports and 300 Mbit/s via WAN. Here we see a couple of USB ports at once, which attracts many advanced users. Setting up the device is so simple that most actions are performed intuitively. There are also disadvantages, although they do not prevent the model from being included in the rating of WiFi routers for an apartment or house, because they are not noticed by most users. So, the router begins to slow down and overheat if an external storage device with a capacity of a terabyte or more is connected.

So stylish TP-LINK TL-WA901ND

This modern “three-horned monster of the Internet” can even be powered via (the adapter is included). The antennas are removable, if you connect them all together, you can actually provide Internet to all gadgets at a distance of 270 m. But a gadget without a built-in adapter will not work with this model, because it has no LAN ports at all. But given the fact that today a negligible amount of equipment does not have a built-in WiFi adapter, this model has the right to be included in the 2016 WiFi routers for the home rating.

Best Budget Routers

It is not always possible to purchase even a mid-priced router. This is not a reason to be sad, but an excellent reason to study the rating of routers for the home, which will be affordable for everyone. The list below includes only those models whose work quality is quite high, that is, they can provide normal access to the Internet in your home or apartment.

Model TL-WR841N from TP-Link

A budget router that has nice features like parental controls or the ability to limit traffic. The TL-WR841N handles modern connection protocols.

The design of the model can be called classic for this manufacturer. In their reviews, many customers thank the brand for the fact that each of their routers can not only be installed on a table (or any other horizontal surface), but also mounted on a wall. The model practically does not overheat, because the manufacturer has equipped it with many holes for ventilation.

The router is budget, so actual data transfer speeds vary within hundreds of megabits, although the manufacturer has set a limit of 300 megabits. It also does not provide USB ports, like expensive analogues of the same brand.

D-link DIR-300S is also worthy of a place in this rating

It was not by chance that this model was included in the rating of Wi-Fi routers, because it supports all types of connections and even has parental control functions and the Yandex service content filtering function, which is so relevant today. A pleasant addition is the modern glossy design and small dimensions of this router, although some buyers complain about the glossy case, because the dust that has settled on it is immediately visible.

The rating of routers in the mid-price segment should start with MikroTik RB951G-2HnD

Routers of this brand are popular not because of their advertised name, but because the manufacturer provides them with luxurious “filling”, so the number of supported functions is truly amazing. The model will appeal to advanced users who are well versed in personal settings, but for users who want to “press a button and go straight to the Internet”, it will seem too difficult to understand. The small RB951G-2HnD can be used not only in a house or apartment, but even in the office of a small or medium-sized enterprise, because the coverage area is large, and it is provided by a powerful transmitter.

Next on the list will be ZyXEL Keenetic 4G III

You can connect to this router via USB USB port-modem and provide nearby devices with high-quality 3G or 4G Internet. The latest 802.11n standard is supported. The device has two powerful antennas, so the Internet can freely “fly” at speeds of up to 300 megabits. We are also pleased with the stylish design and as many as 4 LAN ports on the rear panel. But the wireless coverage area is small - this is a minus. Although, if you take such a router for a small apartment, there will be no complaints about its performance.

And inexpensive TP-LINK supports the latest 802.11ac protocol

A dual-band router that supports over-the-air speeds of up to 1.167 Gbit per second and is capable of independently providing high-quality coverage to even a large three-room apartment. The Russian-language interface, ease of setup, signal resistance to any interference, plus a stylish design made this model one of the most popular on our market. But it also has disadvantages, and significant ones: a wired connection is only possible at speeds within a hundred megabits, and the built-in USB port is too slow.

Rating of decent mobile routers

Not all houses or apartments have the opportunity to connect to wired Internet, so we bring to your attention a rating of 2016 home routers that have a SIM card slot. It is these models that are most often purchased for use in small towns and villages, where access to the Internet is possible only through mobile communications. Such devices form a fairly high-quality Internet coverage area.

"The smallest router" Huawei E5330

A tiny mobile router from Huawei can provide you with a pretty good WiFi signal in an apartment or house. For ease of use, the manufacturer has provided a liquid crystal display (all the most important data will be constantly in front of your eyes). Consumers do not mention interruptions in operation, freezing and braking of the model in their reviews, so we can say that the little one works stably. Why did this particular model top the rating of WiFi routers 2016 for an apartment or house where there is no cable Internet? It’s just capable of providing Internet access to a dozen devices at once! Of course, there are disadvantages: the E5330 does not work on a 4G network, and the battery is quite weak, so be prepared for the fact that you will have to regularly recharge the “little Chinese”.

And again TP-LINK! Model M5250

And this router only works in 2G/3G networks, unfortunately, but it works stably! The manufacturer cares about the buyer, so he provided an adapter for SIM cards and a USB cable (the router is charged through it). The case is non-marking and oversized, so you can easily take the M5250 with you anywhere! About the disadvantages: most often buyers complain about the lack of a display. The model is truly reliable and worthy of attention, which is why it was included in this rating of WiFi routers for 2016.

Ratings of the best routers from the most popular manufacturers

The best-selling router manufacturers are Asus, D-link and TP-link. Unfortunately, it is impossible to single out the best router in their line of models; a rating specifying the main advantages will be more informative for you.

Best of Asus:

• model EA-AC87 - the most powerful modern equipment with high-quality filling;

• the RT-AC66U model can simultaneously provide high-quality Internet to up to a dozen devices;
• model RT-N56U creates coverage that can cover a large apartment.

The best from D-link:

• model DIR-300A is the undisputed sales leader;
• the DIR-880L model amazes with its power;
• The DIR-850L model pleases with its high-quality filling.

The best from TP-link:

• the TL-WA901ND model is considered the best new product of 2016;
• Arcer C2 model is top-end, that is, it corresponds last word technology;
• model TL-WR740N is an ideal budget option for a small one-room apartment.

How do you understand that you have a bad router and it’s time to change it?

Often, problems with Internet access are not the fault of the provider, but of a weak router that simply cannot provide all the capabilities offered by the provider.

So, the main reasons for purchasing new similar equipment are as follows:

1. The WiFi coverage area does not cover the entire apartment or house: modern, not very expensive routers, which have proven themselves well, according to customer reviews, can cover an area of ​​up to 100 square meters. If the signal from your router cannot even pass through the wall into the next room, it’s time to change it.
2. The router can “cut down” the Internet speed: it happens that the provider provides speeds, for example, 100 Mbit/s for downloading and uploading, and after checking the state of the Internet in your home, you get only 60 Mbit/s for downloading and even less for return. You shouldn’t slander your provider, it’s better to read the instructions for your router; perhaps such indicators are its maximum limit, and it simply does not support higher speeds. If this is the case, it’s worth being generous to buy a new router.
3. The router freezes or reboots regularly: such symptoms can be seen in the operation of cheap models that cannot cope with their responsibilities. Save your nerves and your time - buy a new router.

And finally

Your router will work much better if you do not allow it to be regularly overloaded, get dust or other dirt under the case, and if it is not placed in a damp room. Follow the updates, install the latest firmware, make custom settings that will maximize the comfort of your work on the World Wide Web. And may your home or apartment always have high-quality coverage and stable WiFi!

Today it is difficult to imagine your life without wireless Internet, or, as it is called in colloquial slang, “Wi-Fi” (Wi-Fi). Special routers are responsible for the possibility of its functioning. When choosing them, you should pay attention to the following parameters:

• RAM and processor. It is optimal if the model has at least 32 MB of RAM and a computer frequency of 240 MHz or more. This will allow the router to work without slowdowns and always provide sufficient access speed.
• Operating modes and connected interfaces. These characteristics determine the purpose of the router. Most devices provide for installing an access point, creating a bridge, repeater or client - these modes allow you to connect a router and make it a source of Wi-Fi signal.
• Signal frequency. In most cases, this is 2.4 GHz, but due to the widespread use of these devices in homes, almost all subchannels are occupied, which negatively affects the stability and speed. It is better to choose a dual-band model, where the second channel emits a signal at a frequency of 5 GHz.
• A security protocol that encrypts data and prevents third parties from connecting to Wi-Fi. Most devices support WPA and WPA2 - these are the most reliable protocols.
• Antenna power, which is measured in dBi. The higher this parameter, the greater the range of action the device has. For your home, it is advisable to choose routers with a strong signal.
• Supported protocols. The most common is IPv4, which has an IP address length of 32 bits. But some models are already equipped with TCP IPv6 - the most advanced data transfer protocol.
• Availability of up-to-date software on the official website. It is not a fact that when sold, the router will have the latest firmware installed; however, the existing software may contain errors that prevent the normal operation of the device.

Our rating presents some of the best Wi-Fi routers that can be bought in online stores. All models were selected taking into account the above characteristics and parameters. In addition, the selection of devices was carried out taking into account:

1. Customer reviews
2. Cost of the device (price-quality ratio)
3. Expert opinions

The best inexpensive Wi-Fi routers for home: budget up to 1,500 rubles.

4 Tenda N301

Best price
Country: China
Average price: 878 rub.
Rating (2018): 4.6

Let's start with the most budget Wi-Fi router. The average price tag for this miniature miracle is only 890 rubles. For this money, the user receives a nice, high-quality snow-white case with two antennas with a power of 5 dBi each. It doesn’t take up much space – the case dimensions are 127x90x26 mm. But there are no slots for wall mounting - this is a minus.

The insides are not amazing. The cable speed reaches 100 Mbit/s. Connect viaLAN can be up to three devices. Wireless Internet complies with the standard WiFi 802.11 n with theoretical speeds up to 300 Mbit/s. In reality, judging by the reviews, the speed reaches 70-75 Mbit/s.

Let us separately note the software part. First of all, I am pleased with the ease of setup - as they say, even a housewife can handle it. Among the interesting things: there is the possibility of remote administration, backup of settings, restricting access by MAC and URL, speed limits.Of course, small problems occur, but they can be easily solved by installing more recent firmware from the official website - the process will not cause difficulties even for beginners.

3 TP-LINK TL-MR3020

Budget router with 3G/4G LTE support
Country: China
Average price: RUB 1,412.
Rating (2018): 4.7

At first glance, the TL-MR3020 is an extremely simple device. Just one LAN port, USB 2.0, miniUSB for power, a couple of switches and indicators. The characteristics also lack the stars from the sky: the Wi-Fi 802.11n standard, which will be enough for tariff plans with a speed of 100 Mbit/s, but no more. But the ability to install third-party firmware and provide mobile Internet distribution makes this router very versatile. See what use cases users shared in their reviews:

1) A regular router for a home or apartment

2) Backup Internet source (mobile) in case the main provider is disconnected

3) Access point while hiking - the device can be powered by a simple power bank!

4) Internet in the car: connect it to the cigarette lighter, hide the router in the glove compartment, and you can share the Internet with all passengers

And this is just a small list. Installation of OpenWRT firmware, a USB hub and user curiosity allow you to use the router in a huge number of situations.

2 MikroTik hAP lite

Great software capabilities. Router OS
Country: Latvia
Average price: 1,360 rub.
Rating (2018): 4.6

The second line of the rating is occupied by a model from a little-known company called MikroTik. First of all, hAP ​​lite stands out for its unusual appearance. This is a compact blue and white box with stylish ventilation slots. But what attracts more attention is the absence of external antennas - here they are internal, in the amount of two. The power is low - only 1.5 dBi, but it will be enough for a small apartment. On the other hand, this allows you to place the device almost anywhere. It is also worth considering that the silver medalist in the rating is capable of delivering speeds of only about 150 Mbit/s.

There are also several unique features. First, use Router OS. This system has simply incredible capabilities that the user cannot provide even significantly more expensive devices. Seamless transition between several access points, bridge mode, VPN, tunnels - all this and much more can be found in the router settings. Secondly, hAP ​​lite supports connection to several providers at once. The WAN port can be any of the four located on the case.

1 TP-LINK TL-WR841N

Optimal balance of cost, functionality and simplicity
Country: China
Average price: 1,290 rub.
Rating (2018): 4.8

The first place in the ranking of the best budget Wi-Fi routers for the home is occupied by TP-LINK TL-WR841N. The device can be used as an access point and simultaneously distribute a signal to 6 receivers. Among all inexpensive routers, it has the highest potential operating speed - 300 Mbit/s. The router is equipped with a modern WPA2 data encryption system, which ensures high reliability of transmitted data. The model supports PPTP, L2TP and IPSec tunnel protocols, which are the most common among most providers.

The advantages of this router in user reviews include low cost, ease of setup and a good stable signal. The latter is achieved thanks to two antennas operating in the 2.4 GHz frequency range. The transmitter power is 20 dBM, which allows the signal to “pierce” even the thick walls of an apartment. As weaknesses They note poor case material and a low-quality power adapter, which makes unnecessary sounds during operation.

The best Wi-Fi routers in the mid-price segment: budget up to 7,000 rubles.

3 ASUS RT-N66U

Popular Wi-Fi router. Speed ​​up to 900 Mbps
Country: Taiwan (China)
Average price: 6,105 rub.
Rating (2018): 4.7

The high-speed model ASUS RT-N66U is in third place in the ranking of the best Wi-Fi routers for the home in the middle price segment. This model is more expensive than its TOP neighbors, but its functionality fully justifies the cost. The device has as many as 3 antennas, and emits a signal in the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands, which can significantly improve the quality of communication and use it over large areas. The router includes 4 switch ports, so you can connect 3 devices to it and organize their operation using wired Internet.

In numerous positive reviews, customers talk about fast work, ease of setup and excellent synchronization with USB modems. Moreover, this model provides data transfer of up to 900 Mbit/s simultaneously, which allows it to be used to “distribute” Wi-Fi to several devices at once. If necessary, this router is capable of downloading files without using a computer. Among the disadvantages are strong heating during operation and problems with some firmware versions.

2 TP-LINK Archer C7

Best speed wireless network
Country: China
Average price: 6,650 rub.
Rating (2018): 4.7

The second line of the rating is occupied by the already respected Archer C7. Externally, the model is distinguished by the presence of three antennas with a power of 5 dBi each and an impractical glossy surface. It looks good - there’s no shame in leaving the router in a visible place. The set of ports is standard for this class: power supply, a pair of USB for connecting a printer or external drive, and five Ethernet ports.

The router is dual-band – 2.4/5 GHz. The maximum speed “over the air”, as stated by the manufacturer, is 1750 Mbit/s. The indicator is rather theoretical, because the providers present on our market are unlikely to be able to provide such speed. This will only be useful when creating a home local network. Among the pleasant features, it is worth noting the ability to work in two bands at once, support for LTE modems, file server, guest service, firewall and much more.

1 MikroTik RB951G-2HnD

The most reliable Wi-Fi router
Country: Latvia
Average price: 4,650 rub.
Rating (2018): 4.8

In first place in the ranking of the best Wi-Fi routers in the mid-price category is the MikroTik RB951G-2HnD model. This device is a strong average in terms of reliability, performance and cost. It is used as an access point and can simultaneously “distribute” wireless Internet to 5 devices. Provides a maximum speed of up to 300 Mbps. As a nice addition, the router has MIMO support, which allows it to transmit data over several independent channels at once. A bridge mode is provided to connect wired networks to wireless ones.

In reviews, buyers talk about high-quality assembly, smooth operation and wide customization options as the strengths of the model. At the same time, the router boasts 128 MB of RAM. Thanks to Telnet support it is possible remote control device and its settings. The transmitter power is 30 dBM, and the internal antenna amplifies 2.5 dBi, which has a positive effect on the range. The disadvantages of this model are the difficulty of playing 4G networks and incompatibility with some USB hubs.

The best Wi-Fi routers in the premium segment: budget from 8,000 rubles.

3 HUAWEI B525

LTE support
Country: China
Average price: 8650 rub.
Rating (2018): 4.7

The third line is occupied by a router with a somewhat non-standard design. B525 is designed for vertical installation. The front panel is made in black and gold colors, Wi-Fi antennas are built-in. The set of connectors is standard, with the exception of two SMA ports for connecting external 3G/4G LTE antennas. There is also a slot for a SIM card. Signal reception is more than reliable. In reviews, users claim that the router “sees 3 bars” where the smartphone does not find the network at all. The speeds are accordingly excellent.

You can distribute mobile or cable Internet through three gigabit LAN ports or dual-band Wi-Fi. Unfortunately, simultaneous operation at frequencies of 2.4 and 5 GHz is not announced. The theoretical speed of the wireless network can reach 1300 Mbps.

B525 can also be used as a home file server: connect an external HDD and you can back up or send movies to your TV.

2 Keenetic Giga (KN-1010)

Wide range of customization and modification options
Country: Taiwan
Average price: 8,190 rub.
Rating (2018): 4.8

Keenetic network equipment is little known to the general public, but is popular among enthusiasts. The Giga model is not the top one, but its capabilities are enough for even the most demanding users. The case is not only cute, but also functional. On the rear edge there are 4 Gigabit LAN ports, one WAN and SFP for connecting via fiber optic cable. Very few competitors can offer the latter. On the side there are USB 2.0 and USB 3.0. The distance between them is large, which allows you to freely use even bulky mobile Internet modems. There are also two physical buttons, each of which can be configured with up to three functions.

The router supports the 802.11ac standard and can operate simultaneously in two bands. The maximum theoretical speed reaches 1267 Mbit/s. Real tests showed results of about 600 Mbit/s, which is sufficient for the vast majority of users.

Thanks to the range of ports and excellent software The router can be used in a wide variety of scenarios.

1 ASUS RT-AC88U

3167 Mbit/s
Country: Taiwan (China)
Average price: RUB 18,568.
Rating (2018): 4.8

The leader in the rating of the best Wi-Fi routers in the premium segment is the ASUS RT-AC88U model. The main feature of this device is the ability to ensure simultaneous operation of several dozen devices, thanks to a maximum data transfer rate of up to 3167 Mbit/s. Wide coverage and good signal level are provided by four antennas operating in the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequency ranges.

The strengths of the device in reviews from buyers note its fast operation, pleasant appearance and intuitive Web interface. In addition, the model has 512 MB of RAM, which allows it to quickly process data from different receivers. The router is equipped with one USB port version 2.0 and one version 3.0, which allows you to connect third-party devices to it. The disadvantages include insufficiently developed software and an average signal level at a frequency of 5 GHz.

The best mobile (pocket) Wi-Fi routers

3 Huawei E8372

Connection via USB port. The most compact Wi-Fi router
Country: China
Average price: RUB 2,843.
Rating (2018): 4.4

The portable model Huawei E8372 takes third place in the ranking of the best mobile Wi-Fi routers. This device, with its fairly small dimensions, can provide full Internet access to any smartphone or computer. The device is powered from any USB port. With the help of Huawei E8372 you can organize effective LTE Internet in your car, apartment or house. The router operates in the 2.4 GHz band, which allows you to use its wireless network over an area of ​​up to 50 square meters. The device has built-in support for 3G and LTE, meaning access can be achieved using a SIM card.

Among the strengths of the device in reviews, users note operation without connecting to a computer (via a USB cable), reliable connection retention and lack of lag. The device has a slot for microSD memory cards and two connectors for external antennas, which can potentially significantly increase the range of the router. Among the weaknesses of this model are uninformative instructions and poor case materials.

Video review

2 Alcatel Link Zone

The most budget standalone router
Country: USA-France
Average price: RUB 3,291
Rating (2018): 4.7

The next device is more versatile and autonomous than the previous one. Inside the compact and pleasant-to-touch case there is an 1800 mAh battery, which provides 7 hours of active Internet distribution and about 35 hours of standby time. The battery compartment also contains slots for SIM and SD (up to 32 GB) cards and a pair of connectors for connecting external antennas. I'm glad that a dead battery won't be a reason to stop surfing the Internet - just connect the included charger to the MicroUSB connector and continue using the device.

Wireless Internet standards are not the most modern - only 802.11n. In practice, users experience speeds of up to 70-80 Mbit/s. Not all providers can boast of such results even over cable! The signal level is also good: it will even penetrate a couple of solid walls. The only drawback is the ill-conceived mobile app. But the problem is solved by software, which means there is hope for a quick correction of the shortcomings.

1 TP-LINK M7350

Best functionality
Country: China
Average price: 4745 rub.
Rating (2018): 4.8

The leader of the rating is the most expensive and functional device in the category. The appearance is simple: a parallelepiped with rounded corners and a combination of matte and glossy plastic. The only detail that catches the eye is the 1.4’ TFT display, which displays information about the operator, signal level, transmission speed, etc. The screen also allows for basic setup. For more advanced settings you will have to go to the web interface. In most cases, you only need to change the name of the wireless network - the router will do the rest itself, you just need to install a SIM card.

Like the previous participant, the M7350 has a removable battery. The capacity is noticeably higher – 2550 mAh. There is a slot for a Micro SDHC card up to 32 GB. Thanks to support for the SMB and FTP protocols, any connected device can use files from a flash drive. This solution can be useful, for example, when traveling with the whole family - everyone can take photos and videos and upload them for public access.

The best Wi-Fi routers with built-in file storage

1 Xiaomi Mi Wi-Fi Router HD

Router with built-in 1 TB hard drive
Country: China
Average price: RUB 14,440.
Rating (2018): 4.8

The only representative of the final category is a device from the popular Chinese company Xiaomi. Of course, the Mi Router HD has competitors, but they are sold in single copies at exorbitant prices, and therefore we cannot recommend them for purchase.

The design of the router is consistent with other Xiaomi products - a minimalist metal body with four antennas looks harmonious in almost any interior. This is important, because such a large “box” (195x146x96mm) is difficult to hide from view. Inside is a fairly powerful Qualcomm processor, 512 MB of RAM and, most importantly, a 1 TB hard drive. On the back cover there are 3 LAN and 1 WAN ports, as well as USB. Wireless Internet complies with the 802.11ac standard and can operate in two bands at once: 2.4 and 5 GHz, there is support for MIMO. Maximum speed “over the air” is up to 2533 Mbit/s.

Thanks to the built-in HDD, the router can be used not only for its intended purpose, but also as a file storage for convenient backup from all home devices, storing movies for later playback on a TV, downloading torrents without a PC, and much more. The only drawback is that you will have to be patient and time to set everything up correctly.