What is the best alternative to eero Home WiFi System?

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score 9 · Answer 1

Google WiFi

Top Pro

Smart features prevent congestion and manages complex settings

Google WiFi uses built in software, called Network Assist technology, that works behind the scenes to deliver the best possible WiFi connection. When you're walking around the house, Network Assist seamlessly transitions your device to the closest WiFi point for faster connection. It also automatically connects your device to the fastest available band based on your location. See More

Top Con

No web-based interface

The WiFi system can only be set up and controlled via the Google WiFi mobile app. A Google account and a mobile device are required for setup and management. See More

Top Pro

Easy to setup trough Google Wifi app

The Google WiFi app makes setup very simple. Once you've downloaded the app, you'll have to scan the QR code on the bottom of the WiFi point, which creates a secure connection between the device and your phone. After that all you have to do is to enter the name and password and the app will do everything else in the background. See More

Top Con

Wireless signal extension causes loss of signal

Each time you extend the signal wirelessly, signal loss will occur, which basically means slower speeds. You can mitigate this by placing the satellite units around the first router unit, but it will also mean worse coverage. See More

Top Pro

Up to 4,500 sq. ft. of coverage

Each hardware unit is called a WiFi point and you can have up to three units. One unit will cover 1,500 square feet, and three units will cover 4,500 square feet. So depending on the size of your home you can choose how many WiFi points you need and place them where they are needed the most. See More

Top Pro

App helps you monitor and control your home Wi-Fi

The Google Wifi app for Android and iOS allows complete monitoring and control of your network in a user friendly app. You can see which devices are connected and how much bandwidth each is using. You can prioritize devices for faster speeds when it matters most, even pause your kids' internet for dinner time. See More

9 0

score 31 · Answer 2

Netgear Orbi RBK50

Top Pro

Double the performance of most of its competitors even up to 30ft away and through dense walls

Keeping the Orbi router around 30 feet and two walls away, the Orbi extension projected 429.1 Mbps to a laptop one floor above. This is almost double the performance other mesh network systems provide. In the Purch Labs material-penetration tests, the Orbi's transmissions were powerful enough to penetrate a metal-frame wall, a ceiling and a soundboarded wall with very little drop-off. This tri-band AC3000 device can deliver theoretical throughput speeds of 1,266Mbps (400Mbps on the 2.4GHz band and 866Mbps on the 5GHz band). The third 5GHz band can reach maximum speeds of 1,733Mbps. In real life testing the Orbi router turns in a score of 480Mbps, and the satellite delivers 470Mbps. See More

Top Con

Expensive for bigger homes

Orbi Home WiFi System is available for just under $400. It includes a router and an extender which will cover 4,000 square feet. However if this isn’t enough for you and you need better coverage, you can get a third device for an extra $250, which makes it a total of $650. See More

Top Pro

Good covarage

The Netgear Orbi WiFi system can cover up to 6,000 square feet home. The router itself can cover 2,000 square feet and one satellite unit covers additional 2,000 square feet. It’s possible to add a second extender for a total coverage of 6,000 square feet. The idea is that you would put the main router near your ISP's modem and then just add the extender where it’s needed the most. See More

Top Con

Only three months of tech support are included for free

Although Netgear offers one year warranty for the Orbi, they only offer three months of free tech support. See More

Top Pro

Simple setup

Setting up the Orbi is very easy, you don't need to have any prior knowledge on how to set up a mesh network or how Wi-Fi works. All you need to do is to turn on the main router, download the Orbi app, and follow few simple steps. Then you need to find a place for satellite where you can get best possible coverage. Connection between main router and satellite will be done automatically. See More

Top Con

May occupy too much space for some people

The host and extensions measure at 8.9 inches x 6.7 inches x 3.1 inches which may be too large for some homes. See More

Top Pro

Amazon Alexa integration

Netgear Orbi supports some integration with Amazon Alexa. Admittedly for now it only supports simple stuff like turning on or off the guest network, but the potential is there. See More

Top Pro

The desktop app allows a good degree of customization

Besides the obvious, like changing the password and network name, the Orbi desktop app, once connected allows users to customize things like adjust the router's maximum transmission unit or perform port forwarding and configuring IPV6 addressing. You can also set up a guest network using the desktop app. See More

Specs

Weight:766.5 g (27.04 oz)

Ports:1x Gigabit Wan, 3x Gigabit LAN for router, 4x Gigabit LAN for satellite

Security:WEP WPA WPA2 WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup)

Max theoretical throughput:3 Gbps (AC1733 + AC866 + N400Mbps)

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31 0

score 20 · Answer 3

TL-WR802N

Top Pro

You just need to plug an Ethernet cable for it to start working

You can configure it once with a specific SSID and password and then just plug an Ethernet cable every time you need a wireless connection. See More

Top Con

Doesn't really support Gigabit Ethernet

Even though the LAN/WAN port technically supports Gigabit Ethernet, the speed will still be bottlenecked by the 300 Mbps throughput. See More

Top Pro

Can be used as a repeater to strengthen a wireless connection

When you use the repeater function, the LAN/WAN is disconnected and the port is used only to rebroadcast the existing wireless signal. The WiFi antenna is quite powerful as well, so this router will probably be able to pick up signals that your phone does not. See More

Top Pro

Can be charged by most USB cables

Has a microUSB port that is used for charging. This way you can connect it to most phone chargers if you lose the cable that comes with the router. See More

Top Pro

Extremely portable

It measures only 2.2 x 2.2 x 0.7 inches and it's very light at only 7.2 ounces, making it easy to carry around even in your pocket. See More

20 0

score 19 · Answer 4

NETGEAR Trek N300

Top Pro

Can be powered by a PC

It has a micro-USB port and since it only needs 100 volts to power up, you can plug it into a PC or laptop if there are no other energy sources available nearby. See More

Top Con

Rather exensive

At $159.99 it's quite on the expensive side as far as mini-routers go. See More

Top Pro

Great for people who use public connections often

The built-in firewall that makes this router a very secure choice for connecting to public WiFis. See More

Top Pro

Software is easy to use

Android tablet users will be happy to learn that there is a companion application for using this travel router with these devices, making setup a breeze. See More

19 0

score 7 · Answer 5

Google OnHub

Top Pro

Beautiful designs that blend in with any decor

The OnHub router is one of the more good looking network devices. It’s a cylindrical device that has several customized shells to choose from, so it can fit with your decor. See More

Top Con

Very few advanced functions

The OnHub is a very simple router, there are no additional customization features for more advanced users. It also lacks many standard router-management features, including parental controls and support for VPN services. See More

Top Pro

Great coverage

With a range of up to 2,500 square feet, the OneHub is superb for modest-sized or larger homes. See More

Top Pro

First-class performance

The OnHub can provide a maximum theoretical throughput of up to 1.9Gbps across its both bands. Up to 600Mbps on the 2.4GHz band and up to 1.3 Gbps on the 5GHz band. Realistically, at a close range of 15 feet (about 4.6 m), the router registers a throughput of 308Mbps. When the distance is increased to about 100 feet (30m), the throughput drops to 179Mbps. See More

Top Pro

Incredibly easy to set up

Setting up the OnHub es very simple, you just need to turn it on, download the app, and follow few simple steps. See More

7 0

score 6 · Answer 6

Plume WiFi

Top Pro

Self improving, adaptive network

Plume WiFi uses cloud-based technology to figure out how you’re using the internet. It checks for interference from other devices and what devices are connected to each pod. It uses this information and over time optimizes its network to achieve the best possible performance. See More

Top Con

Poor range

With six pods, the system can cover a home of 1,800 square feet. Range of a single pod, with clear line of sight, is about 20 to 30 feet. If there are any obstacles, range decreases to about 15 feet. Beyond 15 feet you might lose connectivity. You’ll need a separate pod for every room and for each pod you'll need a separate outlet. If you have a bigger living room, you might even need two pods. See More

Top Pro

Fits in with a variety of decors

Pods are available in three colors - champagne, silver, and onyx. This gives you the option to match routers with your interior. See More

Top Con

Lacks additional features

The Plume has almost no features, that are common in other WiFi systems. There are no options like bandwidth priority, or parental controls. See More

Top Pro

Compact design

Plume WiFi system consists of hexagonal pods. Compared to most routers, Plume pods are very tiny and one can easily fit in the palm of a hand. They're just 2.5 inches across and 1.5 inches deep. See More

Top Con

Lacking performance

Plume WiFi is capable of a theoretical combined throughput of 1.2 Gbps. Realistically at a close range of 5 feet and a clear line of sight, the router registers throughput of 230 Mbps. When the distance is increased and there is no clear line of sight, throughput drops to 60 Mbps. See More

Specs

Weight:90 g (3.17 oz)

Ports:1x Gigabit Wan

Security:WPA2

Antennas:2 internal antennas

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6 0

score 5 · Answer 7

Asus RT-AC5300

Top Pro

Less congestion with multiple Wi-Fi bands

With the RT-AC5300 you get three separate WiFi bands, one 2.4 GHz and two 5 GHz bands. The additional 5 GHz band helps to lower congestion, because both 5 GHz bands can split the load between each other. See More

Top Con

Bulky design

This router is large, thanks in no small measure to its bulky antennas. Without them, it measure 9.6 x 9.6 x 2.6 inches. Including the antennas increases them to 9.6 x 11 x 6 inches. See More

Top Pro

Excellent performance

It's a device that delivers theoretical throughput speeds of up to 3.1 Gbps across both bands. It's capable of moving up to 1 Gbps in the 2.4 GHz band and 2.1 Gbps on 5 GHz bands. In real life testing at close range of 3 feet, RT-AC5300 delivers throughput of 661.6 Mbps. To maximize the router's speed it uses 1024-QAM which boosts the routers performance by 25% when compared to the more commonly used 256-QAM modulation scheme. See More

Top Con

Overkill for an average user

Unless you have a large house or an office with plenty of Wi-Fi devices that play games or stream media, using the Asus RT-AC5300 is overkill especially considering its price tag. See More

Top Pro

You’ll be able to play games or stream 4K videos without a hitch

This router offers game-enhancement options such as Multi-User Multiple Input, Multiple Output (MU-MIMO), 4X4 data transmissions, and a wealth of management settings. MU-MIMO offers simultaneous rather than sequential streaming and 4x4 data transmission gives four individual streams to deliver and receive data. See More

Top Pro

Supports MU-MIMO for effective network management

If you have multiple devices using a lot of traffic at the same time, the ASUS RT-AC5300 can handle all of them simultaneously without sacrificing performance. See More

Specs

5 0

score 35 · Answer 8

Asus RT-AC3200

Top Pro

Great performance

The RT-AC3200 is theoretically capable of 3.2 Gbps throughput over its three bands. In real life testing at a close range of 15 feet the RT-AC3200 averages around 510 Mbps. At a distance of 100 feet it averages around 290 Mbps. See More

Top Con

Expensive

At $220 the RT-AC3200 is an expensive router. Unless you have a lot of devices performing demanding tasks, this router might be overkill. See More

Top Pro

Uses security software for safer browsing

The RT-AC3200 uses state-of-the-art built-in security software called AiProtection. It detects infected devices and prevents any information getting stolen from those devices. It also blocks malicious websites and provides constant security check-ups. See More

Top Con

There’s no app for remote management

The only way to access router settings and customization features is through a web browser. When compared to other routers in this price range you would get an app for easier network management. See More

Top Pro

Great for an office space

You can create up to nine simultaneous guest WiFi networks so visitors of your office can browse the internet without being able to access your files and printers. See More

Top Con

Hard to configure for most people

Even though it's one of the most customizable routers on the market, or maybe because of this fact, it's also quite hard to configure even for normal use. See More

Top Pro

Two simultaneous internet service provider connections for redundancy and load-balancing

You can turn one of routers LAN ports into a second WAN port and have two separate internet service provider connections. You can use the second connection for redundancy, or if you’re using up all of bandwidth, it can be divided between both connections. See More

Top Pro

Can be used as cloud storage

You can connect a flash drive or a hard disk drive to this router and access its files from your phone using Asus AiCloud app or via web browser. See More

Specs

RAM:256 MiB

SoC:Broadcom BCM4709A0

Discontinued:Yes

Released:December 19, 2014

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35 2

score 4 · Answer 9

Turris Omnia

Top Pro

Open Source

Open hardware running free operating system based on OpenWrt See More

Top Pro

Performance

High power dual-core ARM CPU at 1.6 GHz with PC-like performance See More

Top Pro

Security

Secure default configuration, easy setup and automatic updates See More

4 0

score 15 · Answer 10

Google Wifi

Top Pro

Smart features prevent congestion and manage complex settings

Google WiFi uses built in software, called Network Assist technology, that works behind the scenes to deliver the best possible WiFi connection. When you're walking around the house, Network Assist seamlessly transitions your device to the closest WiFi point for faster connection. It also automatically connects your device to the fastest available band based on your location. See More

Top Con

Wireless signal extension causes loss of signal

Each time you extend the signal wirelessly, signal loss will occur, which basically means slower speeds. You can mitigate this by placing the satellite units around the first router unit, but it will also mean worse coverage. See More

Top Pro

Easy to setup through the Google Wifi app

The Google WiFi app makes setup very simple. Once you've downloaded the app, you'll have to scan the QR code on the bottom of the WiFi point, which creates a secure connection between the device and your phone. After that all you have to do is to enter the name and password and the app will do everything else in the background. See More

Top Con

Doesn't get through walls well

Despite claims, my real world tests showed Google Wifi is slow and loses its 5Ghz signal almost completely through thick/plaster walls, defeating its entire purpose. See More

Top Pro

Highly reliable in urban apartments with crowded Wi-Fi bandwidth

Top Con

Limited management app

Doesn't support even basic features like changing your local network's IP range, and you'll be hunting around the app wondering if it lacks a feature, or if you just can't find it in the app. See More

Top Pro

App helps you monitor and control your home Wi-Fi

The Google Wifi app for Android and iOS allows complete monitoring and control of your network in a user friendly app. You can see which devices are connected and how much bandwidth each is using. You can prioritize devices for faster speeds when it matters most, even pause your kids' internet for dinner time. See More

Top Con

No web-based interface

The WiFi system can only be set up and controlled via the Google WiFi mobile app. A Google account and a mobile device are required for setup and management. See More

Top Pro

Up to 4,500 sq. ft. of coverage

Each hardware unit is called a WiFi point and you can have up to three units. One unit will cover 1,500 square feet, and three units will cover 4,500 square feet. So depending on the size of your home you can choose how many WiFi points you need and place them where they are needed the most. See More

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15 1

score 14 · Answer 11

Netgear Orbi

Top Pro

Great performance

This tri-band AC3000 device can deliver theoretical throughput speeds of 1,266Mbps (400Mbps on the 2.4GHz band and 866Mbps on the 5GHz band). Third 5GHz band can reach maximum speeds of 1,733Mbps. In real life testing the Orbi router turns in a score of 480Mbps, and the satellite delivers 470Mbps. At a distance of 30 feet, the Orbi router scores 223Mbps, and the satellite scores 220Mbps. To maximize routers performance Orbi uses a separate 5GHz band that’s used only for communications between the router and the satellite. In comparison, other Wi-Fi extenders use the same bands to extend signal, which results in a 50% signal loss each time the signal is wirelessly extended. See More

Top Con

Expensive to buy 1 individual satellite

If you find out that a pair of two is not sufficient, you will be paying a lot more for 1 extra satellite. See More

Top Pro

Good covarage

The Netgear Orbi WiFi system can cover up to 6,000 square feet home. The router itself can cover 2,000 square feet and one satellite unit covers additional 2,000 square feet. It’s possible to add a second extender for a total coverage of 6,000 square feet. The idea is that you would put the main router near your ISP's modem and then just add the extender where it’s needed the most. See More

Top Con

Expensive for bigger homes

Orbi Home WiFi System is available for just under $400. It includes a router and an extender which will cover 4,000 square feet. However if this isn’t enough for you and you need better coverage, you can get a third device for an extra $250, which makes it a total of $650. See More

Top Pro

Simple setup

Setting up the Orbi is very easy. All you need to do is to turn on the main router, download the Orbi app, and follow few simple steps. Then you need to find a place for satellite where you can get best possible coverage. Connection between main router and satellite will be done automatically. See More

14 1

score 26 · Answer 12

TP-LINK Archer C7 (V2)

Top Pro

Best performance for the price for both large and small houses

The TP-Link Archer V2 offers great value for the money for most people who are looking to buy a wireless router. It is faster and covers the same area faster than routers that cost twice or three times as much, While it's not the best performant router under all circumstances, the jump in price to get the best router for a certain scenario would not be proportional to the added performance. At short range (around 11 ft) it provides 200Mbps-160Mbps depending on the line of vision, thickness of walls, etc. While on long range (around 43 ft) it provides 175Mbps-72Mbps depending on the line of vision, thickness of walls, materials the walls are made, etc. See More

Top Con

Is missing some more advanced features found in other routers

It does not have some advanced features such as Quality of Service controls, iTunes server, jumbo frames or VPN server. See More

Top Pro

Great for appartments with lots of WiFi interference from neightbours

The Archer C7 allows you to access both 2.4GHz and 5GHz WiFi bands, which has the benefit of improving performance but also makes it easier to escape any interference from any neighbours' WiFi. See More

Top Con

Parental controls might be somewhat confusing

For those who are less tech-savvy, setting up parental controls may be tricky, since they use the MAC addresses of the network's computers (both those use by adults and children). See More

Top Pro

Provides a good assortment of basic features

It has four Gigabit ethernet ports, supports USB file sharing and media streaming through two USB 2.0 ports, has parental controls for an increased degree of control, and has support for guest networks. See More

Top Pro

Good degree of control over the guest network

The Archer C7 allows you to use one guest network per WiFi band. You can choose when these guest networks are activated and you can also configure the maximum amount of bandwidth that guests can use. See More

26 2

score 3 · Answer 13

Plume WiFi

Top Pro

Compact design

Plume WiFi system consists of hexagonal pods. Compared to most routers, Plume pods are very tiny and one can easily fit in the palm of a hand. They're just 2.5 inches across and 1.5 inches deep. See More

Top Con

Poor range

With six pods, the system can cover a home of 1,800 square feet. Range of a single pod, with clear line of sight, is about 20 to 30 feet. If there are any obstacles, range decreases to about 15 feet. Beyond 15 feet you might lose connectivity. You’ll need a separate pod for every room and for each pod you'll need a separate outlet. If you have a bigger living room, you might even need two pods. See More

Top Pro

Self improving, adaptive network

Plume WiFi uses cloud-based technology to figure out how you’re using the internet. It checks for interference from other devices and what devices are connected to each pod. It uses this information and over time optimizes its network to achieve the best possible performance. See More

Top Con

Lacking performance

Plume WiFi is capable of a theoretical combined throughput of 1.2 Gbps. Realistically at a close range of 5 feet and a clear line of sight, the router registers throughput of 230 Mbps. When the distance is increased and there is no clear line of sight, throughput drops to 60 Mbps. See More

Top Pro

Fits in with a variety of decors

Pods are available in three colors - champagne, silver, and onyx. This gives you the option to match routers with your interior. See More

Top Con

Lacks additional features

The Plume Pods lack additional features that are common in other WiFi systems, such as manual bandwidth prioritisation, manually assigning a device to a pod, or measuring the bandwidth usage of Ethernet devices. See More

3 0

score 3 · Answer 14

TP-Link Talon AD7200

Top Pro

Smooth performance with powerful CPU

This router uses a 1.4GHz dual-core processor, which is more than enough to manage all the processing needs of this device. This ensures users will feel no network hiccups. See More

Top Con

Few/any currently available wireless ad adapters

Top Pro

Extremely fast speeds

The AD7200 is a tri-band router, with a maximum theoretical speed of up to 7.2 Gbps over its three bands. In real life testing, The Talon manages an average download speed of 867.6Mbps. That throughput is possible mainly because of the router’s use of the new 802.11ad Wi-Fi standard. See More

Top Con

Expensive

Even if the Talon AD7200 is a good product, unless you have 802.11ad clients, it's not worth the price it costs. See More

Top Pro

Easy to setup

Configuring this router is very simple: just plug it to a power outlet and then just access it via ethernet or its default wireless network. See More

Top Con

Poor range

The range of new 802.11ad WiFi standard is 10 times lower when compared to the more commonly used 802.11ac. And it can't penetrate walls, making its use very limited for most households. See More

Top Pro

Intuitive mobile interface via its Tether app

Tether is an app for this router. It has a easy to use layout that allows you to setup the router and access WiFi settings such as guest access and parental controls. See More

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3 0

score 3 · Answer 15

Google OnHub

Top Pro

Great coverage

With a range of up to 2,500 square feet, the OneHub is superb for modest-sized or larger homes. See More

Top Con

Very few advanced functions

The OnHub is a very simple router, there are no additional customization features for more advanced users. It also lacks many standard router-management features, including parental controls and support for VPN services. See More

Top Pro

First-class performance

The OnHub can provide a maximum theoretical throughput of up to 1.9Gbps across its both bands. Up to 600Mbps on the 2.4GHz band and up to 1.3 Gbps on the 5GHz band. Realistically, at a close range of 15 feet (about 4.6 m), the router registers a throughput of 308Mbps. When the distance is increased to about 100 feet (30m), the throughput drops to 179Mbps. See More

Top Pro

Incredibly easy to set up

Setting up the OnHub es very simple, you just need to turn it on, download the app, and follow few simple steps. See More

Top Pro

Beautiful designs that blend in with any decor

The OnHub router is one of the more good looking network devices. It’s a cylindrical device that has several customized shells to choose from, so it can fit with your decor. See More

Specs

Weight:771 g (27.2 oz)

RAM:1GB DDR3

CPU:1.4GHz Dual-core CPU

Ports:1x Gigabit Wan, 1x Gigabit LAN

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3 0

score 10 · Answer 16

AmpliFi HD

Top Pro

A small or midsize home can be covered with just the router

AmpliFi router on its own has a range of 90 feet, which should be more than enough for a small or midsize home. See More

Top Con

Mesh access points don't look as appealing as the router itself

The two mesh access points looks like antennas that you would put on the roof of your home. They are 9.6 inches tall and can take up much space on your outlets. See More

Top Pro

Easy network management through a companion app

It has an intuitive companion app that enables instant setup, includes powerful reporting metrics, and provides easy guest access. If there’s a network problem, you can resolve it via your app. There’s also constant reporting on network security. See More

Top Con

Currently lacks MU-MIMO for efficient network management

In situations where two people would try to start video streams at the same exact time on different devices, one of them would be prioritized over the other and it would have to wait until the first had buffered a few bits of data for itself. But usually, you won’t notice a slowdown. This technology will be implemented with AmpliFi HD in the nearest future. See More

Top Pro

A snap to set up

To set up the router you just need to download the app and follow the step-by-step guide. The whole process takes a few minutes. See More

Top Con

Mesh networks can be overkill in many instances

Mesh networks are a very good choice for bigger homes but they can be overkill in many instances. If you're living in an apartment or smaller home, the Amplifi HD system won't be the best solution. See More

Top Pro

Looks cool

The AmpliFi HD router has a unique design. It is a small white cube, with a round 1.6-inch touchscreen, that can show date, time or your upload and download speeds. See More

Top Pro

Great throughput

The Amplifi HD averages around 705 Mbps of throughput at a close distance of 5 feet. At 140 feet, that throughput drops to 177.5 Mbps — more than enough to share a 100 Mbps broadband connection, which is the top speed that majority of computers, phones or tablets can handle. See More

Top Pro

Excellent coverage

The Amplifi HD provides industry leading wireless connectivity coverage of up to 20,000 square feet. The included router and two extenders are best suited for large homes. See More

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10 1

score 9 · Answer 17

TP-Link 1750

Top Pro

Versatile

Connect this to your existing network wirelessly, and then connect your device to it with its built in ethernet port. This product allows you to not only extend your wireless network, but increases the reliability of the connection to your wireless connection. See More

Top Con

Does not go through all materials

Like other routers and extenders, this device cannot pass through specific materials such as brick, water, stone, and cement. These denser materials are not as permeable to WiFi signals as others. This product is a standalone extender and will work with others, but not partner with like some other brands. Be mindful of where you plug this in for the best signal. See More

Top Pro

Easy setup and reliable tech support

Installation is a breeze, and the tech support is very knowledgable and helpful. See More

Top Con

RF issues

Some users have noticed that this device causes interference with your radio usage. While not a huge issue, it is something that could cause issues depending on your at home layout. See More

Top Pro

Good pricing

This is the best bang for your buck, hands down. 24/7 support, 2 year warranty, and under $100? See More

Specs

Weight:15.4 ounces

Dimensions:6.4 x 3 x 2.6 inches

Wireless:802.11 a/b/g/n/ac

Ethernet:1

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9 1

score 53 · Answer 18

NETGEAR Nighthawk AC2300 (R7000P)

Top Pro

Great performance even for busy networks

The R7000P truly shines under busy network conditions. The load-balancing band steering automatically shifts the devices around to give work to both radios. What this means is that users will have a pleasant experience even when the network is busy. See More

Top Con

Might be a bit problematic to use in crowded dorms or apartment buildings

The R7000P does not have a third band, which is something that's usually available for routers around this price range. This is not a big problem if the router is being used in a suburban home, but it can be a bit problematic if used in a crowded apartment complex or dorm where there are a lot of neighboring networks interfering. See More

Top Pro

You can specify the amount of bandwidth you wish to dedicate to gaming or video

Nighthawk offers two different types of traffic prioritization tools. Traffic that is sent out by the user can be prioritized for gaming, while incoming traffic can be prioritized for improved video streaming. See More

Top Con

You can't block non-HTTP sites

Even though you can block websites by domain name or keyword, you can only do so for websites that don't use HTTPS. See More

Top Pro

Several custom firmwares readily available

To make greater use of the powerful component hardware, owners can easily flash any of the popular third-party firmwares like TomatoUSB, DD-WRT, AsusWRT and more using the existing upgrade page in the stock web-based control panel. See More

Top Pro

Excellent USB performance

The Nighthawk achieves file transfer rates of 231.2 Mbps over USB 3.0 and 224 Mbps over USB 2.0. This means that you can connect an external hard disk drive to this router and share a 2 GB file over a Wi-Fi network in just over a minute. See More

Top Pro

Easy to configure

Uses a full-featured Web interface for configuration that's easy to use for both beginners and advanced users alike. See More

Specs

53 6

score 2 · Answer 19

Linksys WRT1900ACS

Top Pro

Customization is possible using OpenWRT

This router has extensive customization options (enhanced QoS settings, WiFi optimization and traffic shaping, among other things). This is thanks to the use of OpenWRT, which is an open-source, Linux-based OS. See More

Top Con

Lacks MU-MIMO for efficient network management

This can become an issue when you're streaming video or gaming online with multiple devices. With MU-MIMO the router would be able to stream multiple lanes of traffic simultaneously. Routers without MU-MIMO have to send data to each device in turn. See More

Top Pro

Remote management via app

This router comes with a monitoring/management companion app for smartphones and tablets. This enables network managers to take actions remotely if needed, such as content blocking or device banning. See More

Top Con

High price

While the router has blazingly fast download and upload speeds, at $229 it could be slightly pricey for average home networking customers. See More

Top Pro

Impressive hardware

This router had a 1.6 GHz dual-core CPU and it comes with 512MB of RAM. Its dual-band electronics make it capable of handling four independent lanes of data traffic. See More

Top Con

Hefty design

This router's dimensions are 9.7 x 7.6 x 2.0 inches, which make it quite big when compared to competitors. See More

Top Pro

Great for office spaces

You can create a separate, password-protected WiFi network for up to 50 people and easily share the password. This means that you can have a more secure network at your office space. And if some of your guests are eating up all of your traffic, you can prioritize devices that need the most speed. See More

Top Pro

Quick and easy setup

Once you have successfully connected your PC to the router, open any browser and go to 192.168.1.1. Everything else from there is self-explanatory. See More

Top Pro

Excellent performance

This router's performance is very good: it has a peak performance of 1.9 Gbps on both bands (theoretical). It can move up to 600 Mbps in 2.4-GHz mode and up to 1,300 Mbps in 5-GHz mode. In real life testing at a close range the WRT1900ACS delivers a total throughput of 515 Mbps across its both bands. See More

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score 2 · Answer 20

Linksys AC3200

Top Pro

Great performance using tri-band technology

This AC3200 router utilizes three simultaneous WiFi bands for maximum theoretical throughput of 3.2 Gbps. In real life testing at a close range of 15 feet it clocks in close to 600 Mbps. When distance is increased to about 100 feet, the speed drops to 240 Mbps. See More

Top Con

Lacks advanced customization features

You can’t set up a VPN server or have multiple internet service provider connections to your router. With a VPN server you can be traveling around the world and browsing the internet, but your smartphone or laptop would think that it’s connected to your home network. And multiple internet service provider connections could be used for redundancy or load-balancing. See More

Top Pro

Can be remotely managed with a companion app

There’s an easy to use app for your smartphone or tablet. You can use it to access your router's settings and customization options. See More

Top Con

Expensive

At $300 this router is more expensive when compared to other tri-band routers. See More

Top Pro

Easy to set up

Setting up this router is very similar to installing a game on your computer. Once you’ve powered it up and connected it to your modem, just open the browser and go to 192.168.1.1. This will open Linksys Smart WiFi setup wizard, where you'll have to click "Next" few times and write in the name and password of your network. See More

Top Con

Most devices don’t support three simultanious WiFi bands

Most consumer devices are built to support two simultaneous WiFi bands, not three. Before upgrading your network with a tri-band router, you should make sure that your computer and/or smartphone supports this technology. Otherwise you won't be able to use this router to its full potential. See More

Top Pro

You can prioritize bandwidth for devices and some specific applications of those devices

For example you can give Skype a higher priority, so the quality of your video calls wouldn't be affected because someone else is streaming a movie and using up all of bandwidth . You can also give higher priority to some online games for better latency. See More

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