Router rating for country houses

Mobile router, mounted in a housing made of high quality materials in a classic design, will provide uninterrupted reception and distribution of the Internet anywhere and anytime.

Rating of the best routers for country houses in 2022

The infectious situation has forced many city dwellers to move to the dachas. And without the usual Internet and nature is not very happy. In addition, many have changed the nature of work and now work "remotely". But wired Internet is not everywhere, and not technically possible. So people have to turn to the achievements of communication technology to regain access to familiar features. Fortunately, the technology now is such that much of what seemed an unattainable luxury has now become affordable and common.

The main device that provides access to the Internet among the beds of strawberries and blooming apple trees is the router. But it is often not enough, so when the signal is weak, it makes sense to install an outdoor antenna oriented towards the nearest mobile operator's tower. This requires a set of equipment consisting of a directional antenna supporting MiMo technology, USB modem, Wi-Fi router, cables to connect the antenna, cable to connect the modem (pigtail), power supply for the router, appropriate fasteners.

Manufacturers of the most reliable routers

Electronic equipment, including for long distance communication, produces a large number of companies. But you need to be able to understand this diversity. But not always a well-known brand or high price guarantee high quality. It is more reliable to collect statistics by polling users who operate the equipment in conditions similar to yours.

According to mass online reviews, TP-Link, Asus, Keenetic and Xiaomi routers are considered the best. Quite decent products are also available from Netis, LinkSys, Tenfa and Huawei.

Internet information is broadcast over the network. It is assumed that it is available to everyone who connects to it. Permission to connect and assistance in its implementation to the individual user for a fee is given by the provider – the "owner" of this fragment of the network. But the individual user is not the only one, he has a large family, all of them have personal computers and smartphones, they also need access to the network. In this case, the head of the family connects to the provider via a router (aka router, aka gateway). The router receives the signal from the external network, builds its own internal home network between all the home computing equipment and distributes the Internet to these devices. Good quality SIM routers support LTE connectivity.

The family router connects to the WAN via its own channel, either radio or wired. And the right of this particular router to receive the information intended for it is written in the SIM-card by a special code. And in order to connect several computers or laptops to it by wire, use the LAN-ports. There you can connect not only PCs, but also network printers, SMART-TVs, surveillance cameras and many other things that have a similar network interface.

Which router should I choose for my apartment or cottage? Choosing a quality router is a difficult task. You need to pay attention not only to the brand and cost of the device, but also to its technical characteristics. This will determine the duration and stability of the router.

Keenetic 4G (KN-1211)

If you're accessing the internet via cellular, the Keenetic 4G (KN-1211) is a great tool to make your connection stable and high quality. It is the most affordable router in its lineup with support for 3G/4G modems with a soldered-in USB port. Externally it fully repeats KN-1110 as it has a compact white body, minimalist design and two non-removable signal amplifiers on the ends. The processor with a clock frequency of 575 Mg and 64 MB of RAM is responsible for the performance. Considering the belonging of the model to the budget class, this is quite good stuffing. Keenetic 4G (KN-1211) has four network ports with the standard speed of 100 Mbps. One of them can be easily turned into a WAN-port for cable access to the network. As for the wireless features, they correspond to the N300 class. The maximum data transfer speed reaches 300 Mbps. Considering the fact that the router only supports the 2.4 GHz band, this is quite a comfortable bandwidth. The built-in antennas have a decent coefficient of 5 dBi and significantly expand the broadcasting area. You can use the Internet not only indoors, but also outdoors, for example in the garden.

USB 2.0 port is designed to work with external gadgets (peripherals, flash cards, 4G modem, etc. As for USB-modems, Keenetic 4G (KN-1211) supports over 150 items of such equipment. The memory of the device functions according to the Dual Image principle. It means that the firmware is fully duplicated and if for some reasons it "flies off" the system automatically rolls back to the previous, workable version. The software is a universal package, which is supported by all routers of the brand, including expensive ones. The reviews of owners mention only positive aspects, because the existing shortcomings are non-critical and completely overlap the price tag.

Alcatel Link Zone MW40V

Many people do not understand why they need a Wi-Fi router, if every smartphone supports access point mode. But the fact is that any gadget quickly runs out of power when giving out mobile Internet, and the number of simultaneous connections is limited to several devices. Alcatel Link Zone MW40V is the optimal solution for Internet access in the countryside. The router is extremely compact and weighs 78 grams, which makes it easy to carry in your pocket. The device comes in white and black and is made of high quality plastic with a matte surface. On its body there are LED indicators that show the status of the mobile network, Wi-Fi sharing, current notifications and battery charge. But it is impossible to track the quality of cellular reception and the current battery consumption by these icons. There is a power key and WPS for passwordless user connection.

On the sticker under the battery there is useful information for logging into the admin panel. After going to the specified IP-address and entering the authorization data, you will see an informative interface with Russian-language adaptation. It contains the main functions and sections, which are quite sufficient for configuration. You can manage the router via the mobile software Alcatel Link App, which duplicates all the features of the admin panel in the browser. The cellular network is served by Qualcomm MDM9207 chipset, which operates at a clock frequency of 1.2 GHz. The Wi-Fi network is based on the RealTek RTL8192ES module. The router supports the MIMO 2×2 system, and up to 10 gadgets can be simultaneously connected to the access point.

Hidden under the cover of the Alcatel Link Zone MW40V is a 2150 mAh battery with a removable design. If you buy an additional battery, you can significantly increase the operating time without recharging. The exact indicator of autonomy is determined by the mode of use. With moderate use (web browsing, flipping through your social networking feed, downloading text documents) the gadget will last up to 5 hours. If you download large amounts of files through torrent clients, the charge will melt before your eyes.

4th place – Tenda 4G06

In the line of the company Tenda also found a comparable model in terms of characteristics – Tenda 4G06. However, it has its own small features. It also has WiFi only in the 2.4 GHz band and the network ports support speeds up to 100 mbps. However, there is no support for linking with other devices
into a mesh network. And also only 3 network connectors which can either be used to connect devices, in the case of mobile internet. Or one of them is occupied by a cable from the provider, but then only 2 LAN ports will remain free, unlike Keenetic Runner, which always has three LAN ports ready to work with network devices.

But the "chip" Tenda 4G06 is the presence of a telephone jack, which allows you to turn an ordinary landline phone in the city into a cell phone. The inserted SIM-card will be used as the number to make calls.

In general, the two models are comparable, but the emphasis is placed on different functions – the choice is left to who is more important. Since Tenda beats Keenetic in price, we put it in a well-deserved 4th place.

3rd place – Zyxel LTE3301 Plus

Since the company split, Zyxel and Keenetic have gone their separate ways. Whereas Keenetic continued the line of mid-priced devices designed for the mass market. Zyxel focused on the production of high-tech expensive routers, adapted to perform a wide range of tasks at a very impressive load. This means they can be taken not only for a large home, but also for a full-fledged office with many devices working simultaneously. However, the high cost of Zyxel equipment and some other small nuances do not allow you to put their gadgets in the first place. But it is also impossible to bypass them.

The 3rd place in the rating we gave to Zyxel LTE3301 Plus. This is a cool wifi router that can easily handle all your daily tasks. Let's just say that this is a full-fledged "no-compromise" wifi router that has everything we expect to see in an advanced home or office device.

First of all, there is support for 5 GHz network, as well as Gigabit network ports. By the way, there are four of them, one of which can work in WAN mode if you have cable internet. Moreover, both cable provider and mobile via SIM-card can operate simultaneously, one as the main, and the other as a backup in case the signal on one of the channels will be lost. There is also a USB port that can be used to work with an external hard drive.

From the disadvantages, except the high price, it is worth noting the overloaded web interface of the control panel. However, a more intuitive mobile app is also available, just like Keenetic and Tenda.

What's the best router for 2021-2022?

In my opinion, the best choice for beginners who have decided to set up a wireless network in their home would be to choose a dual-band wifi router with 5 GHz network support. However, these models are significantly more expensive than those featured in today's ranking. No wonder why the cheapest single-band (2.4 GHz) routers are still hugely popular. People just want to save money. Well, let's help them choose the best examples from the large number on the market.

Mercusys MW325R.

Our today's rating is headed by the very smart for this price segment Mercusys MW325R. It is clearly more powerful than other representatives in its class – there are four antennas, but one less network port. On the whole, in terms of the number of settings, it is quite an "adult" router. And in general, in our price range of up to 1000 rubles, it fits in literally at the last moment. This means that this model is also perfectly suitable for the home and has a full range of options without discounting its budget.

TP-Link WR-820N

Moving on smoothly to TP-Link. In this price segment and with the obligatory technical characteristics stated by us in this firm today I would like to note a novelty – the best inexpensive router TP-Link WR-820N. Given the popularity of the brand and availability in stores, this router makes a clear bid to become a bestseller. Also, as in the case of Mercusys, you can't call it something cut down on the set of features compared to older models without a USB port. Guest networks, IPv6, parental control, traffic filters and various other smart assistants in competent local network building are undoubted advantages of TP-Link. Although there are only two LAN ports, which gives away its focus on wireless connections.

Which router is better for the apartment?

When choosing a router in the low-price segment, you should understand that if one model has 10 functions, and the other has only 5, while they cost the same, it means that in a more advanced model something was spared.

Remember, the best wifi router is the one that best solves the problem in your home!

In my opinion, it is better to determine exactly what functions are vital and buy a router that has them present and work well, but without anything unnecessary. Or add a few hundred more rubles and buy a more expensive model.

Did you notice that this selection of the best routers for the apartment in 2021-2022 does not include models from Asus, D-Link, Netgear, Trendnet, Xiaomi, Zyxel, Keenetic and other manufacturers?

The thing is that either they are out of our budget, or they do not meet the technical requirements of this selection, or they are simply not officially represented on our market. However, as an exception, I will still add on an out-of-competition basis two more models that are a bit out of our budget. But if you add a little money, you can get even better devices.

Keenetic Start

The Keenetic line of routers is a middle ground between amateur and professional equipment. Let's just say, for advanced users. So if you want to step over the "beginner" devices, I advise you to pay your attention to Keenetic Start right away. Since this kind of router is mostly used only as a wireless Internet source, for most people Keenetic Start is a great solution for a small apartment. If you don't need USB to connect a modem or storage device to build a network in your apartment, but only a wireless signal, this model will serve you for many years without any problems due to its proven reliability.

Huawei E5576

Huawei E5576 is a universal router for home and office, which perfectly copes with its tasks, does not require complicated setup and has good throughput rates. Since the device has a battery, it can work autonomously without a constant connection to the network. Working time without recharging reaches 6.5 hours under intensive loads. In the technical specifications of the model it is declared to support up to 16 simultaneous connections with the ability to register a guest zone with access time limitation. This router is ideal for work, study and travel, where a standalone means of accessing network resources is required. Wi-Fi data transfer speeds of up to 150 Mbps. Such performance is provided by the 802.11 b/g/n communication standard with the 2.4 GHz protocol.

The build quality of the Huawei E5576 standalone router does not cause complaints. In addition, the device has compact dimensions and fits easily in a small bag or jacket pocket. On the matte surface of the white plastic case there is a black stripe, on which the indicators of network level and current battery charge are collected. The capacity of the latter is 1500 mAh, which is comparable with the popular Alcatel Link Zone router. The mobile router has a slot for a standard SIM card with a very high connection speed. The gadget does not require complex setup and is quite easy to connect. All you need to do before using the device is to insert the SIM card of your operator with the paid tariff plan into the slot. Next, you need to install the battery, close the lid and hold down the power key for a few seconds. The router will quickly find a valid network and start distributing Wi-Fi.

E5576 is an excellent pocket router from Huawei, which will allow you to connect to mobile Internet in any place where there is cellular coverage. Support for 2G, 3G, and 4G LTE networks will provide high throughput when watching movies, downloading and uploading files, video conferencing, and other activities.

Xiaomi Mi Wi-Fi Router 4A Gigabit Edition

The Xiaomi Mi Wi-Fi Router 4A Gigabit Edition is a stylish home router designed for fast data transfer over two frequency bands with a combined Wi-Fi connection speed of 1,167 Mbps. Four powerful antennas with a gain of up to 6 dBi are attached to the housing, guaranteeing stable broadcasting in a wide area. WEP, WPA, WPA2 protocols are used to protect the Internet connection. There is one Gigabit WAN port and two LAN ports with the same bandwidth (1 Gbit/s). This allows you to connect to the service provider via wire, or organize network distribution to a computer, peripheral office equipment and other gadgets that support this connection technology.

To configure the working configuration, set the network name, password and other parameters, you can open a web interface through a browser or use a proprietary application for your smartphone. As mentioned, the Xiaomi Mi Wi-Fi Router 4A Gigabit Edition supports two frequency protocols – 2.4 and 5 GHz. Its hardware board includes 128 MB of RAM, which provides fast performance and system performance under all loads. DHCP, NAT, Firewall are among the available routing features. The model is also compatible with the Smart House equipment, as it can simultaneously serve a large number of sensors and components via Wi-Fi.

+User-friendly administrative panel with Russian-language interface.

+High bandwidth for both Wi-Fi and wired data transmission;

If you're having a hard time deciding on a router for your home, the Xiaomi Mi Wi-Fi Router 4A Gigabit Edition will be a great option to consider. This budget router incorporates the best technology and engineering in mid-range networking equipment, namely high data speeds, advanced hardware and a cute design.

Top 10 best mobile routers with Wi-Fi in 2023

Place	Model	Price
Best compact mobile routers in terms of price/quality
#1	HUAWEI E5576	Check price
#2	TP-LINK TL-MR3020	Check out the price
#3	Alcatel Link Zone	Check price
#4	Xiaomi ZMI MF885	Ask the price
#5	TP-LINK M7350	Find out the price
Models with external antennas and LAN ports
#1	TP-LINK TL-MR6400	Find out the price
#2	Keenetic Runner 4G (KN-2210)	Find out the price
#3	TP-LINK TL-MR150	Find out the price
#4	HUAWEI B535-232	Find out the price
#5	Alcatel HH41V	Learn the price

The most popular devices on the market support most of the modern communication standards, have powerful functionality.

Pay attention! The stated technical characteristics of the devices presented below correspond to reality as much as possible.

Rating and review of the best compact mobile routers 2023 with wi-fi according to customer reviews and ratings.

HUAWEI E5576.

Will be an excellent choice for mobile consumers of Internet content, because it has the ability to install a SIM card that supports 3G/4G networks and has an incredibly compact size.

The device's small size and built-in rechargeable battery allows you to take it with you when you travel, to work, or on vacation.

Wireless signal transmission is performed in the 2.4 GHz band. The maximum speed in this mode is close to 300 Mbit/s.

Models with External Antennas and LAN Ports

This category is represented by more advanced models.

They are have an expanded number of ports and options and almost do not suffer from loss of signal quality.

Review of the best portable routers with an external antenna for a better signal.

TP-LINK TL-MR6400.

Mobile router, made in an attractive body made of quality materials, has a lot of other advantages, including advanced networking capabilities.

The TP-LINK TL-MR6400 device can provide Internet connectivity to any compatible equipment.

Cellular communication works in 3G/4G networks. Mobile connectivity is achieved by simply inserting a SIM card.

The reception speed in this case is 150 Mbit/s.

The Wi-Fi module distributes the Internet, and a wired connection via the LAN-ports is also possible.

The router is powered by an external adapter. The model is adapted for mounting on any horizontal surface and for wall mounting.

• Wi-Fi range – 2.4 GHz (300 Mbps);
• Wi-Fi standard – 802.11 b/a/g/n/ac;
• Internet connection – SIM card (3G/4G), Ethernet;
• number of LAN ports – 4 × 100 Mbit / s;
• network infrastructures – DHCP, Firewall, NAT, SPI, DDNS, DMZ;
• Data encryption protocols – WEP, WPA, WPA2;
• Dimensions and weight of the equipment – 202 × 34 × 141 mm, 300 g
• features – guest network, SNMP technology, Smart Home ecosystem support.

Keenetic Runner 4G (KN-2210)

Compact mobile device with the support of Mesh technology is equipped with an integrated LTE modem with the ability to connect to the Internet from anywhere with the possibility.

Xiaomi Mi Wi-Fi Router 4A

The budget Xiaomi Mi Wi-Fi Router 4A stands out against competitors in this price group with its pleasant design, as it comes in a white housing made of matte plastic. On the front panel there are LED indicators that indicate the current status of the device and the activity of the Internet connection. At the bottom there are ventilation holes that effectively cool the system. On the back wall, there is one WAN port and two LAN ports. For home use this is quite an adequate set, as 1 LAN can be used for distributing internet on the computer and another one for connecting a TV set-top box or a game console.

The initial setup of the device before use is extremely easy. To do this, you need to do the following:

1. Download the Mi Fi-Fi app from the app stores for your OS (AppStore or Google Play).
2. Connect to the network that the device automatically creates.
3. Open the settings section and click on the "Configure new router" tab.
4. Check the quality of the connection.
5. Wait until the application automatically establishes a connection.
6. On the next item, specify the "region" and set the wireless connection name and password.

In addition, you can configure Xiaomi Mi Wi-Fi Router 4A directly from the browser, using a convenient admin panel.

The router is equipped with a 2-core MediaTek MT7621A MIPS processor with up to 880 MHz, which has a positive effect on its functionality and distribution of network resources. According to the manufacturer, the Xiaomi Mi Wi-Fi Router 4A can connect up to 128 devices simultaneously. This is not unimportant when setting up a smart home system. The coverage area reaches 80-120 m², which makes the device effective for both an average apartment and a small private home.

Keenetic Start (KN-1111)

The Keenetic Start (KN-1111) router will make access to the Internet as easy and fast as possible because it can distribute network traffic to the entire room via a dedicated ISP line, regardless of the type of connection. Comparing to the previous KN-1110 version this release is characterized by a bigger flash memory capacity – 32 MB vs. 16 MB as well as by enhanced functionality and such useful options as Mesh. The device provides full speed when using the tariff plans of the operator up to 100 Mbit / s. At the same time, the speed characteristics remain stable regardless of the chosen type of connection and load level of the router. Internet access can be set up via a PIN terminal or a modem with an Ethernet port. By the way, it is possible to use a carrier or private wireless hotspot.

Keenetic Start (KN-1111) has two powerful antennas with a 5 dBi gain to make the broadcasting area as wide as possible and not to lose speed. Coverage is protected from interference by an auto-selection system of the optimal channel. The device also automatically scans the air and adjusts to the recommended parameters. As the encryption protocol is used proven WPA2 with a unique key for hacking (it is stored even when re-flashing the equipment).

For signal amplification powerful antennas are provided. They significantly improve the quality of Wi-Fi connection and look superior to the compact repeaters with integrated antennas. You can select the mode of operation through the admin panel for the browser.

Keenetic Start (KN-1111) is slightly more expensive than this class from other companies, but its price tag is fully justified. It is a reliable and functional network equipment that pays for itself by offering a stable and stable Internet connection within a spacious room.

What to look for when choosing a 4G router?

When buying a device to provide wireless Internet for a home or office network, you need to consider a few basic technical characteristics of the router.

1. Wi-Fi standard.
   The most modern and promising standard is considered to be 802.11ac, which provides the highest data transfer rate and a wide coverage area up to 100 meters.
2. Frequency ranges of Wi-Fi connection.
   There are two of them: 2.4 and 5 GHz. On the 2.4 GHz frequency it is convenient to read online, browse the news feed, communicate in social networks.
   The 5 GHz band is suitable for watching videos and movies and running games.
   There are devices that support both frequencies.
3. Maximum connection and reception speed.
   The higher this indicator, the better.
4. Maximum number of connected devices.
   There are routers designed to connect only one device, and they are practically unpopular.
   More modern and expensive models allow several dozen gadgets to be connected simultaneously.
5. Availability of ports and connectors.
   In case the mobile Internet traffic ran out, you can choose an alternative method of connection: with an Internet cable or modem.
   Then it is necessary that the device be equipped with LAN ports and a USB connector.
6. Battery capacity.
   Routers, which can work without connecting to electricity, have their own battery.
   The greater its capacity, the longer it will work.
7. Additional features.
   The functionality of the model increases its final cost, but also gives the user more features.
   The most popular features are considered the presence of a display, a slot for a memory card, the ability to work in Power Bank mode, web-interface and control via an application.

Rating of top 12 best 4g Wi-Fi routers in 2023

The place	Model	Price
The best models in terms of price to quality ratio
#1	Netis MW5230	Check price
#2	Keenetic 4G (KN-1210)	Find out the price
#3	Keenetic Omni (KN-1410)	Find out the price
#4	MikroTik RB951Ui-2HnD	Find out the price
Top models with wireless speeds up to 1000Mbps
#1	Keenetic Giga (KN-1011)	Check out the price.
#2	MikroTik hAP ac2	Find out the price
#3	Keenetic Extra (KN-1711)	Find out the price
#4	Keenetic Viva (KN-1910)	Find out the price
Models with direct SIM card connection
#1	Keenetic Runner 4G (KN-2310)	Find out the price
#2	HUAWEI E5576	Find out the price
#3	HUAWEI E8372H-153	Learn the price
#4	HUAWEI B315S	Find out the price

Optimal devices with good technical characteristics, comfortable data transfer speed and convenient management.

Top 4 best 4g router with wi-fi for value for money in 2023.

Netis MW5230.

Budget router with an elegant body, three external antennas and a USB connector for a modem.

Wireless router provides a stable and high-speed connection created with a USB 3G/4G modem, Ethernet cable or WISP system.

Top 12 best gigabit routers for apartments and homes in 2023

If you need to create a high-speed local network, we recommend looking at the best gigabit Wi-Fi routers. They not only provide high-speed Internet, but also provide the user with a huge range of features. In today's world there are a huge number of router models, among which it is very difficult to choose a really good one. To simplify the task of searching, the specialists of the site Technikrating have ranked the best gigabit routers for the big house by price/performance ratio in 2022-2023.

↑ What's the best router company?

The best router manufacturers include Xiaomi, TP-LINK, Keenetic, Huawei, Asus and MikroTik. When creating and developing models, they use the latest technology, so the produced equipment can boast of high quality and durability.

↑ 12. Xiaomi Mi Wi-Fi Router 4A Gigabit Edition

The top of the rating of budget Gigabit routers by signal strength is the model from the Chinese brand Xiaomi, which boasts 4 external antennas and Wi-Fi 5 support. At the same time, the wireless connection speed reaches up to 867 Mbit/s. Thanks to this while watching online movies, there will be no lags. The router has 128 MB of RAM and two LAN-ports at 1 Gbit/s. They make it possible to organize a small local network.

Special encryption protocols are used to protect the data. The device can be integrated into a smart home system, making it even easier to control. Longevity of the model is due to the quality of the assembly and the use of modern technology in the creation.

• Two operating ranges;
• Qualitative assembling;
• Uninterrupted signal;
• Minimalistic appearance;
• Large coverage area;
• The price corresponds to the quality;
• Control and setup via phone.

↑ 11. TP-LINK Archer C80.

The review of the best inexpensive models of gigabit Wi-Fi routers continues with the Archer C80, which is equipped with 4 LAN ports designed to create a high-speed wired network. If we talk about the distinguishing features, we should highlight the presence of Mesh mode. With its help you can connect several routers into one network to achieve a larger coverage area. Although here it is already good, because 4 external antennas are provided.

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