Top Budget Routers

The 2.4 GHz band works with other home devices like microwave ovens, Bluetooth devices and cordless phones. It's suitable for Web surfing and connecting to social networks like Facebook and Twitter. If one or more of your devices will stream videos from services like Netflix or connect to gaming services like Xbox Live, the less saturated 5 GHz band gives more bandwidth and less interference. Most dual-band routers allow you to assign bandwidth to a specific application, reducing the load on each band.

Top 8 Best Wi-Fi Routers According to Customer Reviews

In this ranking I have prepared the 8 best Wi-Fi routers for 2023. When choosing models, I focused on user preferences, sales ratings, and feedback from real owners.

In this ranking, I've compiled the 8 best Wi-Fi routers for 2023. Only the best models from different price ranges made it to my top list. from 1 000 to 6 000 rubles. When selecting models I paid attention to such characteristics:

• Design.
• Price.
• Types of ports and their number.
• Product upgrades.
• Extra features.
• Additional software.
• Connection speed.
• Operation in different ranges.
• Connection speed.

And to be as objective as possible and to identify the pros and cons of each model, I studied customer reviews and expert reviews.

Table of participants in the rating of Wi-Fi routers 2023

HONOR Router 3

• Internet connection (WAN): Ethernet RJ-45
• Wi-Fi devices frequency range: 2.4 / 5 GHz (simultaneous operation)
• Max wireless connection speed: 2976Mbps
• Features and Benefits: IPv6 support, repeater mode
• Number of LAN ports 3
• Mesh Wi-Fi support

Eighth place goes to HONOR Router 3. Router resembles a MacBook, it is quite thin. At the back there are 4 antennas, which look bulky compared to the case, but take any position. On the sides there are special holes which provide cooling of the device. Note that only desktop installation is provided here. It works in two bands – 2.4 and 5 GHz.

A special feature is the implemented technology MU-MIMO 4X4, which means that the connection speed on all 4 antennas is increased to a record 574 Mbit/s at 2.4 GHz and 2402 Mbit/s at 5 Hertz. Accordingly, the brain of the device should also be not of simple – HiSilicon Hi5651L. Dual-core processor with a frequency of 1.2 GHz and 128 megabytes of RAMTherefore, the router works almost without problems, but only if you do not dare to update it. To top it all off, they've added WI-Fi Generation 6: It provides good signal strength even in the largest rooms. These values will be enough for you to play your favorite online game or watch a movie in high quality.

A huge plus of the model are self-configuring ports, there are 4 ports in total and each fits both WAN and LANAnd their speed is up to 1 Gbit/s. Everything would be fine if not the notorious HUAWEI conflict, because of which the device is almost deprived of support and has a confusing interface, as well as on most copies of a cut amplifier, which makes MU Mimo technology loses its meaning. The price of the device in the same MVideo. 3,500 rubles.

Wi-Fi 5 and Wi-Fi 6

Nowadays most of the routers in the lower price category use the Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) communication standard. There are also routers on the older Wi-Fi 4 standard (802.11n), so you need to look at that when buying. The latter are single-band routers on the 2.4 GHz band with limited bandwidth. This is not necessarily a bad thing, but these routers are not likely to perform well with modern computers, mobile devices, and smart home devices. Most of them prefer connectivity over Wi-Fi 5. These routers are also poorly suited for multimedia workloads like video streaming and online gaming.

Wi-Fi 5 routers are dual-band with connectivity on the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. They have other improvements, most notably MU-MIMO technology with simultaneous data transmission instead of serial to different user devices. Worth noting is the beamforming technology, where wireless signals are transmitted directionally rather than in all directions. If your router's specs specify automatic band changing, it knows how to select the most appropriate band depending on the traffic on the network at the time, band availability, and signal strength.

If you want to know which band is best to use, 2.4 GHz is good for long-range data transmission. That said, it is hampered by interference from other electronic devices like microwave ovens and phones. The 5 GHz band has better bandwidth and is thus better suited for video streaming, network gaming, and large file downloads. However, the range here is smaller, so signal amplifiers may be needed in larger homes.

The speed of budget routers

The most expensive Wi-Fi 5 routers, including the newer mesh systems, are capable of cumulative speeds of up to 5,400 Mbps.. This is the maximum bandwidth of the two frequency bands, not the actual data rate through the router. They are referred to as AC5400 routers, but many cost $300 or more.

For under $100, you can find AC750 Wi-Fi 5 routers with speeds up to 300 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band and up to 450 Mbps on the 5 GHz band. You can even find AC2200 routers for less than $100 with speeds up to 450 Mbps and up to 1,733 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands, respectively.

The current generation of AX1500 Wi-Fi 6 routers, mesh or standalone, can transmit at speeds of up to 300 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band and up to 1,200 Mbps on the 5 GHz band.

These are theoretical speeds; in reality, they are usually lower. You can find out the real value of bandwidth and signal strength in tests.

The cost of high-performance routers is gradually decreasing. There are no mesh Wi-Fi systems in the budget segment yet, but they are getting cheaper nonetheless.

Rating

Best for advanced users and gamers: the Asus ROG Rapture GT-AC5300

One of the fastest routers among those tested. It has plenty of useful gaming features, a variety of I/O ports, and a handy management console where you can optimize network performance.

• High performance
• Gaming functionality
• 8 LAN ports
• Works with voice commands for Alexa assistant and IFTTT applets
• Sleek user interface

Best 5GHz Wi-Fi routers by price/performance ratio

3. Keenetic Air (KN-1611)

The dual-band router works on 2.4GHz and 5GHz and provides high-speed space. There are 4 non-removable antennas on the case, 2 of which work for reception and two for transmitting. The enclosure is made of brushed plastic and there are holes on the back for wall mounting. Keenetic is almost unheated, this is achieved by the special design and the side grilles for air circulation and heat dissipation.

Air model is ideal for large apartments and offices, stable signal is observed even in the presence of obstacles in the form of concrete walls. The router is equipped with additional options that can be activated from the application: Internet filter, firewall, forwarding, Wi-Fi access control. A nice price of 3100 rubles and high-tech features make Keenetic Air (KN-1611) one of the best 5 GHz Wi-Fi routers in terms of price/quality ratio.

2. Xiaomi Mi Wi-Fi Router 4

If you're looking for the best 5GHz Wi-Fi router for value for money, take a closer look at the Xiaomi Mi Wi-Fi Router 4. The router has a modern design, you won't have to hide it. The slim body with smooth lines will fit well in any interior. The model supports the 802.11a/b/g/n/ac standard and provides high-speed connection up to 1167 Mbps at 5 GHz. Xiaomi does not require configuration, Wi-Fi is activated by pressing a smart button on the body.

The device does not overheat thanks to aluminum-magnesium alloy heat sinks, heat conductive plastic and bottom surface in the form of a grid. Mi Wi-Fi Router 4 shows stable performance. This is achieved by the powerful built-in MT7621A processor. Xiaomi has three gigabit ports with connection indicators. Many users praise the router's mobile app for its user-friendly interface and easy operation.

The best premium Wi-Fi routers of 2023

3. Keenetic Giga (KN-1010)

Keenetic Giga (KN-1010) is the most budget-friendly router in the premium segment. Despite its low cost, it provides a powerful high-speed signal up to 1267 Mbps and can operate in two bands with 2.4 and 5 GHz. Keenetic has user-friendly software with a user-friendly interface that's easy to set up to get started and change settings when needed. In addition, the model has well implemented additional features for protection, access control and user security.

The router uses strong encryption keys and protects personal data during transmission over the Internet. The feature does not require activation; it is built into the software and activated by default. Thanks to a module for setting up public access points, the Giga (KN-1010) can be used for small businesses. Its sleek design, feature-rich firmware and high tech make Keenetic Giga (KN-1010) one of the top Wi-Fi routers.

2. ASUS GT-AC5300 Rapture.

The ASUS GT-AC5300 Rapture premium router is ideal for professional gamers and advanced users. It will provide high performance, excellent Wi-Fi range, and built-in protection against network threats. The router runs 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ad with two 5GHz bands. Its maximum wireless connection speed is 5334 Mbps. ASUS has 8 gigabit LAN ports on the chassis that can be combined for ultra-fast connections.

MU-MIMO technology keeps Wi-Fi speeds at multiple levels without slowing down. The GT-AC5300 Rapture has advanced network monitoring features: there is the ability to monitor traffic in real time, set priorities, and create settings for individual clients. The model's firmware includes ready-made settings for optimal performance of hundreds of popular games. The ASUS GT-AC5300 Rapture router is considered the best premium device in 2023.

Top 5. TP-LINK Archer MR400

A quality option for those who want to be able to connect to the network not only by cable, but also through the tariffs of mobile operators

• Average price: 6190 rbl.
• Country: China
• Power and gain: 20 dBm/5 dBi
• Operating Speed at 2.4 and 5.0 GHz (Mbps) 300/867
• Theoretical Speed (Mbps): 1167
• Number of Antennas: 2

The best mid-budget Wi-Fi router with 3G/4G-networks support, for which it is equipped with a SIM card slot. This layout allows you to connect to the network both via cable and via cellular towers. In the second case, the gadget supports data reception speeds of up to 150 Mbit/s and then can distribute wi-fi to several devices at once in two bands: 2.4 and 5 GHz. It should be remembered that a couple of external antennas catch the cellular signal, and for data transfer via Wi-Fi internal antennas are used, which significantly reduces the coverage area and for a large house or a multi-room apartment signal may not be enough. Especially the 5 GHz band suffers, where the drop in speed is most noticeable through a single concrete wall.

Top 4. D-Link DIR-825/I1

The most affordable Wi-Fi router with the best functionality for creating a MESH-network with coverage that covers a large country house or multi-bedroom apartment

• Average price: $2750 USD.
• Country: Taiwan
• Power and gain: 15 dBm/5 dBi
• Operating speeds at 2.4 and 5.0 GHz (Mbps): 300/867
• Theoretical Speed (Mbps): 1167
• Number of Antennas: 4

Inexpensive Wi-Fi router with a very rich functionality. First, there is a USB port, so you can connect the Internet not only via cable, but also via a 4G modem, as well as use an external HDD to download files through the built-in router torrent client. Secondly, quite well-developed security functionality. And thirdly, the model supports MESH scaling, for which it has even received a special option EasyMESH. Now about the negative points. Transmitter power here is only 15 dBm, when the tacit standard is 20 dBm, so you should not expect a large coverage area with Wi-Fi signal. And in general, the model is not designed for a heavy load, the single-core processor with a frequency of 1 GHz will not handle too many simultaneous connections, and then there may be connection interruptions or a serious drop in speed.

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