Wi-Fi router review

You have a 50Mbps data plan, but your TV can't even watch HD video over the network? Your phone is stuttering, trying to open a simple page for the second minute? Do not think that it's all about the ISP, cliffs or load. Very often the cause of slow Internet is the equipment that stands in your home. Including those that are free or almost free of charge provided by the operator. Let's talk about how to choose the right router – so that you can quickly download gigabytes, like and play videos.

Rating TOP 10 mobile routers with Wi-Fi: review and characteristics of the best models of 2023

Mobile router – rating and review of models. Selection criteria, features, technical parameters, pros and cons of the best mobile routers today.

Modern mobile routers are equipped with 3G/4G modules, have a compact size, built-in battery, connectors for external antenna.

These and other features of mobile routers make it possible to access the Internet even in areas with weak network signal.

In this review we will consider what to pay attention to when choosing such a device, we will analyze the most popular models on the market, learn their pros and cons.

Key criteria for choosing a mobile router

After all, the modern market is filled with gaming devices, powerful devices for heavy software and a large number of users, standard equipment for the home.

As part of the specific specifications the following points should be taken into account:

• Mobile networks.
  The lion's share of today's devices supports 3G and 4G (LTE) in addition to 2G.
  LTE technology provides the highest data rates so far.
• Wi-Fi standard.
  This technology allows you to distribute the Internet to user devices.
  Modern devices support a number of wireless connection standards – 802.11 b, a, g, n and ac.
  The last one is the most promising, it has the most advanced characteristics.
• Wi-Fi frequency.
  A number of routers have support for two bands – 2.4 and 5 GHz.
  The dual-band module allows the highest speed, stability of reception and transmission.
• Connection speed.
  The high indicator allows you to avoid crashes and freezes when watching movies, quickly download large files and perform other tasks.
• Ethernet ports.
  Allow you to connect stationary computers and laptops to the network via cable.
  LAN connection is the fastest and most stable.
• Rechargeable battery.
  Portable devices are equipped with a built-in battery.
  The greater the battery capacity, the better the autonomy of the device.
  Some models are powered by the standard 220 V mains through a special adapter or by USB.
• Ports and connectors.
  Mobile routers are equipped with different interfaces – basic (SIM card slot, Ethernet connector) and additional (USB, Micro-USB connectors).
  Ports and connectors are needed to connect to the network, a computer, laptop, another router, to recharge the battery.

Router, what are you for?

The router is in every house and apartment, if, of course, its inhabitants are used to sit on the Internet for a long time. The task of such a box is to distribute the Internet from the provider to all devices connected to it. This can be done via cable or Wi-Fi. The latter is in particular demand nowadays, because people have a lot of mobile devices, and you can't drag a cable to each of them. And it's high time computers and televisions were brought online "over the air.

"Sometimes my friends ask me what the difference between a router and a router is. The answer is simple – nothing! We are talking about the same type of device. A wireless router is long in Russian, and a router is derived from English. So do not be afraid to choose between a router and a router, because we are talking about the same thing, – clarified Ivan.

The inexpensive modems often issued by Ethernet-providers are not capable of maintaining the data transfer speeds within the tariff plan via Wi-Fi. GPON users from byfly have a similar problem, except you can't replace the modem in this case. But you can connect to it a good router, which will distribute the Internet over the air for all the household and guests, even huddled in the farthest corner.

So, if you are connected to the network via Ethernet or GPON, but are not satisfied with the speed of wireless Internet, welcome to the colorful and wonderful world of routers! But in order to choose a model that will provide both speed and stability and wide coverage, it is necessary to pass a thorny path of knowledge. This is what we are going to do.

802.16e, 802.11g, 802.11n, a/n, ac. Jesus, what are we in for?!

By the time we are born, grow up, and go through puberty, the progressive networking world has come up with wireless standards. Forget about 802.16e, it's not for Wi-Fi, it's for WiMax, which is definitely not used in the home.

With the rest of the standards it's really quite easy. Just remember that only two of them are relevant – 802.11n and 802.11ac. Theoretically, the first can provide wireless speeds of up to 600 Mbps (in most cases without trickery, up to 300 Mbps). This is enough for the vast majority of people today, but there are nuances. Firstly, we are only talking about theoretical download and upload speeds, which even in ideal conditions is unlikely to be possible. Secondly, in a couple of years the capabilities of such a router, we hope, will no longer be enough.

"Routers with only 802.11n support are fine, but they have absolutely no potential even for the near future. We can only recommend these devices because of a severe lack of money. But it is better to add a little money and choose a model with support for the latest 802.11ac standard, which will last for a very long time, because the data transfer rate is often measured not in megabits per second, but in gigabits. At the same time, there should be no compatibility problems – even an old tablet with some old standard Wi-Fi will work with such a router, – Ivan is sure.

So, we have decided: the router must also support 802.11ac. And only if you're ready to spend not more than 50 rubles, given by your grandmother for her last birthday, you can put up with 802.11n.

Netis N3

Netis routers belong to the budget price segment and are not distinguished by advanced technical parameters. Nevertheless, they are convenient and easy to set up and are suitable for use in urban apartments. The Netis N3 can compete with other devices in its category and provide a stable Internet connection.

The router is capable of working in two bands (2.4/5 GHz) and demonstrates a good bandwidth for Wi-Fi interface. It has gigabit network ports and is more affordable than many competitors. The maximum speed is 1167 Mbps.

The router comes in a laconic black case and does not stand out against the overall interior styling. It can be installed on the desktop, under the stairs or anywhere else.

The presence of 4 antennas and a powerful transmitter improves the quality of coverage. Even concrete walls do not impede the signal. Therefore, the model can be used in large apartments and private houses.

The Netis N3 is compatible with MU-MIMI and Beamforming technologies. If you have a large number of devices in your home that require network connectivity, this router will do the job perfectly.

Netis N3 is a compact and inexpensive router that is perfect for apartments and homes, because it can maintain a stable Wi-Fi connection without complicated setup and frequent maintenance. The model supports automatic software updates, so it always works on the basis of "fresh" firmware.

Xiaomi Mi Wi-Fi Router 4A

The Xiaomi Mi Wi-Fi Router 4A is an inexpensive Wi-Fi router that works in two bands (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz). With 4 antennas, this unit is capable of transmitting a signal even through concrete walls and serves the entire area of the apartment. The technical specifications mention the presence of 64 megabytes of RAM, which is quite enough for simultaneous connection of different gadgets.

Xiaomi Mi Wi-Fi Router 4A supports synchronization with smart appliances from the Xiaomi ecosystem. According to the manufacturer, you can connect up to 128 devices to the router and organize the stable work of the Smart Home system

Regardless of the type of antennas, the gain is 5 dBi. As the hardware platform uses a 2-core chip MediaTek MT628DA with 64 MB RAM and 16 MB of permanent storage for software and user settings.

MIMO technology with two receiving and transmitting sensors increases the bandwidth of the device and ensures the most efficient use of the frequency band.

The first setup is done through a web interface. Protection of confidential data by standards WPA, WPA2, WEP.

In the settings section the actual sessions are displayed, there is a filter of unwanted sites and other useful features.

The router has several LAN ports for wired connection to a computer or other stationary equipment.

In many stores Xiaomi Mi Wi-Fi Router 4A is sold with a Chinese plug, so you have to buy an adapter.

The Xiaomi Mi Wi-Fi Router 4A is a stylish router from the Chinese brand that offers a stable dual-band signal, Smart Home compatibility, and bandwidths up to 1,167 Mbps.

Top 12 best gigabit routers for apartments and homes in 2023

If you need to create a high-speed local network, we recommend taking a closer look 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 prepared a ranking of 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.

Top 10 best routers with WiFi 6 for the home in 2023

The modern trend of improving technology has not bypassed the manufacturers of routers. So, they began to implement in their new products equipment with support for the most advanced standard Wi-Fi 6. Its main advantage is an increased bandwidth – it surpasses the router standard Wi-Fi 5 by 3-4 times. That is why, when choosing the best router, we recommend you to pay special attention to the models supporting the Wi-Fi 6 standard.

Because this standard has appeared quite recently, you may have problems finding a really good model. You don't have to worry. Our specialists took care of that because they have compiled a list of the best WiFi 6 routers for 2022-2023. All of the selected devices boast a perfect combination of price and quality, as well as a lot of positive feedback from customers and experts.

↑ Best router brands with WiFi 6

Mercusys, Xiaomi, Huawei, TP-LINK and Keenetic are among them. These brands stand out for their excellent quality and reliability, which is not surprising, because they use advanced technology in the design and creation of models, and they attract the best experts to work with them.

↑ 10. Mercusys MR70X

Mercusys MR70X, which can boast a good range and the presence of multithreading technology, takes the 10th place in the top router with WiFi 6. Thanks to it, the signal quality and Internet speed will be stable even if a huge number of devices are connected at the same time. The model supports simultaneous work on two frequency bands, which provides an excellent bandwidth of 1775 Mbit / s. This allows you to quickly search for information, watch online movies and perform many other Internet-related tasks.

Three Gigabit LAN ports are provided on the stylish and compact body, which is exactly what gamers will love, because it makes it possible to create a high-speed local network. To increase the range of coverage using 4 external antennas and technology Beamforming, which directs the signal clearly in the direction of the connected smartphone .

Reliable protection against data leakage is provided by encryption with modern protocols, among which is WPA 3. The review concludes with a handy app for network setup, BSS color and Smart Connect, which picks the best range for each gadget.

3rd place TP-LINK Archer C80 The reliability rating of DNS 99.45% (reliable), rating on Yandex.Market – 4.8, rating on Ozon – 5

Router with dimensions of 216×117×30 mm in the black case is equipped with a power supply with a cable length of 1.5 m, a patch cord and a card with the name and password of the wireless network. It is equipped with a single-core processor with two threads with a clock frequency of 1.2 GHz. The device RAM is integrated into the processor and is 32 MB, and the flash memory is 4 MB. It is possible to manage the router and its settings with the help of the TP-Link Tether application or using a standard browser. On the front side of the case there are status indicators with a greenish light. On the back side of the router there is a power button, a WAN port, four LAN ports, a WPS button and a hidden reset button. There are holes on the bottom of the case which allow to hang it on the wall.

? The package .Documentation, Ethernet cable, power adapter
? Connection type and features. It is possible to connect to the wireless Work in both bands the router can provide speeds at frequencies: 2.4 GHz – up to 600 Mbit / s, 5 GHz – up to 1300 Mbit / s.
? The standard is. Wi-Fi 5.
? Number of antennas. 4 non-removable antennas.
? Systems and technologies. It has improved coverage through Beamforming technology. MU-MIMO technology ensures optimal router performance by optimizing the available connections.
? Additional Features. The model supports "Parental Control", "Guest Network" and management via a cloud application from a smartphone.

2nd place Keenetic Extra (KN-1711) Rating on Yandex.Market – 4.8

Router in a stylish white housing will provide a reliable Wi-Fi access point in a small apartment or private home. The device is supplied with a power supply and a communication cord. The router is equipped with a single-core processor with a clock frequency of 0.58 GHz. The internal memory is 32 Mbytes, the DDR2 RAM is 128 Mbytes. Its dimensions are 159×110×29 mm. On the top panel of the router there are LED indicators of the network status and a button that turns off Wi-Fi and activates the function of simple connection without a password. On the left side of the case, there is a USB connector and a button that allows you to safely remove the flash drive. On the back are four LAN ports and one WAN port, providing data transfer rates of up to 100 Mbit/s. There are holes on the bottom for wall mounting.

? Accessories: Documentation, Ethernet cable, power adapter.
? Connection type.. Connection to the wireless network is provided by a compatible USB modem. The device is capable of operating in the 2.4 GHz bands at up to 300 Mbit/s and 5 GHz bands at up to 867 Mbit/s.
? The standard is. Wi-Fi 5.
? Number of antennas. 4 non-removable antennas are attached to the body with a hinged mounting mechanism that allows you to tilt them in the right directions.
? Systems and technologies. Mesh Wi-Fi system provides maximum network bandwidth and stability. Thanks to Beamforming technology, the router finds connected devices and concentrates the signal in their direction. MU-MIMO technology allows you to communicate with multiple devices at once, which increases overall network bandwidth.
? Additional features. The device has the ability to further enhance signal reception and data transmission. The device has a function of protection against DoS-attacks and "Parental control".

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